The Legendary Dungeon Master

Chapter 27: Chapter 27: What Do You Know About Dungeon Masters?

The celebrations finally began to die down. Most of the village’s inhabitants had already returned to their homes, and those that remained gradually filed out of the square. Arin walked with Ayan and Saira. Behind them, the square was littered with remnants of the feast. Arin cast a glance at the house at the end of the street.

Adnan’s house.

”Are you sure that this is a good idea?” Ayan asked. Arin nodded. ”The hero invited us, after all.” He said. The three of them arrived at the house, and Arin knocked on the door. Adnan opened it shortly thereafter. ”Come in.” Arin stepped inside. The interior of the house was surprisingly modest, with a table, several chairs, a bookcase, and a few weapons mounted on one of the walls. In addition, there were several maps lying on the table. Arin’s eyes immediately locked on them. ”Those are maps, aren’t they?” he asked.

Adnan nodded.

Arin walked up to the table and looked more closely at the maps. They depicted various regions surrounding the village. There were mountains, forests, towns, roads, and a number of other landmarks. Arin’s gaze was drawn to one particular detail, tiny black circles located sporadically across almost all of the maps. ”What are those?” he asked. ”Dungeons.” said Adnan. Arin’s eyes widened in surprise. ”There are that many of them?” He asked. ”These are only the ones that have been discovered and cataloged.” Adnan replied.

Arin looked at the maps in stunned disbelief. Adnan walked up to the table and rolled up one of the maps. ”There are those that appeared on their own and those that were found unexpectedly,” he added. Arin frowned. ”Appear?” ”That’s one of the mysteries regarding the dungeons.” Adnan said and shrugged his shoulders. Ayan remained silent, while Saira leaned against the wall. Adnan gestured at the chairs. ”Have a seat.”

Arin sat down, and Ayan took a spot behind him. Saira sat next to Arin, while Adnan took the opposite chair. For a while, no one said anything. Then, Adnan suddenly looked straight at Arin. ”You asked about the Demon King.” said Adnan. Arin nodded. ”There is something else that you want to ask me, isn’t it.” Adnan said chuckling. Arin gave a hesitant look at Ayan and then at Saira, before finally returning his gaze at Adnan. ”Dungeon Masters.” At this, Adnan’s eyes narrowed, and Ayan’s expression darkened. Arin noticed this but did not stop.

”I have heard about Dungeon Masters before.” said Adnan and leaned back in his chair. ”And what have you heard, exactly?” Arin asked. ”Not much, actually.” Adnan replied. He paused briefly before continuing. ”I have heard that some of the dungeons were not natural, and that there are people that have control over them. Very few people actually know about Dungeon Masters.” Arin’s gaze was fixed on him. ”Why is that?” He asked. ”Most of the existing knowledge about them comes from centuries-old records.” Adnan replied. ”How old?” Most of them are at least several hundred years old,” said Adnan. He paused for a moment before continuing. ”According to some of the records, Dungeon Masters are beings that possess some ability over the dungeon.”

Arin’s expression hardened. ”Ability?” ”It depends on the record.” He stood up and walked up to the bookcase. Picking up an old book, he dusted it off and placed it on the table. ”This is one of the oldest books that I have.” Arin looked at the book’s cover, but there was nothing written on it. Opening the book, Adnan looked at several pages that were filled with faded ink. ”Most of the writings are incomplete.” Adnan flipped through several more pages. ”There are mentions of people that were able to communicate with the dungeon.” said Adnan. He turned a few more pages. ”Some records mention them as rulers of the dungeon.” said Adnan.

Another page.

”While others refer to them as guardians. And some...” He stopped abruptly, and Arin looked at him in confusion. ”And some records mention them as threats.” finished Adnan. The room fell silent for a moment. Looking at the book, Arin turned to Adnan. ”Why is that?” he asked. Adnan shook his head. ”I do not know.” He said. He closed the book and set it aside. Arin leaned back in his chair. ”So, no one really knows what a Dungeon Master is?” He asked. ”Not anymore.” Adnan replied. Ayan’s expression remained unreadable as he looked at Arin.

Leave it be.

Arin sighed internally.

Fine.