"Hold!"

My words echoed throughout the hallway like a god from above commanding... Eh, forget it. I won't get into politics.

My Quasi Denizens halt their advance and withdrew their weapon. The group splattered on the wall looked around dumbfounded as they try to find the source of the voice.

"You guys really put up a fight. A bit downplayed compared to what I am used to, but you guys fought well."

I teleported myself in front of the group and took off my mask.

"Who are you?"

Surprisingly, it was a mage next to the glasses girl who spoke first.

"Call me Verden, Verden Kyler. You're in my domain, please to meet ya."

"This... Is your... Home?"

"You could call it that, your name kid?"

I address the mage, he appears to be sixteen.

"Kid? Me?"

He better not...

"Yes, you. Kid."

My eye narrowed and my Denizens behind me tensed.

Glasses girl elbow the mage and introducted herself first.

"Pardon us Verden Kyler, my name is Naida and this rude one here is Arthur. We are from the Exploration Guild sent to investigate a tear the dimension. I believe the tear, or more accurately, portal lead us directly to here."

That checks out, no one can enter here without a portal.

"And where did you find this portal?"

"In the meadow outfields of Dundi."

I've already closed the portal, it appears to be the only one and it is tied to Dundi. So that checks out. Now that I think about it... I was tinkering about with the system when I first started out here, so it isn't that far off for me to overlook a portal.

"I see, now then. Allow me to provide you some reparations."

"?!"

"We're... Healed? When?"

I fully restored their health and whatever stats they use. I don't need some flashy light magic to restore anything, just a simple I command it and poof! Done.

"Just now, and... Let us chat a bit more."

I cleared the room of my Denizens and materialize a long table you might see at a banquet along with chairs.

The explorers appeared to be crossed eye at what I just did. Still they complied.

"Food? Drink?"

Everyone shake their heads.

"Very well, now tell me Naida. Since you've been tasked with exploring these ruins... What do you typically gain from doing such a thing?"

Naida frowned and readjust her glasses.

"Well... Looting..."

That was to be expected.

"I see. I would feel bad to send you back without any gains. However, as much as this is my fault... Tt is also yours for trying to intrude on my domain, I'll show you a place where you can obtain wealth and power."

"Huh?"

They looked even more crossed eye.

"But! You'll have to obtain those yourself. I won't make it rain loot for you. Do you accept?"

One of the warriors, the burly guy with that boar charging thing place two hands on the table.

"What's the catch?"

"Good question, the place is well known for it's high rewards, but high risk. I believe it is best if you see it yourself."

"How do we know it is not a trap?"

"I will not let you die, even if you were to die. Aside from that, I won't be interfering with your enjoyment. So... Do you accept?"

The burly warrior looked at Naida with an eyebrow raised. Arthur simply shrugged.

"... Anybody object to sir Verden's offer?"

The entire group appears to be lost, but seeing my abilities I think they believe in me. Somewhat.

Naida pushed the chair up and stands up.

"Very well, we accept your offer."

I smiled.

"Excellent, to the Hollowed Chapel."