Chapter 26 – Expansion of the Bastion.

Three days passed quickly in the Second Circle.

On the morning of the fourth day, Diana and Rhea walked to Master Volkan's workshop to pick up the final results of the legendary forge.

When the four-armed old demon pulled back the leather cloth covering the pieces on the anvil, even the warm workshop air seemed to crackle with the magical energy contained in the Level 25+ materials.

1. Crystal and Magic Silver Chestplate (For Diana): The dark steel light armor was now laced with glowing threads of Asmodeus's Magic Silver. The arcane symbols engraved on the chest emitted a constant bluish and silver pulse. (Physical Defense +25, Magic Resistance +15%, MP Regen +15%, Minimum Level 10).

2. Lust Silk Cloak & Polished Daggers (For Rhea): An overcoat and cloak crafted from silver arcane silk that seemed to flow like water, paired with the corrosive daggers fitted with plated silver hilts. (Agility +3, Footstep Concealment +40%, Stealth Damage +20%).

With the bonus from the new overcoat, Rhea's Agility jumped to an impressive 31 points.

Diana put on the new chestplate, feeling the density of the magic protection envelope her body like a second skin.

"Flawless work, Master Volkan." Diana said, adjusting the silver buckles.

"'Flawless' is an understatement, girl!" Volkan laughed aloud, crossing his arms. "These pieces will last you until you hit Level 20 without a single scratch!"

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Mercenaries' Guild Headquarters - East Sector

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After leaving the workshop, Diana and Rhea headed to the Mercenaries' Guild Headquarters to register an expedition into the East Sector Crystal Catacombs (Level 14-16 Dungeon).

However, upon arriving at the registration window, the clerk informed them of a specific rule for that dungeon:

"The second floor of the Crystal Catacombs requires the simultaneous activation of four pressure runes at the boss gate." The clerk explained. "A minimum party of four hunters is required to progress beyond the first floor."

Diana furrowed her brows. She and Rhea were only two.

She turned to the guild notice board, looking for independent duos seeking a temporary party.

And that was when her eyes locked onto a pair of rookies whispering near a stone pillar:

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[HUNTER ANALYSIS VIA ANALYSIS VISION]

1. Kael (Level 10): Class: Shield Guardian. (Mediocre Stats: Strength 10 / Vitality 12). Equipped with a worn iron shield and a timid posture.

2. Lyra (Level 10): Class: Support Priestess. (Mediocre Stats: Intelligence 11 / Wisdom 9). Equipped with a simple wooden staff, highly dedicated, but clumsy.

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The two were the exact textbook definition of mediocre low-level hunters. Their stats were weak, their gear was outdated, and they looked visibly insecure around the guild's elite hunters.

Yet Diana had noticed something different about those two.

While other duos bickered over money or rejected tough tasks, Kael and Lyra reviewed their supplies with extreme discipline, maintaining a respectful, attentive demeanor, showing an impeccable willingness to obey orders from more experienced hunters.

Weak stats can be improved through training and gear… Diana calculated rapidly, her dark eyes glittering. …but discipline and blind obedience to orders are rare. If I put these two under my [Aura of Arcane Domain], they could turn into an excellent frontline and support for the Arcane Greed Faction.

Diana walked up to the duo, with Rhea at her side.

"You two." Diana said, her voice crisp and laden with authority.

Kael and Lyra flinched, turning quickly. Seeing Diana clad in gleaming armor of crystal and magic silver, accompanied by Rhea in her silvery overcoat, the famous Arcane Greed Duo, the two nearly dropped their staffs onto the floor in shock.

"C-Commander Diana!" Kael stammered, bowing his head in deep respect. "Y-Yes?!"

"We need two more people to trigger the pressure runes in the Level 14 Crystal Catacombs." Diana said plainly. "You're coming with us. The loot split will be 70% for our faction and 30% for you. My combat orders are absolute. Do you accept?"

Kael and Lyra looked at each other, their eyes wide with unbelievable joy. For two mediocre individuals who struggled to find parties, being invited on an expedition led by Diana was a golden opportunity.

"We accept! We absolutely accept, Commander!" Lyra said enthusiastically, giving an exaggerated bow that nearly caused her to trip over her skirt.

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East Crystal Catacombs Entrance (Level 14-16)

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Diana paid the 4-person party permit fee at the gate.

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[PARTY LICENSE PAYMENT]

- 4-Person Party Permit: -1 Silver Coin and 50 Bronze Coins (150 Bronze).

[TEMPORARY POCKET BALANCE: 30 SILVER COINS (3,000 Bronze)]

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As soon as they crossed the first floor's stone gates, Diana activated her class skill:

AURA OF ARCANE DOMAIN!

A wave of bluish-silver light expanded from Diana's body, enveloping Rhea, Kael, and Lyra in a 15-meter radius.

Kael and Lyra let out a shocked gasp.

Diana's aura boosted Lyra's Magic Damage by +15%, Kael's Movement Speed by +20%, and granted a mana regen bonus to the entire party. The two felt their bodies turn light, strong, and brimming with magical energy they had never experienced in their lives.

"M-My God…" Kael looked down at his iron shield. "What incredible aura is this…? I feel twice as fast!"

"Heads up!" Diana ordered, drawing her dark steel dagger. "Six Crystal Golems (Level 14) approaching from the left!"

The gigantic monsters of glowing rock charged forward.

"Kael! Three steps to the left, plant your shield, and block the first one's charge!" Diana commanded with surgical precision. "Lyra! Protection Barrier on Kael's shoulder right now!"

Kael and Lyra didn't hesitate for a single millisecond.

Kael took the exact three steps ordered by Diana and drove his shield into the ground. Lyra cast her barrier spell at the exact second of impact.

BOOM!

The rookie's shield absorbed the direct impact of the Level 14 Golem without breaking formation.

"RHEA, EXECUTE!"

PHANTOM STEP!

Rhea turned into a streak of silver shadow with Agility 31, appearing directly behind the golems' backs. Her corrosive daggers sliced through the beasts' energy cores like butter.

CRUNCH! CRUNCH!

Diana fired two charged Arcane Arrows from medium range, destroying the two remaining golems.

Combat lasted less than three minutes. Flawless clear.

Kael and Lyra stared at the dead monsters on the floor with open mouths. They had never fought with such ease, safety, and coordination in their lives. Diana's orders were so crisp and flawless it felt as though she were reading the battlefield's future.

"You two executed orders with precision." Diana said, her voice calm. "Good job."

Kael and Lyra flushed with pride upon hearing Diana's praise, lifting their heads with a far more confident posture.

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Three hours later, after triggering the four pressure runes on the second floor and defeating the dungeon boss, the East Crystal Guardian (Level 15), the group emerged victorious from the catacombs.

The total loot collected from the dungeon tallied 12 Silver Coins.

Diana made the promised split upon exiting the dungeon:

- Arcane Greed Faction Share (70%): +8 Silver Coins and 50 Bronze.

- Kael & Lyra Duo Share (30%): +3 Silver Coins and 50 Bronze.

Kael and Lyra stared at the three silver coins and fifty bronze in their hands with tears of emotion in their eyes. They had never made so much money on a single expedition in their entire lives in Hell.

"Commander Diana…" Kael bowed deeply, his eyes red with gratitude. "We have never been treated with so much respect by a party leader. Thank you so much!"

"Thank you so much, Commander!" Lyra gave a cheerful bow, adjusting her wooden staff.

Diana looked at the two of them.

Kael was humble, disciplined, and maintained a flawless shield stance when instructed. Lyra was dedicated, fast in support response, and immensely grateful.

Diana crossed her arms, observing the attentive rookie pair staring at her with eyes filled with sincere admiration.

Inside, a warm, amused feeling filled Diana's chest.

She found the dedicated eagerness and enthusiasm of those two unexpectedly… adorable. They looked like two eager puppies trying their best to please her.

They're weak now… Diana thought, hiding any sign of affection on her face. …but with my training, my workshop's consumables, and Master Volkan's armor, they'll become a flawless frontline for the Arcane Greed Faction.

"Do you two have plans tomorrow morning?" Diana asked in a calm tone.

Kael and Lyra shook their heads rapidly. "None, Commander!"

"Then report to the Arcane Greed Commercial Stall in the Central Plaza at eight in the morning." Diana declared, adjusting her crystal chestplate. "I am hiring you both as official probationary members of my faction. You will receive combat training, better equipment, and a fixed salary in silver coins."

Kael and Lyra froze in shock for two seconds… and let out a shout of joy mixed with emotional crying in front of the guild, hugging each other in celebration.

"We accept! We will be the most loyal members of your faction, Commander Diana!" Kael promised with conviction.

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[FULL FINANCIAL AUDIT]

Previous Balance: 31 Silver Coins and 50 Bronze.

Party Dungeon License: -1 Silver Coin and 50 Bronze.

Subtotal: 30 Silver Coins.

DUNGEON LOOT SHARE (70%): +8 Silver Coins and 50 Bronze.

[NEW ABSOLUTE NET WORTH: 38 SILVER COINS AND 50 BRONZE COINS (3,850 Bronze! / Nearly 4 Gold Coins!)]

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Nearly thirty-nine silver coins accumulated in the vault.

Back at the duplex apartment at the Ivory & Silk Residence, Diana and Rhea were preparing dinner while chatting about integrating Kael and Lyra into the group.

—Look at you…

The System's voice teased in Diana's head, the interface floating with laughing text.

—First you adopted a wolf, then you became friends with the Level 118 elf, and now you've adopted two clumsy rookies for your faction! Are you setting up a charity shelter or a villain faction, Diana?

"Shut the fuck up, trash can." Diana replied mentally, taking a sip of her juice. "It's operational asset expansion. With Kael and Lyra on the team, we can clear Level 16 dungeons at double speed."

Rhea looked at Diana from across the table and smiled, knowing full well that Diana was loving the idea of having a real team.

Final Notes:

Two more potential allies for Diana! And hehehe, the harem will begin at some point in this, stay tuned.

Any support is welcome <3