Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

"Normally, it would be impossible for anyone but since you said that you are not affected by its miasma and are somehow able to harness it, you should be able to dominate the finger with this technique" Irene mused looking at the gigantic grey finger encased in her ice magic.

A plethora of emotions overwhelmed Simon at this moment, from her words, he was almost certain that there was a way to use the finger as a weapon.

[Dominator's Control] as powerful and absurd the name of the technique sounded, the effects it created were equally or even more absurd. To control objects or even living beings without touching them physically what kind of ridiculous concept was that?

Nevertheless, if he can use this technique he would be able to dominate the finger and control it as he wants.

"Since you told me about this [Dominator's Control], then does that mean that you know this technique?" Simon asked only to get a positive nod from her.

"That is great, so how do I acquire this technique".

Seeing him eager to want to learn this technique, Irene smiled delightfully. She extended her hand and extracted out a droplet of blood that emitted a phoenix cry before flying towards Simon.

Learning from his experience, he was not as clueless as before and knew what to do with the droplet of blood. He made a slight cut on his thumb and allowed the droplet of blood to assimilate with him.

It took a few seconds but the moment the assimilation was complete, Simon felt a vast amount of knowledge pour into his brain like a river.

"So that's how it is…" Simon took a deep breath and muttered. Next, he looked towards Irene and was just about to say his thanks when the latter suddenly shifted the topic.

"Although I provided you with the [Dominator's Control] technique, it's not like you have comprehended it yet. Unlike that technique you used to subdue the Lightning Draconic Serpent, the [Dominator's Control] is more of a technique that depends on an individual's abilities".

"You have to grasp some of the mysteries behind this technique to even begin using it. Let's see, if you use the serenity stone and meditate near the pond, it will take you around a week or two to get a rudimentary understanding of the technique".

"However, seeing that you decided to ask my help now of all times, means that you want to add the finger to your repertoire in the  upcoming defence of the dungeon… isn't that right?" Irene asked looking straight into his eyes.

Simon did not know if it was his facial expression but boy he was easy to read. He had no intention of keeping it a secret from her in the first place and thus nodded his head telling her of his intentions.

Even if the possibility of grasping this technique in a few days was next to impossible, Simon still wanted to give it a try. There was no telling what might happen during the battle to defend their dungeon. Thus it was crucial that he increases the number of trump cards he had at his disposal.

Plus, thinking about the future, he thought that this was the best option he could take right now. If he could use the technique to control the finger, it would become an incredibly powerful asset for him.

Therefore, Simon immediately sat on a nearby rock and was just about to close his eyes and comprehend the knowledge that was imparted to him, when he saw Irene sitting nearby him.

The latter sighed seeing his action and told him "I knew you would start doing something rash again and carry all the burden on your shoulder. Although I'm not saying that it's a bad decision, but you should rely and trust your subordinates a little more, just like you did a few moments ago. But I guess saying all that is useless to you now, since you have already made your decision, allow me to help you".

Simon reflected on those words of her and accepted her help.

"I don't know how much of the technique you will be able to grasp in a few days but let us try our best".

Simon recalled the training he had gone through under Irene in the past few days. Fortunately, he was able to grasp enough of the [Dominator's Control] technique to test the abilities of the finger on the intruders.

Right now, he can only use the finger of ozymandias to press down on his enemies in the most crude and unrefined manner. However, with time as he grasps more of the mysteries of the technique he would be able to achieve much more with that finger.

Finishing what he had set out to do, Simon flew back and was greeted by his subordinates.

"Welcome back my Lord"

"That was a splendid match, as expected of our master".

The Bloodthorn Demonic warhorse and the Valkyrie sisters voiced out their opinions.

"You can take care of the rest, remember not to kill them all. I still need to get information out from them" Seeing the fire of eagerness to battle in their eyes, Simon declared giving his approval for them to run amok.

While most of the Valkyrie sisters reacted in a more calm way, Bea released a great amount of bloodlust towards the intruders that slighted her master.

The Bloodthorn demonic warhorse was no different, it too was itching with an intent to fight with them.

"In that case, does master have anyone in his eyes he wants to keep alive to interrogate" Perhaps it was only Annette who was viewing everything in a more analytical way.

"Let's see… those ones over there. From their movement and coordination, they definitely seemed to be from the same party or a guild. Leaving a few, you are allowed to kill the rest" Simon declared casually signing the death warrant for the humans.

Since they did not bother to keep their voices silent, of course, the adventurers with their keen hearing were able to hear everything. They were already in despair of having to face so many golems and their rapidly decreasing reserves of potion.

If not for the fact that they still held a tiny bit of hope in the strongest people amongst them, the seven swords who were trying to defeat the master of this dungeon, they would have tried to escape from this floor already.

However, the hopes that they held onto, was brutally snuffed out by the demon when he displayed his overwhelming might by defeating the entire line up of the seven swords by himself.

Unlike Morgress and his teammates, the demon stood by the rule of the duel and defeated all of them with just his own powers. Looking at that gigantic finger standing beside him, they could still vividly remember the tremendous amount of negative energy that gave them chills, released by it.

They were sure that if that thing was pointed towards them, they wouldn't even survive the attack. The delusion that they had of conquering the dungeon was already gone replaced by only the will to survive somehow.

As such the moment they heard the master of this dungeon set lose his subordinates to kill them, they started running and escaping from this hell. However, how could it be this easy to escape from the Valkyries who were one of the 'Twelve Heroes'?

FLAP… with a flapping of clothes, a maid wearing armour over her dress appeared in front of two adventurers who were dashing towards the exit at their full speed. She had a pretty face that could mesmerise any man and a curvaceous body.

She would have been extremely desirable if only she did not have unkempt long hair and sleep deprived eyes. Though her beauty made up for her flaws.

Nonetheless, these adventurers were not in the right mind to pay attention to a beauty right now as all their focus was on escaping from this place alive. Thus when they saw the woman block their path, they did not slow down and instead drew their weapon out.

"Get out of our waaay" the adventurers roared and jumped trying to run past the woman. However, to their surprise the moment they stepped to the side, they found their body become stationary all of a sudden.

Confused, they tried to move their body only to realise that they were unable to no matter how much force they used.

"What is going on… what did you do to us?" the two adventurers barked in anger and panic.

"Hiii…I'm sorry" Emma said in a feeble voice.

"If you are sorry then release us right now" seeing that they cannot break out even while using their skills, the adventurers became even more frustrated.

"Im sorry… im sorry" the woman apologised slowly creeping closer.

"You goddamn dumb woman, release us this instant" her apologising attitude only seemed to flame them more.

"Im sorry… you must have been very hurt… is it painful?" Emma asked.

"Fuck, what is this woman saying" one of the adventurer roared, he was just about to apply more force when he realised that his hands and legs were free again.

Normally, he would be happy that he can move again however, that was not the case this time. His limbs were moving on their own and without his control.

"You can move? Hey…w-what are you doing with that sword?" it was only when his friend pointed it out that the adventurer realised his hands had picked up his sword and his legs were taking him towards his friend.