Morning light spilled into the mansion, soft and golden, catching on the polished stone floors and high windows. It was calm, almost too calm, compared to the forest I had just survived.
I sat at the desk in my guest room, rereading the letter I'd already gone through at least five times. My mother's handwriting curled neatly across the page, every word dripping with affection and worry.
My dear Lucian,
Are you eating well? You always hated vegetables, but I hope Master Kael is making sure you don't just eat meat. You must be studying too, right? Remember, hard work is what shapes a person, not talent alone. Your sister has already settled into her own training, though the house feels emptier without the three of you. Father pretends not to miss you, but yesterday he caught me writing to you and sighed three times in one minute. So, I will tease him for you—he misses you terribly, even if he won't say it.
Do not push yourself too hard. Write back soon. We miss you dearly.
With love, Mother.
The words tugged at me. Father sighing? Mother teasing? That empty house without Bro, me or Sis? It hurt. Which is why they didn't need to know about wolves, poison, or Kael's genius idea of 'training' me by throwing me into death land.
So I grabbed the quill and scribbled my reply.
Mother, Father,
I'm doing well. Master Kael has been teaching me magic and discipline. The mansion is large and quiet, and the library is full of books, so I'm never bored. I've been eating well and even cooking simple meals sometimes. Please don't worry. I'll continue working hard.
With love, Lucian.
Short. Sweet. Totally sanitized. Parents stay happy, the son stays alive. Win-win.
I sealed the letter, then leaned back in the chair with a long sigh. "…I should tell them how Master Kael abuses his authority. 'Lucian, clean this room. Lucian, scrub the dishes. Lucian, polish the floors.' I've basically become the mansion's housekeeper. Is this training or unpaid labor?"
Later, I trudged into the mansion's grand library.
The double doors groaned open, revealing Kael sitting like a statue at the long table, books spread around him like he owned the place. His black hair caught the light, his posture immaculate, his whole aura screaming 'I'm so much smarter than you.'
I scowled internally. Of course. He's sitting there calmly in the library I nearly died cleaning. He's enjoying my sweat like a parasite that feeds on chores. Bastard.
"Master Kael," I said out loud, plastering on a polite smile.
He raised his eyes briefly. "Lucian."
I slumped into the chair opposite him. "So, uh… I found a dungeon."
Snap. His book shut instantly. His gaze locked on me like a hawk spotting a rabbit.
"…A dungeon?"
"Yeah. Three floors, bats on the first, poison lizards on the second, empty boss room on the third. There were even old crates outside, like merchants used to hang around."
Kael was quiet for a long moment, then spoke low. "That must have been the Gargan Dungeon."
"Gargan?"
"One of the earliest dungeons in this district. Abandoned now."
I tilted my head. "Abandoned? Why?"
He folded his hands. "Because the dungeon is dead."
I blinked. "…Dungeons can die?"
Kael explained. "All dungeons are sustained by a core. A glowing crystal that generates monsters, treasure, and mana. If the core is destroyed, the dungeon collapses. No more monsters, no treasures. Just an empty cave."
I leaned forward. "So that's why it only had three floors?"
Kael inclined his head. "Correct. That dungeon once spanned fifty floors. But its core was shattered."
I let out a low whistle. "Who would destroy something like that?"
His expression hardened. "When this city was ruled by a cruel noble, he claimed the Gargan Dungeon as his personal property. Adventurers were forced to hand over half their treasure. Merchants outside were heavily taxed. Greed poisoned everything. Eventually, some adventurers decided to end his hold on the city. They located the core and destroyed it. The dungeon died, and with it, the noble's power."
"And this mansion is also his," Kael said flatly.
…Great. I'm living in Evil Overlord Manor. Should I check the basement for torture devices or just wait until they crawl out by themselves?
"Oh, and Master Kael—" I leaned forward smugly. "I discovered a new magic attribute. Ice magic."
For once, his eyes sharpened like knives. "Ice?"
"Yeah. When I was trying to catch fish. Accidentally I froze part of a river. Guess I'm a natural."
Kael stood up instantly . "Show me."
I blinked. "What, now?"
"Yes. Immediately."
I hesitated, squirming in my seat. "Can't I at least have lunch first?"
"No." His voice brooked no argument.
I drooped over the table like a dying plant.
Kael ignored me completely, already striding toward the courtyard.. "Show me in the courtyard. NOW!!"
I groaned and dragged myself to my feet.
The courtyard stretched wide, training dummies lined along the walls. Kael stood with his arms folded, looking every bit like a strict examiner.
"Here," he said simply.
I sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. Don't blink, Master Kael, or you'll miss my brilliance."
Closing my eyes, I summoned the cold energy inside me. I thrust my hand forward.
"Ice Spear!"
A shard of ice formed, gleaming blue-white, and shot forward—slamming into a dummy with a satisfying crack.
I peeked at Kael. He didn't move.
Uh-huh. Totally amazed. I can see it on his face.
"Uh, there's also this one," I said, crouching low. I brushed my hand across the ground, imagining frozen thorns erupting.
The ground shuddered—three spikes of ice erupted, rough but deadly.
I stood, hands on hips. "See? Told you."
Kael stared at the ice for a moment. "…Interesting."
My jaw dropped. 'Interesting'? That's all you've got? I just made ice erupt from the ground! Do you know how many RPGs I've grinded through to dream about this? At least say, 'Wow, Lucian, you're amazing!' I couldn't say that so I kept quiet.
Instead, Kael's eyes were cool. "You need control. If your spikes misfire, you'll impale yourself. We begin training immediately."
I groaned loudly, throwing my head back. "…Of course."
Uhh! He gives orders, I suffer. Straight-up torture. Honestly, I wouldn't be shocked if he turned out to be that vile noble's child.