Gathering Wives with a System Chapter 416: Information About Great Dungeons, Tower Of Heaven And Hell

"What happened between you two?" Simraj inquired, his eyes shifting suspiciously from Isaac over to Averon.

"He cried and I offered him my shoul—"

"Nothing of the sort occurred!" Averon interrupted Isaac right away, his tone harsher than required while he shot a fierce look his way.

A brief chuckle escaped one of the three Solkara guards positioned behind Simraj before he could contain it. Averon’s stare whipped toward the man so swiftly that the atmosphere grew tense instantly, prompting the guard to stand rigid and compose his features into a stern, dutiful expression.

Averon kept up his intense stare.

The unfortunate guard started perspiring beneath the pressure.

Noticing the tension rising pointlessly, Isaac intervened smoothly.

"Are you planning to remain here overnight, or head back to your City?" Isaac posed the question lightly, acting as though the prior exchange had never taken place.

Simraj directed his focus toward him once more.

"Regarding that..."

He cast a quick look at Averon. Upon getting a subtle nod in response, he went on,

"We’d prefer to stay. In particular, we want to access the dungeon. We noticed it’s a [Great] one."

"Very well. Head to the dungeon and sign up at the office by its entrance. After completing registration, you may proceed inside. Remember to cover the entry cost."

He finished with a courteous grin.

Averon let out a low grunt, evidently displeased by an unspecified issue, though it remained unclear if it stemmed from Isaac’s manner or the charge.

Simraj dipped his head slightly. "Much appreciated."

The party pivoted and departed, their steps firm as they receded from the Lord’s home.

Isaac lingered a bit longer, observing their figures vanish along the trail. Only when they were gone did his grin gradually dissolve.

"The dungeon bears the name Great Plains, and I never pondered its title deeply. Yet observing Simraj’s emphasis on the [Great] aspect... it surely holds some unique significance," he whispered to himself.

He could simply await Catherine and the Sword Empress’s arrival to consult them straight away. They possessed greater knowledge in such areas. The issue lay in their delayed return, and he disliked idling when solutions lay nearby.

An alternative route existed that was swifter.

Isaac accessed the Lord Chat.

A see-through panel materialized before him, with previous exchanges shimmering softly until they stabilized.

[Carus]: Hello, seniors.

[Ashroot]: Ah, the fresh Lord makes an appearance. Looks like you finished your Lord Quest?

[FlameGorgon]: How’d the Tutorial go? Probably scared you stiff. Kekeke.

[Carus]: The Quest went fine. There’s a matter I’d like to inquire about with everyone.

He intentionally adopted a modest approach. A novice Lord asking for advice. This persona was ideal for drawing out details from these veteran powerhouses.

He recalled vividly how slyly they had probed for his secrets upon his initial entry into the Lord Chat. Their inquiries started innocently enough, yet each one aimed to uncover aspects of his Territory, power level, and assets.

He refused to lower his guard.

Word of his Catastrophe hunt would circulate soon enough. When it did, they’d grasp his true capabilities as a Lord. For now, maintaining the guise of a green newcomer offered benefits.

[Ashroot]: Saying it went fine means we’ll drop it there. But don’t forget to tend to the wounded and reinforce your barriers. What you endured was merely the Tutorial. Real threats emerge starting now. You must continue growing stronger.

[FlameGorgon]: Kekekeke, "fine" he claims. If it was truly fine, you’d have logged in sooner.

[Ashroot]: Carus, pay no mind to this fool. What’s your query?

Isaac saw no point in replying to FlameGorgon.

[Carus]: What exactly is a [Great] dungeon?

[FlameGorgon]: Wow, check out this rookie. Fresh off his Lord Quest, and he’s already hunting for paths to advance stages.

"...What?" Isaac murmured softly.

Though FlameGorgon appeared to be mocking, Isaac detected an underlying hint in his remark.

Right then, Ashroot posted an extended reply.

[Ashroot]: A Great Dungeon serves as a gateway to the following region. To put it plainly, you’re aware our Sector is bordered by Mourning Frost Mountain to the west, Nightmare Desert to the north and east, plus the Red Sea in the south, correct?

Isaac scanned it attentively.

[Ashroot]: This region forms our Sector. Obviously, additional Sectors exist beyond it.

[Ashroot]: Interaction or encounters with folks from other Sectors are impossible outside of Trials or rare events. Hence, Great Dungeons hold such value. They enable connections with individuals from different Sectors.

Isaac’s gaze sharpened a touch.

[Carus]: In what manner?

[Ashroot]: Upon finishing a Great Dungeon, access opens to the Tower of Heaven and Hell. You recognize the beam of light that brightens the evening sky, yes? That’s the Tower of Heaven and Hell. Clearing a Great Dungeon lets anyone from other Sectors join it too, allowing interactions across Sectors.

Isaac’s eyes expanded in surprise.

"That beam of light turns out to be the Tower of Heaven and Hell..." he breathed out quietly.

This realm lacked a moon. Nights glowed from far-off stars and that massive light beam rising on the horizon post-sunset.

Its true location eluded everyone. No amount of travel brought one nearer to it. It resembled an illusion. The closer it seemed, the more distant it became.

He’d long figured it for a mere worldly occurrence.

He’d been mistaken.

’The angel mentioned the counter to the Blood Lord lies within the dungeon.’

’I figured it meant a dungeon prize or elite loot from its boss. Yet now... perhaps the answer resides in the Tower.’

Conquering a Great Dungeon unlocked the Tower of Heaven and Hell, linking various Sectors. Thus, tackling the Blood Lord might involve elements beyond his present Sector entirely.

His face turned grave.

The ambiguity surrounding Emily’s rescue timeline caused his forehead to crease. Each passing day without a solid plan burdened him inwardly, despite his outward composure.

Even so, this marked advancement.

Previously, he lacked any idea on handling the Blood Lord. At present, a clear path had emerged.

He shifted attention back to the conversation.

[Carus]: How many Great Dungeons exist in our Sector?

[Ashroot]: Exact counts escape us, but estimates are feasible.

[Ashroot]: Every mid-rank species controls no fewer than one Great Dungeon. With twelve mid-rank species here, that suggests at least twelve such dungeons. Concerning the two high-rank species, whispers indicate they command several each, though confirmation remains elusive.

"Twelve mid-rank species, alongside two high-rank ones..." Isaac echoed softly while reviewing the text again.

Catherine had previously shared details on them.

Currently, the pair of high-rank species maintained utmost secrecy.