Aside from the abrupt nature of the invasion notification and the surprising presence of a lone invader, what immediately caught my attention were the rewards. Until now, all the rewards presented by the interface were in the form of a GP value, calculated based on what could be harvested should all the invaders be defeated and their items harvested. However, this time, things were different. The reward included an additional element, labeled as "authority."
________________________
Name: Christian
Level: 23
Race: Verdenkind
Class: Mage
Title: Monster Slaughterer / Elemental Arcanist / Rune Caster
[Status]
- H.P: 420 / 420
- M.P: 5225 / 5400
- S.P: 182 / 192
- Fatigue: 12%
- Defense: 640
- Offense: 6220
[Skills]
- Anti-Appraisal: Level 10
- Appraisal: Level 10
- Earth Magic: Level 6
- Elemental Arcane: Lvl 9
- Elemental Infusion: Level 8
- Elemental Protection: Level 9
- Elemental Resistance: Level 6
- Fire Magic: Level 7
- Ice Magic: Level 6
- Identification: Level 9
- Lightning Magic: Level 6
- Light Magic: Level 8
- Shadow Magic: Level 9
[Abilities]
- Blessings of the Elementals: Unlocked
- Elemental Enhancement: Unlocked
- Elemental Infusion: Unlocked
- Enhanced Mana Sense: Unlocked
- Runic Codex: Unlocked
- Rune Casting: Unlocked
[Authorities]
- Otherworldly Synergy
『Expand』
_____________________________
"This is..." I muttered, my gaze fixed on the screen. No matter how I looked at it, there was something disproportionately alluring about that 1229 G.P reward. Sure, there were instances when I dealt with a group of invaders offering rewards close to that amount, but that reward was for a whole group of invaders. Here, it was a lone invader, who was just what level 22? A Verdenkind spawn of that level wouldn’t remotely cost 1229 GP. Something felt, no, something was definitely off.
Then there was this new addition: the "authority" section in his stats. None of the previous invaders had possessed such a section. They had attributes, skills, and abilities, but nothing like this "authority."
From the look of it, this “authority” seemed acquirable, and despite not knowing what it was and what it does, an instinct within me urged me to obtain it. I couldn't precisely articulate why, similar to my penchant for hoarding GP, but I wanted it. It ushered within me an innate drive pushing me to acquire “it”, and recalling my encounter with Mighty K.R.U.L, our conversation and the task he gave me, I promptly acted upon that instinct.
As with the invaders before him, I observed the lone intruder advancing further into my dungeon domain. Initially, I had stationed two spawns with guarding behavior near the entrance, two level 14 Spectral Reavers. Unfortunately, they had fallen to the previous invaders and were yet to respawn, granting the current intruder an unhindered passage deeper into my domain. However, I wasn't about to let this continue for long.
Four blue dots swiftly closed in on the lone red dot representing the invader. "Get him, boys," I ordered, eager to repel the invader and claim whatever bounty awaited me, especially that mysterious "authority" that beckoned to me.
Eager anticipation filled me as I awaited the clash between my spawns and the lone invader. However, what happened next was so anticlimactic that it felt like having a bucket of cold water suddenly pour over me.
_____________________________
[Spectral Reaver (Patrolling Spawn, Enhanced), Level 15, slain by Verdenkind, mage, Level 23]
_____________________________
"Eh?"
_____________________________
[Spectral Reaver (Patrolling Spawn, Enhanced)), Level 15, slain by Verdenkind, mage, Level 23]
_____________________________
_____________________________
[Spectral Reaver (Patrolling Spawn, Enhanced)), Level 15, slain by Verdenkind, mage, Level 23]
_____________________________
_____________________________
[Spectral Reaver (Patrolling Spawn, Enhanced)), Level 15, slain by Verdenkind, mage, Level 23]
_____________________________
"Seriously?"
On the screen, the four blue dots representing my patrolling spawns vanished almost simultaneously. It was as if some devastating attack had obliterated the poor souls in one swift stroke.
I watched with a mix of frustration and admiration as the lone invader effortlessly made his way even deeper into my domain. A smile formed on my “face”, and then laughter escaped me. "Hahaha, I guess that 1229 G.P reward was justified. The interface clearly knows what it’s doing. But let's see how you handle my Death Paladins."
Recognizing the increasing threat posed by the invaders, especially as their levels entered the two digits, I knew that relying solely on leveling up my Spectral Reavers wasn't going to cut it anymore. While in the lower levels, a Spectral Reaver could outshine a Verdenkind of a same level threshold, as they both progressed, Verdenkinds were catching up and, in fact, outperforming my sweet Spectral Reavers, especially those with titles such as "undead slayer."
So, I decided to acquire something new. But not wanting to deviate from my usual strategy, I decided to acquire another undead and spectral-type spawn called Shadow Specter. These creatures, similar to Spectral Reavers but with the added ability to manipulate shadow elements and higher combat proficiency, promised to be a valuable addition. However, I soon began to feel that even with Shadow Specters, it might not be enough.
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
Thus, I expanded my arsenal by acquiring another type of spawn, Death Paladins. These undead creatures boasted high combat proficiency, a trait that the system seemed to identify through their offense and defense stats.
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Death Paladin Level 15
Health: 100%
Status: On Patrol, Enhanced
_____________________________
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Death Paladin Level 15
Health: 100%
Status: On Patrol, Enhanced
_____________________________
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Death Paladin Level 15
Health: 100%
Status: On Patrol, Enhanced
_____________________________
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Death Paladin Level 15
Health: 100%
Status: On Patrol, Enhanced
_____________________________
"Get him, boys!" I cheered as I watched my patrolling spawns, mainly my Death Paladins, closing in on the lone invader, locking onto him as their primary target. However, the sight before me suggested that my cheers had no effect.
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Death Paladin Level 15
Health: 67%
Status: In Combat, Enhanced
_____________________________
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Death Paladin Level 15
Health: 23%
Status: In Combat, Enhanced
_____________________________
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Death Paladin Level 15
Health: 00%
Status: Defeated
_____________________________
_____________________________
[Death Paladin (Patrolling Spawn, Enhanced), Level 15, slain by Verdenkind, mage, Level 23]
_____________________________
“Eh….”
_____________________________
[Death Paladin (Patrolling Spawn, Enhanced), Level 15, slain by Verdenkind, mage, Level 23]
_____________________________
“Maaan, this isn’t fair."
_____________________________
[Death Paladin (Patrolling Spawn, Enhanced), Level 15, slain by Verdenkind, mage, Level 23]
_____________________________
_____________________________
[Death Paladin (Patrolling Spawn, Enhanced), Level 15, slain by Verdenkind, mage, Level 23]
_____________________________
I watched as my level 15 Death Paladins met the same fate as my level 15 Spectral Reavers before them.
This time, however, they lasted longer.
Yet, just like before, the red dot representing the invaders pushed deeper into my domain, encountering more Death Paladins along the way. One by one, they engaged in battle. One by one, they were overpowered.
Currently, my Death Paladins range from level 15 to level 18. I had planned to level them up after my previous invasion, which had mostly been level 16 enemies. But with this unexpected intrusion by "Julian," I never got the chance.
I watched calmly, yet helplessly, as the invaders broke through my first line of defense, cutting down my poor level 15 and 16 Death Paladins along the way.
It wasn’t until they encountered my level 17s and 18s that I felt it, they were finally being slowed down.
Not stopped. Not repelled. Just slowed down.
Still, progress.
"What a merciless asshole," I muttered, shaking my nonexistent head. "At least this time, you don’t have it so easy anymore, do you?"
At this rate, he’s going to make it to them, I thought.
Well. Good luck with that.
By "them," I meant my third and final line of defense before reaching my Dungeon Guardian’s sanctum, the level 18 Death Paladins stationed at the end of a long, winding corridor.
While most of my G.P spending went toward acquiring and leveling spawns, I had also allocated a decent portion toward designing my domain.
Now, the idea of "designing a dungeon" might sound ridiculous, especially when considering what my first layout had looked like. But since there was an entire section of the interface dedicated to dungeon design, I figured it had to be important.
And now, I was going to prove it.
Designing my dungeon came down to two main aspects: Expanding the domain which is all about increasing its size and area and modifying its structure which involves reshaping its boundaries.
By default, I had been given a U-shaped domain.
Not anymore.
I elongated the "U," stretching it out to serve as the foundation for my next move. Then, I added what would appear on a map as small external bubbles, each containing tiny blue dots.
To the unexpecting eye, they might look like separate compartments outside the main structure.
But in reality, they were internal chambers. It was just that they were arranged in an "Ω" shape along the side of the domain with with an almost thoroughly sealed entrance or exit.
Why did I spend precious G.P on this?
Because I’m a genius.
…
"Just kidding."
The brilliance of this design was actually very simple.
If I categorized my spawns, I had two main types: Spectral Spawns, like my Shadow Specters and Spectral Reavers. And Corporeal Undead Spawns, like my Death Paladins.
The problem?
I couldn’t see how battles unfolded.
My interface only displayed literal dots moving on a map, making it impossible to gauge how effectively my spawns were using their abilities.
But if there was one skill I was fairly certain wasn't being used to its full potential, it was my Specters’ "Intangibility" skill.
On paper, it was perfect for hit-and-run tactics and surprise attacks.
But in practice?
My original U-shaped domain offered no walls for them to phase through. No structures for them to utilize their spectral nature.
So, I fixed that.
These newly designed "bubble chambers" weren’t just for show, they were integral to my entire strategy.
Now, my Shadow Specters could slip through walls and ambush invaders from behind.
Before, they were limited to "spawning behavior," which allowed for some surprise tactics, but it was more of an "on-sight" reaction than a true ambush.
Now?
Imagine walking down a long, winding corridor… and suddenly, twenty Shadow Specters phase through the walls behind you.
Now that was true horror.
And Julian?
He was about to experience it firsthand.
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Shadow Specter Level 18
Health: 100%
Status: En guarde, Enhanced
_____________________________
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Shadow Specter Level 18
Health: 100%
Status: En guarde, Enhanced
_____________________________
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Shadow Specter Level 18
Health: 100%
Status: En guarde, Enhanced
_____________________________
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Shadow Specter Level 18
Health: 100%
Status: En guarde, Enhanced
_____________________________
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Shadow Specter Level 18
Health: 100%
Status: En guarde, Enhanced
_____________________________
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Shadow Specter Level 18
Health: 100%
Status: En guarde, Enhanced
_____________________________
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Shadow Specter Level 18
Health: 100%
Status: En guarde, Enhanced
_____________________________
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Shadow Specter Level 18
Health: 100%
Status: En guarde, Enhanced
_____________________________
As the invader passed a certain threshold in the corridor in the middle of which the bubbles were located, I had them aggro him. Blue dots escaped their bubbly confines and entered the main domain, cornering the lone invader from both the back and the front.
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Shadow Specter Level 18
Health: 100%
Status: In Combat, Enhanced
_____________________________
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Shadow Specter Level 18
Health: 100%
Status: In Combat, Enhanced
_____________________________
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Shadow Specter Level 19
Health: 100%
Status: In Combat, Enhanced
_____________________________
_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
Spawn: Shadow Specter Level 19
Health: 100%
Status: In Combat
_____________________________
"Guys, spare me total humiliation. Make this the last time I say this. Get him, boys."
