Author: Thank you for reading

Look forward to the contents of this chapter.

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All of us went into a silent stupor as we gazed into the area in front of us. An untouched grassland filled with a large assortment of flowers and, from the looks of it, an artificial sun. A small lake with a simply decorated pagoda to the side. To the side of that, a simple stone pathway stretched across the ground leading up to a comfortable looking cabin home. The building was two stories and was designed like one of those luxurious ski resort cabins back on earth. However, the wood seemed alive with various flowers sprouting across it's surface in a type of pattern. A gentle wind passed by bringing the scent of flowers with it snapping us out of our trance.

This place was so contradicting to the dungeon we are in. I gazed behind us and saw the place we have been walking around in for a while now. Regardless of how tranquil the place looked we all remained vigilant. I also didn't want to casually enter this place since the contrast was too strange.

After some thought, I decided to call it a day and return to the city. However as we were about to leave, a strong force latched onto our bodies pulling us into this area. Any resistance we tried to make was futile. The door shut as we were all dragged in preventing us from fleeing.

As quickly as it came the strong force that dragged us in suddenly left.

“You two ok?” (Kuro)

“Un, no problem.” (Shiro)

“What was that!? Is this supposed to happen?” (Puerial)

“I don't know, none of the reports ever mention something like this.” (Kuro)

“Kuro, something is strange.” (Shiro)

!? The wind stopped!

“Everyone take up defensive positions.” (Kuro)

I remained calm as I gave orders to defend against whatever was here. Last thing my group needs is to lose the ability to think clearly.

We waited for but a minute before a voice was heard in the area, the echo made it impossible to determine its origin.

“Get in the house already!” (Mysterious annoyed voice)

“...” (Shiro, Puerial, and Kuro)

So...are we under attack...or not?

We all looked at each other with bitter expressions. The exit is now no longer here and we have no way out. With great reluctance we are left with the only option available at the moment.

As we approached the building, I felt something gazing at me. The others felt the same as they restlessly peered around. Getting up to the door, I performed the most obvious action anyone in this situation would do. I casually knocked to determine whether we can enter or not. Even if the voice said to enter, it's still rude to barge in.

“Come in, no need to waste time.” (Mysterious voice)

“Pardon my intrusion.” (Kuro)

“Pardon.” (Shiro and Puerial)

As we entered the cabin and looked around, we saw a rustic designed interior with an atmosphere that makes you feel at home. The gentle aura of our surroundings did little to calm our nerves though, as we tried to find the source of the voice. A few moments later, steps were heard approaching our location.

What came around the corner of a hallway was an elegant looking young woman who looked like she was in her late teens. Her body swayed as she walked with a perfect hourglass figure without a single blemish to be seen on her white porcelain skin. Each step was even and elegant with no excess movements. Her hair was purple like an amethyst, or rather it may be the very crystal itself, yet it has the same characteristics of normal hair. Not a single hair was where it shouldn’t be as her body was completely smooth, and I know this because she wore no clothing.

She was truly beautiful to look at. Far different from the still developing Shiro and Puerial.

I would have had serious difficulty keeping my composure if it weren’t for my body still growing, which allowed me to barely calm down. (The beast has yet to awaken)

Her eyes glowed softly in a purple glow as she gazed at us. The atmosphere surrounding her was in no way immature and I felt a strong amount of wisdom and strength in the person standing before us.

“I’m quite impressed to see people enter this hidden area. Normally I would have gotten rid of you all, but...I feel that it would be worth talking to you three.” (Mysterious woman)

Her words were in no way a mere provocation from what I can feel. If she wanted to, me and the others could very easily be killed.

“No need to be nervous you three. If my suspicions are correct, then this encounter may benefit you all. But first...how did you open up the door to this place?” (Mysterious woman)

This question was a bit of a surprise to us. She caught onto our confusion and gestured us to take a seat.

“Isn't this place what was normally behind that door?” (Kuro)

“No, answering that riddle would only open up a room that grants you some bonus treasure and a hint to the lower floors. Yet somehow you all triggered the extra gimmick of that door.” (Mysterious woman)

“Gimmick?” (Kuro)

“Yea, my servants can access this area through doors like that when they are not venturing around. Yet you three are definitely...not-my-servants.” (Mysterious woman)

“Ah, then I don't know. We merely answered the riddle.” (Kuro)

“Yea I know, I’ve been observing you three since you entered my dungeon.” (Mysterious woman)

Her words made me pause for a moment to process this new information. Suddenly I recalled what Amare said about {Dungeons} taking a different evolutionary route from a {Dryad}. So that would mean that the person before me is part of the [Nymph] race. Any creature born from mana like the {Dryad} would be considered part of the nymph family.

“Wait...I think I know how we entered this place then. If what you say is true, then you are part of the nymph family right?” (Kuro)

“Hmm? Interesting, most people aren't aware of such information and designate a dungeon as simply a mysterious phenomenon. How is it you know of such a thing?” (Mysterious nymph woman)

“I have been researching {Dryads} in order to help someone who has fallen under my care recently. She may also be the reason we are here.” (Kuro)

The woman seemed slightly angered at my response but suddenly became curious when I mentioned returning someone. In order to not waste anymore time, I tapped my pocket to signal the fairy to emerge.

Her little head exited my pocket looking completely tired and annoyed for being awoken. The little thing seriously sleeps too much.

The woman opened her eyes wide as she gazed intently at the fairy.

“So a {Dryad} may yet still live! This is wondrous news indeed. You! Listen carefully to what I will tell you.” (Mysterious woman)

…

I was told some pretty astonishing things by the dungeon nymph. Her actual race is called a {Terrian}, which I found fitting due to how they restructure their surroundings. Terrians in general have all sealed themselves in a type of pocket dimension within their dungeons to hide themselves from hostiles. It is because of this reason that no one has ever found a dungeon heart, that was theorized to exist within dungeons, it seems. Which is also why she was so shocked that we entered her domain.

They hide away due to what happened to the {Dryads}. The other members of the nymph race are also doing the same.

Her servants were actually her variation of the fairy race. To differentiate her type from those created from {Dryads}, they would be called an {Earth Fairy}. The ones born from {Dryads} would be a {Forest Fairy}. They look similar to each other, but are differentiated by the aura they produce naturally.

Me having a living {Forest Fairy} means that the {Dryad} she was born from still lives.

After inquiring why, I discovered something. The fairies are connected to the being they are born from in order to communicate between each other. Their relationship is symbiotic. Each individual has their own personality, but in the end is part of one functioning organism sort to speak. When people would hunt and hurt the fairies, the {Dryad} was receiving the damage as well.

The nymph race in general have an odd connection to each other, like having an internet connection between them for communication. This made them all see and feel what happened to the {Dryads} when they were discovered. Causing their choice to go into hiding indefinitely. Due to {Dryads} having the most difficult conditions to be born they have been extinct all this time. (Author: The crystal is out in the open withing a monster infested forest.)

Why she isn’t connected to the network is not yet known however. But this {Forest Fairy} gives hope to her still existing.

Their race is not numerous in number, so each death is a tragic loss to them. The most numerous members of the nymph race is the {Terrian} clan, and one other that I am not qualified to know of. The entire nymph race is actually observing this conversation right now as we speak.

The {Terrian} before me was saddened when she saw the fairy’s wings were removed, and wondered how she was still alive. Turns out their wings act as a type of absorption mechanism for them to regain their mana from their surroundings. As a creature of mana, once they run out, they die.

I answered her by telling her that I have been feeding her mana directly, of course she didn’t believe me. Apparently such a thing isn’t possible. [Magic Hands] however seems to get around that problem, allowing me to feed the fairy mana. This is the real reason the fairy won't leave my side, I’m the only thing keeping her alive.

When I showed the {Terrian} she, for the first time, showed a shocked and bewildered expression. Even when she learned of a {Dryad} still living, she only looked to be excited.

After that I made a request to see one of her servants in the hopes of regenerating the fairy's wings. Which was again seen as preposterous, but her curiosity betrayed her. Moments later an eight inch tall fairy appeared. Her appearance was similar to the one accompanying me but with a more mature look and chestnut colored hair and eyes.

When I started analyzing her wings using my mana, she went into a fit of laughter and the {Terrian} followed along. She scolded me to be more gentle as I apologized with a helpless look. Her wings were extremely interesting though, and was always funneling and purifying the mana in the air while her body slowly released small amounts of mana in a more diluted form.

This may be why my fairy took a liking to clothing. She is trying to keep her body from releasing too much mana. Of course that is only a guess.

When I was done the {Earth Fairy} flew off still giggling, while the {Terrian} was blushing in her seat.

The information I gathered was extremely helpful. Now to try and restore this little fairy's wings…

...

Shiro and Puerial were ushered into a room to sleep after having a light meal. The two were seriously nervous and couldn’t utter a single word during my talk with the {Terrian}. I don't blame them since she was always emitting a strong pressure, I myself barely managed to reply.

It's been a few hours now and I’ve only managed to grow out four little small nubs on the back of the {Forest Fairy}. Even if progress was slow, it still left the {Terrian} shocked. I estimate it will take more than a month to finish restoring her wings.

However, after all this time trying to regenerate the fairy’s wings, I myself was tired. So tired I ended up passing out right there on the table with the fairy jumping around in joy for her wings imminent return. Her melodious voice was like a lullaby to me as I drifted into a deep slumber.

*While Kuro is passed out on the table* (Author: Everything is being discussed on their network)

“To think such a person would enter my dungeon. Of all the beings recorded by our brethren. For a young Dreadling to appear in my domain, and a male of all things to add to it. This world will seriously have some trouble in the future if I let him live. Or perhaps...if he manages to overcome it...maybe he could change the world for the better, based on what I’ve seen of his personality. What do you all think?” (Terrian)

“His existence is indeed troubling, but his companions seem to trust him.” (Voice 1)

“Yes, that is most odd considering the nature of his race.” (Voice 2)

“Is he even aware of what he is?” (Voice 3)

“Did you sense the darkness within him, I felt shivers from all the way over here.” (Voice 4)

“Yes it was something to behold, but…” (Voice 5)

“Yea that light...it is not something that would normally be found in his race.” (Voice 1)

“A variant maybe?” (Voice 2)

“Probably, let's see about making him an ally.” (Voice 6)

“Are you mad? A Dreadling of all things an ally. Do you not remember what their race was like when they were in power?” (Voice 7)

“Yes, but...he is different from what I could tell.” (Voice 6)

“Regardless, as a male Dreadling, if he evolves into a Dreadlord than he will be the most-” (Voice 3)

“With all of those seals I’ve seen on him, the likelihood is low. Best not to assume such things right now.” (Terrian)

“So then, what do you plan to do Amy?” (Voice 1)

“For now I will observe him. One of our sisters is out there, and maybe we can save her. Let's all hope her fate will not be like the others.” (Terrian/Amy)

“Indeed/agreed.” (All voices including the ones that didn’t speak)

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A/N: So now we know his race.

Why they would fear it, you may all guess. For now enjoy just knowing his race name.

(A Dreadling isn't only a young member of their race and is of various ages. Being a male is apparently significant. They have a possible evolution to become a Dreadlord.)