Despoina returned several hours after the white salvation phoenix took flight, looking to examine the area where Wilheim had discovered the Dungeon Mana Core. As the crow flies it would have taken her two hours of continuous flying to get there, although the Salvation Of White Beginnings could not help but take some of her anger out on a few unsuspecting mutated beasts.

The things that Ru Luan Di had done to her in his previous life were unforgivable.

The Liver Of The Ginseng King could not refute this.

What had happened to her summoned companions, Wanderlich and Fua Long, not even Avahni or Sariel knew, although both refrained from prying, not desiring to bring up such a sensitive topic.

When Despoina returned, she could not help but examine the riverbank for traces of Ru Luan Di, glaring at the little ginseng king before landing softly beside her summoner. Sariel did not hesitate to raise her hand and gently stroke the pure white feathers of her Fragment Of Phoenix, smiling as Despoina leaned into her touch, soothing some of the worries she had within her Throne Of Distortion.

Sariel had discussed a few things with the white salvation phoenix for a few minutes, before giving her a small nod and conveying what the Salvation Of White Beginnings had discovered.

"Despoina said that it looks to be a Dungeon born from some sort of Rock Mana Core or Earth Mana Core. The spiritual energy around the Dungeon entrance is similar in nature to the spiritual energy released by Avahni and Wilheim."

"In addition, she said that it looks to be… a Localized Dungeon? I think I'm saying the word correctly?" Sariel blushed, scratching the back of her head as she tried to communicate in Pluntian.

Jon could not help but tilt his head to the side, glancing towards Ashvattha Rana who hummed still releasing her usual golden-green glow.

"Localized Dungeon?" Jon could not help but ask.

"Hmm. A Localized Dungeon is one of the more common types of Dungeons one might find across the integrated universes. Localized Dungeons are the fifth largest category of Dungeon."

Ashvattha Rana spoke in English, allowing Avahni, Wilheim, Sariel and Shamael to listen in on her explanation. Lifting several of her roots, the five of them watched as the Earthen Treasury Womb continued.

"There are numerous distinct types of Dungeons that one might find on their planet. As stated before, Localized Dungeons are some of the most common and the fifth largest category. There are six total types of recorded Dungeons, each of them categorized by size rather than the contents of what one might find within."

"The smallest is what we might call a Miniature Dungeon, or just a Mini-Dungeon for short. These Dungeons do not exceed the size of a thousand square metres and are often imperfect or even incomplete in some respects. Most across the integrated universes tend to leave Mini-Dungeons alone, allowing them to become Localized Dungeons."

"Localized Dungeons are about the size of a large town, or a small city depending on how on characterises them. After that are Labyrinth Dungeons which can range between the size of an enormous metropolis and a small nation. Following that, are Continent Dungeons which, as one might guess, are the size of an actual continent."

"Beyond that are World Dungeons and Unique Dungeons although these are well beyond your grasp, even after you become Knights. There is one other type of Dungeon, although it might not be considered correct to refer to the Void Dungeon Realm as a "true" Dungeon, even if it did start out as one."

Ashvattha Rana glanced towards Despoina, giving the white salvation phoenix a small nod as she continued. The mythical avian in question just continued to preen itself under Sariel's touch, not bothering to elude to anything further.

"If this is a Localized Dungeon, then we can expect it to be a size anywhere between a large town or small city. Although this is a System Integration, we might even come across other sapient creatures that call the Dungeon their home."

Avahni felt her mouth drop at the possibility, while Sariel and Shamael glanced towards one another, muttering the word "metropolis" between them.

Wilheim, on the other hand, just raised an eyebrow towards the words of the Earthen Treasury Womb.

"You said that "although this is a System Integration." Does that mean Dungeons are a natural occurrence in the integrated universes?" asked Wilheim.

Ashvattha Rana nodded in response.

"Correct. Although Dungeons require an environment with an overabundance of spiritual energy in order to form, it is possible for even a completely mundane planet to form one given enough time. On an average planet, a Dungeon usually forms at a rate of one per hundred years, although there are several varied factors one that influence this manifestation rate."

"Conversely, it is possible for individuals with specific abilities to create Dungeons. Mortal Ranked Dungeon Fragments are extraordinarily difficult to create but are possible for the hard working or the talented."

"A Dungeon Mana Core will often produce such an ability, as will a Fragment Of Creation." Ashvattha Rana said pointedly.

Avahni, Sariel and Shamael all turned towards Jon and Wilheim. Knowing that the former had integrated a Fragment Of Creation just a couple of days ago while the latter had just finished integrating his Dungeon Mana Core.

Although Wilheim had not yet integrated any fragments into it, the floresiensis was pleasantly surprised by the words of the bodhi tree. Wilheim could not help but glance towards his last remaining task reward, ignoring the urge to select a Fragment Of Creation right that very moment.

The shorter man turned towards Jon, who had opened his mouth to ask Rana another question.

"How does one "clear a Dungeon"? The System mentions defeating a Guardian, but is that the only requirement to completing this task?" Jon asked.

Ashvattha Rana once again nodded at the question, still continuing to address everyone present.

"Yes. Although how one achieves this varies from Dungeon to Dungeon, the completion of one will still require someone to defeat the Guardian that lies within. The most common method of doing so is through felling them in battle."

"Is there treasure to be found at the end of a Dungeon?" Everyone present turned towards Sariel, who shirked back after feelings everyone's eyes turn towards her. Her half-raised hand was swiftly pulled down, still continuing to stroke Despoina with her free hand.

The white salvation phoenix in question, haphazardly shaking her head from side to side.

"It depends on the type of Dungeon it is. Mini-Dungeons and Localized Dungeons often do not possess the ecology or spiritual energy to manifest fragments and Mana Cores within. Outside of the final Guardian of a Dungeon, most of the denizens within will not possess a single fragment or Mana Core."

"Who creates the Dungeon is important as well. A naturally forming one will continue to grow without restraint, while an artificial one requires the creator of said Dungeon to improve on it in order to increase the spiritual energy inside and the average strength of creatures found within."

Despoina glanced towards Jon and Wilheim, knowing that the pair possessed the capability to create Dungeons, even if the two did not know how to achieve such a thing.

"Dungeon creation is better left off for the wealthy and the powerful. It is a profession that requires an enormous amount of resources in order to realized. Although I admit, the wider benefits do outweigh the costs, individuals often do not see the full benefits of their creation until they start creating their third or fourth Dungeon."

Wilheim leaned forward, listening towards the white salvation phoenix's words.

"And what benefits might these be?" Wilheim queried.

Despoina shrugged, before gesturing towards Avahni. Or perhaps more specifically, the exorbitant number of summons she possessed with a certain powerful Trait.

"Spiritual items. Mana Cores. Mortal Title Fragments. Wonder Fragments. Memento Source Fragments. The possibilities are endless. It just depends on how talented you are in regard to Dungeon creation."

The others watched as Jon and Wilheim turned towards one another, both the human and floresiensis blinking at each other. Neither of them completely understood the words that were coming out of Despoina's mouth, the pair of them focusing on the types of fragments that the white salvation phoenix mentioned.

'Wonder Fragments? Memento Source Fragments?' The same thought appeared in the minds of Avahni, Sariel and Shamael.

Wilheim did not even hesitate for a single moment as the floresiensis stood up, tapping several times on the air in front of him. Wilheim used his final task reward to obtain the fragment that he had seen Jon integrate just a couple of days ago, holding the rainbow coloured fragment in the palm of his hand.

Jon just continued to blink as he watched Wilheim integrate the manifested Fragment Of Creation into his Dungeon Mana Core. The hazelnut-skinned man turned towards Jon, grinning at him while he pointed towards himself.

"Let us make a bet, shall we Jon?" Wilheim said in English provokingly.

Jon scrunched up his face, before tilting his head back, peering at his friend with a curious gleam behind his gaze.

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"Hmm?"

"The first one of us to create a Mortal Ranked Dungeon Fragment will allow the other to use one of their task rewards for a fragment of their choice. Forget Mortal ranked spiritual items or even Knight Ranked spiritual items if one of us obtains Knighthood before then."

"Mortal Ranked Dungeons Fragments. That is the basis of this bet," said Wilheim.

The floresiensis extended his hand towards Jon, watching the changes in Jon's facial expressions. Jon first appeared somewhat unsure of the idea that Wilheim proposed, before glancing towards Rana, whispering something through their intrinsic mental connection.

"Rana. How many fragments have I stored within the Red Archives again?" he asked.

The Earthen Treasury Womb paused for a couple seconds, before remembering the number that Jon had told her.

"Approximately one-hundred-and-thirty-nine different fragments. A total of one-hundred-and-seventy-one including duplicates."

Jon closed his eyes in thought for a few seconds, knowing that each cast of [Threads Through The Loom] required a significant amount of weave natured spiritual energy. There was no doubt in Jon's mind that whatever ability Wilheim manifested through his own Fragment Of Creation would possess the same extraordinary spiritual energy expenditure.

Rubbing his chin in thought for a few seconds, Jon calculated the costs within his mind.

'Another fragment of my choice. Or the loss of such an option. Wilheim still needs to get used to the creation of mortal ranked spiritual items, something that I have not yet achieved.'

'And I suppose the development of a Mortal Ranked Dungeon Fragment should help me earn a Mortal Title Fragment or two. Even if I cannot obtain a Memento Source Fragment from it, just the possibility of me being able to obtain one should make me strive for it.'

Jon hummed in thought, before nodding, extending his hand towards Wilheim, returning the firm grip with one of his own.

"I accept your bet Wilheim Freytal-Isenburg," said Jon.

"And I accept your acceptance Jonathan Randall Guilliman," Wilheim replied.

The tension in the riverbank seemed to lessen as Avahni clapped, causing both Sariel and Shamael to follow along, mimicking the actions of the green-haired lutin. Jon and Wilheim shook each other's hand, grinning as the two of them schemed, thinking about how to create a mortal ranked spiritual item.

Wilheim, subtly glancing towards his newest ability.

[Fragment Of Creation] [Descent Of The Dungeon] (Dungeon, Creation, Spell, Technique, Ability, Enhancement)

Effect (Mortal): Chant, while performing a ritual of creation. Imbue concepts contained within a fragment into a mundane physical item.

Melt the external structure of a fragment, gathering the essence within into temporary block constructs imbued with emotions, memories, intent and spiritual energy. Order the block constructs into the structure of the mundane item, working to expand its ordinary existence into something beyond its inherent limitations.

Spiritual energy is expended in accordance with how many threads one manifests. If spiritual energy is entirely expended, draw upon natural lifeforce in order to complete [Descent Of The Dungeon].

Wilheim nodded, grinning behind his façade of honourable confidence.

'[Architect Of Earth And Stone, Rock And Sand] in combination with [Descent Of The Dungeon]. Fragment Of Storage here I come.'

Break

After Avahni, Sariel and Shamael all witnessed the bet that Wilheim made between Jon, the five of them gathered together in order to travel to the Dungeon entrance that Wilheim discovered.

Travelling there as the crow flies would take a four-hour round trip, excluding the time they needed in order to explore the Dungeon depths and defeat the Guardian that laid within. Even with Despoina guiding them from their air, the entirety of the trip would be best done in the evening, allowing them to rest at the Dungeon entrance for a few hours before going in and delving through the natural construct.

Although none of them expected grand or extraordinarily rare rewards to be contained within the Localized Dungeon, the fact that each of them were required to complete a Dungeon before the end of the System Introduction made it their number of priority in the short term.

[10]: Enter minimum of one random System generated Dungeon and defeat the Guardian that lies within. Individuals will receive a unique reward with each additional Dungeon completed over the duration of the System Introduction.

Although unlike the first mandatory task, or even the fourth mandatory task, this one would not grant Jon numerous rewards upon its completion. He would have to explore the small realm, searching for possible Dungeon entrances all across it.

After defeating the Guardian within, Jon would then be able to claim each individual level of reward the tenth mandatory task. This did however, come with its own set of problems.

'The size of the small realm is immense. It might even cover hundreds of millions of square kilometres. After four months, the five of us have found but a single Dungeon. Even with the addition of Despoina and Ortlinde who can both fly, it might take either of them weeks before finding another Dungeon after this one.'

Jon suppressed the urge to grimace, stepping around a patch of poisonous [Red Fury Berries]. Glancing behind him, he could see Avahni and Sariel trail behind him, Wilheim and Shamael both taking up the rear.

Ru Luan Di, sitting atop Titus Claudius observed their surroundings, occasionally perking his head up after sensing a moving source of spiritual energy around them. Huo Liyu continued to float above the little ginseng's head, bouncing happily as she fluttered about, nine crimson-coloured tails waving hypnotically through the air.

Some of Avahni's newer summons preferred to dwell within the lutin, rather than remain manifested.

Totlechatl, Metzli, Xochitl, and Toci all preferred to remain situated within Avahni's organs or metaphysical characteristics. And although Annwn Boann and Lucia Zenobia wanted to travel along with them, the enormous size of both the ballistic water staghorn and myriad wind bee queen did not made conducive travelling partners given how swiftly each of them wanted to move.

Ler Setanta was off doing whatever it was the indomitus shastasaurus liked doing.

And Ortlinde was off scouting ahead, while Despoina remained high above their current location, matching their walking pace. The white salvation phoenix observed their position from a couple hundred metres above their heads, looking for approaching threats or evaluating easy targets.

'Even if you exclude Ler Setanta, Avahni still possesses a range of different summons for all sorts of different situations. Actually, even if you exclude both Ortlinde and Xochitl, she can assume the role of a healer with Ru Luan Di. Or even more a defensive position through both Grendel and Titus Claudius.'

'Metzli grants her a spiritual shield capable of blocking physical and magical projectiles, while Annwn Boann is a literal walking, breathing piece of artillery. Not to mention Lucia Zenobia who can manifest swarms of disposable insects that eat away at any living material.'

And that was not even all the summons she had in her possession.

Auberon, born from a Fragment Of Nightmare and Wind Mana Core.

Cualli, born from a Fragment Of Lilypad and Water Mana Core.

Atzi, born from a Fragment Of Chrysanthemum and Wood Mana Core.

In addition to Cian Aengus; born from a Fragment Of Wisdom and an Earth Mana Core.

Avahni was the type of fortunate, or unfortunate individual who possessed a Source more pronounced than the average individual. As a result, two thirds of her manifested abilities possessed the Summon Trait, forcing her to assume a more specialized role during combat and within the group.

It prevented her from gaining abilities that an ordinary individual might manifest. A Fragment Of Mouth integrated into a Wood Mana Core should normally manifest some sort of wood-construct Spell, similar to Jon's [Wrath Of Green, Piercing Wood Eruption].

A Fragment Of Coral integrated into a Water Mana Core would produce some sort of coral-construct from water natured spiritual energy, while a Fragment Of Nightmares would normally manifest some sort of Spell capable of producing waking nightmares or inflicting debilitating effects on specific targets.

It allowed Avahni to… experiment with the fragments that she wanted to integrate.

Some would produce results that she had seen before in other summoning abilities, while others would cause others to raise an eyebrow, humming thoughtfully as they examined the effects of this new summon, in relation to her other abilities.

'I do suppose that we should be thankful for the existence of universal fragments. If it was not for the Fragment Of Heart or Fragment Of Spirit, Avahni might not possess enough spiritual energy to support so many different summons all at once.'

'Most of Avahni's abilities that do not possess the Summon Trait are either geared towards increasing the maximum amount of spiritual energy her Mana Cores can hold, or providing specialized supportive buffs towards her allies, not her summons.'

[Drowning Amidst The Sea Of Life] and [Thou Art The Monarch Of Ash And Life] possessed powerful effects, although possessed the greatest effects when used on Jon rather than Ru Luan Di or Titus Claudius.

It was another strange limitation that Avahni seemed to possess, although one that could be rectified as she ascended to Knighthood, and then Lordship later down the line. Avahni would be able to integrate additional fragments into her summoned companions, enhancing their preexisting abilities, or potentially causing them to "evolve" through the integration of additional concepts.

The notion of the Liver Of The Ginseng King or the Crimson Nine-Tailed Carp "evolving" could not help but bring a small smile to Jon's face, thinking about a certain game back on Earth.

'I guess we are travelling across the land. And we are searching far and wide for Dungeons and Wonders within the small realm,' Jon could not help but think to himself.

Jon did have Ashvattha Rana, who seemed to have an estimate on what fragments she wanted to integrate upon his ascension to Knighthood.

Schwarz Eis would be another discussion.

'Perhaps something that can enhance Licht Weiss? Or improve on the defensive nature of her physical and spiritual barriers?'

Even with Avahni possessing Ortlinde, Ler Setanta and Xochitl, there was not a doubt in Jon's mind that Schwarz Eis could match the inherent offensive capabilities of the three other Memento wielding summons.

Jon had seen Ler Setanta and Xochitl fight against the Malum Hobgoblin, the latter being able to resist the overwhelming effects of the Knight Ranked creature for a short duration before withering away under the hundreds of debuffs afflicted upon it.

Jon did not even have Archetype Avarice activated when he fought the hobgoblin. Archetype Green was able to resist some of the debuffs that Jon had been afflicted with, even buying him enough time to allow him to cut off the beast's arm, something that would have been a grievous wound if it were not for the fact that the creature was now a Knight.

The Incarnation Of The Hunt did not even have the fight the Malum Hobgoblin at full strength. With the addition of Gae Balor and the Ink Shadow Incarnation it produced, Ler Setanta did not even have to fight itself, relying on the power of its Memento Source Fragment to do the work for it.

'Schwarz Eis would be able to halt at least one of them, preferably Ortlinde considering she might as well be three people. Xochitl would be annoying considering how it can propagate itself, but with my Fragment Of Annihilation and Fragment Of Slash, I don't think it would be able to get to close without seriously injuring itself.'

Jon scrunched up his face in thought, before shaking his head from side to side.

Although he did not think a time would come when he would need to fight the Incarnation Of The Hunt or the Voracious Wood-Swallowing Mangrove, the indomitus shastasaurus and green ocean mangrove were among the strongest existences that Jon had come across against within the small realm.

Both of which were capable of fighting a Knight, while still constrained by Mortality.

It was something that he should strive towards, rather than imagining fighting against.

Schwarz Eis and Ortlinde were the same.

'Memento Source Fragment… Is the creation of a Mortal Ranked Dungeon Fragment the only way I can obtain one?'

Jon just furrowed his brows, placing one foot in front of the other as he continued following the directions of Avahni and Sariel behind him. Thoughts of Wonder Fragments and Memento Source Fragments filled his Sea Of Knowledge, some even overflowing into the bodhi tree placed between his conscious and subconscious minds.

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