18. Dungeon

In the world of Light’s Conquest, dungeons are a natural yet perilous phenomenon, manifesting under extraordinary circumstances. These structures form when genetically distinct flower species crossbreed naturally for survival or environmental adaptation. This rare event generates an immense burst of mana energy, creating a dungeon. The magnitude of energy released determines the dungeon’s complexity, including the number of floors it contains. Within these dungeons, the abundant mana spawns monstrous entities known as magical beasts, posing a significant threat to the surrounding regions.

“A... a dungeon?” Richard stammered, his voice trembling with disbelief.

The tension in the room thickened as all eyes turned to Ravenna. Priest James leaned forward, his usually composed demeanor now tinged with alarm. “A dungeon, Your Highness? Is this true?”

Ravenna’s lips curled into a confident smile as she answered, her voice steady and authoritative. “Yes, six months ago, a two-floor dungeon manifested beneath the northern coastal waters of this island.” She paused for effect, letting the gravity of her statement settle in before continuing. “The dungeon spawns Mira and Maverick Fish—both classified as magical beasts.”

The room fell into stunned silence. Richard, Sarah, Alice, Hughes, and James stared at Ravenna, their expressions a mix of shock and apprehension. The revelation explained the mysterious decline in fish stocks but also raised fears.

In this world, dungeons were among the most feared phenomena, responsible for more than half of all recorded deaths on the Eastern Continent. Magical beasts that emerged from dungeons often wreaked havoc on nearby populations, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. The very mention of a dungeon was enough to send cities into a state of emergency, with evacuations quickly organized.

However, as Ravenna elaborated, the specific circumstances of this dungeon offered a sliver of hope amidst the danger.

“you don’t have to worry, This dungeon,” Ravenna explained, “is an underwater formation, a type not uncommon in the vast oceans. These underwater dungeons are theorized by mage tower to occur more frequently than their land-based counterparts due to the ocean’s highly complex and evolving ecosystem. The continuous interbreeding of plant species in the deep sea likely results in the frequent emergence of dungeons.”

James, ever the scholar, nodded thoughtfully. “That would align with mage theories regarding the ocean’s capacity to host sophisticated ecosystems. A higher frequency of genetic crossbreeding would naturally lead to more mana bursts.”

Richard’s voice broke through the contemplative silence. “So… the fish are gone because of this dungeon?” he asked, still grappling with the implications.

Ravenna smirked, her commanding presence asserting itself once more. “Precisely. For generations, the fish that migrated from the northern waters were caught by our fishermen along Jola City’s southern coastline. But now…” She gestured to the map, tracing the migration route with her finger. “The Mira and Maverick magical beast fish spawned by the dungeon have been devouring the migrating schools of fish. As a result, our fishermen are left with only scraps of what once was a plentiful bounty.”

Her explanation painted a vivid picture of the situation. The underwater dungeon, though distant, was both a blessing and a curse. Its northern location, thousands of kilometers away from Jola City, ensured that no fishermen would accidentally encounter the magical beasts and face deadly attacks. Moreover, since magical beasts rarely stray far from their dungeons unless compelled by hunger or the presence of a more powerful predator, the beasts posed no immediate threat to Jola City’s coastline.

“So far,” Ravenna concluded, her tone measured, “we have seen no signs of these magical beasts near Jola City, which indicates that the migrating fish are satisfying their hunger. However, this stability is fragile. Should their food supply dwindle, they may venture farther south, posing a significant risk.”

James leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “This is quite the discovery, Your Highness. Both a danger and an opportunity, depending on how we address it.”

Sarah nodded vigorously in agreement, her mind already racing with strategies to mitigate the situation. Meanwhile, Richard sat frozen, still coming to terms with the revelation.

Ravenna, however, was unfazed. She exuded a sense of control, her gaze sharp and calculating. “This is not merely a problem,” she said with a hint of determination in her voice. “It’s an opportunity, one we cannot afford to squander.”

The room fell silent, the weight of her words hanging heavy in the air. Then, Ravenna’s smile widened, her tone turning almost playful. “Since the magical beasts are consuming our fish, why not turn the tables and eat them instead?”

Her suggestion caused an immediate stir. Richard blinked in confusion, leaning forward. “Huh… what do you mean?”

Ravenna’s eyes sparkled with purpose. “The Mira and Maverick Fish beasts are enormous—each the size of a horse. Catching just one would provide enough meat to sustain a family for weeks. If we organize a specialized magical beast fishing team, we could capture them and use them as a sustainable food source.”

The room erupted into murmurs of disbelief and skepticism. Hughes, being a battle hardened Knight stepped forward, his expression incredulous. “Insanity! Magical beasts are monsters! It takes multiple knights or skilled mercenaries to take down even one. And these are beasts spawned from a two-floor dungeon. That level of strength—”

Ravenna raised a hand, silencing him mid-sentence. She gestured to the map laid out on the table, her voice steady but firm. “Look here,” she said, pointing to the marked location of the dungeon. “This dungeon is unique. It’s situated far off the northern coastline, yet not too distant for us to reach. Its entrance is exposed, facing upward—a rarity among dungeons, which are typically hidden. If we play our cards right, we can set a trap for these creatures. They’ll swim right into it and meet their end without us having to risk our lives in direct combat.”

The room grew quiet as her words sank in. She continued, her confidence unwavering. “Unlike land-based magical beasts, these are aquatic. They cannot attack us on land. By using bait, we can lure them close and kill them without ever stepping into their waters. They’re predictable, driven by instinct, and easy to manipulate if we understand their patterns.”

James, stroked his beard thoughtfully. Richard, meanwhile, felt a bead of sweat roll down his temple. As a fisherman, he knew this task would likely fall on him and his peers.

James finally spoke, his tone measured. “It’s a bold idea, but it’s not entirely without merit. If we can successfully lure the magical beasts into a well-constructed trap, we could secure a stable food supply. Dungeons continually spawn new beasts to replace those that die, so the resource won’t be depleted. However…”

The priest’s words trailed off, and Alice, who had been quietly observing until now, picked up the thread. “However, the real issue is transport,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “Even if we manage to kill these beasts, transporting the meat to Jola City will be a logistical nightmare. Fish meat spoils quickly in Jola’s intense sun. A single round trip to the northern coastline by horseback takes an entire month. The sheer distance and the harsh desert climate make it nearly impossible to deliver fresh meat to the city.”

The room nodded collectively, acknowledging the immense challenge Alice had laid out. Jola Island, though vast and as large as a small kingdom, was primarily a barren desert with only one city—Jola City—perched on its southern coast. The journey to the northern coastline was grueling, fraught with harsh conditions and logistical hurdles.

Ravenna’s smirk deepened, her confidence unshaken despite the valid concerns. “You make an excellent point, Alice,” she said, her voice brimming with assurance. “But I have a solution for that.”

Her grin widened, a spark of ingenuity flashing in her eyes. The room leaned in, awaiting her next words with bated breath. Ravenna was a woman of action, and when she spoke with such conviction, it was impossible not to believe she had the answer.

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