The unique Dungeon, "The Glutton," appeared and immediately engulfed a 1km radius in the northern area of the continent's center. No living being could escape within the Dungeon's domain—only those outside could enter, but once inside, there was no way out.
Despite The Association of Espers issuing a warning two days prior about the Dungeon's appearance, the residents in the area could not evacuate. Some clung to the hope that the Dungeon would not descend, while others lacked the means to leave.
Currently, within the Dungeon's affected area, only government personnel, a few civilians who failed to escape in time, and a group of volunteers remained. These volunteers were people who had survived previous Dungeons and gained extraordinary abilities. They stayed behind with the hope of helping to close the Dungeon. However, after two last live broadcasts of the situation inside, a heavy atmosphere loomed over them—there was no light at the end of the tunnel.
"The Dungeon prioritizes selecting those who have just entered its domain. However, that doesn't mean it will choose all of us. Stay as close to me as possible to ensure the entire team gets in," Drake instructed.
As the leader, he had to go in first. The first person to step into the Dungeon's boundary was always chosen—there had never been an exception.
The others, including Drake's team and the Espers from The Association of Espers, responded in unison, "Understood, Captain!"
At that moment, the countdown timer showed only 30 seconds remaining. Drake took a step forward, crossing into the Dungeon's domain.
A glowing circle suddenly appeared beneath his feet, expanding rapidly. The brilliant light was blinding, preventing anyone from seeing anything beyond it.
Meanwhile, Silvanus received a system notification in Acting Space.
[Dungeon 'The Glutton' has opened. Humanity's entry is confirmed. Would you like to enter?]
Of course, he had to. If he didn't enter this time and humanity failed again, his Acting Space would disappear—and the world's forces would crush him!
There is no choice but to risk it all.
Silvanus pressed the confirmation button. The next moment, his entire body spun as if he had been sucked into a vortex. When everything settled, he was in a completely different place of absolute darkness.
In front of him, seven screens flickered to life, broadcasting the live footage of the seven humans who had entered the Dungeon.
Until he chose to appear, he would remain in this space, untouchable by humans and monsters.
This was God's Realm.
[Scanning for angels: No angels detected.]
Silvanus frowned slightly at the system's message.
Angels—beings that only appeared in Dungeons—provided crucial support to humanity. They could offer guidance, heal injuries, or aid in slaying monsters.
Many different angels existed, but the four most renowned were Gabriel, Raphael, Michael, and Lucifer. They possessed the most exceptional abilities and the most captivating personalities.
On the continent, their religious organizations were also the most powerful.
Of course, they were on a completely different level compared to a false god like Silvanus. Even if humanity failed in a Dungeon, they would not perish. But for Silvanus, once he confirmed his entry into the Dungeon alongside humans, if this group failed to escape, he would be buried here as well.
With a serious expression, Silvanus turned his gaze toward the live broadcast screens...
Drake's face remained cold as he glanced at his so-called "teammates" for this run. He seemed to have only two expressions: one inviting a punch and another grim and fierce, as if he could tear someone apart.
"Captain, headcount confirmed. Only Fiona and I entered with you. The others are not part of our action team," reported Ron, Drake's direct subordinate.
Standing beside them, Fiona chuckled. "Captain, could you ease up on that expression? You're scaring these people."
Besides Drake's group, four others were present—three men and one woman, all seemingly in their early twenties.
"Let me introduce myself. I'm Jessica. Stall and I are volunteers for this Dungeon. Captain Drake, it's a pleasure to meet you. I hope we can work together to clear this place," Jessica said with a smile.
She had striking red hair and a toned physique. The man next to her, Stall, was noticeably smaller and seemed too intimidated to meet Drake's gaze.
Meanwhile, the other two men stood close together, their eyes filled with panic. The moment Drake's gaze swept over them, they visibly flinched.
One of them quickly spoke up. "M-My name is John. This is my friend, Mason. We didn't leave the Dungeon's boundary in time... three days ago."
Ron glanced at them and asked, "Have you been in a Dungeon before?"
John shook his head. "No, we never expected to be chosen ..."
As he spoke, he began trembling again as if recalling the terrifying sight in the sky.
"Idiots always think luck is on their side. What a nuisance," Drake said coldly.
Mason, who already had a fragile mental state, snapped at those words. Despite his fear, he retorted, "You're a government officer! You're supposed to protect us! How can you talk like that?!"
Ron and Fiona immediately turned to Mason. Before Drake could deal with the fool himself, Fiona stepped forward, her voice icy.
"Our mission is to close the Dungeon. Of course, we'll protect what we can. But if you want to survive, you'd better learn your place. In here, no one can save you from your stupidity."
Mason's eyes were now bloodshot, his fear pushing him to the brink of losing his sanity—a common reaction for first-timers. But he had made a mistake: he had provoked Drake.
John quickly pulled Mason back. "What the hell are you doing? If we piss them off, we'll have an even harder time staying alive!"
Mason seemed to snap back to his senses at John's words. The madness on his face faded, replaced once more by sheer panic.
Drake observed the group, already sure who would die first.
At that moment, the fog before them slowly began to dissipate. This was the signal—the Dungeon had officially started!
A massive gate loomed before them, intricately carved to reflect the wealth of its owner. Ron turned around, noting the grass beneath their feet and the distant outline of a village. "As per the information we received earlier, this Dungeon's setting is a luxurious castle belonging to a wealthy count."
Just as Ron finished speaking, the grand gate swung open.
"Detectives, welcome to Adonis Castle. We have been expecting you."
Two synchronized voices echoed from beyond the gate, as mechanical as clockwork.
As Drake's team looked forward, two men—nearing their fifties—came into view.
Their faces were identical, with only a mole on opposite sides of their eyes distinguishing them. If they faced each other, they would look like perfect reflections.
Their attire was refined and elegant, making it clear they belonged to the nobility of this era.
"Come in, please. We've prepared lunch," they said in unison. "Our younger brother has been starving, eagerly awaiting your arrival. Do not keep him waiting."
With that, they turned and led the way inside.
The group exchanged glances before following the two counts into the castle.
The grand gate slammed shut behind them the moment they stepped inside.
Mason flinched violently. He had the overwhelming urge to turn and run in that split second.