Chapter 48: A Claim of Sovereignty

  The cold air of the surface hit Marcus and Vira like a wave as they stepped out of the dungeon’s exit. The feeling of solid ground beneath them was almost surreal after the endless trials of the tower. The dim light of the late afternoon sky filtered through the trees, casting long shadows over the gathered figures waiting for them.

  And there were many.

  Standing at the forefront was Boruk and Ragn, their expressions a mixture of relief and tension. Behind them, the Orc Chieftain—a towering, broad-shouldered figure with a perpetual scowl—stood flanked by several elite warriors.

  Opposite them, clad in dark travel leathers and polished armor, was Thalron and his inquisitors.

  And judging by the looks on their faces, they weren’t here to celebrate.

  The Orc Chieftain was the first to speak, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder.

  "You return in one piece," he said, his sharp eyes locking onto Vira first, then shifting to Marcus.

  His expression remained unreadable, but there was something in his tone—something that bordered on relief.

  Then, his brow furrowed. "Why was I not informed that a dungeon lay within orc lands?"

  Vira stiffened. "Chieftain—"

  "Enough." His voice was final. "I will hear it from him." His gaze bore into Marcus, demanding an explanation.

  Before Marcus could speak, another voice cut through the moment.

  "That may not be your biggest problem right now, Chieftain."

  Thalron.

  The elven inquisitor stepped forward, his posture rigid but not hostile—not yet. His piercing golden eyes fixed on Marcus with an intensity that was both familiar and deeply unsettling.

  "Marcus Elder," Thalron said, his voice carefully measured. "You are wanted for questioning by the Adventurer’s Guild regarding the events of Sirius Dungeon. Your sudden emergence from an unreported dungeon is… let’s say, less than ideal for your situation."

  Marcus sighed. "Yeah. Figured that’d come up."

  Thalron folded his arms. "You do realize how this looks, right? Unreported dungeon. Mysteriously emerges alive with his companion. No official records of its existence until now. The guild is going to ask a lot of questions."

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  "Good thing I have an answer, then." Marcus crossed his arms. "I found it."

  Thalron blinked. "Excuse me?"

  "The dungeon was unreported because it wasn’t discovered by the guild," Marcus continued. "I found it. That means, by right of First Delver, I claim ownership of it."

  A long silence stretched across the clearing.

  The orc warriors shifted slightly, their expressions turning from suspicion to interest. Boruk and Ragn exchanged glances. Even Thalron, usually composed, looked taken aback.

  "...You’re claiming it as orc property?" Thalron asked carefully.

  Marcus shrugged. "Sounds about right."

  Thalron pinched the bridge of his nose. "Marcus, you have no idea what kind of fire you’re about to start. The Guild won’t like this. Orc sovereignty is still contested in this region—if you claim the dungeon, it could put the entire Xenorian Council at odds with the orc tribes."

  Marcus didn’t back down. "Well, they’ll have to deal with it."

  Thalron’s expression hardened.

  "You know I can’t let you walk away like that."

  And with that, he stepped forward—his intent clear.

  Instantly, Boruk, Ragn, Vira, and the Orc Chieftain stepped in front of Marcus, forming a solid wall between him and Thalron’s inquisitors.

  "He is one of us," the Chieftain rumbled, his tone leaving no room for argument. "He will not be going anywhere with you."

  Thalron stiffened. "This is a guild matter—"

  "Not anymore," Ragn cut in, resting a hand on his dagger. "You just heard him. The dungeon is ours now."

  Boruk cracked his knuckles. "And we don’t take kindly to people trying to take what’s ours."

  Vira folded her arms. "Marcus isn’t going anywhere alone."

  For a moment, Thalron looked torn. Then, Arixa moved.

  The moment the tension reached its peak, Arixa exploded into action.

  "Enough talking!" she snapped, surging forward like a coiled spring, moving faster than most could react.

  Her warhammer whistled through the air, its weight promising to end this in a single blow.

  But she never made it.

  The Chieftain moved faster.

  A massive hand shot out, gripping Arixa by the throat mid-charge.

  Her momentum vanished.

  Arixa choked, her eyes widening in shock as her entire body was lifted off the ground with terrifying ease.

  The Chieftain didn’t even look strained.

  "You do not come into my land and attack my people." His voice was calm—which somehow made it all the more terrifying.

  Arixa struggled, visibly furious, but she could do nothing.

  Thalron’s eyes darkened. "Chieftain—"

  A slow, deliberate thud as the Chieftain dropped Arixa unceremoniously to the ground.

  She coughed, scrambling to her feet, rage burning in her eyes, but she didn’t move again.

  Marcus exhaled. "Okay. That’s enough. Nobody else needs to get hurt."

  Marcus’ Decision

  He stepped forward, putting himself between the two groups.

  "I’ll go," Marcus said, raising his hands. "Willingly."

  Thalron frowned. "You sure?"

  "Yeah." Marcus nodded.

  The Chieftain folded his arms. "Fine, but you go with your Party."

  A beat passed before he asked, "Before you go… tell me. What kind of dungeon was it?"

  Marcus hesitated. He didn’t actually know.

  Then, Stem spoke.

  "I have changed the dungeon’s nature. It is now a permanent resource dungeon—one that will yield power indefinitely for those who claim it."

  Marcus blinked.

  Then, he turned to the Chieftain.

  "It’s a resource dungeon."

  The Chieftain froze.

  For the first time, his eyes widened in genuine shock.

  "A… permanent resource dungeon?"

  Marcus nodded.

  A slow grin crept onto the Chieftain’s face.

  "You just made orc lands untouchable."

  With everything settled, Marcus turned to Thalron, extending a hand.

  Thalron sighed, rubbing his temples, before shaking Marcus’ hand.

  "You’re going to be a nightmare to explain to the guild."

  Marcus grinned. "I do my best."

  He turned to Arixa, nodding in greeting. "Hope you’re not still mad about getting choked out."

  Arixa scowled. "Shut up."

  Marcus laughed.

  Then, with his party beside him, he exhaled and looked toward the ro

  ad ahead.

  "Alright," he muttered. "Let’s go see what Xenor has to say about all this."