Dungeon of Niflheim

2 days later in the early morning a group of individuals dressed in dark cloaks walked through the large gates of the camp.

"The reports really don't do this place justice." One of the individuals commented as they gazed upon the majestic walls of the camp and the many buildings inside.

"The territory lord is a gifted individual armed with a strong business sense, hefty finances and a large pool of labour. He knew exactly what he was doing when he chose to establish this place." Another robed individual praised Frost's abilities without restraint, truly moved by his swift actions.

"Let's go and meet this business savvy individual then. According to the guild master of the local adventurers guild there's no one who knows more about the dungeon here than him."

"Agreed." The group of eight men and women thus made their way towards Frost's office to meet with him.

This group was the investigation team sent by the federation of knowledge. Four investigators along with four bodyguards, three of which reached the upper stages of B-rank while the last, the group leader was a half-step into the A-rank. A very powerful group capable of handling all manner of riffraff during their travels.

Even the nobles and royal family of the Northrend empire dared not impede these individuals though they kept a close eye on their movements.

Within the dungeon's private space.

"Is the federation really linked to father?" Frost asked while enjoying a hearty breakfast.

"In a way yes. They're a group dedicated to knowledge, fervent in their desire to uncover all of Nova's mysteries and unlike the church of light they don't seek dominion or control over the world in his name. All they want to do is learn and protect the many marvels of Nova.

Respecting this mission Dark God-sama endorsed their values and granted them a means of communication with him thus labelling them as one of his representatives. The federation of knowledge was the first group informed about you and siblings, and it was them who disseminated the information to the rest of Nova." Maya informed her young master with a great deal of respect in her voice.

The federation was a massive organisation that despite being so vast and encompassing continued to uphold their set values without falling into corruption. Some of their combat focused individuals could even school her in battle, they were not a force her young master could defeat.

Maya's answer made him frown. "Since they're so focused on knowledge they likely won't give up until they've uncovered every last nook and cranny, right?" Obsessed researchers weren't necessarily malicious, but he really didn't feel comfortable unveiling himself.

"It's highly likely, they are quite fervent in their pursuits after all. Even if Dark God-sama warned them and placed a veil around the connection between you and the dungeon's core they'll probably still discover a lot of your secrets." Maya spoke as though being scanned from head to toe was inevitable and that he should simply accept it.

"How uncomfortable." Frost groaned in protest, not liking the situation in the slightest.

"Cheer up, they at least know what information to release to the public and what information to keep secret. As long as they're in the know that's all that matters to them."

"Hmm maybe I should attempt an exchange then, tit for tat if you will." If his secrets were going to be exposed to them regardless he might as well get something out of it.

"Does the federation have much presence in the glacial mountains?" Frost turned to face Daki who was quickly devouring a plate of eggs and sausages before she was set to visit her personal forge. The blacksmithing orc succubus had been working hard on a new piece equipment, so much so that she was skipping sleep and even meals.

Frost had to force her to join him for breakfast recently lest she collapse from overwork.

"Oh yeah, even in a danger zone like the glacial mountains the federation is present in pretty much all the major kingdoms. The mountains are home to troves of treasures and magical mysteries after all. I've even met a few of their members while on business, a highly educated sort that are filled with almost insane passion and drive when it comes to the unknown.

In fact the federation is home to some of the most skilled and experienced grandmasters whose sole desires are to reach the very peak of their crafts, to do the impossible. For a time I was even tempted to join them in pursuit of mastering my own skills." Daki spoke with even more reverence than Maya.

"Hoh why didn't you?" Frost grew curious. Daki was quite the talent given the fact she was able to reach the upper ranks of a 3 star blacksmith at her age and with her background. Of course he was grateful that in the end she chose to stay in Kranor thus allowing the two of them to meet.

"Creative differences, afraid to leave home, lack of confidence, a combination of reasons really but in the end I just felt that it wasn't a good fit despite the many advantages they offer." Daki shook her head and shrugged, choosing to not enter the federation of knowledge was not one of her regrets. She would blaze her own path even if it meant not making it as far.

"So the group is very highly regarded no matter where in Nova you are." ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com

"You got that right, even the most powerful empires and nations respect and honour the will of the federation so be on your best behaviour."

"Why does everybody seem to think I'm going to screw this up somehow?"

Maya and Daki both looked at one another before turning back to Frost with bright smiles adorning their lips.

""Intuition"" They both said playfully.

"Urgh!" Frost groaned in response causing the two of them to laugh.

A short time later in the lord's office.

"It's an honour to meet your Lord Frost." The leader of the investigation team a young looking elven woman bowed her head in reverence after pulling down her cloak. Her companions followed suit a moment later revealing their diverse cast in races. There wasn't a single human in the bunch.

"I believe the honour I mine miss?" Frost smiled politely from his desk, quickly standing up so at to not put on any airs of arrogance. These individuals were not stuck up merchants but researchers who deserved his respect.

"Ara ara where are my manners, allow me to introduce myself. 5th star investigator Ladius Palmer of the federation of knowledge at your service milord." Miss Palmer proudly introduced herself before gesturing towards her companions.

"Aiding me in my work are my three juniors Carl, Mina and Suiten, each 3 star investigators in their own right." Thanks to Maya's education Frost was aware of the hierarchy within the federation. Their investigators, profession masters and even combat personal were divided into star ranks with 1 star being the lowest and 8 star being the highest.

Miss Palmer being a 5 star investigator meant she was rather high up in the hierarchy.

"Pleasure."

"Nice to meet you."

"Greetings." The three junior investigators, Carl a dragonkin, Mina an elk beastman and Suiten a water genasi who could breathe both underwater and on land performed their own greetings after being introduced by miss Palmer. The three of them were her direct subordinates, to learn from her as she fulfilled her duties.

"It's very nice to meet the three of you." Frost shook their hands before eyeing up the remaining four individuals who bore a natural intimidating presence. He wasn't a match for a single one of them. A fact that honestly put him a little on edge. Thankfully however there was an entity by his side that did the same to them.

Maya who was dressed in a beautiful blue dress stood by his side with a gentle smile, providing support for her young master in this meeting. The junior investigators didn't pick up on her presence that much bar the fact that she was a devasting beauty, but the bodyguards certainly did.

Cold sweat dripped down their necks as they failed to look away from the dangerous entity, thankfully however Maya showed no intention in using her strength.

"Of course I can't forget to introduce our lovely guardians, Terrance if you wouldn't mind." Miss Palmer coyly asked with a mischievous grin. She knew of Maya's strength and was particularly enjoying seeing their team's mighty bodyguards shaking in their boots.

"….It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Lord Frost and Lady…"

"Maya."

"Yes Lady Maya. My name is Terrance and I'm a 5 star combat guard in service to the federation and protection leader for Miss Palmer's team." Terrance the leader of the guards and the one half a step into the A-rank greeted nervously after called being upon. He then gestured with his chin to the still wary people standing behind him.

Though reluctant to draw attention to themselves the other three gave their introductions.

"Mammon, sir and lady."

"Quintep."

"Ariana." The three of them were of the same rank as Terrance but given his superiority in strength as well as seniority he was the protection leader.

"It's an honour to be in the presence of such strong individuals, I'm sure miss Palmer, Carl, Mina and Suiten are grateful for your protection." Despite Frost's attempts to kindle pride in the protection team they still stared warily at Maya, unable to relax in her presence.

"Haaaaaa relax she doesn't bite...well occasionally she does but ow! What was that for?" While making a joke to lighten the mood Frost's side was fiercely twisted by his darling girlfriend. Following that he received a threatening glare warning him to keep his pretty mouth shut if he wanted to live.

The interaction between the couple allowed the protection detail to finally relax, Terrance and Palmer even laughed a little before sitting down to continue the official meeting.