Allen's group was at the new Talent Change Dungeon in Latash's Academy.
They had already reached the last floor after a day. A large beast lay in front of them.
'You defeated 1 Chimera Omega. You obtained 400'000'000 Experience points.'
"So that's the dungeon boss."
Allen looked at his Grimoire and verified they had defeated the enemy.
They had defeated a 100 meter long monster that looked like various animals merged.
Haku and Kurena were still Leveling Up on their own, while the rest went to let Habarak and Luck undergo a Talent Change.
Everyone gathered around Allen now that the fight was over, and a cube floated ahead of them.
'Somehow this was way faster than I anticipated.'
Digragni spoke through the Magic Cube floating above Merle. He clearly sounded defeated.
Allen had beat the dungeon just one day after it was opened.
"Well, we're used to fighting Demon Generals after all."
The boss had been similar to an S Rank monster.
But Digragni had implemented the ideas Allen gave him before, which he commended.
'I mean, sure. But you looked even more bored than when we went through the Gates of Trials.'
(So he's wondering if I enjoyed it… I guess it's true I was expecting more.)
"This dungeon is supposed to fit above the A Rank Dungeon, but below the S Rank Dungeon, right?"
'Yes, Isiris told me to tune the monsters like that. Maybe I could've put more traps though…'
Allen had not meant to show it, but it was true that he found it boring.
Some time later Habarak, who had been watching from afar, walked up to them.
"Hey so, what are they talking about now?"
"Dunno…a performance review?"
Digragni kept complaining that they went through too fast.
Habarak could not keep up with the conversation, so he tried to ask Merle about it.
"I don't think it's an issue of traps, but more of monotony."
'Monotony? But there were plenty of mazes. I even added the pitfalls you suggested.'
Allen had suggested various things to Digragni, including pitfalls leading to the previous floor.
"That's not what I mean. Isn't it monotonous when you can always anticipate you'll end up on another floor by moving forward?"
'Anticipation?'
"I'm just saying that it's too predictable. For example, if you avoid a pitfall you already know you're on the right path to the next floor."
Digragni did not seem convinced, so Allen kept explaining more.
'But what's the problem with that?'
"Why not make it so the only way to proceed is by falling down a pitfall?"
'Huh?'
It was possible for the correct route to only be revealed after falling through a pitfall, the route could be below a pitfall, or it could be above.
Allen's expertise mentioned how having that uncertainty was important in dungeons.
"You should keep them always on their toes, wondering if they're going down the right path."
Instead of a linear path with traps, it was more exciting when they never knew what was coming.
'O-ohh, so that's what you mean… Did you hear that Merle? My next dungeon will be way better.'
(The next dungeon, huh. I hope he gets to do that.)
The updated Talent Change Dungeon came shortly after the first one.
The first one could only give up to 4 Talent Stars, but the new one reached 5 Stars.
Allen wondered what would come after that.
"O-oh, that's nice."
'That's all? Dungeons deserve more respect!'
The Magic Cube was getting louder.
"I mean, I'm not really a Dungeon Master so…"
Merle did not understand the conversation, No one else did either.
"Either way, let's finish the Talent Change."
The conversation had been taking over by discussing dungeon design, so Kiel reminded them why they were there.
'Congratulations on getting through the dungeon. I'm Talent Change System Assistant T005. Do you want to use Talent Change Points and undergo a Talent Change?'
"Yes. Lucktod will be the first one."
Allen used Luck's full name for the cube device to properly register it.
"Ohh. I'll finally be able to manifest young spirits."
'1 Talent Change Point will be used to turn Lucktod to a Dark Enchanter.'
(Dark Enchanter sounds really cool.)
Luck's body began to glow brightly.
"Did it work? Ohh! I'm a Dark Enchanter!!"
Luck peeked into Allen's Grimoire to check.
Allen knew anyone would get excited after such a change.
He wrote down Luck's progression too.
[Luck's Talent progression]
-Black Mage ★
-Black Sorcerer ★★
-Dark Enchanter ★★★
"So your Talent Change was successful. You should go back to the Spirit Village and form pacts with young spirits then."
"Yeah! I'll also introduce Mouton to everyone there!!"
'Sure.'
Luck's eyes became brighter. He kept poking at Mouton, excited about going back home.
There were young spirits in Fabraze, and Luck could form pacts with up to four with them as he Leveled Up.
There were spirits outside there as well, but only rarely in physical form.
They only manifested in very specific locations, like a World Tree.
Allen felt it was a good idea for him to return to his homeland to find new spirits.
Sophie had also returned to Rosenheim after they went through the S Rank Dungeon.
A lot of Mana was necessary to form a pact, but their accessories could cover that.
Sophie had used Mana Recovery Rings, and Luck had two Sacred Beads from Makirs.
"You'll get to undergo another Talent Change once you're used to young spirits."
"Alright! I'll do that as soon as possible!!"
(We could also check the Spirit Paradise in the divine realm.)
The Spirit Paradise was also a place Allen wanted to visit, as it was filled with spirits.
'Is that the only Talent Change you seek?'
"No, Habarak will be undergoing one as well."
'10 Talent Change Points will be used to turn Habarak to a Legendary Blacksmith.'
Poof
"Hm? Did it work?"
"It seems so, yes. You should be able to use Alchemy on orichalcum once you raise your Skill Levels now."
Allen verified that Habarak had become a Legendary Blacksmith in his Grimoire.
[Blacksmith Talents and Star counts]
-Village's Best Blacksmith ★
-Town's Best Blacksmith ★★
-Country's Best Blacksmith ★★★
-World's Best Blacksmith ★★★★
-Legendary Blacksmith ★★★★★
"Alright then, I'll start using Alchemy on orichalcum then. I can't wait."
Habarak seemed satisfied.
[Alchemy] was a blacksmith's Skill, which added special effects to a weapon.
Habarak could use it on adamantite, but not on orichalcum.
But now that he had undergone a Talent Change that was possible. All to defeat Megadeth.
(I've really spent a lot of Talent Change Points doing this.)
"Ah, I also want to undergo a Talent Change."
Cecile voiced her desire.
She wanted to gain a 5 Star Talent as well.
Allen had 13 Talent Change Points, so only one person could gain a 5 Star Talent.
"No, we don't have enough Talent Change Points."
"I know, I know. Is Kurena getting one?"
Kurena had been Leveling Up constantly, but she needed to be Level 99 in Extra Mode for a Talent Change.
Allen was more inclined to let Larappa have a Talent Change.
"No, I think Kurena will have to fight Megadeth after we destroy the Demon King's Army's stronghold and forts."
Allen did not know how many Demon Generals there were, but he was hoping they would be enough for Kurena to max out her Level twice.
Not to mention that once he started the attack it could not be stopped until all forts and strongholds fell.
For now they could only get ready before having to fight the last Gatekeeper.
