Chapter 28: The Hidarus Challenge [Part 1]
"Greetings, Dungeon Master Jordan! As you can probably guess, my name is Hidarus and I'm the God in charge of the Dungeons! I heard that you already met Goddess Mera, who just so happens to be my sister! Mera helps me run and maintain the Dungeon Systems across Orune. However, to make sure that our efforts are not wasted, new Dungeons must be tested on their fifth day of operation. Thus, you will now be subjected to the Hidarus Challenge", Hidarus said.
I quickly got up and sat on the floor. This was the first time that I saw Hidarus but I knew that he was strong just from looking at him. He had black hair and wore an eyepatch over his right eye. His left eye was red and possibly magical, as it had a large, moving magic circle in it. He had the beard that you would expect from a warrior and a body that had just the right amount of muscle. He was currently sitting in a comfortable chair while wearing some type of royal attire. I could tell that he was not only a handsome fellow but a charismatic one. With a personality like that, it's not surprising that he's friends with the Overlord Of Hell.
However, before I got the chance to talk to him, Hidarus recognized some of my companions.
"Is that Vrudius and Helora? How are you guys doing? I haven't seen you guys since the fall of Demon King Quill! If the Holy Hunter didn't end Quill's life with the blessed sword, we might have been able to have his soul present in D2. Not only that but I see that you have recruited one of Apollo's sons. Krotos, The Griffin of Ice wasn't it? You could've already been an S rank if you didn't start a family with Elizabeth. However, your son Bruce seems like he has the potential to be as great as his grandfather", Hidarus stated casually
"Hidarus. You declared that we will be tested but when will we be subjected to the challenge?", I said.
"I'm not sure I understand your question, Dungeon Master Jordan. I already told you. The Hidarus challenge begins now. Even at this very moment, the mobs are being teleported, summoned, and directed toward your Dungeon. You have 7 minutes before they make it near the entrance. Please keep in mind that the penalty for failing this challenge is death. As for your companions, they will be subjected to reduced lifespans. Another thing. I'm an impartial God so I will be hitting you with mobs ranging from B+ rank all the way to A+ rank. We are not friends, Dungeon Master. We are acquaintances. Never forget this", Hidarus stated.
"Wait! Before you go, what's the reward for beating the challenge? Your book doesn't list the rewards!", I said.
"I would tell you but you have bigger things to worry about. I'll be watching, Master Jordan", Hidarus smirked.
The hologram transmission ended, as the Dungeon's system alerted us about the beginning of the challenge, as well as the incoming hostiles that were appearing around the grassland. Numerous alerts were popping up left and right:
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[ALERT!]
The Hidarus Challenge Has Begun. Beginning the Assigned Protocol and System Configuration.
Scanning For Potential Hostiles And Warning all Dungeon Mobs...
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[ALERT!]
Multiple Behemoth Class Creatures Have Been Sighted.
[ALERT!]
Multiple A rank Creatures Have Been Detected.
[ALERT!]
A Large Number Of Hostiles Are Present In The Grassland.
[ALERT!]
Creatures Carrying Rare Artifacts Have Been Detected
[ALERT!]
Dungeon Preparedness level Has Not Been Met. Dungeon Member Assistance Required.
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"I can taste the valuable souls, Master Jordan. It's time to shine, my friend", Vargoz said.
"Shit! Shit! Shit! I didn't expect him to start the challenge so soon! I thought we had more time! We are not prepared for the challenge yet! I still need to set up some of the defenses!", Orai panicked.
"Really? This is a pretty common thing for Hidarus to do. I mean, he is the God Of War after all. He likes Violence and Chaos, despite his charismatic personality. Why do you think the Demons like him so much?", Helora said.
"We don't have time to talk about it! We need to set up our positions and fast! It seems that everyone needs to be on the front lines for this battle. I also need someone to help me guard the Core Room since I'm still a C+ at the moment. If it's okay with Jordan and Orai, I'm willing to make some suggestions", Vrudius said.
While Vrudius was currently stuck in a C+ vessel of a body, his mind was still an S+ rank. Since he specialized in the efficient and effective use of his powers and troops, his opinion on how to manage our forces was appreciated. We also had Helora, who was one of the smartest Demons in Orune. While Vrudius specialized in things regarding military tactics, Helora had advanced knowledge about most things in Orune. It was one of the reasons that she was granted the chance to be Quill's concubine, other than her attractive succubus appeal.
With everyone looking at me with hope, it was hard not to collapse under the pressure. However, if strategy games have taught me anything, it's that you have to prepare for the unexpected. After I got up from sitting on the floor, I decided to give them a short speech to not only calm them down but to calm down myself.
"I have obtained you wonderful, somewhat overpowered companions over the last 5 days. However, a bigger and more ambitious goal has been consistently on my mind since I started my time as a Dungeon Master. I want to make the most Overpowered Dungeon in Orune. But, I need your help to accomplish that. I'm an Omnimoral Dungeon Master so I may sometimes come across as evil, a hero, or something in-between. However, I can promise you one thing that will never change. Every member, every mob, every brick, every stone, and everything in-between is important to me. So when I ask you to risk your life for this Dungeon, I'm not doing it out of selfishness. No, my friends. I'm asking you to save a home that views you as something more than tools. I know that we haven't even known each other for a week but if you save this Dungeon from destruction and help me protect my dream, I will do everything in my power to make sure that you love this Dungeon as much as I do. I will always value your opinion as if you were the family I never had. That's a Dungeon Master's promise and I'll happily sign it in blood", I stated.
After I gave the short speech, everyone seemed to be in higher spirits. Since we were low on time, I told them to teleport to their preferred positions in the Dungeon until we have time to rearrange the formation of the members. However, before we all teleported to our preferred destinations, I told them the guidelines that they had to follow if they were going to fight for the Dungeon.
"The kills need to be nice, they need to be clean, and they need to be effective! If we are going to survive this challenge, it will require us to be smart with our abilities! You can be fancy but don't be too fancy! And of course, make sure you enjoy yourself in the process! You are dismissed!", I shouted.
As Orai and I stayed in the Core Room with Vrudius, I pondered over that phrase.
"Nice, Clean, Effective."
I think that's my favorite phrase now.
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