Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

That said, even the pond of Serenity cannot help him fully surpass this wall, he needed to find a different way.

Simon knew that if he didn't find a way to break through, his growth would stagnate, leaving him vulnerable in this ever-dangerous world.

Three months. That was all the time he had left before the Demon Lord of Lust's tea party. The moment the invitation arrived, it became clear that his current power would not be enough.

He could not afford to go into the presence of the Demon Lords—especially someone like Lilith—without being at his absolute best.

A way to break past his limits… it's not like there was no way. Simon's mind immediately went towards the transit stone sitting in his space ring.

Forbidden Grounds, a place filled with unlimited opportunities and risks, where every path was fraught with danger.

A domain of chaos, filled with ancient, untamed magic and powerful creatures long forgotten by the world. Where the environment itself was hostile to the living.

It was not without reason that the forbidden grounds were said to be a burial place for those foolish enough to seek it out. However, precisely because it was so dangerous that it was the only place that could allow him to break past his limits and grow even further.

As the saying—'Opportunities and dangers go hand in hand'— if he wanted to surmount the wall, he had to take the danger.

He had already experienced the treacherousness of the domain and knew how the place was filled with magical artifacts from eras long past, remnants of battles fought by powerful ancient entities that still lay hidden within its deadly confines.

There were rumours of ancient knowledge, long-lost spells, and even supreme powers locked away in the deepest parts of the Grounds. It was said that those who clear the forbidden grounds would instantly rise to the pinnacle of this world.

He had already cleared the forbidden ground till the sixth trial and got his hands on all kinds of treasures. Since normal training won't suffice anymore, this was the catalyst he needed.

That said, he could not take the go getter attitude with this one since what happened the last time was still clear in his mind. He had almost died in the last trial.

Godwin who he didn't expect to meet in the sixth trial, turned out to be a much bigger opponent than he thought and they almost pushed him to his brink.

If it was not because of the fragments of pride and the other him warning him about the dangers of the River of Destiny, he would never have been able to come out of it.

Perhaps, his fate would have been similar to Godwin's, disintegrating into nothing.

It was not only the sixth trial, the previous trials were also the same where a slight mistake could have cost him his life. The entities inside the forbidden grounds were powerful enough to shatter space and split the sea with a single move.

No matter how many lives he has, it won't be enough. The reason why he managed to survive this long other than sticking to the historia was because of luck.

If even a single factor was missing, he would have been swallowed whole by the forbidden ground just like the many challengers that came before him.

"Are you thinking of going back to that place?" Seeing him fall deep in contemplation, Irene instantly realised what he was thinking about.

Her eyebrows lowered and her gaze softened "Do what you need to do. Leave everything here to me. I know what you are planning to do. The dungeon city isn't the true extent of your plans right?"

Simon looked at Irene, his expression conflicted. She had always been perceptive, often knowing his thoughts before he voiced them.

The dungeon city wasn't just a place to increase his income or a mere seat of power; it was only one part of his grander scheme. And she knew that. She always did.

"You're right but if I leave the dungeon now…"

There were many things to do and many changes that needed to be made to the dungeon. It has only been around a month since the dungeon was attacked, he cannot just go away at such a crucial time.

Seeing his conundrum, Irene's gaze softened further. She had stood by his side long enough to understand the complexities of his ambition. This wasn't just about ruling, nor was it about gaining strength to reshape the very balance of the world.

It was about survival and the safety of the ones he considers his family. He pursued power because only through this way would he be able to control his fate. This remained the same ever since he summoned her and even now.

"You won't stop until you've achieved your goal, will you?"

Irene's voice carried a hint of resignation but also admiration. She knew that his drive, though dangerous, was what set him apart. It was what made him different from others—he was always pushing, always striving for more.

Simon nodded, he didn't need to say anymore as the sentiments were conveyed with just his gesture.

"Since that is the case, then go. Have more faith in your subordinates, they are the people you gathered yourself. I'm sure they will be able to execute your plans as per your wish" Irene gestured.

Simon nodded his head and sent a message to each and all of his close subordinates to gather in the main hall.

About an hour later, all of his subordinates stood in front of him in the Main Hall. Simon glanced at all of their faces before declaring his intentions.

"What Master you will be going away? Can I come with you?" Alice pleaded, star could be seen flashing in her eyes.

This little girl, she wasn't content even after going on an expedition to the kingdom of Ellesmere and wanted to adventure even more.

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