The Evolution of a Dungeon Master

"Give me a moment..." Leonhardt held his hand in front of the two goblins before stepping towards the second square and closing his eyes with a deep breath. "Phew..." A warm, almost burning air filled his lungs with a sweet and floral taste. 

'A name... why couldn't it have one already?'

[Dungeons are given a new name each time a new master awakens.]

『I see..』

His eyes squinted at the familiar sight.

Ever since he chose the magical filter, beautiful flora and trees had formed, their leaves a mixture of embers and vibrant green, growing throughout the dungeon like a brilliant emerald valley.

"Beautiful..."

Without a response, he felt the name coming to him, the dungeon and his existence... a creature close to nature and flames...

"Embers... A vale of fiery flowers... Embervale!" 

Leonhardt lowered his gaze, noticing the panels in the corner of his eyes. He then began renaming various parts of the dungeon. 

His lips curled into a smile while he reached out and tapped the screen, changing the various parts of the dungeon—what popped up next made him quite surprised. 

[Grant Zafira dungeon management permission?]

[Yes] // [No]

'Wife, what does it mean to give her permission? Can I limit what she can do?'

[Half of your total DP will be instead given to Zafira for upkeep, management and improvement of the dungeon]

[However, she will not be able to expand the inner dungeon, only exterior Squares, which you can limit to whatever level you choose.]

『What would the benefits be of that?』

Leonhardt could understand the benefits of such a system, his mind organising and considering the options and how far he would constrict her while her loyalty remained low.

[You will only need to use your DP to buy items, add new troops, expand the inner palace, and perform other important tasks in the future.]

[Meanwhile, Zafira will take care of monster environments, cleaning the dungeon, upkeep of the current squares and peacekeeping the various races as they increase.]

"Hmm..."

He closed his eyes slowly, enjoying the warm sensation of the mana from the second and third Squares.

The goblins mostly existed outside the dungeon, and small animals lingered inside along with the main guardians.

Metre-long rabbits with long pointed horns that Zafira cultivated.

'Those things are quite adorable but omnivores...'

The knowledge in his mind stated rabbits ate fruit and grass... but seeing one chomping at a dead goblin changed his worldview completely.

However... they seemed to adore Leonhardt even though Zafira fed them and spent her time trying to win their affection. 

Leon only needed to sit on his throne, and they would lie around him as if to guard and protect him with their leader, the first rabbit on his lap.

'Wife... can you apply both the dungeon name and permissions for Zafira using what I write here?'

[Yes, Dungeon Master]

『Understood. Please complete my request.』

[The Master's Will be done!]

——----------------------

[Dungeon Attendant Zafira has been granted low-level permissions]

∟ Allocated 2000 DP

• Can Hire and Manage current units

• Will regularly clean and maintain the dungeon

• Will take over management of the dungeon

• Can NOT disband or remove evolved units

• Can NOT take actions that would endanger the dungeon or dungeon master!

——----------------------

[Dungeon Name Confirmed]

The Embervale Citadel

• Embervale Keep (Goblin outpost in the Embervale forest)

• Great Forest of Ember (Formerly Great Forest of Luris)

• Village of Embers (Formerly Arlet Village)

[Succubus Princess Zafira is extremely pleased with your trust and gift]

∟ Loyalty + 5

∟ Affection + 5

——----------------------

"Phew... let's return." 

A sudden shudder spread through the ground like a growing earthquake, and the temperature and atmosphere became violent, as if angry. Leonhardt grasped the flaming vines along the walls, his body swaying as he desperately gripped the sharp, burning plants.

"Huh?!"

[A New Dungeon Has Been Born! - The Embervale Citadel (Rank - D)]

『Her voice sounds excited?!』

Leonhardt's eyes narrowed—he could sense the delight and jubilation from the feminine voice, a feeling of laughter as her voice faded.

[Congratulations, Master. I will continue to serve you until the end!]

[Ifrit longs for your orders!]

"Ifrit... a wonderful name..."

Something in his memory surfaced... Ifrit, the divine being of fire and destruction... queen of all fire.

Suddenly, the entire dungeon became chaotic.

Although he couldn't see from outside, he felt a warm, comfortable feeling that was filled with danger.

A powerful flame vibrated underground somewhere beneath him.

"Is this fate... a mythical being? The queen of all flames is my dungeon wife, and my body is mostly made up of flames and fire mana."

Fae were a special type of spirit normally born from one element. At first, Leonhardt's element was wind, but the powerful magic of his Djinn bloodline and heart corrupted and tempered his body to be that of fire and brimstone. 

『Well, I should be a part of Wind Elemental too.』

Hence, the flames bursting from the cracks beneath sucked into his body... and soothed his mind.

[Master, please give your goblin his name?]

His legs extended, swaying from the violent quaking of the earth—outside the dungeon, the forest of Juris, now gifted by the name Ember, also transformed.

Beautiful, exotic flowers created with embers and powerful fae magic.

"Master, the dungeon shakes! Enemy attack?" Gobbolas gazed at Leonhardt, who arrived with concern, his hands already holding his trusted bow. 

"Master... you have returned!" 

Different from Gobbolas, Gobomir knelt on his knee and placed his hand on his chest. It seemed like the thoughts and desires Leonhardt imagined when naming them made a difference.

Leon glanced at the room, his eyes opening wide at the sudden change.

His black throne became covered in beautiful flaming roses, their black vines as if made from charcoal. A wonderful scent filled the room, like a mystical garden.

"Gobomir, Captain of Embervale. Arise, and return to your position. I order you to protect the goblins at Embervale. Keep well. I grant you permission to bestow the name Ember to all goblins who show promise from this point forth."

[Ding!]

[Mythical Evolution Granted to all goblins!]

[Ember Goblin] 

[Accept?]

∟ 50 EP

There was never a need to speak—the moment he gazed at the two goblin captains walking back together, a series of flaming vines suddenly wrapped the two in their flaming petals.

"Ah?!"

"What?!"

The vines swallowed the goblins before a golden light fluttered from the two petalled cocoons. 

"Gobbolas? Gobomir, are you alright?"

[Do not worry, Master—those two are undergoing a once-in-a-lifetime evolution, a racial evolution. No other goblins may claim the title of "Ember" that you have given to them.]

——

[Gobbolas (Unique Archer)]

[Race: Ember Hob (Hobgoblin Variant)]

Description:

A stronger evolution of the goblin race with greater knowledge and the ability to use fire.

Their dark red skin is a sign of their Master's affection, granting them the title "Ember."

Has low strength and defence but excels with archery and agility.

Improves the damage and organisation of all Goblin Archers.

[Stats]

• STR: F --> E

• VIT: E --> D

• DEF: F --> E

• AGI: D --> C

• INT: E --> D

• CHA: F --> E

[Loyalty: 75] --> 120

——

[Gobbomir (Unique Guardian)]

[Race: Ember Hob (Hobgoblin Variant)]

Description:

A Strong monster with the power of fire and the ability to lead melee units into battle. 

In times of danger, he will blow the horn on his neck. (Summons up to 12 Goblin allies).

Uses a round shield and spear and has a strong vitality and defence.

[Stats]

• STR: D

• VIT: C 

• DEF: D

• AGI: F 

• INT: C

• CHA: E 

[Loyalty: 185]

——