The dungeon heart was furiously jotting down notes in one of the mirrors, while the others debated the delvers’ performance in his final room. Selvara, always the critic, had plenty to say: “We should’ve thrown in more monster types. And those creatures need immunity to airborne toxins. Next time, there could be a poison master among the delvers. We should also add some golems or armored undead that activate once the noise level gets too high.”

  Trulda paused her popcorn munching to chime in, “There’s no time limit in that room. At the very least, we should add a countdown once they open the chest.”

  Malvorik projected some mock ominous laughter.

  Ulmenglanz, however, wasn’t impressed. “I preferred the overgrown corridors. This room feels too sterile, too empty. I get that you wanted to make it a straightforward dexterity test with no hidden traps, but there’s no excuse for leaving it so bare. Even a few potted plants would improve it. The environment should challenge the delvers as much as the obstacles themselves. Moss-covered stones, flickering torchlight, maybe even some eerie sounds to heighten the tension.”

  No one dared to argue under her sharp gaze—except Skorr, who seemed immune. “Sounds wouldn’t suit the room’s theme. I’d suggest adding metallic inlays in geometric patterns on the walls, maybe a grid on the floor. A subtle fragrance wouldn’t hurt, either. Perhaps incense.”

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  Weylan shrugged. “I’ve got no complaints. The thief had to pull off some impressive moves to get through those wires. The placement seems fair. Tough, but doable. I’d struggle to get through that wire maze myself.”

  Trulda nodded vigorously. “Balance is key to good dungeon design. It should be difficult, not impossible. We’re testing them, not trying to slaughter them outright.”

  Skorr raised a hand. “What’s the loot situation? What will they get?”

  Selvara snorted.

  Skorr eyed her. “Is there a problem?”

  

  Skorr gave a pointed look at the snickering dungeon fairy.

   Malvorik admitted.

  Selvara couldn’t hold back any longer. “He just ordered the lootbox to spit out standard female boots of jumping. Without selecting color, form or style.”

  Trulda frowned. “So what? Would she have gotten the wrong color?”

  “She would’ve gotten the default form. Pink high heels.”

  Trulda shuddered. “For a thief in black leather?”

  

  Ulmenglanz was the only one not laughing. “Humans and their obsession with clothing. I’m more interested in whether you can help her get the skill she’s trying to develop. I met her briefly in Mulnirsheim—she’s been aiming to become a parkour master since day one in this world. It seems like she’s trying to recreate a movement skill from her own world.”