《Shield Of Vengeance》


 Chapter 1: A Flicker Of Hope

    ### Chapter 1: A Flicker of Hope


    In the quiet village of Rement, where the people always believed in Gods. When Arie was born with strange, patterns in his eyes, whispers spread that he was touched by the gods, marked for a purpose beyond ordinary life.


    His parents took it to heart. They were sure Arie was destined to become a great warrior, one who would protect the village from any threat. But that vision came with a cost.


    From a young age, Arie''s life was all about strict routines. He woke up before dawn, training with his father, sparring with wooden swords that were almost too heavy for him to lift.


    His mother would remind him that emotions would make him weak. "A true warrior has to let go of childish things, Arie," she''d say. "When you fight, there''s no room for anything but focus."


    By seven, training had consumed his entire life. While other children spent their days playing, he was running drills, learning techniques, and practicing a calm face, just as his parents wanted.


    All he ever wanted, though, was to join the other children and make friends. Whenever he asked, his parents dismissed it. "Friends would only distract you," his father would say. "You''re different, Arie. You have a gift. Don''t waste it."


    Arie began to wonder if he''d ever experience life beyond training. He would watch the other children laugh and play, shouting each other''s names, comforting each other when someone fell. It seemed like another world¡ªone he could only see from a distance.


    But one evening, that world felt a little closer.


    The village was holding a rare celebration. After weeks of fear, his parents had defeated a dragon that had been destroying the village''s crops. Music filled the square, and villagers gathered to celebrate.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Long tables were loaded with food, and lanterns hung from the trees, casting warm, cheerful light over the square.


    Arie stood on the edge, watching as the other children played nearby. He watched them chase each other around the tables, laughing so hard that they could barely run.


    His heart ached with longing. He wanted so badly to join them, though he knew his parents would never allow it. They were busy in the crowd, surrounded by villagers praising them for their bravery.


    Just then, a girl a little older than him noticed him standing alone. She had a bright, friendly smile and walked right up to him. "Hi!" she greeted him cheerfully. "I''m Sara. What''s your name?"


    Arie''s eyes widened slightly. No one outside his family had ever talked to him like this. "I... I''m Arie," he answered, his voice quiet.


    Sara tilted her head, studying him. "Are you here alone? Why aren''t you playing with everyone?"


    Arie shifted uncomfortably, glancing down at his feet. "I''m not... I mean, my parents don''t really let me," he mumbled. "They say... they say friends are a distraction."


    Sara frowned. "That sounds lonely. Don''t you ever want to play?"


    Arie nodded quickly, his eyes lighting up just a bit. "Yes, I do! I mean... I watch you all play. It looks fun."


    A grin spread across Sara''s face. "Well, then come on! Come play with us!" She reached out a hand toward him.


    Arie looked back toward his parents, his stomach in knots. "I... I can''t. They''ll be upset."


    Sara followed his gaze. His parents were deep in conversation with a group of villagers. "Just ask them! It''s a celebration, right? Maybe they''ll say yes."


    Taking a deep breath, Arie walked up to his parents. They barely noticed him at first, caught up in their conversation. Gathering his courage, he tugged at his mother''s sleeve. She looked down, her face slightly surprised.


    "What is it, Arie?" she asked, her tone firm.


    "I... can I play with them?" He glanced over at Sara, who was waiting nearby with an encouraging smile. "Just this once?"


    His parents exchanged a look. His father''s brow furrowed, and he was about to say no, but his mother held up a hand, stopping him. "Fine," she said slowly, her voice steady. "But just for today. Don''t get used to it, Arie. Remember who you are."


    Arie nodded, his face breaking into a grin. He rushed back to Sara, who cheered. "Come on, Arie! We''re playing tag!" she said, grabbing his hand and leading him over to the other children.


    They spent the rest of the day playing every game he''d ever imagined. They raced around the tables, hid behind barrels, and laughed until their sides hurt. Arie had never felt so free. For once, he wasn''t just a warrior-in-training¡ªhe was a boy, just like everyone else.


    At one point, Sara leaned over, catching her breath. "You''re pretty fast, Arie!" she said with a wide grin. "Did you know that?"


    Arie blushed, shaking his head. "I''m not fast," he said quietly. "I just... practice a lot. My dad says I need to be strong."


    "Well, you''re strong *and* fast," Sara replied, giving him a playful nudge. "I think that''s awesome."


    They played until the celebration began to wind down. The fires were dimming, and the villagers started saying their goodbyes. As Arie and Sara stood on the edge of the square, watching the adults pack up, a sadness came over him.


    Sara noticed. "Are you okay, Arie?"


    He looked down. "I... I don''t know. I don''t get to do this often. I don''t know when I''ll get to play again."


    Sara smiled, determined. "Don''t worry. I''ll come back tomorrow! We''ll find a way to play, even if it''s just for a little bit."


    Arie''s face lit up, his heart racing with hope. "Really? You mean it?"


    "Of course I do!" Sara nodded, grinning. "Tomorrow, I''ll find you. You''ll see."


    They said their goodbyes, and as Arie walked back to his parents, he held on to that promise. His heart felt light and warm, filled with a new kind of happiness. For the first time, he had something to look forward to¡ªa hope he''d never known before.

 Chapter 2: A Tragic death

    ### Chapter 2: A Tragic Death


    The sun was sinking low as Arie walked home, the familiar path winding through the village. It was a quiet afternoon, and his mind was on nothing more than getting home to his family.


    But suddenly, a loud, deep roar shook the air. Arie froze, his heart pounding in his chest.


    He looked up, and his blood ran cold.


    A massive dragon, its wings spread wide, flew through the sky toward the village. Arie''s body tensed, the roar still echoing in his ears.


    He had known dragons were real¡ªthe stories had always been true¡ªbut seeing one in the sky like this was something else entirely.


    Without a second thought, Arie turned and ran toward the village, panic flooding his veins.


    The dragon was close, too close. He had to get there in time, warn the villagers, help them escape.


    But when Arie reached the village, it was already too late. His feet stumbled to a stop as he stared at the flames. His village, the only home he had ever known, was burning to the ground.


    Thick black smoke filled the sky, the fire crackling loudly, swallowing everything in its path.


    "Mother? Father?" Arie shouted, his voice lost in the roar of the flames. He ran through the village, his body aching with exhaustion, his heart hammering in his chest.


    He could barely see through the smoke. His throat burned from the heat, but still, he ran.


    "Where are you?" he cried, desperation creeping into his voice. But there was no answer.


    Everywhere he turned, fire and destruction. Houses were crumbling, the familiar streets now just piles of ash.


    The warmth of the flames felt wrong against his skin¡ªhe couldn''t get close enough to save anyone.


    Then, through the smoke, he saw them.


    Two figures were standing in the middle of the street, grinning like they didn''t have a care in the world. Arie''s stomach twisted. The bullies. The two boys who had made his life a misery for as long as he could remember. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Arie had never seen them so calm before, not even when they''d been teasing him or pushing him around.


    But now? They were standing in the middle of the burning village, like they owned it.


    He couldn''t believe his eyes. How were they still alive? Why weren''t they running?


    Arie went closer and to ask


    "Look who made it out alive," one of them sneered, his voice thick with contempt. "I thought you''d burn with the rest of them."


    Arie''s chest tightened with anger. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, stepping forward, his fists clenched. "Why are you still alive? What did you do?"


    Without warning, the bully rushed at Arie, swinging the knife. Arie quickly stepped back, just barely avoiding it. His heart pounded as he asked, "wha-what are you doing?" Arie shouted


    The taller bully gave him a cruel grin. "This village is rotten," he said. "It deserves to burn, and so does everybody with it"


    Arie''s breath caught in his throat. "You did this? You brought the dragon here?" he asked, his voice shaking with disbelief.


    "Of course we did," the smaller one said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "This place needed to go. It was full of fools. We just helped it along."


    The words hit Arie like a punch. The dragon. The fire. The bullies had caused it all. His home, his family, everything¡ªdestroyed by their plan.


    "Why?!" Arie shouted, his voice rising with the weight of his confusion and anger. "Why would you do this? This... this isn''t right. Why kill everyone?"


    The taller bully shrugged, a smirk still on his face. "Because it''s what''s deserved. This place was too cruel. But also too weak." He reached down to his belt, pulling out a knife. "And people like you? You don''t matter."


    Before Arie could react, the smaller bully lunged at him again, this time faster, the knife flashing through the air. Arie stepped back, panic flooding his veins, but he knew he wouldn''t be able to dodge in time.


    But just as the knife came down, someone pushed Arie aside.


    He turned in shock to see Sara, standing between him and the blade. The knife plunged deep into her side, and she collapsed, her body going limp as she fell into Arie''s arms. Blood poured from her wound, staining his hands.


    "Sara!" Arie cried, shaking her gently, his heart racing. "Why did you do that?"


    Sara''s eyes fluttered open, her voice weak as she whispered, "You have to be strong, Arie... Don''t let them win." She smiled faintly before her body went still.


    Arie''s heart shattered. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he cradled her close, her lifeless body in his arms. The bullies, uncaring, turned to walk away.


    "We don''t have time for this," the taller one muttered. "Our master is waiting."


    Without another word, they disappeared into the smoke, leaving Arie alone with the ruins of his village and the body of the only person who had ever been kind to him.


    The rain began to fall, soft at first, then heavier, mixing with the smoke and slowly putting out the flames. But it couldn''t wash away the emptiness inside Arie. His home was gone. His family was gone. Sara, the one person who had always believed in him, was gone.


    He knelt there, holding her, his tears mixing with the rain. His mind was numb. His heart ached. But then he realised, the bullies couldn''t have destroyed this without companions, and they wouldn''t destroy the village without a reason, there must be a reason why.


    He didn''t know how long he sat there thinking, but in the quiet, something inside him started to stir. A spark. Anger.


    "I''m not gonna give up yet, I''ll be strong  and I''ll kill everyone responsible for this, with my own bear hands! "


    The bullies had destroyed everything, taken everything from him. And they were going to pay for it. He would make sure of that.


    This was just the beginning. Arie wasn''t done yet.

 Chapter 3: Hidden Magic

    ###Chapter 3: Hidden Magic


    Several days had passed, and Arie still refused to leave the village. He was determined to stay. Every day, he trained tirelessly, pushing himself to learn new skills and adapt to life on his own.


    During this time, he constructed a small house from whatever materials he could find¡ªold wooden planks, stones, and pieces of broken structures scattered around the village. The house was small, just big enough for him to lie down and sleep, but it gave him a sense of comfort and safety.


    It wasn''t much, but it was a place he could call his own, and that was enough to give him a spark of hope.


    Arie''s days followed a strict routine just like when his parents are still alive. Each morning, he woke with the sunrise and immediately began his training. With only basic tools at his disposal, he improvised, using sticks as practice swords and large rocks as makeshift weights.


    He practiced swinging the sticks, imagining them as weapons, and honed his balance and reflexes by dodging and weaving through obstacles. His body ached at the end of each day, his muscles sore and his hands blistered, but he welcomed the pain. It was a reminder that he was pushing himself forward, that he was growing stronger despite the isolation and challenges he faced.


    The village around him was quiet and haunting. The empty streets and ruined buildings were stark reminders of what had been lost.


    The silence was heavy, pressing down on him like a weight. At night, when he lay in his small house, the loneliness crept in, making him feel small and vulnerable. There were moments when the stillness was too much, and he would sit outside, looking up at the sky, searching for any sign that he wasn''t alone.


    The stars above twinkled, indifferent to his struggles, but their light was a small comfort on those long nights.


    One evening, after a long day of training, Arie fell into a deep and restless sleep. His body, exhausted from the day''s efforts, craved rest, but his mind was restless. That night, a strange dream came to him.


    In the dream, he stood in a place that felt both familiar and otherworldly. The air shimmered with a soft, glowing light, and before him stood a figure, surrounded by an ethereal glow.


    The figure''s face was hard to see, as if it was hidden behind a veil of mist. She seemed to be speaking, but her voice was faint, like a whisper that was just out of reach. Arie strained to hear her, but the more he tried, the more the world around him blurred.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    The figure raised her hand and revealed a book that shone with a strange, soft light. Arie could tell it was a book because of its shape, but the details were fuzzy, and he couldn''t make out the symbol on its cover.


    He felt an overwhelming urge to reach out, to touch the book and understand its secrets. He opened his mouth to speak, to ask who she was and what the book meant, but before he could say anything, the dream shifted.


    The light dimmed, the figure faded, and Arie woke up suddenly, his heart pounding in his chest and sweat on his brow. He sat up, breathing heavily, the dream still vivid in his mind.


    The dream lingered in his thoughts, its mystery pulling at him.


    He couldn''t shake the feeling that it meant something important, something he needed to uncover. As the first light of day crept into the sky, Arie made a decision. He would search for answers.


    He knew that the old library, or what remained of it, was the most likely place to start. The building had been one of the few sources of knowledge in the village, though it was now just a shell of what it once was.


    Arie made his way through the rubble, stepping carefully over fallen beams and broken stone. The library was filled with the scent of dust and old paper, a scent that brought back memories of quieter days. He began to search, sifting through the remains of old books and cracked shelves.


    Most of the books were too damaged to be useful, their pages crumbling at his touch. Frustration bubbled up as he realized just how much knowledge had been lost in the destruction.


    Just as he was about to give up, something caught his eye. Behind a fallen bookcase, partially hidden by debris, was a narrow staircase leading down into darkness.


    Arie''s heart skipped a beat. He had never noticed it before, even though he had been to the library many times. He pushed aside the broken wood and stone, clearing the way until the staircase was fully visible. A spark of curiosity lit up inside him.


    Without hesitation, he began to descend, each step creaking under his weight.


    The air grew cooler the deeper he went, and a chill ran down his spine. The darkness pressed in around him, but he kept moving, driven by the need to know what secrets lay hidden below. When he reached the bottom, he found himself in a small, dimly lit chamber. The walls glowed faintly, casting a soft light that illuminated the room.


    In the center was an old, narrow bed, and beside it, five books were stacked neatly, their leather covers worn but intact.


    Arie''s hands shook as he reached for the top book. The leather felt rough and sturdy under his fingers. He opened it slowly, his eyes scanning the pages filled with symbols and words. One thing was clear¡ªthis was a book of spells, full of magic.


    Excitement surged through him as he flipped through the pages. Each book seemed to hold different types of magic, and he quickly realized their significance. One book held intermediate spells, while the others ranged from advanced to divine magic. Each focused on a different element: healing, fire, water, destruction, and creation.


    Memories of his father''s teachings came rushing back to him. His father had told him stories about the different types of magic. Arie''s heart pounded as he looked at the books, both excited and nervous.


    He had always dreamed of learning magic, but he never thought he would have the chance.


    Questions swirled in his mind. Why were these books hidden beneath the library? Who had placed them there, and why? The discovery felt significant, but it also left him with more uncertainties.


    One thing was certain: he had found something that could change everything.


    With careful hands, Arie picked up the first book and carried it back to his small house. He set it down on his makeshift table and sat down, taking a deep breath.


    The road ahead would be challenging, but he was ready to learn. This was the start of a new chapter in his life, one filled with magic and mystery. Whatever came nex t, he would face it head-on, determined to uncover the truth and master the power that lay within those pages.

 Chapter 4: The Sword of Calamity

    ###Chapter 4: The Sword of Calamity


    After five long months of relentless practice, Arie had finally mastered all the magic spells in the ancient books he had discovered.


    His days were consumed with training, honing his magical abilities until every spell flowed effortlessly through him.


    One quiet afternoon, as he rested in his small, humble house, a thought crossed his mind: "I never really explored the rest of the hidden chamber under the library."


    The curiosity nagged him, and without hesitation, he decided to return to the underground room to see what other secrets it might hold.


    The walk to the ruined library felt different this time.


    The air seemed heavier, as if it sensed the power Arie now carried.


    When he reached the entrance to the hidden staircase, he took a deep breath and descended once more, the wooden steps creaking under his weight.


    This time, he ventured beyond where he had found the magical books. The dim glow of the room barely illuminated the path ahead, but he pressed on, heart pounding with anticipation.


    The deeper Arie ventured, the more he noticed remnants of a forgotten era. Old tombs lined the walls, their stone lids etched with names he did not recognize.


    Skeletal remains of warriors long past were scattered on the cold stone floor, their rusted weapons and armor lying in disarray. A shiver ran down his spine at the thought of who these warriors had been and what battles they had fought. At first, it seemed there was nothing more of value¡ªjust relics of a time long forgotten.


    But then, he reached what appeared to be the heart of the chamber.


    There, standing proud and defiant, was a sleek black katana embedded in an ancient stone. The dark blade gleamed faintly, its sharp edge catching the flicker of light from the enchanted walls. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    The sight of it made Arie''s breath catch in his throat. He approached slowly, the air crackling with a strange energy that made the hair on the back of his neck stand up.


    Arie reached out, gripping the hilt of the katana with both hands. Its cool metal sent a shiver through him.


    He pulled with all his might, muscles straining, but the sword didn''t move an inch. Frustrated, he paused, panting. Then he remembered something his father had once said: "A true swordsman wields a blade with calm and steady hands, not brute force.


    " Taking a deep breath, Arie let the tension in his body fade and tried again, this time with a steady grip and focused mind. Yet, the sword remained stubbornly fixed in place.


    As doubt crept in, his eyes caught sight of two ancient books lying near the base of the stone. He picked them up, brushing off the thick layer of dust, and realized they contained legendary sword techniques.


    The find was unexpected, and a question formed in his mind: Why are these books here, so close to the katana?


    His gaze shifted to the wall behind the stone, where a large inscription was carved. The words read: "Whoever wishes to wield this sword must be worthy of (symbol).


    " Arie''s eyes widened when he saw the symbol¡ªit was the same one he''d studied in the book of destruction spells. He ran his fingers over the engraving, feeling the grooves in the cold stone. The connection became clear in his mind.


    If this sword responds to destruction magic, then maybe I can draw it out by channeling that energy.


    Determined, he stood in front of the katana and placed his hands on the hilt once more. This time, he closed his eyes and summoned the power he had mastered over the past months.


    Dark energy pulsed around him, wrapping his body in a shadowy glow. He felt the ground beneath him tremble as the stone holding the sword cracked. The chamber echoed with the sound of shifting earth, and the air buzzed with raw, untamed power.


    The pillars in the room began to shake, and dust fell from the ceiling as Arie channeled the destruction magic into the blade. With one final, mighty effort, he pulled. The sword came free, and a surge of power erupted from the katana, sending a wave of energy throughout the chamber.


    The force knocked him back, and debris began to fall from above as the ancient room groaned in protest.


    "I did it," Arie whispered, a smile breaking across his face. But the ground beneath his feet shuddered violently, and he realized the chamber was about to collapse.


    Clutching the katana and the two books to his chest, he sprinted toward the exit, dodging falling rocks and broken pieces of stone.


    The walls crumbled behind him, and the roar of the collapsing structure pushed him to run faster. Just as he leapt through the entrance, the chamber caved in with a deafening crash.


    Breathing heavily, Arie looked down at the black katana in his hands, its dark surface now faintly pulsing with an inner light. "I did it," he repeated, the reality sinking in.


    But as he stared at the blade, a sense of unease crept over him. What kind of power had he just unleashed? What other secrets did this weapon hold?


    On his walk back to his small house, a sudden shimmer caught his eye. A black sheath materialized around the katana as if answering some unspoken command.


    Intrigued, Arie wondered what abilities the weapon possessed. He decided to test it and swung the sword toward a tree in the distance. At first, nothing seemed to happen, but then the tree wavered and fell, its trunk sliced cleanly in half.


    The precision of the cut stunned him. The katana could send out invisible slashes.


    A rush of excitement coursed through him. With these newfound books and the power of the katana, Arie knew his training was far from over.

 Vol 2 Chapter 1: A New Beginning

    ###Chapter 5: A New Beginning


    Five years had passed since Arie had learned everything he could from the ancient books. Standing on a grassy hill under the evening sky, he thought to himself, "I''ve learned all I can here. If I want to keep growing, I need to find an academy." His gaze rested on the distant mountains, behind which lay Astraven¡ªa city known for its academy that welcomed anyone who sought knowledge, whether noble or commoner. Determined, he packed his few belongings and set off the next morning, heading toward this famous city.


    The journey was long and tiring, taking him through winding forests, open fields, and rocky paths. After weeks of travel, he finally reached the gates of Astraven. The city''s high stone walls loomed above him, and the gates were busy with people coming and going¡ªmerchants, travelers, and adventurers, each focused on their own lives.


    Arie felt a mix of excitement and nerves. This is it¡ªthe start of a new chapter, he thought. But as he approached the gate, a guard stepped forward, blocking his path.


    "Hold on there, lad," the guard said, eyeing Arie''s worn clothes and empty coin pouch. "You''ll need a pass or a fee to enter Astraven."


    Arie''s heart sank. "I... don''t have any money with me," he admitted.


    The guard shook his head. "Sorry pal, no fee no entry."


    Disappointed, Arie took a step back, wondering if he''d have to find work just to enter the city. Just then, the sound of horses and creaking wheels filled the air, and a royal carriage approached, flanked by guards. Inside sat the king, a serious-looking man with silver hair, and beside him, a young princess with a gentle and pretty face.


    The king glanced briefly at Arie, his face stern. "This is a city of rules. Rules exist for a reason."


    The king was about to ignore Arie. But the princess leaned toward her father. "Father" the princess said.


    After a moment, the king sighed. "Very well." With a nod to the guards, he waved Arie through. "Let this boy pass."


    Arie''s heart lifted. As he passed the carriage, he gave the princess a grateful nod and said "Thank you so much your highness" . She smiled and waved back, her kindness shining through her royal duties. I''ll repay her one day, he promised silently, feeling a warmth he hadn''t felt in years.


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Inside Astraven, the city was as lively as he had imagined. Stalls lined the streets, selling spices, jewelry, and strange trinkets. The air was filled with the hum of voices, laughter, and the occasional tune from a street musician. But Arie''s excitement was dampened by a problem: he had nowhere to stay. With no money for an inn, he wandered through the streets, hoping to find some way to earn a place to stay.


    As he walked past the town square, his eyes fell on a large poster on a stone wall. It read, "Whoever defeats the boss on Floor 10 will be granted a small house."


    Arie''s heart raced. A house¡­ that''s exactly what I need! Eagerly, he made his way to a nearby building¡ªthe guild. It was where adventurers came to sign up for tasks, form parties, and explore the dungeon.


    Inside, the guild was alive with activity. Adventurers sat at tables, trading stories, while others studied maps pinned to the walls. The air smelled of leather, steel, and the faint scent of ale. Arie approached the reception desk, where a young woman with braided hair gave him a curious look.


    "Hello! How can I help you?" she asked.


    "I saw the poster outside," Arie said. "About the house¡­ I''d like to try for it."


    The receptionist blinked, surprised. She looked him over carefully. He seemed young, maybe inexperienced, and he didn''t have the boldness she usually saw in adventurers eager for a challenge. "You do know that to enter the dungeon, you have to be a registered adventurer, right?"


    "Oh," Arie said, pausing. "How¡­ how do I become an adventurer?"


    She handed him a form. "Just fill this out."


    Arie filled it out quickly and handed it back. She stamped it, nodding. "Congratulations, Arie. You''re now an official adventurer."


    A small smile crossed his face, but before he could turn to leave, she stopped him. "The dungeon isn''t something you should face alone, especially not the tenth floor. Adventurers usually form parties to make it safer, especially when you''re taking on a floor boss."


    Arie nodded, though he had no plan to wait around. I''ll do this alone, he thought, determined. Thanking her, he moved toward the dungeon entrance located at the back of the guild.


    The receptionist watched him go, worry creasing her brow. Most solo attempts in the dungeon didn''t end well, especially on higher floors. She called after him. "Wait!" She pulled him aside, giving him a rough map and a few quick tips. She explained the layout, the monsters, and some traps on each floor. "And remember," she said, "the tenth floor boss is a powerful creature. Be careful."


    Arie listened closely, his mind racing with ideas and plans. "Thank you," he said, giving her a nod of gratitude before he turned toward the dungeon''s dark entrance.


    As he disappeared into the shadows, the receptionist''s worry grew. She motioned to two nearby adventurers, both skilled fighters. "Follow him. Make sure he doesn''t get himself hurt. But don''t step in unless he''s in real trouble."


    The two men nodded, setting off to follow him, their steps soon lost in the quiet of the dungeon''s stone halls.


    ###The Dungeon


    Meanwhile, Arie walked down into the dungeon, his footsteps echoing in the darkness. Flickering torches lit the walls, casting strange shadows on the stone. Every few steps, he paused, listening carefully, ready for anything. The dungeon was a maze, filled with some traps creatures that lurked in the dark. But Arie''s focus didn''t waver; he moved smoothly, his eyes sharp and his senses on high alert.


    On the fifth floor, he faced his first real challenge¡ªa pack of shadow hounds waiting in the dim light, their eyes glowing. Arie steadied himself, his heart pounding but his mind calm. With that considered, he unleashed his technique a slime appeared ouy of his cloak and can turn into sharp weapons, and slicing through them like it was butter, he easily took them down, his actions precise and controlled, while the two men, was left speechless. Each battle made his heart race, but he kept his calm and pressed on.


    The dungeon went on, floor after floor, each harder than the last. But Arie kept moving, his strength and resolve pushing him forward.


    The two adventurers followed from a distance, watching as he fought his way through, both surprised by his skill. As they neared the tenth floor, one turned to the other, respect in his voice. "Maybe¡­ he actually can do it."


    At last, Arie reached the tenth floor. Before him was the boss''s lair¡ªa wide, open room filled with a thick, heavy feeling in the air. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward, ready to face his toughest challenge yet.

 Vol 2 Chapter 2: The battle on Floor 10

    ###Chapter 6: Battle Of the 10th Floor


    Arie stepped into the dark, cavernous room, his footsteps echoing against the stone walls. One by one, torchlights along the edges flickered to life, casting an eerie glow across the vast space. Shadows shifted and danced until, in the center of the room, a hulking shape emerged¡ªa massive spider with thick, dark skin and razor-sharp claws that scraped against the stone as it moved. Eight piercing eyes glinted in the low light, locked onto Arie with a predatory focus.


    The spider gave a loud, shrill screech, then charged at Arie with surprising speed for a creature its size. Arie''s body tensed, his senses kicking into high gear. He sidestepped just in time, narrowly avoiding a swipe from one of its spiked legs that left a deep gash in the floor where he''d just stood.


    Arie wasted no time, summoning a fireball in his hand and hurling it directly at the creature. The flames struck the spider''s hide¡ªbut fizzled out, leaving only a few faint scorch marks. Fire-resistant, Arie thought, frustration flickering in his eyes. This wouldn''t be a simple fight.


    Watching from a hidden corner near the entrance, the two men who had followed Arie exchanged worried glances. They had witnessed his skill against lower-level creatures, but this was entirely different. "This might be too much for him," one of them whispered.


    Back in the center of the room, Arie''s face hardened. He''d already come this far¡ªhe wasn''t about to back down. He took a steadying breath, focusing his energy, and began forming another fireball in his hand. This time, he poured more magic into it, heating the flames until they began to shift colors, from orange to blue and finally to an intense, glowing purple.


    One of the men watching gasped, recognizing the signs. "Destruction magic¡­" he murmured, stunned.


    Arie raised his other hand, shaping the fireball into a blazing arrow and a bow in his grip. He took aim, the purple flames licking up his arm, and whispered, "Arrow of Destruction."


    He released the arrow, and it flew forward with a powerful shockwave, lighting up the dark room as it cut through the air. The arrow pierced straight into the spider''s chest, embedding itself deep in its thick hide. For a split second, there was silence. Then, with an earsplitting crack, the spider''s body began to glow from within as the destructive flames spread, consuming it from the inside out.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    The spider screeched one final time as it erupted into flames, lighting up the entire room. The ground trembled underfoot, and even the two adventurers near the entrance braced themselves against the walls, eyes wide with awe.


    Arie stood silently, watching as the spider''s massive form crumbled and finally disintegrated, leaving only faint wisps of smoke. In the ashes, a single piece of dark, tough skin remained, glinting in the dim torchlight. Arie picked it up, turning it over in his hand, feeling the surprising weight and durability of the material. Maybe I could have this forged into armor, he mused.


    The two men stared at him, utterly speechless. They had never seen magic used with such precision and power by someone so young. They watched as Arie pocketed his prize and calmly left the dungeon, his expression cool and unreadable as he passed them by without a second glance.


    Outside, the late afternoon sun was starting to dip below the city walls, casting long shadows across the street as Arie made his way back to the guild. When he entered, the guild was as bustling as ever, adventurers swapping stories and planning their next quests. The receptionist from earlier looked up and saw him approaching.


    "Back already?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "How did it go?"


    "I defeated the floor boss," he replied simply.


    For a moment, she just stared at him, disbelief plain on her face. "You¡­ defeated it?" She looked him up and down, her eyes lingering on his slightly singed clothes and the faint scratches on his arms. "How could a kid like you take down a floor boss on your own?"


    In response, Arie reached into his pocket and pulled out the piece of the spider''s skin. She leaned forward, her eyes widening as she recognized the dark, thick hide. "Is that¡­ from the tenth-floor boss?" Her voice was a mix of disbelief and awe.


    He nodded. "Yes."


    "WHAT?!" Her jaw dropped. "HOWW¡­?" She seemed to be at a loss for words, struggling to make sense of what she was seeing. Finally, regaining some composure, she cleared her throat. "Well, I can''t argue with proof like that. Here." She reached under the counter and pulled out a set of brass keys, which she handed to him. "These are for your new house," she said, still glancing at him as though he might vanish if she looked away. "It''s small but cozy, just outside the main market. You''ve earned it."


    Arie nodded, pocketing the keys. She hesitated, her curiosity clearly getting the better of her. "If you don''t mind¡­ how did you do it?"


    "Magic," Arie replied simply. Before she could ask anything further, he turned and walked out of the guild, leaving her with a dozen unanswered questions.


    Following the directions she had given him, Arie wound his way through the streets until he reached his new home. It was a modest, single-story cottage with a little garden out front, nestled between two larger buildings. He unlocked the door and stepped inside, finding a small but comfortable space with just enough room for one person. A bed, a table, and a tiny kitchen filled the main room, with a small bathroom off to the side.


    Arie barely had the energy to take in the details. The bed looked incredibly inviting after the long day. He sank onto it, feeling the weariness of his journey and the battle catch up with him all at once. As soon as his head hit the pillow, his eyes grew heavy, and within moments, he drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep, knowing he had taken his first step toward a new life in Astraven.

 Vol 2 Chapter 3: Into the Depths

    ###Chapter 7: Into The Depths


    By the time Arie woke up, the morning sun was already streaming through his small window.


    He stretched and rubbed his eyes, feeling well-rested after yesterday''s adventure in the dungeon. The thought of the academy came to his mind¡ªhe needed enough money to pay for his tuition if he wanted to enroll.


    "Maybe doing some quests will help me earn enough," he thought as he swung his feet off the bed and got ready for the day.


    But as soon as he sat up, his stomach growled loudly. Arie realized he hadn''t eaten since he first entered Astraven.


    He searched his pockets, but of course, they were empty. With no coins to his name, he knew he had no choice but to sell the spider''s skin he had collected as a trophy from his last dungeon fight.


    With the spider skin carefully tucked under his arm, he made his way to the marketplace. The air was filled with the lively sounds of merchants shouting their wares, buyers haggling, and children laughing as they darted through the crowded square.


    After a bit of searching, Arie found a merchant who seemed interested in his unusual find.


    The merchant, a burly man with a sharp eye for quality, examined the skin carefully, tracing his fingers over the rough, fire-resistant texture. "I''ll give you 2,000 coins for this," he offered. Arie refused, thinking it was too low. "Fine how about 3,000?" the merchant''s final offer.


    Arie considered the offer. It was fair, and without much more haggling, he handed over the skin and walked away with a small pouch of coins.


    It felt good to have some money in his pocket, and his first thought was food. While walkinh, he first thing that came to minf was the scent of freshly baked bread and sizzling meat wafted through the air, making his mouth water.


    The smell of fresh bread and grilled meat filled the air as he walked through the bustling market square.


    His stomach growled again, even louder this time. Arie chuckled and stopped by a small food stall, buying a meat skewer, some fresh bread, and a small apple. He took his time eating, savoring every bite as he explored the area.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    The city was full of life¡ªmerchants shouted their wares, children ran around playing, and adventurers shared stories of their quests.


    Once he was full, Arie thought about his next steps. He had planned to buy some armor to better protect himself in the dungeon, but after browsing through a few shops, he found that nothing really caught his eye.


    Most of the armor was either too expensive or didn''t seem sturdy enough for his needs. In the end, he settled for some tough, sturdy clothes that would at least provide a little more protection than what he was wearing.


    Feeling ready for another adventure, Arie returned to the guild to check out the quest board. He looked over the many options¡ªeach quest written on a piece of parchment with different rewards listed below.


    Some quests involved rescuing adventurers who had gotten stuck in the dungeon, while others required taking down specific monsters. One quest caught his attention: retrieving a rare monster drop from a creature called Grimshale.


    "Grimshale¡­" Arie murmured, reading the quest details. The creature was known to dwell on the 18th floor of the dungeon, and only experienced adventurers usually dared to go that deep.


    Arie felt a thrill at the challenge, The 18th floor was deeper than he''d ever gone before, but he wasn''t one to shy away from a test of his abilities, and without hesitation, he took the quest and brought it to the guild receptionist.


    The guild lady didn''t seem surprised to see him choosing such a high-level quest. She raised an eyebrow but simply handed him the quest details and said, "Good luck." After all, he had already defeated a floor boss on his own, so it wasn''t shocking to her anymore that he''d take on tougher challenges.


    With the quest in hand, Arie made his way back to the dungeon. As he descended, he made quick work of the monsters on the first few floors, barely breaking a sweat.


    The floors below the tenth, however, were more of a challenge. Stronger monsters lurked in the shadows, each one seeming a bit more powerful and tricky than the last. One particularly fierce creature, a wolf-like beast with gleaming fangs and a thick, spiked coat, lunged at him with ferocious speed.


    Arie barely dodged its attack, countering with a well-timed strike that sent the creature sprawling. By the time he reached the 15th floor, he was facing creatures almost as strong as the floor 10 boss he had fought earlier.


    Arie''s focus remained sharp, his mind set on reaching the 18th floor. Step by step, he worked his way through each encounter, keeping his energy in check.


    Arie made his way deeper into the dungeon, he paused to catch his breath. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth, and the oppressive silence of the deeper floors weighed heavily on him. He leaned against the cool stone wall, closing his eyes for a moment to steady his heartbeat.


    But just as he was about to push forward, a sudden rustling broke the stillness.


    Before he could react, a monster from the darkness¡ªa creature with glowing eyes lunged at him. Arie barely managed to leap aside, the creature''s claws grazing his side. His heart pounded in his chest as he quickly rolled to his feet, drawing his weapon.


    A mob, a vicious, spiked creature, snarled, ready to attack again. Arie''s instincts kicked in, and with a swift slash from his slime, he dispatched the creature, its body crumpling to the ground with a dull thud.


    He took a deep breath, wiping the sweat from his brow. The encounter had been closer than he''d liked, but he wasn''t about to let such surprises slow him down. With the creature dead, Arie continued on, his focus sharpening. The 18th floor awaited, and he wasn''t about to turn back.


    But then suddenly, as he reached a narrow hallway, he suddenly heard a sound¡ªa scream echoing through the dungeon halls.


    It was a girl''s voice, sharp with fear, and it made him stop in his tracks. He looked around, his senses heightened. The scream sounded again, coming from somewhere deeper within the dungeon.


    Without a second thought, Arie dashed toward the sound. He moved swiftly but carefully, his footsteps light as he made his way through the winding corridors.


    "Help!... Anyone!... Pleasee!" The screams grew louder, guiding him to a large, open chamber. He finally reached the chamber where the scream had come from, his breath catching as he stepped inside. But as his eyes adjusted to the dim light, and what he saw, made his blood ran cold.

 Vol 2 Chapter 4: Grimshale

    Arie sprinted toward the source of the scream, his heart pounding as he got closer. As he rounded the final corner, he skidded to a stop, taking in the scene before him.


    A young girl was backed up against a dungeon wall, her eyes wide with terror as she tried to shield herself from a massive creature looming over her. The creature''s red eyes gleamed in the dim light, its sharp claws raised, ready to strike.


    Arie''s heart skipped a beat. It was the Grimshale¡ªthe very monster he had come to hunt for his quest.


    But now, this quest was no longer just about earning money. The girl needed his help, and he couldn''t abandon her.


    Though he didn''t know her name, her face stirred something in his memory, as if they had crossed paths before, her face looks very familiar, but he can''t think of why that it. Yet, there was no time to think about that now.


    As the Grimshale lunged toward the girl, Arie reacted without a second thought. He launched himself forward, his hand instinctively moving to summon his slime weapon, which quickly expanded to form a solid blade.


    With all his strength, he struck at the monster''s thick hide. His blade made contact, but the Grimshale barely flinched, and before Arie could prepare for a counter, the creature swiped its massive claw, hitting him square in the stomach.


    Arie flew backward, slamming into the stone wall with a force that left him gasping for breath. Pain shot through his body as he struggled to stand, clutching his stomach.


    This beast was far stronger than anything he''d faced before. Its thick, scaly skin seemed even tougher than the spider''s hide he had fought on floor 10. The creature had barely been scratched.


    "Get out of here!" the girl screamed at him, her voice trembling with fear. Her eyes were wide, pleading, as if she thought he didn''t stand a chance.


    But Arie wasn''t one to give up easily. Her voice triggered a flood of memories, taking him back to another time, another place. He saw flashes of another girl''s face¡ªa girl he had once failed to protect.


    "No," Arie murmured, shaking off the memory. He couldn''t let the past hold him back now.


    Ignoring the pain, Arie pushed himself back onto his feet. He summoned his energy and conjured a bow and arrow, both glowing with a dark purple flame.


    The girl''s eyes widened, recognizing the deadly power of his destruction magic mixed with fire. She looked at him in awe, perhaps for the first time seeing him as something other than a stranger.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "Get back," Arie commanded, his voice low but firm. He aimed carefully at the Grimshale, watching as it turned its attention toward him. He could feel the thrill of power building up in his grip, the energy humming as he prepared to release it. The Grimshale growled, its red eyes narrowing as it sensed the threat.


    Arie took a deep breath, steadying himself. He was about to release the arrow when the Grimshale let out an ear-piercing howl, a sound that sent chills down his spine. In that instant, a shimmering barrier appeared around the creature.


    Arie was about to release tge arrow when suddenly, his bow and arrow vanished into thin air. The realization hit him like a punch: the Grimshale had the power to nullify magic within its range. He had forgotten about that detail in his rush to act.


    Before he could react, the Grimshale lunged at him, claws swinging with terrifying speed. Arie barely managed to bring his arm up in time, but the creature''s strike was too powerful.


    The blow knocked him off his feet, and he hit the ground hard, pain shooting through every muscle.


    Before he could even catch his breath, the Grimshale pinned him down, its heavy claw pressing against his chest.


    Arie struggled, but the creature''s grip was like iron. He felt jagged spikes shoot up from the ground, binding his arms and legs in wooden restraints that twisted and tightened the more he fought.


    Panic welled up inside him as he struggled to break free, but the bonds only seemed to grow stronger.


    The Grimshale turned its attention back to the girl, stepping toward her with slow, deliberate movements. She screamed, pressing herself against the wall, her terror clear in her eyes. She was trapped, with nowhere to run.


    Arie''s mind raced, flashes of his past haunting him. He couldn''t fail again¡ªhe couldn''t let another girl die because he wasn''t strong enough.


    He remembered Sara''s final words, her face fading as she slipped away, leaving him with the weight of his own failure. He clenched his fists, gritting his teeth as the memories clawed at him, trying to pull him under.


    "Somebody... Please¡­ help me," the girl''s voice broke through his haze, soft and desperate, filled with fear.


    That plea snapped him back. He couldn''t let her die. Not now, not ever.


    With a roar that seemed to come from the depths of his soul, Arie surged against the wooden restraints, his strength fueled by a fierce determination.


    The wooden spikes shattered, and he was free. His katana flashed into his hand, its blade gleaming as he rose, a newfound resolve burning in his eyes.


    His thoughts fueled by a single, burning goal: to protect her. The creature, caught off guard by his sudden attack, turned too late.


    From a distance, Arie''s katana sliced through the air with deadly precision, sending a slash that struck across its thick hide, leaving a long tear in its armor-like skin. The creature roared in pain, staggering back as green blood oozed from the wound.


    Arie kept his focus, unleashing a second slash, the blade''s slash carving another deep gash into the creature''s side before it could fully recover.


    The Grimshale''s furious eyes locked onto him, it was about to stike back, but Arie showed no sign of backing down. With determination burning in his eyes, he let out a roaring sound, unleashing a flurry of rapid slashes, each one tearing deeper into the monster''s defenses.


    The Grimshale tried to counter by nullifying magic, but Arie''s attacks, doesn''t seem to ba magic at all, his movements sharp and calculated, each strike fueled by his resolve.


    The creature, now covered in deep wounds and visibly weakened, let out a final, desperate roar.


    Arie gathered all his remaining strength, channeling dark energy into his blade. With a powerful swing, he unleashed a wave of dark energy, a force that cut through the air like a storm. The wave struck the Grimshale, cleaving it in half.


    The beast let out a final, pitiful howl before collapsing to the ground, twitching once before falling still.


    Breathing heavily, Arie staggered back. Relief washed over him as he took in the sight of the defeated creature. Exhausted, he nelt down, and when he turned, he saw the girl standing there, her face pale but eyes wide with a mixture of awe and relief.


    Tears streaked her cheeks, and before he could speak, she ran forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. Arie stood still, letting her cling to him, feeling the weight of the battle finally begin to lift.


    Just then, a figure, cloaked in the darkness, stood in the distance, watching him with unwavering focus.


    The figure turned and vanished into the shadows with a smile creeping out of his lips


    The battle was over, but something else had just begun.

 Vol 2 Chapter 5: New Challenges

    ###Chapter 9: New Challenges


    As Arie and the girl finally emerged from the shadowy depths of the dungeon, he took a deep breath, feeling the sunlight warm his face. Only now, outside of the oppressive gloom, did he notice the girl''s face closely. In a flash of realization, he recognized her¡ªthe same missing adventurer who had been posted on the quest board days ago.


    It felt like a stroke of luck; not only had he defeated a monster, but he''d also rescued someone on the guild''s radar. "Two birds with one stone," he thought to himself, his mouth curving in a small, satisfied smile. But a nagging thought remained.


    The creature they encountered¡ªthe Grimshale¡ªhad been unlike anything he''d ever faced on that dungeon level. Its speed, power, and ferocity were like nothing he expected for a single mob at that floor. Its attacks were swift and brutal, each one far more dangerous than any floor 10 boss he had fought before.


    It was as if its strength, speed, and instinct were triple that of a typical monster. Arie''s thoughts drifted back to the fight as they walked toward the surface, still trying to grasp how he''d barely come out alive.


    Once they reached the surface, Arie invited the girl to accompany him to the guild, explaining, "I need to confirm that I defeated the Grimshale¡ªand that I rescued you. You''re the only witness to both."


    She nodded, agreeing without hesitation. As they entered the guild, Arie headed straight to the counter, where the guild lady greeted him with a raised eyebrow. He recounted the entire encounter: the shock of discovering an enhanced Grimshale, the intense fight, and the girl''s rescue.


    As he spoke, he noticed the guild lady''s expression shift from curiosity to shock.


    "An enhanced species? On the tenth floor?" she asked, incredulous. "Enhanced creatures typically appear only near the twenty-fifth floor. You say its overall skill was triple that of a normal floor 10 boss?"


    Arie nodded. "Exactly. If I hadn''t been fully prepared, it might have gone differently." His hand unconsciously drifted to the healing scars from his battle wounds.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Despite his healing magic, he could still feel the faint soreness in his muscles¡ªa reminder of how close he''d come to losing.


    The guild lady processed this for a moment, her gaze lingering on Arie, assessing. "You may have just encountered something rare¡ªand dangerous," she murmured, more to herself than to him.


    "By the way," the girl beside him spoke up, her voice filled with gratitude. "I''m Mira. I... I can''t thank you enough, Arie. You risked your life to save me, and I''ll never forget that. I don''t know how I could ever repay you."


    "Nice to meet you, Mira," he replied, his tone softer as he met her gaze. "It was the right thing to do. I couldn''t just leave you there, could I?" They exchanged a small smile, and after taking a moment to rest at the guild, Mira offered one last thank you before they went their separate ways.


    When Arie finally made it home, the exhaustion hit him all at once. Dropping onto his bed, he replayed the day''s events in his mind. For some reason, Mira''s face lingered in his thoughts, sparking an odd sense of familiarity.


    "Have I seen her before?" he murmured to himself, his eyes growing heavy. Before he could think further, he was asleep.


    The next morning, Arie awoke to the faint glow of sunrise. Still groggy, he noticed a message from the guild, asking him to visit for "an important matter." Curiosity pulled him out of bed as he wondered what the guild could possibly want now.


    On his way there, he mulled over the possibilities, until he reached the guild doors and was greeted with an unexpected surprise. The guild lady smiled as she handed him a sack of coins. "You forgot to claim your reward for the quest," she said with a slight smirk.


    But that wasn''t all. She handed him a second bag, larger than the first. "This one," she explained, "is from Mira. She left a note with it."


    Arie opened the note, which read: Thank you so much, Arie. I don''t know how I''ll ever repay you for saving me, but I hope this can at least be a token of my gratitude.


    His eyes widened as he checked the amount. 15,000 coins¡ªmore than double his quest reward. He now had a total of 25,000 coins, enough to cover his academy tuition several times over. Joy surged through him, and he barely restrained himself from running all the way to the academy to enroll.


    After paying the 5,000 coin tuition, he signed the enrollment papers and received his academy schedule, which he could start the next morning at 8 a.m. With everything in order, Arie left the academy building, a new sense of excitement and relief filling him. He''d finally achieved his goal of enrolling and could now begin his training in earnest.


    As he walked through the town streets, Arie realized he still had most of the day left. Looking for a quiet place to relax, he strolled toward a familiar hill, one of his favorite spots overlooking the village. He found a shaded tree and lay down beneath it, letting the sounds of nature calm his mind as he thought over everything that had happened, and how he knows, that he will face more challenges and harder ones too.


    He closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth of the sun filtering through the leaves. His thoughts drifted from the fight with the Grimshale, to Mira, and finally to the academy. In the midst of all these reflections, he felt something else¡ªa quiet anticipation, a sense that the path he was on would lead him to even greater challenges, and perhaps, even deeper mysteries.


    As the afternoon turned to dusk, he lost track of time, drifting in and out of dreams, the day''s events blurring into a calm, quiet peace that carried him gently into sleep once again.

 Vol 2 Chapter 6: A Different Hope

    ###Chapter 10: A different hope


    The next morning, Arie awoke beneath the tree where he had fallen asleep after his enrollment at the academy the previous day. Stretching, he took in the fresh morning air, his mind racing with thoughts of the day ahead.


    Feeling both anxious and excited, he made his way home, grabbed a quick breakfast, and changed into the academy''s white uniform for commoners.


    Pausing to glance at himself in the mirror, he adjusted the collar and tried to calm his nerves. Today was the beginning of a new journey¡ªa chance to start fresh.


    When he arrived at the academy gates, a guard handed him a student ID, explaining that it was essential for entry. The guard spoke in a practiced tone, explaining the ID system: royalty received a royal ID, regular students a standard one, and transfers like him were marked differently.


    There was also a distinction in uniforms¡ªpurple for royalty and white for commoners. Arie nodded as he took the ID and a student handbook, flipping through the pages as he walked. He wanted to avoid any blunders on his first day, and a quick scan of the rules seemed prudent.


    Following the map in the handbook, he wound his way through the academy corridors until he found Class A. The hallway was bustling with students, all dressed in various shades of white and purple, and the sounds of chatter filled the air.


    Entering the classroom, he was met with curious glances, but he kept his gaze forward, determined not to appear nervous.


    Meanwhile, inside the classroom, students'' attention was drawn to a young woman who had just entered. Her presence seemed to command an aura of elegance that set her apart from the others.


    Whispers of admiration and awe could be heard among her classmates, though no one dared to sit beside her, leaving the seat next to her conspicuously empty.


    Just as the class settled, the teacher entered and called for everyone''s attention. "Alright, everyone, please take your seats," the teacher said in a firm voice.


    The students quickly found their places, but that seat remained untouched.


    "We have a new transfer student today," the teacher announced.


    The young woman turned her head slightly, her gaze distant and uninterested¡ªuntil Arie introduced himself.


    "My name is Arie. It''s a pleasure to meet all of you," he said, his voice steady, though his heart was racing. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The girl''s gaze sharpened, her eyes focusing on him with sudden intensity. That voice¡­


    Arie was directed to the empty seat beside her. As he settled into the seat, he turned, offering her a polite smile. "Hi, I''m Arie. I hope we can be frien¡ª" His words stumbled as he recognized her. "P-Princess!" he managed, startled.


    The princess looked at him, a slight smile playing at her lips. "Oh¡­ you''re the boy from the gate. You''re here to join the academy?" she asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and amusement.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Arie replied, bowing his head out of respect, his surprise giving way to cautious respect.


    "We haven''t properly introduced ourselves, have we?" she said, her tone softening.


    "My name is Arie. It''s an honor to meet you, Your Majesty," he replied, bowing again. He couldn''t help but feel slightly overwhelmed; not only was she royalty, but she also carried an air of confidence that was both intimidating and captivating.


    "And I am Princess Lea, daughter of King Aldric," she said with a graceful nod. With the formalities over, they turned back to the lesson, although Arie found his thoughts drifting back to his strange luck in meeting the princess.


    As the lesson progressed, the teacher called on Arie to answer a question. "Arie, could you explain the purpose of Creation magic?"


    Gathering his thoughts, he answered, "Creation magic allows one to alter the form of a spell and even combine different elements." The teacher nodded approvingly, and a murmur of interest passed through the class.


    "Thank you, Arie. That''s correct," the teacher replied. "For today''s activity, we''ll be assessing your mastery of Creation magic¡ªits usage and limits."


    The class followed the teacher to the training grounds, a vast, open space lined with targets and practice dummies. As the students gathered, the teacher asked if anyone was unfamiliar with Creation magic. A few hands went up, and a representative stepped forward to offer guidance, while the teacher prepared to assess each student''s abilities.


    First up was Eldren, a confident young man with a reputation for his skill. Eldren combined fire, water, earth, and Creation magic, manipulating stones to form sharp projectiles and launching them with remarkable precision.


    Next was Cedric, who performed an elegant display of water magic, transforming it into a fierce water dragon that swirled around him before dispersing in a fine mist. The crowd watched in awe.


    Then it was Princess Lea''s turn. With calm concentration, she combined fire and earth magic, conjuring a stone-armored warrior imbued with fire. The warrior moved with surprising agility, sparks of flame trailing its movements. The teacher''s eyes widened with surprise. "Only a few can manipulate two elements at once," he remarked as the class applauded, admiration in their eyes.


    Finally, it was Arie''s turn. Stepping into the center of the training grounds, he could feel all eyes on him. Taking a deep breath, he began to channel his magic, drawing on fire, water, and earth simultaneously.


    As his energy coalesced, he summoned his unique technique, "Weaponer," a skill that allowed him to form weapons from a magical substance resembling slime.


    The class murmured in curiosity as he demonstrated, crafting the slime into a large, razor-sharp blade. With a fluid motion, he swung the weapon, the edge slicing cleanly through the air.


    Then, with a flick of his hand, he reformed the weapon into smaller projectiles, each one hitting its target with unerring accuracy.


    The teacher''s brow furrowed in wonder. "Who taught you this technique, Arie?" he asked, clearly impressed.


    Arie paused, glancing down with a small smile. "It''s a secret," he replied, his voice holding a hint of mystery.


    With that, the assessment continued, until everyone has shown their creation magic abilities.


    As Arie walked back to his seat, he felt the weight of curious eyes on him. Among them, Princess Lea''s gaze was the most intense. There was no denying it¡ªshe was impressed, though her expression remained composed.


    Once the class settled back in, Princess Lea leaned slightly toward Arie. "I didn''t expect you to wield such unique magic, Arie," she whispered, a hint of amusement in her voice.


    Arie glanced at her, surprised she was speaking to him. "I suppose I have a few tricks up my sleeve," he replied, offering a small smile.


    "Weaponer, was it?" She tilted her head, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "I''ve read about it, but seeing it in action is different. You must have trained a lot."


    Arie nodded, a flicker of pride crossing his face. "I have. It''s something I''ve developed myself over the years."


    Princess Lea''s eyes softened, a genuine curiosity replacing her usual guarded look. "Impressive. I hope we get a chance to see more of it."


    "Maybe in the next practice," Arie said, his confidence growing with each word.


    The small exchange left Arie with an unfamiliar warmth in his chest. For the first time, it felt like he wasn''t just another face in the academy¡ªhe was someone worth noticing.

 Vol 2 Chapter 7: WHAT!?

    Chapter 11: WHAT!?


    Lunchtime arrived, Arie kept it simple, eating quickly before heading back to the classroom. As he was walking through the corridor, though, he unexpectedly came across a familiar face. It was Mira, the girl he had saved from the dungeon. She spotted him, her face lighting up with surprise and excitement.


    ¡°Arie! What are you doing here?¡± she exclaimed, clearly surprised to see him.


    ¡°Oh, hey, Mira,¡± Arie replied with a grin. ¡°Well, I¡¯m here to learn, obviously.¡±


    ¡°Right, right! I didn¡¯t know you were attending this academy. If I had, I¡¯d have come to find you to thank you again,¡± she said with a warm smile.


    Arie shook his head modestly. ¡°There¡¯s really no need to thank me again. I just did what anyone else would¡¯ve done in that situation. Besides, I only just transferred here.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that makes sense! So, which class are you in?¡±


    ¡°Class A,¡± Arie replied.


    Before they could continue their conversation, the bell rang.


    ¡°Oh no, I¡¯ve got to get to my class,¡± Mira said quickly. ¡°See you around!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, see you,¡± Arie replied, watching her dash off.


    As he walked back to his own class, he could feel eyes on him. He heard whispers floating through the hallway.


    ¡°Who is that guy? And why was he talking to the princess?¡±


    ¡°Does he have some kind of connection with her?¡±


    Arie was confused. He didn¡¯t understand what the whispers were about but brushed it off as he entered his classroom and took his seat.


    Once seated, the teacher entered and started class. ¡°Alright, class, this afternoon we¡¯ll be studying the final level of Destruction magic, which is advanced Destruction magic. Most of you already know the basics, but I¡¯ll need to check if anyone¡¯s unfamiliar with it,¡± the teacher said. He glanced over at Arie. ¡°Arie, do you know Destruction magic?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Arie replied confidently.


    ¡°Excellent,¡± the teacher said with a pleased nod. ¡°Follow me outside. We¡¯ll conduct this session on the field¡ªour training grounds might not withstand the intensity of today¡¯s practice.¡±


    The students murmured in excitement as they made their way to the academy¡¯s vast open field. Standing in front of a massive boulder, the teacher explained the task. ¡°Each of you will attempt to break this boulder. If you succeed in breaking it, you¡¯ll receive an ¡®A¡¯. If you only crack it, you¡¯ll get a ¡®B¡¯, and if you merely scratch it, a ¡®C¡¯.¡±Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    The teacher demonstrated the standard chant for one of the advanced spell "Shatter the earth, tear through the skies, break the bounds of all that binds, let the world crumble and fall apart, oblivion strike" guiding the students step by step. ¡°This is a highly controlled spell. Use it carefully,¡± he instructed.


    First up was Eldren, a confident young man who took a deep breath and recited the chant "Shatter the earth, tear through the skies, break the bounds of all that binds, let the world crumble and fall apart" . With a small explosion, he shattered the boulder into several pieces, drawing impressed nods from his classmates. The teacher promptly reconstructed the boulder, motioning for the next student to step forward.


    Cedric, the next to try, muttered the chant with determination, and with a faint explosion, managed only a scratch on the stone¡¯s surface. He returned to the group, a bit flustered, but the teacher reassured him with a pat on the back.


    One by one, students stepped forward, attempting to showcase their mastery of Destruction magic. When it was Princess Lea¡¯s turn, she confidently walked to the center, barely acknowledging the chant before casting her spell. In one fluid movement, she whispered, ¡°Destruction magic, I summon you.¡± With that, her spell blasted through the stone, breaking it in half. A murmur of awe swept through the students, many of whom hadn¡¯t seen anyone control Destruction magic so easily.


    The teacher raised his brows, clearly astonished. ¡°Only a rare few can control Destruction magic with such ease,¡± he said, casting her an approving look as she returned to her spot.


    Arie watched her with admiration. ¡°That was amazing, Princess Lea,¡± he said with genuine respect.


    ¡°Why, thank you, Arie,¡± she replied, her eyes gleaming.


    Finally, it was Arie¡¯s turn. He took a steady breath as he stepped forward, feeling the pressure of the curious eyes on him. He raised his hand toward the boulder, gathering his magical energy. But instead of reciting the chant, he focused his power silently, channeling the raw energy of Destruction magic.


    His hand began to glow with an intense, crackling energy, which surged around him, spiraling down his arm like a live current. The power surged and crackled around him, leaking from his hand and striking the ground as he gathered his strength. "Without a chant? Silent casting at this level¡ªimpossible!¡± The teacher could hardly believe what he was seeing, and the other students were frozen in shock, eyes wide as they watched Arie¡¯s power build.


    With his hand radiating raw Destruction energy, Arie took a step forward, his focus unwavering. The ground trembled under the intensity, small fissures forming around his feet as the energy overflowed, creating streaks of light and dark scars on the earth. Everyone held their breath, bracing themselves for what was coming. Finally, he released his hand forward, locking his gaze on the boulder as he commanded in a steady, calm voice, ¡°Destroy.¡±


    The power erupted from Arie¡¯s hand, not as a normal spell but as a massive wave of pure Destruction energy that surged forward like a tidal wave. The boulder didn¡¯t just shatter¡ªit was completely obliterated, disintegrating in an instant as if it had never existed. The spell continued past where the boulder had been, carving a trail across the field and colliding into a distant mountain in the horizon.


    A resounding explosion echoed across the landscape, shaking the ground beneath them. In the distance, the mountain cracked and crumbled under the impact, creating a huge plume of dust and debris. The shockwave from the impact rippled back across the field, ruffling hair and clothes as everyone struggled to keep their footing.


    Silence fell, punctuated only by the faint rumbling as the last remnants of the mountain disappeared into a cloud of dust. The other students were stunned, their faces pale as they stared at the path of utter destruction left in Arie¡¯s wake.


    ¡°Wha¡­ what just happened?¡± whispered one student, his voice barely audible over the silence.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t just break the boulder¡­¡± another added, their voice filled with awe and a hint of fear. ¡°He destroyed a whole mountain!¡±


    Princess Lea looked at Arie, a new glint of respect¡ªand maybe a bit of challenge¡ªin her eyes. She folded her arms, a smile tugging at her lips. ¡°He¡¯s on a completely different level,¡± she muttered to herself, though the spark of competition in her gaze was clear.


    The teacher was speechless, struggling to process what he¡¯d just witnessed. Eventually, he cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. ¡°Arie¡­ that was¡­ extraordinary. Truly.¡± He took a deep breath, as though steadying himself. ¡°However, in future assessments, let¡¯s try to aim for controlled displays of magic. That was¡­ perhaps a little too powerful for this exercise.¡±


    Arie blinked, realizing he might have gone overboard. ¡°Oh! I¡­ I¡¯m really sorry, sir,¡± he said, bowing slightly. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect it to be that powerful.¡±


    The teacher smiled, a bit strained, as he waved off Arie¡¯s apology. ¡°No harm done, though¡­ we may need to have a discussion with the headmaster about field repairs.¡±


    The students slowly recovered from their shock, and a quiet buzz of excitement filled the air as they started to murmur to each other.


    Arie quickly apologized again, still stunned by the unexpected strength of his spell. With the demonstration over, the class made their way back, their eyes looking, at distant mountain, turn into nothing.

 Vol 2 Chapter 8: Bodyguard

    ### Chapter 12: Bodyguard


    After school ended, Arie made his way home, still in shock at how his power had suddenly surged during class. The display had been overwhelming, even to him. That night, as he settled into bed, exhaustion overtook him, and he drifted into a deep sleep. Yet, unlike most nights, this sleep was interrupted by a vivid dream.


    He found himself in a place simingly familiar, the air heavy with an energy that made his skin tingle. A mysterious figure emerged and stand before him, just as one had five years ago when his home village of Rement had been destroyed.


    This time, however, the vision was sharper, more intense. The figure stepped closer, her features becoming clearer. In her hands, she held a book with an unusual symbol on its cover¡ªa symbol that Arie now saw clearly.


    The figure raised a hand and touched his forehead, sending a warm, pulsating light through his body. It felt as if she were imparting something powerful to him, an energy both foreign and familiar.


    Arie wanted to speak, to ask who she was, but a sudden fear that he might wake up held him back. Still, the urge to know overwhelmed him, and he finally mustered the courage to ask.


    "What is your name?" he shouted, though his voice felt muffled, as if it were being swallowed by the void. The figure''s lips moved, forming words that reached him faintly.


    "Ee... Aa," she said, her voice echoing like a distant whisper.


    Before he could press her for more, the dream faded, and Arie jolted awake to the morning sun streaming through his window.


    He sat up, heart pounding, as the memory of the dream lingered. He recalled that his last encounter with such a vision had led him to an ancient book¡ªa book that had taught him much of what he knew.


    Determined to find the book he had seen in his dream, Arie dressed quickly and headed for the library.


    The library stood tall and imposing, with towering shelves that stretched to the ceiling. Arie walked through the familiar aisles, the scent of old parchment filling the air. As he scanned the shelves, he was startled by a voice.


    "Arie? What are you doing here?"


    He turned to see Mira, her head tilted in curiosity. She was holding a stack of books, her long hair cascading over her shoulders.


    "Oh, just looking for a book," he replied, trying to sound casual.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "Really? What book?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "I''m not exactly sure, but I know the symbol," Arie said, hoping she wouldn''t press further.


    Mira''s eyes lit up with interest. "I can help you with that. I know my way around this library pretty well."


    "Are you sure?" Arie asked, surprised by her offer.


    "Yeah. Besides, we still have an hour before class starts," she said with a smile.


    "Thank you," Arie said, relief washing over him.


    "So, what''s the symbol?" Mira asked, setting her books down on a nearby table.


    Arie hesitated for a moment before grabbing a piece of paper. Using a small spark of fire magic, he sketched the symbol he had seen in his dream. He handed the paper to Mira and watched as her eyes widened in recognition.


    "Follow me," she said, her tone serious. She led him to a secluded section of the library, where the air felt colder and the light dimmer. Mira pulled an old, dusty book from a high shelf and handed it to him.


    "This is a book on teleportation magic," she said, eyeing him closely. "Now, as you promised, what do you need it for?"


    Arie took the book, running his fingers over the symbol on the cover. "I think I''m supposed to learn it," he said, almost to himself.


    Mira raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Learn it? Good luck with that. Only those blessed by the gods can use this kind of magic."


    "Wait, really? Why?" Arie asked, the revelation catching him off guard.


    ¡°The book of teleportation magic,¡± she explained. ¡°Can only be read by those that are blessed by the gods. Usually, that¡¯s limited to the 10 Celestial Heroes or the extremely rare individuals with blessed eyes that possess unique powers.¡±


    She turned to show Arie the pages, revealing they were blank. ¡°See? To almost everyone, it looks just like this.¡±


    Arie¡¯s heart sank as he stared at the empty pages. But then, something strange happened. Symbols began to shimmer faintly, emerging slowly and spreading across the paper before his eyes.


    His breath caught in his throat as he realized what this meant. The figure in his dream¡ªher touch¡ªcould she have blessed him? Without thinking, he accidentally muttered a chant aloud.


    "What are you saying?" Mira asked, her eyes narrowing. "Wait¡ªcan you actually see the text?"


    Before Arie could answer, a sudden burst of light enveloped him. Then he found himself standing behind Mira. She spun around, her eyes wide with shock.


    "What the¡ª? Are you blessed? Do you have some kind of special ability?" she stammered.


    "I... I don''t know," Arie said, his voice shaking. Overwhelmed, he clutched the book and dashed out of the library, not stopping until he reached the hallway leading to Class A.


    "What''s his deal?" Mira muttered, still reeling from what she had witnessed.


    Arie''s mind raced as he hurried through the halls. Snippets of teleportation spells and incantations flitted through his thoughts, the knowledge unfolding rapidly as if it had always been there. The realization left him dizzy.


    He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn''t notice Princess Lea until he collided with her.


    "Ouch," Lea said, rubbing her arm. Her expression shifted from annoyance to surprise when she saw him. "Arie?"


    Arie''s eyes widened in horror. "I''m so sorry, Your Majesty. I wasn''t paying attention. Please forgive me," he said, bowing quickly.


    "It''s fine," she replied, studying him closely. Her gaze fell to the book in his hands. "Wait¡ªis that the book of teleportation magic? You can read it?"


    "Uh, yes," Arie said, hesitating.


    Lea''s eyes narrowed in thought. "You''re blessed? Is that why your magic is so powerful," she murmured.


    "No, that''s not it," Arie said quickly. "My power comes from my destruction magic. It''s divine-level, but I don''t know why I can read this."


    Lea''s eyes widened. "Your destruction magic is divine-level?


    " Why? Is that not normal?" Arie answerrd.


    " Well it is, for someone with high mana it is. " she replied


    "Please, Princess," Arie said, leaning closer. "Don''t tell anyone. I''m trying not to draw too much attention."


    Lea paused, then nodded with a sly smile. "Alright, but on one condition."


    "What condition?" Arie asked, apprehensive.


    "Whenever you''re with me, you must act as my guard," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.


    Arie blinked. "That''s it?"


    "Yes, that''s it," she confirmed.


    "Okay," he agreed, feeling a wave of relief.


    With that, they walked into the classroom together, trying to appear as if nothing had happened. Yet, both were acutely aware that this day had changed everything. For Arie, the mystery of his power deepened, and for Lea, a new opportunity had just begun.

 Vol 2 Chapter 9: The Unexpected Win

    ###Chapter 13: The Unexpected Win


    Both of them sat quietly in the classroom, waiting for the teacher to arrive. When he finally walked in, he addressed them with enthusiasm.


    "Alright, everyone, today we''ll be doing another activity. It''s a partner activity, so go ahead and find yourselves a partner."


    Arie groaned inwardly. Great. I don''t even know anyone here.


    Before he could stress any further, Princess Lea leaned toward him. "You''re my bodyguard now, right? And you can''t exactly guard me if you''re paired with someone else. So obviously, you''ll be my partner."


    Arie nodded quickly. "Oh, of course, Your Majesty."


    The Princess raised an eyebrow and smiled. "You know, you can just call me Ma''am."


    "Yes, Ma''am."


    Once everyone had found their partners, the teacher continued. "Excellent. For today''s activity, we''ll be focusing on teamwork and combo attacks. We''ll start with the teamwork challenge.


    Each pair will receive a random note with the name of a monster. Your task is to work together and defeat that monster."


    Excited murmurs rippled through the class as they read their assignments. Some students celebrated, while others paled at the daunting creatures they''d been given.


    Before leading them to the arena, the teacher added, "One important rule: if I sense any situation that could result in serious injury or death, I will intervene immediately. Safety comes first, even in combat training.".


    " Now follow me to the arena!" the teacher called, leading the class outside.


    Upon arriving at the arena, he handed each team their notes. "You have five minutes to come up with a strategy. The information on your assigned monster is on the note, so use it wisely."


    The pairs huddled together, discussing their plans. After five minutes, the teacher clapped his hands. "Time''s up! First up: Cedric and Eldren. You''ve been assigned the Leviacrab!"


    Both students groaned. "Why are we always first?" Cedric muttered.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Eldren smirked and rolled his shoulders. "Guess that just means we set the bar. Let''s do this."


    The teacher explained the rules, then released the Leviacrab into the arena. The ground shook as the colossal beast entered. Its spiked shell gleamed in the sunlight, and its claws, sharp and enormous, clicked menacingly as it prepared to fight.


    Cedric and Eldren took their stances, drawing their weapons. "I''ll distract it. You focus on charging up your spell," Eldren directed. Cedric nodded, immediately starting a long incantation under his breath.


    Eldren darted toward the Leviacrab, dodging its first swipe and nimbly climbing onto one of its massive claws. The creature roared and tried to shake him off, but he held his ground, infusing his axe with glowing magical energy. He dashed up the claw toward the monster''s head and leaped high into the air.


    "Slash Annihilator!" he shouted, bringing his axe down in a devastating arc. A powerful wave of energy erupted from the strike, slicing into the crab''s shell with a deafening explosion. When the dust cleared, the crowd could see a deep crack running across the beast''s head, exposing its core beneath the armor.


    The students gasped in amazement, but the Leviacrab wasn''t finished. With a furious screech, it swung its massive claw, catching Eldren off guard and sending him flying across the arena. He hit the ground hard but managed to roll to his feet, groaning in pain.


    Just as the Leviacrab prepared to crush him, Eldren shouted, "Now, Cedric!"


    Cedric had been quietly channeling his energy, his body glowing with radiant light. At Eldren''s cue, he finished the incantation. "Radiant BURST!" he yelled, unleashing a blinding beam of energy that shot toward the crack in the Leviacrab''s shell.


    The beam struck its target with precision, erupting in a brilliant explosion that lit up the entire arena. When the light faded, the Leviacrab''s head had been completely obliterated. Its massive body began to dissolve into nothing, leaving behind only a faint shimmer of magical residue.


    As the radiant energy cleared, the arena fell silent. The towering Leviacrab, once a formidable and menacing beast, now lay lifeless, its massive body crumbling into ash. The cheers of the students echoed through the air as the teacher clapped in approval.


    Cedric exhaled deeply, sweat dripping from his brow as the strain of his spell began to take its toll. But his moment of triumph was cut short when he turned to Eldren, who was still laid out on the ground from the Leviacrab''s counterattack. Eldren''s face twisted in pain as he clutched his shoulder, clearly injured.


    Without hesitation, Cedric rushed over to him. "Eldren, are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.


    Eldren grinned weakly, trying to downplay the injury. "Yeah, I''ll live. Just a broken shoulder¡ªnothing I haven''t dealt with before."


    Cedric knelt beside him, carefully helping Eldren to his feet. "You''re lucky it''s just your shoulder. That thing could''ve crushed you."


    He looped Eldren''s arm over his shoulder, taking on most of his weight. Despite his exhaustion, Cedric stood firm, supporting his friend as they slowly made their way toward the teacher.


    The students who had been watching erupted into cheers, not just for their victory but for the teamwork between the two.


    The teacher approached, his expression a mixture of approval and concern. "Eldren, you''re going straight to our healer over there. But I have to say, that was an impressive display of teamwork. You both fought valiantly."


    Eldren chuckled through the pain. "Thanks, sir. I think I''ll take that A+ now."


    Cedric nodded, a tired smile on his face. "Yeah, we earned it."


    The teacher smiled, placing a hand on Cedric''s shoulder. "You''ve both more than earned it. Now let''s get Eldren patched up."


    The class erupted in chatter, many students discussing how they would fare against their assigned monsters. Some looked anxious, others excited.


    "All right," the teacher announced, raising his voice over the noise. "Next pair, step forward!"


    Before the teacher could call out their names, the sound of bickering filled the air.


    "I told you, I''m taking the lead on this one!"


    "Oh, please, you''ll just mess it up like you always do. Let me handle it."


    "You wouldn''t last five seconds out there without me!"


    Their voices grew louder, drawing the attention of the entire class. Whispers spread among the students, and even the teacher looked slightly amused, watching the two approach the arena while still arguing.


    "Save the fighting for the monster," the teacher said with a smirk. "Let''s see if you can argue your way through teamwork."


    The murmurs among the spectators grew louder, their curiosity piqued. All eyes were now on the pair, eagerly waiting to see if their banter would turn into brilliance¡ªor chaos.

 Vol 2 Chapter 10: A Sudden Attack

    ###Chapter 14: Sudden attack


    The next pair to take the stage was highly anticipated, a duo known throughout the academy for their exceptional skills and reputations.


    Their names carried weight among the students: Adrian, the sword prodigy, and Julian, a master of all four elemental magics.


    Whispers rippled through the crowd as they stepped forward, their presence commanding attention without effort.


    Adrian, with his sharp features and the air of confidence around him, was renowned for his unparalleled skill in swordsmanship.


    His sword, a gleaming blade forged from enchanted steel, seemed almost alive as it caught the light. On the other hand, Julian''s calm demeanor belied the storm of power he wielded.


    The faint hum of energy crackled around him, a testament to his mastery of fire, water, earth, and air¡ªsomething even veteran mages struggled to achieve.


    Their assignment was equally as grand as their reputations. The teacher handed them their note, and the room fell silent as the name was read aloud: Nere, the Colossal Titan. Gasps echoed through the crowd.


    "A giant?" one student whispered.


    "Not just any giant," another replied. "Nere has been undefeated in every trial. It''s almost impossible to take him down without perfect teamwork."


    The teacher stepped forward, addressing Adrian and Julian. "You two will be facing Nere, the Colossal Titan. Remember, this isn''t just about defeating the monster.


    It''s about working together. I''ll intervene if I sense danger, but don''t think that excuses reckless behavior. Do you understand?"


    Adrian smirked, adjusting the grip on his sword. "No problem. I''ll handle this before Julian even casts his first spell."


    Julian rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "Typical sword-swinger arrogance. Try not to trip over yourself while I take care of the real work."


    The tension between the two was palpable. Though both were prodigies, they were also infamous for their inflated egos. Each believed himself superior, not just to their peers but also to their partner. While their skills were unmatched individually, their inability to cooperate was the chink in their armor.


    "Enough," the teacher said firmly. "Take your positions."


    Adrian and Julian stepped into the arena, standing on opposite sides. The ground rumbled as the massive gate at the far end of the arena creaked open. A shadow loomed large, and the crowd fell silent, holding their breath.


    Nere emerged, his massive frame towering over everything in sight. His skin was rough and gray like stone, his eyes glowing with an eerie yellow light. Every step he took shook the ground, and his deep, guttural growl resonated through the air.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Let''s see what you''re made of," Adrian muttered, dashing forward without waiting for a signal.


    "Idiot," Julian hissed, raising his hands to conjure a spell.


    Adrian closed the distance in seconds, his blade glowing as he infused it with mana. With a powerful leap, he aimed a slash at Nere''s knee, hoping to cripple the giant''s mobility. But just as his sword made contact, Nere''s massive hand swatted him away like a fly, sending him hurtling across the arena.


    "Predictable," Julian muttered, stepping in. He raised his hands, summoning a swirling vortex of fire and wind. The flames roared to life, encircling Nere''s legs and forcing him to stumble.


    The crowd erupted into cheers, but Julian barely had time to smirk before Nere stomped down, creating a shockwave that extinguished the flames and sent Julian stumbling backward.


    "Are you just going to stand there and show off, or are you actually going to do something useful?" Adrian shouted, picking himself up from the ground. His armor was dented, and his sword''s glow flickered, but his determination was unshaken.


    "Maybe if you didn''t rush in like a fool, I wouldn''t have to clean up your mess!" Julian snapped.


    Their bickering cost them. Nere, seizing the opportunity, swung his massive arm in a sweeping motion. The force of the wind alone knocked both of them off their feet, sending them skidding across the ground.


    "Focus!" the teacher''s voice boomed, his eyes narrowing as he monitored the fight closely.


    Adrian groaned, getting back to his feet. He glared at Julian. "Fine. If you''re so smart, what''s your plan?"


    Julian hesitated for a moment before replying, "We take him down together. I''ll immobilize him with earth magic, and you go for the weak points."


    Adrian nodded begrudgingly. "About time you came to your senses."


    Julian slammed his hands into the ground, and the arena trembled. Vines and rocky spikes shot up from the earth, wrapping around Nere''s legs and arms. The giant roared, struggling against the restraints.


    "Now, go!" Julian shouted.


    Adrian darted forward, his sword glowing once more. This time, he aimed for Nere''s wrist, the joint exposed between the rocky plates of his skin.


    With a precise slash, he severed a tendon, causing Nere to drop his massive club. The crowd cheered, the momentum of the fight shifting in their favor.


    But Nere wasn''t done. With a deafening roar, he broke free from the restraints, his eyes blazing with fury. He raised his foot, preparing to crush Julian beneath it.


    "Move!" Adrian yelled, sprinting toward his partner. He tackled Julian out of the way just in time, the ground where they''d been standing exploding into dust and debris.


    Julian scowled but didn''t argue. "I need time to charge a stronger spell. Cover me!"


    "On it," Adrian said, standing between Julian and the raging giant.


    As Julian began chanting an incantation, Adrian engaged Nere in a deadly dance. He ducked, rolled, and leaped, narrowly avoiding each devastating blow.


    Every swing of Nere''s fists created craters in the ground, but Adrian''s speed and agility kept him just out of reach.


    "Almost ready," Julian muttered, his voice strained as the elements swirled around him.


    "Hurry up!" Adrian shouted, deflecting a blow that nearly knocked the sword from his hand.


    Finally, Julian''s spell reached its peak. A massive orb of energy formed above him, a swirling combination of fire, water, earth, and air.


    "Adrian, get clear!"


    Adrian didn''t need to be told twice. With one final leap, he retreated as Julian unleashed his attack.


    "Elemental Cataclysm!" Julian roared, and the orb hurtled toward Nere.


    The impact was catastrophic. Fire engulfed Nere, water drowned his roars, earth spikes impaled his limbs, and wind tore at his skin. When the dust settled, Nere lay motionless, his massive frame crumbling to pieces.


    The crowd erupted in cheers, the sound echoing across the arena.


    Adrian approached Julian, panting heavily. "Guess that wasn''t so bad."


    Julian smirked, though he was equally exhausted. "Maybe you''re not completely useless after all."


    When everyone thought that the battle was over, Nere''s yellow eyes flared to life, brighter and fiercer than before.


    His mouth opened wide, and a searing beam of destruction magic erupted forth, catching both Adrian and Julian off guard.


    The blast sent them flying across the arena, their bodies hitting the ground hard. Pain shot through their limbs as they struggled to regain their bearings, the force of the magic leaving them stunned and scorched.


    Neres eyes dimmed, and he fell into true stillness this time, the battle decisively ended, with them losing.


    The teacher rushed, and looked at their condition


    "This is bad!" his words filled with concern, he hurried and carried both of them to the healer.


    "Luckily, when the Nere unleashed his magic, Julian pulled up a barrier, reducing the damage they took, they''ll be fine now" the teacher and students relieved


    "Well done. You both displayed exceptional skill, despite your¡­ challenges. Take this as a lesson. Even the strongest must learn to work together."


    As Adrian and Julian exited the arena, the class buzzed with excitement, the previous tension replaced with admiration. But the teacher''s voice cut through the noise.


    "Next pair, step forward."


    A new tension filled the air as two figures walk their way to the the Arena, their heated words drawing attention.


    The class fell silent, the mystery of their identities sparking curiosity.


    "Let''s see if the next duo can rise to the challenge," the teacher said, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

 Vol 2 Chapter 11: Again!?

    ###Chapter 15: Again!?


    The next names announced by the teacher were unfamiliar to most of the students: Sora and Iris. A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd.


    "Who are they?" someone whispered.


    "I''ve never heard of them," another replied.


    The lack of recognition wasn''t surprising. Sora and Iris were far from being standout students. Neither had earned a reputation for daring feats. Both were mages who preferred to keep to themselves, and neither had displayed any aptitude for weapons or hand-to-hand combat.


    As the pair stepped into the arena, the crowd''s chatter continued, skepticism clear in their voices.


    Arie leaned closer to the Princess, his sharp eyes fixed on the pair. "They don''t look powerful. Do you think they''ll be okay?"


    The Princess, calm as ever, crossed her arms and observed. "Looks can be deceiving. Let''s see what they''re capable of."


    The teacher''s booming voice cut through the noise. "Sora and Iris, your opponent is the Enhanced Grimshale!"


    Gasps erupted from the students.


    "The Grimshale again?" Arie muttered under his breath, his gaze narrowing.


    But as the teacher continued, Arie''s unease deepened. This was the same Grimshale he had faced in the dungeon. The word "Enhanced" hung in the air like a dark omen.


    Arie''s jaw tightened. "That dungeon monster."


    The Princess turned to him, her brows furrowing. "What?"


    He nodded, his voice low. "I''ve faced that thing before. The Grimshale¡ªit''s not just any monster. It''s a dungeon abomination. And now... it''s here."


    The Princess''s expression shifted, her usual composure cracking. "If that''s true, then this arena is far more dangerous than it seems. Why would they use dungeon creatures?"


    Before Arie could respond, the Grimshale emerged from the gates. This version was larger, more menacing, its glowing red eyes brimming with malice. Its claws shimmered with a faint, eerie glow, and its movements were unnervingly agile for something its size.


    Sora and Iris exchanged nervous glances.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    "Ready?" Sora asked, his voice shaky.


    Iris adjusted her grip on her staff, her knuckles white. "We don''t have a choice, do we?"


    The teacher''s voice boomed again. "Begin!"


    The Grimshale wasted no time, charging at the pair with terrifying speed. Sora barely managed to cast a barrier spell, the shimmering shield appearing just in time to block the creature''s claws. The impact sent shockwaves through the arena, and the force of the blow cracked the ground beneath them.


    Iris raised her staff, chanting rapidly. Flames erupted from her hands, forming a blazing inferno that surged toward the Grimshale. The fire engulfed the creature, and for a moment, it seemed like they had gained the upper hand.


    But the Grimshale emerged unscathed, its thick hide immune to the flames. With a guttural roar, it swiped its massive claws again, shattering Sora''s barrier like glass.


    The crowd erupted into shouts and gasps.


    "They''re not coordinated," Arie muttered, his fists clenching. "They''re fighting separately, not as a team."


    The Princess nodded grimly. "That''s a death sentence against a creature like that."


    In the arena, panic began to set in. Sora and Iris were skilled mages, but their lack of teamwork was glaringly obvious. Sora tried to cast another spell, but the Grimshale lunged at him before he could finish. Iris attempted to distract the creature with a burst of ice shards, but her timing was off, and the attack missed its mark.


    The Grimshale''s claw struck Sora, sending him sprawling across the ground. His staff rolled away, clattering uselessly to the side.


    "Sora!" Iris shouted, her voice trembling.


    She tried to run to his side, but the Grimshale blocked her path, its red eyes locking onto her. It lunged forward, claws slashing, and Iris barely managed to leap out of the way.


    "Why aren''t they retreating?" Arie asked, his voice low.


    The Princess shot him a sidelong glance. "Because retreating isn''t an option. The teacher will only step in if their lives are truly at risk. Until then, they''re on their own."


    Arie''s hands tightened into fists as he watched the fight unfold. His mind raced, replaying his own encounter with the Grimshale. He knew how relentless it was, how it exploited every weakness.


    In the arena, Sora managed to pull himself to his feet, blood trickling from a cut on his forehead. He grabbed his staff and began chanting again, his voice hoarse but determined.


    "Iris, cover me!" he shouted.


    Iris nodded, her hands glowing with light as she prepared a healing spell. But before she could finish, the Grimshale turned on her, its massive claw swinging toward her head.


    The crowd screamed as the claw connected, sending Iris flying. She hit the ground hard, her body limp.


    Sora''s chant faltered, his eyes widening in horror. "Iris!"


    The Grimshale roared, advancing on the fallen girl.


    Arie couldn''t stay silent any longer. "They''re going to die!" he shouted, turning to the Princess.


    The Princess''s expression was grim. "The teacher will intervene if it comes to that."


    But Arie wasn''t convinced. The Grimshale''s claws glinted as it raised them for the finishing blow.


    At the last moment, a barrier shimmered into existence, halting the creature''s attack. The teacher stepped forward, his face calm but stern.


    "That''s enough," he said, his voice carrying across the arena.


    The Grimshale growled but obeyed, retreating as the teacher gestured for it to stand down.


    Medics rushed into the arena, tending to Sora and Iris. The crowd was silent, the weight of what they had just witnessed sinking in.


    Arie exhaled slowly, his body tense.


    The Princess spoke first, her voice soft but firm. "If the academy is using dungeon monsters, then something is very wrong here. This isn''t just training."


    Arie nodded, his gaze lingering on the Grimshale as it was led away. He could feel the tension in the air, a storm brewing just beyond the horizon.


    This was no ordinary academy, and these were no ordinary battles. Something darker was at play, and Arie knew it was only a matter of time before the truth revealed itself.


    The teacher''s voice echoed through the arena, silencing the whispers of concern after Sora and Iris were carried off to the infirmary. He cleared his throat and scanned the remaining students.


    "Next pair, step forward!" he commanded, his tone firm yet expectant.


    A moment of silence hung in the air before a boy with spiky black hair and a confident smirk nudged his partner¡ªa shy-looking girl with long, braided auburn hair and glasses. She hesitated for a moment, clutching her staff tightly, but eventually nodded and followed him toward the center of the arena.


    The boy was the first to speak, his voice loud and brimming with confidence. "Don''t worry, Teach. We''ve got this!"


    The girl, though quieter, murmured a soft affirmation, her gaze flickering nervously between her partner and the now-bloodstained ground where the Grimshale had stood moments ago.


    The teacher''s lips curled into a slight grin. "Alright, let''s see what you''re capable of."


    The crowd''s chatter picked up again, fueled by curiosity and speculation about the new pair''s abilities. All eyes locked onto the two as they prepared for their trial, the next battle about to unfold.

 Vol 2 Chapter 12: Fear

    ###Chapter 16: Fear


    The teacher''s voice cut through the noise once more, commanding everyone''s attention. "Next pair¡ªKian and Kimmy!"


    From the waiting area, two figures stepped forward. Kian, tall and broad-shouldered, carried a single longsword strapped to his back. His confident grin showed no trace of hesitation as he glanced at the arena ahead. Beside him, Kimmy, lithe and nimble, adjusted her twin blades with precision. Her determined gaze remained fixed on the arena floor, already planning their approach.


    The teacher gestured toward the center. "You''ll be facing the Grimshale that the previous pair could not defeat."


    A wave of whispers rippled through the crowd. The Grimshale had proven its strength by defeating the pair of mages before them. Now, all eyes were on the two swordsmen, wondering if their physical prowess could tip the scales.


    Kian drew his blade with a flourish, the sound of steel cutting through the air silencing the murmurs. "Let''s end this quickly," he said, his confidence evident in every step he took toward the center.


    Kimmy, more reserved, nodded as she unsheathed her twin swords. "Focus on its patterns. We won''t get a second chance if we slip up."


    The Grimshale loomed over Kian and Kimmy, its red eyes glowing with malicious intent. The air around it seemed to thrum with power, an oppressive energy that weighed heavily on the pair of swordsmen.


    Kian gripped his longsword tighter, his jaw set in determination. "I''ll keep it distracted. Go for its weak spots when you see an opening," he instructed, his voice low and steady.


    Kimmy nodded, her dual swords glinting as she adjusted her stance. Her focus was razor-sharp, her movements calculated as she began circling the Grimshale.


    Kian charged forward first, his blade raised high. The Grimshale let out a guttural snarl and met him head-on, swiping with one of its massive claws. Kian dodged to the side, the creature''s strike narrowly missing him and crashing into the ground, sending chunks of rock flying. He retaliated with a swift slash aimed at the beast''s forearm.


    The blade connected with a loud clang, cutting into its thick hide but failing to deal significant damage. The Grimshale growled and lunged forward, its massive bulk moving faster than expected. Kian barely managed to leap back in time, his boots skidding against the arena floor.


    Meanwhile, Kimmy darted in from the side, her dual swords a blur as she targeted the creature''s exposed flank. Her blades struck true, slicing through the softer sections near its ribs. Green liquid oozed from the wounds, but the Grimshale hardly reacted, its focus still locked on Kian.


    Kimmy pressed her attack, landing another series of precise cuts. This time, the Grimshale turned its attention to her. It swung its claws with alarming speed, forcing Kimmy to leap back. One claw grazed her arm, leaving a shallow but stinging wound.


    "Stay sharp, Kimmy!" Kian called out as he charged back into the fray. His longsword gleamed in the dim light as he delivered a powerful downward strike, aiming for the creature''s head. The Grimshale raised an arm to block, its thick scales absorbing most of the impact, but the force of the blow staggered it slightly.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    "Nice one!" Kimmy shouted, seizing the opportunity to slash at its legs. Her strikes were quick and relentless, her swords leaving deep gashes in the creature''s thick hide. The Grimshale stumbled, momentarily off balance.


    The crowd erupted into cheers as it seemed the pair might finally gain the upper hand.


    But the Grimshale wasn''t finished. It reared back and let out a deafening roar, its claws slamming into the ground with immense force. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the arena, knocking both Kian and Kimmy off their feet.


    Kian groaned as he scrambled to his knees, his sword lying several feet away. "What was that?!"


    Kimmy winced as she pushed herself up, her grip tightening on her weapons. "It''s not just strong¡ªit''s using its magic now."


    Before they could recover, the Grimshale unleashed another attack. Wooden spikes erupted from the ground around them, twisting and curling as if alive. Kian managed to roll out of the way just in time, but Kimmy wasn''t as lucky. A spike grazed her leg, throwing off her balance.


    "Kimmy!" Kian shouted, his voice filled with worry.


    "I''m fine," she gritted out, though the pain was evident in her tone.


    Kian rushed forward, retrieving his sword and launching a series of powerful strikes at the Grimshale. His blows were precise, each one aimed at weakening the creature''s limbs. Kimmy joined him moments later, her dual swords flashing as they worked together to corner the beast.


    The Grimshale, however, proved to be a relentless opponent. With a swift motion, it swiped at Kian, its claws sending him sprawling to the ground. Before he could rise, the Grimshale stomped down, narrowly missing him but cracking the ground beneath its massive foot.


    Kimmy lunged forward, her blades slicing through the air as she aimed for the creature''s neck. But the Grimshale twisted at the last moment, her swords glancing off its hardened scales. It retaliated with a backhanded swipe, the force of the blow sending her crashing into the arena wall.


    The crowd fell silent, the tension palpable as both Kian and Kimmy struggled to rise. The Grimshale stood tall, its chest heaving as it let out a triumphant snarl.


    "Enough," the teacher''s voice rang out, his hand raised. "Kian and Kimmy, withdraw."


    The Grimshale retreated obediently as the gates to its enclosure opened, and the pair limped back to the waiting area.


    Kian sheathed his sword, his expression grim. "We gave it everything we had..."


    "But it wasn''t enough," Kimmy finished, her tone resigned.


    The process continued, pair after pair stepping into the arena. Some fought enhanced Hell Hounds, their fiery maws leaving scorch marks across the stone floor. Others faced aquatic monstrosities, their battles taking place in a rapidly flooded section of the field. The monsters grew increasingly fearsome, each one testing the limits of the competitors.


    While the other pairs battled fiercely in the arena, Arie sat quietly in the waiting area, his nose buried in a thick, weathered book. The chaotic sounds of combat¡ªthe roars of beasts, the clash of weapons, and the crowd''s cheers¡ªseemed distant and irrelevant to him. Yet, his rigid posture betrayed the calm facade.


    The Princess sat beside him, her eyes occasionally flicking to the battered pages of his book. Though she can''t read the book since it''s blank to her eyes, it was clear that Arie wasn''t reading for leisure. He was preparing, though his focus seemed almost desperate, as if he was clinging to the words to keep himself steady.


    When the teacher approached, clipboard in hand, both of them stood, tension thick in the air.


    "Arie and Lea," the teacher called, his tone carrying the slightest hint of amusement. He handed them a slip of paper. "This will be your opponent."


    Arie took the slip with a steady hand, his expression unreadable as his eyes scanned the name written on it. But the moment he registered the words, his eyes widened in disbelief, his grip tightened on the paper, and his calm facade shattered. His breath hitched audibly.


    Lea leaned in to see what was written. Her lips parted in disbelief, and her face drained of color. "You''re kidding¡­ That''s what we''re fighting?"


    Arie let out a bitter chuckle, though there was no humor in it. "That''s completely absurd," he muttered under his breath. He crumpled the slip of paper in his fist and looked away, his jaw clenching tightly.


    The Princess was at a loss for words. It was rare to see Arie show such raw emotion, but the fear in his eyes was unmistakable. For someone as composed as him to react like this, their opponent is truly monstrous.


    The teacher gave them a small, knowing smirk. "Well, I suggest you prepare yourselves. You''ll be up next."


    As the teacher walked off, Lea turned to Arie, her voice low and laced with concern. "Are you¡­ alright?"


    He didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he turned his gaze back to the book in his hands, his fingers trembling ever so slightly as he flipped to a specific page.


    "No," he admitted quietly, his voice heavy. "But I''ll have to be."


    The scene¡ªcuts back to the arena, where the roars of the crowd grow louder, as the tracher announced, "And finally, For our last pair, Arie and Princess Lea, it''s your turn."

 Vol 2 Chapter 13: Trauma

    ###Chapter 17: Trauma


    Arie, usually the one that is calm and almost


    emotionless. He was calm, steady, and always seemed to know what to do, no matter how dangerous the situation. But this time was different. As soon as he saw the note about their opponent, something in him broke.


    As Arie stepped into the arena, his head hung low, his face partially obscured by the shadows. His eyes stayed fixed on the ground, avoiding the curious stares of the crowd.


    It wasn''t like him to appear this way¡ªreserved, almost hesitant¡ªbut something about his posture made it seem like he was carrying an invisible weight. Murmurs rippled through the audience, their excitement dimming into confusion as they tried to make sense of his demeanor.


    The teacher stepped forward, his voice booming across the arena. "Today, your challenge will be unlike any other. You will face a dragon!"


    Gasps erupted from the crowd, their shock palpable. Whispers spread like wildfire. "A dragon? Are they serious?" "But dragons are divine creatures¡ªthey''re not supposed to be here!" Even the competitors exchanged uneasy glances, their earlier confidence shaken by the announcement. The atmosphere grew heavy, the gravity of the situation sinking in for everyone¡ªeveryone except Arie, whose eyes remained hidden, his expression unreadable.


    Years ago, a dragon had destroyed his village. He had watched as flames swallowed the houses, the people, and everything he had ever known. He could still hear the screams, still feel the heat of the fire on his skin.


    As the teacher''s announcement echoed across the arena, a sudden rumble filled the air, silencing the murmurs of the crowd. All eyes turned to the center of the battlefield, where shimmering light began to twist and swirl.


    A massive, glowing gate of magic materialized, its intricate patterns pulsing with energy. The air grew thick, buzzing with power as the gate widened, casting an eerie glow over the arena.


    From within the swirling portal came a low, guttural growl that sent shivers down everyone''s spine. Slowly, a massive claw emerged, its scales glinting like molten gold.


    Then came the head¡ªa dragon''s head, with piercing eyes that burned like embers and horns curling back like a crown. As the beast stepped fully into the arena, its enormous wings unfurled, casting a shadow over the entire field.


    The audience was frozen in awe and terror, the divine creature''s presence overwhelming.


    The dragon let out a deafening roar, the sound reverberating through the arena and shaking the very ground beneath their feet. Its gaze swept over the crowd, as if sizing up its prey, before finally settling on Arie and the Princess.


    The creature''s massive wings spread wide, its scales gleaming in the sunlight, and its piercing eyes fixed on them. For most people, facing a dragon would be terrifying, but for Arie, it was much worse. It wasn''t just fear¡ªthis was his worst memory come to life.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    That day had shaped his life in ways he didn''t like to think about. Now, standing in front of a dragon again, all those memories came rushing back. His hands shook, his breath quickened, and for the first time in a long time, he felt completely powerless.


    The dragon roared, the sound vibrating through the air like thunder, but Arie couldn''t move. He couldn''t even think clearly.


    The Princess, who had been fighting alongside him, noticed his sudden change. She looked at him, her sword drawn and her stance ready for battle.


    "Arie!" she shouted, trying to snap him out of it. "What are you doing? We have to fight!"


    But Arie couldn''t answer. He tried to focus, tried to remember the spells he''d learned, but the moment he attempted to gather his magic, his mind betrayed him. Instead of power, all he felt was fear. It was as if the dragon''s presence had locked away everything he knew.


    The Princess didn''t have time to wait for him. She charged at the dragon, her blade glinting in the light. She dodged its swiping claws and the blasts of fire it breathed, her movements quick and precise. She was strong, determined, and clearly not afraid.


    "Arie! Snap out of it!" she yelled again, her voice cutting through the chaos.


    He wanted to respond, to do something to help her, but every time he tried, the memories came back stronger. The screams, the fire, the sight of his village crumbling¡ªit was all too much. His legs felt like they were stuck to the ground, his hands refused to move, and his magic wouldn''t come to him.


    The Princess gritted her teeth as she fought. The dragon was relentless, swinging its tail and breathing fire at every turn. She was doing her best to hold it back, but she couldn''t do it alone. She glanced at Arie again, frustration clear on her face.


    "Arie, I need you!" she shouted, barely dodging another attack.


    He clenched his fists, trying to push past the fear. He closed his eyes, attempting to block out the dragon and the memories. He could hear the Princess fighting, hear the clash of her sword against the dragon''s scales, but it only made him feel worse. She was risking her life while he stood there, frozen.


    Finally, the Princess shouted again, her voice filled with anger and desperation. "If you don''t help me, we''re both going to die!"


    Her words hit him like a slap. He opened his eyes and tried once more to summon his magic. A faint glow began to form around his hands, and for a brief moment, he thought he had overcome it.


    But then the dragon roared again, and the sound dragged him back into his memories. The glow vanished, and his magic disappeared with it.


    The Princess kept fighting, but it was clear she was struggling. Sweat dripped down her face, and her movements were getting slower.


    She managed to land a few hits, but the dragon didn''t seem to notice. It was too strong, too massive, and too dangerous for her to handle alone.


    Arie knew he had to do something. He couldn''t let the Princess fight by herself, not when she had already done so much for him.


    He tried to move, but his body wouldn''t listen. He tried to cast a spell, but the magic wouldn''t come.


    The Princess dodged another swing from the dragon''s tail and shouted again, her voice hoarse. "Arie! Please!"


    Her plea broke through his fear, if only for a second. He forced himself to take a step forward, then another.


    His legs felt heavy, like they were weighed down by chains, but he kept going. He didn''t know if he could fight, but he had to try.


    As the battle continued, the Princess fought harder than ever, refusing to give up. She didn''t know if Arie would come through, but she couldn''t stop now. The dragon roared again, its massive body lunging toward her, and she braced herself for the impact.


    Arie, still shaking but determined, reached for his magic once more. This time, he didn''t try to push the fear away. He let it wash over him, let himself feel the pain and the memories.


    It wasn''t easy, and it wasn''t pleasant, but somehow, it worked. A small spark of destruction magic flickered in his hand, and he held onto it like his life depended on it.


    The dark spark grew, and with a deep breath, Arie focused all his energy on the spell. It wasn''t perfect, and it wasn''t as strong as he would have liked, but it was something. He raised his hand, the magic growing bigger, and aimed at the dragon.


    And when the spell hit the creature''s side, it created a small explosion, distracting it just long enough for the Princess to land a powerful strike. The dragon roared in pain, stumbling back a few steps. It wasn''t defeated, but it was weakened, and that was enough for now.


    The Princess landed her strike and shouted, "Finally!" she turned to glance at Arie, expecting to see determination or at least relief on his face. Instead, what she saw stopped her in her tracks.


    Arie''s face was pale, his wide eyes filled with fear and disbelief. He wasn''t looking at the dragon as an enemy¡ªhe was staring at it as if it were a ghost from his past.


    His entire body trembled, his hands clenched tightly at his sides, but not in preparation for battle. It was as if he wasn''t there with her at all, trapped instead in some memory far removed from the present.


    "Arie..." she called out again, softer this time, her frustration giving way to concern. But he didn''t respond. He didn''t even seem to hear her. The fear in his expression was unlike anything she had ever seen, and it sent a chill through her.


    Arie still hadn''t come to his senses, and in this state, he was completely vulnerable.

 Vol 2 Chapter 14: Awakening

    ###Chapter 18: Awakening


    The battle raged on as the Princess continued her relentless assault against the dragon. Her movements were swift and precise, her blade striking at the gaps between the beast''s thick scales. She dodged its fiery breath, weaving through the arena with the skill of a seasoned fighter.


    The crowd watched in awe, their cheers and gasps filling the air. Yet, a new tension began to ripple through them as they noticed something strange¡ªArie still hadn''t moved.


    The dragon roared, its massive tail swinging in a deadly arc, but the Princess leaped aside just in time. "Arie!" she shouted, her voice ringing with both concern and desperation. "Do something! I can''t keep this up forever!"


    But Arie stood frozen, his head still slightly lowered, his hands twitching as if trying and failing to summon magic. His terror was written all over his face, and the crowd began to murmur in confusion.


    "What''s wrong with him?" someone whispered.


    "Why isn''t he helping her?" another voice called out.


    The dragon''s golden eyes locked onto the Princess again, and it reared back, its chest glowing faintly as it prepared another attack. The Princess braced herself, her sword raised high, but the dragon unleashed a burst of energy too fast to dodge. A pulse of bright, crackling magic struck her, sending her flying across the arena. She hit the ground hard, her weapon clattering out of reach and her arm, broken, and bleeding.


    The audience collectively gasped, their shock echoing through the air. "The Princess is down!" someone exclaimed.


    All eyes turned to Arie, expecting him to spring into action. But instead, he stood there, trembling and unresponsive. His gaze wasn''t on the Princess, nor the dragon¡ªit was somewhere far away, lost in the past.


    The Princess groaned as she struggled to her feet, blood trickling from a cut on her forehead and arm. She glared at Arie, her voice raw with concern and pain. "Arie! What are you doing?!"


    The crowd''s confusion turned into outrage. "Why isn''t he helping her?" "Is he a coward?" "What''s wrong with him?" Their voices grew louder, filled with disbelief at his inaction.


    But Arie didn''t hear them. The dragon''s presence consumed him, dragging him deeper into the memories he had tried so hard to forget. All he could see was his village in flames, all he could hear were the screams of people he couldn''t save. Even as the Princess fought for her life, even as the crowd shouted for him to act, he remained trapped in his mind, unable to break free.


    The Princess, still struggling to get back on her feet, watched the dragon preparing for another attack. This time, it raised its massive claw, the sharp talons glowing faintly with magical energy. Her breath hitched as she realized she might not be able to dodge in time. Fear crept into her voice as she called out, louder and more desperate than before.


    "Help... Arie!"


    Her plea echoed through the arena, her voice trembling with a mix of terror and desperation. The words pierced through the fog in Arie''s mind, cutting through the layers of fear and memories that had held him captive. In that instant, a vision flashed before his eyes¡ªa vivid memory from the past he had tried so hard to bury.


    Sara.


    He could see her face clearly, the way she had stood in front of him, shielding him from danger. She had been terrified too, but she hadn''t let that stop her. "Be strong" she had shouted all those years ago, her voice carrying the same fear yet unyielding determination. He remembered how she had sacrificed herself to protect him, how her courage had given him a chance to live.


    The memory struck him like lightning, shattering the chains of fear that had held him back. The trembling in his hands stopped, and his breathing steadied. His eyes, which had been filled with terror, now burned with a newfound determination.


    "No more," he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible at first. Then louder, with conviction: "No more running!"


    He raised his head, his gaze locking onto the dragon. The creature''s glowing claws were descending toward the Princess, who could barely lift her weapon in time. But before it could strike, in an instant, his body vanished, moving with the speed of a flash. One moment, he was standing frozen; the next, he was between Lea and the attack blocking it using his weaponer technique. His teleportation magic left a faint ripple in the air as he reappeared.


    The audience gasped as the once-paralyzed Arie suddenly sprang into action. With a powerful gesture, he unleashed a destruction spell that collided with the dragon''s claw mid-swing, forcing the beast to recoil with a deafening roar. The Princess looked up in shock, her wide eyes meeting Arie''s.


    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    "Arie?" she whispered, barely believing what she was seeing.


    Arie stepped forward, his fear replaced by a fiery resolve. "Sorry, took me a while" he said firmly, his voice steady. "I won''t let it happen again."


    The crowd erupted into cheers and murmurs of disbelief, their earlier doubt replaced with hope as Arie, finally free of his trauma, prepared to face the dragon head-on.


    Arie now stood in the the battlefield, his heart a maelstrom of emotions. The sense of loss, the burning anger, the sadness and loneliness he felt that day. He knew he couldn''t push these feelings aside; instead, he would harness them, transforming them into the overwhelming desire for vengeance. His adversary, the formidable dragon, stood tall, its scales glistening with an ominous sheen. The beast had already caused so much destruction, but Arie was determined to put an end to its reign of terror.


    With a deep breath, Arie called upon his unique power, "Weaponer" the ability to manipulate slime. Arie raised his arm, and the viscous substance appeared in front of his palm. His eyes glowed with an intense light, a manifestation of his fury and resolve. The slime morphed into a massive bow, he raised his hand to the side, and gathered fire with destruction energy combined, and with a fluid motion, he drew back the string, forming an arrow and preparing to unleash this skill.


    "Arrow of Destruction!" Arie shouted, his voice echoing across the battlefield. The arrow, pulsating with a dark, destructive energy, flew straight toward the dragon. The beast, however, absorbed the attack effortlessly, its scales seeming to swallow the energy whole. But Arie was undeterred. He knew this was only the beginning.


    Determined not to give the dragon a moment''s respite, Arie launched a relentless barrage of arrows, each one imbued with his aura of hatred and vengeance. The air around him crackled with energy as arrow after arrow streaked toward the dragon, striking its scales with resounding force. The beast roared in anger, feeling the impact of Arie''s unyielding assault. Gradually, cracks began to appear in its seemingly impenetrable armor.


    But it wasn''t enough. Arie knew he had to do more. Amidst the chaos of the battle, he cast a glance toward the fallen princess from a far, her body lying still. A pang of guilt surged through him, but he quickly pushed it aside. He couldn''t afford to be distracted. With a fierce determination, he continued his onslaught, while firing, he casts a healing spell to the Princess. The dual focus was taxing, but Arie was resolute. He couldn''t let the dragon win, but he can''t do it alone.


    The dragon, sensing the shift in the battle, unleashed a torrent of flames toward Arie. He dodged nimbly, the flames licking at his heels but failing to catch him. His movements were a blur of speed and precision as he continued to fire arrows, each one hitting its mark with deadly accuracy. The dragon''s roars grew more frantic, its confidence waning as its scales continued to crack and splinter.


    Undeterred, Arie nocked another arrow, his aura crackling with hatred. He launched another Arrow of Destruction, and another, each one more potent than the last. The dragon continued to absorb the attacks, its scales glowing brighter, but Arie noticed something¡ªtiny fractures beginning to appear on its otherwise impervious hide.


    Arie''s onslaught was relentless. Arrow after arrow flew from his bow, each one propelled by the intensity of his emotions. The fractures in the dragon''s scales spread and deepened, but still, it wasn''t enough. He could feel his strength waning, yet he refused to yield. As the barrage continued, Arie split his focus, drawing upon his inner reserves of power to heal the princess who lay nearby.


    With one hand, he sent arrows screaming towards the dragon, while with the other, he channeled healing energy into the princess. Her wounds began to close, her breathing steadied, and color returned to her cheeks. The dragon roared, sensing its prey slipping away and its own invulnerability cracking under the strain of Arie''s attacks.


    The dragon lunged at Arie, its massive claws slicing through the air. But Arie, fueled by a desperate resolve, dodged with his teleportation magic. He continued to fire, arrows striking with unerring accuracy, each one driving deeper into the dragon''s weakening defenses.


    As the princess stirred, her eyes fluttering open, Arie felt a surge of renewed determination. He fought with everything he had, his arrows now glowing with a fierce, radiant energy. The dragon''s scales began to crumble under the relentless assault, pieces falling away to reveal raw, vulnerable flesh beneath.


    The princess, regaining her strength, rose to her feet. Arie''s fury had reached its peak. With the princess now standing by his side, he could feel her resolve¡ªan energy that matched his own. The dragon roared, its eyes seething with malice, but Arie was beyond fear. "Ready to end this?" he shouted over the chaos, his voice trembling with anger.


    The princess gave him a grim nod, gripping her sword tightly. "We fight together."


    Without another word, they charged forward. Arie fired an Arrow of Destruction, the force of the shot powerful enough to shake the ground. The dragon absorbed it, but the crackling energy left a visible scar across its scales. It was weakening, but not fast enough. Arie pulled another arrow from his quiver, his eyes narrowing in focus.


    "Keep it distracted!" he yelled.


    The princess was already on it. With a fierce cry, she leaped into the air, her sword raised high. "Come at me, you oversized lizard!" Her blade collided with the dragon''s scales with a loud clash, sparks flying as the monster recoiled, its eyes narrowing in fury.


    Arie took the opportunity to launch another barrage of arrows, his hands moving in a blur. Each shot seemed to land with greater precision as the dragon''s defenses began to crack. The beast roared, thrashing wildly to shake them off. "You think this will stop me?" it bellowed, but Arie was unyielding. His aura was filled with hatred, a fire that could not be extinguished.


    The princess gritted her teeth as she dodged one of the dragon''s massive claws. "I''m tired of hearing you talk. Let''s see how well you do without your pride!" She lunged again, slashing deep into the dragon''s hide. The monster let out an enraged screech, but its movements were becoming slower, more erratic. Arie''s arrows had taken their toll.


    "Almost there, princess! Keep pushing!" Arie shouted, his eyes locked on the dragon''s weakest points.


    The princess didn''t need encouragement. With a battle cry, she dodged another swipe, using the dragon''s momentum to strike its exposed side, leaving a deep gash. Blood¡ªblack and thick¡ªbegan to ooze from the wound. The dragon snarled in pain, but it wasn''t enough to stop the onslaught.


    "Arie, now!" she yelled, her sword crackling with energy.


    Arie''s eyes burned with determination as he felt his inner power surge. He closed his eyes for a moment and summoned his weaponer technique. His bow deformed, replaced by a massive, gleaming blade formed from the very energy that pulsed through his body. The blade''s size was immense, radiating with an intimidating aura. Arie''s black aura grew more and more


    "Get ready," Arie called out, his voice heavy with focus. "We''re ending this."


    The princess nodded, rushing to his side. Together, they combined their magic¡ªArie channeling his intense vengeance, and the princess infusing the blade with her own magic. The blade crackled with both their powers, glowing brighter with each second.


    The dragon staggered back, eyes narrowing as it realized the danger. It lunged, its claws extended to strike¡ªbut Arie and the princess were ready.


    With a battle cry, Arie swung the massive blade with all his might. The sheer weight and power of the strike, amplified by their combined magic, cut through the air like a thunderclap. The dragon''s roar was drowned out by the sound of the blade cleaving through its massive body.


    In one clean, vertical cut, the blade sliced the dragon in half. The beast''s roar turned to a strangled cry as it was bisected, its massive form collapsing into a heap of lifeless flesh and blood. The earth shook as the dragon fell, its reign of terror ending in a single, devastating blow.


    Breathing heavily, Arie and the princess stood together, the remnants of their powerful attack still crackling in the air around them. Their bodies were battered, their energy spent¡ªbut they had done it. The dragon was dead, its body split in two at their feet.


    "Nice work," Arie said, his voice hoarse but filled with relief.


    The princess gave a weary but satisfied grin. "Not bad for a pair of underdogs."


    They shared a moment of quiet triumph, the weight of the battle lifting from their shoulders. Together, they had ended the dragon, their combined strength proving unstoppable.

 Vol 2 Chapter 15: A New Activity

    ###Chapter 19: A New Activity


    As the dust from the battle settled, the teacher''s voice rang out, commanding but calm. "Alright, everyone, that''s enough for today. You''ve all done well. Class is over. Take some time to rest and recover, you''ll need it."


    The students relaxed, some letting out sighs of relief while others chatted excitedly about the challenges they had faced. Arie and the Princess exchanged glances, a newfound respect passing silently between them.


    "You did great out there," the Princess said, brushing a strand of hair from her face.


    Arie nodded slightly, his voice calm. "Thanks. You carried most of the fight, though. If it weren''t for you, I don''t think I''d have snapped out of it."


    She smirked, though her expression softened with a hint of pride. "Well, you got there eventually. And when you did, you were impressive."


    They stood for a moment longer, reflecting on the battle. Arie thanked her for holding her ground while he froze, and she teased him lightly about his delayed response. Finally, they said their goodbyes and headed off to rest.


    That night passed uneventfully. Arie lay in bed, replaying the events in his mind. For the first time in what felt like ages, he felt like he had made real progress¡ªnot just as a fighter, but as someone who could face his fears.


    The next morning, the sun filtered through the windows as Arie ate his breakfast, ready for the day. Arriving at the school, he spotted the Princess waiting near the entrance.


    "Good morning," he called, walking over to her.


    She glanced his way, a faint smile on her lips. "Morning. Think you''re ready for whatever the teacher has planned this time?"


    "After what happened yesterday, I feel like I''m still not fully recovered" he said with a small laugh.


    They spoke casually for a while, their conversation lighthearted while walking. Just as Arie and Princess Lea sat at their seats, the sound of footsteps interrupted them. The teacher entered the class room, clipboard in hand, and immediately commanded everyone''s attention.


    "Good morning, class," he began, his voice carrying easily over the chatter. "I hope you''ve all recovered from yesterday, because today''s activity will push you further."


    The students straightened, their attention fixed on him.


    "Today, you''ll build on what you learned yesterday," the teacher continued. "We''ll be testing your ability to apply those skills in a realistic environment. That''s right¡ªwe''re going to the dungeon."Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    A ripple of reactions swept through the group. Some students grinned in excitement, while others exchanged nervous glances.


    The teacher raised his hand, silencing the murmurs. "We''ll be heading to the 20th floor of the dungeon. It''s a step up from the training yesterday, but it''s designed to challenge you without overwhelming you¡ªassuming you work together." He paused, scanning the class. "Some of you struggled during yesterday''s activity. If you feel unprepared, you''ll have permission to team up with classmates who performed well. Teamwork is the key here."


    The class remained silent, processing his words.


    "You have five minutes to prepare," the teacher announced. "Decide your teams and make sure you''re ready. We''ll leave shortly."


    The moment he finished speaking, the class erupted into motion. Students formed groups quickly, their chatter filling the air as they finalized their plans. Arie and the Princess didn''t need to discuss anything¡ªthey were already an established pair.


    But as Arie glanced around, something caught his eye. Sitting off to the side, away from the commotion, was a lone girl. She looked small and unsure of herself, her shoulders hunched as if she were trying to make herself invisible. Her expression was a mixture of worry and fear, and she made no move to join any of the groups forming around her.


    Arie frowned. He didn''t like seeing someone left out, especially when they were clearly struggling. He know full well... what''s it like being alone. He turned to the Princess. "Do you mind if we bring her into our team?"


    The Princess followed his gaze to the girl and shrugged. "Do as you please," she said simply, though her tone wasn''t unkind.


    "Thank you, ma''am," Arie replied with a smirk, earning himself a small eye-roll from the Princess.


    He approached the girl slowly, not wanting to startle her. Stopping a few steps in front of her, he spoke gently. "Hello. Why are you sitting here alone?"


    The girl looked up, startled. Her voice was soft and hesitant as she answered. "Oh, um¡­ it''s just that I''m only a healer. I can''t fight, and¡­ I''m weak."


    Her words were laced with self-doubt, and she avoided his gaze as if expecting him to dismiss her. But Arie''s expression remained calm, his voice steady. "Alright then, join us. We could really use a healer. "Weak? I don''t think so. Healers are just as important as fighters. Without someone like you, a team wouldn''t last long."


    Her eyes widened, a flicker of disbelief crossing her face. "Really?" she asked. Then she shook her head. "Wait¡­ no, I''ll just be a burden to both of you."


    Arie shook his head firmly. "Don''t worry. I promise¡ªI''ll protect you, no matter what"


    She stared at him for a moment, her hesitation slowly fading. Finally, she nodded. "If you say so¡­ I''ll join."


    Arie gave her a small smile and gestured toward the Princess. "Come on, let''s meet the rest of the team."


    The girl followed him tentatively, her steps unsure but determined. When they reached the Princess, Arie introduced her. Princess, this is our new teammate. "Princess, this is our new teammate. She''s a healer."


    "I see. And what''s your name?" the princess asked.


    "Oh, um¡­ I''m Liana." the girl replied.


    "Welcome to the team, Liana. Stay close, and you''ll be fine." she nodded and said.


    "She''s got nothing to worry about¡ªwe''ve got her covered." Arie said.


    "Good. Let''s make this work." the princess replied.


    The Princess gave a brief nod of acknowledgment but said nothing further, her focus already shifting back to the task ahead.


    Just as the five minutes came to an end, the teacher clapped his hands, drawing everyone''s attention. "Time''s up! I hope you''ve chosen wisely, because this activity will push you to your limits. Remember, this isn''t just about your individual skills¡ªit''s about working as a team."


    The class now followed the teacher to the dungeon, and gathered near the entrance of the dungeon. With a large, ominous doorway now in front of them. Its dark interior seemed to hum with energy, a faint glow emanating from runes etched into the stone.


    Some students shifted nervously, their earlier confidence waning as they stood before the daunting entrance. Others looked eager, their eyes glinting with anticipation.


    Arie glanced at the healer, noticing her nervous expression. He gave her a reassuring nod. "Stick with us. You''ll be fine."


    The girl nodded back, her grip tightening on the staff she carried.


    The teacher stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension. "We''ll go to the 20th floor. Inside, you''ll encounter various challenges. Stay focused, trust your teammates, and most importantly, don''t lose sight of your objective. We''ll begin shortly."


    As the students murmured among themselves, Arie felt a sense of determination rising within him. He glanced at his team¡ªthe Princess, ever composed, and the healer, still hesitant but showing glimmers of resolve. Together, they stood at the threshold of the dungeon, ready to face whatever lay ahead.


    A new adventure awaited.

 Vol 3 Chapter 1: Dungeon

    ###Chapter 20: Dungeon


    The entire class gathered in front of the dungeon''s entrance, the air buzzing with excitement and nervous energy. The entrance was different from what Arie had imagined¡ªa smaller, heavily reinforced door carved into the side of a rocky hill. It seemed less grand than the bustling main entrance adventurers used.


    Arie furrowed his brow as he glanced at Princess Lea, standing nearby.


    "Uhh, Ma''am, why aren''t we using the normal entrance? You know, the one adventurers always go through?"


    Lea tilted her head, a little puzzled herself, but before she could answer, their teacher overheard and stepped in.


    "That''s a good question, Arie"


    the teacher said, his tone calm but authoritative.


    "Because this is just an academy activity, we''re not using the main entrance. That area is busy with official adventurers, and we don''t want to interfere with their work."


    Arie nodded thoughtfully.


    "Ohhh, that makes sense."


    Then, narrowing his eyes slightly, he added,


    "Hmmm... But how do you know that Arie? "


    Arie laughed nervously saying.


    "Oh, uh¡­ I just happened to know it, that''s all. Hehe,"


    she said, waving her hand dismissively.


    The teacher raised an eyebrow but decided not to press further. "If you say so."


    The teacher then clapped his hands together, drawing everyone''s attention. "Alright, before we begin, I''d like to introduce someone who will be ensuring your safety today. Everyone, meet Agin, a Master Class fighter."


    A tall, battle-hardened man stepped forward. His presence was commanding, with sharp eyes and a confident smirk. He wore lightweight yet sturdy armor that bore numerous scratches¡ªclear signs of experience. A massive greatsword rested on his back, and his movements were calculated yet relaxed, as if he were always prepared for a fight.


    "Hello, everyone,"


    Agin greeted, his voice deep and steady. "I''ll be accompanying you today to make sure everything goes smoothly and safely. Stick close, follow the rules, and we''ll all have a good time."


    Whispers broke out among the students.


    "Whoa, a Master Class fighter? He must be so strong."


    "Do you think he fought dragons before?"


    "Look at that sword! I bet he can cut a boulder in half with it!"


    Arie glanced at Agin, unimpressed.


    "Hmph. He doesn''t seem that amazing,"


    he muttered under his breath, earning a quick nudge from Lea.


    "Don''t be rude!"


    she whispered sharply.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    As the murmurs settled, the teacher raised his voice again.


    "Alright, everyone, the only thing we''re waiting for now is the guild official who will unlock the entrance for us. This is a private route, so it''s kept sealed until it''s needed."


    The class shifted restlessly as they waited. Some students adjusted their equipment, while others whispered about strategies or tried to calm their nerves.


    After a few minutes, the teacher clapped his hands again to grab their attention.


    "Alright, is everyone ready?"


    "Yes, sir!" the class replied in unison, their voices a mix of enthusiasm and nervousness.


    Agin chuckled, crossing his arms.


    "Not bad, kids. Let''s see if you can keep that energy once we''re inside."


    As the guild official approached to unlock the entrance, Arie felt a slight unease in the pit of his stomach. This was supposed to be just a school activity, but something about this dungeon¡­ felt different.


    The sound of hurried footsteps echoed as the guild lady finally arrived, her breaths slightly uneven from rushing. She was a slender woman with sharp features, her official guild uniform pristine despite her apparent haste.


    "I''m so sorry for being late!"


    she exclaimed, bowing politely to the teacher and the students.


    The teacher gave her a reassuring smile. "It''s alright. We haven''t waited long."


    Nodding, the guild lady approached the sealed entrance, pulling out a key embedded with glowing runes. As she worked to unlock the door, her gaze drifted to the group, her eyes stopping suddenly when they landed on Arie and the princess. Her expression shifted to one of surprise.


    "Huh¡­?"


    She blinked, her lips parting slightly. "Arie? And¡­ Princess Lea? Why are you two together?"


    Arie tilted his head, caught off guard by her reaction.


    "Oh, uh¡­ I guess you could say we''re classmates. Why?"


    The guild lady looked between them, visibly puzzled, but didn''t press further.


    "It''s just¡­ unexpected. You''re the last person I''d expect to see in this group. I didn''t even know that you go to school"


    "What do you mean by that?" Lea asked, her curiosity piqued.


    "Well," the guild lady said, locking eyes with Arie, "he''s a registered adventurer. I''m actually the one who registered him. He came to me some times to take quests. Not to mention he defeated a floor boss on his own"


    Lea raised an eyebrow at Arie. "Really? You''re an adventurer? Why didn''t you mention this before?"


    Arie scratched the back of his neck, avoiding her gaze. "It''s not a big deal. I only took quests because I needed money to enroll at the academy. I barely even went into the dungeon¡ªless than five times, really."


    "Wow," Lea said, crossing her arms. "So you do have some experience, huh?"


    Arie shrugged. "Like I said, it was only for the money. Nothing serious."


    The guild lady smiled, finishing her task as the runes on the door began to glow. "Well, the door is open now. Good luck with your activity, everyone. And stay safe!"


    The group descended into the dungeon, the air growing cooler and more oppressive with each step. The dimly lit stone walls seemed to close in around them, and faint echoes of unknown creatures reverberated through the tunnels.


    As they moved, Agin, the Master Class fighter, took the lead. His imposing figure and calm demeanor made the students feel slightly more at ease.


    The first few floors were uneventful, with Agin easily dispatching any lesser monsters that dared to approach. The students watched in awe as he swung his massive sword with precision, taking down enemies with a single strike.


    "Wow," one of the students whispered. "He''s so strong¡­"


    "Yeah, but did you notice how he''s barely even trying? He''s just clearing out small fries," another added.


    Despite Agin''s effortless performance, Arie remained silent, his thoughts elsewhere.


    Finally, they reached the 20th floor, a larger, more ominous chamber. The teacher signaled for everyone to stop and rest for a moment. The tension in the air was palpable as the group settled down, some students nervously whispering to each other.


    After a brief rest, the teacher stood up and addressed the group. "Alright, everyone, listen up! For today''s activity, we will be taking on the floor boss of this level."


    The announcement sent a wave of shock through the students. Whispers broke out immediately.


    "A floor boss? Isn''t that too dangerous?"


    "I thought this was just a simple training exercise!"


    "What if we can''t handle it?"


    Agin''s expression darkened, and he stepped forward. "I have to object to this, sir. A floor boss at this level is not something students can handle. Even I would struggle against it."


    The teacher raised a hand, trying to calm him down. "Agin, I understand your concern, but I have a teleportation crystal. If things get out of hand, I''ll use it to evacuate everyone immediately."


    Agin scowled. "That''s not the point. Even if we escape, someone could get seriously injured¡ªor worse¡ªbefore we can activate the crystal. You''re putting everyone at unnecessary risk."


    The students grew even more uneasy, their murmurs growing louder.


    Arie frowned, glancing at Lea. "Is the boss on this floor really that powerful?"


    Lea looked at him, surprised. "You don''t know? Floor bosses are usually only handled by Level 3 or 4 adventurers. And not just one or two¡ªit takes an entire party to bring one down."


    "An entire party?" Arie''s voice was laced with disbelief.


    Lea nodded gravely. "Yeah. The one you took from floor 10 requires about 10 level 2s, in my estimation. And the one we''re supposed to face is the King of Skeletons: Skeletus."


    "Skeletus?" Arie repeated, his expression darkening.


    "Yes," Lea continued. "He''s a giant skeleton, towering over anyone who faces him. I''ve heard he''s as tall as a castle wall, and his strength is enough to crush a shield in one hit."


    Arie felt a chill run down his spine. He had only been to the dungeon a handful of times, and never had he faced anything remotely close to what Lea was describing.


    Before their conversation could go any further, the teacher clapped his hands. "Alright, everyone! It''s time to proceed."


    The students looked at each other nervously. No one wanted to move, but the teacher''s authority was absolute.


    Agin sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "Fine. If I can''t stop this madness, I''ll do everything in my power to protect all of you. Just stay behind me, and don''t try anything reckless."


    The group advanced, their footsteps heavy with dread. When they reached the entrance to the boss''s lair, the oppressive atmosphere thickened, making it hard to breathe. The faint sound of rattling bones echoed from within, and the ground seemed to tremble slightly.


    Arie stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing as he felt a sinister presence emanating from beyond the doorway. His hands clenched into fists. "Feel that?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Lea nodded, her face pale. "Yeah. That''s him¡­ The King of Skeletons: Skeletus."


    The students huddled closer together, their fear evident in their wide eyes and trembling hands. Agin stood at the front, his grip on his sword tightening.


    "Stay alert," Agin said, his voice low and steady. "This isn''t going to be easy."


    (Heh, who am I kidding? I can¡¯t possibly beat Skeletus. But if I look scared now, these kids will fall apart before the fight even starts. Guess I¡¯ll just have to put on a show.)


    As the teacher prepared to open the massive doors leading to the boss''s chamber, the students braced themselves. The fight of their lives was about to begin.

 Vol 3 Chapter 2: Skeletus

    ###Chapter 21: Skeletus


    The students stood nervously before the enormous doors to the boss¡¯s lair, their breaths uneven as the tension in the air grew heavier. Weapons were drawn, and magic circles faintly shimmered in the hands of spellcasters. Everyone was on edge, knowing what awaited them on the other side of the looming, rune-etched doors.


    The teacher stepped forward, addressing the class. ¡°Alright, listen carefully. For this fight, you will be facing the boss in pairs or small teams. Each group will have their chance to prove themselves.¡±


    The announcement hit like a lightning bolt. The students erupted into whispers and nervous murmurs, their disbelief palpable.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Cedric blurted out, stepping forward. ¡°That¡¯s insane! How can you expect us to face a floor boss in small groups? It¡¯s suicide!¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Eldren added, his voice trembling slightly. ¡°Do you even care about your students? We¡¯re here to learn, not get ourselves killed!¡±


    The teacher held up a hand to quiet the protests. ¡°I understand your concerns, but let me assure you, this exercise has been carefully planned. You will not be going in alone. Agin will accompany each team, and his primary role will be ensuring your safety. If things get out of hand, he will step in to protect you and pull you out.¡±


    Agin, standing a few paces away, frowned deeply but didn¡¯t object outright. ¡°I don¡¯t like this plan,¡± he muttered under his breath, but his tone was loud enough for nearby students to hear.


    ¡°Neither do we!¡± a student in the back called out, their voice shaking.


    The teacher ignored the outburst, turning toward the massive stone doors. He placed both hands on the surface, and with a low, rumbling groan, the doors began to creak open. As they parted, a rush of cold air swept out, carrying with it the unmistakable stench of death and decay.


    As the torches along the walls of the chamber flickered to life, their cold blue flames cast haunting shadows across the jagged stone floor. The air grew heavier, laced with an unnatural chill that sent shivers through the spines of everyone present.


    At the far end of the massive chamber, an enormous figure sat slumped in the darkness. Its skeletal frame was grotesque, each bone unnaturally elongated and jagged, as though carved from ancient stone. Skeletus, the King of Skeletons, lay dormant.


    The silence was deafening, broken only by the faint crackle of the torches. Then, a deep, bone-rattling sound echoed through the chamber as Skeletus began to stir. Its massive head tilted upward, its hollow eye sockets igniting with a menacing crimson glow.


    With an ear-splitting creak, the towering skeleton shifted, pulling itself up from its throne of bones. Dust and debris cascaded from its monstrous form as it rose to its full, terrifying height. Its ribcage expanded with a hollow, echoing gasp, as though drawing breath for the first time in centuries.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    And then, it roared.


    The sound was primal, a thunderous cry that reverberated through the chamber and sent cracks spiderwebbing across the walls. The sheer force of the roar caused the students to stagger, some clutching their ears in pain.


    The Skeletus, now fully awake, turned its blazing eyes toward the intruders, its towering form radiating a chilling aura of malice and power. The battle was about to begin, and the students could feel the oppressive weight of the King of Skeletons bearing down on them.


    ¡°That''s it¡­ right?¡± Eldren asked, his voice cracking as he tried to steady himself.


    ¡°That¡¯s Skeletus,¡± Agin said grimly, gripping the hilt of his sword. ¡°And if you¡¯re smart, you¡¯ll take this fight very, very seriously.¡±


    The teacher stepped back, gesturing toward the first team. ¡°Cedric and Eldren, you¡¯re up. Julian, you¡¯ll join them. Agin, I¡¯m counting on you to ensure their safety.¡±


    Cedric and Eldren exchanged uneasy glances but nodded, stepping forward with Julian following closely behind. Agin took his position at the front, his towering frame providing a slight sense of reassurance to the students.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Agin said, his voice firm. ¡°Stick to the plan. Cedric, focus on using your sword skills to distract it. Eldren, support with your magic. Julian, back them both up. I¡¯ll step in if things get too dangerous.¡±


    Cedric tightened his grip on his sword, nodding. ¡°Got it.¡±


    Eldren swallowed hard, forming a glowing magic circle in the air. ¡°Ready as I¡¯ll ever be.¡±


    Julian didn¡¯t speak but gave a firm nod, his staff already glowing with energy.


    The fight began with Cedric charging forward, his blade flashing in the torchlight as he aimed a powerful slash at Skeletus¡¯s leg. The blade connected, but it barely left a mark. The giant skeleton turned its glowing eyes on Cedric, swinging its massive claw in retaliation.


    ¡°Move!¡± Agin barked.


    Cedric barely managed to dive out of the way as the skeletal claw smashed into the ground, sending shards of stone flying in all directions.


    Eldren stepped up, releasing a burst of fire from his hands that engulfed Skeletus¡¯s arm. The flames licked at the bones but seemed to do little more than anger the creature. It let out another roar, swinging both of its claw in a wide arc.


    ¡°Shield up!¡± Julian shouted, slamming his staff into the ground. A shimmering barrier appeared just in time to block the attack, though the force of the blow sent the entire team staggering backward.


    ¡°This thing¡¯s tougher than we thought!¡± Cedric called out, breathing heavily.


    ¡°No kidding!¡± Eldren replied, launching another spell.


    The battle raged on, each member of the team doing their best to hold their ground. Cedric¡¯s sword strikes grew more desperate, Eldren¡¯s magic began to waver as exhaustion set in, and Julian¡¯s barriers became slower to form.


    Skeletus, meanwhile, seemed almost unfazed. It raised its free hand, gathering a swirling ball of dark energy. The sight sent a chill down Agin¡¯s spine.


    ¡°Scatter!¡± he shouted.


    The team barely managed to dodge as the energy exploded, sending a wave of destructive force through the chamber. Cedric and Eldren were thrown to the ground, their weapons skidding away.


    Agin stepped forward, his sword glowing with a faint blue light as he unleashed a powerful strike at Skeletus¡¯s chest. The blade connected, sending cracks spiderwebbing across the skeleton¡¯s ribcage, but it wasn¡¯t enough to bring it down.


    Skeletus retaliated with a backhanded swing, catching Agin off guard and sending him crashing into the wall. He groaned, blood trickling from a cut on his forehead, but pushed himself back to his feet.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± he muttered. ¡°This thing¡¯s tougher than I thought.¡±


    Cedric and Eldren struggled to stand, both badly injured. Julian¡¯s magic was nearly depleted, his breathing ragged.


    ¡°Agin!¡± the teacher called from the entrance. ¡°Pull them out!¡±


    Agin gritted his teeth, nodding. He raised a small crystal, its surface glowing faintly, and muttered a quick incantation. In an instant, he and the team vanished from the chamber, reappearing safely at the entrance.


    The rest of the class watched in stunned silence as the injured team collapsed to the ground, their faces pale and their breaths labored.


    ¡°They¡­ they couldn¡¯t do it,¡± one student whispered, their voice filled with fear.


    ¡°If even they couldn¡¯t handle it¡­¡± another murmured, trailing off.


    The teacher stepped forward, helping Cedric and Eldren to their feet. ¡°You all fought bravely. Take a moment to recover while we prepare the next team.¡±


    Agin turned to the teacher, his expression dark. ¡°This is madness. That thing is stronger than you let on. You¡¯re risking their lives for what? Some test?¡±


    The teacher hesitated, his confidence wavering for a moment. ¡°They¡¯re here to learn, Agin. And sometimes, the best lessons come from facing real challenges.¡±


    Agin shook his head, clearly dissatisfied with the answer, but didn¡¯t argue further. As the students watched in silence, the reality of the challenge before them began to sink in. The fight with Skeletus had only just begun.

 Vol 3 Chapter 3: The Trio

    ###Chapter 22: The Trio


    Agin staggered back to the rest of the class, breathing heavily as he carried the injured students from the chamber. His armor was covered in scratches, and his expression was grim.


    "Healer! Get over here now!" he shouted, his voice firm but edged with desperation. A healer student rushed forward, immediately tending to the injured students lying on the ground.


    Agin leaned against the stone wall, rubbing his forehead with his gauntlet. His exhaustion was evident, yet his fury burned brighter. He turned sharply toward the teacher, his eyes blazing.


    "Are you seriously going to send more of these kids in there?"


    The teacher crossed his arms, his expression calm¡ªtoo calm. "Yes," he replied curtly.


    Agin''s fists clenched at his sides, and he took a step forward, his voice raising.


    "Are you insane? That thing is going to destroy them! You''ve seen the state of the students who came out. Do you even care what happens to them?"


    The teacher gave him an unimpressed look, raising an eyebrow. "Agin, calm down. That''s why you''re here¡ªto make sure they don''t die."


    "Grrr..." Agin growled under his breath, biting back a retort. He turned away with a frustrated wave of his hand. "Tsk, forget it."


    The students had been silent, but the scene before them was only amplifying their fear. Their faces were pale, their hands trembling as they exchanged worried glances.


    "I can''t do this," one boy muttered, his voice quivering. "That thing is too powerful."


    A girl nearby hugged herself tightly, her eyes glistening with tears. "It''s not fair. This isn''t a test¡ªit''s a death trap. What are we supposed to do against that?"


    More students began murmuring in agreement, their collective panic growing with each word. The air was thick with tension, and for a moment, it seemed like the fear might consume them all.


    But the teacher remained unfazed. He called team after team, sending them into the boss''s lair. Each group returned battered and broken, saved only by Agin. The once-energetic class had transformed into a group of frightened children, their confidence shattered.


    Finally, it was Arie''s trio''s turn. Liana, the healer on their team, was visibly trembling. Her knuckles were white as she gripped her staff, and her lips quivered as she whispered, "I¡­ I don''t think I can do this. I''m too weak."


    Arie stepped closer to her, his voice steady and reassuring. "Liana, look at me."


    She hesitated but finally met his gaze.


    "You''re not weak," Arie said firmly. "You''re important. Without you, we wouldn''t stand a chance. We''ll protect you. You just have to trust us."


    "But what if¡ª"


    "No ''what ifs,''" Arie interrupted, his tone unwavering. "We''ll get through this. Together."


    The princess added, her voice calm but commanding, "He''s right, Liana. You''ve got us, and we''ve got you. Now''s the time to believe in yourself."


    Liana swallowed hard, nodding slowly. "O-Okay. I''ll do my best."


    The teacher''s voice rang out once more, cutting through the tense atmosphere. "Alright, next team¡ªenter!"


    As they stepped forward, Agin, still leaning against the wall, called after them. "Listen, I can''t fight alongside you this time," he said, his voice laced with fatigue. "I''m too worn out. I''ll stay here and jump in if things get out of control, but you''re on your own for now."


    Arie paused and turned to Agin, his expression cold yet resolute. "That''s ok," Arie said, a faint smirk forming on his lips. "We won''t need it anyway."


    Agin blinked, caught off guard by the sheer determination in Arie''s tone. "Hmph. Don''t get cocky, kid," he muttered, though there was a faint hint of respect in his voice.


    As they approached the massive doors to the boss chamber, the atmosphere grew heavier. The faint blue light of the torches illuminated the cold stone walls, casting long shadows. Arie''s gaze shifted toward the teacher, an unexplainable sense of unease gnawing at him.


    What he saw made his stomach tighten¡ªa faint, almost imperceptible smirk curled at the teacher''s lips. It was the kind of expression that sent a chill down his spine, a smile that didn''t belong in a situation like this.


    Why is he smiling? Arie thought, his suspicion growing stronger. What is he planning?


    The sound of the massive boss snapped him out of his thoughts. The chilling blue flames inside flickered to life, casting the skeletal figure of Skeletus into stark relief.


    As they stepped into the chamber, the room was eerily quiet, save for the faint crackling of the torches. Skeletus remained still, his massive frame slumped as though he were in a deep slumber.


    Arie took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. He glanced back at Liana, giving her a small nod of encouragement, then looked to the princess, who returned his gaze with a determined expression.


    "Let''s do this," he said softly.


    As they moved deeper into the chamber, Skeletus began to stir. His massive head tilted upward, the crimson light in his hollow eye sockets blazing to life. A deep, guttural growl rumbled through the room as the skeletal giant slowly rose to its feet.


    The battle was about to begin.


    The moment Skeletus charged, the fight erupted into chaos. His massive form moved with surprising speed, bones grinding against each other like an avalanche as he swung his claw at the trio.


    "Scatter!" the princess yelled, leaping to the side just as the massive claw smashed into the ground, shaking the entire chamber. Dust and debris filled the air, and the sound of clattering bones echoed ominously.


    Arie dodged with precision, his slime magic forming a shield around him to deflect the smaller shards of bone. "Liana, stay back!" he shouted, crafting a series of sharp, floating blades from his magic. With a quick motion, he sent them flying toward Skeletus.


    The blades struck their target, shattering one of Skeletus''s rib bones, but the skeletal titan barely flinched. Instead, it turned its glowing crimson eyes toward Liana, who stood frozen a few paces back, her staff shaking in her hands.


    "Liana!" the princess shouted as she darted in front of the healer, blocking another swipe from Skeletus with her sword. The impact sent her skidding back, but she held firm. "Snap out of it! We need you!"


    "I¡ªI can''t!" Liana stammered, her voice quivering. Her eyes were wide with terror as she watched Skeletus rear back, preparing another devastating strike. "I''m gonna mess up. I''m gonna get us all killed!"A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    The princess gritted her teeth, glancing back at Liana. "There''s no time for this!"


    "Liana, listen to me!" Arie''s voice rang out, sharp and commanding. He shot a quick burst of sharp slime magic at Skeletus''s face, momentarily blinding the creature. As it stumbled back, Arie turned to Liana, his expression firm.


    "You can''t freeze up now," he said, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Do you see what the princess is doing? She''s risking everything to protect us. If she can do that, so can you."


    "But I''m not like her," Liana whispered, tears streaming down her face. "I''m not strong. I don''t know how to fight¡ª"


    "You don''t need to fight!" Arie interrupted, stepping closer to her despite the battle raging around them. "You just need to do what you''re best at. Heal us, support us. That''s more than enough."


    The princess, still holding her ground against Skeletus''s relentless attacks, called out, "Liana, we''re a team! We can''t win this without you!"


    Liana''s breath hitched. She glanced at the princess, who was pushing back Skeletus with sheer willpower, and then at Arie, who had positioned himself to shield her. For a moment, doubt clouded her mind again¡ªbut then something clicked.


    "I won''t let them down," she whispered to herself, her grip on her staff tightening. "I can do this."


    The next time Skeletus struck, the princess was knocked back, landing hard on the ground. "Liana!" she called out.


    This time, Liana didn''t freeze. She darted forward, her staff glowing with a brilliant green light. "Vital Mend!" she shouted, releasing a wave of energy that washed over the princess, instantly healing her wounds.


    The princess got back to her feet, her eyes widening in surprise. "Liana, that was incredible!"


    Liana didn''t stop there. Her confidence growing, she began chanting another spell. A shimmering barrier of light appeared around the group, deflecting Skeletus''s next blow.


    Arie smirked, stepping up beside her. "That''s what I''m talking about. Keep it up!"


    The princess, emboldened by Liana''s recovery, charged forward again, her sword glowing as she unleashed a powerful slash against Skeletus''s leg. The skeletal giant roared in pain, staggering back.


    "Liana, boost me!" the princess shouted.


    "On it!" Liana responded, her staff glowing as she cast a strength enhancement spell on the princess. "You''ve got this!"


    With newfound power coursing through her, the princess leapt into the air, her blade slicing through the air with a brilliant arc. The strike hit Skeletus''s shoulder, shattering part of its massive arm.


    Meanwhile, Arie used the distraction to craft a massive spear from his slime magic. "Let''s see how you like this!" he said, hurling it with all his strength. The spear pierced through Skeletus''s chest, cracking several ribs.


    The battle was far from over, but with Liana back in the fight and the trio working as a cohesive unit, they stood a chance. For the first time since entering the chamber, the tides were beginning to shift.


    Agin watched in stunned silence as the trio faced the Skeletus. His surprise grew with every passing moment¡ªthey were managing on their own. He turned his gaze to the teacher, expecting a nod of approval or even concern. Instead, he was met with something chilling: the teacher stood there with a wide, almost sinister grin, as though he was enjoying the spectacle. Agin''s unease deepened.


    "What''s with that creepy smile?" he muttered under his breath. "This isn''t normal¡­"


    The scene shifted back to the fight, where Princess Lea and Liana were in the thick of battle. The Skeletus loomed over them, its massive skeletal frame radiating an aura of pure menace. Despite its overwhelming size and strength, the two girls stood their ground, their movements synchronized like a well-rehearsed dance.


    "Liana, flank it! Keep moving!" Lea shouted, her voice sharp and commanding.


    Liana nodded, her hands glowing as she cast another spell. "Got it! Holy Chain, binder of heaven, immobilize this person, this wicked villain!" she cried, summoning glowing restraints that wrapped around the Skeletus''s legs, holding it in place.


    The Skeletus roared, its glowing eyes flaring as it struggled against the magical bonds.


    "Nice work!" Lea called, rushing forward with her sword in hand. She leapt into the air, aiming for the Skeletus''s exposed ribs. Her blade struck true, carving through the dense bone with a resounding crack.


    The Skeletus staggered but didn''t fall. Instead, it raised its massive arm and swiped at Lea with terrifying speed.


    "Princess, look out!" Liana screamed.


    Lea twisted midair, narrowly avoiding the strike. She landed gracefully, her sword still at the ready. "Thanks, Liana! Keep those spells coming!"


    "I''ll try!" Liana replied, her voice trembling slightly. She clenched her fists, summoning more chains to wrap around the creature''s arm, limiting its movements.


    Arie, standing at a distance, observed the fight carefully. He raised his hand, summoning his slime magic to form a protective barrier around the girls as the Skeletus attempted another powerful swing. "Focus, you two. Don''t let it catch you off guard," he said, his voice steady but firm, after forming yet another spear, and launching straight to Skeletus''s skull, but this time, it dodge.


    "We''ve got this!" Lea shouted back. She darted forward again, her sword flashing as she struck at the creature''s leg, trying to destabilize it.


    The Skeletus roared in frustration, its movements growing more erratic. It slammed its claw into the ground, shaking the entire chamber. Liana lost her footing and stumbled, the glow of her chains flickering.


    "Liana, hold on!" Lea called, rushing to her side.


    "I''m fine!" Liana said, quickly regaining her balance. She raised her hands once more, summoning a burst of light that temporarily blinded the Skeletus. "That should buy us some time!"


    "Good thinking!" Lea said, a determined grin on her face. "Let''s hit it where it hurts!"


    The two girls worked in perfect tandem, Liana using her spells to keep the Skeletus distracted and restrained while Lea delivered precise, powerful strikes to its weak points. The Skeletus roared and thrashed, but the girls refused to back down.


    "You''re stronger than you think, Liana," Lea said during a brief pause.


    "Only because you''re here," Liana replied, her voice filled with determination.


    The Skeletus suddenly slammed its arm into the ground again, breaking free of Liana''s chains. It let out a deafening roar and charged at them, its massive frame shaking the earth with every step.


    "Move!" Arie shouted from the back, summoning his earth magic to create a wall between the girls and the oncoming attack. The Skeletus smashed through it, but the delay gave Lea and Liana enough time to evade.


    "We need to slow it down again!" Lea said, glancing at Liana.


    "I''ve got one more spell left," Liana replied, her voice strained. She raised her hands, summoning a swirling vortex of light. "Chains of light, descend and bind, the wicked soul, lost and blind. By divine will, I call the decree, imprison now, let none be free. Heaven''s power, strong and bright, hold them fast through endless night! Heavens chain, Divinder Chains" she cried, and glowing tendrils erupted from the ground, wrapping around the Skeletus''s torso and arms.


    "Perfect!" Lea said, dashing forward. She leapt into the air, aiming for the Skeletus''s chest. Her blade struck hard, sending cracks spidering through its massive frame.


    The Skeletus roared again, its glowing eyes flickering with rage. It began to thrash wildly, breaking free of the tendrils and forcing Lea to retreat.


    "It''s not going down easily," Lea muttered, catching her breath.


    "No kidding," Liana replied, wiping sweat from her brow.


    Agin, watching from the sidelines, couldn''t believe his eyes. The girls were holding their own against a creature that would''ve made seasoned adventurers flee in terror. "They''re¡­ incredible," he murmured.


    But his admiration was short-lived as his gaze shifted back to the teacher. The man''s unsettling smile remained, his eyes fixed on the fight with an intensity that sent chills down Agin''s spine.


    "Something''s not right here," Agin muttered. But for now, all he could do was watch as the battle raged on.


    Just as it seemed like they''d gained the upper hand, a deep, menacing rumble echoed through the chamber. The Skeletus''s scattered bones began to quiver and shift. Arie, Princess Lea, and Liana froze in disbelief as the creature''s shattered form started to reassemble itself. Bones snapped back into place with unnatural precision, and in moments, the towering skeletal behemoth stood whole again, its glowing eyes burning with even greater intensity.


    "No way," Liana whispered, her voice trembling.


    "This can''t be happening," Lea muttered, gripping her sword tightly.


    Their hesitation proved costly. The Skeletus raised its massive claw, and the ground beneath them trembled violently. "Move!" Arie shouted, but it was too late.


    With a deafening crack, spikes of bone erupted from the ground in every direction¡ªSpinal Surge, the Skeletus''s deadly skill. The three scrambled to react, but the attack was too sudden. Though Arie''s warning came just in time, Princess Lea and Liana were still caught off guard, barely leaping out of the way. The spikes grazed them, ripping through armor and flesh, and both women hit the ground with pained gasps.


    "Are you two okay?!" Arie called, his voice tinged with panic.


    "We''re... fine," Lea grunted, clutching her side where blood was beginning to seep through her clothes.


    Liana winced as she pushed herself up, her hands trembling. "I can still fight," she said, though her face was pale.


    The Skeletus didn''t give them a moment to recover. With a guttural roar, it unleashed a powerful blast of pure dark magic. The attack wasn''t a spell¡ªit was raw, chaotic energy, and it tore through the air with devastating force.


    "Look out!" Arie yelled, leaping into action.


    The blast erupted with a deafening roar, sending shockwaves that shook the very chamber, causing dust to fall from the walls and the air to tremble. The explosion sent them hurtling through the air, slamming them into the stone walls of the chamber with a sickening thud. Cries of pain escaped them as they crumpled to the ground, unmoving.


    Arie, however, managed to intercept part of the attack. With his Weaponer Technique, he formed a shimmering shield around himself, absorbing the brunt of the dark magic. The impact still forced him back a few steps, but he remained standing.


    Agin, watching from the sidelines, couldn''t hold back any longer. "That''s enough!" he roared, rushing forward. But before he could intervene, the teacher grabbed his arm with an iron grip.


    "What are you doing? Let me go!" Agin shouted, his eyes blazing with fury.


    The teacher''s calm voice was laced with menace. "Stop, or you''ll die."


    "What?!" Agin glared at him, stunned.


    The teacher leaned closer, his expression dark. "I''m warning you, Agin. Interfere, and you''ll regret it."


    Agin hesitated, his mind racing. He hated every second of it, but the teacher''s cold words echoed in his mind "If you interfere, I''ll kill you myself". His mana had been drained from protecting the others earlier, and he knew the teacher''s threat wasn''t an empty one. If he jumped in now, he''d be nothing but a liability, or worse, a target. Clenching his fists, fury and fear mingling in his chest, he cursed under his breath and stepped back, the weight of the teacher''s gaze heavy on him.


    The scene shifted back to Arie. Seeing Lea and Liana injured and bleeding stirred something deep within him. He rushed to their side, kneeling between them.


    "Hang on," he said, his voice steady despite the chaos around him. He placed a hand on each of them, summoning his healing magic.


    "Vital Mend."


    A soft, golden glow enveloped them as Arie''s magic began to mend their wounds. Though it wasn''t enough to fully restore them, the bleeding stopped, and their breathing steadied.


    "Arie¡­" Lea murmured weakly. "You can''t¡­ fight that thing alone."


    "Don''t talk," he said firmly. "Save your strength."


    Liana groaned, trying to sit up. "We¡­ we can still help¡­"


    But Arie shook his head. "No. You''ve done enough."


    With a swift motion, he casted a teleportation spell, transporting himself and the injured girls to Agin''s side. They reappeared in a flash, and Arie gently set them down.


    "Take care of them," he said to Agin, his tone commanding.


    "What about you?" Agin asked, his voice filled with concern.


    Arie turned, his expression cold and resolute. "I''ll take care of this."


    "What? You can''t possibly¡ª" his words were cut off as Arie raised his hand.


    A swirling vortex of energy appeared at Arie''s side as he opened what seemed to be a magical inventory. From within, he pulled out a katana, its obsidian surface pulsing with an ominous black glow. It was the Sword of Calamity, a weapon that radiated power and destruction.


    The sight of the blade rendered Agin speechless.


    "What are you doing?!" Agin finally shouted. "You can''t possibly defeat that thing on your own!"


    Arie didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he began walking toward the Skeletus, his steps deliberate and unshaken. His right eye suddenly ignited with black flames¡ªa manifestation of his inner power. He paused, glancing over his shoulder at Agin.


    "Too late," he said, his voice low and menacing.


    The chamber seemed to darken as Arie approached the Skeletus, the Sword of Calamity humming with energy in his hand. The air crackled with tension, and even the Skeletus paused, as if sensing the shift in the battle.


    Agin stood frozen, his mind racing. "What is he¡­?" he whispered, unable to tear his eyes away from Arie''s imposing figure.


    As Arie closed the distance between himself and the Skeletus, the creature let out a bone-chilling roar, its glowing eyes locked onto its next target. But this time, Arie didn''t flinch. He tightened his grip on the Sword of Calamity, the black flames around his eye burning brighter.


    The true battle was about to begin.

 Vol 3 Chapter 4: To Protect, And Avenge

    ###Chapter 23: To Protect, And Avenge


    The guild hall was bustling as adventurers milled about, looking for their next task. The guild lady approached the request board, her hands clutching a fresh poster. With a practiced motion, she pinned it to the wall. A random adventurer glanced at the new addition, curiosity piqued.


    "Huh?, who''s that?" the adventurer asked.


    The guild lady smiled knowingly.


    "This is no ordinary adventurer. This is the lone boy who defeated the 10th floor''s floor boss single-handedly. The same boy who saved Princess Mira¡ªsister of Princess Lea¡ªfrom the fierce enhanced Grimshale. The boy known as... ''The Lone Hero.''"


    A hush fell over the nearby adventurers, their murmurs of disbelief blending into an air of reverence. The scene then shifts back to the dungeon, where the so-called "Lone Hero" stood face-to-face with the towering monstrosity that was Skeletus.


    Arie stood firm, his burning right eye extinguishing, revealing something, a glowing red, pattern etched across his eye. The strange symbol pulsated faintly, a clear indication that this was no ordinary ability. Agin, still watching from the sidelines, froze, his breath caught in his throat.


    "He might be stronger than me, even in my true form"


    Agin muttered under his breath, stunned by the sheer intensity of Arie''s presence.


    Before Skeletus could react, Arie vanished in an instant, his teleportation magic activating. He reappeared not far in front of the skeletal titan, he raised his sword, gettin ready swing it. As Arie swung the Sword of Calamity, the space in front of him shimmered, distorted like the air above a raging fire. The distortion rippled outward, barely perceptible, but its impact was undeniable.


    Skeletus staggered backward, a jagged crack spreading across its massive chest as if the very fabric of reality had been cut. No one saw the slash itself¡ªonly the aftermath. The air hummed with an unsettling resonance, as though the world was catching up with the strike.


    Agin froze, his battle-hardened instincts faltering as he whispered, "What the... What was that?"


    The skeletal giant roared in agony, its massive form trembling as shards of bone rained to the ground. Princess Lea tightened her grip on her sword, her eyes flicking toward Arie, who stood firm and unshaken.


    A deep crack formed in Skeletus'' ribcage, but the monster didn''t falter. Instead, it retaliated with raw ferocity, summoning a wave of Spinal Surge, sharp bone spikes erupting from the ground .


    Arie leapt into the air, his movements fluid, dodging the onslaught of spikes. He landed atop one of the protruding bones, briefly stabilizing himself before dashing forward again. The space around the blade distort as he charged it with the same technique, unleashing another invisible slash aimed at Skeletus'' shoulder.


    The Skeletus roared in response, its hollow eyes glowing with a red glow as it conjured another attack. This time, it raised its massive arms, launching a barrage of bone spikes directly at Arie. The speed and precision of the attack were far greater than before, catching even Agin off guard.


    "Another skill? It got stronger?"


    Princess Lea said, her voice filled with concern. "But Arie... he''s keeping up!"


    Arie''s Calamity Eye tracked each projectile with razor-sharp precision. His movements were like a blur as he dodged left and right, teleporting just as a spike would graze him. The spikes struck the walls and ground around him, but not a single one touched their target.


    Skeletus then let out a guttural growl, raising its hand and forming a massive orb of dark energy above its palm. With a flick of its wrist, it hurled the orb toward Arie.


    Arie raised his free hand, summoning his Weaponer ability. A swirling mass of slime-like energy emerged, transforming into a massive shield. The orb collided with the shield, sending shockwaves through the chamber as the impact pushed Arie back.


    He slid to a stop, his eyes narrowing. "It got stronger, and faster too" he said quietly, his tone calm but menacing. "This won''t be easy"


    Skeletus lunged forward, its massive hand swiping at Arie. Instead of dodging, Arie teleported just as the hand passed through him, reappearing behind Skeletus. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed The Arrow of Destruction, a concentrated beam of energy that pierced through Skeletus'' back, leaving a gaping hole.


    The skeletal titan staggered but quickly regenerated, its bones knitting back together with eerie speed. Its glowing eyes flared as it slammed its claw into the ground, sending out another wave of Spinal Surge.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    This time, the spikes came faster and in greater numbers. Arie gritted his teeth, teleporting repeatedly to avoid the barrage. Each movement was precise, his Calamity Eye locking onto every incoming attack.


    From the sidelines, Agin watched in awe.


    "He''s reading every move,"


    he muttered.


    "It''s like he knows what''s coming before it happens."


    The fight reached a fever pitch as Skeletus unleashed a flurry of bone spikes and dark blasts, forcing Arie to go on the defensive.


    Arie stood his ground, his stance unyielding, his expression unreadable. From the outside, he looked composed¡ªlike a warrior in perfect control of the battlefield.


    But in his mind, chaos raged.


    "I''m at my limit¡­"


    His muscles screamed with every movement, his lungs burned for air, and the weight of the Sword of Calamity felt heavier than ever. One wrong step and it''s over.


    He pushed the thoughts aside, narrowing his focus. Skeletus loomed ahead, its hollow eyes glowing with malice, unaware of the storm building within Arie.


    "I just need one opening. Just one¡­"


    Arie gritted his teeth, sweat dripping down his face as he narrowly evaded another barrage of bone spikes erupting from the ground. Each movement felt heavier, more exhausting than the last, but he couldn''t stop¡ªnot now. The Skeletus roared, its sheer presence oppressive, and Arie knew one thing: this was no easy fight.


    His sword arm ached from every clash, every parry. His movements were sharp but frantic, a mix of instinct and desperation. He wasn''t untouchable¡ªfar from it. Skeletus''s relentless attacks forced him to adapt with each strike.


    "Come on... come on!" Arie muttered under his breath, his grip tightening on the hilt of the Sword of Calamity. The creature was stronger than he''d anticipated, its regeneration quicker, its magic far more devastating. He leapt back just in time as another "Spinal Surge" erupted from below, narrowly avoiding the spikes.


    The Skeletus didn''t let up. With a sickening sound, it launched shards of its own bones toward him, sharp enough to pierce steel. Arie threw himself to the side, his teleportation spell flickering out of instinct to reposition him, but even then, one of the shards grazed his shoulder, tearing through his sleeve and leaving a shallow gash. He hissed, stumbling as the blood dripped down his arm.


    "Damn it... This thing isn''t slowing down."


    Agin, watching from the sidelines, clenched his fists. "He got hit, and the skeletus seems to have gotten even stronger now, Arie, you should retreat! You can''t win this, your mana might ran out before you can even kill it!"


    But Arie didn''t retreat. Instead, his gaze hardened.


    "I have to find an opening... There has to be a weakness"


    he thought, his mind racing as his body refused to give in. His breaths were ragged, but his resolve was unshakable.


    The Skeletus lunged again, its movements faster now, as though sensing Arie''s struggle. Its massive form towered above him, and it swung its bone-encrusted arm down like a hammer. Arie reacted just in time, teleporting mid-swing to avoid the crushing blow, but the force of the strike shattered the ground where he''d stood, sending debris flying in every direction.


    Landing a few paces away, Arie stumbled but stayed on his feet, his chest heaving. His mind burned with determination as he gripped the Sword of Calamity tightly. The weapon pulsed in his hands, its magic urging him forward. The Skeletus turned toward him again, its hollow sockets glowing ominously.


    "I''m not... done yet!" Arie growled, wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. His body screamed for rest, but he pushed through, his instincts telling him it was now or never.


    With a burst of energy, he dashed forward. This time, his movements were rough, not polished or perfect, but raw and unyielding. As he approached the Skeletus, its massive hands shot toward him like a vice, but Arie twisted mid-step, narrowly avoiding its grasp. He slashed upward with the Sword of Calamity, a distorted ripple in the air marking the path of his blade.


    The strike connected, carving deep into the Skeletus''s torso. It stumbled back with a groan, bones falling away from the impact. Arie didn''t let up. He followed with another slash, then another¡ªeach blow fueled by sheer willpower.


    "Stay... down!" he shouted, driving his sword into its side.


    But the Skeletus roared in defiance. Its chest began to regenerate, the bones pulling back together as dark energy coiled through its form. Arie''s eyes widened, his muscles screaming as he wrenched his sword free and leapt backward.


    "No way... It''s healing again?" he muttered under his breath, his heart pounding in his ears.


    From the sidelines, Agin cursed under his breath. "This is insane. He can''t win on his own... but he''s still holding his ground."


    The Skeletus straightened, its form somehow more menacing than before. Spikes of bone jutted from its limbs, its attacks growing wilder and more destructive. Arie barely kept up, his teleportation magic faltering under the strain. Every move, every strike, cost him more energy.


    "Arie, stop! You''ll get yourself killed!" Agin yelled, desperation in his voice.


    But Arie didn''t respond. His mind was locked in, his gaze never leaving the Skeletus. He could feel the toll on his body, the weight of every blow he''d endured, but he refused to falter. Somewhere deep inside, he knew he couldn''t give up¡ªnot now.


    The Skeletus unleashed another barrage of bone shards, faster this time. Arie lunged to avoid them, but one pierced through his side. He gasped, dropping to one knee as the pain flared through his body.


    "Arie!" Liana cried, watching helplessly from where she and Lea were recovering.


    Arie clenched his teeth, his hand pressing against the wound. He forced himself to stand, blood dripping down his side. "Not... yet," he muttered, a flicker of light sparking in his right eye.


    Arie''s breathing was heavy, but he refused to show it. He gripped the Sword of Calamity tightly, its blade shimmering with distorted air like heat waves from a raging fire.


    The first slash landed, a streak of destruction tearing across Skeletus''s chest. Another followed, then another¡ªeach one faster, stronger, and more precise than the last. The skeletal titan staggered, unable to keep up with the relentless onslaught.


    Skeletus staggered, as its bones splintered and shattered, pieces of its massive rib cage flying across the ground.


    The monster screeched in defiance, and from the broken earth beneath its feet, spikes erupted¡ªSpinal Surge¡ªjagged bone spears shooting toward Arie like death itself.


    "Tch¡ª!" Arie hissed as he leapt to the side, twisting mid-air just in time to evade the attack. The surge of bones sliced through where he''d been standing only moments before, crumbling as they missed their mark.


    Skeletus, undeterred, began gathering energy¡ªdark tendrils spiraled toward its core, preparing a devastating blow. But then¡ª


    It happened in an instant.


    Arie''s eyes narrowed. The flickering flames that had once consumed his gaze vanished, leaving behind a strange, glowing pattern¡ªsharp, cold, predatory.


    And in the blink of an eye¡ª


    Arie disappeared.


    Skeletus froze. For a beat, the battlefield was silent. Then, a faint sound sounded behind the towering skeleton. Arie now stood there. Before the Skeletus could react.


    Every single bone of its rib cage collapsed, sliced clean through.


    Skeletus let out a hollow, echoing roar, a sound of pure anguish as its massive form wavered, trying to hold itself together. Arie, unmoving, shifted his grip on the *Sword of Calamity*, positioning it low at his left side, where a scabbard might''ve been.


    With a sharp inhale, Arie launched forward. His figure blurred out of sight, and the next thing visible was a single, brilliant streak of light¡ªlike a black flame streaking through the air.


    The ground split apart beneath him, leaving a massive gash¡ªa slash so deep that it scorched the stone itself.


    Arie turned his gaze to the Skeletus, as his final slash left both the Skeletus and the ground... Cleaved in half...


    Arie stood still, as the black fire in his right eye flickered and faded, the strange pattern slowly unraveled. His eye returned to its normal state, and with it, the overwhelming surge of power drained away, leaving him standing, yet utterly exhausted.


    Arie slowly took his steps back toward Agin, the Skeletus''s bones crumbling behind him. His body, drained from the fight, began to falter. His vision blurred, and his legs wavered with each step. As he stumbled, his strength gave way, and he collapsed.


    Agin rushed forward, catching him just before he hit the ground. "Arie!" he called, his usual calm replaced by concern. Liana and Princess Lea quickly rushed to his side, starting a healing chant to stabilize him.


    As they worked, the teacher stood back, watching with an unsettling smile on his face, as if pleased by the scene unfolding before him.

 Vol 3 Chapter 5: Winter Icelyn

    ###Chapter 24: Winter Icelyn


    Arie remained unconscious as Agin carefully lifted him onto his back, ready to retreat and regroup. Princess Lea and Liana, though drained, followed close behind, supporting one another. But something didn''t sit right with Lea. She glanced back, her instincts flaring as the teacher stood in the distance, his form eerily still, a sinister grin tugging at his lips.


    "Teach¡ª" she started to call out but froze mid-sentence. She gasped, her voice breaking into a frantic scream: "Look out!"


    The faint glint of something on the ground caught her eye¡ªa magic bomb, glowing faintly with an ominous hue. Her heart dropped.


    Agin whipped his head around just in time to see the bomb''s magical energy swell, pulsing erratically. His battle-hardened reflexes kicked in, and he threw up a protective barrier around himself, Arie, Liana, and Lea.


    The bomb detonated in a deafening roar, and the ground beneath them collapsed, sending debris and bodies plummeting into the darkness below. The teacher stood at the edge of the newly formed chasm, watching the chaos with a twisted grin.


    "Master,"


    he murmured under his breath, his voice barely audible over the echoing explosion.


    "The plan has been executed."


    The scene shifted below as Agin, Liana, Princess Lea, and the unconscious Arie tumbled through the abyss. The descent felt endless, the air rushing past them, adding to the disorientation.


    "Why haven''t we hit the bottom yet?"


    Princess Lea shouted over the roar of wind, panic rising in her voice.


    The faint glimmer of the dungeon''s floor finally appeared beneath them, and Liana, mustering the last of her strength, whispered a spell. "Water Cushion!"


    The ground below shimmered, transforming into a pool of water just before they landed. The impact sent shockwaves through their bodies, but the water broke their fall enough to save their lives. Agin struggled to his feet, coughing and drenched, before dragging Arie and the others out of the pool.


    "Liana!" Agin called out as he gently shook her, but she was unresponsive. The mana strain and physical toll from the battle had finally caught up with her.


    After checking to ensure she was breathing, Agin turned his attention to their surroundings. The chamber was enormous, its jagged walls illuminated by a faint bioluminescent glow.


    Agin barely had time to catch his breath before a faint clicking sound echoed through the chamber. He froze, his instincts on high alert. Princess Lea tensed beside him, her grip tightening on her blade.


    "Do you hear that?" she whispered.


    Before Agin could answer, a pair of glowing red eyes appeared in the shadows, then another, and another. A low growl rippled through the air as the creatures emerged¡ªkiller rabbits. Their wiry bodies twitched unnaturally, their claws gleaming like knives.


    "What... are those things?" Lea''s voice was barely above a whisper.


    "Killer rabbits," Agin said grimly. "Fast, vicious, and relentless. Stay close."


    The first rabbit lunged, a blur of motion that Agin barely parried in time. Its claws screeched against his blade, sparks flying. Another attacked from the side, forcing Lea to block with a desperate swing.


    "They''re too fast!" Lea shouted, staggering back as another rabbit swiped at her leg.


    Agin gritted his teeth, sidestepping an attack and countering with a precise strike that severed one of the rabbit''s legs. It screamed, a high-pitched, unsettling sound, before another of its kind leaped over its body to attack him.


    "Don''t stop moving!" Agin barked, pivoting to cover Lea''s flank.


    The rabbits swarmed them, their movements erratic and their speed overwhelming. Agin''s spear flashed as he struck down two more, but a sharp pain shot through his arm as one of the creatures sank its claws into his shoulder. He roared, slamming it against the cavern wall and finishing it with a thrust.


    Lea spun, her sword narrowly missing another rabbit that darted past her. Its claws raked her side, drawing blood. She cried out but didn''t falter, driving her blade into the creature''s back.Stolen novel; please report.


    "Princess, focus!" Agin shouted, cutting down another rabbit that lunged for her exposed side.


    "I''m trying!" she snapped, dodging another attack.


    The battle was chaos, their exhaustion amplifying every mistake. The rabbits were relentless, their glowing eyes a constant, unnerving reminder that there were still too many left. One leaped at Lea''s face, its claws outstretched, but she ducked at the last second, slashing upward and splitting it in two.


    Agin swung his blade in a wide arc, forcing a small group to scatter. His breath came in ragged gasps as he realized just how outnumbered they were.


    "We can''t keep this up," he muttered, parrying another attack.


    "We don''t have a choice!" Lea replied, driving her sword into the ground to block a rabbit that burrowed up from below.


    With one final coordinated effort, the two fought back-to-back, their strikes growing increasingly desperate. When the last rabbit fell, its body twitching in its death throes, Agin and Lea collapsed to their knees, drenched in sweat and blood.


    But the relief was short-lived. The ground trembled, and the sound of heavy footsteps filled the chamber.


    "What is it now," Lea whispered, her voice trembling as she looked up.


    From the shadows, three massive forms emerged, their armored exoskeletons glinting ominously in the faint light.


    "Leviacrabs," Agin muttered, his grip tightening on his sword.


    The creatures towered over them, each with jagged pincers capable of crushing stone. Their glowing, multifaceted eyes locked onto the group, hunger emanating from their every movement. The largest one clicked its pincers together, the sound reverberating through the cavern like a death knell.


    "This just keeps getting worse," Lea whispered, positioning herself beside Agin.


    "Stay sharp. These things aren''t just tough¡ªthey''re smart," Agin said, his voice firm despite the exhaustion in his eyes.


    One of the Leviacrabs let out a shrill, piercing screech before lunging forward.


    Agin raised his sword. "Here they come!"


    Meanwhile, Eldren and Adrian had managed to slow their descent, using their weapons to pierce the walls and control their fall. The two landed awkwardly but safely, disoriented but alive.


    "What just happened?" Adrian asked, his voice tinged with confusion.


    "The floor collapsed," Eldren replied grimly, scanning their surroundings. "But something feels¡­ wrong."


    Their suspicions were confirmed as the teacher descended after them, feigning shock at the scene. "You two¡­ You''re alive?"


    Eldren''s eyes narrowed. "Barely."


    The teacher''s expression twisted briefly before he masked it with feigned concern.


    "We need to regroup and find the others. Adrian, help me gather the unconscious students. Eldren, bring Iris here."


    Eldren hesitated, his instincts screaming at him to remain on guard, but he complied. As he carried Iris toward the teacher, the older man suddenly lunged with a dagger.


    Eldren, anticipating the betrayal, blocked the strike with his sword and leaped back.


    "What are you doing?!"


    The teacher''s grin turned feral. "Finishing the job."


    Activating a stealth skill, the teacher vanished from sight. In a flash, he reappeared behind Adrian, driving the dagger into his abdomen.


    "Adrian!" Eldren shouted, his voice breaking as his friend collapsed.


    Before Eldren could act, the teacher struck again, his blade finding its mark. Eldren fell to the ground, his vision fading as he saw the teacher raise a glowing artifact.


    "The children have been dealt with, Master," the teacher murmured as the artifact began to drain energy from the unconscious students. Eldren''s thoughts turned to regret as the world went dark.


    Back to the chamber, where Agin and Lea, battered and bloodied, pressed their backs against the cold chamber wall. Seven Leviacrabs surrounded them, their sharp pincers snapping rhythmically, echoing like the ticking of a death clock. The monsters'' hard, chitinous shells glistened under the dim light, and their glowing red eyes bore into the pair like predators savoring a final moment before the kill.


    "We can''t... take another hit," Lea panted, her sword trembling in her grip. Blood dripped from a gash on her forehead, stinging her eyes, but she refused to falter.


    Agin clenched his jaw, gripping his spear tightly. His breaths came in ragged gasps, and his legs felt like they could collapse any moment. Still, his protective instincts flared, pushing him to stand firm. "No running, Princess. If this is it, we go down fighting."


    Lea managed a faint smile. "I wouldn''t have it any other way."


    The Leviacrabs edged closer, pincers raised high. Agin raised his spear, muttering a silent prayer. Just as the monsters lunged forward, an explosion of golden light erupted behind them, flooding the chamber.


    "Stop!"


    The monsters hesitated, momentarily blinded by the brilliance. Agin and Lea shielded their eyes, squinting toward the source.


    Emerging from the glow was Liana, standing shakily on her feet. Her golden aura flickered like a flame in the wind, but her resolve shone as bright as the sun.


    "Liana?" Agin gasped, disbelief and hope flooding his voice.


    The girl stumbled forward, her staff glowing with raw magic. Though her face was pale and her body trembled with exhaustion, her eyes burned with fierce determination.


    "Sorry, took me a while," she said, her voice trembling but filled with unyielding resolve. She slammed her staff into the ground, and the golden aura surged outward like a protective wave.


    The healing light washed over Agin and Lea, sealing their wounds and revitalizing their battered bodies. Both gasped as strength returned to their limbs, and the crushing weight of exhaustion lifted slightly.


    "You''re crazy," Agin muttered, his voice catching.


    Liana smirked, though it was faint. "I''m crazy enough to save your lives."


    The Leviacrabs hissed, recovering from their shock, and turned their glowing eyes toward the small girl. Agin stepped in front of her protectively.


    "Stay back!" he growled, raising his spear.


    But Liana raised her staff again, the light around her intensifying. "No. I''m not done yet."


    With a sharp cry, she unleashed a pulse of magic. The Leviacrabs screeched as the light momentarily stunned them, giving Agin and Lea just enough time to charge forward.


    "Let''s end this!" Lea shouted, her voice renewed with fire.


    The trio fought together in perfect synchronicity¡ªLea''s sword danced with lethal precision, Agin''s spear struck with deadly force, and Liana''s magic supported them, providing barriers and bursts of light that threw the Leviacrabs off balance.


    Though the fight was grueling and the Leviacrabs'' attacks relentless, the team pressed on, their unity the deciding factor. Finally, the last Leviacrab let out a guttural hiss before collapsing, its shell cracking under Lea''s final blow.


    As silence fell over the chamber, the three stood amidst the carnage, panting heavily. Agin turned to Liana, his face filled with relief and gratitude.


    "You saved us," he said, his voice soft but sincere.


    Liana gave a weak laugh, her legs buckling. "Don''t... make me do that again."


    Lea caught her before she could hit the ground, cradling her carefully. "You were incredible."


    Before they could celebrate further, the chamber trembled once again. The ominous rumble sent chills through their spines, and they turned toward the darkness, where more monsters... came.


    They were surrounded, monsters coming at them from all sides, exhaustion pressing down on them like a crushing weight. The monsters snarled and roared, closing in from all sides. Agin raised his weapon shakily, his breathing uneven.


    "This¡­ this might be it," he muttered, his voice grim.


    Just as their fate seemed sealed, a faint, rhythmic echo filled the chamber. Footsteps. Slow, deliberate, growing louder with each step.


    From the shadows, a figure appeared¡ªa woman. Her blade shimmering with an almost ethereal glow.


    Without uttering a single word, she advanced. Her strikes were precise and unrelenting, each swing cutting through the monsters with precise efficiency. Every slice hits with precision. The group could only watch as the seemingly endless horde fell, one by one, until the floor was littered with lifeless bodies.


    When the final monster collapsed, silence fell over the chamber, save for the soft hiss of blood dripping from her blade. She lowered her sword and turned toward them, her piercing green eyes calm yet commanding.


    The figure stepped forward, revealing herself in the dim light. Her white armor glowed faintly, and her light-blue sword shimmered with ethereal energy.


    "Who are you?" Agin asked, his voice hoarse.


    The woman replied.


    "Winter Icelyn. Level 13 adventurer."

 Vol 3 Chapter 6: An Unknown Being

    ###Chapter 25: An Unknown Being


    From the field of fallen monsters, a figure emerged, stepping gracefully through the chaos as though untouched by the battle around her. The faint glow of her light blue sword illuminated the path, reflecting off her pristine white armor. Her black hair framed a calm, cold expression, and her piercing green eyes surveyed the scene with quiet precision. There was no sign of fatigue, no hesitation¡ªonly an aura of undeniable strength and control.


    Agin, still holding his wounded side, took a step forward, his voice trembling with equal parts relief and awe. "Who... who are you?"


    The woman stopped, her gaze briefly resting on him before shifting to the unconscious Arie.


    "I''m Winter Icelyn," she said, her voice calm yet commanding. "Level 13 adventurer."


    Agin''s eyes widened.


    "Winter Icelyn?" His voice shook as realization dawned on him.


    "The Winter Icelyn? The 7th Celestial Hero?"


    "Correct," she replied, as if the title held no significance to her.


    Without hesitation, Agin dropped to one knee, his head bowed in deep respect. Even Princess Lea, though a royal, knelt as protocol dictated for one of Winter''s stature.


    Winter frowned slightly, waving a dismissive hand. "No kneeling. I don''t care for such things."


    Agin rose cautiously, still stunned.


    "Your grace, may I ask... what brings you here?"


    Winter''s eyes swept over the group again, stopping on Arie. "That''s my question. What are the three of you doing here?" She paused, raising an eyebrow. "Actually, make that four," she corrected herself. "What''s he doing unconscious in the deep floors?"


    "Deep floors?" Princess Lea echoed, her face pale. "So... we fell that far?"


    "You fell?" Winter''s tone was incredulous.


    Agin nodded, rubbing the back of his head.


    "Yes. We were surrounded by a horde of monsters. If not for you, we''d be¡ª"


    "Spare me the thanks," Winter interrupted coolly.


    "I was returning from my own journey through this dungeon. Consider your rescue, incidental."


    Agin exchanged a look with Lea, then cautiously asked,


    "If it''s not too much trouble, could you escort us back to the surface?"


    Winter gave a small, almost imperceptible shrug. "Sure."


    Just as the group began to relax, a slow, mocking clap echoed from the shadows.


    "Going somewhere?"


    The voice sent a chill down their spines. The group turned to see the teacher emerging from the darkness, his sinister smile stretching across his face.


    "Who might you be?" Winter demanded, her grip on her sword tightening. Her tone remained calm, but there was a clear edge to it.


    "Or rather... who might all of you be?"


    The teacher chuckled, motioning to four other figures who stepped forward, their stances and auras radiating deadly skill. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "Impressive that you noticed us," he said. "We are the Cult of Crimson¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Winter vanished. In an instant, she was behind one of the men, her sword slicing through the air with precision. Her movements were calculated, almost surgical, as she aimed for a critical blow. But to her surprise, the man reacted in time, parrying her strike with a burst of defensive magic.


    Agin and Lea watched in stunned silence. Winter''s teleportation technique¡ªit was just like Arie''s, yet refined and seamless.


    The teacher smirked.


    "A rare technique. Interesting." He gestured to his men. "Keep her occupied. I''ll deal with the rest."


    The four men charged Winter, engaging her in a fierce 4v1 battle. Despite being outnumbered, her precision and unshakable focus kept her at the center of the fight, her movements so calculated that every strike seemed inevitable. Blades clashed, and sparks flew as she fended off attacks from every angle.


    Meanwhile, the teacher approached Agin and the others with a sinister grin. Agin stepped forward, trying to shield the others.


    "You''ll have to go through me first."


    The teacher''s smile widened. "Gladly."


    In a blur of motion, the teacher delivered a powerful punch to Agin''s stomach, sending him crashing into the wall. Agin groaned before slipping into unconsciousness.


    Princess Lea stepped forward, her sword raised, while Liana prepared a spell from behind. The two girls fought valiantly, but their earlier battles had drained them. The teacher''s relentless attacks overwhelmed them. A sharp slash caught Lea''s leg, and she collapsed to the ground with a cry of pain.


    The teacher advanced, his blade aimed at her. Liana leaped in front of Lea, casting a protective shield spell just in time. But the strain of the spell drained her remaining mana, leaving her vulnerable.


    With a dark grin, the teacher struck Liana down. She crumpled to the ground, unconscious.


    "No!" Lea screamed, dragging herself toward Liana''s fallen form. The teacher turned his attention back to her, his blade gleaming as he prepared the final blow.


    Winter, still battling the cultists, glanced toward the scene. She saw the teacher raise his sword. She pushed the cultists away and dashed straight to Lea, but.


    "I won''t make it," she thought bitterly. Her feet moved instinctively, but even she knew she wouldn''t reach them in time.


    Time seemed to slow as Lea, trembling, raised her hands in a feeble attempt to shield herself. "Help," she whispered, her voice breaking.


    The teacher''s blade descended.


    And blood, was spilled, to the air.


    Blood sprayed through the air, a sharp, crimson streak cutting through the tense silence. Icelyn stopped mid-stride, her sharp gaze narrowing on the unexpected sight. The blood wasn''t Princess Lea''s¡ªit was the teacher''s.


    Lea''s weak, trembling gaze shifted upward, her vision clearing just enough to see the source of the attack. Emerging from the shadows, a black, viscous slime coiled and slithered, retracting from the teacher''s pierced hand like a serpent withdrawing after a strike. Lea''s heart leaped, a flicker of recognition sparking hope.


    Lea was overjoyed, as she know that only one person is capable of such technique.


    Ar¡ª


    Her voice caught as her eyes fully focused on the figure standing. Her breath hitched, her expression twisting into one of both shock and confusion.


    It was Arie¡ªor at least it seemed like him. But something was different. His hair, once short, now flowed down past his shoulders, wild and unkempt. His frame seemed to shift subtly, his every motion unnervingly smooth, exuding an aura both commanding and alien. His eyes burned with an otherworldly intensity, framed by the strange, glowing patterns of his Calamity Eye.


    "A-Arie?" Lea stammered, her voice cracking.


    Arie didn''t respond. Instead, he charged at the cultist. He moved with unnerving precision, his sword drawn and gleaming faintly in the low light. Without hesitation, he raised his blade, the Calamity Sword radiating an oppressive aura.


    The teacher staggered back, clutching his injured arm as blood dripped steadily to the floor. His face twisted with both pain and disbelief.


    (How is he still standing? Our plan was flawless¡ªhis mana should have been drained completely! And that hair¡­ his movements¡­ it''s as if¡ª)


    The teacher''s eyes widened. (¡ªit''s as if he''s becoming something else entirely.) Hmph! Surprised you''re still up after defeating Skeletus on your own


    Arie disappeared in a blur, reappearing directly in front of one of the cultists. His blade moved with terrifying precision, carving a clean arc that left the man''s weapon shattered and his arm severed. The cultist dropped, screaming in agony as Arie stepped past him, his movements seamless, almost mechanical.


    Icelyn observed the scene, her usually impassive expression cracking under the weight of her astonishment. (He defeated the Skeletus on his own and is still fighting? Very impressive, but¡ª)


    Arie''s attacks were relentless, cutting through the cultists one by one with chilling efficiency. His form continued to change¡ªsubtle but undeniable. His features softened, his stance shifted, and his very presence seemed to radiate something more than human.


    The air grew heavier with each step he took, his transformation continuing as though it were an unstoppable force. Every strike, every movement was exact, every action precise. To the onlookers, he seemed like a phantom¡ªa blade wielded by fate itself.


    Blood pooled beneath the cultists, their bodies strewn across the chamber floor. Arie stood at the center, his sword hanging loosely by his side, its blade dripping with blood. His breath eerily calm despite the massacre around him.


    The teacher stumbled backward, gripping his wounded arm, panic flickering in his eyes.


    "T-this isn''t right¡­ he shouldn''t be awake¡ª"


    The teacher, trembling with fear as he held a communication crystal, barely choked out the words.


    "M-master¡­ we n-need backup. Arie woke¡ª"


    His sentence never finished. Arie moved in a blink, the cultist''s body splitting apart at the waist, severed cleanly by another precise slash.


    Princess Lea took a hesitant step forward, reaching out instinctively. "Arie¡ª"


    But Icelyn''s arm shot out, stopping her.


    "Don''t go near him."


    Her voice was cold, but firm. Her eyes never left Arie.


    "Look closely¡­ he hasn''t responded once. Something''s wrong."


    Lea''s heart pounded. "But¡­ it''s Arie¡ª"


    "That''s not the Arie you know right now." Icelyn''s grip tightened.


    "Stay on your guard."


    Arie''s body tensed as an overwhelming surge of energy erupted from within him, causing the air to distort and ripple outward. A sudden wave of heat rolled over the battlefield, followed by a deafening pulse that sent loose rocks and debris flying. His body arched back, veins glowing crimson beneath his skin.


    Then it happened.


    A radiant surge of energy exploded outward, creating a storm of red and black lightning that spiraled around him like a vortex. His hair stretched and grew more, cascading into flowing locks of midnight black, shimmering faintly with an ethereal glow. His frame shifted, more slender yet refined, exuding both grace and deadly precision.


    The remnants of his battle-worn outfit disintegrated into glowing shards, replaced by sleek armor that materialized piece by piece. The dark metal gleamed in the pulsating light, adorned with crimson streaks and intricate designs that seemed to writhe with life. A long, red sash whipped violently in the storm of energy, giving him¡ªor rather, her¡ªa regal yet intimidating presence.


    The final wave of energy burst out with a thunderous roar, forcing everyone to shield their faces from the blinding light.


    As the dust and energy cleared, she stood tall, an aura of unrelenting dominance radiating from her.


    Her crimson eyes opened, glowing with an otherworldly intensity. She slowly closed her eyes again and said with her lips parted, her voice chilling yet smooth.


    "What a naive brat you are"

 Vol 3 Chapter 7: The Goddess Within

    ###Chapter 26: The Goddess Within


    Winter raised her blade, the faint shimmer of frost trailing from its edge as she pointed it toward the transformed figure before her. Her voice was steady, calm, but carried a clear challenge.


    "So, who are you?"


    The woman turned her gaze toward Winter, her crimson eyes narrowing with an unsettling mix of disdain and amusement. Her lips curled into a faint smirk, and a surge of crimson energy began to swirl around her form, crackling like fire and lightning combined. The sheer force of her aura made the ground beneath them tremble slightly.


    "Watch your mouth, insolent child," she said, her voice commanding and cold, with a venomous undertone that left no room for argument. The surge of energy around her intensified, forming into a pulsing crimson sphere before it faded away.


    Winter''s grip on her sword tightened, her instincts screaming at her to stay on guard, but she didn''t make a move. The tension in the air grew suffocating until the ground beneath their feet shook violently, as if something immense and terrifying was approaching.


    The woman smirked, unfazed by the tremors. With a graceful motion, she drew the Calamity Sword from her side, the massive blade humming with dark energy. She turned slightly, her voice carrying a chilling excitement.


    "Well, well¡­ a fight right after my summon. How lovely."


    As she spoke, an army of Minotaurus emerged from the darkness, their enormous frames making the ground tremble with each step. These weren''t ordinary Minotaurs¡ªthey were faster, stronger, and more intelligent, their glowing red eyes and colossal blades making their deadly intent clear.


    Winter and Princess Lea prepared themselves for the onslaught, but before they could move, the transformed Arie surged forward, a crimson streak of energy tearing through the air.


    What followed was a brutal display of precision and raw power.


    With every swing of her blade, the air seemed to crack and bend, the Calamity Sword slicing through the Minotaurus like they were paper. Each movement was calculated, each attack deadly efficient. She danced between the hulking creatures, evading their massive swords by a hair''s breadth, her blade finding its mark every time.


    A Minotaurus swung its massive blade toward her, but she parried with ease, the clash of steel creating a shockwave that sent debris flying. Before the beast could recover, she twisted the blade and drove it upward, splitting the creature in half. Another charged her from behind, but without even turning, she extended her hand, sending a wave of crimson energy that obliterated it on the spot.


    Winter and Lea could only watch in awe and horror as the battlefield became a graveyard of fallen monsters. The once unstoppable creatures were reduced to nothing more than lifeless husks, scattered across the blood-soaked ground.


    As the last Minotaurus fell, the woman lowered her sword, a dark smirk playing on her lips. "Pathetic," she muttered, her tone dripping with disdain.


    Before anyone could react, the ground shook again¡ªthis time, more violently than before. The tremors felt unnatural, like the dungeon itself was alive and trying to purge them.


    A massive magic circle lit up beneath their feet, intricate symbols glowing with blinding light.


    "What now?" Winter muttered, her eyes narrowing as the glow intensified.


    In a flash, the group was transported to a massive, dimly lit chamber. As their vision adjusted, torches lining the walls flickered to life, casting an eerie glow across the room. At its center was a throne, upon which sat a skeletal figure draped in decayed robes.


    But the true terror lay beside the throne.


    Two knights, clad in ancient, rusted armor, stood guard. Their enormous swords rested on the ground, their very presence radiating menace. Slowly, their helmets tilted upward, and their hollow eyes began to glow with a bright yellow light.


    Lea, snapping out of her shock, quickly scanned the room and spotted Agin and Liana crumpled in a corner. She rushed to their side, kneeling to check on them. Meanwhile, Winter stayed rooted in place, her calm facade masking her racing thoughts.Stolen story; please report.


    "A trap? No¡­ it''s like the dungeon itself is trying to eliminate us," she thought, her gaze shifting to the transformed Arie. Her expression darkened slightly. "I knew there was something different about him, but¡­ not like this. I''ve never heard of someone transforming like that¡­ into her."


    The golden glow in the knights'' eyes blazed like miniature suns, illuminating the chamber as they stepped forward. The ground trembled under their weight, each step a deliberate challenge. The Girl who had emerged from Arie tilted her head, her crimson aura flaring in response. Her expression held no fear¡ªonly a smirk of delight, as though she relished the confrontation.


    "Finally," she said, her voice laced with amusement, "something worth my time."


    The first knight roared and swung its massive sword with such force that the air screamed in protest. She dodged at the last moment, the blade narrowly missing her as it carved a deep trench into the stone floor.


    "Impressive strength," she said, landing lightly on her feet.


    "But strength alone is dull."


    With a flick of her wrist, her Calamity Sword rose, its crimson energy pulsating with unrestrained power. She charged, her movements precise and fluid, closing the distance in an instant. Her first strike was aimed at the knight''s knee, the blade cutting deep into its armor. Sparks flew as she pivoted and slashed upward, forcing the knight to stumble backward.


    The second knight didn''t wait. It raised its shield and lunged, its golden aura flaring to life as it attempted to crush her against the wall. She laughed, sidestepping with ease. The knight''s shield smashed into the stone, cracking the wall.


    "Too slow," she teased, spinning gracefully as she brought her sword down on the shield. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the room, forcing even Winter and Lea to brace themselves.


    But the shield held. The second knight countered with a backhand swing of its sword, forcing her to duck. She slid between its legs, slashing at its ankle as she passed. The knight roared in frustration but quickly recovered, turning to face her once more.


    "You two are more entertaining than I expected," she said, twirling her sword. Her crimson aura flared brighter, licking at the edges of her armor like flames. "Let''s see how long you can keep up."


    The first knight, now recovered, unleashed a golden energy blast from its chest. She didn''t block it this time. Instead, she leaped high into the air, the blast scorching the ground where she had stood. Twisting mid-air, she hurled a wave of crimson energy from her sword. It collided with the golden blast, the clash of energies shaking the entire chamber.


    As the smoke cleared, the two knights charged her simultaneously. The first swung its sword in a wide arc while the second thrust its blade forward. She parried the thrust, deflecting it with her sword, then spun to avoid the other''s attack. Her movements were elegant and deadly, a dance of war honed by countless battles.


    She retaliated with a flurry of strikes, each one precise and devastating. Her sword carved into the first knight''s shoulder, then swept down to slice its leg. The knight staggered, but its companion was relentless. The second knight swung its blade, forcing her to leap backward.


    "Oh, you''re persistent," she said, her smirk widening.


    "Good. Let''s make this interesting."


    Her aura surged, a crimson wave exploding outward and forcing the knights to halt their advance. She held her sword high, and the energy gathered at its tip before erupting in a blinding arc. The blast struck the first knight, shattering its armor and sending it crashing to the ground.


    But the second knight was faster than she anticipated. It lunged at her, its blade glowing with golden energy. She raised her sword just in time, the clash sending sparks flying. For a moment, they were locked in a test of strength.


    "You''re stronger than you look," she admitted, her grin never faltering. "But I''m stronger."


    With a burst of energy, she pushed the knight back and followed up with a powerful slash. The strike tore through its shield, splitting it in two. She pressed her advantage, her movements a blur as she unleashed a relentless assault.


    The knight fought back valiantly, its blade clashing with hers in a symphony of steel and sparks. But it was clear she was toying with it, her strikes growing more aggressive and precise with each passing moment.


    As the second knight faltered, the first knight rose, its chest glowing once more. She turned to face it, raising her free hand. Crimson chains erupted from the ground, wrapping around the knight and holding it in place.


    "Stay," she commanded, her voice dripping with authority.


    The second knight took the opportunity to strike, but she was ready. She spun around, her sword cutting through the air with deadly precision. The blade sliced through the knight''s arm, severing it at the shoulder. Golden energy spilled from the wound like liquid light, and the knight stumbled.


    With one final swing, she drove her sword through the knight''s core. The crimson energy surged, consuming the knight from within until it crumbled into nothingness.


    She turned to the first knight, still bound by her chains.


    "Your turn," she said, her grin widening.


    The knight roared in defiance, breaking free of the chains with a burst of golden energy. It charged her, its sword glowing brighter than ever.


    "Finally," she said, raising her blade. "A real challenge."


    The two clashed in a final, explosive exchange, their energies colliding with such force that the entire chamber trembled. The ground cracked beneath them, and the walls groaned under the pressure.


    Her crimson aura flickered, and she stumbled slightly, her vision blurring.


    "So¡­ it''s time huh," she murmured, a faint smirk playing on her lips.


    "Hmph. I''ve had my fun."


    As the last remnants of the knight disintegrated into golden dust, the chamber fell silent, save for the faint crackling of dissipating energy. She stood amidst the destruction, her crimson aura flickering like a dying flame. Her hand trembled slightly as the air around her grew heavy, and the ground beneath her feet cracked under the sheer pressure of her power.


    "Wait¡ªwhat''s happening?" Lea exclaimed, shielding her eyes from the blinding glow.


    Winter instinctively raised her sword, her gaze narrowing.


    "Get back!" she warned, her tone sharp. "Something''s¡­ off!"


    A sudden, violent shockwave erupted from her body, sending debris flying across the chamber. The force knocked Winter and Lea off their feet, and the torches lining the walls flickered wildly as if struggling to stay lit. The crimson energy spiraled upward, twisting into the shape of a massive, ethereal vortex.


    In the eye of the storm, her form began to waver. Her black hair, once flowing like midnight rivers, shortened and returned to Arie''s familiar locks. Her armor cracked and faded, replaced by his simple, tattered clothes. The Calamity Sword disintegrated in her hand, its energy scattering into the air like embers.


    The glow dimmed, the vortex dissipated, and Arie collapsed to his knees. For a moment, he remained there, unmoving, as the residual energy crackled around him. Then, his body gave out completely, falling forward.


    "Arie!" Lea cried, rushing forward as the last of the crimson light faded. She caught him just before he hit the ground, cradling his unconscious body in her arms. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she hugged him tightly. "You''re safe now¡­ you''re safe."


    Winter approached cautiously, her sword still in hand. She glanced at Arie, her expression unreadable. "Hmmm... Could he be..." she muttered to herself. Her grip on the sword tightened. "No, it couldn''t be, after all... It has only been 100 years"


    The ground beneath them trembled faintly, the dungeon seeming to react to the overwhelming energy that had just been unleashed. But for now, the SHE was gone, leaving behind only Arie and the echoes of her devastating battle.

 Vol 3 Chapter 8: Freya

    ###Chapter 27: Freya


    The dungeon was quiet again, the air thick with the remnants of battle. Dust and debris from the collapsed ceiling lingered in the air, settling slowly over the broken stone. The once-fiery glow of the knights'' eyes had dimmed to nothing, their shattered armor strewn across the floor like discarded relics of an ancient time.


    Lea knelt beside Agin and Liana, who lay unconscious near the corner of the chamber. Her hands trembled as she lightly shook Agin''s shoulder. "Agin, wake up," she urged, her voice breaking slightly. "Please."


    Agin stirred first, groaning as his eyes fluttered open. He winced, touching his head. "Ugh¡­ what happened?" he muttered, his voice hoarse.


    "You''re alive, that''s what matters," Lea said, relief flooding her tone.


    "Barely," Agin grumbled, sitting up slowly. His eyes scanned the room, widening when he saw the aftermath of the fight. "What in the¡ªwhat happened here? Did we win?"


    "We didn''t," Lea replied, glancing at the unconscious Arie. "She did."


    "She?" Agin frowned in confusion, but before he could ask, Liana stirred beside him.


    Her eyes fluttered open, and she groaned. "Did anyone get the name of the monster that ran me over?"


    "Welcome back," Lea said dryly, helping her sit up.


    Liana rubbed her temples, her eyes narrowing at the sight of the wreckage around them. "Wait¡­ those knights. Did we¡ªno, we couldn''t have¡­ What happened?"


    Lea hesitated, her gaze shifting to Arie.


    "It wasn''t us," she said quietly. "It was Arie. Or¡­ someone else inside him."


    Agin and Liana exchanged baffled glances.


    "I''ll explain later," Lea added quickly. "For now, we need to get out of here before something else happens."


    Agin pushed himself to his feet, glancing at Arie.


    "He''s out cold. I''ll carry him." Without waiting for a response, he crouched down and hoisted Arie onto his back with surprising ease.


    "Let''s move."


    "Uhh, Ms. Icelyn, are you coming?" Agin said.


    Her eyes still on the battlefield, her face and body is facing on the place where the legendary fight unfolded. Her eyes slowly closed, and finally turning her gaze to Agin, and said


    "Yes... I will... "


    The group made their way through the endless corridors and spiraling stairs of the dungeon, while walking through these, they started talking about the events that had happened with the faint glow of Icelyn''s magic illuminating their path.


    "Let''s go over this again," Agin said, his voice breaking the silence. He adjusted Arie''s unconscious form on his back.


    "What exactly happened back there?"


    Lea glanced at him, her brows furrowed.


    "You mean after you and Liana passed out? The¡­ whoever that was¡ªcompletely obliterated those knights. It was like nothing I''ve ever seen."


    Icelyn walked beside them, her eyes scanning their surroundings.


    "That wasn''t just any ordinary transformation," she added quietly. "It''s tied to something far beyond what we understand."


    "So, Arie turned into a girl and became¡­ that?" Agin asked skeptically.


    Lea nodded. "Yeah. She was powerful¡ªterrifyingly so. But it wasn''t Arie. She didn''t respond to us, didn''t seem to even know who we were."


    Liana chimed in, her voice trembling. "And now he''s just¡­ asleep. Are we sure he''s okay?"


    Icelyn''s gaze remained fixed ahead. "Whatever that transformation was, it drained him. For now, focus on getting to the surface. We''ll figure out the rest later."This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    A heavy silence fell over the group again as they climbed the steps, each lost in their own thoughts. The echoes of their footsteps seemed to stretch endlessly, accompanied only by the faint hum of residual magic lingering in the dungeon walls.


    As they continued their journey, the world around them faded into the background, and Arie''s mind became the new battleground. Deep within his unconscious state, a dream began to take form¡ªclearer and more vivid than ever before. And this time, the figure that had been guiding him through the shadows of his past appeared, not as a mere silhouette, but as a goddess in all her radiant glory. A stunning woman with flowing blonde hair stood before him, her presence overwhelming yet calming.


    Arie knew immediately that this was the one who had been watching over him, the mysterious figure whose voice had whispered in his mind, steering him through every step of his growth.


    "How are you, Arie?" the goddess asked, her voice like the calm after a storm.


    Arie blinked, his confusion evident.


    "Wait, who are you?"


    "I am Freya," she said with a soft smile,


    "And I, am a goddess."


    The realization hit Arie like a thunderclap.


    "I know¡­ You''re the one who''s been helping me. Guiding me. Since I was born, you''ve been there."


    Freya nodded. "Yes, that would be me."


    Arie''s brow furrowed. "But¡­ why? Why help me?"


    The goddess''s smile faded, replaced by a more serious look.


    "Well, I want something from you, Arie."


    Suddenly, she closed the distance between them, her cool fingers gently touching his chin. She then turned and began to walk, the air thick with unspoken truths.


    "You''ve probably heard of the Seven Celestial Heroes,"


    Freya continued, her voice filled with ancient sorrow.


    "Yeah," Arie responded, "What about them?"


    "There were originally eight," she said, her tone grave.


    "What?!" Arie''s voice cracked in disbelief.


    "Yes," Freya affirmed, her gaze darkening with the weight of history.


    "His name is Mondryn. But the eighth hero betrayed the others. He sought power. Immortality. The others opposed him, but he keeps insisting, questioning why the strong should protect the weak, why they should follow orders from those they deemed lesser. So, Mondryn was cast out, and the group of eight became the seven. But that was only the beginning. The eighth hero, knowing they would stand against him, used the power of his goddess to annihilate the others."


    Arie''s stomach churned as he processed her words. "And the goddess?"


    "She abandoned him," Freya said coldly.


    "She stripped him of his blessings and locked him away in a prison that was created a hundred years ago."


    Arie was silent, his mind reeling.


    "But the goddess," Freya continued, "She gave birth to two children, each inheriting her powers. And in time, she created a key to the prison¡ªsomething only her children could wield."


    The story grew darker.


    "The second child, curious about the key, asked her mother about it. The mother, weary and burdened, went to sleep. But in the dead of night, the second child ventured to the prison. There, she was manipulated by Modryn, the fallen hero, who took control of her mind. He forced her to release him and made her his goddess, killing her parents in the process."


    Arie''s breath caught. "What happened then?"


    "The first child," Freya explained, "Inherited the power to seal. But Modryn, in his greed, took her sister hostage. He threatened her life unless the first child gave him her blessings. But the first child struck with blinding speed, catching Modryn off guard. She sealed him away with the Crimson Chain, locking him back in the prison."


    Arie''s voice was a whisper. "And what about the second child?"


    "Her punishment was harsh," Freya said, her expression hardening.


    "For defying her mother, for her role in the catastrophe, she was stripped of her divine power. Only her vast mana remained¡ªthe remnants of her former goddess self. The first child, left alone in the aftermath, decided to follow in her mother''s footsteps. She became a war goddess, alone but resolute."


    Arie''s heart sank as he took in the tragic tale. "That''s¡­ a long and painful story."


    Freya''s gaze softened slightly.


    "Indeed. But since Modryn was sealed by a child, the seal is weak. It only takes a massive amount of mana to create a key to unlock it. So you Arie... You have to stop them, to prevent Modryn from ever escaping."


    Arie shook his head in confusion. "Why me?"


    Freya''s eyes gleamed with a quiet intensity. "Because you were chosen by the Book of Prophecy."


    "The Book of Prophecy?" Arie repeated, feeling a chill run down his spine.


    Freya nodded. "Yes. It speaks of you."


    Suddenly, a blank page appeared in the air, and words began to form, glowing with an otherworldly light. Arie''s eyes widened as he read the line that appeared. In shadows deep, Arie shall rise,


    To challenge fate, with steady eyes.


    Through trials harsh and darkness near,


    He''ll seal the threat and conquer fear¡ªbut before he could fully grasp the meaning, the text changed, shifting to reveal a different name: Lea.


    Freya gasped, her expression one of shock. "This can''t be¡­"


    Arie''s voice was firm.


    "Wait a second. If it''s not me, then why should I care? If I''m not the one, I''m out of here."


    But Freya blocked his path, a sly smile creeping onto her face.


    "Oh, you can''t just leave. You know too much now. You will have to guide her, Lea, onto the right path. Since you accidentally uncovered the truth, it''s your responsibility now."


    "Why would I do that?" Arie retorted.


    Freya''s eyes narrowed, her tone taking on a darker edge.


    "Unless you want your precious princess to face this alone, to die knowing you could have helped but chose not to¡­ Or you could be the knight you promised to be. A knight, even if only in title. So, what will it be?"


    Arie groaned in frustration, the weight of the choice settling on his shoulders.


    "Ugh, you''re blackmailing me now, aren''t you? Fine, fine. I''ll do it. Can we just get this over with? I''m tired and sleepy... "


    He collapsed into a deep sleep, and the next moment, Arie slowly came to, he felt the sway of movement beneath him. His body was heavy, and his head spun as the world slowly came back into focus. He realized with a start that he was being carried¡ªhis body draped over Agin''s back.


    "Ah, good to see you''re finally awake,"


    Agin''s voice came from above, sounding both relieved and light-hearted.


    Arie groaned, blinking his eyes open, squinting against the light. He could hear the sound of footsteps all around him, the steady rhythm of the group moving together. As his senses sharpened, he realized that Agin was carrying him, and Lea and Liana were walking a little ahead, talking quietly among themselves.


    "Arie! You''re awake!" Liana''s voice came from ahead, filled with warmth and joy.


    Lea, walking next to Liana, turned with a bright smile.


    "Thank goodness," she said, her voice relieved. "We were worried about you."


    Arie''s throat was dry, and his words came out hoarse. "What happened?" he managed to ask, trying to piece together the events that led him to this point.


    Agin adjusted his hold on him, walking at a steady pace. "We fought. You passed out after the battle. Don''t worry, you''re safe now," he said calmly.


    Liana glanced back at him, a concerned look on her face. "You gave us quite a scare. But you''ll be fine, Arie."


    Arie nodded weakly, still feeling the lingering effects of whatever had happened.


    "I''m glad you''re all okay," he muttered, his voice still thick with fatigue.


    "So, uh, what happened?" Arie asked, still trying to make sense of everything around him.


    Lea glanced back at him, her expression suddenly cold and serious.


    "You really don''t remember?" she asked, her tone sharper than usual.


    Arie furrowed his brows in confusion.


    "I don''t¡­ Did something happen?"


    Before Lea could respond, a new voice cut in, smooth and calm.


    "So tell me, who are you?"


    Arie blinked, looking toward the voice.


    "What? Who are you?" he asked, his confusion growing.


    Lea sighed, turning to face him fully.


    "Well, this is probably the best time to tell you, what actually happened" she said, her voice resigned.


    The moment hung in the air, and the group fell silent as the tension built.


    Meanwhile, far away in Eldren, a man who had been thought dead stirred in his own dream. The artifact had failed to work on him, but he wasn''t gone. No, he was somewhere else, in a place between worlds, when a figure appeared before him¡ªa woman, enigmatic and powerful. Her voice was like the wind, soft yet commanding.


    "Hello, children," she said, her eyes glinting with ancient knowledge.


    The stage was set. The threads of fate were moving, and the story was only just beginning.

 Vol 3 Chapter 9: Hela

    ###Chapter 28:


    Meanwhile, far away in Eldren, a man who had been thought dead stirred in his own dream. The artifact meant to take his soul had failed, but he wasn''t gone. No, he lingered somewhere else¡ªan otherworldly realm between consciousness and oblivion.


    The world around him was surreal and ethereal, an endless expanse of shifting hues and fleeting whispers. He floated weightlessly, yet he could feel a strange gravity pulling at him. In the midst of this swirling void, a figure appeared, radiant and enigmatic.


    The woman seemed to step out of the very fabric of the dream, her form both solid and fluid. Her long silver hair cascaded down her back, glowing faintly as though lit from within. Her eyes, deep pools of violet, shimmered with wisdom and power.


    "Hello, children," she said, her voice resonating through the space, soft yet commanding.


    Eldren''s body tensed at her words. Confused and wary, he looked around the expanse of his mind.


    "Who are you?" he asked, his voice hoarse. "Am I¡­ in heaven?"


    A faint, knowing smile tugged at the corners of her lips.


    "No, Eldren," she replied. "You''re not in heaven."


    "Then where am I?" he pressed, his voice growing sharper as his nerves overtook him.


    "You are in your inner world," she explained, her tone patient.


    "My inner world? You mean¡­ my mind?"


    "Yes," she confirmed, inclining her head slightly.


    Eldren furrowed his brows, skepticism and curiosity warring within him. "And why am I here?"


    The woman''s serene expression shifted ever so slightly, her violet eyes narrowing as her tone grew more serious.


    "Because I saved you from death. And for that, you will have to do this mission I now give you."


    "Mission?" Eldren echoed, his confusion deepening. "What kind of mission?"


    "There is a man," she began, her gaze steady. "His name is Mondryn. He seeks immortality, and in doing so, he will leave countless lives destroyed in his wake. You, Eldren, have been chosen to stop him."If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    "Chosen?" Eldren''s lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Wait, wait, wait. Are you saying I''m supposed to be some kind of hero?"


    The woman tilted her head, her luminous eyes studying him with quiet intensity. "Yes, Eldren. You are to be a Celestial Hero."


    Eldren blinked, his disbelief evident. Then, as her words sank in, his expression twisted into incredulity. "No way! That''s impossible. There''s no way this is true."


    Her eyes flared with purple flames, her presence suddenly overwhelming. The sheer force of her power made the void tremble, and Eldren staggered back, raising his hands in a placating gesture.


    "Are you questioning the words of a goddess?" she asked, her voice thunderous, reverberating through the expanse.


    "Whoa, whoa!" Eldren stammered, his voice shaking. "No! Please, forgive me! I didn''t mean to offend you!"


    The flames subsided as quickly as they had appeared, and her expression softened once more. "Good," she said simply. "Now, let''s get back to the purpose of your presence here."


    Eldren swallowed hard, nodding silently.


    "You are not alone in this mission," she continued. "There are others¡ªCelestial Heroes like yourself¡ªwho will aid you. Or, at least, some of them will."


    "Some?" Eldren asked, frowning. "Why not all of them?"


    The woman''s gaze turned pensive, a hint of sadness flickering in her eyes. "As you know, there are seven Celestial Heroes," she said. "Each is blessed by one of the seven goddesses. However, the current state of the heroes is¡­ complicated."


    Eldren crossed his arms, his curiosity piqued despite himself. "Explain."


    She began to pace, her movements fluid and deliberate. "The first goddess, Hera, has not deemed anyone worthy of her blessing since her last hero perished. The third and fourth heroes¡ªblessed by Hecate and Athena, respectively¡ªare¡­ missing. I have not seen them in years."


    Eldren frowned. "And the others?"


    "The fifth hero, Beatrix," the goddess said, her tone darkening, "is a War Goddess. Her past was full of suffering and betrayal, and I doubt she even cares to take up the mantle again."


    Eldren tilted his head, intrigued. "So that leaves¡­ three heroes?"


    "Correct," she said with a nod. "If we can convince Beatrix to cooperate, we may gain a significant advantage. But as of now, we are fighting a losing battle."


    Eldren raised an eyebrow. "Wait a second. Which one are you?"


    She turned to face him fully, her violet eyes meeting his. "My name is Hela," she said. "I am the Goddess of Destruction."


    Eldren stared at her, stunned. "Destruction?" he repeated. "That doesn''t sound very¡­ heroic."


    A faint smile played across her lips. "Destruction is not inherently evil," she said. "Sometimes, to create, one must first destroy."


    "Fair enough," Eldren muttered, though he still felt uneasy.


    Hela''s expression turned serious again. "Now, as for Mondryn¡­ He is no ordinary foe. He has no goddess blessing, yet he once wiped out an entire generation of Celestial Heroes. His power is¡­ unparalleled."


    Eldren''s stomach sank. "Wait. Are you saying he did that alone?"


    "Yes," she said, her voice somber. "Mondryn is a force unlike any other. And now, he seeks immortality¡ªa goal that, if achieved, would spell doom for countless lives."


    Eldren clenched his fists, determination flickering in his eyes. "Well," he said, his voice steady, "if I''ve been chosen for this, then I''ll do it. I''ll stop him."


    A flicker of approval passed over Hela''s face. "Good," she said. "But first, we must gather the other heroes. Since I reside within your consciousness, I will recognize them when we meet them."


    Eldren nodded, a newfound resolve settling over him. "Alright," he said. "Let''s do this."


    As he spoke, a wave of exhaustion washed over him, and his vision blurred. His body grew heavy, and he sank into a deep, dreamless sleep.


    ---


    When Eldren awoke, he found himself lying on the cold, hard ground. His surroundings were dim and unfamiliar, the air heavy with the scent of earth and stone. Slowly, he opened his eyes, only to realize that his vision was sharper than ever before. A faint purple glow emanated from his irises, casting an eerie light in the darkness.


    He pushed himself to his feet, his body feeling strangely invigorated. A surge of power coursed through him, unfamiliar yet exhilarating. He looked down at his hands, flexing his fingers as a faint, violet aura shimmered around them.


    "What¡­ is this?" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.


    "You have awakened," Hela''s voice echoed in his mind. "This is the first step toward your destiny."


    Eldren took a deep breath, his resolve solidifying. He had been given a mission¡ªa purpose. And though the path ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, he knew one thing for certain: he would see it through.


    With newfound strength and determination, he began his journey, the weight of fate pressing heavily on his shoulders.

 Vol 3 Chapter 10: The chosen vessel

    ###Chapter 29: The chosen vessel


    Exhausted from their journey, Arie and the group decided to take a break. They stumbled upon a small, decrepit room¡ªits stone walls worn by time and marked with faint glyphs that glowed dimly. The air was cool and still, an eerie contrast to the chaos they had just left behind.


    "We''ll rest here for now," Icelyn declared, her gaze sweeping the room.


    "But one of us needs to stand guard at the entrance."


    "I''ll do it," Agin volunteered, stepping forward.


    "It''s the least I can do."


    No one objected. They all trusted Agin''s vigilance, and his unwavering sense of duty made him the ideal choice. While Agin positioned himself at the entrance, the others settled around a small fire they managed to conjure with magic.


    Conversation drifted lazily among them, though fatigue soon quieted their voices. One by one, they succumbed to sleep, except for Lea, who found herself staring at the fire as her thoughts wandered. Eventually, she, too, closed her eyes.


    Lea awoke¡ªor so she thought¡ªin a vast, endless void. Everything around her was bathed in an unearthly white light, the kind that felt both calming and unsettling. Her footsteps echoed as she moved cautiously, her eyes scanning for something¡ªanything¡ªthat made sense.


    "What is this place?" she muttered to herself.


    She turned, and her breath caught. A towering golden gate stood behind her, ornate and shimmering with a soft, otherworldly glow. Intrigued and unable to resist the pull of curiosity, Lea approached the gate.


    As her hands touched the cool surface, the gate creaked open, revealing an intense light that engulfed her vision. She shielded her eyes with her arm, squinting as she stepped forward.


    When the light faded, Lea found herself standing in an entirely different space. It was a serene landscape, a vast meadow that seemed to stretch endlessly. The grass beneath her feet shimmered faintly, as though kissed by starlight.


    To her surprise, she saw two familiar figures in the distance.


    "Arie? Icelyn?" Lea called out, her voice echoing slightly.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Both turned toward her, their expressions a mix of shock and confusion.


    "Lea? What are you doing here?" Arie asked, stepping closer.


    "I... I don''t know. I walked through a gate, and now I''m here," Lea explained, still trying to make sense of it.


    "I did the same," Arie admitted. "But where are we?"


    "We''re in an inner world," Icelyn answered, her tone calm but serious.


    "But I''m not sure whose it is. It doesn''t feel like any I''ve encountered before."


    Suddenly, a radiant light illuminated the sky above them. The trio instinctively raised their guard, Icelyn gripping her weapon while Arie summoned her magic. The light descended slowly, taking the shape of a figure.


    As the glow subsided, a breathtakingly elegant woman stood before them. Her golden hair cascaded like sunlight, and her presence exuded both power and grace.


    Arie''s eyes widened as he recognized the radiant figure descending before them. Her golden hair shimmered like sunlight, and her very presence felt as though it demanded reverence. He had seen depictions of her in countless books and heard her name whispered in reverence.


    "Goddess Freya," he breathed, lowering his stance instinctively, though his voice carried a hint of incredulity.


    Icelyn narrowed her eyes. "Wait... this is Goddess Freya? The Freya?"


    "That is correct," the woman said with a faint smile. Her voice was calm, yet it echoed with the authority of someone who held immense power.


    "I am Goddess Freya."


    Arie, still baffled, stepped forward. "So, uh... where are we exactly? And why are you here?"


    Freya chuckled softly, a sound both amused and condescending. "Still as brash as ever, I see. Always forgetting to show proper respect."


    "Sorry," Arie muttered, scratching the back of his head.


    "We are in the inner world of my vessel," Freya continued, her gaze shifting to Icelyn as if to invite her to share in the revelation.


    "Your vessel?" Icelyn asked, her expression skeptical.


    "Since when do you have one, may I ask? I don''t recall meeting the hero you''ve chosen."


    Freya raised an elegant eyebrow, her smile widening slightly. "How curious, considering he''s standing right beside you."


    Icelyn froze, her gaze snapping to Arie. "B-beside¡ª? Arie?!"


    Arie raised his hands defensively. "Wait, what? I''m your vessel? That can''t be right., Your book said¡ª"


    Freya nodded, her expression calm yet firm.


    "Yes you are," Freya interrupted,


    "or at least, you were supposed to be my vessel."


    "Supposed to be?" Icelyn repeated, her confusion deepening.


    "What happened?"


    Freya''s expression shifted, growing more serious.


    "Well you see, there is another goddess... dormant within him. Not long ago, this boy forcibly awakened her¡ªthough likely without realizing it. The goddess manifested within his body, though her power remains incomplete."


    Arie''s jaw dropped. "Another goddess? What? How is that even possible?"


    Icelyn crossed her arms, frowning.


    "If she''s incomplete, why can''t you still stay within him? He''s already holding one goddess, so what difference does it make if there are two?"


    Freya''s smile returned, tinged with exasperation.


    "Oh, dear child, the answer is quite obvious. This goddess wields a power far greater than any single deity."


    Icelyn''s eyes narrowed. "Far greater? Wait... don''t tell me. Is it... Hera?"


    Freya scoffed, a sharp and dismissive sound.


    "Hera? That''s ridiculous. Hera would never choose someone like him. Her presence alone would have crushed his body the moment she entered."


    Arie shifted uncomfortably, not sure whether to be relieved or insulted.


    "Thanks, I guess?"


    Icelyn pressed on.


    "If not Hera, then who is it? Who is this goddess you speak of?"


    Freya''s expression grew pensive, a rare crack in her composed demeanor.


    Freya hesitated. "Unfortunately, I do not know. Her power is unfamiliar to me¡ªa force I have never felt before."


    For a moment, silence fell over the group. The meadow around them seemed to hold its breath, the stillness amplifying the weight of Freya''s words.


    Finally, Freya broke the silence, her gaze softening as she looked at Lea.


    "For that reason, I have decided to transfer my essence into a new vessel. And the one I have chosen... is her."


    She extended a hand towards the one, that had been silent all the time. That is... Lea, whose eyes widened in shock.


    "Me?!" Lea exclaimed, pointing at herself.

 Vol 3 Chapter 11: Eldren?

    ###Chapter 30: Eldren?


    The void shimmered in silence as Freya''s words settled over them like an immutable truth.


    "For that matter, I have chosen a new vessel. And the one I have chosen¡­"


    Freya''s gaze drifted to one person, her golden eyes unwavering. She extended a hand and pointed directly at Lea.


    "...is her."


    Arie and Icelyn''s eyes widened in shock, their reactions almost synchronized.


    "Princess Lea?!" Arie exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief.


    Lea''s mouth fell open, her face pale.


    "Me? Why me?" she whispered, almost to herself, unable to process what she''d just heard. Her voice trembled as she looked at Freya, pleading for an explanation.


    Before Freya could answer, the serene white void around them began to tremble. The ground beneath their feet vibrated, sending waves of energy through the air.


    "The time has come,"


    Freya said, her voice calm yet resolute as if the chaos of the void did not faze her. Her golden form began to glow brighter, a radiance so intense that it seemed to pierce through the void itself. As her light engulfed her, she turned toward Arie.


    "Arie," she said, her voice softer now, almost maternal.


    "I have left a blessing with you. It will help suppress the presence of the being inside you. You may not understand this now, but in time, you will."


    Freya''s glow became almost blinding, her ethereal form shifting and gliding toward Lea. The princess staggered back, raising her hands instinctively, but Freya''s movement was steady, inevitable.


    "Wait!" Lea stammered, panic flashing in her eyes. "What are you doing? I¡ªI''m not ready for this!"


    "You were chosen because you are stronger than you know,"


    Freya replied, her voice echoing with divine certainty.


    "Trust in yourself, Princess Lea."


    With that, Freya''s radiant form merged into Lea, enveloping her completely. A brilliant, golden light exploded from her body, illuminating the void. Arie and Icelyn shielded their eyes, their silhouettes swallowed by the blinding glow.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    When the light finally faded, the three of them were back in the dimly lit room where they had fallen asleep.


    Arie groaned softly, rubbing his temples as he sat up.


    "I just had the craziest dream..."


    "That wasn''t a dream," Icelyn said firmly, standing beside him. Her sharp gaze moved toward Lea, who lay quietly on the ground, still deep in sleep. She looked peaceful, her breathing steady, entirely unaware of the gravity of what had just occurred.


    Before anyone could say another word, a deafening explosion echoed through the room, shaking the walls violently. Dust and debris rained from the ceiling as the group sprang to their feet.


    "What was that?!" Arie shouted, his eyes darting toward the source of the noise.


    "Near the entrance!" Icelyn said, already drawing her weapon.


    They rushed toward the entrance, their hearts pounding in sync with the chaotic vibrations of the ground. Agin stood there, his weapon drawn, his face pale but focused.


    "Agin!" Arie called out. "What happened?"


    Agin''s voice was tense, his eyes locked on the destroyed wall ahead of him.


    "I don''t know! Something¡ªor someone¡ªbroke through the wall."


    The group turned toward the wall, where the dust and debris were slowly settling. As the air cleared, a shadowy figure began to emerge from the destruction.


    Arie summoned his weapon and gripped it tightly, his instincts screaming at him to prepare for a fight. Icelyn''s blade was already in her hand, her stance guarded.


    Finally, the figure stepped forward, his face illuminated by the flickering torchlight.


    A voice was heard with the words


    "Woah, I can do that now? That''s so cool." Finally, the figure stepped forward, his face illuminated by the flickering torchlight.


    "Eldren?!"


    The name left their lips in unison, their disbelief evident.


    The tension in the room was evident as Eldren brushed off the last bits of dust from his tunic.


    "Eldren?" they all said in unison, disbelief evident in their voices.


    Eldren gave them a sheepish smile.


    "Oh, hey, guys."


    "What are you doing here?" Arie asked, his voice a mix of surprise and suspicion.


    Eldren scratched the back of his neck, his expression almost too casual for the situation.


    "Well, I wanted to find a way out. The easiest thing I could think of was¡­ well, blasting the wall."


    Arie''s eyes narrowed. "Blasting the wall? Really?"


    Icelyn crossed her arms. "You could''ve brought the whole dungeon down on us."


    "Hey, it worked, didn''t it?" Eldren shot back with a nervous laugh, trying to downplay the situation.


    Arie shook his head.


    "We''ve got a fire over there, and Princess Lea is still asleep. That rumbling woke us up."


    Eldren glanced toward the small room they had been using as a makeshift resting area. His expression softened slightly.


    "Alright, let''s go. No use standing here."


    The group made their way back to the room, the atmosphere tense and heavy. They settled around the small fire, its faint glow casting long shadows on the stone walls. Eldren hesitated for a moment, his carefree demeanor giving way to something far more somber.


    Arie, sensing the shift, broke the silence.


    "Eldren¡­ what happened to you? And where are the other students?"


    At this, Eldren''s expression darkened completely. He looked down at his hands, clenching them tightly before meeting Arie''s gaze.


    "The others¡­" He paused, his voice barely above a whisper. "The others didn''t make it."


    The room went cold, the air thick with unspoken grief.


    Icelyn leaned forward, her voice sharp but controlled. "What happened?"


    Eldren took a deep breath, his jaw tightening as he began to recount the events.


    "When the explosion happened, we were all thrown into a deep hole. While falling, Adrian and I managed to slow our descent by using our swords against the walls. But the others¡­ they lost consciousness."


    He paused, his eyes distant as if he was reliving the moment.


    "Then the teacher reached us," Eldren continued, his tone filled with bitterness.


    "At first, I thought I was imagining it, but¡­ he was actually... He was with the Cult of Crimson."


    Arie''s eyes widened in shock.


    "The Cult of Crimson? Are you sure?"


    Eldren nodded grimly.


    "I saw it with my own eyes. He suddenly turned on us. Adrian and I tried to fight back, but he was¡­ strong. Too strong. He stabbed us both like we were nothing. Before I blacked out completely, I saw him take out some kind of artifact. He used it on the others¡­ and then¡­"


    He trailed off, his voice cracking slightly.


    Icelyn''s grip on her weapon tightened. "An artifact? What kind of artifact?"


    "I don''t know," Eldren admitted, his voice trembling. "But whatever it was¡­ it wasn''t natural. It felt wrong. Evil."


    Silence fell over the room as the weight of Eldren''s words sank in. Arie stared into the fire, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.


    "The teacher¡­" Arie said, his voice low and dangerous. "He''s with the Cult of Crimson, and he killed them?"


    "Yes... they did" Eldren confirmed, his tone heavy with guilt.