Chapter 118: The Dungeon Is Open For Public (part 2)

Chapter 118: Chapter 118: The Dungeon Is Open For Public (part 2)

Kaelira turned toward him. "Take control? Are they going to claim your dungeon as their own?"

"Not exactly." Ragnar rested one massive hand against the armrest of his throne. "They want to regulate access, collect entry fees, and manage the adventurers who come here. From their perspective, the dungeon is a valuable resource. If they can establish a system for controlling the flow of adventurers, they’ll be able to generate a steady income from it."

His expression remained calm as he watched the officials continue their work.

’This might actually work in my favor.’

Ragnar’s glowing eyes narrowed slightly as he considered the situation.

More importantly, Lufast City had far greater connections and resources than Hetin Town. Once its officials formally recognized the dungeon and began promoting expeditions, adventurers from other towns and cities might start arriving as well.

Ragnar did not need to spend his own resources spreading rumors. The humans were willing to do it for him.

’Go ahead and build your little office. Put up your signs, establish your regulations, and invite as many adventurers as you can. The more people you bring here, the better it will be for me.’

He almost felt like thanking them.

Of course, there was one small problem.

The officials still believed they understood the dungeon’s threat level.

----

One of official stood behind the newly assembled reception counter, inspecting the wooden surface with a satisfied expression.

"Good. This should be enough for now. Once the registration procedures are finalized, we can begin accepting adventurers officially. We should also send notices to the surrounding towns so that more parties learn about this place."

Another official nodded. "Agreed. The sooner we establish a steady flow of adventurers, the sooner we can begin generating revenue. If the dungeon proves profitable, the city lord will undoubtedly approve further investment."

"And the Tier 2 classification should be sufficient to get things started."

With the preparations nearly complete, the officials began putting their plans into action. They posted notices throughout Hetin Town, sent reports to Lufast City, and dispatched messengers to nearby settlements to announce the dungeon’s official opening.

They also established the entrance fee at ten silver coins per person, with the revenue to be divided according to the agreement between the kingdom, Lufast City, and Hetin Town.

Within a few days, the situation changed dramatically.

The first groups to arrive were adventurers from nearby Town. Some came because they had heard stories about the treasures hidden within the dungeon, while others were interested in testing their abilities against its monsters.

Then, adventurers from more distant towns began arriving.

Carriages carrying armed men and women rolled into Hetin Town throughout the day. Groups wearing distinctive armor and displaying their guild emblems could be seen entering the streets, while adventurers carrying large weapons gathered in taverns to exchange information about the dungeon.

Some came in search of treasure, others wanted to challenge themselves, and a few had heard rumors about the possibility of discovering a previously unexplored dungeon.

As the news spread, even famous adventurers and established adventurer groups began taking an interest.

The dungeon’s reputation was growing faster than the officials had anticipated.

And the first place every adventurer had to visit was the entrance hall.

The once-quiet chamber was now filled with people.

Some adventurers wore expensive armor adorned with magical runes, while others carried simple weapons that had clearly seen years of use. The hall had become a gathering place for people from different backgrounds, all brought together by the same opportunity.

The noise was almost constant.

"Does anyone need a swordsman? I’m Level 18, and I have two offensive skills!"

"We need a healer! Our previous healer joined another group, and we’re leaving tomorrow morning. We’ll accept anyone who can keep up with us."

"Don’t waste your time joining a random party. I heard the goblin village has enchanted equipment hidden inside. If we can find another experienced mage, we can clear it quickly and split the rewards!"

"Is that so? My group is looking for a mage as well. We already have two frontliners and an archer, but we need someone with fire magic."

"Fire magic? You’re going to need more than that if you’re planning to explore the deeper areas. My friend said the monsters near the goblin village are much stronger than the ones at the entrance."

Conversations overlapped as adventurers searched for suitable companions. Some examined the information posted on the notice boards, while others gathered around people who had already explored the dungeon and tried to learn as much as possible about its layout.

The reception counter was just as busy.

"Ten silver coins per person," a receptionist explained to a party standing in front of the counter. "Once your payment is confirmed, you’ll receive an entry token. Keep it with you during your expedition. When you return, present the token here so we can record your departure and update our records."

One of the adventurers frowned at the fee.

"Ten silver per person? That’s not cheap. If we bring a party of six, that’s sixty silver before we’ve even killed a single monster."

The receptionist remained professional. "The fee is established by Lufast City. If you believe the dungeon isn’t worth the expense, you’re free not to enter. However, several parties have already returned with valuable materials and equipment, so the city expects the dungeon to offer sufficient rewards for properly prepared adventurers."

The man clicked his tongue but eventually paid.

The officials of Lufast City watched the growing crowds with barely concealed satisfaction.

The arrival of one particular group was about to cause an even greater commotion.

"Hey, look! Isn’t that the Crimson Fang?"

"You’re right! It really is them!"

"The Crimson Fang? The top three adventurer groups in Lufast City? What are they doing here?"

The conversations throughout the entrance hall suddenly grew louder. Adventurers who had been busy recruiting party members turned toward the enormous doorway, while several people abandoned their conversations to get a better look. Even the receptionist behind the counter raised her head, momentarily forgetting the documents she had been organizing.

A group of adventurers had just entered the hall.