The dungeon instance continued to advance. Along the way, any small fries were essentially killed on sight by Bululu and Kurimu. Ai Yue did not even need to make a move; in fact, she did not even have the chance to.
Eventually, it seemed the Dungeon AI judged that sending out small robots was no longer efficient, as no more enemies appeared.
‘However, this also means the dungeon is preparing a big one.’
If the AI determined that ordinary enemies were useless, it was only natural to switch to elite monsters. This was simple logic.
Normally, according to Ai Yue’s original settings, this dungeon would spend ninety percent of the time spawning mobs to interfere. The purpose was nothing else but to wear down the invaders, specifically targeting their mental energy — the hardest resource to recover. Maintaining a combat state for a long duration is incredibly taxing on the mind, whereas machines do not suffer from such issues.
The reason the AI chose not to interfere in their current situation was likely that it realized sending fodder would not place any burden on their spirits. In fact, it might even make them more excited.
One only had to look at Bululu and Kurimu right now to understand.
“I feel like the scenery around here is starting to look different.”
“Yeah, it seems more complicated!”
Bululu spoke as she pointed toward the walls of the passage, and Kurimu chimed in immediately.
“If the previous area looked like the gray and white interior of a Research Institute, then this place is like being inside a giant clock tower, with a bunch of gears spinning.”
“A Research Institute… Isn’t that like the place where the Fifth and Sixth Demon Kings go to mess around with various strange toys?”
“Yeah, the Fifth and Sixth Demon Kings’ Research Institute. But there are still plenty of natural testing grounds over there. It’s at a level where you can still have a picnic.”
“A picnic? Speaking of which, I’m a bit hungry.”
The two children had already shifted their conversation toward eating, specifically about picnics.
It felt like they were here for an outing rather than to conquer a dungeon.
“I happen to have brought some sandwiches. If you don’t mind, you can eat a bit to fill your stomachs.”
“Okay!”
Kurimu took a sandwich and devoured the whole thing in a single bite.
…Wait!? ‘How did she eat that? Her mouth didn’t even open that wide!’
“Does Master Ai Yue want some?”
“Oh, no thank you. I’m not hungry.”
Although Ai Yue could eat normal food and derive energy from it, the efficiency was so low that it was only slightly more than the energy spent consuming it. Compared to Vitality Essence, it was far inferior.
Of course, she would not simply stop eating altogether. Fine food had a significant impact on one’s quality of life and happiness. Even if the efficiency was low or if it even cost her a bit of energy, Ai Yue still maintained a regular habit of three meals a day.
As for right now, she judged that a single sandwich was not worth the energy expenditure required to eat it, so she chose not to accept.
Besides, they were currently conquering a dungeon! Could they please show a little respect!?
“Speaking of which, the change in the environment here is quite obvious. It’s like ruins from two different periods.”
Bululu spoke while taking a bite of her sandwich and savoring the flavor.
Unlike the previous area, which resembled a futuristic high-tech military factory, the place they were in now had transformed into a scene composed of a mountain of gears. Just as Bululu described, it was like the gear-filled structure of the interior of an ancient clock tower.
Gears of various shapes and sizes meshed together at different angles, producing a *click-clack* sound, with a faint *tick-tock* echoing in the distance.
As they went deeper, this structure became dominant. Even the floor turned into rotating gears, making normal walking quite difficult. However, in exchange, the walls were also replaced by gears. Through the hollow sections, they could not only see the situation on the other side but also find opportunities to pass through, saving a lot of time by avoiding detours…
“So complicated… I’m getting dizzy…”
In fact, anyone who has seen the internal structure of a clock would understand that a place full of meshing gears would naturally not be a clear path.
Rather than a road, this was more like a giant mechanical interior. Every short distance required them to squeeze through the gaps between gears.
Forget someone with a strong sense of direction or a map — even Ai Yue, who had designed this dungeon, could not guarantee she could pass through this area without obstacles.
“Machinery Core” — this was the temporary name Ai Yue had given it. As for whether it was still in use, she did not know. After all, her reincarnation happened quite a while before the game’s Open Beta. She had no idea what changes had occurred during that period.
What? You say the name sounds familiar?
It is a tribute; it is all one big tribute.
If the sea section had not already had its name decided, she would have wanted to add a Sea of Sorrow as well.
In any case, since it had such a name, this place was naturally no different from performing parkour in a maze. Moreover, they had to be careful not to be swept away by a moving gear and crushed like they had fallen into a meat grinder.
“Going on like this isn’t a solution. Does Master Ai Yue have any good ideas?”
Having walked for a long time only to end up back at the starting point, a worried Bululu asked Ai Yue.
“Even if you ask me… Oh, wait, I think I actually do.”
“Really?”
Although Bululu was the one who asked, to be honest, she was only trying her luck.
Sure enough, she had underestimated her master again. How disrespectful!
Master Ai Yue truly was omnipotent!
“Hmm… Let me see…”
Ignoring Bululu, Ai Yue rummaged through her Magic Bag and pulled out a green sphere of light with translucent wings.
“This is…”
“It’s called the [Labyrinth Fairy’s Blessing]… I think? Anyway, it can point out the shortest route to complete the dungeon.”
Aside from this, there were other versions like the [Labyrinth Spirit’s Foreknowledge], which could point out traps, or versions that could find treasure locations. These could be skills or used as items, and here, she was naturally using an item.
Regardless of which one it was, they were indispensable aids for Players and NPCs conquering dungeons. They saved the trouble of drawing maps and allowed for the fastest route. However, because Ai Yue had previously tested them as a developer, she did not need such things and had gradually forgotten about them.
“Wow, it’s so pretty.”
Watching the fairy slowly fly away while leaving glowing spots like scales along the path, Kurimu became excited again. Her two eyes sparkled just like the points of light.
“Next, we just need to follow the fairy’s path.”
Having said that, Ai Yue and the others set off, heading deeper into the dungeon.
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