Chapter 17: The Aura of Sanctuary.

Sir Crumplebuns was given a hero's welcome. Upon his triumphant return, I used a small amount of DP to manifest a fine, silk polishing cloth for him, which he used to dramatically buff his "armor."

Even FaeLina, for the first time, offered the plush knight a genuine compliment.

"I admit, Sir Crumplebuns, I misjudged you," she said, giving him a respectful nod. "That was… surprisingly effective."

"But of course!" the knight boomed, striking a pose. "The beast was formidable! Its squawks of sorrow shook the very foundations of the stable! But its grumpy heart was no match for my chivalry, my courage, and the powerful magic of a well-baked pastry!"

While our hero recounted his daring adventure, I turned my attention to the rewards. The gold and DP were immediately absorbed into my treasury, but the bonus item was something new.

[Item: A Single, Perfect Gryphon Feather]

I focused on it, pulling up its description.

[Description: A primary feather shed from a happy and healthy gryphon. It is imbued with a powerful aura of loyalty and tranquility. Can be used in crafting or as a catalyst for powerful ambient enchantments.]

"A perfect gryphon feather!" FaeLina gasped, zipping over to look at the mental image. "Those are incredibly rare! Alchemists use them to create the most potent calming potions!"

A calming potion was nice, but I had a much grander idea. This feather wasn't just an ingredient; it was the key to my dungeon's entire security philosophy.

I accessed the Dungeon Menu, navigating past the usual traps and monsters to the [Ambient Effects] tab. With my new Sanctuary status and high level, new options were available. I selected the one I wanted and presented the Gryphon Feather as a catalyst.

[Use 'A Single, Perfect Gryphon Feather' to create a new Ambient Effect: 'Aura of Sanctuary'?]

[Aura of Sanctuary: A passive, dungeon-wide effect that promotes feelings of peace and safety. Significantly calms nervous visitors and may cause beings with hostile intent to feel conflicted or hesitant.]

[Cost to install: 150 DP.]

It was expensive, but it was the ultimate "cozy" defense system. It didn't harm enemies; it tried to convince them not to be enemies in the first place.

Install, I commanded.

A warm, golden light emanated from my core, spreading through the dungeon's very stone. It wasn't a visible light, but a wave of pure, unadulterated peace. The air felt cleaner. The soft lullaby from the second floor became richer, and the starlight on the ceiling seemed to twinkle with a gentle warmth.

FaeLina stopped mid-flight, her whole body relaxing. "Whoa… what was that?" she asked, her voice losing its usual frantic edge. "I suddenly feel like… all my paperwork is already filed and organized."

The Aura of Sanctuary was active. My dungeon didn't just feel safe now; it actively encouraged peace.

With my new defenses in place, I brought up the mental image of the map again. The crimson status of 'Marked Target' from the Blood Pit still pulsed with menace.

FaeLina's newfound calm evaporated slightly. "This Aura is wonderful, Mochi. Truly. But what happens when the Blood Pit sends someone who is too angry or too evil to be calmed down? Someone like their dungeon lord, Vorlag, himself?"

She was right. My passive defenses were now top-tier. But I had no active defense for a direct confrontation.

I looked at the Guild Bulletin Board, still gleaming on the wall. An alliance meant more than just quests for sick animals. It was a partnership.

My thoughts then turned to my newest and most potent ability: the Dream Weaver's Annex. I had only used it for healing so far, but its potential was so much greater.

"What are you thinking?" FaeLina asked, sensing the shift in my focus.

A new, audacious plan began to form in my mind. A plan that would combine my alliance with the Iron Gryphons with my dream-walking powers.

Passive defenses are ready, I thought, a quiet confidence filling me. The next step is active defense.

And for that, I don't need soldiers. I need... dreamers.