[Drosum] Yes right this way sir. I’ve already memorized and disposed of the full layout from Bilt. Impressive job I must say. He really did outdo himself this time.

Lasarim admired the building that Bilt had called the dragon’s nest. Building was perhaps underselling it. It was a magnificent spire of marble and magic runes. Each floor seems to cover an area large enough to house an entire guild. The floors got smaller as the spire got taller. At the peak was a large disc room, as large as the base floor. Of course that’s not even mentioning the various hidden passageways, the underground dungeons, and the areas for departments not meant for public eyes. The only path up was through a series of boxes pulled by metal cables. All in all, easy to control, difficult to scale, and flight would be spotted and stopped quickly. The Dragon’s Nest was clearly built with a flying leader in mind.

[Lasarim] Yes this is quite excellent. His work certainly exceeded my expectations. To think he was a novice a mere decade ago.

[Drosum] You always did have an eye for talent sir.

[Lasarim] As if. He merely demonstrated the strength of his desire and I in turn used it.

The pair had walked for some time now, exploring the various rooms and hidden pathways of the structure. It was only at the very end that they visited the place that would become Lasarim’s office.

There stood curved wooden desk, long enough to form a wide quarter circle. Behind it, ceiling to floor windows covered the wall. Of course the windows were covered in barely legible runic script. It would be too dangerous otherwise. But that hardly took away from the view. For a moment, Lasarim stood there gazing down at what would soon be his city. A pesky thought crossed his mind. With a wave of his hand, as if wanted to wave away the thought, he sent his mana into the windows. The windows darkened and took on the look of a marble wall. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that the illusion of windows faded away and the image of the marble wall returned. The artificial mana lights turned themselves on and he turned back towards the room.

[Drosum] How about some tea sir?

[Lasarim] Yes that would be nice.

As Drosum bowed and walked out a side door, Lasarim settled his body into the leather chair. He straightened himself into his well practiced impeccable posture, his hands reaching out and running across his new desk. He pictured the piles of work that would likely cover the beautiful desk soon and sighed.

[Eita] Now now. Don’t you know sighing is bad luck?

As this new voices unexpectedly rang out, Lasarim’s mind snapped back into business mode. His tail never stopped the well practiced casual swaying as he turned around and examined the intruder to his new office.

A young lady with matching black pants and jacket, both seemingly made out of a fine material. A stance that was casual, bordering on playful. It didn’t seem to fit someone who was trespassing the highest office of this city, not to mention bypassing several traps. It was clear she was examining him as much as he was examining her.

Lasarim slowly settled himself back into his seat to give himself a little more time. He did not offer the young lady a seat. She took one anyways.

[Lasarim] Ah. I was not expecting a guest. How do you do Ms. Dungeon?

[Eita] Hmm. Not even a little shock huh? What a shame. Here I was hoping to surprise you.

In truth he was surprised. Very surprised. He was only guessing at her identity after all. Well, guessing, but also the only solution so it was also inevitable. Not that he would let her know any of this. She pouted playfully as if she knew anyways.

[Lasarim] Of course I am surprised. I did not expect a visit from you so soon. Most dungeons tend to be hermits after all.

[Eita] Not even a little fun. How did you know?

Lasarim chuckled. That had actually been much easier than hiding his surprise. He started ticking off clues on his fingers.

[Lasarim] Someone who would know me and yet not fear me. Someone who clearly does not seek to attack me. Someone who would be capable of gaining entrance to this room. Neither corrupting Drosum nor avoiding him would have been simple. Someone who would have done all of that with just the bare minimum of strength that you possess. Surely there could only be one answer, no? I suspect this entire area is already part of the dungeon, allowing you to do as you please.

Of course, there was also the fact that he had long since heard about her appearance from the villagers as well. The mystery to her access became trivial after knowing her identity.

[Eita] My my. Well done. You are indeed correct. My name is Eita, and I am the dungeon core. Pleased to meet you. Hm. As a reward how about I lend you an ear. Tell me your true desire and surely there must be some way I can assist.

He was not quite expecting this turn. Despite his carefully practiced demeanor and his years of experience, he was still taken off guard. It was difficult to gauge if this girl was joke. No, rather her entire demeanor exuded mockery, and yet her eyes were just as clear and sharp as blades. It truly felt like she may follow through and assist, although it may just as likely turn around and bite him.

[Lasarim] There isn’t much that I desire that I can not obtain already.

[Eita] Surely there must be something. Power, wealth, fame, lust. Perhaps vengeance or reverence. There must be something you truly desire.

[Lasarim] What I desire hmm? And what if I said that I desired you?

He was merely probing her. Observing her reactions. And yet, she didn’t even flinch, although her grin grew a little wider and, seemingly more derisive.

[Eita] Oh dear. Me? Surely you have been sent here to rule over the dungeon and the people nearby. Am I not yours already by your laws? Or perhaps did you mean this body. If it is only for the night I might yet comply. Is that what you truly desire? Is that burning deep within you solely for this body of mine?

She had, during her response, gotten up and climbed onto his new desk. This girl had allowed herself to rest her body in front of him and cooed at him. She might give in if he made an advance yes. Rather, despite her slim toned body covered in clothes that were as protective as a piece of paper, there was no way she could resist anything he did. And yet, he felt it was clearly the wrong answer. A test question left unanswered. A disappointed instructor. It has been decades since he had such a feeling. Yet he would not have made it this far if he faltered at just that.

He pushed back. He met her eyes while allowing his hands to push against her body, his draconic claws and soft scales sending in pulses of mana wherever they met her skin. It wouldn’t do to simply be pushed around. This sudden meeting would determine their future relationship after all.

[Lasarim] I jest. I jest. I am a simple man who seeks a new path. It has been a hard fight to gain the rights to this dungeon..., to you. Now I must prove to them that I am the correct choice. Prove that the same old system they have been using is only stagnating the other dungeon towns. That is my desire.

A giggle rang out in the room. Eita pulled back as she tried to control herself. If Lasarim had not extensively trained himself to appear composed at all times, all tension would have run out of his body and made him want to just nap right there at his desk.

[Eita] Ah. Truly a straightforward desire I see. Yes that’ll do. Then do you have any brilliant ideas you’d care to share to achieve such an ideal?

Unfortunately to this Lasarim could only shake his head and shrug.

[Lasarim] It takes time, these things.

[Eita] If a muse appeared simply by waiting, everyone would be an artist.

[Lasarim] Then I take it you have a suggestion? You did say you would assist.

[Eita] Well, if you do insist.

Once again she leaned in close. This time to whisper his reward for passing her test.