Transmigrated as a Ghost

With Marcus' mention of the special dungeon, everyone else in the room wore serious expressions.

They understood what kind of place it was having all gone through the hellish trails that pushed one to their limits and beyond.

"During yesterdays demon attack it was clear that we were just barely strong enough to repulse them. I imagine that this was only due to the fact that our enemies did not know exactly how strong Mrazivý and I are, or about Lyra in general. Now they do, and the next time that Vaughn and Braylen make a move I am sure they will have us in mind since we foiled their plan to turn Borealia into a demon hellscape."

Marcus made sure to get across how grave the situation was, and James who had also had this on his mind nodded.

"It was an unprecedented attack that came from those we thought to be our allies. While I did not know Vaughn well, I was utterly surprised to see Braylen working with him. I do not know what sort of vile promises were made to him, but I still find it hard to believe that he would do something like this." James said as he clenched his fists in anger.

Of course, Braylen had been one of the ones to support James' candidacy to become the next king. And when James refused, he had joined along with everyone to support Frostine.

Truly he had been close to James, and Mrazivý to a lesser extent. Making his betrayal hit them both hard.

With dangerous enemies lurking in the shadows, their only choice was to get stronger and prepare the best they could for any future confrontations.

"I agree that we should venture into that special dungeon again, but I am not sure how we will be able to align our schedules." Lyra said, bringing up a valid concern.

"I for one will be returning to Tralenstein soon, and I doubt it will be easy for me to come back to Borealia for any extended amount of time. Especially in wake of what just happened. And I imagine that James will be busy in his role and will fine it hard to get away for an undefined amount of time. Once we enter the special dungeon again, we will not be able to leave until we complete ten floors." Lyra said.

James grumbled at her assessment, but she was correct that as the leader of the Sky Knights, one of Borealia's elite units, he would be busier than ever now thanks to this sudden attack.

Still, Marcus just shook his head, and said, "No, we have to do whatever we can to make sure we have time for this. I am sure that if James explains it to the king, he can get time off. As for you Lyra, no one truly has the authority to stop you if you insist. The queen of Tralenstein will allow you leeway if we ask. As for your retainer and people, they will likely protest, but I am sure you understand how important this is. In this world might often does make right. So, if we do not want other powers from taking over our homes, we need to be strong enough to rebuff them."

After saying his piece, Marcus waited for Lyra's response.

Eventually when she had finished thinking it over, she nodded though there was an uncomfortable look on her face.

"I am sure there will be many who are not pleased by my continuing absences. Some other nobles have been complaining about my interactions with Borealia. Believing that I am making moves to ingrain myself and make a better deal for Valenhart before our two kingdoms become one. Nevertheless, I get what you are saying and will put aside whatever other inconveniences might occur. I will need to be stronger to make sure that I am never in the position of not being able to help my people again."

With everyone in agreement, they began making solid preparation to enter the dungeon.

"Are you sure that you want to involve this kid, Marcus?" James asked after hearing about Alaric.

Naturally he would need everyone else's acceptance into bringing him in on their numerous secrets.

"Yes, I believe him to be trustworthy and stalwart. His devotion to Lilia is clear, and I will use this as a chance to test his mettle." Marcus said, vouching for Alaric.

"So, we will begin going into the dungeon towards the end of summer. In between that time, I will train Alaric up to be closer to Lilia's level. And at the same time Lyra, Mrazivý, and Quillon will continue fighting in the dungeon in Tralenstein. Lilia will continue her studies in school, and as for you James, good luck with your job as the leader of the Sky Knights"

With their plans hammered out the group started to go their separate ways. And while they would have liked to just leisurely talk, there was simply too much for all of them to do.

"Good luck with your level grinding Mraz. I hope that you can progress well." Marcus said as he was about to part with her.

"Thanks, I am certain I can surpass your level again in no time. When we next fight a powerful opponent like that demon from yesterday, I will definitely get in the final hit."

"Well, I look forward to it. Oh, and if you somehow fine a boss room and get ahold of some amethros, I will certainly make you a crown even better than Frostine's." Marcus said with a bright smile.

"Then I will have to thoroughly search that dungeon in Tralenstein for a few bosses to crush. It may be quite rare for amethros to be given out as a reward, but with that incentive I will absolutely do my best." Mrazivý said, practically beaming.

After that they said their goodbyes for now and Marcus and Lilia made their way back to Clara who had been waiting patiently for them to come back.

"I have finished my business here for today. We can head back home now."