Dungeon Management
A tower so massive it was visible from afar. I paused in surprise at the sight of it rising from what had been empty land just before we set out. I hadn't expected it to be finished this quickly. I'd figured they'd at most lay the foundations. But to think it was already nearly complete...
I couldn't help but marvel at the gnomes' efficiency. At this rate, it felt like outright magic. The dungeon points I'd paid them as daily wages didn't feel like a waste at all.
"Is that my king's dungeon?"
Instead of complicated titles like "Your Majesty" or "Your Highness," they kept it simple. Kran's awed reaction from beside me prompted my shameless reply.
"That's right. That's my dungeon."
Not a lie, technically! Though even I, the actual owner, was stunned. The perk of being a skeleton—no one could read my expression—was perfect for moments like this. I approached the now-tower-like dungeon with feigned nonchalance.
Its matte black walls absorbed the intense sunlight without a gleam. The exterior would fit right in at the heart of hell—no sense of incongruity. It stirred something deep in a man's soul. Was there a designer among the gnomes? The tower looked rugged yet stylish overall, not crude at all.
"The boss is here?"
As we entered through the unfinished entrance, a few gnomes still at work spotted me and lit up with joy. Tools clutched in their hands—how had they built a tower this size in a single day with just those? Impressive didn't cover it.
"Where's Gular?"
"The boss can speak properly now???"
When I asked about Gular's whereabouts, the gnome jumped in shock. Such a reaction just for talking? What the hell had they thought of me before? More importantly, couldn't they see my face had changed? I'd even evolved!
"Gular's underground with the chief. Go meet them?"
The gnome, oblivious to my altered appearance, pointed out the stairs leading below.
"...Thanks for the info."
Feeling oddly unsettled, I headed that way.
"It looks even bigger on the inside than from outside."
Kran spoke in admiration, taking in the barren first floor of the dungeon, where detailed adjustments were still pending. Did it? I glanced around at his words. The lobby felt starkly desolate. Nothing had been decided on its layout yet, so they'd probably left it empty on purpose. Maybe it did seem a bit spacious, as Kran said—the open, unfurnished space made the interior feel larger than expected. About 1.5 times bigger than the previous dungeon. Picturing traps and monsters to place here, I headed for the stairs, enjoying the airy feel.
"Just in case, everyone except Kran waits here."
Leaving the other lizardmen behind for any emergencies, I descended alone. One representative should suffice for serious talks.
"Follow me, Kran."
"Yes, my king."
I led the tense-faced Kran down.
"It's deeper than I thought."
"...Yeah."
Was it always this far down? The stairs seemed endless, no matter how many I descended. I was starting to worry when—
"We're here."
A faint light appeared ahead. Finally. After the last step, I reached the underground first floor. Unlike the dungeon's transformed upper levels, this area looked the same as before. The murals on the walls unchanged. The skeleton knight's room was identical too.
"Oh! Chiron, perfect timing!"
Gular, deep in serious discussion with the gnome chief, spotted me and approached.
"So, that quest—success?"
"Of course. Piece of cake."
I shrugged like it was nothing.
"Oh! And now you speak fluently!"
Gular marveled. From his view, my language skills had skyrocketed overnight. No wonder he was shocked. Satisfied with his reaction, I turned to the gnome chief.
"The tower's taller than I expected. How'd you manage that?"
The structure was five floors total. He'd said three at most when explaining initially. How five?
"We made it work along the way?"
These guys...! I was moved by the chief's words. Made me want to shower them with every dungeon point I had. No skimping on investments for the gnomes from now on—that was clear. As I thought that, Gular glanced behind me.
"Speaking of, who's the lizardman back there?"
Kran blinked, clueless. I explained everything that had happened.
"Evolved to King Lizardman?"
Gular's eyes widened. I clacked my jaw for the first time in ages.
Clack!
Posing proudly, Gular stroked his chin appraisingly.
"Now that you mention it, your appearance has changed quite a bit."
Check out my cool new head! Sleek and charismatic, right? Watching me, Gular eventually shook his head.
"Feels like you look different every time."
Not just a feeling—I was changing. Getting stronger. My once-barren skill window now brimmed with abilities. Awesome weapons too. But it brought a fierce thirst. Still not enough. More inheritances and evolutions for humanity. Only then would this infernal flame subside.
Skill 'Gluttony' resonates with your will.
"?"
Not activating, just resonating? I blinked at the sudden message.
"Guuuu!!"
Lost in thought, Karen spotted me, arms outstretched, charging over. Since when do you greet me like this? Joy was short-lived.
"Waa—"
She barreled past without slowing, heading behind me. Obvious what she was after. Bitter, I hoisted her by the scruff.
"Not food."
"Guu..."
Does this glutton see everything as edible? She'd dashed to chomp Kran whole, but at my grab, she drooped sadly. Setting her down, she shuffled back dejectedly. Watching her, quick-witted Kran stepped forward, offering something.
"If she's hungry, how about this, my king?"
I took the pouch, peering inside. Dried meat galore. Jerky? Kinda unfamiliar. Not beef. No bird vibe either. What was it made of? ...Don't overthink. Not for me anyway. Karen eats anything—even those gross shadow fly heads.
"Here, eat."
Slicing off a piece, she lit up, lunging at my hand.
"Waaang—!"
She chomped my fingers too. Saliva everywhere. Before she crunched my finger bones, I yanked them free. Dripping wet. Wiping on Kran discreetly—
"...My king!"
A voice from the stairs. An unnamed lizardman soldier who'd followed us.
"Someone's collapsed outside the dungeon!"
I bolted up. Wanderers already? Weapons ready for combat. These stairs sucked! I'd request an elevator from the gnomes later. Nearing the top—
First floor. Lizardmen encircled something at the entrance, weapons drawn, wary.
"Make way."
Parting their smooth scales, I reached the center—and froze at the familiar face.
"Emilia?"
"......"
The witch who'd first shown me kindness lay unconscious on the ground.