The so-called dungeon storyline encompasses the background, cause of events, and clear conditions—a complete narrative system.
From this narrative, dungeon quests branch out into main and side quests.
If a dungeon is a tree, the main quest is the trunk, forming the core of the storyline. Only by completing it can you clear the dungeon.
But just finishing the main quest is like sketching a tree trunk without details—it needs more.
Side quests are the branches and leaves, aiding dungeon completion and enriching the experience, termed “dungeon completion degree” in technical jargon.
A great storyline is like a towering tree with lush foliage, immersing players in an epic, cinematic adventure.
This isn’t exaggeration. In my past life, Epoch collaborated with renowned novelists and directors, their touch evident in the gripping plots of major dungeons.
“So, creating a dungeon storyline isn’t easy,” I nodded, sighing as if it couldn’t be helped.
But Syl glanced at me before returning to the text in her hand. “Little Red Riding Hood defeated the Big Bad Wolf and was adopted as Cinderella. Years later, she fell in love with a prince at a ball, married, and gave birth to Snow White before passing away. Snow White grew up, ate a poisoned apple from her wicked stepmother, but gathered seven dwarves to make a wish and summon…”
“Wait, don’t read it out loud!” Even thick-skinned, I felt embarrassed by this mash-up. My face flushed as I tried to cover Syl’s mouth.
But my height betrayed me, and I couldn’t stop her from finishing.
“Now, players, please help the stepmother defeat the dragon.”
…
…
Silence fell, but Syl’s unchanged expression clearly radiated “concern for the Dark faction’s future.”
I crumbled under her gaze.
“Fine, fine, I’ll rewrite it! Stop looking at me like that!”
“I merely think Lady Alice wouldn’t approve,” Syl said.
“…Wait, the storyline needs Alice’s approval?” Seeing Syl nod, I scrapped my plan to just tweak names and call it a day.
No way I’d let that snarky girl mock my writing.
Still—
“So hard to come up with…” I had past-life dungeon texts in my head, but they’d been reduced to strategies. No one remembers every slice of bread they’ve eaten, right?
Syl’s words jogged my memory.
“If Your Majesty lacks ideas, visit Farns’ library to explore Soma Town or Gruin’s historical background and local legends for inspiration.”
“…Right!”
So, in the Farns capital of the Alwyn Empire, two figures appeared—one a cute cat-eared loli, the other a tall, guardian-like older sister.
“I forgot to settle scores with Alice last time…” I muttered, touching my fluffy ears, feeling helpless.
But the disguise was perfect, right?
No one could imagine the Demon King, nemesis of the Light faction, as a cute mascot. If the Demon King started acting adorable, the world might as well end.
Yet, the world was still chugging along.
“Confusing enemies into thinking I’m weak to lower their guard works, though~”
“Your Majesty’s strength is already quite modest,” Syl kindly reminded.
“Hey, I took down a three-man team my level!” I protested, defending my combat prowess.
Before Syl could respond, nearby players burst out laughing.
Normally, even skilled players struggled against three opponents, let alone a frail-looking loli with no apparent combat ability. They saw it as a kid’s boast.
“So cute, acting all grown-up.”
“Anyone bullying such a cute kid?”
“Feels like I could… scoop her up with one hand~”
“Laugh all you want!” It was true, but being treated like a child with no rebuttal stung. Cheeks flushed, I bit my lip, deciding not to stoop to their level. I grabbed Syl’s hand and headed for Farns’ National Library.
Of course, I didn’t forget to flash a cute grimace back.
How many loli fans I charmed wasn’t my concern.
The National Library wasn’t far from Saint Bis Square, a ten-minute walk. But passing the Alchemist Association, a small commotion caught my eye.
A crowd gathered at the bustling entrance, drawing onlookers.
“Syl, what’s happening?” Curiosity piqued, I slowed to peek.
Syl picked up on nearby players’ chatter. “Seems an alchemist from a guild is clashing with management over a potion-crafting issue.”
Did they catch onto the scheme I set up with Tris?
Unlikely anyone would notice yet, but I felt guilty, tugging Syl to leave quickly. Glancing back, I froze at a familiar figure in the crowd.
“Syl, help me out.”
—
“What do you want?” Falling Snow Maple Leaf shielded a fallen figure, coldly eyeing the Blue Shadow guild members. “The contract says crafting failures can happen.”
“It doesn’t say she can waste this many materials,” Misty Water, the guild’s lead, shook his head, looking conflicted at the figure beside the girl.
He opened his mouth, but a shrill female voice cut in. “Stop wasting time, Water-bro. You two owe us for these losses, or you’ll regret it.”
Misty Water frowned but stayed silent.
“Are you really going this far?” Falling Snow Maple Leaf narrowed her eyes. “Fine, I’ll quit Blue Shadow.”
“Wait, what? You’re an elite member. Think of the resources we’ve invested!” Misty Water blinked, frowning.
“I’ll return the gear.”
“You think returning gear is enough? Without it and Blue Shadow’s support, you’ll fall off the warrior rankings fast.”
Her expression remained calm. “I only joined for Chang’an.”
“You think gear’s all? The guild gave you potions and items too. Cough those up,” a warlock player shouted.
“Fine. Clear the account. I don’t want to stay in this guild anyway,” Falling Snow Maple Leaf said, recognizing the player who’d been rejected by her before. Whether it was personal wasn’t her concern.
Misty Water grew anxious. “Hold on, we can talk.”
But the turning point wasn’t his words—it was the ignored figure.
“Maple,” Moon Chang’an softly called, grabbing Falling Snow Maple Leaf’s arm, smiling apologetically at the guild. “Sorry, Maple’s just joking. Please don’t take it to heart. I’ll work to cover the losses. Just give me some time.”
“Alright…” Misty Water exhaled, about to agree, when things veered unexpectedly.
“More time? The guild leader’s been kind, giving you plenty already. What’s the result?” The warlock glared at Falling Snow Maple Leaf venomously. “This backstabber calls our guild disgusting. Even if I agree, will the others?”
His wide guild connections rallied support.
“Exactly, a joke?”
“Pay for the materials now, or you’re done.”
“Watch your mouth,” Falling Snow Maple Leaf snapped, but was held back.
Moon Chang’an, head bowed, spoke earnestly. “I’m so sorry. It’s my fault. I’ll make it up… cough… please, just a little time. Thank you.”
Perhaps speaking too fast, she coughed, exuding a fragile beauty.
Some Blue Shadow members quieted, but others, spurred on, didn’t stop.
Misty Water glanced at the warlock, hearing the growing clamor, sighed after a pause, and stayed silent.
It was her fault, after all. Speaking up would alienate the guild. For the guild’s sake, he had to let them go.
But his silence didn’t mean others would stay quiet.
“Bullying two girls with a crowd? Shameless.”
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