The Imperial Arcane Academy's festival had reached its peak. Students crowded around stalls, laughing and showing off skills. The professors were busy judging events, and nobles whispered quietly about the students' rising talents.
Lucien wandered near the edge of the courtyard, eyes scanning the ornamental stones lining the academy walls. Something felt… off.
Kael frowned beside him.
"Why are you wandering there?"
Lucien crouched near a cracked stone, gently pressing it. A faint blue glow pulsed beneath.
"Relax. Sometimes hidden side quests are more fun than the main events."
Kael blinked.
"…You have a side quest radar."
Lucien smirked.
"Of course I do."
DISCOVERY OF THE HIDDEN DUNGEON
Lucien pressed the stone fully, and the ground trembled slightly. A small stone door slid open, revealing a dark spiral staircase descending into the earth.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Hidden Dungeon Detected
Rank: D (First Minor Dungeon)
Floors: 2
Monsters: Low-level elementals, traps detected
Treasure: Unknown
Special Rule: Hidden treasures increase with observation and bond synergy
Lucien's grin widened.
"Oh… jackpot."
Kael's eyebrow twitched.
"Not again."
Brom pumped his hammer.
"Finally, real adventure!"
Elarion sighed.
"Focus on teamwork. This isn't a festival game."
Lucien laughed.
"Exactly why it's fun."
FLOOR 1 — TRAPS AND ELEMENTALS
The first floor was narrow. Mana currents flowed like streams along the walls, making elemental manipulation tricky.
Lucien analyzed the currents, using his blue flame affinity to safely illuminate the floor.
Kael's fire bursts disarmed minor magical traps.
Brom smashed rock formations that blocked their path.
Elarion's arrows pinpointed unstable elemental crystals that could explode.
Bond Activation: Lucien + Kael + Brom + Elarion
Multiplication Effect: Talent ×1.25, Affinity ×1.25, Physique ×1.25, Bloodline ×1.25
They moved efficiently. The floor was cleared without a single injury, but faint rune lights hinted at hidden corners.
Lucien poked a wall.
"See this? Slightly different rune pattern—hidden loot ahead!"
Kael muttered, "…I should've expected this."
FLOOR 2 — TREASURE AND MINI-BOSS
The second floor opened into a small chamber. In the center floated a mana crystal orb, pulsing faintly. Around it, elemental wisps hovered, guarding it.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Mini-Boss Detected: Elemental Wisp Guardian
Difficulty: Low
Treasure: Unknown
Special Rule: Bonded coordination required
Lucien winked.
"Time for a little demonstration."
He formed twin blue flame spirals in his hands.
Kael ignited precise bursts, controlling the flames' temperature.
Brom used shockwave slams to disrupt wisp formations.
Elarion struck weak points with pinpoint arrows.
Bond Multiplier Active: +30% combat efficiency
Blue Flame Control Bonus: +10% precision
The wisps faltered under their coordinated attack. Lucien's playful choreography allowed them to neutralize without overkill, demonstrating efficiency and control.
After a final burst of synchronized magic, the wisps dissipated, leaving the mana crystal unscathed.
TREASURE AND SYSTEM REWARD
Lucien approached the crystal, examining it carefully.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Hidden Dungeon Cleared — Floor 2
Treasure Acquired: Mana Crystal of Minor Awakening (enhances elemental affinity)
EXP Awarded: 1,200 per participant
Bond Multiplication Bonus Applied
Lucien grinned.
"See? Hidden dungeon complete. And look at this—a real bonus."
He handed pieces of the crystal to Kael, Brom, and Elarion.
"Sharing is caring. Plus, bonding multiplies everything!"
Kael sighed.
"…You make this sound like a video game."
Brom laughed.
"Because it basically is, Kael!"
Elarion smirked faintly.
"Efficiency… I'll admit, it works."
AFTERMATH — FESTIVAL REACTIONS
Back on the surface, the festival crowd was oblivious to the hidden dungeon discovery. Lucien casually walked out, blue flames dimmed for show.
Some younger students whispered about seeing Lucien "glow like a mini dragon."
Kael muttered, "…I'm still not used to this."
Brom beamed. "Hidden dungeon? Best festival ever!"
Elarion nodded quietly, impressed with Lucien's efficiency.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
First Hidden Dungeon Cleared
Bond Strength Increased: +5% permanent
Hidden Treasure Tracking Enabled
New System Quest Available: Mastery of Hidden Dungeons
Lucien rubbed the crystal in his hand.
"Next time, we'll go bigger. C-Rank hidden dungeon… maybe a real challenge."
Kael groaned.
"Why does it always escalate?"
Lucien winked.
"Because life's boring if it doesn't."