Dungeon of Niflheim

The divine energy made Frost feel as though he was weightless, numb to all sense of pain, stress and fatigue, feeling only comfort and pleasure. The power of a God while still a mortal was an undeniably addictive experience, Frost had unfortunately like all others succumbed to this desire, craving the power that it promised.

His hands uncontrollably stretched out in an attempt to clasp onto the stream and force it back inside his body, but his actions proved fruitless. Such divine energy was not under his control, he was merely a vessel, a transit station between the vat and the dungeon core.

“Huuuuuuu” Frost released a deep breath as his body visibly trembled, his eyes revealing a mad fascination for a brief moment before swiftly regaining focus. His control was not lost, his restraint improving with every use of DP. Maya no longer needed to forcibly use her mana to separate him from the divine energy even with such a large amount, he was growing.

Though unbeknownst to Frost, Maya temporarily stopped her actions in the kitchen so as to observe his state, ready to act if need be. She smiled however when she saw her young master swiftly regain focus and not become drunk on power.

Frost stared at his still slightly trembling hands before clenching them into tight fists.

“So much power.” He muttered under his breath while showing a wild smile. Ignoring or rather looking past the pleasure granted by the divine energy one would be able to glimpse into its beauty and complicated makeup thus allowing one to improve their understanding of such energy. The more divine energy used the clearer the image would be.

Frost had achieved B-rank through his glaive mastery and establishment of his aura. His mana control however was still that of C-rank, now however thanks to experiencing such a large dose of divine energy he could feel the wall to B-rank breaking down. With just a little more practise he’d be able to utilise 4th circle spells and even use higher levels of chakra becoming a B-rank triple threat. If he was to reinforce Furano during the stampede’s late stages he needed to be as strong as possible so as to ensure his own safety.

Maya finished preparing a fine meal shortly after Frost was finished with the dungeon management. The four of them ate together like a joyful family, completing separating themselves from the dangerous situation present within their home, something Maya was insistent on. Only when they truly forget about the stresses of the dungeon, work and training could they relax and enjoy the time they had with one another.

.....

While Frost and Maya lightly flirted during their meal and occasionally had to wipe Loki’s cheeks due his messy eating Findlay, Kiba and the other C-ranks were hard at work preparing themselves for the next wave. Assigning all the new monsters to their positions, swapping out certain groups who were injured and or exhausted with the next, plus going over the methods of attack while in the secondary defences zones.

While the kill box zone at the dungeon’s entrance focused on grouping the invaders together in a narrow line, boxing them in and forcing them on a set route, the secondary defence zone focused on doing the exact opposite.

There were no blockades preventing the waves from heading deeper into the dungeon instead the created bunkers aimed to separate the large wave into smaller tendrils, dealing damage and killing a few whenever the horde passed by.

The bunkers stretched nearly the entire length of the forest and most of them were connected by underground tunnels serving as escape routes, but Frost and Findlay didn’t plan on using them anytime soon. The bulk of the ravenous horde should be more focused on heading deeper into the dungeon than destroying the dozens of small but heavily fortified bunkers. The bestial corps will also act as shepherds, herding the horde through the dungeon and picking off stragglers whenever possible.

A far more complicated method of attack and with its own set of dangers but the most appropriate given the terrain and their forces. Findlay and the other C-rank fighters would deal with C-rank invaders and quickly take care of the smaller tendrils that were forced to break off because of the bunker’s arrangement. If all goes to plan only the hardiest of monsters would actually be in the thick of battle, the rest would remain safely tucked away within the bunkers dishing out ranged attacks.

The alternative shifts that were previously resting within the winter forest and the operations centre were relocated to the third section where the next defence zone was prepared. They would function as backup in the interim, slaying any invaders that made their way through the bunkers, utilising the narrow hallways and extensive traps that Frost had purchased.

They had but a few hours to rest and make sure everyone was ready and knew what to do, not a long nor a short time thus everyone was on edge, a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Many frost dwarves and low members of the bestial corps looked at their evolved comrades with intense desire, hoping that they’d gain the chance to evolve just like them and play a larger role in the war.

After sending off his new lieutenants and generals Findlay looked down at his large battle-axe, the blade edge and most of the face were covered in dried blood. This war was far from over, his axe would see itself covered in far more.

“I need to become stronger.” Findlay muttered under his breath while clenching the shaft of his weapon hard. His master had demanded that he reach B-rank during the stampede, ideally before the late stages. Findlay could feel it when he faced off against the ursa, his individual strength though strong was nowhere near overwhelming. Now with multiple C-ranks present among the forces his mid to upper C-rank status wasn’t enough to effectively command. A commander must surpass his soldiers, be the best of the best that’s why they’re a commander.

Frost had now reached B-rank meaning his master had now surpassed him, if he fell behind anymore his position as commander would be forfeit, his usefulness to Frost lessen.

Crack! Grind!

‘NO! That will not happen.’ Findlay’s knuckles cracked and his sharp teeth ground together as he made a solemn promise, his eyes radiated a fierce light refusing to accept such an outcome. His level was currently 47/50 just three levels away from evolution but these last three levels seemed to be far harder to cross than the previous ones. Requiring Findlay to fight and kill greater enemies, D-ranks, even upper ranked ones barely put a dent in it, he needed C-ranks just like that ursa.

Findlay gave a strict order to all of the C-rank monsters under his command, Kiba included.

“Leave the C-rank monsters to me, I’ll be the one the end them.” He spoke with such force and pressure that despite their instinctual reluctance none of them could disobey. Findlay wasn’t just the grand commander with the backing of their lord, but he was also the strongest of them all. He forced them to submit with power, the natural way among monsters.

Of course Findlay wasn’t foolish enough to want to take on all the invading C-rank monsters no, just that if he was on shift and there was only one present he would be the one to fight it....alone.

Back in the private space Frost, Maya, Nanna and Loki were just finishing up their meal and were all far more relaxed because of it.

“Nanna, Loki I’ll be leaving you to monitor the situation and relay with Findlay and Kiba while I attempt to make my own unique monster race. I’ll need complete focus when I’m doing this so you’ll need to handle any and all situations, only contacting me if it’s absolutely necessary, can you do that?” Frost asked with a gentle tone fully confident in Nanna’s and Loki’s abilities to handle such a task. He wasn’t asking much anyway, just for 6 hours or so of peace and quiet wherein he could redirect all his attention to design.

Loki immediately showed a bright smile and was about to respond with great enthusiasm but held himself back and instead turned to his older sister. Last time they were in charge for less than an hour, but his sister got so depressed by the result, he was worried whether or not she’d be fine. He didn’t want to force her into anything she wasn’t sure of.

Maya placed her two hands upon her chest and squeezed, making sure her heart didn’t explode from seeing Loki’s adorable actions, he was an absolute angel.

Frost also smiled at his actions and looked towards Nanna with a loving gaze. “Nanna?”

Nanna trembled slightly as her name was called, to say she was not afraid would be a lie, but her master was willing to entrust her with such an important task despite what happened earlier she couldn’t help but be moved.

Nanna raised her head up rapidly and stared into Frost’s eyes with steely determination. “Please leave it to me Master I’ll ensure everything stays on track while you’re busy.” She then saluted just like Findlay, displaying her resolve.