At the entrance to the Imperial Dungeon's First Floor.
Greg emerged from a concealed passage, gently brushed the dust off his robes, then raised his head and took a deep breath of the Dungeon's air.
A faint mineral scent and the fragrance of earth filled the air, mingled with the unique magical fluctuations found only in a Dungeon.
That familiar air sent the power granted by his Dungeon talent surging joyfully through his body, as though every cell were cheering.
"Finally home!"
He stretched comfortably, feeling that everything was wonderful.
Nightmare's voice drifted through his mind, carrying a hint of sarcasm:
"I still prefer thy old, defiant self. Back then, thou wouldst not have waxed so sentimental merely upon entering a Dungeon."
Greg said, "That's normal. Sometimes humans can't even relate to who they were a second ago."
"But thou art a demigod now."
"So what? Does being a demigod mean I can lose touch with the masses? Clearly, you've never experienced the power of eating your own words."
Only after their bickering did Greg begin to examine his surroundings carefully.
The Dungeon's entrance area was a broad, naturally formed circular cavern. Its vaulted ceiling stood several yards high, and pale blue crystal lamps embedded in the stone walls lit the entire space as brightly as day.
But Greg soon noticed that the entire entrance area was deserted. Apart from him, there wasn't a single person in sight.
He froze for a moment, then called out tentatively, "Ellie? Are you here?"
"..."
No answer.
Only his own voice echoed a few times through the empty hall before fading into the depths of the passage.
An ominous feeling rose in Greg's heart.
That stupid maid didn't actually go deeper into the Dungeon all by herself, did she?
He raised his voice