Orario, Adventurers' Guild Headquarters.
Eina Tulle, who was behind the counter, serving customers through the window, looked at the clock on the wall.
It was just seven in the evening.
If it had been a few days ago, she would have already changed shifts by this time.
However, because another staff member had an upset stomach, Eina had no choice but to take over their work.
That's why you can't use rotten fruit to make tarts...!
And the benefit of changing shifts was an extra day off for her next vacation.
Where should she go then?
Perhaps she'd go shopping with friends at the newly opened clothing store.
As Eina pondered about the future, her attention was suddenly drawn back by a new customer at the window.
She adjusted her mindset, greeted them simply, and prepared to serve them.
However... the person claimed to be the 'Dungeon Lord'.
What was Orario's Dungeon?
It was one of the 'Three Great Secret Realms' that suddenly appeared in the lower world three thousand years ago, and also the source of fierce monsters spread across the entire continent!
If there truly was a 'Dungeon Lord', would he have appeared only after so long?
And in the form of a handsome young man.
He clearly had a good appearance, but his thoughts were regrettable.
Was this the best embodiment of 'when God closes a door, he surely opens a window'?
The price of a handsome appearance was an abnormal mind... There was no way Eina could believe such an absurd claim.
However, as an experienced staff member, she still maintained a smile.
"Sir really likes to joke."
"Now, the countdown can begin."
"If you can truly seal the Dungeon, it would indeed prove your identity, sir. However, the consequences would also be severe."
Eina decided to talk to the strange handsome man in front of her.
"This is the headquarters of the Adventurers' Guild. Many Adventurers have been to the Dungeon. Some have gained rewards and grown, while others have suffered serious injuries and lost companions. For them, the Dungeon is a source of wealth, but also the root of misfortune."
If a 'Dungeon Master' truly exists... Eina emphasized,
"The 'Dungeon Master' will bear the wrath of these past several millennia."
This was a fact.
From three thousand years ago until now, people have been exploring the Dungeon, wanting to conquer it.
Countless sacrifices have been made for this.
Among the most terrifying times was probably the period in history when 'Dungeon Monsters Invaded the Surface.'
Humans became the hunting targets of Dungeon Monsters, and eventually, heroes drove those monsters back.
After that, came the era of the Gods descending to the human world.
"Five seconds remaining."
Eina heard the other party's declaration.
She asked curiously,
"May I ask what your request is..."
"To discuss 'work' with everyone in Orario, through the Adventurers' Guild."
Work?
Eina's confusion grew.
"Also, just call me 'Chen Hai,' Miss Eina."
"I, I understand..."
"Time's up."
Hearing Chen Hai say this, Eina looked outside the room.
Nothing happened... Could everything just now have been Chen Hai's joke?
Eina frowned slightly, looking at the strange guest in her line of sight.
————
————
Chen Hai's countdown ended, and he completely shut down his 'Dungeon.'
From now on, all entrances and exits connected to Orario were sealed, trapping countless Adventurers inside.
Not long after, he heard laughter from behind him.
"Oh my, oh my, good evening, Hestia. It's been a while since we last met, hasn't it?"
Chen Hai looked over there, and the squinting Chief God, Loki, appeared in his sight.
She walked towards Hestia with a grin,
"How have you been? Have you recruited any new Familia members recently?"
"You smell of alcohol. Could you please not come near me, Loki..."
The Blue Ribbon Goddess moved away with a look of disgust.
"This is the scent of fine wine. One bottle costs 120,000 Valis."
"Eh?! That expensive?!"
Loki's answer made Hestia's eyes widen.
She raised a hand and counted.
She finally concluded that one bottle of Loki's wine equaled three or four months' worth of selling fried potato balls.
And that's if business was very good!
What a luxurious and wasteful fellow.
"Never mind that, why don't you come to my place for some fun? I can give you some delicious things, some of which you would never buy yourself."
"No way."
"It's very expensive."
"Just give me the money."
"What kind of offer is that..."
Even Loki couldn't help but retort.
Thump!
Suddenly, a panting person ran into the Adventurers' Guild hall.
He knelt on the ground, adjusting his breath while shouting to everyone,
"This is bad! This is bad! Something strange has happened! The Dungeon labyrinth has suddenly been sealed off by walls!"
???
The man's words left everyone present somewhat bewildered.
Labyrinth sealed?
It was a phrase they had never considered.
"What did you say?! The Dungeon... is really sealed?!"
After hearing the man's statement, Eina showed an expression of disbelief.
Facing Eina, who had gone from suspicious to terrified, Chen Hai calmly raised his hand,
"No need to be nervous, Miss Eina. I am here to communicate, not to be hostile."
"You, what you said is..."
Eina responded with an uneasy tone.
However, it was impossible for her to truly calm down.
One must know that the 'Dungeon,' for the people of Orario, was like a giant Demon Lord's castle.
Inside were treasures, and also monsters.
And now—
The final BOSS of the Demon Lord's castle had directly come before Eina! Had come to this Adventurer headquarters!!