Following that moment, Lyra and Sanovere continued to relay the information they had gathered to the bosses.
They spoke about how the adventurers from other countries might soon start invading and how they wanted to secure peace in the land of Jaun, turning it into its very own nation.
The plan was quite straightforward, but convincing them it was for their own benefit without any means of intimidation was the hard part.
After a while of explaining everything, Sanovere and Lyra waited to hear what their response would be.
That was when the strongest dungeon boss of the bunch, the Eye King, finally spoke.
"If the reason for this alliance is for the safety of our land, then disposing of the humans attacking the west should be our first priority."
Sanovere’s eyes widened a bit. He remembered.
Immediately, he turned around to face Kai, bowing his entire upper body.
"My lord, please forgive me. I have done something unspeakably foolish," he voiced out.
"What is it, Sanovere?" Kai asked, obviously confused as to what Sanovere was talking about.
"During my excitement to relay the tasks you have given me, I accidentally forgot to tell you the most important one of all. I have made a mistake I can only atone for with my death."
Kai immediately stretched his hand forward. "Don’t be dramatic. Everyone makes mistakes. So tell me, what is this news you forgot to tell me?"
’Hopefully it’s not something that would force my hand.’
Which was quite possible, since the look on the bosses’ faces was not exactly favorable.
Sanovere began.
"Over recent days, a special unit of soldiers has been seen moving around the west side of the Jaun territory. These people are personal soldiers of the Duke, a man who is also the ruler of the city of Rambosa, not too far from here."
He continued,
"The Duke has specially left his territory to come here. According to what I know, his main target is the Nameless Dungeon. But first, he wanted to get rid of every dungeon that could be connected. As such, he has started clearing up dungeons from the west, and none of them are capable of rebuilding themselves. If a dungeon gets raided by them, it is gone permanently."
Hearing this, Kai looked to the side for a moment.
’Now I understand what is going on. Permanently, huh. When you slay a dungeon boss, you are given the option to either allow it to respawn along with the boss after a certain number of days, or tame the boss and let the dungeon be permanently destroyed. Many people tend to choose the first, but if this Duke guy is permanently taking out dungeons, I won’t be surprised if he is trying to build an army of monsters against me.’
The thought of that alone made Kai sigh out loud.
"Is something the matter, my lord?" Lyra asked.
"No, it’s nothing. You can continue." Kai raised his hand slightly.
Thus they did.
"I do believe what our guests are trying to say is, if we leave these humans as they are now, they will wipe out all the dungeons in the Jaun region," Sanovere explained. "And if the dungeons are all gone..."
"We wouldn’t have anyone to serve Lord Kai anymore," Fanny uttered from beside the throne. She then looked toward Kai, waiting to see what he would say.
"Is that correct? Do my subordinates speak for you on the matter?"
"Yes," the Fighting Orc replied. "Many of my friends were killed by the humans just yesterday. About five dungeons were razed and destroyed. Even if we hoped to fight against them, the weapons they wield are not something we can so easily counter."
"And they seem to have a great leader, as he always has a plan to overwhelm the enemy with their numbers," the Flying Dutchman spoke right after, a strange-looking monster, short as a key holder but squeezed tightly inside what looked to be an octopus.
"And all seven of you cannot hope to best them in battle?" Kai’s next question almost seemed like he was poking them.
There was a brief silence. And with that silence came their acceptance.
’I wonder just how many? If they are soldiers, there have to be many. But why would a Duke waste his resources on dungeons? Right, he could be a player who wants to exit the game or something.’
Kai looked at Sanovere. "Sanovere. Can you get the total number of soldiers currently massacring the dungeons?"
"Of course, my lord. That is but a simple task."
"Good. When you get their number, we shall discuss things further. But for now, I would like to make one thing clear to these monsters before me..."
All he needed to do was say that and both Sanovere and Lyra stepped to the side, allowing Kai to see the faces of the monsters clearly.
"I am not weak. And I do not break my promises either. But I am also not unreasonable. I can understand why you would be hesitant to give your loyalty when I have done nothing to earn it."
Silence settled over the hall.
"I will rid this land of the humans who have infested it. I will secure the safety you feel slithering through your fingers so easily. And upon this conquest, upon my victory, every single one of you will bow your head and voice your loyalty to me. Is that clear enough?"
"If you truly rid this land of the humans, then I personally will usher in a new rule for my people, announcing you as the Supreme Ruler of this land," the Eye King declared.
"Yes."
"I agree as well."
"It is only normal if you are capable of doing such."
One by one, they all accepted what he said. It was almost as though they were already expecting it to happen. There wasn’t a single hint of hesitation on their faces, but their desperation was extravagant.
Kai sighed. ’This is good. I like where this is going.’