The Grand Hall of Camelot stood as a monument to heroic legacy, its vaulted ceilings rising so high they seemed to touch the heavens themselves.

Massive pillars carved from consecrated stone supported the structure, each one etched with scenes depicting legendary battles and triumphant victories from across countless dimensions.

Banners hung from the rafters, representing heroes from every mythology and tale that had ever inspired humanity.

Greek. Norse. Celtic. Eastern. Western.

All united under one roof in this impossible merger of Reality and Fantasia.

Sunlight streamed through stained glass windows depicting the greatest moments of heroic history, casting colorful patterns across the polished marble floor that reflected the light like a mirror.

At the center of it all stood a massive round table, crafted from wood that had supposedly grown from the World Tree itself.

And seated around that table were the Knights of the Round Table.

Warriors whose names had echoed through history.

Legends who had faced impossible odds and emerged victorious.

Heroes who had defined what it meant to fight for justice and righteousness.

"The dungeon manifestations have increased by 47% in the past week alone."

Sir Kay's voice cut through the ambient noise, his weathered features showing concern as he gestured to the magical map floating above the table.

Red markers indicated dungeon locations, their density near Legendor's borders creating an almost unbroken line.

"That's the fifth surge this month," Sir Gawain added, his powerful frame leaning forward to study the display more carefully. "The pattern suggests deliberate manipulation rather than natural occurrence."

"Agreed."

Sir Lancelot's analytical mind worked through the implications, his legendary strategic thinking immediately identifying the problem.

"Dungeons don't cluster this densely without external influence. Someone or something is forcing their manifestation."

Murmurs rippled around the table as other knights discussed possibilities.

Sir Bedivere examined tactical options.

Sir Tristan calculated resource requirements for containment.

Sir Galahad offered insights about the spiritual implications.

But it was the figure at the head of the table who commanded everyone's ultimate attention.

Arthur Pendragon.

The King of All Heroes.

He sat with regal bearing that transcended mere posture, his presence filling the hall with authority that required no announcement or declaration.

Handsome features that seemed almost too perfect to be real, as if crafted by divine hands specifically to embody the ideal of kingship.

Golden hair that caught the light like spun sunlight, falling to his shoulders in waves that somehow never looked disheveled despite constant activity.

Blue eyes patterned with faint golden circuits, a mark of his connection to Excalibur that made his gaze seem to pierce through deception and see truth itself.

Flashy armor that gleamed with enchantments, white and gold plate that managed to be both ceremonial and functional simultaneously.

And at his waist, secured in an ornate scabbard...

Excalibur.

The holy sword pulsed with barely-contained divine power, its presence making the very air feel charged with potential.

Even sheathed, the legendary weapon radiated authority that made lesser beings instinctively bow.

Arthur studied the floating map with calculated precision, his mind working through scenarios with the strategic brilliance that had defined his reign.

"The Obsidian Covenant."

His voice carried across the hall like a proclamation, silencing all other conversation instantly.

"Their shadow agents have been operating within Legendor's borders for weeks now. Intelligence reports confirm at least three verified sightings, with suspicion of many more remaining undetected."

He gestured, and the map shifted to show internal markers within the city itself.

Black dots indicating suspected Covenant activity.

"They're testing our defenses. Probing for weaknesses. The dungeon surge serves as both a distraction and recruitment opportunity. Desperate adventurers seeking power in newly manifested dungeons become targets for corruption and manipulation."

"A calculated strategy," Sir Roland observed, his distinctive armor marking him as one of Charlemagne's legendary paladins who'd sworn allegiance to Arthur after the dimensional merge.

His presence represented the unification of heroic traditions under Legendor's banner.

"Create chaos through dungeon manifestations. Exploit that chaos to infiltrate and subvert. Classic destabilization tactics."

"Indeed."

Arthur's expression remained calm, but something in those patterned blue eyes suggested deeper concern.

"Which brings us to the greater context. Legendor itself exists because of the dimensional merge, yes?"

He stood, his commanding presence drawing every eye as he began pacing.

"Three weeks ago, our various home dimensions began colliding with what these humans called Earth. Mythological realms, legendary kingdoms, heroic domains... all of it forced into coexistence through mechanisms none of us fully understand."

The knights nodded, remembering the chaos of those initial days.

The confusion of awakening in a merged world.

The shock of discovering other legendary figures from completely different traditions suddenly sharing the same reality.

"We established Legendor as neutral ground," Arthur continued. "A place where heroes from all traditions could gather without the baggage of our original conflicts. Greek demigods working alongside Norse warriors. Eastern cultivators training with Western paladins. Unity through shared purpose rather than forced allegiance."

"A noble goal," Sir Percival agreed. "And one we've largely achieved. The city functions remarkably well given the circumstances."

"But that unity makes us a target."

Sir Lancelot's tactical mind immediately grasped the implication.

"The Obsidian Covenant seeks to corrupt and control. A unified force of legendary heroes represents everything they oppose. Of course they'd move against us."

"Precisely."

Arthur returned to his seat, his expression hardening.

"The dungeon manifestations serve multiple purposes. Distraction, recruitment, and most concerning... they're searching for something."

"Searching for what?" Sir Kay asked.

"That remains unclear. But the pattern of dungeon locations suggests deliberate targeting rather than random occurrence. They're looking for specific sites, specific artifacts, or specific individuals."

The king's patterned eyes swept across his assembled knights.

"We need to increase patrols. Monitor dungeon activity more closely. And most importantly, identify Covenant agents before they can execute whatever plan they're developing."

"What of the newly arrived?" Sir Gawain questioned. "Travelers continue entering Legendor daily, drawn by our reputation. How do we distinguish legitimate visitors from potential infiltrators?"

"Carefully."

Arthur's tone carried both authority and caution.

"We cannot become paranoid and turn away all newcomers. That would undermine everything Legendor represents. But we also cannot be naive about the threats we face."

He stood once more, his hand resting on Excalibur's hilt.

"Enhanced screening at the gates. Discrete observation of suspicious activity. And trust in each other's judgment. We've faced impossible odds before and emerged victorious. This challenge will be no different."

The knights responded with unified determination, their legendary status backed by genuine capability.

***

The massive gates of Legendor rose before them like monuments to heroic glory, their enchanted metal gleaming in the afternoon sun.

Nero tilted his head back, taking in the impossible scale of the structure.

"Well, that's something."

Massive indeed.

The gates stood at least 50 meters tall, crafted from a material that looked like gold but carried the durability of reinforced titanium.

Intricate carvings covered every surface, depicting scenes of legendary battles and triumphant heroes from countless traditions.

Runes pulsed with contained power, creating visible barriers that shimmered like heat waves.

Beyond the gates, the city itself sprawled in organized majesty.

Architecture that blended multiple cultural styles into something cohesive rather than chaotic.

Greek temples stood beside Nordic mead halls.

Eastern pagodas neighbored Western castles.

Every building seemed designed to represent some aspect of heroic tradition, creating a cityscape that looked like a museum of legendary history brought to life.

Streets paved with consecrated stone gleamed in the sunlight.

Magical lighting systems created warm illumination even in shadowed areas.

And everywhere, people moved with purpose.

Adventurers in various armor styles.

Merchants hawking goods from merged dimensions.

Scholars studying the unprecedented cultural fusion.

"Quite the sight, isn't it?"

Velraeth's voice carried obvious approval, her ember eyes gleaming as she studied the fortifications.

"Proper defensive architecture. Redundant barrier systems. Strategic positioning. Whoever designed this understood warfare."

"It's beautiful," Frila breathed, her eyes wide with genuine wonder. "Like something out of a storybook brought to reality."

The three of them had traveled here via the Alps, leaving the others behind to handle various tasks in Waifuria.

Aurelia coordinated defense training.

Luna conducted research.

Celis managed the gardens and provided general support.

The six girls handled administrative duties and infrastructure development.

Even Helya and Belkia remained behind, overseeing continued construction projects.

But Nero had wanted to see Legendor personally, and the newly emerged dungeon near the city provided perfect justification.

Training opportunity combined with reconnaissance.

"Shall we?" he asked, gesturing toward the gates.

The entrance processing moved with surprising efficiency despite the crowds.

Guards in gleaming armor checked credentials and assessed threat levels using magical scanning devices.

Their professionalism spoke to serious training and genuine competence.

When Nero's turn came, the guard studied him with practiced scrutiny.

"Purpose of visit?"

"Exploration. Heard there was a newly manifested dungeon nearby."

"There is. Northeast sector, about 5 kilometers from the main gates. Fair warning though, it's rated C-tier minimum. You bringing a proper party?"

"Just us three."

The guard's eyes swept across their group, lingering on Velraeth's imposing frame and obvious combat readiness.

"... Alright then. Entry approved. Try not to die in there. We've had enough casualties this week."

They passed through the gates into Legendor proper, and the atmosphere shifted immediately.

The city hummed with energy that transcended mere population density.

This was a place where legends walked openly.

Where heroes from impossible stories shared the same streets.

"I can feel it," Frila murmured, her spatial manipulation abilities sensing something in the air. "The concentration of powerful beings here is incredible. It's like the entire city resonates with accumulated heroic essence."

"Good hunting ground," Velraeth observed with her characteristic grin. "Lots of strong people means lots of potential opponents."

"We're not here to start fights."

"I know, I know. Reconnaissance and training. But a girl can dream."

Nero chuckled, already planning their approach to the dungeon.

The newly emerged site represented a perfect opportunity.

Relatively unexplored territory.

Unknown challenges that would test his developing capabilities.

And a chance to see how well his accelerated training translated to actual dungeon diving.

"Northeast sector," he confirmed, checking the rough map Luna had provided. "Let's go see what we're dealing with."

The three of them set off through Legendor's streets, drawing occasional glances from passersby.

Velraeth's imposing presence and obvious dragon heritage attracted attention.

Frila's nervous energy marked her as relatively inexperienced despite her capabilities.

And Nero himself...

Well, he looked normal enough.

Which somehow made him stand out among all the obviously powerful individuals surrounding them.

As they navigated toward the city's edge, Nero couldn't help but feel anticipation building.

His first real dungeon dive since beginning comprehensive training.

His first chance to test everything he'd learned in actual combat scenarios.

Whatever waited in that newly manifested dungeon...

He was ready for it.

Or at least, he hoped he was.

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