[CH598+ Continued] Dungeon Diver: Stealing A Monster's Power

Chapter 652

I airstep over to the meeting taking place in the mansion that still bears the rubble and blood of the king and queen on the main hall's floor.

My double has already received a detailed update from Bri and Rodrigo about the progress in the 8 Great Regions and their restructuring of the contracts and trade routes.

However, as I arrive, I have fresh news to share.

"We're going to be creating many more crimson domes... This is how we're going to do it, and this is what I need from you."

Marcus, the Red Core A-Class hunter, trembles in silence throughout my entire explanation to Bri and Rodrigo. As they nod and take out teleport crystals, I speak one last time to the overseers of the 8 Great Regions.

"Very good. The plan here on Palmyra stays exactly the same. I'll have it ready for you with tens of thousands of loyal citizens once you return. There are roughly 70,000 on this island; my guess is more than half will submit. The ones that don't will be free to go wherever they wish once this is all over, but for now they're staying here. I know this is a lot all at once, but we have four days left to prepare for what could potentially be the Second Great War."

They disappear in a flash of white light, back to the Apex Region, to prepare the citizens in each major city to hear the Flame Emperor speak on a nationwide tour as the trade routes are established.

It wasn't my initial plan to personally show up to each site, but this will be the most organic and efficient way to group many citizens together and give an opportunity to form links of loyalty with me in exchange for varying trade benefits.

Meanwhile, I turn to the Red Core and pull out the drinks I bought at the bar, levitating them over to his trembling hands.

"I know I could have done things more subtly, but this is just the way things are now. Take a drink, calm down, and decide if you want to follow me or not... It would be helpful to have an inside man here on the island."

He stands in silence, still wide-eyed and confused about what exactly is going on, but he takes a deep breath and downs the three shots I levitate in front of him.

I speak up again as he looks me in the eyes.

"So, now for you to follow through on your part. I need everyone on this island to meet outside in the streets, looking up at the sky, in approximately one hour. I'll be notifying them that their contracts are all voided. The entire island of Palmyra will be free, and I have a new employment opportunity for them"

The Red Core's rapid heartbeat slows back to normal, and his hands stop shaking as I begin to explain what I'm about to do.

He nods and replies in a relaxed manner, while I feel a link of loyalty form between us.

"I'll do it. I'll help you free this island. I'd rather serve you, even if the odds are stacked against us."

I grin while sharing self regeneration with him to rid the alcohol from his system as it's already done its job, then reply through our newly formed telepathy link, "Good. Have transmissions sent out to each of the dungeon hubs and hunters' housing, and have them ready to meet their new leader. Notify me through this link when it's done"

He replies with a gaze full of commitment, awe, and newfound confidence as even his fatigue is healed by the new skills passive perks.

"Yes, Sir. I'm on it."

After this, I leave the mansion and float down toward the sea.

As the Red Core sends pings to all the contracted hunters that he usually controls and sends orders to for the king and queen, I plunge into the depths of the sea.