Kaya led Azrael and Mary to a cluster of military tents pitched safely along the shore.
All around them, Beastblood Clan members kept staring at Azrael and Mary, drawn by their clothes and physiques. Mary drew even more attention with her adorable face, gothic dress, and effortless poise.
Azrael had 1 thing going for him, too: he was wearing different clothes than usual. Otherwise, he was ordinary enough to fade into the background.
As for Kaya, she was Beastblood, just another face in the crowd. Here, she blended in just as easily.
Instead of wandering, they headed for one of the half-flooded military tents. A long queue ran all the way to the entrance.
Looks like the Beastblood Clan set up an information center. They're exchanging intel with the Rising Dynasty, too. I don't see anyone from the Emerald Hide Clan, so they're as alone as Kaya said they were. Hmmm.
Sure enough, not a single Emerald Hide was in sight. To kill time, Azrael listened to the chatter around him, picking up cues about the new dungeon and the Beastblood Clan's situation overall.
"Our relations have worsened with the Cloud Continent's Sky Kingdom."
"Yeah… they say it's no longer a mutually beneficial relationship, and that we aren't providing much to them."
"Those bastards… it's because of us that their people have wings now!"
The world is falling apart, and there's still politics, huh? I'm staying away from that.
"You must be interested in that conversation, Master Azrael," Kaya whispered.
"No, I'm not," Azrael said flatly.
""But I am. Please, go on," Mary chimed in.
"Yeah. We cut deals with other continents so we've got somewhere to run if ours collapses. It's cutthroat, and our diplomats are scrambling to lock down at least 1 ally. We got close with the Cloud Continent's Sky Kingdom and even handed them our winged bloodline, but those idiots don't appreciate it the way they should," Kaya explained.
When she finished, she looked away and muttered, "Bastards," loud enough for both Azrael and Mary to hear.
Before long, it was their turn to enter the information tent. Inside, they found a single man wearing a strange monocle that covered 1 eye.
At the sight of Kaya, he hissed.
She hissed right back.
That was how snake-blooded members confirmed their identities.
"It's been a while, Kaya. Good to see you've survived," he said.
"Yes, it's been a while, Mr. Amon. There's a queue outside, so let's talk about the dungeon instead of me."
"Oh? Did you fall into some mansion-type dungeon and learn proper etiquette? I hardly recognize you," Amon said with a laugh, catching Kaya's formal tone.
In response, Kaya stiffened and awkwardly glanced at Azrael, inadvertently making him the center of attention.
Azrael chuckled. "It's not that she fell into a noble dungeon. She fell into my arms, and I stole her first kiss!"
"Haha! It's a miracle you're still alive, then. Kaya's not the type to let something like that slide."
"It was my first kiss too, but I'm a natural."
Amon could tell Kaya was holding back from saying a word. Her face had lit up with a blush. He wanted to pry a little, to learn more about what had happened between her and the outsider.
Sadly, Kaya didn't give him the chance. "We want to learn about the new dungeon!" she shouted.
With a casual wave, Amon replied, "All right. We've sent over 20 teams into the dungeon and learned a few mechanics and monster types inside. Shadow reigns in that place. Monsters are born from it. Conquerors' shadows can be stolen, then used like puppets, and various rooms often get blanketed in darkness, which triggers unique mechanics."
In a quick, fluent, surprisingly eloquent rundown, Amon explained everything he knew. It clicked immediately.
By the end of the conversation, they were ready to tackle the opening stretch of The Underworld of Protectors Dungeon.
Azrael asked Mary, "You brought a flashlight?"
"I don't think it would work even if I did."
"You never know."
—
Back at the shore, Kaya paid for a boat.
Since Azrael didn't have this world's currency, and the boat wasn't made by dungeon conquerors, they had to pay out of pocket.
As the boat drifted toward the yawning chasm, Azrael glanced around.
"Technically, we would've been better off if I used my sphere to get us here. But technically, the less people know about my skills, the better. I'm already being watched because I'm so handsome."
Mary and Kaya ignored him. Tension built as the S-Rank dungeon loomed ahead. People had already died inside, and more would follow.
Still, it was for moments like this that dungeon conquerors like Kaya lived.
Soon enough, the boat bumped into the wooden platforms set up by the Beastblood Clan. Azrael and the others hopped onto the planks, then peered into the chasm, where countless thick roots climbed the walls like monsters' tongues.
The eerie cold and the silence, broken only by the river slapping against the dam, sent goosebumps racing over the conquerors nearby.
Azrael rested a hand on his chin as he leaned over the edge.
Nearby, other dungeon conquerors pulled out their climbing gear and started feeding ropes down along the roots.
"Technically, we don't want others to see my skills."
Mary nodded.
"But technically, none of us really wants to go down this way."
Mary nodded.
"Come closer. We're using my sphere to get down. It's about time I made everyone jealous!"
And even this time, Mary nodded.