The return to his dungeon was instant.
Like a second skin, the sanctuary wrapped around him.Lin reconnected with his extended consciousness, sensing every magical vein beneath the tiles, every current of air swirling through the corridors.The outside world already felt distant, almost unreal.
[Alert: Intrusion detected.][Group: Average level 24 | Members: 5][Status: Alert, well-equipped, moderate coordination]
He paused in the central chamber, arms crossed.
"More experienced than the last ones."
As soon as the thought formed, a new interface appeared before his eyes:
[Your influence is increasing.][Choose a dungeon upgrade:]▸ Strengthen monsters (increase average level in upcoming rooms)▸ Add a new room (select from currently unused areas)▸ Deploy new traps (boost strategic effectiveness)
He studied the empty space between Room 2 and the Boss Chamber —a wide, untouched zone. Still.A void by design. A space meant for thinking.And he smiled.
"Monsters… traps… That's what they're expecting.But a new room… that will unsettle them."
He selected the option. The system pulsed.
[New room unlocked.][Assigned Zone: Interstice 3 | Position: Before Boss Room][Creative control granted.]
Lin stretched out his arms and closed his eyes.
The rock trembled.
A new space opened, slowly, as if the dungeon itself was holding its breath.He descended into the void, stepping onto soil still forming.His mind began to model, to sketch, to sculpt.
"I want a silent room. One that speaks without sound."
Pillars rose — twisted like forgotten memories.Between them, he placed fractured mirrors.Not to reflect... but to reveal what should never be seen.
Each mirror would be slightly altered.Through them, the intruders would see subtly distorted versions of their companions —Accusing glances. Lingering silences. Ambiguous movements.
"Resonance Room. No attack magic.Just the slow poison of distrust."
But Lin didn't stop there.
In the shadow of one mirror, he summoned a simple creature.A modest aberration.
A Rabbit.
Tiny, barely level 6 — yet its glowing red eyes stared into the mirrors,as if judging the illusions themselves.In its mouth, a crooked, dull blade soaked in a confusion potion.
"You're not here to kill.You're here to break the silence."
On one of the mirrors, he carved a single rune — a hidden clue.If a party member managed to touch it, the illusion would collapse and the exit would open.But it wouldn't be obvious. They'd have to understand.
A test. Psychological. Strategic.
And he stepped back, admiring the result.
"A room to wear them down before the boss.Not physically. Mentally."
Meanwhile, the intruders entered the first room.
One of them had already deciphered the wall puzzle's mechanic.Their coordination was smooth. Too smooth.
"Time to wear them out. Crack them open."
And he smiled, settling quietly into the Resonance Room —a discreet spectator, waiting for the show to begin.