Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

Chapter 931- Invitation for the Tea Party

"A great item" Simon was in awe.

The [Giant Crystal] was one of the key items that his dungeon needed and was something that would make it even stronger.

 His mind raced, if he could harvest more of this crystal and incorporate that into the Breeding Pen that Coleus created, he would be able to create giant mutated beasts that were not only able to use elemental powers but were twice the size of normal.

Thus making them more fiercer and stronger.

With the recent invasion, Simon was made aware that no matter how many or what kind of beasts he spawned to guard his floors, they were all tantamount to ants in front of pure might.

They weren't able to create any waves against the three kings. In the future, there would be more opponents or even stronger knocking on his door, at that time, he would need stronger monsters and guardians to defend his dungeon.

And the [Giant Crystal] was one of the ways. There was one thing though, when he observed the crystal with [Appraisal], he was able to find a big drawback about this item.

The power of becoming a giant is so steep that it burns through the user's life force at an alarming rate.

While they gain immense power, their lifespan is drastically shortened, living years or even decades less than they otherwise would. The stronger the individual becomes, the more life force the stone consumes, shortening their life with each transformation.

Simon frowned, this was a big negative point. The Giant Crystal was no doubt a powerful item but the cost was high too.

He pondered for a moment, before shrugging it off. There was no gain without risk, the greater the drawback the greater the potential.

Even the mutation crystal had its own drawbacks, compared to it, the giant crystal was nothing.

Simon was sure that if he gave this item to Colues, he would find a way to increase the strength of the spawned monsters.

Storing the stone in his space ring, Simon looked around the pond. He had already discovered several treasures in this place, but he had a feeling that there was more to be found.

Just as he was about to die in, from the corner of his eyes he saw a blue figure and the beautiful scent that she brought along with her.

"You've awoken?" he lifted his head and saw Irene standing nearby.

A pair of azure blue eyes was quietly looking at him. She was wearing a noble blue dress with phoenix embroidery. While it covered her body, the slits and curves of the dress revealed a lovely and well protortioned body that was seemingly perfect.

Her long and lustrous hair was currently scattered and wet. They landed behind her bottom like a waterfall, giving off endless allure.

At this moment, she seemed to be releasing a languid aura that was very much unlike her, making it seemingly irresistible not to stare. This caused Simon's heart to pound for various reasons.

 "You look different" Simon spoke out his thoughts.

"How so?" Irene simply smiled, folded her dress and nonchalantly sat next to him. She was so close that their shoulders were practically touching.

 Simon was absentminded by her action for a second before replying "You have become more beautiful".

It was not a lie, usually an ice queen like her refrained from coming too close to anyone or initiating skin contact like this. And even if she did, it was during special occasions or events.

You would seldom find this icy fairy emitting such a languid and defenceless aura. The contrast was so much that even Simon who knew her well by now, had to take a good look at her to see if it really was her.

Her current change was not simply a matter of external beauty but something that arose from within.

More precisely, it was her aura, her demeanour. If previously she acted like a noble icy fairy who disdained the mundane world, then right now she looked like an earthly fairy who grew to love the world, amiable and so soul stirringly beautiful.

Irene simply smiled in response to his flattery and said "Stop looking, there is still a mountain of work waiting for you"…

"What do you mean?"…

"A Letter arrived at the White Palace by tearing through space while you were away" Irene handed him the letter. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"This is…" Simon put on his serious face, the reason was because the sender as written in a big dark red letter read… Lilith.

The Demon Lord of Lust and master of three Great Dungeons that still exist today. Someone he thought he would not come in contact with until later in the future when he grew plenty strong, had sent him a letter.

Even if it was not directly her, the fact that it had her name, meant that it came from the side of the Demon Lord of Lust.

Why would she send him a letter?

Simon hesitated for a moment as he stared down at the letter in his hand. The parchment felt strange. It wasn't made from any ordinary material and faintly shimmered with an unknown energy.

Even though the letter was stationary, it emanated a faint pulse as though alive. Simon ran his fingers across the dark red wax seal, which bore the intricate crest of Lilith, the Demon Lord of Lust.

With a sharp tug, he broke the seal and opened the letter. As soon as he unfolded the parchment, a faint, exotic scent wafted into the air.

It was bewitching, seductive, just like the Demon Lord herself. Simon's expression grew even more serious as he began to read.

 **

Dear Simon, Demon Marquess of the Ghastly Winding Forest. So, it seems you've been making quite the name for yourself lately, hmm? I've been hearing your name whispered in places you might not even know exist. A rising star, they say! Hmmm, you must be quite something.