Chapter 121: Chapter 121

Belissar and Chief Rohsuak then discussed some details.

“I see, so you’re planning to expand tomorrow?”

“Yes, it’ll probably be best to wait and see what I have available then.”

Chief Rohsuak rubbed her chin.

“I’ll have the clan move just outside the Sacred Den in that case. Will you require assistance with the expansion?”

Belissar’s eyes widened.

“Ah…actually, yes. It’s basically a fight against a big shade, like the little ones that your hunters fight but as big as me. And, um, that spit clouds of death mist or something. Or that can fly and summon lightning.”

Chief Rohsuak nodded.

“Oh. Um, I’m Belissar. Err, nice to meet you?”

Chief Rohsuak chuckled softly.

“Nice to meet you too, Sacred Den Master Belissar.”

Fortunately for Belissar, the conversation finished and Chief Rohsuak returned to the karnuq. She then led them in striking their chests with their fists and lowering their heads.

“I, Chief Rohsuak the Blazing Berserker, in the witness of the God of Bees, swear myself to the service of Sacred Den Master Belissar. To be his shield and spear, to be his hands and feet, and to ensure that his Sacred Den stands. Let the gods bear witness and hold me to my oath.”

The other karnuq all followed suit with their own names. Belissar gulped but tried to repeat their motions. He felt he should at least say something in return.

Accept offer of allegiance?

“Um, I, Belissar, master of this dungeon…in the witness of the God of Bees, accept. I…promise to do my best to house and protect you all. Um, let the gods bear witness and hold me to my oath?”

He turned to face the Shrine of Bees. His eyes widened, along with the karnuqs’, as the Shrine of Bees began to glow bright. He, along with each and every karnuq, were surrounded by a golden glow, which then flashed once and disappeared.

You have gained 132 sworn defenders.

Sworn Defender: An outsider who has sworn to defend a dungeon. Bound not to harm the core or the dungeon master, and to defend it from existential threats. Immediately gains a minor blessing from the dungeon’s patron and may interact with dungeon mana. Remnants will not spawn around a sworn defender unless they specifically intend to be challenged. Do not cost mana to upkeep, but mana may improve the bond with a given sworn defender, unlocking additional interactions with dungeon mana.

Both Belissar and the karnuq were left blinking as the glow receded. The karnuq all began to stare at their hands, and Belissar could now feel them stir up their mana. In fact…he could now feel them like he did his bees, though the connection was noticeably weaker.

There…was a lot to take in, for both parties. But Chief Rohsuak kept her wits about her and bowed her head towards Belissar once more with a smile.

“Thank you, Sacred Den Master Belissar, for accepting us.”

“Oh, um, you’re welcome? It feels like I should be thanking you for promising to protect the Tower.”

Chief Rohsuak’s smile grew.

“If all goes well, perhaps we shall both thank each other?”

Belissar slowly smiled at that.

But the biggest surprise was yet to come. Niobee flew down in front of Belissar and began to dance.

“King! Outsiders now King’s workers?”

Belissar smiled at her.

“Something like that.”

She turned to face Chief Rohsuak and began to dance.

“Good! Work hard for King!”

Chief Rohsuak paused only for a moment before nodding.

The rest of the karnuq were not so calm.

“…did that bee just talk?”

“Um, I didn’t hear anything but I somehow did? What?”

“Maybe we can hear her dancing? Is that the blessing of the God of Bees?”

“L-Look, the other bees are dancing, too!”

The bees, for their part, were also conversing.

“Outsiders…can dance now? Part of King’s hive?”

“Part of hive of hives? But…they’re not bees?”

“Not bee…but like King? So, ok?”

Niobee flew up before the soldier bees and began her own dance.

“Not bees, but belong to King now, so ok! As long as work hard for King, can join hive of hives!”