After the third wave of Hearthstone goblins had been cleared and the spoils secured, I couldn't ignore the strange pull deep beneath the cavern. I felt something in there, more powerful and more vicious. Felix, Karl, and Igor geared up again, each of them armoured in upgraded gear already slightly enhanced by the early Heartstones.
At the cavern's far end, hidden behind a cracked obsidian wall, we found a spiral stairway—sinking further into the darkness below. Mana pulsed through the stones, thicker and more vibrant than before.
As we descended, a system notification blinked:
🔥 Dungeon Dive: Heartstone Cavern – Second Floor 🔥
At the second floor, the lower cavern opened into a vast underground forest — trees glowing faintly with blue mana, thick mist swirling around the roots.
In the mist, we spotted hulking shadows — Heartstone Beasts, their forms mutated from the ambient magic. Some were goblins twisted larger with spiked arms. Others were mana wolves, their fur glowing and their claws razor-sharp. And roaming deeper still... A Heartstone Troll, easily twice the size of a normal one, with black crystal armour fused into its skin.
Felix whistled low. "Looks like the system's not playing fair anymore."
I grinned. "Good. I needed a real workout." I activated the Magical Book I had purchased from the Guardian Screen the night before. Bound in silver threads, etched with runes, it floated in front of me when summoned. I unleashed a new spell immediately: "Earthen Grasp" — thick roots of enchanted earth shot out from the ground, locking three Heartstone wolves in place.
Felix picked them off cleanly with his rifle, while Karl and Igor flanked the sides, cutting down any that escaped. Every time one fell, a familiar blue spark surged toward me — and my Guardian Screen dinged happily:
+200 EXP
+250 EXP
+300 EXP...
Level Up! Holy crap! This was an amazing level; with this, I'll be an overpowered ML. I smirked as my mana expanded rapidly inside me, swirling like a second heart. I could feel new spells crackling just at my fingertips.
"Keep it up!" I shouted, grinning as I unleashed another spell:
"Flame Lance" — a massive spear of condensed fire that tore through three mutated goblins in one explosive burst.
The ground trembled at the force. Felix laughed. "You've gotten cocky, Boss."
"Just getting warmed up," I said, and summoned another spell from the Codex:
"Radiant Shield" — a wall of blinding golden light that deflected a volley of mana projectiles shot by goblin shamans deeper in the mist.
The Heartstone Troll lumbered toward us, roaring with enough force to shake the trees. Its heartstone, embedded deep in its chest, was huge — easily the size of a small shield — and it pulsed angrily with every step.
"This one's mine!" I shouted.
Felix and the others pulled back, forming a defensive perimeter as I charged in. And I struck hard with Flame Lance, one after another, targeting the growing cracks around its Heartstone. "Take that, bitches!" The troll swung wildly but weakened under the magical assault.
Finally, with a cry of power, I drove my sword into the cracked Heartstone, releasing a massive shockwave of pure mana. The troll fell backward with a ground-shaking crash. After the battle, Karl and Igor moved quickly, gathering Heartstone shards and cores. I could already imagine the incredible weapons and gear we could forge from this. Felix clapped me on the shoulder. "You're starting to look like a real lord," he said with a smirk. "Or maybe something more."
I just smiled. The Divine Tree, the Fruit of Eternity, the Heartstone Cavern — everything was building toward something greater. And I had no plans of slowing down.
A few days later, the construction of the magic tower foundation was almost done. The tower was no ordinary structure. I envisioned a towering spire—woven with magical threads, each imbued with the essence of the Divine Tree—its foundation deep and rooted into the soil, brimming with arcane power.
Ella and Elvie had already gathered a handful of the best magical artisans in town—wizards, mages, and rune smiths, all excited to contribute their talents to the project. They had worked tirelessly, and the foundation had already been laid. Now, I needed to lead them in crafting something that would anchor the village's magical prowess. We began with the Mana Conductor Crystals, rare and powerful shards we'd harvested from the Heartstone Beasts. These crystals would serve as the heart of the tower, channelling mana and amplifying magic within a hundred-mile radius.
With the help of Felix and Karl, I oversaw the installation of the crystal veins that would run throughout the tower, ensuring an unyielding flow of power. The ancient rune circles began to glow under the moonlight as the structure started to hum with latent energy.
"We'll need to add anti-magic shields for security," Felix remarked, inspecting the crystal chambers.
"Absolutely," I replied as I planned what to buy next from the Guardian system, "If there's one thing I've learnt, it's that power attracts more than just allies."
With the tower's design nearly complete, it stood half-finished but already awe-inspiring. The height of the structure was overwhelming, and I knew that its presence alone would make any neighbouring kingdom take notice.
The next morning, as the final touches on the Magic Tower were being made, a rumbling carriage arrived at the gates of the village. The horses were strong and sleek, but it was the carriage itself that drew my attention: a sacred vessel, adorned with holy symbols. The Saintess Athena had arrived.
I greeted her personally at the gates, my guards forming a respectful line as she stepped out, her long silver hair flowing behind her and her white robes billowing as if touched by the wind itself. Her serene aura contrasted sharply with the growing tension I could feel around us.
"Lord Dirk," Athena said, bowing with grace. "I apologise for the sudden visit. I come not just as a Saintess but as a desperate plea for your help."
I led her into my office inside the manor. The room was still busy with workers, but it cleared quickly as they realised who had arrived. "Please, sit," I said, gesturing toward the large wooden table and motioning for the tea and biscuit on the table. "What brings you here, Saintess?"
Saintess Athena took a deep breath and placed her hands on the table, her usually calm demeanour faltering.
"It is about my father."
Her voice quivered, though she fought to maintain composure. "He is dying, and his magic has been severed. He has been cursed. His condition is worsening by the day, and none of our healers or mages can lift the curse."
I leaned forward, my brow furrowing. "Severed magic?" I echoed. "But how...?"
Athena's eyes hardened, her voice dropping to a whisper. "A dark alchemist. One who knows the forbidden arts—someone with power rivalling that of the ancient gods. It was King Edward's arrogance that led him to seek such power. He sought a way to extend his life, but instead, he has been cursed to wither away. His magic has been drained, and now, he is slowly dying."
I felt a chill run down my spine. If what she said was true, this could explain the rise of dark magic and corruption in the kingdom. King Edward was more than just a king—he was a magical anchor, and without his power, the kingdom would fall into chaos.
"I am asking you," Athena continued, looking directly into my eyes, "to help lift the curse on my father. I have no other options. The kingdom is in peril, and he is the last barrier before it all crumbles into darkness."
I stayed silent for a long moment, absorbing her words. This was no simple task. To heal a curse of this magnitude... It would require immense power—power that might only be available within the Heartstone Cavern or even the depths of the Divine Tree.
"I cannot do this alone," I said quietly. "But I may know a way. The Heartstone Cavern holds great power, and my land has been touched by forces that can heal and empower. If I can tap into that energy, perhaps there is a way to save him."
Saintess Athena's eyes softened, her hope reigniting. "I will follow your lead, Lord Dirk. Anything you ask, I will do."
New quest available: YES/NO
Of course I tapped yes.
Quest: Save the king
Reward: None
What the heck? None? I frowned at the woman, looking at her worried face. I know in my heart that I need to help, reward or no reward.
Saintess Athena stood, her graceful form shifting into a more determined stance.
"You have my word, Lord Dirk. I will aid you in any way possible, and I trust your abilities. My father's life is in your hands."
With the quest now on my plate, I felt the weight of the task ahead. If I succeeded, the Kingdom could be saved, but if I failed, it could trigger the fall of the realm into eternal darkness. I knew one thing for certain: the power I was beginning to wield would be tested like never before.