The next morning, as sunlight gently filtered through the window of his room, Lin was awakened by a soft knock.
A woman stood outside the inn—modestly dressed, but with flawless tailoring.Two knights flanked her, discreet yet alert.
"Kerow Lin? Bronze-ranked Dungeon Maker?""That's me."
"His Excellency, Chancellor Elweir, wishes to speak with you. On behalf of the Imperial Court."
A short pause. Lin nodded without surprise.
"I suppose it's about my dungeon."
"Indeed. A Rank B magical anomaly, appearing so close to a border city, naturally draws attention."
The official building wasn't far from Rhendell's center.Older, made of white stone, adorned with banners in the Empire's colors.
Elweir was a silver-bearded man, refined, with a calm and measured voice.But behind his enchanted glasses, his eyes were sharp—steel-hard.
"Mr. Lin. You built a Rank B dungeon. Alone. In three days."
"That's correct."
"And you claim to be… a newly awakened Dungeon Maker?"
"I'm not claiming anything. I am."
A long silence.Then Elweir gave a calculated smile.
"There is more to you than meets the eye. That's not an accusation. It's an acknowledgment."
He placed a small imperial seal on the table.
"This is a magical pass. It grants access to the Royal Teleportation Circles. Every major city has one, connected directly to the Imperial Capital: Astraea. This privilege is only given to individuals of strategic interest."
Lin took it without a word, but inside, he felt the weight of the Empire's intent.
"The Empire won't force your hand. But it will be watching. We are… curious."
Later, Lin walked through the city, the imperial seal tucked safely inside his jacket.
He looked at people differently now.He was no longer just a stranger.He had become… a piece on the great chessboard.
And that suited him just fine.
"Very well. Show me this world. Show me what it hides.And I… will build from its truths."