A few two or three-story stone and brick buildings sprang up like mushrooms after the rain.
The number of adventurers and other professionals active in the camp was also growing at a visible speed.
Fortunately, the size of the entire camp has also expanded several times, not only not appearing crowded, but even more tidy and orderly than last time.
Now, it’s not appropriate to describe it as a camp; it looks more like a well-organized town.
"The change is really great."
Gauss looked at the scene before him and sighed with emotion.
This construction speed is extremely fast, even by the standards of the previous world.
It can only be said that the resources of this Otherworld are extremely unevenly distributed.
All its power is concentrated on adventures and related places, while ordinary rural areas remain backward in appearance.
He stepped on the smooth stone bricks beneath his feet, each piece cut with precision, and considering the sheer amount, it must have utilized magic power.
And at the outermost edge, several mages in brown robes were waving their magic staffs, compacting the soil into shape.
"I heard that a lot of professional construction mages have been hired here." Aaliyah pointed to the edge of the camp, to a tall tower under construction.
"The City Hall, in collaboration with the Adventurer’s Guild and the Caster Association, is constructing a defense tower to guard against monsters that might invade at any time or break out from the dungeon."
As she spoke, her eyes scanned her surroundings.
As a Level 2 Druid, she could sense the unnaturalness of this land.
Too much magic power was forcibly infused into the ground, like barren soil with excessive fertilizer added.
Moreover, the influx of outsiders brought prosperity and opportunity, but also chaos.
Gauss could already see some brawny men sporting special gang emblems in the alleys.
Of course, ordinary gangs wouldn’t dare target formal professionals like them; their oppression targets are mostly the manual laborers and other low-end workers trying to make a living here.
Gauss withdrew his gaze, sighing slightly in his heart.
Such phenomena are inevitable anywhere.
"Let’s go, get ready to enter the dungeon."
The three-person team, now at a 3+2+2 level configuration, while walking in the town-like camp, didn’t seem too shabby.
At least many people would instinctively step aside upon seeing the three of them.
Approaching the dungeon entrance, the number of professionals gradually increased.
The three slowly walked down the entrance steps.
Upon reaching the first underground level, the entry hall had also undergone significant changes.
Various shops had opened in the entrance hall, providing bathing, dining, and lodging services.
However, these merchants also took on greater risks; if the situation in the dungeon changed, their investments could very well be lost completely.
Gauss opened the map.
Last time’s exploration progress was still there, but considering the dynamic nature of the dungeon, which was still in a process of growth and expansion, and with the access points to the lower levels constantly changing, the map information was just for reference.
"Let’s explore the first level for a day." Gauss scanned the surroundings and announced.
Although he set a goal to reach the third level of the dungeon before entering, Gauss wasn’t too rushed.
Instead, he planned to stay a day on the safest first level of the dungeon.
There were three reasons for this decision.
The first was personal; his total kill count of ordinary monsters was currently at 1935, just a few more to gain another upgrade. Also, having just acquired the White Magic Wand, he needed practical combat to get accustomed to it.
Secondly, Aaliyah had only recently reached Level 2 and needed time and actual opponents to familiarize herself with her current strength.
Lastly, team coordination was critical.
The low-level monsters on the first floor were the best targets for hands-on practice.
Besides, there were goblins, the creatures he was most familiar with.
From his previous experience on the second floor, it seemed that there were not many goblins there.
Aaliyah and Serdur had no objections to Gauss’s decision.
It was something they had already discussed before entering.
"Lord Gauss!"
Just as the trio was preparing to take a stroll around the hall to familiarize themselves with the environment before officially setting out to explore the first floor of the dungeon, several young voices called out from behind.
Gauss turned around.
"Remember us?" The tallest shield-bearing youth in the group said excitedly. "You saved us a while ago."
"Oh, it’s you guys." Gauss nodded.
His gaze lingered for a moment on the shield soldier’s leg, which appeared to be healed.
"Are you preparing to start exploring again?"
He had a good impression of these people.
Although Gauss, from a god’s perspective, had already been nearby, the few involved were unaware of this fact at the time.
In such an urgent moment, the three could have definitely escaped by leaving the injured shield soldier behind, but they chose to protect their injured teammate instead.
"Yes, but this time we’re not planning to stray too far from the hall. We’re aiming to collect special plants, animals, and insects within the dungeon’s vicinity, and occasionally some merchant associations temporarily hire us," the leading captain continued. "Although the profits aren’t much, we can make a decent amount."
"That’s good." Gauss nodded, acknowledging their clear-thinking minds.