"You've given me rewards, even a special categorization. But I'm leaving Westford, leaving you."

As soon as the question was asked, core's response was immediate and comprehensive.

-Zuuuuuuu!

The data stream depicted a vast network of dungeons all throughout this world, interconnected, constantly sharing information and evolving.

These weren't all the dungeons that existed in the world, however ones that shared a certain network.

They must be the creations of the same Dungeon Architect, so Aria's impact wouldn't be confined to Westford.

Her (Guest anarchist) classification, her ability to introduce unexpected variables and drive profound scenarios, was now part of the wider dungeon network's understanding.

"Oh… looks like our journey is far from over then."

Wherever she went, whatever dungeons she encountered, her unique status would precede her role as a dungeon architect, a ripple effect across the very fabric of this world's system.

The other dungeons would be watching as well, learning, and perhaps, even anticipating her next big revelation.

While this dungeon would not be the one receiving her grace the next time, it had already gained more than what it could have ever asked for.

"So, I'm a permanent anomaly, like some sort of system update for the entire dungeon network," Aria wondered with a dry chuckle. "Great~. Just what I needed. More attention from the omniscient, rule-bound otherworldly super-computers."

[ "Indeed, Master. It seems like your influence will now be global, rather than localized." ] Rose's voice held a hint of amusement, perhaps even pride.

"Haaa…"

But Aria sighed bitterly, running a hand through her shimmering hair.

She did not want any unwanted attention, but that may not be possible going forward.

"Anyway, what is this World Energy? I can tell all of this is possible mostly because of that, right?"

World Energy was the fundamental force of creation, the raw material for shaping reality itself, accessible only to the beings who had crossed the limited understanding of the world all creations were bound by.

Aria did not gain access to the World Energy for obtaining the dungeon's Source Code. The evolution of her <S> ranked skill into a higher form was the reason behind her early access to a resource she would only receive much later as a dungeon architect.

Her new skill, {Enchantment strings}, was a complimentary manifestation of this connection, a power that allowed her to weave that energy into tangible effects.

The "Halo-State" mentioned in her Saint Origin description, the amplification of her essence, was directly linked to the mastery of this World Energy.

[ "The World Energy is the power essence of this world, however, it is still a step below the strings that make this energy. While the "Creation Strings" are the fundamental blocks of all things, the world energy is the closest manifestation of these energies that one can directly access." ]

"Hmmm…"

She now possessed the keys to truly architect in this world, not just within the confines of a dungeon's existing rules, but at a more fundamental level. She could, in a way, speak the language of creation.

"And the Naga's soul?" Aria asked, remembering the colorful bead she had received. "Is it just a trophy, or…"

-Zuuuuuuuuu.

The core presented a complex data set at that question.

The Naga's soul, tainted by corruption, was a unique energy signature.

While it couldn't be fully reintegrated into the natural cycle in its current state, Aria's connection to the primordial code, her understanding of its fragmented essence, offered possibilities.

It was a raw material, a unique data packet that could be refined, repurposed, or perhaps even healed. Just like resurrecting the dead, she might be able to bring back the dead Naga mother with the right materials and methods.

"So it is possible, right? Huuuuu…" She did not know what she would answer the children when they came out of the eggs, but now she had her answers.

A vision flashed in Aria's mind: the shimmering soul of the Naga, now contained within the potato-sized bead, seemed to reach out, a faint echo of its former self. It was there…

"Rose… you're offering me a chance to fix it, aren't you?" Aria whispered, her eyes wide at the thought of various possibilities. "To mend what was broken, even by the dungeon's fault."

[ "The assistance is provided for your achievements. The skill does what is helpful to you, master." ]

An architect who could restore balance, even on a fundamental soul level, was a valuable asset, a co-creator rather than merely a guest. To learn from someone like that was no small thing… The next dungeons she visits will know just what she is capable of right from their first meeting.

"Haaaa…"

Aria felt a warmth spread through her chest. This was it. This was the true reward, the true calling that transcended mere levels and stats.

"Thanks, Rosaviel," Aria thanked her skill with a profound realization settling upon her. "You're going to charge me more later on, aren't you?"

[ "Sometimes assistance has a price, master." ]

Aria pouted at her, hugging Qwy as if she was hurt by Rose's words.

"Alright, dungeon core," Aria called out to the core, a determined gleam in her emerald eyes. "You've given me a lot to think about. A lot to learn. And a lot to do."

She looked at Qwy in her hands, seemingly no longer overwhelmed but now curiously inspecting the dungeon's energy flows. "Come on, baby. We have three days to pack, and then a whole world of dungeons to 'educate'."

With a final, lingering glance to the core, a silent promise exchanged between the architect and the artificial consciousness.

Aria turned and walked back towards the shimmering door of light. The square key piece, which had fused with the door, subtly detached itself as she stepped out, returning to her hand, now a tangible symbol of her access to the dungeon's heart.

"I'll see you soon then, you cruel thing."

As the door closed behind them, sealing the core chamber once more, Aria felt a new kind of power settle within her.

It wasn't just the raw strength of World Energy or the intricate precision of her Saint Origin.

It was the power of understanding, of connection, and of purpose.

The Westford dungeon might be a chapter closing, but her true journey as a Dungeon Architect, an [Anarchist of Creation], was just beginning.

The world, and all its interconnected dungeons, awaited her next move.

But this time, she was ready to rewrite the rules.

"Qwy~!"

The shimmering door of light vanished as Aria stepped fully back into the familiar, if somewhat comforting, first floor of the Westford dungeon.

The air here was still heavy with the scent of wet earth and static magic in the environment, a stark contrast to the pure, ethereal lightness of the core chamber.

Qwy, no longer awestruck, zipped around her head, a happy, relieved chirp escaping her.

"Alright, baby, let's get out of here," Aria murmured with a sense of finality settling over her. The dungeon guards, who had been chatting idly near the entrance, snapped to attention as she coincidentally appeared out of the dungeon right where she had entered from, their expressions a mix of surprise and mild relief.

"Miss Aria! You're back already?" one of them stammered, clearly not expecting her to return so soon. The assumption that she was there to help the association had made them more relaxed, but her quick return was unexpected.

"Just finished up," Aria answered, offering a small, tired smile.

She didn't elaborate anything, knowing that any explanation would only lead to more confusion. "Everything alright here?"

"Yes, Miss! All clear!" the other guard replied, hastily waving her through the main gate.

They exchanged puzzled glances as she walked away, no doubt wondering about her brief, unannounced visit.

-Shrrrrrrrrr…

Stepping into the afternoon sun of Westford was like entering a different world entirely.

The city was still quiet, the echoes of the morning's funeral lingering in the air, but there was a faint stir of activity.

Adventurers, perhaps encouraged by the association's efforts to project control, were cautiously making their way back towards the dungeon entrance, a grim determination on their faces.

Aria walked briskly through the familiar streets, the sounds and smells of Westford slowly washing over her.

The funeral had been a somber ceremony, and the weight of it still pressed upon the city.

She could feel the lingering grief, the quiet uncertainty in the collective consciousness. It was a stark reminder of the fragile line between order and chaos, a line she had inadvertently blurred.

'I'll miss this place, won't I?' A smile bloomed as the thought crossed her mind.

Her destination for the night was the cozy, familiar inn run by the fairy innkeeper, a place that had become a temporary home in this new, unpredictable world.

-Swiiiiiiiiiiish…

As she pushed open the sturdy wooden door, the faint chime above her head announced her arrival.

The usual boisterous atmosphere was muted today, customers speaking in hushed tones, their drinks untouched or slowly sipped.

Behind the clean wooden bar, the elf bartender was polishing a glass, his hand movements precise and experienced.

He was handsome as usual, attractive, sharp facial features and long, silver hair tied back neatly… but today his typically aloof demeanor was softened by a weary sadness.

"Hmm?"

He looked up as the chime rang, his pretty eyes, usually shimmering with a mischievous intelligence, now held a helpless, almost mournful expression.

"...?"

His gaze landed on Aria, and for a moment, a flicker of surprise crossed his face, quickly followed by a familiar, almost exasperated sigh.

"You're back," he mumbled, his voice a low murmur, devoid of his usual wry humor.

He didn't ask what she was doing, or where she had been.

He simply looked at her, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding of the troubles she seemed to have attracted once again, and the quiet despair that still clung to the city.

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