The cloud of dust quickly settled; the goblin’s jaw was still hung wide open. The warbeast probably would have snorted if it had the lung capacity to do so, but nonetheless it shook its head as it stepped out into the hall and resumed its patrolling.

  After a few moments, Thoth managed to extricate himself from the rubble. “Never has such a feat been managed and I have borne witness to it.” The demon oddly had a wide grin across his face despite the black blood trickling from the corners of it.

  “You’re happy?” The goblin asked in amazement; maybe this demon was truly a masochist.

  “Indeed, you probably don’t even realize it, do you?” Thoth inquired of the goblin, who in turn shook his head. “You created something that was capable of injuring an archdemon, a creature capable of fighting toe-to-toe with some of the most powerful beings in all the planes.”

  “Did you realize that this would happen?” The goblin asked; after all, the demon was the one who set all this into motion.

  “Yes but I didn’t expect you to pull it off…” Thoth had pulled himself. “I mean, who has the knowledge, tools, and resources to do so?”

  “I guess I did.” The goblin laughed; of the things he was proud of, his persistence had always been one. It was one of the few reasons he continued to eke out his existence.

  Before he could continue contemplating such thoughts, he felt it again… the itch. Someone was in his dungeon. Whoever it was, they were moving through the halls at a speedy rate; he still had a few Watchers roaming the dungeon and some of them were heading towards the disturbance.

  He went to the main room and went to the hanging metal mirror he had engraved his observation rune into. He eventually was able to lay eyes on the intruders. It was a large group of adventurers all dressed in various gear; there were halflings, dwarves, elves, and humans in the whole lot.

  Amongst them was the trio of adventurers from their first adventure. The human was pleading to what seemed to be the leader of the group. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

  The leader, a tall humanoid with tusks jutting from his lower jaw, probably a half-orc, replied, “From what you described, it was just a fledgling dungeon; this is an excellent chance to gain an ability.”

  “But there is someone here! Probably a dungeon master.” The human said, “It is not safe.”

  “We have slain plenty of dungeon masters and we can do so again.” The half-orc dismissed the concerns. “We will just find and snatch the core and be done here.”

  “But…” the human tried to say but a blade was quickly put to his throat.

  “Just shut up and do the job already; guide us as far as you can and we will do the rest.” The half-orc threatened. It was only now that Armand could see that said adventures were bound with ropes and being pulled along with the group.

  “A bunch of fresh meat, huh.” Thoth said while looking over his shoulder, “That one in particular looks to have quite the tasty soul.” A look of hunger is shown on the demon's face as he eyes the half-orc leader. “Perhaps you should put the mutt to use.”

  Armand turned back to see the group had stopped. “You said that this was the way to the cave!” The half-orc turned back. “Do I need to make another example of you all?” He said while pointing to one of the elf’s missing fingers.

  “This whole place has changed in our months away; it used to just be barren passages but now they are massively expanded, and these bookshelves are new too!” The human had a bad feeling about what was about to happen; the dungeon had grown too much and that was not a good sign. “We should turn back now!”

  “Since you’re useless anyhow, we can just dispose of you then.” The half-orc began to raise his blade but then he halted as he saw his crew backpedaling. Upon turning around, he was greeted by the face of Fenrir, who opened his mouth and chomped down on the leader.

  The mouth easily wrapped around the half-orc’s torso and easily severed the man’s arms and legs. The Warbeast’s mouth opened, revealing the meat paste that was once the leader that now oozed out from the razor-sharp jaws.

  Few words were needed as the group collectively began to flee, but it seemed Fenrir was in a take-no-prisoners sort of mentality as he systematically slaughtered the adventuring party. Of course he was mindful not to damage the library's contents; an adventurer would be sent flying but only smash into open sections of walls before bursting like melons on a hard surface or be trod underfoot.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Many got a fair distance away but were clearly not safe, as a bolt of lightning would escape the beast’s mouth and hit them in the back; some spazzed and hit the floor. Those in the center of the shots would be crisped to an ash-like state and disintegrate to the floor. Only a couple of seconds passed, but the thirty or more adventurers had been reduce to only three: the human, elf and dwarf from before

  “Good work, Fenrir!” The goblin couldn’t help but exclaim. He had finally arrived at the scene, flanked by two Sentinels. Not a single book was damaged. He was worried when he sent the order to the Warbeast that it would single-mindedly destroy the adventurers and the surroundings. He had never needed to replace a damaged book but he didn’t want to have to experience that anyhow.

  He turned to the three individuals still bound by thick rope; while they were still shocked by the wanton massacre that had just occurred, the human had sense enough to fall to his knees in prostration. The dwarf and elf caught on as well and promptly joined him. “Thank you for saving us, dungeon master.”

  “It was not my intention but rather an unintended benefit,” The goblin replied, “I was mainly trying to get rid of the invaders but I had been wanting to repay you all in some form.”

  “Repay?” The dwarf questioned, “We didn’t do anything.”

  “Just your presence in my dungeon has been of great importance to me.” After all the elf’s knowledge taught him about magic, the human then learned about spears and the dwarf’s smithing. All essential in the protection of himself and the dungeon. But he wouldn’t reveal the secret of this dungeon but he had grown more adept at deception; after all, he lived with it all the time.

  “You all indeed were the first intruders in my dungeon, but you were respectful and you were a warning, that I needed to get my dungeon secured. ”Having a lie based on truth was far more effective than just a pure lie.

  “I see,” said the elf, “and an excellent job of that you have done.” The tension was leaving the adventurers, and Armand began to feel the ability to control the dungeon return to him. Perhaps trust was integral to being able to manipulate the dungeon around others.

  A tunnel appeared in the wall. “Come and rest for a bit; we have some business to discuss.” The goblin waved for the trio to follow. They began to move with him down the hall, backed by the Iron Clad Sentinels. They entered a large room with a hearth and table.

  The room was modeled a bit after his own main room, excluding the dungeon core. Several doors were on the sides of the room. Armand went and took a seat at the head of the table with the crackling flames of the hearth behind him.

  The sentinels approached the trio, and they couldn’t help but wince as the cold hands of the automatons brushed their skin. Only to become relieved when their bindings fell away. “Please sit…” Armand waved his hand at the empty seats.

  They did so, and the goblin snapped his fingers and a bunch of food appeared before them all. “I won’t refuse the hospitality.” The dwarf said, obviously getting the hint and dug in with gusto.

  Despite the hesitancy, the other two soon joined in as well. After the ravenous adventurers had their way with the banquet table, they sat back. An awkward silence permeated the hall. “Perhaps you all would like to rest now.” The goblin decided to break said silence.

  “We probably would,” replied the human, “but perhaps proper introductions are in order. My name is Gideon.” He then nodded towards the elf. “That is Theoden,” and he turned to the dwarf, “and that is Jomead.”

  “Pleasure, my name is Armand.” The goblin informed them.

  “So, Armand, while I would love to rest,. There is probably another reason you want to talk to us.” The elf decided to ask.

  “Most dungeon masters are not so courteous.” The dwarf said, not beating around the bush.

  “Of course, there is something else I wanted to discuss with you. We can move those conversations to now then.” Armand leaned back in his chair. “You are mercenaries, yes?”

  “Indeed, for a decent profit and as long as it doesn’t violate our morals, we would take most jobs.” Gideon confirmed.

  “Good, So my request is simple. Several years ago when I first became the owner of this place, a young girl stumbled into the dungeon. She helped me comprehend my power and get out of the dark place I was in.” He breathed out, “I would like you all to find her for me.”

  “For what reason?” The elf narrowed his eyes, worried about the potential insinuations.

  “I want you to find her and help her achieve her vengeance. No one enters the forest of death for willing reasons. Last time I saw her, she left in search of her parents’ murderers.”

  “Vengeance, in this regard, is a worthy endeavor.” The dwarf nodded in agreement. The goblin nodded at said statement; he would have to consider getting his own soon enough.

  “Now, I do not ask you to do this for free or out of the kindness of your hearts. I noticed you are lacking gear.”

  “You are right; those bastards stripped us of our best stuff.” Theoden concurred with their captor.

  “And Fenrir probably ruined it; I apologize.” The goblin waved his hand at it all.

  “Our lives are worth far more than some gear.” Gideon calmly stated and the other two nodded in agreement.

  “Nevertheless, I can equip you with some quality equipment. In exchange for your services in locating her and assisting her in her quest. Do you accept the contract?” The goblin finally laid the rest of the offer on the table.

  “Yes.” The three said in synch, turning to each other and laughing. After adventuring so long together, they had become of one mind in many regards. The goblin nodded in satisfaction.

  “Before you go, however, let us get you back to full health.” Armand summoned some goblin tonics. “Drink and rest; I need to personally prepare your gear and supplies before you go.” He waved to the rooms to the sides of the hall, “There is a bath and bedrooms; feel free to make full use of the facilities. Rest well and I will see you all again soon.” The goblin then tapped the wall, revealing part of the cave system and walked through. The path then closed behind him.