Ch 209.
Time continued to slip away as both Matts largely ignored the world around them. The Matt on Earth registered the ship coming and going once more, and he noted that Louie still hadn’t emerged from the dungeon, but those observations barely registered in his mind. Meanwhile, the Matt who was stuck waiting passed the time by engaging Radoznaormr in conversations about trivial matters. However, a shift occurred when one of the octopus-fish-men approached him with news: a representative of the Raven Association had arrived. This prompted him to be led into a dimly lit room where a massive black bird, the size of a small car, sat silently, its glossy feathers shimmering in the low light.
Matt blinked in disbelief, taking in the sight of a creature that defied all logic and reason from his previous experiences. The more he tried to wrap his mind around how things were supposed to work, the more the system seemed intent on challenging his understanding. He should have already abandoned any lingering disbelief after witnessing Radoznaormr transform into an enormous, serpentine creature that soared through the air. Sure, he knew Radoznaormr was technically a dragon, but in the privacy of his own thoughts, he felt free to think of him as a snake, even if Radoznaormr might somehow be eavesdropping. Yet, none of that mattered at this moment; what took precedence was Matt’s decision to take the initiative and break the ice himself.
“Are you the representative, or are we waiting for another?” Matt asked, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.
“I should kill you just for being here,” the bird replied, its words a cacophony of squawks, clicks, and wing movements that made Matt’s skin prickle.
“Your language isn’t easy to translate from what I can tell,” Matt said, shaking his head slightly. “If it weren’t for the system handling it, I fear I would never manage to communicate with you directly.”
“Yes, those of you from the world’s first generation have it easy,” the bird retorted. “Now, what is it that you want?”
“Do you not even wish to exchange names?” Matt inquired, curiosity creeping into his tone.
“No point,” the bird dismissed, tilting its head in a way that felt both unnatural and predatory. “Even with the system’s aid, our forms of communication are too alien for a name to be translated correctly. Worse, what you respond with will never be right since you wouldn’t move your arms, and I would feel insulted. Even now, this communication is unpleasant; it feels more like telepathy for me.”
“Very well, I am looking for allies,” Matt stated, his gaze unwavering.
“Not interested, if that’s all—”
“Your organization would only need to uphold its commitment if I succeed in transforming my world into an S-ranked dungeon world.”
The bird paused, its head tilting again as it scrutinized Matt, a glint of something dangerous in its eyes. More than once, Matt sensed it might spring forward, but it remained still, finally settling down to respond.
“I assume that means we would receive whatever you promise, beyond your world becoming an S-ranked dungeon now?”
“Only the water needed to address the issues facing the settlement I’m currently at,” Matt replied, his voice firm. “The rest will come when you become one of the allies who ensures no organization can control my world.”
“You seek to have us agree to work with more than just you and your world?”
“Yes, I hope to find five organizations that are significant enough to matter, close enough to pose a threat, and willing to share both opportunity and danger.”
“It would be much better to have the leaders of each organization fight and form a new organization under the victor,” the bird suggested, its eyes narrowing.
“No, it wouldn’t,” Matt countered with a sigh. “Would you willingly partake in a fight like that if you weren’t sure you could win? And would you follow me if I emerged victorious?”
“I see, you care about what those under you think,” the bird observed, its tone making Matt feel like it was mocking him. “Such weaknesses don’t last long when a world falls. Perhaps that’s because those who resist are often the first to perish for the greater good.”
“An organization is more than just its leader. I’m not speaking of conquering a single world where force can impose control.”
“Yes, you are. Your own world is at stake, and your goal is to save it from that fate.”
“Fine, if you want to look at it from that angle, tell me what happens if I succeed in turning my world into the first S-ranked dungeon world and survive to discover what lies beyond S rank myself.”
“Thousands will hunt you, hoping to claim the experience that comes with killing you.”
“They would be committing suicide at that point. Do you know what level I am?”
“69, which is why your words are just noise.”
“Yet you sensed death when you considered attacking me earlier. I can recognize when something is contemplating killing me, and you would undoubtedly strike if you didn’t think it would cost you your life—and still lead to your failure.”
“It’s the one you claim is behind you. I won’t speak his name, but he is known to us, and he isn’t a friend.”
“No, he isn’t. He’s simply someone bored who craves excitement. My fate is to provide that interesting moment, whether I want to or not.”
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Once more, the giant bird tilted its head, its sharp eyes flickering with uncertainty as if weighing its next move. Matt felt a wave of relief wash over him; at least he didn’t sense an imminent attack this time, though the bird's pause stretched longer than before, thickening the tension in the air. He almost broke the silence several times, but ultimately decided against it, instead finding a comfortable spot in the corner where he lowered himself down to sit. The absence of chairs or any real furniture made sense, considering the massive wingspan of the creature likely made navigating through the building a challenge. Yet, the fact that this imposing bird seemed to be the leader of what Matt assumed was the Ravan Association sparked his curiosity about how such an organization could function.
His mind drifted to the concept of a world devoid of humanoid races. He recalled Rudan’s tales about animals attaining the ability to assume humanoid forms once they reached sufficient levels, with their offspring often born in that shape. He had never delved deeply into the mechanics of it, but he reasoned that just as Radoznaormr could shift between forms, so too should these creatures possess that capability, implying that the bird before him might be able to do the same. Just as he was about to voice this thought, he remembered he was planning to wait for the giant bird to speak first, but before he could gather his thoughts, the bird broke the silence.
“What are you seeking from us, and what are you offering besides access to your world if you succeed, along with the necessary water for this research facility as a gesture of goodwill?”
“Right,” Matt began, pausing briefly to collect his thoughts and refocus his mind. “In exchange for access to our world, my hope is that individuals from my realm, not all of whom belong to my organization, will have the opportunity to resettle on the worlds your organization controls. I’ve been informed that if I succeed in transforming my world into an S-ranked dungeon, only those ranked A and above will choose to remain there. That’s essentially the crux of it; you simply agree to combat anyone who attempts to claim the world as theirs, and in return, you gain easier access to it than those who aren’t part of the group responsible for its protection.”
“Are you suggesting that you plan to allow any organization that desires to utilize your world’s dungeon access to it?”
“No, that’s not my intention. However, I aim to establish trade networks that span the entire universe, thereby dismantling the isolation that currently exists. Specifically, my goal is to ensure that no organization can indefinitely confine those who live under its rule. While I won’t claim that those I collaborate with won’t control entire worlds, perhaps even hundreds, I will require that those under their authority be granted the freedom to leave. This doesn’t imply that they will easily find a new organization to join or a new home to lead their life in, but the right to pursue a life that aligns more closely with their desires will be a requirement for all I permit onto my world.”
“Why only mention that now?” the bird pressed, its voice sharp and inquisitive. “You said nothing about that in your earlier offer.”
“Right, sorry, I’m really not the diplomatic type,” Matt replied, a light chuckle escaping him as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Still, that is part of what I wish to be permitted. I can agree that only those free from any organization should be allowed to enter your territory, and those who join your ranks shouldn’t be able to leave after you’ve invested in them meaningfully. The exact details can be worked out on your end, but at the very least, my hope is for my organization to gain access to trade throughout your holdings.”
“You wish for us to allow you to invade us!” the bird exclaimed, its feathers ruffling slightly in indignation.
“No, my organization isn’t structured to hold territory,” Matt clarified, shaking his head. “The only world we intend to maintain is Earth, and even then, we are hesitant about it. If it weren’t for witnessing life under the control of other organizations during our integration, we would likely be seeking shelter under others rather than trying to control anything ourselves. No, my organization simply aims to establish trade networks between otherwise isolated entities. I believe that fostering competition among such organizations is beneficial for everyone involved.”
“I see, no, no I don’t,” the bird retorted, its beady eyes narrowing. “What you propose is something I cannot allow, as it jeopardizes the security of our organization.”
“I understand your concerns,” Matt replied earnestly, his tone shifting to one of reassurance. “However, nothing mandates that members of trade organizations need to be granted free movement. The levels of individuals allowed to enter your controlled areas can also be restricted to those your organization feels comfortable with.”
“I see, but then how could you expect them to guard anything of value?” the bird countered, tilting its head in thought.
“That’s simple,” Matt responded confidently, leaning forward slightly. “It is your organization’s responsibility to provide protection equivalent to the guards we would have deployed if there were no restrictions in place.”
“We can’t just have our high-ranking members following your members around all the time,” the bird insisted, its voice rising slightly in frustration.
“Of course not,” Matt responded, his tone steady. “Instead, for items of high value, we need a secure location where the seller can safely store them, or where the buyer can come to retrieve them directly from the seller. Without such arrangements in place, places will struggle to attract valuable goods, ultimately losing out on trade opportunities.”
“I see,” the giant bird replied, its beady eyes narrowing in contemplation. “Very well, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take this proposal to my leaders and gauge their thoughts. They may agree or reject it outright, but you should have an answer within a galactic week.”
Matt quickly calculated in his head, realizing that meant over a month in terms of Earth’s pre-integration calendar. The thought of waiting around aimlessly gnawed at him, prompting him to interject before the bird could depart. “I don’t suppose there’s anywhere a little less dull I could go while I wait?”
“Oh, was the hospitality here not to your liking during my absence?” the bird inquired, a hint of amusement in its voice.
“They just left me alone. Not even a single offer to try some local delicacies,” Matt replied, a note of disappointment creeping into his tone.
“I see. I doubt you would have enjoyed their nutritional slurries, but boredom is indeed a universal constant. Perhaps Radoznaormr’s motives are more understandable than we care to admit,” the bird mused, its feathers ruffling slightly.
“Yes, well, speaking of curiosity, is your current form the only one you can take, or do you have a preferred shape?” Matt asked, intrigued.
“This is simply the form I feel most comfortable in,” the bird explained. “Most of my kind share this trait. We’ve found that our offspring can retain this shape if we maintain it as our primary form for the majority of our time. Even a few hours a day spent in a humanoid guise could risk their ability to do so. We only shift forms to navigate spaces not designed for our true selves. I suppose you’re weak enough that taking you with me won’t pose too many issues, though I wouldn’t wander far from where I leave you when we arrive.”
“I see, that sounds good to me,” Matt replied, a sense of anticipation building within him.
With that, he stepped out of the room, watching as the bird transformed into a humanoid figure before hastily navigating through the building toward a chamber housing a teleportation gate. They clearly weren’t joking about not lingering in their humanoid form; just before stepping through the gate, they reverted to their original shape once more. With only a moment's hesitation, the bird stepped forward, and Matt followed, looking forward to a change of scenery, if nothing else.
