At dusk, the sun set.
Eina stood bored at her workstation, flipping through the report in front of her.
It recorded the recent income data submitted by Adventurers and the specific reasons behind it.
Among them, an Adventurer mentioned that after updating his card, he could go to the twelfth floor and encountered ore veins that hadn't existed before, thus making a fortune.
After learning this information, the Guild increased the number of Adventurers in that area.
Although the 'Dungeon New Rules' were proposed by Chen Hai and everyone had to comply, the Adventurers' Guild still had the authority to allocate personnel.
Eina's gaze shifted as she looked at these, discovering that the report also contained elements of romance.
For example, an Adventurer from a small Familia discovered a beautiful field of phantom butterflies on the fifteenth floor of the Dungeon, attracting many people to visit.
Thanks to this, many 'requests to bring people to the fifteenth floor of the Dungeon' appeared on the Guild's quest board, with ninety percent of the requesters being couples.
Of the remaining ten percent, some ran flower shops, and others sold herbs.
In short, because of the new rules issued by Chen Hai, the pressure on people exploring the Dungeon significantly decreased, and income, according to big data, had increased.
However, conversely, some Adventurers also hoped that the rule details could be changed.
Because... their levels were not high, leading to them being assigned to shallow floors, resulting in very low income, and they also couldn't encounter powerful monsters, making it difficult to grow stronger.
This situation was understandable, but Eina felt there was nothing wrong with it.
If one's strength was insufficient, one should slowly accumulate experience and then wait for the opportunity to become stronger.
If one insisted on challenging opponents stronger than oneself, it often came at the painful cost of "fifty-fifty-three."
For example, a few days ago, Adventurers with severed limbs came to the Guild for help.
Those who weren't killed by monsters not only suffered severe injuries but also had all their equipment and items stolen.
Some of them lost their minds, believing that Chen Hai's new rules were problematic.
Facing such individuals, the Guild chose to expel them, permanently banning them from entering Orario.
For the Guild, Chen Hai was the biggest boss and patron.
Slandering him was forbidden.
It was even written in the employee handbook.
Eina thought this warning was unnecessary.
She recalled her time with Chen Hai and hadn't formed the impression that 'this person is extreme and doesn't tolerate any criticism'; on the contrary, she found Chen Hai quite approachable.
One could only say that some of the Guild's rules were too extreme... but as an employee, Eina couldn't really say anything to her boss.
If she were to meet Chen Hai and directly tell him, her situation at the Guild might worsen.
"Hey!"
A cheerful voice rang in her ear.
Misha, her friend and colleague, leaned in close.
"What are you looking at, Eina, a romance novel?"
"When have I ever read works of that genre?"
"Hmph hmph hmph, weren't you very interested in that older sister who took leave to get married, when you were in the employee lounge earlier?"
"Just concerned, because she used to take care of us often; she was a very good senior."
After Eina finished speaking, she pinched Misha's nose.
"Don't jump to conclusions all the time; I haven't been curious about 'love' or anything."
"Yes, indeed."
Because her nose was pinched, Misha replied in a strange tone.
Facing her playful friend, Eina, who had released her, handed over a report.
"What changes do you think Orario has undergone since Mister Chen Hai's 'new rules' were implemented?"
"Are you asking me?"
"Exactly."
"I think Mister Chen Hai is very handsome."
"..."
"Alright, alright, I'll be serious!"
Misha glanced at the report.
"Overall, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks."
This was her conclusion.
The reason was also straightforward—
"I asked a colleague who liaises with the Commerce Association, and they mentioned that the number of Commerce Associations that have recently settled in Orario has doubled, and the transaction volume has increased fivefold, and it's only just beginning! Because of Mister Chen Hai's new rules, the efficiency of Dungeon excavation has greatly improved, and even the world has been affected, mostly in good ways."
"That's true..."
"Eina, why are you suddenly asking about this?"
"No particular reason, I'm just curious about what Mister Chen Hai's ultimate goal is, by sponsoring the entirety of Orario through his Dungeon, and even extending his influence to the whole world."
"To live a happy and joyful life, perhaps?"
When Misha said this, Eina showed a skeptical expression.
This made Misha immediately add a reason.
"Think about it, why do the Gods from the Celestial Realm come to the mortal world? Isn't it to enjoy a unique life? Mister Chen Hai, who seemingly has everything, must also hope to create the 'world' he envisions through this method, right?"
"That's not unreasonable..."
"To put it simply, it's 'building a beautiful life in Orario from scratch'!"
After Misha finished speaking, she returned the report to Eina.
She then speculated,
"Perhaps, like the various Main Gods, Mister Chen Hai is also a God from somewhere, but those Main Gods are unaware of his specific identity."
"A new God descending upon Orario, where many Gods have already descended... and even stronger in the mortal world."
Eina naturally continued the conversation.
She heard that Gods are incredibly powerful in the Celestial Realm, and only when they come to the mortal world do they have the restriction of 'not being able to use divine power'.
Chen Hai was clearly different; he could freely control the Dungeon, making him many times stronger than the Gods in the Lower World.
"Don't you frequently visit Mister Chen Hai's office? You could find an opportunity to discuss these topics with him."
"Whenever Mister Chen Hai calls me over, it's mostly work-related, and we don't discuss other things."
"Is that so? But I think it would be fine if you brought it up; it feels like Eina is Chen Hai's newest employee."
"You're also often called to tidy up the office, aren't you?"
"But I rarely see Mister Chen Hai."
That was true... Eina thought Misha's deduction was correct.
He was indeed more favored by Chen Hai than other employees.
Because she was more diligent.
Eina was quite happy with this sense of recognition.
"W-wah, you're grinning like an idiot."
"No, I'm not."
"You just were."
"No, I wasn't."
Eina, who denied it repeatedly, wanted to pinch Misha's cheek, but a figure in a hooded robe appeared before her.
The person's body was hidden beneath the clothes, and their face was obscured by the shadow cast by the hood's brim.
"Regarding 'Lord Chen Hai' whom you two just mentioned, may I meet him now?"
"Excuse me, who are you...?"
Eina straightened her posture, and Misha, beside her, obediently stepped aside, slightly revealing half her body to observe the situation.
Based on the voice she just heard, Eina deduced that the person was female.
Therefore, she replied,
"Miss, regarding your request, I can only apply on your behalf; as for whether it will be approved..."
"Will it take a long time?"
"Actually, many people want to meet Mister Chen Hai recently; nobles from other regions, wealthy merchants, and high-level Adventurers, etc., they are all waiting in line."
"Approximately how long until it's my turn?"
When asked by the female, Eina gave a wry smile.
"I'm very sorry, Miss, I understand that up until now, Mister Chen Hai hasn't met anyone; he's only reviewed a portion of the trade-related applications, and the rest are completed by us."
After all, Chen Hai was the big boss; it was impossible for him to do everything himself.
Hearing the answer, the female, whose figure was hidden beneath the hooded robe, nodded.
"Thank you, then can you tell me what he is doing now?"
"I can... Lord Chen Hai is currently attending a 'Gods' Assembly' on the top floor of The Tower of Babel, but ordinary people cannot enter. I recommend that you fill out the form and wait for notification in a few days."
"No need for the trouble, that banquet over there... I think I am qualified to attend."
"Huh?"
Before Eina could understand what she meant, the person bid her farewell and turned to leave.
Watching the person's retreating back, Eina immediately looked to her side.
"Misha."
"Leave it to me."
Misha said, then ran to the back of the reception counter to notify the specialist who assigned tasks to Adventurers.
The Adventurers' Guild also had exclusive Adventurers; when they weren't working, they could explore the Dungeon or rest at home, but once they had a job... most of them involved tracking merchants, investigating foreign nobles, searching for crime clues, and so on.
Currently, the Adventurers' Guild would dispatch two people to track the mysterious person who had just arrived, hoping to meet Chen Hai.
To prevent the person from affecting Chen Hai's safety, the Guild had to investigate thoroughly.
It was for this reason that Eina, according to the rules and regulations, had Misha take action.
"I hope they're not an enemy."
"Eina, are you worried that the mysterious person might threaten Mister Chen Hai? I don't think that's possible; a Dungeon Lord who controls a Dungeon would surely find dealing with an attacker a piece of cake."
"Carelessness can lead to disaster, even for Gods, isn't that right?"
That's true... Misha didn't deny it.
She just had another thought.
"Mister Chen Hai, who changed Orario, I think he is invincible."
————
————
"Achoo."
"Caught a cold?"
After sneezing, Chen Hai heard Hestia's concerned question beside him.
He shook his head with a smile.
"Most likely, someone is thinking of me."
It could be that fellow Veldora;
Or it could be Dead Dragon Ignis, who was bored in the Abyss Floor.
After discussing this, Chen Hai raised his cup and clinked it with a Main God in front of him, then drained the wine in his cup.
The 'Gods' Assembly' entered its middle stage, and Chen Hai, accompanied by Hestia, began greeting the Main Gods present.
In addition to the prominent Main Gods with Familia and storylines from the original work, there were also many Main Gods and their Familia operating and living in Orario.
And these people were also sources of experience for Chen Hai.
Of course, due to Chen Hai's special status as a 'Dungeon Lord', he would attract everyone's attention wherever he went.
Aside from the Goddesses he had just discussed 'Dungeon hot springs' with, the Gods who led their Familia to participate also gathered around.
"Thank you, Lord Chen Hai, for choosing a member of my Familia just now. I believe she will take this task seriously."
Takemikazuchi came before Chen Hai and introduced Wano Mikoto (Yamato Mikoto) beside him.
She was a young girl wearing a short-hemmed kimono, paired with black over-the-knee stockings, and a ponytail.
Overall, she gave off a capable impression.
"Hello, Lord Chen Hai."
Wano Mikoto bowed, then stared intently at Chen Hai.
"Is there something on my face?"
"Lord Chen Hai, is very young..."
"I have someone even younger by my side."
Chen Hai then looked at Hestia beside him.
Although it was only in appearance, he was speaking the truth.
"Hehe!"
Hestia, being stared at, covered her face and giggled.
It had to be said, she was a very easy goddess to get along with.
As long as you praised her sincerely, it felt like Hestia would agree to anything.
Hmm… next time, I'll have her join the 'Night Team 3.9' with the Takagi Mother and Daughter and Rei Miyamoto.
Thinking of this, Hestia happily offered a piece of cake.
"I just got this from over there, you should try some too."
The Blue Ribbon Goddess handed the cake to Wano Mikoto.
Wano Mikoto, flattered, quickly took it and then bowed her head in thanks.
"Thank you very much."
"No, no, after all, Freya is the one paying, you should eat more."
Hestia, who was at odds with Freya, urged her on.
Although he wanted to say, 'Desserts alone won't bankrupt the Freya Familia,' seeing Hestia so happy, Chen Hai closed his mouth.
"My captain! Please take good care of him in the future! Young man!"
Amidst the crowd, Dian Casket, who had walked up to Chen Hai with a boisterous demeanor, said with a smile,
"Don't you dare bully my captain!"
"Of course not, Uncle, you can rest assured."
"I am not an uncle!"
While Dian Casket loudly proclaimed, 'I am a male god,' Amide, with an apologetic expression, pulled him away from the scene.
Watching the small farce in front of him, Chen Hai was about to speak when he saw Freya's figure emerge beside Hestia.
"Hmm…"
Hestia vigilantly stared at Freya.
The latter said softly,
"Someone wishes to see you, Sir Chen Hai."
"Who is it?"
"The chief god of the 'Astrea Familia'—Astrea."
Hearing this answer, the intrigued Chen Hai, after Freya turned sideways, cast his gaze through the crowd and saw a graceful figure standing near the entrance of the venue.
She was the goddess who governed justice and order—Astrea.