Bro, how is this even possible?

I’ve been around for ages, and I’ve never seen a lineup of LV10 skills stacked like wholesale goods.

Normal bats with [Crystal Symbiosis] only get a 20–30% power boost. But this thing—500%!?

Is its body made entirely of S-grade magic crystals?

If Lin Jun still had eyes, he would’ve rubbed them hard.

Otherwise, how could he be looking at such a ridiculous status panel?

The most outrageous thing was that title—[Beyond Death].

Titles could only be obtained after meeting specific conditions.

And this absurd title, sitting on an ordinary Crystal Bat…

Lin Jun had a few more Pujis creep over.

This time, he staggered them—one group emerging, then the second coming out only after the first was wiped.

Thanks to the interval between attacks, he finally got a good look.

The creature’s body was over three meters long, hanging upside down in the cavern center. Its leathery wings were streaked with pulsing crimson veins, and each wing bone ended in a perfectly formed deep-purple crystal.

They really were all S-grade crystals!

And massive ones at that!

Compared to these, the so-called “S-grade” crystal in Lin Jun’s hand was nothing more than a shard.

Its sheer form—if not for the status panel, Lin Jun might have believed he was looking at a dragon.

But one thought immediately struck him: could that thing even fit through a tunnel?

The passages here weren’t like the vast ones deeper in the Dungeon, ten or dozens of meters across.

Most of these small tunnels had been gnawed out by rock-lizards, uneven and rarely wider than two meters.

With a body this huge, there was no way the old bat could crawl out.

Which meant—it was trapped here.

Perfect. At least he didn’t have to worry about it escaping.

Lin Jun ordered the hundred-odd Illusion Pujis scattered throughout the caverns to gather.

He positioned them outside the tunnels leading inward, releasing thick clouds of hallucinogenic spores.

The old bat noticed immediately. Clearly intelligent, it wasn’t going to wait around to suffocate.

It flew to a tunnel mouth and beat its wings.

Even without using skills, the wind it whipped up scattered the spores.

Then, pressing its jaws to the tunnel opening, it unleashed [Infrasonic Attack LV10].

Nine Pujis inside that passage died instantly.

It repeated the process again and again, blasting each tunnel spewing spores.

By the time Lin Jun realized the danger and tried to pull them back, it was too late.

Not a single Illusion Puji survived.

A total wipeout…

His Pujis were completely helpless against this kind of unavoidable, wide-area attack.

And in the cavern tunnels, the sound waves traveled even farther than normal. Even Pujis that had retreated a long way were caught and killed.

“Tch.”

No artillery, no poison—how was he supposed to fight this thing?

A hundred Pujis hadn’t even scratched its HP.

Even with his growing strength, Lin Jun couldn’t afford this kind of drain.

The only short-term solution was to lure high-level adventurers in.

But if they came, all the spoils would be theirs.

At best, Lin Jun would get a corpse.

And the real prize was those three S-grade crystals embedded in its wings.

Not to mention what other secrets it might hold.

He could try ambushing the adventurers afterward, but…

Even assuming success, it went against his principles.

So better to shelve the matter for now.

The old bat was trapped anyway. It wasn’t going anywhere.

Meanwhile, his rules for dealing with adventurers were taking shape.

After that young party left, several more groups came to trade for intel.

Most transactions went smoothly. Only one party got rowdy.

He blew up a thief, dragged off a healer, and the other two ran for their lives.

Which was fine. Once word spread, no one else would dare test him.

Still, with every explosion, the cavern expanded further. Lin Jun worried the rock wall might collapse if this kept up…

———

“Boss, I’m back!”

Dylan’s voice rang across the Spore Network as he reappeared, ever the smooth veteran.

Descending to the fifth floor, he strolled like it was his home turf, hands nowhere near his weapons.

He even waved at the Pujis along the path, whistling as though in great spirits.

As he walked, he reported on his mission.

“Boss, I sold nine copies of the strategy guide. Any adventurers come by yet?”

“Yes. The plan… is going smoothly enough.”

“Good. Oh, and here’s the money from the sales. I only used a little for lodging…”

He produced a pouch of coins, about to detail his expenses—only for Lin Jun to cut him off.

“Keep it. And you did well this time. I’ve left some equipment and a bonus for you in the tent.”

Wages were already paid in advance, but good work deserved rewards. That was how you kept subordinates motivated.

“Heh, thanks, Boss!”

Suddenly, Dylan felt that having a monster leader who didn’t care about money was even better than he’d thought.

Room and board covered, steady pay, safer than adventuring, and faster income.

And he could save up to send money home to his daughter!

Beaming, he pocketed the pouch—then remembered something.

“Oh right, Boss. I’d like to… replenish my nutrition.”

“You know where the coffin boards are. They’re available anytime—you don’t need my permission.”

Dylan’s eye twitched. So even Boss called them coffin boards…

But since Lin Jun didn’t get his meaning, Dylan clarified:

“No, Boss, I mean… the special nutrition from last time.”

Huh? Nutrition is nutrition. What do you mean, “last time’s kind”…

Oh.

Lin Jun double-checked the skill panel. No addictive effects listed…

What’s up with you, little brother?

…

In the end, he still prepared Dylan’s special blend.

A returning subordinate deserved this much.

But watching Dylan lie back in bliss, Lin Jun couldn’t help feeling exasperated.

Was this guy already on the road to degeneracy?

It felt like he’d turned into some demonic cult master, using brainworms to keep his men hooked…

No, no. This was a proper Mushroom Domain.

Just a harmless treat—like a drink before bed.

Yes. That was it!

———

Adventurers’ Guild branch, Yafeng Town.

On Oberon’s desk lay a fresh report from the Guild’s Intelligence Division.

Its title read: “Analysis of Fifth Floor Anomalies and Predicted Impact.”

Sipping fruit wine, Oberon read it through before summoning the head of Mission Management.

“Take a look at this report.

Afterward, issue a guild-wide quest: a full-scale investigation of the fifth floor’s Pujis, especially in the swamp.

Rank it… A-class.”