Chapter 79: Enter The Dungeon
By the next morning, Stella had gone from inconsolable mess to openly theorizing about her condition.
Her theories included having caught some kind of parasite from trying food - succubi being manavores, eating was optional to them - being held back by Kir’s being sealed, and being held back by the Forbidding placed on Kir by his father, Maledict, the Duke of Heresy. The theory she kept coming back to though was-
"It’s gotta be because I’m still a virgin," she squeaked into her Kir’s hair. She was in her bat form and hiding on the back of Kir’s neck, hidden by the high collar of his gambeson.
"You’ve been free to find a partner. You’re the one being picky," Kir shot back quietly. "Now hush, I need to hear what’s going on."
Kir was presently standing with the Arcane Knights students in front of a large, unassuming structure in Norneau’s Middle District. Kir had passed it many times before, but not once did he think that a reality-bending dungeon was within its walls.
He’d assumed it was some sort of granary or armory at first glance, but now that he had a shot at closer inspection, he noticed the discrete passages that led down toward the lower district. That was the way adventurers came in if he had to guess. The heavy doors were all designed to be sealed from the outside.
Entering through the main gate, he saw that there were numerous defenses both mundane and magical, all pointed at a set of heavy iron doors.
Whatever was down there, it was obvious the focus was on keeping it down there.
"Now listen up," Knight Commander Tul said. Kir finally recalled his name when Kordia reminded him that it was Tul who had ordered her to profile demonkin. He could only imagine how uncomfortable she was standing mere meters from the man. "When you enter the dungeon... you will be confronted with monsters. Our goal is the midway base and no further. As there are six paths down, there will be six groups. Stay with your groups. Stay with your qualified adventurers," he gestured at the six adventurers to either side of him. "The Vice Commander and I will check on your progress." He took on a serious look. "There are always casualties in the dungeon. Do not become one of them. Dismissed."
He looked at each of the assigned group leaders. Unfortunately for Kir, Lugh was in charge of his group.
When he’d tried to ask the Vice Commander why, the answer he got was "It’s the Commander’s idea of helping overcome your differences." As much as he tried to argue his way out, he hadn’t been allowed to. Even when he went to Commander Tul.