“Regardless of their shape and size, those Golems are observed to be unimaginably sturdy,” Lady Luna joined in. “They must be covered in engravings and enchantments, and whatever source of energy is used to animate them is powerful enough to disintegrate a whole house when destabilized. Without the means of disabling or restraining them, any encounter could prove fatal.”

  “If that was the only problem, it wouldn’t be too bad.” Selene hummed. “But, we need to keep in mind collateral damage and the threat such an explosion poses to the bystanders.”

  “Yeah. Asterios and most of us shouldn’t have an issue defeating those Golems, but protecting innocent passersby is a different topic,” Grea said, scratching her head. “Unless they can be thrown through summoning gates like any inanimate object. Then, we just need to prepare a dumping spot for those beasties.”

  “I’m afraid we won’t get a chance to test that theory until we end up in a fight with one,” Tina added.

  “Anything else?” Asterios glanced at her sister.

  “A lot.” Gwen flipped through the documents. “But, I will touch upon only the major parts today. A summary of a kind. If you don’t mind, I’ll fill you all in on every detail over the upcoming days.”

  “Thank you.” He grinned at her appreciatively. “Do you have any concepts of how we should approach this entire thing?”

  “You are now a ruler, Master.” Miria pouted cutely. “Can’t you just tell them you want to meet their leaders and watch the contest?”

  “If it was any other nation, that would be a sensible idea, but Wintercrown dwarves care not for royal formalities unless they can benefit from them,” Lady Luna responded. “On the other hand, coming in with a delegation would bring unnecessary attention to you. From them and everyone else. It’s not like they will happily let you sightsee their most sacred quarters and speak to their elders just like that.”

  “Mother is right. It will be much harder that way.” Gwen flashed them an apologetic smile. “We prepared a few options which are still being worked on.”

  “Option A, you go in as guests from afar and act like it, moving undercover when unsupervised to gain more intel and infiltrate the main keep in search of whatever you are looking for.” Her mom raised a single finger. “Option B, a similar one, where you go in as guests of common or higher status and try to make friends with some Rubytongs during the festivities in hopes of getting invited to the celebratory feast that they will host in their keep after the Clash of Forges.”

  “Option C, you go in as adventurers or craftsmen and get in touch with those known to us to be part of what might be considered the resistance, helping one of those clans win the competition and end up indebted to you,” Gwen showed three fingers after her mother finished at two. “Option D, it doesn’t matter how you arrive, but how much chaos you cause, creating a large-scale diversion that will make infiltrating the keep easier. This is my least favorite plan as it can get out of hand fast, risking the health of innocents.”

  “The other concepts are still being researched, but from amongst these, we believe Option C has the highest chances of success,” The Director shared her opinion. “You are able to entice the clans with minerals, materials, and techniques never seen before, thanks to your True Dragon heritage. On top of that, you have access to a multitude of dimensions where your many allies reside, like the valkyrja race. Or even the kin of your dark familiar after your return, if I’m not assuming too much?”

  Tina giggled amusedly. “I don’t think there’s anyone else in Kraedorion who has a god as their summon.”

  The mothers and her sister stared at her in disbelief and confusion.

  “With our help, Umbra became the owner and ruler of the Nethernight Realm.” Miria puffed her chest out with pride. “Of course, Abyss is still its original creator, but she is happy to simply observe as always and leave its restoration to his designs. And what Master wants, Umbra will definitely deliver without a word of protest.”

  “Are there even limits to how far you can expand your influence?” Lady Luna gaped at him for a few seconds. “I’m starting to think that maybe taking Wintercrown by force isn’t as outlandish as I thought at first. As long as you only give them a good scare, they shouldn’t require much to forgive your sacrilegious demand to take a stroll through their ancestral tunnels while showing up with an army of an intercontinental size.”

  “On that note, can’t Master secretly reveal his true nature to Rubytongs and leverage it somehow?” Selene thought openly. “They parlayed with one True Dragon already, if our guess is correct, so why not two? Their clansmen have gotten the taste of what they can do with such assistance.”

  “But if your assumption turns out to be misplaced, or the other True Dragon is still directly involved with their operations, this plan might have a multitude of unexpected and unwanted consequences,” Gwen chastised her with a serious expression. “Ast’s identity should be kept as the last resort. After you get into the keep and confront those in the know. And preferably with evidence too.”

  “It’s kind of wild that our best plan is to sneak into the country and help the rebels overthrow the local governments, turning the future ruler into our puppet.” Grea snickered devilishly. “Sounds like a plot to an intriguing political novel.”

  “We are not taking over the dwarves.” Asterios squinted at her and then all his mates. “As much as you wish to turn me into an emperor, I’m not becoming a tyrant who conquers all his neighbors through military power or schemes.”

  “They will offer you their subservience on their own after learning the truth about you, Master.” Bryn smirked from the side.

  “We’ll see about that.” He couldn’t help but smirk back.

  Their teasing was starting to rub off on him. And he couldn’t say he didn’t enjoy it at least a tiny bit.

  “Anyway, before we act, I want to familiarize myself with local customs, history, lineages, clans, rules, and all other things that your organization has on the region,” Asterios addressed the Nobelle duo belonging to Noblesse. “We will have a week after my meeting with King Welrond before the festivities in Wintercrown start. Until then, we shall perfect your plans and settle on one or two. If it turns out to be necessary, we can even show up a tad late, skipping the opening party.”

  “A wise decision.” Tina’s mother quietly brought her palms together in a gesture representing applause. “I’m glad our emperor has a good head on his shoulders. My clever daughter will work with you as much as you need. In the meantime, I shall dedicate some more resources and operatives to this research. Perhaps it’s time to collect another favor from the mountain we have gathered over the generations.”

  “Do all the mothers I’m acquainted with live secret double lives?” He glanced over the mature trio before him.

  The collective gaze roved over his mates, pausing on Selene.

  “You know that my parents are nothing much,” the fox lady said.

  “Except for the fact that they come from Kaguya’s line,” Miria pointed out. “They might be part of some hidden cult related to her!”

  The girls giggled and continued moving past her to Silvia.

  “They are literally royalty. Like that in itself isn’t enough.” Tina met her noble friend’s gaze. “Not to mention the whole elemental heritage.”

  Since the fiery princess didn’t object, they stared at Grea.

  “What?” The crimson-skinned woman looked back at them with a raised brow. “My mom was plain as a sheet. At least for a demon.”

  “Your father is this realm’s Sealing Grandmaster.” Asterios jabbed her with his elbow. “I don’t think either of them was ordinary. Your special eye certainly is not.”

  Huffing to the side, his rambunctious lover pouted in silence. When the examination reached Bryn and Althea, she snorted audibly.

  “Don’t even bother. One is from the race that served as messengers of the gods, while the other is a Dragon. Just watch them unlock some hidden potential that reveals their long-lost lineage of badassery.” Grea laughed at the image she painted. “I can see it already. Bryn the descendant of the first Sky Queen, and Althea the successor of the most legendary Mentor Sage amongst the Lesser Dragons.”

  “Honestly, I would appreciate a bit of normalcy in my life again.” Asterios laughed wryly. “Since Mii’s incident, things are constantly escalating.”

  “Maybe it’s time for you to capture another mate, Master.” Miria nibbled on her bottom lip. “I think I know a person whose parents are simple folks.”

  He bonked her on the head, evoking a few chuckles from the others. “Zoe is literally from the Scorching Steppes. I bet the climate, if not the draconic remnants, affected them. But nice try, I guess.”

  They skipped Tia, but the Arch Dryad had previously informed him that she didn’t exactly have parents in the everyday meaning of that word.

  “Let’s put a pin on that, the Wintercrown operation, and my ever-growing entourage.” Asterios turned to their mothers. “We have one more stop today before we retreat to take a long-awaited rest. Most of us feel like we can sleep for a week after the mental strain from the world of pure darkness and horrors. So, we’ll be in touch. Thank you for helping my fresh nation prosper and for everything else.”

  Wide smiles adorned their faces as he respectfully bowed to them, the girls following suit without a prompt. Gwen scratched her cheek embarrassingly, caught in their gesture. She wasn’t used to such politeness from people of significant standing.

  Exchanging a few more words and making sure that Oria wished to stay behind with the other three for now, Asterios transferred his party to the entrance of the dungeon first. Emerging in the clearing with a dark whirlpool in the middle, they noted that it had grown. Kori was definitely developing.

  Pinging Umbra, he then took them to the Core Chamber, appearing before the resting place of the floating ring, the master of their dungeon. The fortifications they had left in mid-construction were now finished, and a respectable compound spread through the cavern, an impressive fort surrounding the Core. Plenty of monster copies hung around, some even doing drills. Their circular friend seemed to be constantly training its control over its domain.

  “Master.” Their kingly friend rose from the ground by their spot.

  “This place changed.” Tia’s voice trilled through the air as she reformed too. “And its spiritual energy almost tripled.”

  “Kori has been obediently following my instructions from before our departure.” Umbra glanced up at the slowly rotating heart of the dungeon. “And from what it told me, the more knowledge and experience it absorbs, the smarter and more clever it gets. To a certain extent, it’s like raising a child. Kori’s rapid progress is not so surprising when we take into consideration that most Cores develop alone or under the thumb of a Dungeon Master.”

  “Do you understand it properly now?” Grea’s eyes widened. “I’ve been visiting and trying to chat with it even if it didn’t really respond.”

  “Oh, I’m aware. Kori mentioned that too. It appreciates your companionship. It’s saddened that it struggles with connecting to anyone other than me, or it would have happily engaged in a discussion with you.” He chuckled deeply. “And yes, the events from the Nethernight realm seem to have influenced the unwritten bond we share through Master. Our discussions are now on the level of a normal person rather than trying to explain concepts with images and descriptions. Perhaps it will now be possible for the two of us to connect on a deeper basis without having to break my familiar contract. There’s something I want to try. With your help, of course.”

  “And what is that exactly?” Asterios didn’t hide his curiosity, even if he was starting to have a bad feeling about it.

  “It looks like I have a core of my own as the Nethernight Lord,” Umbra said, rubbing his hands together. “I wonder what would happen if I linked that one with the specimen right in front of us, as the curse has been taken down. Aren’t you intrigued by this idea? So many possibilities. So much power to be harnessed.”

  An eerie, somewhat evil cackle bounced off the walls and ceiling as the Dark Lord cackled excitedly.

  Asterios exchanged glances with his mates, who shared his current thoughts.

  By freeing the Nethernight Realm from its prison, they might have unleashed something truly sinister upon the universe.

  But, well, as long as it was on their side, right?

  Chapter 46

  The Dungeons Have Personalities

  “So, what is it that you need?” Asterios asked, interrupting Umbra’s wicked laugh.

  Clearing his throat, the excited Lord of Shadows casually spread his arms. “Nothing much. Just a bit of your blood. And some of your experience in the art of summoning and inscriptions.”

  The ritual couldn't be simple if his draconic blood was required.

  But, regardless of appearances, Asterios trusted his familiar and friend. By this point, no one in his group had any doubts about the intentions of the dark entity. If not for Umbra’s bravery and big, albeit black heart, there would be no more Nethernight Realm. Whatever the sly shadow was scheming, it would benefit both worlds.

  Perhaps inconveniencing a few that might trouble those in the future.

  “Alright. I would like to hear the details.” Asterios glanced at the spinning ring next to them.

  “I’ll do you one better, Master.” Umbra chuckled happily.

  Their minds connected even further, concepts and images flowing between the pair. Frowning lightly in an effort to grasp every piece of information he was looking at, Asterios stroked his chin ponderingly, his eyes roaming all over the space before him without focusing on anything in particular. It would be a lot of work, but it was more than doable.

  “I see.” He nodded to himself. “I assume Kori is okay with that? I can’t say I know everything about the Cores, but that seems like it will be painful to a certain extent.”

  “Just like the martial artists from your realm who rely on strengthening their bodies like to say—no pain, no gain,” Umbra replied, also turning to gaze upon the spinning shape. “Kori follows that belief.”

  “If so, then I’m more than happy to help. You two won’t be the only ones benefiting from this.” Asterios smiled excitedly, then threw a look over his shoulder at his companions. “This won’t be quick. It’s slow and tedious work. It might even take the rest of the day to be fully completed. So, don’t feel obliged to stay. I’m sure there are plenty of places and people you would like to check on.”

  The ladies exchanged glances before nodding in understanding. Grea stepped forward.

  “I’m staying with you. From what I’ve glimpsed through your mental conversation, it’s something I could offer my hand with. I really don’t want you to get buried under work for the entire night, and we all know you wouldn’t want to leave it a stone’s throw from finishing.” She grinned impishly. “You deserve a proper rest after all that trouble you went through in the other dimension.”

  “I’m always honored to have your assistance, Professor.” He bowed playfully, making her snort, the corner of her lips curling up.

  “Yes, yes. Show me you haven’t forgotten everything after getting yourself kicked out, my dear student.” She bumped her hip into his and started walking forward with an enticing sway.

  Shaking his head, Asterios followed the seductive woman, and they grouped up with Umbra right in the middle of Kori’s resting platform.

  The other girls watched them go before Selene took a deep breath and spun to face them. “I guess that’s our cue. I’m thinking about checking on Lerisse and Ronye. Especially the latter. You?”

  “I want to see Ellie!” Miria hopped in place with a massive grin.

  “Hmmm. Maybe I can alter my plans a little. I’ll join you for a moment.” The fox lady squinted at her feline sister-mate, who didn’t notice it through her erratic jumping.

  “Yay! It’s always more fun together!” The panthergirl pushed into her and snuggled their cheeks together.

  “Tina?” Silvia’s louder call captured their attention.

  The person being addressed blinked and turned to the princess. “Huh?”

  “You weren’t answering.” Her royal friend raised a brow.

  “Oh. Sorry. I’m… still processing.” The blue-haired Summoner chuckled weakly.

  The others gathered around them with fond smiles.

  “Your family?” Althea asked gently.

  “Yes.” Tina nodded. “It’s a lot to take in. But most of it revolves around me being unable to figure out a few things. So, I’ve been thinking.”

  “What bothers you?” Bryn tilted her head a bit. “The lies?”

  “No. As I said, I understood their intentions.” The short lady waved her hands. “It’s just… They supposedly have people in many places and keep an eye on many things, but… There are events I’m surprised or confused about why they didn’t act upon. Like the thing with that adventurer, for example.”

  Silvia rested a palm on her shoulder. “From what I understood, they are extremely thorough but focus mainly on their objective. They aren’t omniscient. Ellie’s job was to spy on Ast, right? This matter didn’t involve him until it was too late. Even Suanori didn’t catch on right away, and she was the one to oversee the entire guild, no?”

  Tina’s lips scrunched a little. “Maybe. But then what about Roz? Even if they didn’t do anything about the bullying, since in their eyes it might not have been too serious or something, the situation with Miss Kindra is completely different. Mom already knew I had a severe crush on him, and with all the scrutiny on Asterios, she would watch his and his mother’s life be destroyed just like that? Without sending anyone to intervene?”