Chapter 5 – A Kingdom’s Response

A lone scout knelt before a grand throne, his body trembling. Before him, the King of Eldoria, King Aldric Valford, sat in silence. His piercing blue eyes were locked onto the trembling man.

Five elite adventurers had entered the newly discovered dungeon.

None had returned.

The throne room was deathly quiet, save for the scout's shaky breath.

"The reports," King Aldric's voice was like steel, "say a Dungeon Master has appeared."

The scout swallowed hard and nodded. "Y-Yes, Your Majesty. The dungeon… it is unlike any we have encountered before."

A noble seated to the right of the king, Duke Reynard Greystone, scoffed. "Ridiculous. The kingdom has conquered dungeons for centuries. What makes this one different?"

The scout hesitated, his fingers digging into the floor. "It… it evolves."

That made everyone pause.

The scout clenched his fists. "The dungeon isn't just a structure—it's alive. It adapts. It creates new traps. It… feeds on those who enter."

A heavy silence settled over the court.

Then—laughter.

But not from the king.

Duke Reynard leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with interest. "If this Dungeon Master is truly growing stronger… then I want it for myself."

The king's gaze darkened. "Duke Reynard."

The noble smirked. "Your Majesty, consider this an opportunity. If we control the Dungeon Master, we control an evolving fortress. Imagine the power."

King Aldric remained silent for a long moment. Then, his fingers tapped against the armrest of his throne.

"…Send an elite team. If this Dungeon Master resists, kill him."

The scout flinched. Duke Reynard merely grinned.

Meanwhile, deep underground, Reo stood before the Dungeon Core, watching the newly expanded floor take shape.

The dungeon had grown.

New corridors twisted through the underground labyrinth, filled with deadly traps—spiked pits, collapsing walls, and cursed sigils that triggered if touched.

The Shadow Stalkers now prowled the halls, their numbers increased to five. More would come in time.

But what intrigued Reo the most was the new function that had appeared.

> Dungeon Subjugation Unlocked.

You may now assimilate living beings into dungeon servants.

Two days later.

Beyond the dungeon's entrance, six figures approached.

Unlike the previous scouts, these weren't mere adventurers.

They were elites.

Captain Veylan – A battle-hardened knight wielding an enchanted longsword.

Aria the Silverwind – A rogue known for her speed and illusion magic.

Father Matthias – A priest of the Holy Order, capable of divine barriers and purification.

Ronan of the Iron Fist – A brawler with monstrous physical strength.

Kaela the Enchanter – A mage specializing in counter-spells.

Sir Jerrod – A noble's son, eager to prove himself.

They stopped at the entrance, peering into the shadowy abyss beyond.

Veylan stepped forward, voice steady. "Stay sharp. Our orders are clear—subdue the Dungeon Master if possible. If not, eliminate him."

The team nodded, stepping into the dungeon.

As they crossed the threshold, Reo—watching from deep within—felt their presence.

A cold grin spread across his face.

"Let's see how well you handle my domain."

Reo's eyes narrowed. If he understood correctly… he could now turn intruders into his own soldiers.

A slow smirk formed on his lips.

He just needed fresh subjects.

And something told him—he wouldn't have to wait long.