ã€ŠThe Last Seven Absolute Principlesã€‹


 1 - The Ritual / Summoning

    "Hm? What''s all this commotion?" an old man grumbled as he sat in his rickety chair, soaking up the warm sun. He leaned on his cane, squinting at the chaos unfolding in the streets. "Everyone''s running around like chickens with their heads cut off."

    The streets were in pandemonium. Crowds surged through alleys and main roads, people screaming as they fled the city. Cars careened recklessly, horns blaring, and soon the cause of the chaos emerged. Demons. Hulking, grotesque creatures materialized, wreaking havoc on everything in sight. They tore through buildings, flipped cars, and smashed houses. Some grouped together, roaring as they carved a path of destruction through the city.

    The old man watched the mayhem unfold. He sighed, pushing himself to his feet with an audible groan. As his mana began to radiate from him in shimmering waves, his grip tightened on his cane. "Damn it all," he muttered, cracking his stiff back. "I''m too old for this bullshit."

    In an instant, his cane shifted, the wood splintering and reshaping into a massive axe. Without hesitation, he leapt into the fray, a blur of speed and deadly precision. One by one, the demons fell, the old man cutting through them with an ease that belied his age.

    Far from the battlefield, in the depths of a dimly lit temple, a hooded figure in a crimson robe barked orders to a group of robed followers. "Set the candles! We only have one chance to stop this city from falling into ruin. Do it right, or we''re all dead!"

    Sixteen figures encircled a massive stone table, upon which rested an ancient coffin etched with glowing runes. They moved swiftly, arranging the ritual elements with trembling hands.

    "Begin!"

    The group began chanting, their voices weaving a forbidden spell long banished for its uncontrollable power¡ªa spell of resurrection. As their voices rose in unison, the coffin began to glow with an eerie green and red light. The energy built rapidly until a piercing beam shot skyward, illuminating the entire world in its unnatural brilliance.

    Far away, those who witnessed the light reacted in awe and fear.

    "What the hell is that?" someone muttered, capturing the phenomenon on their phone and immediately uploading it. Videos of the light spread like wildfire, while demons who glimpsed the beam froze in terror.

    The old man paused mid-swing, wiping blood off his axe with a wry grin. "Well, I''ll be damned. Whatever that is, it''s scaring the hell outta these beasts. Works for me!" He chuckled, taking advantage of the distraction to finish off another group of demons.

    Back in the temple, the chant reached its climax. After several agonizing minutes, the light dimmed, and silence fell over the room. Slowly, the coffin creaked open. A girl emerged, her hair a deep, unnatural purple that shimmered faintly in the dim light. Her eyes, a haunting blend of purple, green, and grey, scanned the room with a quiet intensity.

    A follower hurriedly draped a black robe over her shoulders, and she exhaled slowly as if coming to terms with her surroundings.

    The silence was broken by a deep rumble, followed by the sound of splintering wood. "My barrier won''t hold much longer!" one of the robed figures shouted. "Prepare yourselves!"

    The doors burst open as a horde of over a hundred demons poured into the temple, their monstrous forms surging toward the group. The robed figures unleashed high-level spells¡ªdark magic, lightning, and waves of fire¡ªbut the demons countered, a barrier forming to block the attacks.

    "Damn it!" one of the robed men cursed, drawing his sword as the demons closed in.

    The girl stood motionless, confusion flickering across her face. Then, slowly, she raised her hand, her palm facing the advancing horde. The faint rustle of her robe caught the group''s attention, and they turned to see her step forward.

    The demons froze, sensing a sudden shift in the air. A wave of oppressive mana radiated from her. Their eyes locked onto her, their feral growls turning to uneasy murmurs.

    "Death."

    The single word reverberated through the chamber, and with it came an explosion of dark energy. The wave of shadow tore through the horde, disintegrating every demon it touched in an instant.

    As the last of the creatures fell, silence returned. The girl swayed, exhaustion overtaking her, and collapsed onto the stone table. Her eyes fluttered shut as she drifted into unconsciousness.

    The crimson-robed figure stared in awe. "It¡­ it worked," he whispered. A smile spread across his face, equal parts relief and fear. "The Holder of Principles has returned. Aria Noctis"

    As Aria lay motionless on the cold stone table, the crimson-robed figure stood over her, his expression stern but filled with reverence. With a sharp, commanding tone, he ordered, "Bring her to the chamber we prepared for her years ago."

    His followers nodded in solemn agreement, each one moving with practiced efficiency. They carefully lifted Aria''s limp form from the table, ensuring not to disturb the delicate balance of her energy. Slowly, they made their way through the labyrinthine halls of the temple, descending several flights of stairs into the deep, shadowed depths beneath the earth. As they passed through layers of magical wards, each designed to suppress and limit any uncontrolled outbursts of power, the tension in the air grew palpable.

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    Upon reaching the seventh ward, the group passed through a set of ancient stone doors that groaned in protest. Beyond them lay the chamber, its walls etched with cryptic runes, symbols that had long since faded from most of the world''s memory. In the center of the room stood a simple, yet meticulously prepared bed, surrounded by a scattering of runes designed to contain the immense energy that Aria carried. At the far corner, a small, secluded area served as a modest washroom, a wall erected for privacy. To the side of the room, a massive stone structure held a gleaming red gem, pulsing softly with an otherworldly glow.

    The group gently placed Aria on the bed, covering her with a simple blanket. Their movements were deliberate and filled with a sense of urgency, but also reverence for the task at hand. Without another word, they exited the chamber, leaving her in silence.

    Back in the main hall of the temple, the crimson-robed figure remained behind, his brow furrowed in concern as he began to reinforce the temple''s protective wards. The air was thick with an ominous tension, as though the very earth beneath them anticipated an impending catastrophe.

    "If we face another demon assault like the last¡­" The figure sighed, his voice heavy with the weight of their grim reality. "I''m not sure we''ll survive it. But we''ve done all we can for this cursed world. It''s up to them¡ªthose still left standing¡ªto decide whether they will endure."

    With a determined gesture, he applied a larger, radiant barrier imbued with holy magic around the smaller, more delicate wards. The glow illuminated his features as he muttered a quiet prayer, his heart heavy with the uncertainty of the coming days.

    Several days passed, the temple''s halls remaining still and quiet, save for the occasional faint hum of magic. Aria, finally awakening, opened her eyes to find herself in an unfamiliar place. The low light of the chamber filtered in, casting long shadows on the stone walls. Her eyes darted around, locking on the sixteen figures gathered around her.

    "Where¡­ am I?" Her voice was soft, fragile, as though she wasn''t sure if the words were her own. She met the gaze of each person in turn, their expressions a mixture of hope, concern, and fear.

    "You''re in Stern," came a steady voice from the crowd. The crimson-robed figure¡ªwhom Aria now recognized¡ªstepped forward, his gaze unwavering as he looked down at her. "The year is 3027. Seven years ago, a demon gate opened here. It''s the same gate that opened during your time. You''ve been gone for a long time, Aria."

    She blinked, confusion clouding her eyes. "I¡­ I don''t know what you mean. I don''t remember anything." Her gaze shifted around the room, feeling the weight of their stares. Slowly, her eyes flickered, a faint green hue creeping into her irises, a sign of the latent power within her stirring.

    "You can call me Red," the man continued. "Your name is Aria Noctis, yes?"

    She nodded, a vague memory of her name resurfacing, like a distant echo.

    "Good," Red continued, his voice soft but urgent. "This world is in dire need of your strength. Your help will be greatly appreciated." His tone shifted as he stepped closer, placing a hand gently upon her head. "For now, I''ll use holy magic to help expedite your recovery."

    As his magic poured into her, Aria felt a flood of memories surge within her mind. Images of the demon invasion, the devastation it caused, and the fractured state of the world all collided in an overwhelming rush. She saw glimpses of the guilds, the systems in place to protect the remnants of civilization, and the lingering battle for survival. Her body tensed as she struggled to process it all at once.

    Minutes passed, though it felt like hours. The glow of Red''s holy magic dimmed as the runes etched into the walls began to pulse, activating in response to his efforts. With a final exhale, the light faded, and Red pulled his hand back. He staggered slightly, breathing heavily from the exertion.

    "W-will you help us, Aria?" he asked, his voice strained but hopeful.

    Aria remained silent for a long moment, her eyes still cloudy as she processed everything she had just learned. The weight of it all felt unbearable.

    Finally, she spoke, her voice calm but distant. "For now¡­ I just want to rest." She lifted a hand, waving weakly at the group surrounding her. "Please¡­ leave me be."

    Red hesitated, his eyes filled with a mix of relief and concern, but he nodded slowly. "Of course." He turned to the others, giving them a quiet order to leave.

    One by one, the figures filed out of the room, leaving Aria alone in the quiet chamber. As the door closed behind them, she laid down on the bed and started to think of everything before exhaling slowly and fell asleep again.

 2 - Raid on The Temple .1

    "We need to investigate this immediately, Commander."

    Halstein, the commander of Dragon Bone, turned to one of his top-ranking guild members. His gaze was sharp, reflecting the weight of the situation. "A giant beam of light, radiating the same energy levels as a Demon Gate¡­"

    He exhaled, rubbing his temple before reaching for a stack of papers on his desk. With swift precision, he signed off on a few documents before setting them aside.

    "Gather Kiera, Stiles, and SteelArm. We move now." His tone was calm, but the urgency was unmistakable as he rose from his chair.

    Minutes later, the three S-rank guild members entered the room.

    SteelArm¡ªa towering man whose sheer physical strength made him a force to be reckoned with.

    Stiles¡ªa master of barriers, known for his unbreakable defenses.

    Kiera¡ªa formidable mage, her control over the arcane unmatched.

    Stiles stretched his arms, looking unimpressed. "So, what''s the emergency? I thought today was our day off."

    Halstein''s expression remained firm. "The light from a few days ago¡ªit''s causing a storm on social media. People are speculating, panicking. But more importantly, the energy it gave off matched that of a Demon Gate." He crossed his arms. "We''re going to investigate. Be ready¡ªwe leave in twenty minutes."

    Without hesitation, the three S-ranks nodded and followed Halstein to the armory, preparing for what awaited them.

    Meanwhile, deep within the temple''s chambers, Aria stirred.

    She sat in silence, thoughts swirling as the weight of what she had learned pressed down on her. Holy magic¡­ The knowledge had been forced into her, and the more she tried to comprehend it, the more her head throbbed.

    "This¡­ hurts." She whispered.

    In frustration, she activated a faint pulse of magic to soothe her headache¡ªbut the energy dissipated instantly, cut off by the intricate runes etched into the walls around her.

    Her emerald eyes narrowed as she examined them. "What even are these?"

    She slid out of bed, bare feet meeting the cold stone floor as she approached the inscriptions. Pressing her palm against one of the symbols, she expected something¡ªanything¡ªto happen. But nothing did.

    Her gaze drifted across the chamber until it landed on a red gemstone. The moment her eyes met its surface, they flickered to a beautiful gray.

    "Whoa¡­ this stone, it''s beautiful."

    Compelled by instinct, she reached for it.

    The moment her fingers brushed the gemstone, the runes along the walls glowed gold before bursting into a brilliant red light. The chamber trembled as the energy surged, culminating in a deafening explosion.

    Aria barely had time to react before her magic flared to life, instinctively shielding her. With a single motion, she raised her hand toward the massive steel door that had kept her imprisoned. The metal disintegrated in an instant.

    She took a cautious step forward, peering into the corridor beyond. The stone floor was ice-cold against her feet, sending a shiver up her spine. She glanced left, then right, before spotting a staircase spiraling upward.

    "No idea where I am, but up is a good place to start."

    Wrapping her arms around herself for warmth, she began the slow ascent.

    Elsewhere in the temple, a gathering of masked figures sat in the main chamber. At their center stood a man known only as Red. His voice carried a sharp, confident edge as he addressed the group.

    "We''ll have her ready within the month." His gloved fingers tapped against the wooden table before him. "It''s been over two thousand years¡­ but now, we stand at the final stage. Just one more month."

    Soft murmurs of amusement echoed around him, hidden smiles curling beneath their masks.

    A woman in the group tilted her head. "So, what exactly is the plan for Aria Noctis? We''ve discussed it for centuries, but now that it''s a reality¡­ I need to hear it again."

    Red exhaled, his tone unwavering.

    "The plan is simple." He leaned forward slightly. "We convince her that we are doing what''s best for the world¡ªeliminating the Demon Gates before another invasion can happen. She will do the work for us. And, when she''s regained enough of her magic, we''ll use her to open gates of our own."

    His voice darkened. "World domination, the complete reconstruction of society¡­ it''s finally within our grasp."

    Laughter rippled through the room, quiet but filled with anticipation.

    Far beneath them, Aria climbed the endless spiral staircase. The chill in the air seeped into her skin, her breath coming out in soft puffs.

    "My feet are so cold¡­" she mumbled, hugging herself tighter.

    With a tired sigh, she pressed on, step by step, unaware of the forces already moving against her.

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    Halstein and his team wasted no time. The moment their equipment was secured, they boarded a sleek private jet bound for Stern. The hum of the engines filled the cabin as the aircraft ascended into the skies, slicing through the clouds with unwavering purpose.

    Kiera leaned back in her seat, arms crossed. "I still don''t get why we''re the only ones being sent. Shouldn''t we have more backup for something of this scale?"

    Halstein, seated across from her, exhaled sharply. "We don''t have the luxury of waiting for reinforcements. We''re the only ones who can move fast enough."

    SteelArm cracked his knuckles. "Whatever it is, we''ll handle it. Demonic energy at that level¡­ it''s either a gate or something worse."

    Stiles leaned forward, rubbing his chin. "What I don''t understand is why there haven''t been any reports of creatures coming through. Demon Gates don''t just appear without something crawling out of them."

    Halstein''s expression darkened. "That''s what worries me."

    Silence filled the jet for a few moments before the pilot''s voice crackled over the intercom.

    "ETA to Stern¡ªtwo hours."

    Aria''s bare feet pressed against the cold stone steps as she ascended, each step feeling heavier than the last. She didn''t know how long she had been climbing, but eventually, the narrow staircase ended at a large, ornate door. Light flickered from the other side, and as she drew closer, she could hear voices.

    She hesitated for a few minutes before reluctantly deciding to listen to the conversation past the wall.

    She listened to the conversation that was happening before Aria accidentally pushed opened the door after a few minutes.

    A robed figure stood there, their eyes widening in shock. "She''s here!"

    The follower stumbled backward, nearly falling over himself. The room fell silent. All eyes locked onto Aria.

    Red''s face remained neutral, but a thin layer of sweat formed on his brow. He hadn''t expected her to break free so quickly¡ªlet alone retain this much power.

    He raised his hands slowly, a practiced, friendly smile spreading across his face. "Aria, you''re awake. I¡ª"

    "Shut up." Aria''s voice was cold, her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

    Red''s fingers twitched slightly. "Now, now, no need for hostility. We were just talking about you."

    "I know." is all Aria said in a cold tone looking at them for a moment.

    The tension in the room thickened.

    One of the followers took a step forward, lifting his hand. A dense surge of dark energy coiled around his fingers. Without warning, he cast a powerful binding spell, thick chains of darkness surging toward Aria.

    Aria barely had time to react¡ª

    But the spell shattered upon contact, obliterated by an unseen force. A barrier of pure magic flared to life around her, crackling with untamed energy.

    The room erupted into chaos. "Subdue her!" Red barked.

    Spells flew through the air¡ªbolts of energy, waves of dark magic, and chains designed to weaken her.

    Aria gritted her teeth, ducking behind the nearest column. She could barely remember any spells, so she relied on instinct, using the furniture and architecture as makeshift barriers. But each time, they shattered instantly under the relentless barrage.

    She ran back into the stairwell and slammed the door shut behind her, pressing her back against it.

    Minutes turned into twenty.

    The attacks ceased.

    "Aria," Red''s voice came through the thick wood, eerily calm. "Come out¡­ We were just testing you."

    She said nothing at all, they couldn''t even hear her breathing.

    "You''ve been asleep for a long time, and we needed to see how much of your power remains. That''s all."

    Aria''s hands trembled. She knew they were lying. But¡­ she couldn''t fight back.

    An hour passed by as the stalemate continued on.

    Aria, completely exhausted finally reached for the door handle. As she pulled it open, her eyes¡ªonce grey¡ªhad shifted to a deep, unnatural shade of purple.

    Red''s breath hitched.

    "Everyone behind the barrier! Now!"

    The urgency in his voice sent the followers scrambling. A large-scale holy barrier erupted around them, layers of smaller barriers stacked over it for added protection.

    Red clenched his fists. "Damn it¡­ it''s just like the other day."

    Everyone fell silent, Aria''s lips parted slightly as she whispered a chant in an ancient language even the followers of Principles couldn''t understand

    A sudden pressure filled the room, it was suffocating, almost divine.

    Red risked a glance through a small window installed the year prior. His eyes widened in horror.

    A brilliant light had appeared in the sky, descending rapidly, it was heading right towards the temple.

 S Rank Gate Raid .2

    As the group pressed forward, they found themselves deep within a dense forest. Without warning, a volley of arrows rained down upon them.

    Keira reacted instantly, raising a towering wall of flames. The arrows never touched the ground, incinerating into ash before they could land.

    "Stay sharp! We''re surrounded!" Stiles barked, his twin blades flashing into his hands as he took a defensive stance.

    Beside him, SteelArm activated [Mountain Body], his muscles hardening like unyielding stone. The air around him seemed to grow heavier as his body became as immovable as a mountain.

    From the trees, elves emerged¡ªsome crouched among the branches with bows drawn, others on the ground gripping gleaming daggers. Their sharp eyes locked onto the intruders, prepared to strike.

    Behind the front line, the healers acted swiftly, casting protective barriers over the group while reinforcing Stiles, Keira, and SteelArm with strengthening buffs.

    "I''ll bind three of them. Stiles, take them out while they''re trapped. From there, we''ll improvise," Keira''s voice echoed telepathically into their minds.

    Both warriors gave a subtle nod, careful not to alert the elves.

    One elf darted forward, dagger poised to end Keira in a single strike¡ªbut before it could even close the distance, Stiles appeared in a blur. With a single slash, the elf''s head separated from its body, rolling across the forest floor.

    The remaining elves hesitated for a moment, analyzing their foes. One agile archer leaped into the treetops, while two others, distracted, suddenly found their legs ensnared by an invisible force. They thrashed in panic, fumbling to draw their bows, but before they could react¡ª

    Stiles vanished again.

    A heartbeat later, he reappeared behind them. [Heavenly Descent] activated, his twin blades striking like a cascading waterfall. The moment his swords connected, a shockwave erupted. The elves'' bodies were torn apart, the force of the attack sending their remains crashing into three others who had been rushing in. Knocking them onto the ground.

    Stiles reappeared before the group, flicking blood off his blades.

    "Well, that worked better than expected," he muttered. "Don''t ask me how, because I''ve got no damn clue."

    Keira smirked. "No need to question everything." With a flick of her fingers, she sent fireballs towards the base of the trees, setting the battlefield ablaze.

    SteelArm remained at the forefront, completely unfazed as arrows pelted his body. They shattered harmlessly upon impact, falling to the ground like twigs.

    "You fools will never break my Mountain Body!" he bellowed, taking in a deep breath before exhaling a storm of razor-sharp steel particles. The air itself shimmered with countless tiny blades, slicing through elven flesh.

    "You just pissed them off even more!" Stiles growled as the elves, now wounded and enraged, advanced with newfound aggression.

    SteelArm smirked. "Did you forget? I was a specialist in poisons before all this. Combine it with my Mountain Body skill, poison doesn''t effect me, I can only do this when I have it activated though. If I do it without having Mountain Body activated... I would most likely die within a few minutes."

    The moment he spoke, the elves'' movements faltered. One by one, they collapsed, blood oozing from every pore, their bodies writhing in agony before going still.

    Stiles exhaled sharply. "Remind me never to piss you off." Without hesitation, he dashed forward, activating [Sword''s Will], piercing through his next targets.

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    A cluster of elves engaged him, swords and daggers clashing in a blinding light of steel. Sparks flew as Stiles countered every strike with lethal precision. Just as he began to get overwhelmed, keira hurled a fireball directly at him.

    The healers reacted instantly, raising a barrier around Stiles. The explosion engulfed him, the shockwave rattling the air, but when the flames cleared, he stood unscathed as the barriers vanished.

    "Damn," he thought. "I underestimated these healers. They''re A-rank in an S-rank gate, but they''re pulling their weight."

    His brief moment of thought was interrupted as an arrow whistled through the air¡ªembedding itself deep into his arm.

    As rain poured down in Nebraska, Halstein leaned back in his chair, glancing up as another figure entered his office.

    "Yes, Commander?" The man wore nothing but shorts, a hoodie, and a backpack slung over one shoulder.

    Halstein slid a folder across the desk. "I need you to go here."

    The man barely glanced at the document before scoffing. "An S-rank gate in Japan? Why waste my time?" He crumpled the paper and tossed it aside.

    Halstein''s expression didn''t change. "I sent Keira, Stiles, and SteelArm to handle it. But new intel says it''s an SS-rank gate. As much as I trust them, I can''t risk losing three S-ranks in a single day. That would be a nightmare for the guild." His voice was calm but firm.

    The man exhaled through his nose. Then, without another word, he turned and vanished.

    Instantly, he reappeared at the gate in Japan.

    The stationed guards barely had time to react, raising their weapons.

    "ID," one demanded.

    The man dropped his backpack. The moment it touched the ground, the earth cracked beneath it. Without hesitation, he pulled out his ID and handed it over.

    The guard''s eyes widened. "...I see. Please, proceed." He holstered his weapon and returned to his post.

    He proceeded into the gate with a smile on his face.

    The second guard frowned. "Who the hell was that for you to back down so fast?"

    The first guard let out a shaky breath. "He''s the world''s fifth SSS-rank hunter¡­ and America''s second triple-S. His name is Dante Cross, or so that''s what he goes by at least."

    The second guard''s jaw clenched. "And he''s here for an S-rank gate? Doesn''t that seem a little¡­ off?"

    The first guard nodded. "Nothing we can do about it."

    Back in the battlefield, Stiles gritted his teeth as the healers worked the arrow from his arm, sealing the wound as SteelArm blocked incoming attacks and Keira maintained a ring of fire around them.

    "How much longer?" Stiles hissed.

    "Just a few more seconds," one healer replied, carefully extracting the arrow.

    Stiles exhaled, flexing his fingers as the last of the pain faded. He reached for his twin blades.

    "You heard them. Keep that flame wall up and your defense strong. We''re finishing this now." Keira and SteelArm nodded.

    Dante landed in the sand near the gate, his eyes scanning the dense forest ahead. He sighed, shaking his head.

    "What a waste of time¡­ There are SSS-rank gates out there, yet I''m stuck babysitting. But if three S-ranks died here, that would stir up a shitstorm the guild doesn''t need."

    He continued walking for a few minutes until suddenly, his gaze flickered, sensing mana signatures ahead.

    "Elves?" he muttered, intrigued. "Strange¡­ especially considering the monsters on the beach aren''t far from here."

    With a final sigh, he stepped forward into the forest. "This day is just getting more and more complicated isn''t it?"

 3 - S Rank Gate Raid .1

    After two hours in the air, the private jet touched down at the Dragon Bone headquarters in Nebraska.

    "Kiera, take the girl to the medical wing. Let the healers examine her¡ªonce we know who she is and why she was there, we''ll decide what to do with her."

    "Yes, sir," Kiera replied. She carefully lifted Aria into her arms and carried her through the sleek, dimly lit corridors before handing her off to the medical staff.

    A short while later, Kiera returned to the commander''s office, her footsteps echoing against the polished floor. "She''s in the medical room as requested."

    "Good. While you''re here, I have something else for you," Halstein said, sliding a file across his desk. "I just signed off on a gate clearance for you, SteelArm, and Stiles. An S-rank gate opened recently in Japan. For some reason, the rights to challenge it were handed over to us."

    Kiera took the report and skimmed through it, her brow furrowing. "An S-rank¡­?"

    Halstein nodded. "Get moving. The sooner it''s cleared, the better."

    Without hesitation, Kiera left the office and created a group chat, adding Stiles and SteelArm before dialing them. "We''ve got an S-rank gate to clear," she said, relaying the details.

    Stiles let out a sigh before cutting the call short and heading for the jet. SteelArm, on the other hand, was already fired up¡ªhe barely said a word before hanging up and making his way to the aircraft.

    Kiera exhaled sharply. She had only tackled four S-rank gates before, and each one had been brutal. Pushing aside her nerves, she exited the building, hailed a ride, and made her way to the airport.

    A few days later, Kiera, SteelArm, and Stiles stood before the gate''s towering entrance.

    "Everything set on both your ends?" Stiles asked, adjusting the strap on his gear.

    Kiera and SteelArm exchanged a nod before stepping forward, accompanied by three A-rank healers.

    The moment they crossed the gate, the world around them shifted. The cold, metallic hum of the gate vanished, replaced by the sound of waves crashing against a shore. They stood on a pristine beach, golden sand stretching beneath their boots. Towering palm trees swayed in the breeze, and in the distance, a massive structure loomed¡ªdark, foreboding, and utterly out of place.

    Stiles took a slow look around. "Did we get any intel on this gate?"

    SteelArm spoke up, his tone more serious than usual. "I went through all the documents Halstein gave us. There''s nothing. No records, no reports¡ªjust the classification: S-rank." He exhaled. "Keep the healers behind us, and stay sharp. We have no idea what we''re walking into."

    suddenly, with a thunderous crash, monstrous figures erupted from the ocean¡ªtowering, crab-like demons with jagged, chitinous armor the color of rusted iron. Their many legs slammed into the sand, leaving deep grooves as their beady black eyes locked onto the intruders. Each creature bore enormous serrated pincers, dripping with seawater and lined with barbed edges sharp enough to shear through steel.

    "Shit! Incoming!" Stiles shouted, unsheathing his twin blades.

    One of the creatures lunged, its pincer snapping shut where he had stood just a second ago. Stiles twisted midair, landing gracefully before driving his blade into the demon''s exposed joint. A sickening crunch echoed as the limb was severed, black ichor spilling onto the sand.

    SteelArm slammed his fist onto one creature, killing it, as another beast came for him. He planted his feet, clenched his fists, and met the creature''s strike head-on. The force of his punch shattered the demon''s claw, sending fragments flying. Without hesitation, he drove his knee into its underbelly, flipping the massive creature onto its back. It flailed wildly, but before it could recover, SteelArm brought both fists down in a brutal overhead smash, caving in its carapace.

    Kiera remained still, her eyes scanning the battlefield. More of the creatures emerged, surrounding them in a semi-circle, clicking their claws in eerie unison.

    "They''re coordinating," she muttered.

    One of the demons shot forward, faster than the others. Kiera sidestepped at the last second, its pincer slicing through empty air. In a blur, she drew her staff, its edge glowing with condensed energy. With a single fluid motion, she severed the creature''s legs using an electric blade skill, sending it collapsing onto the sand. Before it could screech, she thrust her blade through its skull, silencing it instantly.

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    The three A-rank healers stood behind them, hands glowing with protective magic, ready to intervene if needed.

    "We need to push forward before more of them show up!" Stiles shouted, parrying another claw strike before countering with a deep slash across the demon''s face.

    SteelArm grinned. "Then let''s break through!"

    The three of them surged forward, cutting a path through the monstrous horde. The fight had only just begun.

    More of the monstrous crab-like demons closed in, their claws clacking in eerie unison, the battlefield grew more chaotic.

    "Cover me for one minute!" Kiera shouted, her hands crackling with energy as she began charging a large-scale lightning spell. Sparks danced around her fingers, the air growing heavy with static.

    SteelArm and Stiles sprang into action. Stiles weaved between the creatures, his twin blades flashing as he parried their relentless attacks, while SteelArm tore through the horde with brute force. With a guttural roar, he activated [Orc''s Rage], a skill he had earned after slaughtering over 300 orcs in a single night.

    His muscles bulged, veins pulsing with raw power as his strength and defense skyrocketed. The next demon that lunged at him met a gruesome fate¡ªSteelArm''s fist punched straight through its skull, shattering it like brittle glass. He ripped his arm free, ichor splattering across the sand, and immediately crushed another beast''s carapace with a devastating hammer blow.

    Meanwhile, Stiles shifted from defense to offense. His movements became sharper, deadlier. He danced through the horde, slicing through limbs with terrifying precision. Then, with a deep breath, he activated [Sword''s Will]¡ªand vanished.

    In the blink of an eye, he reappeared behind the swarm. A gust of wind followed his movement, and a heartbeat later, the heads of every demon in his path tumbled to the ground, their bodies collapsing in a synchronized, gruesome display.

    A handful of creatures broke away, rushing toward Kiera. SteelArm and Stiles intercepted them before they could get close, cutting them down with ruthless efficiency. Behind them, the three A-rank healers worked nonstop, reinforcing their team with buffs, rapid healing, and protective barriers to absorb stray attacks.

    Then, the storm struck.

    Kiera''s spell reached completion, and with a deafening crack, lightning tore through the sky. Stiles and SteelArm swiftly retreated to avoid the blast as jagged bolts of electricity rained down in an instant, scorching the sand and leaving behind blackened craters. The raw energy surged through the battlefield, traveling across the sand and latching onto the creatures, paralyzing them in rapid, agonizing intervals.

    Kiera wasted no time. She lifted her hands, her eyes glowing with arcane power, and unleashed a barrage of fireballs. Each blazing sphere struck true, exploding on impact and reducing the stunned demons to smoldering husks.

    The battlefield fell silent. The once-overwhelming horde had been reduced to lifeless, charred remains scattered across the beach.

    Kiera exhaled, lowering her hands. "That should do it¡­ for now."

    SteelArm rolled his shoulders, still feeling the rush of [Orc''s Rage]. "Damn, that was fun."

    Stiles flicked his blades, sending black blood flying off the edges. "Let''s not celebrate yet. If this was just the welcoming party¡­ what the hell is waiting inside that building?"

    The three of them turned their gazes toward the massive, ominous structure in the distance.

    "For an S rank gate, didn''t those bastards die a bit to quickly?" Kiera asked the group.

    They all continued walking while thinking about it but just shook it off, Kiera sighed slowly and followed behind Stiles and SteelArm.

 Raid on The Temple .2

    A blinding light streaked toward the temple, illuminating the night like a second sun. Red reacted instantly, expanding the barrier to encompass the entire structure. In less than a second, he layered thirteen different protective spells over it, each one more intricate than the last. His body trembled from the sheer exertion¡ªit had been a thousand years since he had pushed himself this hard.

    The other followers sprang into action, weaving their own barriers across key points around the temple, reinforcing its defenses.

    "Everyone! Follow me¡ªNOW!" Red''s voice boomed through the chaos, raw with urgency. As they rushed past Aria, his gaze met hers for a fleeting moment, but there was no time for hesitation. They sprinted toward the underground chambers, desperate for shelter.

    Just as they reached the heavy doors, Aria turned, raising a hand. With a forceful slam, the doors shut in front of them, glowing as an intricate web of runes carved themselves into the surface, sealing it shut.

    A voice, deep and resonant, echoed in their minds.

    "For the price of lying to the one who holds the Principles, death is the only result."

    Red''s breath hitched as he rushed to the glass window, his heart pounding. Above them, the falling light had grown even larger¡ªno, not light. A star. A celestial body, wreathed in an ominous white glow, was plummeting straight toward them.

    Desperation overtook him. He thrust a hand forward, casting a binding spell at Aria, but the moment it neared her, her barrier flared to life, shattering his magic effortlessly.

    Red exhaled sharply, his frustration mounting. His jaw clenched as he layered even more barriers around the temple, his mind racing for a solution.

    "Hand me the potion!" he commanded.

    A follower tossed him a small vial. Catching it, Red tore off his mask, revealing a face riddled with burn scars, a deep gash running over both eyes. Without hesitation, he downed the potion in one gulp, ignoring the bitter taste. Holy energy surged through him, and he pushed himself past his limits, creating thirteen more layers of divine protection.

    The final barrier flickered into place¡ªthen Aria grinned and put her hand out towards Red. Dark serpents came from the floor and swallowed his body in a single strike. His body collapsed onto the cold floor.

    The followers, seeing their leader fall, rushed toward a massive tome resting on a pedestal¡ªThe Book of the Forbidden. With frantic hands, they attempted to cast a spell meant to return the dead to their graves.

    Before they could finish, the book vanished.

    It reappeared in Aria''s hands. Her fingers tightened around its ancient cover. Then, with a simple snap of her fingers, it disintegrated into nothingness.

    "You don''t need such a petty thing in this era," she murmured.

    As her gaze swept across the room, something in her shifted. Her pupils dilated, her irises turning a striking emerald green. A second later, her body wavered¡ªthen she collapsed, unconscious.

    "Commander!"

    Halstein turned at the urgency in Stiles'' voice.

    "What is i¡ª" His words died as his eyes locked onto the sky.

    A star, engulfed in a divine radiance, was descending upon Stern.

    There was no time to think. Without hesitation, Halstein shattered the jet''s window and leapt out, plummeting toward the earth. He landed effortlessly, his boots kicking up a cloud of dust. Without missing a beat, he bolted forward, tearing across the landscape at inhuman speeds.

    "I need to evacuate as many civilians as possible... What the hell is happening in Stern?" he muttered under his breath. His velocity was so great that blades of grass were severed in his wake, buildings sliced clean as he passed.

    The city was deserted¡ªexcept for one man.

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    An old man, standing alone in the empty streets, a smile tugging at his lips.

    Halstein skidded to a stop, eyes narrowing. "Was this your doing?"

    The old man chuckled. "No, you fool. It''s not mine. It''s falling above the old temple in the south."

    Before Halstein could say another word, the man vanished into thin air.

    Tension coiled in his chest. He didn''t have time to question it. He turned and sprinted toward the temple.

    By the time he arrived, Stiles, SteelArm, and Kiera were already there. His eyes widened at the sight¡ªtwenty-six layers of barriers encased the temple, each pulsating with raw energy.

    "What the hell is going on?" he demanded.

    Stiles shook his head, his voice grim. "I don''t know, Commander¡­ But this level of magic is beyond anything I can comprehend."

    Halstein clenched his fists as they all looked skyward. The star was almost upon them now.

    "Shit," he muttered. "There''s nothing we can do against that. We''re getting out of here¡ªnow."

    None of them argued. They turned and ran, abandoning the temple to its fate as the heavens themselves prepared to strike.

    The moment the star was about to make contact, Halstein and his team had already put as much distance as they could between themselves and the temple. The sheer magnitude of the incoming impact made it clear¡ªthere was no saving anyone inside.

    A deafening explosion ripped through the air as the star collided with the temple. The earth shook violently, sending shockwaves through the surrounding landscape. A blinding white light consumed the night, and for a moment, the entire sky looked as if it had been set aflame.

    Then¡ªsilence.

    Thick, dark smoke billowed into the air as the fire raged. The temple, once a grand structure fortified with layers of magic, was gone. Hours passed before Halstein gave the order to check the destroyed lands.

    They all walked over to the site and began to check everything once they arrive after running for fifteen minutes.

    Burnt bodies, shattered stone, and remnants of arcane energy lingered in the air. The aftermath of the destruction was absolute¡ªthere was no sign of life anywhere.

    Until Kiera spotted something.

    "Over here!" she called, her voice cutting through the eerie silence.

    The team hurried over, their boots crunching against the charred remains of what had once been an ancient structure.

    There, on a small intact section of the temple floor, a girl laid unconscious.

    Unlike the rest of the site, this one fragment of the floor remained untouched. No burns, no cracks¡ªonly her. The protective barrier that had once surrounded Aria was now gone, leaving only her motionless form in its place.

    Kiera knelt beside her, pressing two fingers against her neck. "She''s alive."

    Halstein''s brows furrowed. "How the hell did she survive this?"

    Stiles scanned the area. "I don''t sense any residual energy from a barrier anymore¡­ Whatever protected her Is not here... that''s for sure."

    "That means someone put it there," SteelArm muttered, crossing his arms. "And if that''s the case, this girl isn''t just some random survivor."

    Kiera activated her detection abilities, sweeping the ruins for any lingering life signatures, magical traces, or hidden threats. After a few minutes, she stood up and shook her head.

    "No other survivors. No active magic. Whatever happened here¡­ it''s over without a trace of it."

    Halstein glanced at the girl. She was young¡ªperhaps in her early twenties¡ªwith dark purple hair stained with soot and dust. Her breathing was steady, but she showed no signs of waking up.

    "Fine. We''re taking her," he decided. "If she survived this, she''s important."

    Kiera nodded and carefully lifted the girl, and they made their way back to the jet, which had landed at a safe distance.

 S Rank Gate Raid .3

    As Dante strode deeper into the forest, an elf lurking in the shadows spotted him and lunged forward, dagger poised to strike. The moment the elf entered Dante''s range, a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

    "About damn time," Dante muttered, reaching out with inhuman speed. His fingers clamped around the elf''s throat like a vice before slamming him into the ground. The impact sent tremors through the earth, shaking trees and scattering leaves.

    "You picked the wrong person to fuck with today," Dante said, his voice low and laced with irritation. "I''m already pissed off having to babysit."

    Without hesitation, he materialized a spear from thin air and drove it through the elf''s eye. Blood spattered across the forest floor as the elf twitched once before going still. Dante ripped the weapon free, flicking off the excess blood before tossing the lifeless body aside. Grabbing a handful of grass, he wiped down his spear with an air of nonchalance and continued forward.

    Eventually, he came across a wall of roaring flames¡ªKiera''s handiwork.

    With a single swing of his spear, Dante extinguished the fire as if it were nothing but a flickering candle. Stepping through the dissipating embers, he exhaled slowly.

    "Finally found you three."

    Stiles and Kiera turned in surprise.

    "Dante?" Stiles narrowed his eyes. "What the hell are you doing here?"

    "Commander wanted me to babysit since this gate isn''t S-rank¡ªit''s SS-rank," Dante replied, reaching into the pocket of his shorts. He pulled out a crumpled document and tossed it toward them. "Before you start arguing, here''s your proof."

    Kiera snatched the paper and skimmed through it, her brows furrowing.

    Dante ignored their reactions and turned toward the healers. "You guys have agility and strength buffs?"

    Without hesitation, the three healers nodded and cast their enhancements over him. A surge of power coursed through Dante''s veins, his muscles tensing in response.

    "Damn. Quick to react, too? You three lucked out with these supports," he muttered before vanishing.

    In an instant, he was among the elves. His spear became a blur, slicing through them like a phantom. Blood splattered across the trees as bodies dropped one after another, their deaths too fast for them to even scream.

    SteelArm, watching from a distance, clenched his fists. "Damn¡­ This is Dante in a fight? I can''t even see him. Just bodies hitting the ground."

    Minutes passed, and silence blanketed the battlefield. Then, from the depths of the forest, a figure emerged.

    The elf was massive¡ªtaller than SteelArm, his entire body a deep, unnatural green. In his hand, he held a dagger shaped like a coiling serpent, its edge gleaming with an ominous glow.

    "It seems," the elf spoke, his voice smooth and cold, "someone has dared to walk into my forest."

    Dante appeared in front of SteelArm, his sharp gaze locked onto the elf.

    "And who the hell are you supposed to be?"

    The elf chuckled. "My name isn''t important to the dead."

    In a blink, he vanished, reappearing inches from Dante with his dagger poised to strike.

    Dante reacted instantly, raising his spear in a defensive stance. Steel clashed against steel, sparks flying as their weapons met. Dante''s fist lashed out, striking the elf square in the gut. The sheer force sent the elf skidding backward, but he landed gracefully, a smirk creeping onto his face.

    "Was that your best punch?" the elf taunted.

    Dante''s grip on his spear tightened, his irritation growing.

    "You''re about to find out," he said coldly.

    Halstein sat behind his cluttered desk, stacks of documents piled high as he rubbed his temples in frustration. In front of him lay Dante Cross''s hunter file, a thick folder filled with mission reports, combat footage, and classified data. He exhaled heavily, flipping through the pages. "Phantom Dancer¡­" he muttered, his eyes scanning through the absurd list of abilities. "Damn freak of nature¡­ even compared to the other SSS rank hunters..."

    Before he could continue, the office door slammed open.

    "You seriously sent Dante to an SS-rank gate?!" A voice cut through the room like a blade.

    Halstein didn''t even look up. "Nice to see you too, Valen."

    Valen, a high-ranking strategist for the guild, stormed into the room, his piercing gaze locked onto Halstein. "You sent Dante Cross¡ªa walking catastrophe¡ªinto a gate we already miscalculated as S-rank, only to later realize it was SS?! Have you lost your damn mind?"

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    Halstein let out a slow breath, closing the folder. "I didn''t have a choice. Kiera, Stiles, and SteelArm were already inside when we got the updated classification. If they died, it would''ve been a stain on the guild''s reputation." He leaned back in his chair, eyes half-lidded. "Besides, if anyone can handle it, it''s the walking nuke, Dante."

    Valen scoffed. "Handle it? That maniac doesn''t handle things¡ªhe erases them. You saw what happened the last time he was deployed."

    Halstein''s gaze darkened as he recalled the disastrous aftermath of Dante''s last mission. Entire buildings shredded apart, enemies reduced to shadows of their former selves, an S-rank dungeon cleared in less than thirty minutes.

    "Yeah," Halstein admitted. "And that''s exactly why I sent him."

    Valen shook his head in disbelief. "For the love of¡ªHalstein, the last time he used whatever that skill was, the cameras couldn''t even capture what the hell happened. Half the mission logs were just static, and the other half was full of survivors screaming about being attacked by their own fucking reflections."

    Halstein sighed and opened Dante''s file again, flipping to the skill sheet. He tapped a page before sliding it across the desk.

    "Read it," Halstein said.

    Valen hesitated before glancing at the sheet. His eyes narrowed as he read Dante''s list of abilities, his frown deepening with each passing second. He stopped at one and visibly tensed.

    "¡­He has more skills than then?" Valen muttered under his breath.

    Halstein nodded.

    "And you sent him?"

    Halstein smirked. "Relax. If the elves are lucky, they''ll only die screaming."

    Valen spoke up again, "What bout Stiles, Kiera, and SteelArm? Did you not think of them too!?" He said worried.

    Halstein eyes widened as he completely forgot. "Shit." Is all he could say.

    The elf, taller than SteelArm and clad in deep emerald armor that seemed to breathe with the forest itself, rolled his shoulders with a smirk. His dagger, shaped like a twisting serpent, pulsed with a venomous aura.

    "I was expecting a warrior," the elf taunted, spinning his blade effortlessly. "Not some shadow that flits around like a frightened ghost."

    Dante cracked his neck, his golden eyes gleaming under the faint moonlight filtering through the trees. His grip tightened around his spear as he took a slow step forward. The earth beneath him trembled ever so slightly.

    "Big talk," Dante muttered. "Let''s see if your mouth can keep up with your feet."

    The elf vanished.

    Dante''s pupils shrank as his instincts screamed. He jerked his head to the side, barely avoiding the gleaming edge of the serpent dagger as it sliced through the air where his throat had just been. A gust of wind followed as the elf reappeared behind him in an instant, his movements too fluid, too unnatural.

    [Phantom Replacement.]

    Dante disappeared in a flicker of shadows, replaced by a stray falling leaf, which the elf''s dagger sliced cleanly in half.

    A split second later, Dante materialized above him, spear already swinging down.

    The elf twisted, blocking the spear with his dagger, but the force of the blow sent him skidding back, his boots carving deep trenches into the earth.

    He didn''t even have time to reset before Dante was on him again.

    Dante lunged, his spear a blur of slashes and thrusts. The elf, despite his speed, struggled to keep up. Every block, every dodge came at the cost of ground lost, each exchange forcing him further back. Dante vanished¡ªthen reappeared at his side, twisting his body for a brutal kick.

    The elf barely managed to block with his arm, but the impact sent him hurtling into a tree, splinters exploding in every direction.

    "Too slow," Dante muttered. The elf wiped a trail of blood from his lips, his smirk unfaltering. "I see¡­ you''re no ordinary human." He flicked his dagger, and the snake-like weapon elongated, pulsing with eerie green runes. "Fine. I''ll start taking you seriously."

    His dagger dissolved into mist, wrapping around his arm before reforming into two identical blades.

    Dante lifted his spear, unbothered. "Good. I was getting bored."

    The elf vanished again, a split second before the elf reappeared behind him, Dante''s spear was already swinging in a vicious arc. The elf twisted mid-air, barely avoiding the fatal strike, but Dante followed up immediately¡ª

    [Phantom Lunge.]

    Dante disappeared in a flash, reappearing inches from the elf''s face, his spear piercing forward like a lightning bolt.

    For a brief moment, phantoms surrounded the elf, twisting shadows of himself whispering forgotten nightmares in his ears. His vision distorted¡ªhis muscles locked up involuntarily.

    Dante''s spear drove into his shoulder, tearing through flesh and bone.

    The elf gritted his teeth in agony, but he didn''t falter. Instead, he dropped one of his daggers and grabbed Dante''s wrist, eyes blazing with savage delight.

    "Gotcha."

    The moment his fingers latched onto Dante, an eerie green light surged up his arm. Dante felt his energy draining, his body momentarily paralyzed.

    [Curse of the Venom Fang.]

    The elf twisted the dagger in his other hand and drove it toward Dante''s chest.

    The moment the blade was about to sink into his flesh¡ª

    Dante grinned.

    [Phantom Annihilation.]

    The elf''s body seized. His breath hitched. His pupils dilated.

    Dante had disappeared completely¡ªno, not disappeared.

    The elf saw him in every reflection.

    In the gleaming metal of his own blade.

    In the shattered fragments of his armor.

    In the blood dripping from his shoulder wound.

    Then¡ª

    Dante materialized behind him, spear poised for the kill.

    "There is no escaping what you cannot see."

    The elf''s eyes went wide.

    Dante struck.

    A series of phantom spears rained down from every angle, slashing through flesh, piercing muscle, and carving through bone. The elf didn''t even have time to scream as his body was reduced to shreds, his blood painting the forest floor in crimson.

    Silence.

    Dante exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "Hmph. I thought you''d last longer."

    He plucked a few leaves from the air, wiping the blood from his spear before flicking them away.

    Then, without hesitation, he turned and walked forward, deeper into the forest of corpses and headed towards the giant dark building in the distance.

 4 - SS Rank Gate Raid

    SteelArm, Stiles, and Kiera watched from a distance, but the fight had been too fast for their eyes to follow. They had seen only flashes¡ªblurred movement, streaks of steel, and then... silence.

    Stiles swallowed hard, his gaze locked onto the butchered remains of the elf sprawled across the bloodstained ground. Dante, casually strolling away, wiped his spear clean with a few stray leaves, his hoodie still untouched by the carnage.

    "Just¡­ what the hell did I just witness?" Stiles muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

    Kiera, usually quick with a sharp remark, said nothing. Her fists clenched, but her face was frozen in stunned silence.

    SteelArm, however, wasn''t shaken. He was inspired. His heart pounded¡ªnot from fear, but from determination. That level of power¡­ He wanted it. He needed to train harder, push further. One day, he''d reach that level.

    Without a word, he stepped forward, following Dante.

    Kiera snapped out of her daze and trailed behind him, her thoughts still trying to process what she had just seen.

    Stiles hesitated for a moment, then sighed and followed. The support team quickly caught up, exchanging uneasy glances but keeping silent as they moved.

    An Hour Later the group arrived at the entrance of the ancient structure. Cracks ran along its stone surface, and its towering doors loomed ominously beneath the dense mana swirling in the air.

    Dante stopped abruptly. His golden eyes sharpened as he felt the thick energy pressing down on them.

    His hands curled into fists, "Those bastards¡­" he muttered under his breath.

    SteelArm and Stiles tensed as Dante slowly turned to face them.

    "Go back. Wait for me at the gate," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for debate. "You don''t want to be here for this."

    The support team hesitated only for a moment before retreating, disappearing into the forest without argument. Kiera, after a long pause, exhaled sharply and followed them.

    But Stiles and SteelArm stood firm.

    They exchanged glances before SteelArm spoke, his voice steady. "We''ll do whatever we can to help."

    Dante studied them for a moment, then let out a low chuckle.

    "Damn¡­ Alright. But if you die in there, that''s on you. Not me."

    without a hint of hesitation, both nodded.

    Dante turned back to the massive doors, and opened it.

    The building trembled. Dust fell from the ceiling.

    As Stiles, Dante, and SteelArm stepped into the ancient building, the heavy wooden door slammed shut behind them, sealing them inside. The air was thick with dust, and a musty smell clung to the stone walls. The only sound was the echo of their footsteps against the cold, uneven stone floor. The flickering light from the walls barely illuminated the room, casting long shadows across the chamber. They stood in what appeared to be an entry hall, with tall, cracked pillars lining the perimeter.

    The walls were adorned with faded murals depicting scenes of battles and long-forgotten heroes. Dust covered every surface, and cobwebs clung to the corners. The floor beneath them was made of large, irregular stone slabs that looked as if they had been set hastily, some with cracks running through them, others slightly raised. The eerie silence of the place felt oppressive, like it was holding its breath.

    Dante''s eyes scanned the room, his instincts on high alert. "Stay sharp," he muttered, his voice low. He had seen enough dungeons to know that something was going on here.

    Stiles glanced at the others. "Yeah, no kidding," he replied, his grip tightening on his twin blades.

    SteelArm, his massive frame hulking in the low light, looked around as well. "This place feels... off," he muttered, his voice a deep rumble.

    As they moved further into the hall, the temperature dropped noticeably. The walls seemed to close in on them, the hallway narrowing slightly as they progressed. The once smooth floor began to show signs of wear, with cracks and gaps forming between the stones. The deeper they went, the darker the hall became, forcing them to rely more on their senses than their sight.

    Suddenly, Dante froze mid-step.

    His eyes narrowed as he scanned the floor ahead of him. Without warning, he leapt backward, narrowly avoiding a series of jagged metal spikes that shot up from the ground like deadly fangs.

    The spikes glistened in the dim light, their sharp tips covered in rust. The mechanism had been triggered by Dante''s movement, a hidden pressure plate in the floor beneath him.

    "Damn, that was close!" Stiles exclaimed. His eyes darted to the floor, now fully aware of the danger lurking beneath their feet.

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    "Spikes, huh?" Dante''s voice was low and steady, his heart still pounding from the near miss. "Guess this place is more deadly than I first thought."

    SteelArm''s eyes scanned the area with caution. "Keep your guard up. There''s no telling what else is hidden here."

    As the three of them advanced cautiously, they noticed more and more pressure plates scattered across the floor. Dante moved first, stepping lightly and precisely, as though he could sense the hidden dangers below. SteelArm followed behind, his heavy footsteps making slight noises, his senses heightened. Stiles moved last, his eyes constantly darting between the ground and the surroundings.

    Each step felt like a calculated risk as the trio moved deeper into the dungeon, the threat of unseen traps looming with every corner.

    The air seemed to grow even colder as they approached a narrow hallway that stretched further into the building.

    There was a slight echo here, as though something large was waiting just beyond their line of sight. The tension in the air thickened, and the oppressive silence made it feel as if the very walls were watching them.

    "This place is full of tricks," Dante muttered. "Whatever''s down here, it ain''t gonna be an easy win... that''s for sure."

    The group paused for a moment, silently agreeing to continue. SteelArm took the lead now, using his strength to kick open a nearby door that led to another room. As the door creaked open, the group was greeted with the sight of a large chamber.

    The floor was covered in dust and rubble, with the remains of old, broken statues littering the space. In the center of the room stood a large stone pedestal with a faint glow coming from it. But what immediately caught their attention was the eerie silence. There were no sounds of creatures, no footsteps, just the quiet hum of the stone.

    Dante stepped into the room, eyes scanning for any hidden dangers. He moved cautiously but with purpose, looking for any sign of the Ancient Guardian. His hand instinctively reached for his spear, feeling the weight of it in his grip as he approached the pedestal.

    "Get ready," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

    Suddenly, with a deep rumble, the ground shook. The large stone doors at the far end of the chamber slammed shut, and the walls began to glow with an eerie red light. The Ancient Guardian''s massive stone form began to rise from the shadows, its glowing red eyes flickering to life.

    "Looks like we found it," Stiles muttered, unsheathing his blades.

    SteelArm cracked his knuckles, the sounds echoing through the chamber. "Let''s see what this stone bitch has in store for us."

    The Guardian''s eyes locking onto them with deadly intent.

    Dante moved first, his feet shifting silently across the dusty floor. His eyes never left the massive Ancient Guardian as it slowly rose from the shadows, its stone body creaking like an old, forgotten titan. The red glow in its eyes intensified, sending a chill through the room.

    He sized up the Guardian''s towering figure, his mind already working through possible strategies. With a flick of his wrist, Dante dashed forward, his fist moving fast toward the Guardian''s chest.

    The punch wasn''t meant to cause serious damage¡ªit was a test. Just enough force to gauge the Guardian''s reaction. His fist connected with the stone body, but as soon as it did, a sudden wave of force hit him. The Guardian''s body rippled as the Magical Shield activated, sending a shockwave back at Dante with full force.

    The blow wasn''t enough to break his stance, but he felt the force of the punch redirected back at him. His teeth clenched as a stinging pain shot through his hand and arm. "Tch." He backed off, eyeing the Guardian carefully as the shield slowly began to dissipate.

    Without missing a beat, Dante quickly landed near the others and spoke up.

    "The Guardian has a shield. My punch was reflected right back at me. It''s most likely got a time limit of a few seconds. If you attack while it''s active, you''ll get hit with your own force."

    He paused, watching as the shield shimmered and vanished, the glow dimming. The Guardian''s expressionless face didn''t change, but the energy in the room seemed to intensify as the shield dissipated.

    "Alright," Dante continued aloud, addressing the group, "That shield isn''t permanent. Most likely has a cooldown. Just don''t hit it when it''s active¡ªstall it out if you can." He kept his gaze locked onto the Guardian, his body tense and ready. "We need to outlast it."

    The others nodded in understanding. Stiles gave a quick glance to SteelArm. "So, the plan is to push through with everything we''ve got until the shield activates, right? Once that happens, we just play it safe¡ªstall, wait it out, and hit hard again when it''s gone?"

    "Exactly," Dante replied, his eyes narrowing as he observed the Guardian carefully. "That shield''s gonna be a pain in the ass if we don''t time our shit right."

    SteelArm cracked his knuckles, his expression determined. "Let''s just make sure we hit hard when it''s down."

    Dante rushed back in to gauge the Guardian again to see if it had an attack pattern. The moment Dante rushed in, the Guardian''s massive stone arm swung forward, aiming a devastating swipe at Dante, but he was already in motion.

    His body blurred with speed as he dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the massive fist. He didn''t stop moving, instead taking the opportunity to analyze the Guardian''s movements further. He retreated back to the group afterwards.

    "The way it moves... it''s slow, but if it hits you, it''ll be painful from what I can tell." Dante said under his breath, staring at the stone Guardian.

    Stiles, still holding his twin blades loosely in his hands, tilted his head, considering the plan. "Alright, let''s see what happens when we don''t give it a chance to breathe."

    As they continued to avoid the Guardian''s attacks, the oppressive tension in the room built. The silence between their movements was broken only by the sounds of the Guardian''s massive footsteps and the occasional clang of its stone fists colliding with the floor.

 5 - The Stone Guardians Room .1

    Without wasting a moment, Stiles shot forward, his twin blades gleaming in the dim light as he activated Heavenly Descent. His body moved in a blur, descending with the force of a waterfall, his swords slicing through the air at the Guardian''s chest. But when the blades met the Guardian''s stone hide, there was barely any impact¡ªthe attack did little more than scratch its surface.

    Stiles skidded back, eyes widening in surprise. "What the hell? That should''ve done more!"

    Before he could react, the Guardian swung its massive sword down toward him with slow speeds. Stiles''s instincts kicked in, and he managed to sidestep, the blade missing him by inches. He stumbled slightly but regained his balance.

    In an instant, Dante was beside him, his hand outstretched. "Get back!" he thought, using Phantom Replacement to shift Stiles out of harm''s way. The next second, Dante surged forward with an incredible force, landing a heavy punch right into the Guardian''s chest. The impact echoed throughout the room, but the Guardian didn''t budge. Dante''s knuckles stung from the blow, and he could feel the Guardian''s immense weight through his own strike, but the damage was minimal¡ªits health dropped, but barely.

    The Guardian snarled, its stone eyes narrowing as it swung its massive sword in retaliation toward Dante. The sheer force behind the strike would have split him in half if it landed. But Dante, anticipating the attack, used Phantom Replacement once more, vanishing in a burst of dust and reappearing near the group.

    He landed with a smooth roll, coming to a crouch, his breath steady despite the close call. He stood up and wiped the dust off his hoodie, eyes still locked on the Guardian.

    "That thing''s a damn tank." Dante muttered, though there was a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "It takes a hit, but it doesn''t give much ground. We''re gonna need something heavier than that."

    Stiles and SteelArm exchanged a quick glance. Stiles gave a short nod. "Guess we''ll need to get more creative, huh?"

    "Just stall it out for now," Dante said, eyes still scanning the Guardian''s movements, "Until we find an opening. Don''t waste any more power on weak strikes."

    The Guardian, undeterred by the brief interruption, let out a low growl, its sword held high, ready to continue the fight.

    As Dante and SteelArm repositioned, preparing for another round, the Guardian suddenly let out a deep, bone-rattling growl. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and the air seemed to ripple with raw power as the Guardian''s voice filled the chamber.

    [Guardian''s Roar.]

    The roar was deafening, reverberating through the walls like a shockwave of pure force. As the sound hit them, their bodies stiffened. Stiles, who had been preparing to make another strike, suddenly felt his limbs grow heavy. His reaction time slowed, and his usual speed felt almost sluggish in comparison.

    "Damn¡­" Stiles muttered under his breath, his eyes wide as his body refused to move at its normal pace. The Guardian''s roar had completely disrupted his flow, lowering both his attack speed and defense. His body felt weaker, slower, like he was wading through thick mud.

    Stiles gritted his teeth, but before he could attempt to strike, he noticed movement from the floor. Poison darts shot out from hidden walls, and spikes from the ground began to rise, triggered by the roar. It was a trap¡ªa deadly combination of the Guardian''s roar and the environment around them.

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    Knowing he couldn''t keep up with the speed required to dodge everything, Stiles hesitated, but quickly decided to back off instead. He moved at a much slower pace, trying to push through the roar, but his sluggish movements put him at risk of the traps.

    He managed to narrowly avoid a dart that zipped past his ear, but his foot grazed the edge of a rising spike. He yanked it back just in time, but not without feeling the sting of the trap on his heel.

    With a final burst of effort, Stiles made it to the rest of the group near the entrance of the room.

    "Shit, that roar messed me up¡­" Stiles muttered, wincing as he looked down at his slowed movements.

    Dante, seeing the effects of the roar, snapped his head back to the Guardian, his eyes narrowing. "It''s not just the roar, or debuffs, activates traps, too. We''ve got to be careful of our surroundings while that roar is up. We can''t fight with everything we''ve got while we''re debuffed."

    SteelArm grunted, still unaffected by the roar''s psychological impact but clearly aware of the traps. "I can take the hits for a while maybe, but that roar... it complicates my defenses a bit."

    Dante scanned the battlefield, his mind racing as he processed everything they''d encountered so far. He straightened up, looking toward the group with a calm but serious expression. "So here''s what we know," Dante started, his voice steady. "The Guardian swings slow but with devastating force¡ªhe''s got power most likely, but his speed''s nothing to write home about. He''s also confined to this area, doesn''t seem like he''s capable of leaving a certain radius in the room. His movements are sluggish, so we can capitalize on that. But we have to be careful."

    He glanced over at the Guardian, who was still standing tall, unfazed by their previous attempts.

    "His shield''s a damn problem. Reflects physical attacks we throw at him for a few seconds, so hitting him head-on when that''s up is pointless. And then there''s that roar... it messes with your mind, your body¡ªspeed, defense, even your reflexes. It''s like it throws everything out of balance. One moment you''re moving fast, the next you''re moving like you''re underwater."

    Dante let out a long sigh, wiping his hand over his face. "This is going to take a hell of a lot longer than I hoped. We''re in for a grind, and we''ll need to play it smart. We can''t just rush in without thinking."

    Dante''s gaze hardened as he eyed the Guardian. "We need to play the long game¡ªpick our moments, and stay patient. That''s the only way we make it out of this hellhole alive. Preserve your energy, too. There might be more to this shitty place afterwards."

    Dante narrowed his eyes at the Guardian, his mind calculating the best approach. "Alright, here''s the plan," he began, his voice steady but serious. "I''ll be the one to push the offensive and draw its attention. Stiles, SteelArm, you two will focus on supporting me and stalling when needed."

    He looked at Stiles, who was already checking his twin blades, and then at SteelArm, whose imposing frame seemed ready for any challenge.

    "Dante," Stiles asked, "how the hell are you planning to hit it?"

    Dante gave a small grin. "I''m going to use Phantom Cleave to weaken it first. That attack hits its soul... if it has one, bypassing its armor and defenses, making it easier for the rest of us to land our blows."

    SteelArm cracked his knuckles. "Stiles and I can hold it back while you hit, making sure it doesn''t get any weird ideas."

    "Exactly," Dante said. "Once I''ve hit him with Phantom Cleave, I''ll use Phantom Suppression to drain its stamina and keep it from using those damn traps too often. After that, I''ll activate Phantom Overdrive and we go all in."

    Stiles nodded, a smirk appearing on his face. "I like the sound of that, even though I don''t really know what the hell any of your skills do, but I''ll trust in you for this."

    Dante''s gaze hardened as he turned to the Guardian. "Alright, let''s do this. Move quick and be ready to adjust, the moment that shield comes up, we''ll back off. Patience is key. We can win if we repeat this process... No idea how long it''ll take but we will kill that son of a bitch."

 The Stone Guardians Room .2

    Dante tightened his grip on his newly summoned spear, feeling the weight of his materialized phantom armor. "Four uses left today..."

    He took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Let''s execute."

    SteelArm and Stiles readied themselves.

    Dante moved first, he rushed towards the Stone Guardian and jumped into the air activating [Phantom Cleave].

    His spear sliced through the air, and a ghostly projection of a scythe shot forward, striking the Guardian through his armor and went for the very soul of the Guardian. The attack barely left a mark physically, but the Guardian flinched, a faint shimmer running through its body as its resistances and defenses slightly weakened.

    Dante didn''t stop, he used [Phantom Cleave] multiple times in a row. The scythe-like projections tore at the Guardian''s essence, stacking the effect. With each strike, its resistances and defenses chipped away.

    "One more!" Dante yelled at the group as he activated [Phantom Cleave] again.

    The fifth and final stack settled in. The Guardian''s movements slowed, its perception of reality flickering¡ªan illusion of pain seeping into its core.

    "SteelArm! Stiles! Hit it with everything you''ve got before the shield activates!" Dante yelled out as he landed back onto the ground.

    SteelArm roared as he lunged in, his fists glowing with raw force, while Stiles raised his weapon, ready to bring it crashing down with [Heavenly Descent.]

    Stiles descended like a meteor, his twin blades gleaming as he brought them crashing down with [Heavenly Descent]. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the battlefield.

    At the same moment, SteelArm slammed his fist into the ground, activating [Earth''s Coffin]. The terrain shuddered as two massive stone hands erupted from below, grasping the Guardian in an unyielding grip, holding it firm.

    Dante saw his opening.

    A blur of motion¡ªhe dashed forward at blinding speed, activating [Phantom Suppression]. A spectral energy pulsed around him as the Guardian shuddered, its mana and stamina draining away. Slower. Weaker. Vulnerable.

    Dante wasted no time. [Phantom Overdrive]. A surge of power coursed through him as he followed up with another [Phantom Cleave], ensuring the debuff remained locked in.

    Stiles wasn''t done. His twin blades glowed silver as he executed [Silver''s Last Pride], slashing deep into the Guardian''s armor. A shimmering afterimage lingered for a fleeting second¡ªthen detonated.

    A small explosion happened, a piece of of the Guardian''s armor ruptured, revealing a gap¡ªan opening.

    Dante''s eyes sharpened. There!

    In a single motion, he hurled his spear straight for the exposed core, activating [Phantom Cleave] mid-flight. The spectral energy surged forward, carving deeper into the wound. The Guardian shuddered, its defenses crumbling further.

    Meanwhile, at Dragon Bone Headquarters¡­

    A nurse burst into Halstein''s office, her voice urgent.

    "The girl Kiera brought in¡ªshe''s awake."

    Without waiting for a response, she turned and hurried back toward the infirmary.

    Halstein exhaled, finishing the last of his paperwork with swift, precise motions. A few approvals, and a few denials. He stood, grabbing a bottle of water from his desk before making his way downstairs to the healing room as he called it.

    As he entered, his sharp gaze landed on the only doctor in the headquarters.

    "Any luck identifying her?" he asked.

    The doctor sighed, rubbing his temples. "No, sir. Every test has failed. Completely."

    Halstein frowned. "Explain."

    "The first test¡ªI tried running her blood through the database. But before I could even inject the sample, the vial shattered in my hands. Blood everywhere, test ruined."

    Halstein took a slow sip of water. "Go on."

    "The second method¡ªfacial recognition. I scanned her against every known database we have."

    "And?"

    The doctor hesitated. "...Negative."

    Halstein''s eyes narrowed. "Negative? What the hell does that mean?"

    The doctor exhaled. "Our system¡ªmy skill¡ªautomatically scans global records. If there''s even the smallest match, it shows positive. But her?" He shook his head.

    "She doesn''t exist. No records. No traces. Nothing."

    Halstein''s grip on the bottle tightened as he glanced toward the infirmary.

    "Then whoever she is¡­" he muttered, his voice low and laced with intrigue,

    "She''s a ghost." The doctor replied before showing Halstein the reports on the computer.

    Halstein stepped into the infirmary after a few minutes, his sharp eyes locking onto the girl sitting upright on the bed. Despite everything, she looked strangely composed¡ªcalm, but distant. He pulled up a chair and sat down across from her.

    "You awake enough to talk?" he asked, his tone gruff but not unkind.

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    The girl blinked at him before nodding slowly.

    "Do you remember anything?"

    She hesitated, her brows furrowing as if sifting through a fog in her mind. "¡­Barely," she admitted. "But my name¡­ I remember my name. Aria Noctis."

    Halstein studied her carefully, tapping a finger against his knee. "That''s all?"

    Aria nodded.

    He exhaled through his nose, leaning back in the chair. "Well, I''ve seen a lot of strange things in the past seven years, but a girl surviving a damn explosion without a scratch, and that girl being a complete ghost... that''s something I''ve never ran into."

    She remained silent, watching him.

    Halstein crossed his arms. "I''ll be straight with you¡ªI don''t like loose ends. And right now, you? You''re one hell of a mystery and possibly a loose end to this guild as we have no information on you but..."

    Aria tilted her head slightly. "What are you getting at?"

    "I''m offering you a spot in Dragon Bone."

    She blinked, caught off guard. "...You want me to join your guild?"

    Halstein smirked. "That''s why I''m offering the spot to begin with."

    Aria lowered her gaze, thinking it over. She had nothing¡ªno identity beyond a name. She needed to start somewhere, and being part of a guild could give her resources, protection, and¡ªmost importantly, it could give her more answers on this world and possibly more answers about herself.

    After a long pause, she met his gaze and gave a single nod. "Alright. I''ll join."

    Halstein grinned, standing up. "Smart choice, kid." He reached into his pocket and tossed her a small, engraved emblem. "Welcome to Dragon Bone. The nurse will get you some guild clothes to fit you after she comes in here and takes your measurements."

    Aria caught the emblem, her fingers curling around the metal and looked up to Halstein after looking at the metal. "Alright... Thank you." She said softly, her eyes an emerald green, her long dark purple hair swaying as the air blew around her from an air condition.

    Stiles landed with a heavy thud, the cracked stone beneath him giving way under the force of his descent. Dust kicked up around him as he steadied himself, gripping his blades tightly.

    SteelArm glanced over, concern flickering in his eyes. "You good?"

    Stiles exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders. "Yeah¡­ but even with all the debuffs Dante''s stacking, that bastard still won''t fall."

    Their gazes shifted toward Dante, who was still relentlessly unleashing [Phantom Cleave], his spectral scythe projections tearing at the Guardian''s essence over and over.

    Stiles let out a sigh, shaking off the ache in his limbs. "No time to rest, then." Without hesitation, he activated [Silver''s Last Pride] once more, his blades igniting with a radiant silver glow as he dashed back into the fray.

    SteelArm stepped forward, slamming his palm to the ground. [Steel Road] activated, and the very terrain responded¡ªancient stone shifting, morphing into solid steel. A sleek metallic ramp began forming beneath Stiles, giving him a direct path to the towering Guardian without wasting energy on an unnecessary leap.

    Not stopping there, SteelArm clenched his fist and ripped a chunk of steel from the ground, activating [Steel Spikes]. Instantly, razor-sharp spikes shot up from the metallic floor, piercing into the Guardian''s weakened armor. The moment they lodged inside, the spikes expanded outward¡ªrupturing its insides, tearing through the constructs'' inner framework with brutal efficiency.

    The battlefield had completely changed. What was once a dust-laden ruin of aged stone was now a battlefield of steel, destruction, and relentless combat. Traps that once lay hidden beneath the floor had been sealed away, their mechanisms entombed beneath SteelArm''s newly forged terrain.

    Taking full advantage, Stiles sprinted up the rising steel ramp, closing the distance in seconds. His glowing blades carved another strike into the Guardian, leaving behind a trailing silver afterimage.

    With perfect timing, he activated [Heavenly Descent], crashing down directly onto the silver-marked wound. The moment his blades connected, the stored energy detonated, unleashing another explosive rupture in the Guardian''s armor.

    As the blast echoed through the steel-coated chamber, the Guardian staggered, its once-mighty form showing the first true signs of collapse.

    Stiles landed hard on the solid steel floor, his shirt completely burned away from the explosion. His chest rose and fell heavily, beads of sweat glistening against his skin as he caught his breath.

    "Damn¡­ that can''t be good for my health," he muttered, letting out a breathless chuckle.

    Nearby, Dante staggered back as [Phantom Overdrive] finally wore off. He braced himself, exhaling sharply as the weight of exhaustion crashed down on him. He retreated to where Stiles, and SteelArm were standing.

    "D-Damn¡­ that skill takes way too much outta me," he admitted between breaths, his body still trembling from the intense drain.

    Then, without warning, the Stone Guardian twitched. Its already sluggish movements became even slower as the glowing runes embedded in its body shattered one by one. Cracks ran deep through its form before it finally collapsed onto its back, its colossal weight sending a final shockwave through the steel-coated battlefield.

    For a moment, the three warriors stood still, watching as the Guardian''s body began to disintegrate into a swirling mix of crimson and black particles.

    A heavy silence filled the chamber for a few minutes.

    "Holy shit¡­ it''s actually over!" Stiles shouted, breaking into a grin.

    SteelArm let out a deep exhale, cracking a rare smile. "We did it. Teamwork always pulls through."

    Dante, despite himself, felt the corners of his lips twitch upward. "Damn it¡­ I guess working with others isn''t always so bad. If i had tried to solo this, I would 100% still be chipping away at the stone bitch for another couple hours." With a quiet smirk, he shook his head and sighed. "Let''s get the hell out of here."

    Seeing Dante''s weakened state, Stiles and SteelArm each took an arm over their shoulders, supporting him as they made their way toward the exit. The heavy doors groaned open as they stepped out, leaving the battle-worn chamber behind.

    An Hour Later

    They trudged back toward the waiting group, pausing every so often to catch their breath. The moment they arrived, Kiera and the healers rushed over, their hands already glowing with restorative energy. In just moments, Dante and Stiles felt their lungs fill properly again, their strength returning as the fatigue melted away.

    Dante stretched his fingers, flexing his hands as he let out a relieved sigh¡ªonly to immediately frown. "Where the hell is the gate?"

    Stiles and SteelArm, still basking in the victory, blinked in confusion. They turned, scanning the area, but¡ª

    The gate wasn''t appearing.

    Kiera furrowed her brows. "What gate? Did y''all clear it?"

    Dante clenched his jaw in frustration, rubbing his temples. "Damn it all to hell¡­ we can''t even go back to check on that hellhole until tomorrow." He exhaled sharply, his frustration mounting. "My skill, [Phantom Materialization], I used for my spear, and the phantom armor. It only has four uses left today. If we go back in now and I run out when we need it the most, we''re most likely screwed."

    Stiles opened his mouth, instinctively wanting to say he, SteelArm, and Kiera could go back without Dante. His pride urged him to speak¡ªbut he forced himself to swallow the words. The truth was, without Dante, they might not survive another battle.

    SteelArm, sensing the hesitation, gave a firm nod. "I''m fine with waiting until tomorrow if it means better odds."

    Kiera sighed but ultimately nodded in agreement.

    The healers, still tense from the ordeal, remained silent. But the relief on their faces was evident. They wanted nothing more than to leave this cursed place hours ago.

 6 - Arias Memories

    A blurry figure stood before Aria, their form flickering like a mirage. She strained to see them, but their features remained just out of reach. Yet, something about them felt... familiar. More figures emerged, shadows shifting in the haze, their voices distant¡ªurgent, gentle, maybe even sorrowful.

    She focused, trying to make sense of the words, and for a fleeting moment, clarity cut through the fog.

    Then¡ªdarkness.

    Aria''s eyes snapped open. The dream dissolved like mist under the morning sun, leaving behind a hollow sense of loss.

    She lay still, blinking as her vision adjusted to the dimly lit room. A faint rustling of fabric reached her ears, followed by approaching footsteps. Then, a voice¡ªclear this time, not muffled by the dream.

    "You''re awake. Good."

    Aria turned her head, her gaze landing on a woman in a crisp white uniform. A nurse.

    For a moment, she remained motionless, caught between the fading fragments of her dream and the reality before her.

    Had it been a dream? A memory? It had felt real, but the details slipped through her fingers like sand.

    She exhaled, pushing the thoughts aside, and sat up. "Where... am I?"

    "Dragon Bone Headquarters," the nurse replied, placing a neatly folded set of clothes on the bedside table. "You''ve been asleep for a few hours. As you know, we took your measurements earlier today, so here¡ªthese should fit."

    Aria glanced at the clothes, then back at the nurse. Confusion still lingered, but there was no use dwelling on things that made no sense.

    She stretched with a yawn, rolling her shoulders.

    The nurse cleared her throat. "Ahem. Aria, right?"

    Aria nodded. "Mhm, that''s right. What is it?"

    "Go to the restroom over there and get dressed." The nurse gestured to a door in the infirmary marked Restrooms This Way.

    Aria tilted her head slightly, puzzled by the sudden instruction¡ªuntil a strange feeling settled in her gut. She looked down.

    Her breath hitched.

    Heat rushed to her face as she hastily pulled the thin blanket up to cover herself. "Why¡­ why am I naked?!"

    The nurse closed her eyes briefly, a gesture of respect. "Well¡­ earlier, when I came in to wake you, you threw your robe at me¡ªhard enough that it hit the wall... it had also made a crack in the wall. I thought you were waking up, but then the power flickered. Due to certain restrictions, no medical staff can assist or dress a patient during an electrical failure¡­ It''s a protocol we set up after an incident a few years ago."

    Aria stared at her, then sighed, rubbing her temple. "I-I see¡­"

    She grabbed the clothes and hurried toward the restroom, muttering under her breath. A few minutes later, she emerged, adjusting her sleeves. "These fit perfectly," she admitted, rolling her shoulders.

    The nurse gave a small nod. "Good."

    Without another word, she turned and exited the room, likely to check on another patient.

    Now dressed, Aria stepped out as well.

    She spent the next hour and a half wandering the Guild, familiarizing herself with the layout. Eventually, she found herself in front of a door labeled Halstein''s Office.

    She knocked.

    "Come in," came the gruff response.

    Aria entered, spotting Halstein behind a cluttered desk. She took a seat, tilting her head slightly. "So¡­ uhm, what happens now that I''ve registered with the Guild?"

    Halstein leaned back in his chair. "There are several paths you can take. The most common is gate raiding¡ªportals that started appearing seven years ago. No one knows why, but we''re working on it. Then there''s the option of becoming a Guild Receptionist, handling new applicants. You could also travel the world under specific regulations."

    He tapped the desk. "On rare occasions, dungeons appear. Unlike gates, dungeons are a lot more unpredictable¡ªhigher mortality rates, stronger enemies, and, on the upside, better rewards. You might even come across rare creatures whose remains can be harvested for a hefty sum. Miners usually handle that part, taking a cut from every part of the corpse they salvage."

    Aria listened carefully, absorbing the information. "Hm¡­ so what exactly are gates?"

    Halstein exhaled and pulled three folders from a stack, sliding them toward her. "These are the current gates you''re eligible for. All E-rank¡ªthe easiest tier. Best way to learn is by experiencing one firsthand."

    She picked up the reports, flipping through them, she soon stood up from the chair, "Can I take these with me to read over later?"

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    "Sure, I don''t mind at all." Halstein replied quickly before going back to signing off on different documents.

    Aria walked to the door and left the office before finding her way to her room that Halstein had prepared as every other guild member has a room.

    Aria stepped into room 331, her gaze immediately drawn to the dark purple walls and the emerald-green sheets neatly spread across the bed.

    "Did they customize the room to match my hair and eyes? ¡­How strange." She murmured under her breath before moving toward the nearby desk. Setting down the three folders she carried, she picked up the first one and flipped it open.

    "Spider''s Invasion."

    Her eyes scanned the contents, skimming past the mission details until she landed on the reward.

    "$2,500.00."

    She furrowed her brows and read further, noting that the amount was to be split among four people.

    "So that''s¡­ $625 per person?" A sigh escaped her lips. The number was far less impressive than she''d hoped.

    Setting the first folder aside, she grabbed the second and flipped it open.

    "Danger Cliff of November."

    She blinked. "What the hell?" The name alone was enough to give her pause.

    Having her curiosity piqued, she read aloud:

    "An island-mountain type gate with dangerously high water levels and constant heavy rainfall. Cliff conditions are treacherous, making any climb toward the top a deadly risk. The monsters inside are classified as unknown. Their weaknesses¡ªunknown. The gate boss¡ªalso unknown¡­"

    Aria exhaled sharply, her fingers tightening around the folder. "Not much to go on¡­ but the payout is a lot better."

    Her gaze drifted to the reward section.

    "$6,500."

    She did the quick math. "Split between three people¡­ that''s about $2,166 each."

    A better sum, but the lack of information made it an undeniable gamble.

    Still in thought, she reached for the third folder, but the moment her eyes landed on the reward, she immediately set it back down.

    "$1,500."

    Split between three people.

    "It''s probably the safest option, considering the pay is the lowest¡­ but from what I remember, money is pretty important for survival."

    Her gaze lingered on the two higher-paying raids, "Spider''s Invasion" and "Danger Cliff of November," weighing the risks against the rewards.

    Aria sat at the desk for hours, her fingers idly tapping against the surface as she weighed her options. The sun had long since set, and the room was now illuminated only by the soft glow of the overhead light.

    Her eyes flickered between the folders¡ª"Spider''s Invasion" and "Danger Cliff of November."

    "Even if the payout is higher for the Danger Cliff whatever, there''s too much risk. If I slip up, I might not make it out at all."

    She exhaled, leaning back in her chair.

    "I mean, I guess"Spider''s Invasion" isn''t exactly enticing either, but at least the information is a lot more clearer. The dangers are known, the team size is also larger, and the survival rate¡ªat least in comparison¡ªseems far more favorable for me." She said to herself before sighing once again.

    "The reward is lower, but I''d rather make less and live than gamble on something I know nothing about."

    With that thought, her decision was made.

    Aria reached for the "Spider''s Invasion" folder and pulled it toward her, closing the others.

    She left her room and made her way to the reception desk, the "Spider''s Invasion" folder in hand. She approached one of the receptionists and placed it on the counter.

    "I''d like to take this one," she said, her gaze drifting across the lobby as she spoke.

    The receptionist gave a quick nod before settling into her chair, fingers gliding across the keyboard as she registered Aria for the upcoming raid.

    "You''re all set. The raid is scheduled for next Friday. Until then, be sure to rest and enjoy your time. Best of luck to you!" She offered a polite smile before turning to assist another visitor at a nearby desk.

    Aria gave a small nod in response before heading back to her room. As soon as she reached her bed, she sat down, testing the feel of the mattress beneath her. Slowly, she laid back, sinking into the fabric.

    "Not bad¡­"

    She closed her eyes for what felt like only a moment, but exhaustion had already settled in. Within seconds, sleep took over, pulling her into the depths of unconsciousness.

 7 - Second Floor of Stone

    Dante, Stiles, SteelArm, and Kiera set out the next morning, returning to the building.

    "We should call this place ''Bullshit Dungeon,''" Dante said with a grin.

    "Hell yeah," Stiles agreed without hesitation.

    SteelArm and Kiera just sighed but nodded, seemingly resigned to the name.

    As the four stepped inside, the heavy doors slammed shut behind them once again. Kiera immediately tried pulling them open, but they wouldn''t budge.

    "Guess that means we have to clear a boss before we can leave," Stiles said, glancing back at the sealed entrance before turning his attention forward.

    Dante frowned, scanning the main hallway they had walked down the previous day. "Is it just me, or does this look different?" he asked. "The door on the left¡ªby that window we checked out yesterday¡ªit''s gone."

    Stiles and SteelArm followed his gaze, noticing the missing door as well.

    "Maybe we just¡­ took a different path yesterday?" SteelArm suggested, though his voice lacked confidence. He scanned the area, his sharp eyes taking in the surroundings. Yet no alternate routes presented themselves¡ªthere was only one way forward.

    "Either way," Dante said, rolling his shoulders, "looks like we''re in for another round of this dungeon''s bullshit."

    Dante activated [Phantom Materialization], forming a spear in his hand as he took the lead down the dimly lit hallway. SteelArm followed close behind, with Stiles and Kiera bringing up the rear.

    As they advanced, Dante suddenly stopped, planting his spear against the floor just as a barrage of poison darts shot out from the walls, striking the opposite side.

    "Stay sharp," he warned. "Looks like the traps are just as bad as yesterday."

    Kiera raised a hand, casting [Search] to scan the area. A faint magical glow surrounded her as a small map of their immediate surroundings formed in her vision.

    "There''s another trap three steps ahead of you," she said.

    Dante nodded, breaking a loose chunk of stone from the wall and tossing it forward. The moment it hit the ground, the floor gave way, revealing a pit filled with roaring flames. He peered over the edge, watching the fire crackle hungrily below.

    "A hidden fire pit?" he muttered. "This place really wants us dead."

    Carefully maneuvering past the traps, the group pressed forward until they reached the end of the hallway. There, two massive doors loomed before them, each adorned with an ornate carving¡ªone of a snake, the other of a lion.

    SteelArm, now at the front thanks to his [Mountain Body], reached out and pushed against the heavy doors. To everyone''s surprise, they swung open effortlessly.

    "That''s suspiciously easy," Stiles muttered.

    Dante tightened his grip on his spear. "Yeah¡­ I don''t like it."

    With caution, they stepped inside.

    As the four of them stepped inside, the doors slammed shut behind them. Blue flames ignited along the walls, their eerie glow casting long shadows as the ceiling above them vanished, revealing the moon''s cold light.

    SteelArm dropped into a martial artist''s stance, his body tense and ready. Dante lowered his spear, prepared to strike. Kiera gripped her staff, stepping back to assess the situation, while Stiles unsheathed his twin blades, activating [Silver''s Last Pride], causing them to shimmer with a silvery glow.

    Their eyes locked onto a figure ascending the stone steps ahead.

    "You¡­ lowly fucking bastards."

    The voice was dripping with disdain. And then, they saw him.

    A tall man with wild long red-and-black hair. Bare-chested, his lean but muscular frame was covered in faint scars. He wore loose martial artist''s pants, his bare feet treading silently across the stone floor.

    Dante moved first.

    [Phantom Lunge] activated.

    For a fraction of a second, Dante''s speed tore through the laws of the world itself, his form becoming a blur of afterimages. He appeared directly in front of the man, spear swinging upward in a devastating arc aimed at his chin. The illusions trailing behind him struck in unison, overwhelming the figure in a flurry of phantom attacks before Dante''s final blow crashed down.

    The sheer force sent the man hurtling into the wall, shattering the stone upon impact. He collapsed to the floor, unmoving.

    Dante exhaled, stepping back toward the group.

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    "So¡­ those illusions of yours aren''t just for show, huh?" Kiera mused, eyes scanning the remnants of lingering mana. "Each one carried actual energy. That''s impressive."

    Dante gave a small smirk but immediately tensed, his instincts screaming. "Get ready."

    Stiles raised an eyebrow. "The hell do you mean ''get ready''? You just one-shotted the guy."

    "Not even close," Dante muttered.

    From within the swirling dust, a shadow emerged.

    The man stepped forward¡ªwithout a single scratch.

    Kiera''s eyes narrowed. "He''s regenerating¡­ his mana flow¡ªit''s the same as a healer''s."

    Dante and Stiles both grimaced.

    SteelArm chuckled. "So, you guys think this''ll last longer than yesterday''s fight?" His tone was dripping with sarcasm.

    "If we make it out of here, I''m killing you first," Stiles shot back.

    Then¡ª

    "Fuck, that hurt!"

    The man took a single step forward¡ªand instantly appeared in the center of the room.

    Dante''s breath hitched. He had seen the step¡­ but not the movement itself.

    "This isn''t just an SS-rank gate¡­" His grip tightened around his spear. "This is an SS-rank dungeon."

    No hesitation. [Phantom Overdrive]. [Phantom Annihilation].

    Dante vanished again, his speed multiplying as his spear became an extension of destruction itself. He lunged¡ª

    The man''s eyes flickered, sensing something.

    The moonlight caught fragments of shattered glass hidden across the room, reflecting countless versions of him. His speed surged beyond human comprehension. Then, as the air pulsed with eerie green energy, the flames along the walls shifted¡ªnow burning an unnatural, sickly green.

    Dante appeared behind him, spear thrusting forward with the force of a collapsing mountain. His weapon didn''t just cut through flesh¡ªit severed the soul itself.

    The man''s soul was split in half.

    Dante reappeared with the group, panting. No one spoke.

    Then¡ª

    "My name is Riven Vorn."

    His voice was calm, but his eyes¡ªlocked onto Dante¡ªwere filled with murder.

    Dante''s blood ran cold.

    He had felt nothing when his attack landed.

    "...A soul attack on a being without a soul?"

    Riven''s lips curled into a vicious grin. His eyes darkened to blood-red fury.

    "A useless ass skill from a useless ass nobody." His voice dripped with venom. "You worthless bitches think you know how to fight?"

    His aura flared, the entire room trembling under its weight.

    "I''ll show you useless bitches what real combat looks like."

    The air grew heavier. The green flames flickered violently as if reacting to the sheer malice radiating from Riven. His blood-red eyes locked onto Dante like a predator to its prey.

    Then, he moved.

    Faster than thought.

    Dante barely had time to raise his spear before a fist blurred through the air. A shockwave exploded outward as Dante was sent hurtling backward, slamming into the stone wall with bone-crushing force.

    SteelArm lunged. His fists, reinforced by Mountain Body, swung toward Riven like boulders crashing down from the heavens.

    Riven didn''t dodge.

    He caught SteelArm''s punch with a single hand. The sheer impact shattered the ground beneath them, cracks webbing out in every direction.

    Then¡ªhe twisted.

    With terrifying ease, he lifted SteelArm off the ground and slammed him face-first into the floor so hard that the entire room shook.

    Kiera''s voice rang out. "Arcane Bind!"

    Chains of pure mana erupted from the air, wrapping around Riven''s arms and legs, glowing with an intense blue light.

    Stiles was already moving. His twin blades glowed silver as he activated [Relentless Edge] as his [silver''s Last Pride] had been activated for a while, his slashes becoming blurs of light. Each strike aimed for Riven''s vital points.

    A cut to the ribs¡ª

    A slash to the throat¡ª

    A stab straight for the heart¡ª

    Every single attack hit and a second later, an explosion happened. Riven didn''t even flinch, instead¡ªhe grinned.

    With a flex of his muscles, he tore through Kiera''s Arcane Bind like paper. In an instant, he caught Stiles by the wrist and slammed a knee into his stomach before holding him by his shirt and threw waves of punches into his stomach.

    The impacts was deafening.

    Stiles'' eyes widened as blood burst from his mouth, his body doubling over before Riven kicked him across the room, sending him crashing into the torches lining the walls.

    Dante reappeared. His body flickered with [Phantom Overdrive], moving faster than human eyes could track.

    A spear thrust¡ª

    A sweeping kick¡ª

    A flurry of afterimages converging into one singular, perfect strike.

    For a moment, the room stood still.

    Riven grin became even wider. Dante froze. His spear had pierced clean through Riven''s chest perfectly.

    Riven grabbed the spear''s shaft and pulled it deeper, impaling himself further.

    He leaned in, voice dripping with mockery. "Nice try you useless bitch."

    A devastating punch connected with Dante''s ribs. Something broke. Pain exploded through his body as he was sent skidding across the ground, coughing up blood.

    SteelArm slammed his hand into the ground activating [Earthen Grip] Stone hands from the ground appeared and grabbed around Riven tightly

    "Dante! Now!"

    Dante spat out blood, his eyes burning with determination.

    "[Phantom Annihilation]!"

    His spear pulsed with an ethereal glow¡ªa direct attack on Riven''s very existence.

    Dante lunged¡ªaiming straight for Riven''s head. It was the perfect opening. The moment his spear touched Riven''s forehead, it shattered.

    Dante''s eyes widened as he saw his phantom spear break for the first time.

    Riven chuckled darkly. "Pathetic... son of a bitch!"

    Then¡ªhe erupted.

    A burst of raw energy detonated from Riven''s body.

    The force sent everyone flying. The flames in the room turned black, the walls trembling under his sheer presence.

    Riven cracked his neck, his expression twisted somewhere between amusement and contempt. Dust rolled off his shoulders, a silent testament to how meaningless their attacks had been. His voice, calm and measured, carried the weight of something truly monstrous.

    He looked over towards everyone and grinned, his eyes complete red, his muscles flexing on their own as he looked at

    Riven stood silent for a moment before talking again, "I learned this disgusting language you humans use to communicate to share my hatred with the things I hate the most."

    Dante struggled to his feet, his chest heaving as blood dripped from the corner of his mouth. The pain was searing, but he gritted his teeth, refusing to stay down. His body trembled, but his resolve burned brighter than ever.

    Kiera, though still standing, had blood trickling from her lips. The shockwave had rattled her to the core, but she refused to show weakness. Her hands gripped her staff tightly, her breath shallow as she focused on regaining her composure.

    Stiles was on the ground, struggling to push himself upright. His body trembled from the sheer force of the impact, the pain in his stomach making it difficult to breathe. He coughed violently, spitting out a stream of blood, his eyes welling with tears from the agony. Every movement felt like torture.

    SteelArm, on the other hand, stood tall and unwavering. His body had absorbed the blast, his [Iron Fortress] absorbing the energy and leaving him unscathed. He looked down at his teammates, his expression unreadable, but the fierce glint in his eyes showed no sign of weakness.

    Riven spoke up once again, "I''ll show you the principle of bloodshed."

 8 - The Principle of Bloodshed

    As the three struggled to their feet, SteelArm scanned the battlefield before regrouping with the others.

    "What the hell do we do?" Stiles gritted out, his voice barely above a whisper as he clutched his stomach, blood trickling from his lips.

    Dante exhaled sharply, grinding his teeth. "...I''ll hold him off. You three get the hell out of here." His grip tightened as he activated [Phantom Materialization], summoning a spear and armor once more. "Even if I die here... I''ll buy you time to escape this nightmare."

    Without hesitation, SteelArm and Kiera turned to run. But Stiles staggered forward, vomiting more blood before forcing himself upright. He gripped his twin blades with renewed fury. "Like hell I''m running. Even if I die, I''ll hit this bastard with everything I''ve got." His voice was raw, blood dripping from his mouth onto the shattered ground.

    SteelArm, glancing back, hesitated. He clenched his fists as an internal battle raged within him¡ªthen, with a resigned sigh, he stopped running and turned around. Stepping beside Stiles, he stood firm.

    "We started this journey together, Stiles. If it ends here, then we end it together." His voice carried unwavering resolve as he dropped into his martial stance.

    A weak chuckle escaped Stiles as a grin spread across his face. "Shit, alright then."

    "You two are idiots," Dante muttered, though there was a glimmer of respect in his eyes.

    Riven remained motionless, watching in amusement, allowing them their final words before crushing them.

    Stiles glanced at SteelArm and nodded. "Time for that plan."

    SteelArm nodded back.

    At that moment, a radiant golden light erupted from SteelArm''s body. The beads around his neck snapped one by one, his eyes glowing silver as his frame expanded. [Orc''s Rage] surged through him, and with it, the dormant power of [Last Light of the Earth''s Pride] awakened.

    Stiles, still grinning, activated [Crimson Limit]. The pain in his body dulled, replaced by a raw surge of strength¡ªhis strikes now fueled by the brink of death itself.

    "This is our final stand, Dante," Stiles said, his voice steady as he shot forward like a phantom.

    SteelArm moved first, his now-massive form surpassing Stiles in speed. He closed the gap between him and Riven in an instant, his fist colliding with the tyrant''s gut in a devastating [Colossal Blow]. The sheer force sent Riven reeling¡ªuntil Stiles flashed behind him, twin blades slashing with [Relentless Edge], carving into Riven''s weak points.

    Riven recovered unnaturally fast. His fist lashed out at Stiles¡ªa killing blow.

    But Stiles was faster by a fraction of a second due to [Crimson Light].

    At the last possible moment, he countered with [Bladed Reprisal]. The impact rippled through his blades, absorbing the force of Riven''s punch before redirecting it¡ªhis counterattack doubled the strength of the incoming blow. The force sent Riven careening backward toward SteelArm.

    Seizing the moment, SteelArm slammed the ground with a thunderous [Seismic Wreck], causing the battlefield to erupt in a violent quake.

    Suddenly, the room pulsed with arcane energy. A glowing purple light flickered across the battlefield as enchanted ropes shot forth, wrapping around Riven, pinning him in place.

    From the shadows, Kiera smirked.

    Dante didn''t hesitate. He shot forward with [Phantom Lunge], closing the distance in a blink. But just before impact, he forcefully canceled the skill and instead thrust his spear forward manually, piercing Riven''s shoulder¡ªthen, with a brutal yank, ripped his arm clean off.

    As the aftershock of [Phantom Overdrive] coursed through Dante''s body, he clenched his teeth through the pain and activated [Phantom Replacement], switching Riven''s position with a nearby rock¡ªplacing him directly in front of Stiles.

    Stiles reacted instantly. With another [Relentless Edge], he struck at Riven''s exposed weak points, triggering a 20% burst of speed and strength. Mana surged through his blades as he prepared [Luminous Rift]¡ªthe battlefield bathed in a deep blue glow.

    With a single perfect horizontal slash, he unleashed a wave of energy, carving through Riven and tearing a hole into the dungeon wall¡ªbefore the stone structure collapsed inward.

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    For a moment, silence.

    Then, the ropes snapped as Riven flexed his raw power. Blood poured from his wounds, his chest heaving, his single arm shaking. Yet he stood.

    "Fucking hell!" Riven snarled, his body suddenly glowing red. His blood sizzled as it dripped to the floor.

    Kiera''s voice rang in their heads. "It''s a healing technique!"

    Stiles'' eyes sharpened.

    Without a second thought, he vanished¡ªhis speed far exceeding his previous limit. He reappeared behind Riven, a small grin creeping across his bloodied face.

    "This is for that beating you gave me."

    SteelArm''s hand slammed onto the ground. [Earthen Grip] erupted beneath Riven, hands coming from the ground binding him once more. The red healing glow vanished instantly.

    Stiles dropped one of his blades. His remaining hand trembled as he forcefully activated [Silver''s Last Pride]. The silver light coursed through his veins as he clenched his fist.

    Then, he activated [Bladed Reprisal] once more.

    With a final, defiant roar, he punched his own blade, triggering the counter, sending all of its stored power surging into his attack. His weapon gleamed with a divine silver glow.

    And then¡ªhe plunged it straight into Riven''s chest and dashed away.

    A moment after the blade connected¡ª

    It detonated an explosion causing the room to become deafening.

    Riven stood amidst the wreckage, his body broken yet unyielding. Blood poured from the gaping hole in his stomach, and his severed arm left a crimson pool beneath him. But even in his battered state, he refused to fall. His breathing grew heavier, each inhale seething with raw hatred.

    Then, without warning, his remaining hand clenched into a trembling fist, and a violent explosion of red mana erupted from his body. The shockwave blasted outward, shaking the very foundation of the battlefield.

    "I hate... I hate... I hate you all!" Riven roared, his voice echoing with unrelenting fury. "ALL OF YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A PLAGUE THAT I WILL ERASE!"

    The more he shouted, the wilder his mana became, crackling like a living storm. The gaping wound in his stomach pulsed with unnatural energy, and before their eyes, the flesh began to mend itself. The bleeding from his severed arm ceased as dark crimson mana wrapped around the stump, solidifying into an eerie, translucent outline of his lost limb. His once pained expression twisted into something far more sinister¡ªa face of absolute, unyielding wrath.

    His mana no longer just radiated¡ªit burned. The ground beneath him darkened, as if the very stone feared his presence. The oppressive aura thickened, suffocating the air around them. His red eyes gleamed with unrestrained bloodlust.

    SteelArm''s fists tightened, his instincts screaming at him to move. Stiles, despite his injuries, took a stance, his twin blades vibrating in his hands as his muscles tensed. Even Dante, as drained as he was from [Phantom Overdrive], felt the sheer force of Riven''s rage pressing against him.

    Kiera, standing in the distance, bit her lip. "His mana is running rampant¡­ This is bad."

    Riven let out another roar, his red aura igniting like a violent storm. "I... I WILL KILL EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU!"

    His breathing became heavier and louder as his eyes twisted into black.

    Before they could even register a single movement, Riven vanished. There was no shift in his stance, no warning¡ªjust an abrupt disappearance, followed by a sickening sound of flesh being torn apart.

    In the next instant, he reappeared in front of Kiera.

    Her eyes barely had time to widen before his fist drove straight through her stomach, bursting out from her back in a spray of crimson. The force of the impact sent a violent shockwave rippling through the air, her body jerking as if time itself had frozen for a split second.

    A choked gasp escaped her lips, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth as her body trembled around the monstrous wound. Riven''s expression twisted into one of pure, unfiltered hatred, his glowing eyes burning into hers.

    "One piece of shit down," he growled.

    And then, with a brutal flick of his wrist, Riven tore his arm free from Kiera''s body. The motion was merciless, widening the gaping wound as flesh and muscle shredded apart. A grotesque splatter of blood followed, painting the ground beneath her in a deep crimson.

    Kiera''s body convulsed as she collapsed, her legs giving out beneath her. A sharp, gurgling sound escaped her throat as blood flooded her mouth, choking her with every desperate attempt to breathe. Her trembling fingers clawed weakly at the floor, her violet eyes flickering in shock, as if her body was still trying to process the sudden devastation.

    Riven barely spared her a glance. His burning red aura crackled wildly, his rage far from satiated. His bloodstained fist clenched tighter, his hunger for violence only growing.

    Then¡ªhe moved again.

    In an instant, he appeared before Dante.

    Dante, still sprawled on the ground, barely had time to register the shift. His body was drained, his muscles screaming in protest from the aftershock of [Phantom Overdrive]. Every breath felt like fire in his lungs as he forced his head up¡ªonly to see Riven looming over him, a towering specter of rage and malice.

    "Pathetic," Riven spat, his voice laced with pure contempt.

    Before Dante could even lift his weapon, a brutal kick slammed into his ribs. The force sent him flying, his body skidding across the stone floor like a ragdoll, bones rattling from the impact. He came to a jarring stop, coughing violently as blood dripped from his lips.

    And then¡ªRiven was there again.

    A crushing weight pressed against his chest as Riven''s foot bore down on him, grinding him into the cold, unyielding ground. Dante gasped, his ribs groaning under the sheer force, his vision swimming from the pain.

    "You thought you could kill me?" Riven''s voice dripped with venom, his crimson eyes burning like embers of hatred. He leaned in closer, his breath heavy with fury. "You''re nothing. Just another worthless human playing hero."

    The very air trembled, thick with the suffocating weight of Riven''s mana. Sparks of red lightning crackled around his clenched fist, a maelstrom of raw power surging as he raised it high.

    "And now... it''s¡ª"

    Before he could finish, the torches lining the walls began to flickering and Riven''s eyes widened as he noticed this.

 The Principle of Bleedshed .2

    As the torches along the walls flickered erratically, Riven''s eyes widened, irritation flashing across his face as each flame extinguished one by one.

    "Damn it!" he snarled, his mana surge sputtering to a sudden halt as the room plunged into darkness. His gaze shot back to Dante, still pinned beneath his boot, but a flicker of strategy sparked in his mind. He shifted his attention to Stiles, preparing to finish them all off.

    But his movements were no longer the blur they had been¡ªhis rage and exertion were taking their toll. In that moment of hesitation, SteelArm seized the opportunity.

    [Titan''s Stride] activated, the ground cracked beneath his steps, shockwaves rippling outward as he closed the distance to Riven. With a roar, he wrapped his massive arms around Riven''s torso, lifting him clean off the ground before slamming him into the stone floor with earth-shattering force.

    Riven barely had time to react before SteelArm''s fist came down with another bone-crushing [Colossal Blow], the impact sending tremors through the entire room.

    Stiles, despite the blood still trickling from his lips, summoned his last reserves of strength. Activating [Sword''s Will] and [Heavenly Descent], his twin blades shimmered with a radiant blue glow as he launched himself into the air. With a powerful lunge, he came crashing down, slicing clean through Riven''s leg with a single, precise cut.

    SteelArm stepped back, giving Stiles the room he needed, watching as Stiles landed and stumbled, his body near its breaking point. But Stiles wasn''t done yet¡ªhe dropped his blades momentarily, catching himself on all fours as he gasped for air.

    SteelArm didn''t hesitate¡ªhe surged forward with another devastating [Colossal Blow], this time obliterating Riven''s remaining leg. The force of the punch was so immense that it severed the limb entirely, leaving Riven writhing, blood pooling beneath him as he choked on his own screams.

    Meanwhile, Dante struggled to rise, his body screaming in protest. Blood bubbled up from his mouth as he gasped, eyes fluttering with pain.

    Stiles forced himself to his feet and limped to Dante''s side, offering a hand. "Come on, I''ll help you up," he murmured, slipping Dante''s arm over his shoulders and bearing his weight. "I have something to tell you."

    Dante''s eyes were glazed with pain, but he managed a weak nod. "W-what¡­ is it, Stiles?" he rasped, clutching his side.

    "I''ve got about three minutes left," Stiles admitted, voice tight with a bitter smile. "After that¡­ it''s over for me. [Crimson Limit] downside is that it won''t let me walk away from this." He paused, guiding Dante to lean against the wall near the doorway. "Promise me¡­ get SteelArm out of here. I need to know you two made it out."

    Dante''s gaze faltered, a tear mingling with the blood on his cheek. "Y-yeah¡­ it''s the least I can do, man."

    Stiles nodded, a tear slipping down his own face as he turned back to the fray. He sprinted back, retrieving his blades from the floor, his heart heavy but his resolve ironclad.

    SteelArm had been pounding Riven into the stone, each blow a testament to his wrath and desperation. But as Stiles returned, he stepped back, allowing Stiles the final act.

    "SteelArm¡­" Stiles called, his voice steady.

    "What is it?" SteelArm asked, his breath ragged as he glanced down at his friend.

    "Take Dante and go. Make sure he lives¡ªmake sure you both get out of here alive."

    "What about Kiera? Is she¡ª?"

    "She''s gone," Stiles interrupted, his voice cracking. "Her wounds were too severe."

    SteelArm''s fists clenched, inner turmoil flashing across his face before he nodded. "What about you?"

    "I''ll be fine. I just need to make sure this bastard is dead," Stiles said, his eyes hardening and refusing to look up towards SteelArm. "If I''m right, the door should open now that the flames are out. Go. I''ll catch up soon."

    Trusting in his comrade, SteelArm''s skills began to fade, his form returning to its normal state. He hurried to Dante''s side, helping him to his feet.

    "Stiles said he''ll meet us after this¡­ he''s got to finish it," SteelArm murmured, a rare, hopeful smile crossing his face as he led Dante out, the doors creaking shut behind them.

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    As the silence settled, Stiles stood alone amidst the carnage. Tears finally fell freely down his face, glistening in the dim light.

    "I''m sorry for lying to you¡­ friend. The last thing I want is for you to see my death."

    He glanced at the internal clock ticking down inside him¡ªtwo minutes and thirty seconds left.

    As the doors sealed shut, two flames flickered back to life. Riven let out a slow breath as mana began threading together, closing the wounds on his legs. He forced himself upright, his expression unreadable as he locked eyes with Stiles.

    No words were needed. Both knew the end was near.

    "Damn humans¡­ always figuring shit out at the last possible second," Riven muttered, exhaling sharply. His once-burning eyes dimmed to a light brown.

    Stiles tightened his grip on his blades, his body trembling from exhaustion. "Maybe you''re right about some of us¡­ We''ve stolen, we''ve destroyed¡ªbut not all of us are like that. Some of us fight to protect, to save, not to take."

    Riven scoffed, his lips curling into a half-smile. "Like hell that''s true. You destroy. You kill. You steal land that was never yours."

    Stiles furrowed his brows. "What do you mean by that?"

    Riven chuckled weakly. "I''ll tell you a story¡­ Maybe then you''ll understand why I despise your kind."

    His gaze drifted to the flickering flames, his voice steady despite the blood pooling beneath him.

    "The year was 200. Back then, I was human, just like you. My tribe lived in peace¡ªuntil a group called ''The Principles'' came. They raided our home, slaughtering anyone who didn''t have mana. Only four of us survived¡­ because we had it."

    Stiles remained silent, his heartbeat pounding in his ears.

    "We were taken to a temple called¡­ ''???''"

    For a brief moment, Riven''s voice distorted, the name of the place twisting into something incomprehensible. Stiles'' eyes narrowed. "What was that?"

    "There, we were forced to learn different ''Principles''¡ªeach one tied to a different power. They made me learn the ''Principle of Bloodshed.'' I didn''t care what it was. All I wanted was revenge." His hands clenched into weak fists. "It took me four years to master it. And the day I was finally ready to strike back¡­ the three survivors¡ªmy so-called friends¡ªbetrayed me. They killed me before I could even lift my blade."

    He let out a bitter laugh, blood dripping from his lips. "Seven years ago, I woke up in this hell. Same body, same memories¡­ nothing had changed. But for some reason, just a week or so ago, these flames lit up again, and my strength¡­ it grew."

    Riven paused, taking a ragged breath before continuing. "Every human I ever trusted betrayed me for power. Your kind slaughtered my family, stole our land, erased my people from existence. Humans are a plague that needs to be wiped out."

    Stiles inhaled sharply, his fingers tightening around his hilt. "I won''t argue with you on what humans have done. But¡­ you were once human yourself?"

    "A long time ago, kid. A lifetime ago." Riven''s voice was quieter now, his mana flickering with the dying flames.

    Another torch sputtered out, and his body wavered. "Well? You stayed behind to finish me, didn''t you? Just get it over with. I''ve already lost."

    Stiles glanced at the countdown in his mind. One minute left.

    "There''s no point," he murmured. "I''ll be dead in a minute, and you won''t last much longer."

    Riven snorted. "So that''s how it ends? Both of us just¡­ waiting to die?" He shook his head. "Hell, I thought my last fight would be glorious¡ªclashing blades until the bitter end, not sitting here telling stories like some old man with a cane."

    His gaze shifted to his legs. The mana threads keeping him from bleeding out were unraveling, his strength failing.

    "¡­Out of all the humans I''ve fought, I''ll admit¡ªyou struggled the hardest. Not for yourself, but for your allies."

    Riven let out a slow breath as the last torch wavered. His voice was barely a whisper now.

    "You might''ve been a worthy warrior¡­ in another life."

    Stiles'' eyes widened as the pieces finally fell into place. "You said a week ago, right?"

    Riven raised a brow. "Yeah, about a week or so ago, the flames lit. Why?"

    Stiles took a slow breath, his mind racing. "Around that same time¡­ we found a girl in a temple in a city called Stern. I doubt you know it, but when we got there, the entire temple had been reduced to rubble¡ªcompletely annihilated. Looked like a damn star had fallen on it. And yet, out of everyone inside¡­ she was the only one left. Not a single scratch on her." He narrowed his eyes. "Could there be a connection?"

    For a brief moment, Riven''s expression shifted¡ªhis eyes widening before quickly returning to their usual cold stare. "Well, shit." He exhaled sharply. "If there is a connection¡­ then watch your back. If I was revived, then the bastards who betrayed me might be out there too." His voice dropped, a bitter chuckle escaping his lips. "Not that it matters. We''re both about to die here anyway."

    A heavy silence settled between them before Riven finally spoke again, almost reluctantly. "... Kid, what''s your name?"

    "Stiles Vorn."

    Riven stared at him, his face unreadable. "If I help you live¡­ will you swear to kill the ones who betrayed me? To uncover whatever the hell that connection is?"

    Stiles let out a tired scoff. "Making a deal with a dying monster wasn''t exactly on my to-do list." He checked his timer¡ªthirty seconds left. His body was at its limit.

    Riven smirked. "Tough shit. It''s the only deal on the table."

    Stiles exhaled. "... What exactly are you offering?"

    "A Principle Transfer." Riven''s voice was steady, but there was something ominous in the way he said it. "It''ll be painful as hell, but you''ll survive¡­ and you''ll inherit the Principle of Bloodshed. I don''t know if any other Principle allows this, but mine does."

    "You''d just¡­ give me your power?" Stiles frowned. "All for a promise I might not even keep?"

    Riven gave a bitter laugh, his body slumping slightly as the last flame on the wall flickered. "I don''t give a damn about your promise honestly, kid. But if you don''t take this power, those bastards will outlive you and everyone else by a long shot. And I want them dead more than anything. They will also probably find a way to escape this realm or whatever you humans call it and cause a mass spread genocide If they betrayed me just for power. What will they do now with enhanced abilities?"

    Riven paused for a moment before saying something that rang into the mind of Stiles before he stared at Riven for a long moment as the room came to a silence and his thoughts ran.

 9 - Spiders Invasion

    Aria awoke to the soft chime of an alarm, her eyelids heavy with lingering drowsiness. She groaned, rubbing her eyes before glancing at the clock on the wall.

    8:00 AM.

    She sighed. Why must it be so early¡­?

    Pushing herself up, she stretched, the stiffness in her muscles reminding her that today wasn''t just any day. It was the day of her first gate raid.

    After a quick shower, she changed into her guild-issued uniform and walked over to the desk where three folders lay neatly stacked. Each contained details about different E-rank gates she could''ve chosen. Her fingers hovered over the two unopened ones as doubt crept into her mind.

    "Maybe I should''ve picked one of these instead..."

    But it was too late for second thoughts.

    Shaking off her hesitation, Aria reached into the drawer and pulled out the dagger Halstein had given her. She held it in her hand, feeling the weight of the blade, the coolness of the metal against her fingertips.

    "This feels..."

    She trailed off, unable to find the right words. The dagger felt both natural and unfamiliar, like something she should be used to¡ªbut wasn''t.

    Before her thoughts could wander further, she slid the weapon into its sheath and secured it to her waist with a small chain. With a deep breath, she turned toward the door and made her way downstairs.

    As she stepped into the guild''s main hall, the familiar buzz of activity filled the air¡ªhunters chatting, the tapping of keyboards, and the occasional clatter of weapons. Just as she approached the receptionist''s desk, her name was called.

    "Aria Noctis."

    She tilted her head slightly. "What is it?"

    The receptionist, a sharp-eyed woman dressed in professional attire, barely glanced up as she typed on her computer.

    "The ''Spider''s Invasion'' gate is starting earlier than expected. It got pushed up last night. You have one hour."

    Aria''s eyes widened in surprise. One hour?!

    "Do you have a map or something I can use to get there?"

    The receptionist finally looked up. "No need. The guild has already arranged transportation for you. The car is waiting outside."

    Still processing the sudden change, Aria simply nodded and turned on her heel, heading for the exit.

    Outside, parked near the entrance, was a sleek black car with the guild''s emblem¡ªa silver dragon¡ªpainted on the side. The tinted windows made it impossible to see inside.

    Aria hesitated for a brief moment before stepping closer.

    "Uhm¡­ are you the driver?" she asked cautiously.

    The driver''s side window rolled down, revealing a man with dark sunglasses and a bored expression.

    "That''s right." His voice was flat, businesslike. "The door''s unlocked. Get in. We don''t have much time."

    The window rolled back up before she could respond.

    With a small exhale, Aria opened the back door and slipped inside. The moment she shut the door, the car pulled away from the curb, heading straight for the gate''s location.

    Her heart pounded in her chest¡ªnot from fear, but from anticipation.

    The car''s interior was quiet, aside from the low hum of the engine as it sped through the city streets. Aria sat in the back, her hands resting on her lap, fingers lightly tapping against her knee. She stared out the window, watching the scenery blur past, her thoughts racing.

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    Her grip tightened on her dagger''s hilt. The driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror, noting her tense posture.

    "First time?" he asked.

    Aria blinked, turning her gaze toward him.

    "Yeah," she admitted.

    The driver smirked slightly. "You''ll be fine. E-rank gates are barely a warm-up for most hunters. Just stick with your team, don''t rush in alone, and you''ll walk out in one piece."

    Aria nodded, though his words did little to ease the unease coiling in her stomach.

    Fifteen minutes later, the car pulled to a stop in front of a secured area cordoned off by barriers and warning signs. A shimmering blue portal hovered in the air ahead¡ªa swirling vortex leading to another reality. The gate.

    Several guild officials and paramedics stood by, ensuring everything was in order. And just ahead, three individuals stood together, clearly her assigned teammates.

    Aria stepped out of the car, straightening her posture as she took in her surroundings. The other hunters were already better equipped than she was, their armor and weapons gleaming under the morning sun.

    Her confidence wavered for just a moment, but she took a deep breath and walked forward.

    When Aria opened her eyes, she was no longer at the gate.

    She stood amidst an ocean of flames.

    The air shimmered with unbearable heat, embers drifting lazily like fireflies. The ground beneath her feet was cracked and scorched, remnants of a long-lost ruin stretching endlessly into the distance.

    Yet, despite the inferno, a chill ran through her veins.

    A voice called out¡ªdeep, distant, familiar.

    She hesitated for a few seconds.

    Her instincts screamed at her to stay back, yet something deep within her urged her forward. Slowly, she took a step toward the voice. Then another. With each step, the migraine intensified, hammering against her skull like a relentless drumbeat.

    She heard a voice call out a letter, "R¡ª"

    A shock rang throughout her chest. Her body convulsed, a sudden force jerking her awake.

    Aria gasped sharply, her lungs drinking in the cold air as her body jolted.

    Her vision was met with blurred figures surrounding her. Voices mixed together in a muffled haze. Her pulse thundered in her ears as her senses gradually realigned.

    She blinked a few times, and the flames were gone. The ruins had vanished.

    She was back¡ªlying on the ground, surrounded by paramedics and her team.

    A teammate knelt beside her, concern evident in his voice. "Are you alright?" He extended a hand toward her.

    Aria ignored the gesture and pushed herself up on her own. Her breath was ragged, but slowly, she steadied herself.

    "...Yeah." She exhaled, her voice quiet but firm.

    As Aria stood up, her mana surged to life.

    A deep purple aura erupted around her, tendrils of energy coiling and wrapping around her like spectral chains being slowly undone.

    Her breath steadied, the tightness in her chest fading as if something long dormant had begun to awaken. A strange lightness filled her lungs, yet the rest of her body remained more stiff than her lungs chest.

    Then¡ªin an instant¡ªher mana sealed itself away.

    The energy vanished without a trace, slipping back into the depths of her soul before anyone could notice, as if nothing had happened.

    Aria and her teammates walked towards the gate after a few minutes before stepping inside.

    A faint hum vibrated through the ground, and in the blink of an eye, the world around them distorted. The towering buildings of the cityscape faded like a mirage, replaced by a vast cavernous expanse. The entrance of the Spider''s Invasion Gate stood ominously behind them¡ªa swirling mass of eerie violet mist sealing them inside.

    The terrain was harsh. Jagged rock formations loomed overhead, their edges sharp like fangs. The cavern floor was uneven, covered in a fine layer of dust and strands of thick, glistening webs that clung to the ground like creeping vines. The air was damp, carrying the faint scent of decay and something¡­ unnatural.

    Aria''s teammates took a moment to get their bearings before one of them turned to her.

    "Since we''re working together, we should at least know each other''s names," a young man with sharp brown eyes and short, slightly messy black hair spoke up. He wore a set of light leather armor, a short sword strapped to his waist. "I''m Leon, a frontline fighter. My class is Swordsman."

    Next to him, a woman with blonde hair tied into a ponytail and a confident smirk adjusted the grip on her bow. "Name''s Rhea. I specialize in ranged attacks as an archer."

    The last of the group, a stocky man with a heavy iron shield strapped to his back, let out a short grunt before nodding at Aria. "I''m Dain. Tank. It''s nice to meet everyone."

    Aria took a steady breath before responding, feeling the weight of their gazes. "I''m Aria." She hesitated for a brief moment, thinking of what to say for a class.

    "My class is... Priestess."

    She kept her expression neutral, hoping they wouldn''t press further.

    They all simply nodded and began to walk forward in the gate as it was the only way. Aria followed closely behind the others, her eyes scanning the surroundings cautiously.

    Dain, who led the group, suddenly raised a hand, signaling for them to stop. "Something''s up ahead, my skill [Radar] is going off." he muttered, tightening his grip on his shield.

    Leon took a step forward, his sword drawn. "Spiders?"

    "Most likely," Rhea said, pulling an arrow from her quiver. Her sharp eyes darted across the cavern, searching for movement.

    As if on cue, a skittering noise echoed through the space. Then, from the shadows, they emerged¡ªfive massive spiders, each roughly the size of a full-grown man. Their exoskeletons gleamed with a slick, dark sheen, and their multiple eyes reflected the dim glow like eerie gemstones.

    "Five of them," Dain confirmed, shifting into a defensive stance.

    "Stay close and don''t panic," Leon instructed, positioning himself beside Dain.

    Rhea nocked an arrow, her bowstring tightening. "Let''s make this quick."

    The spiders moved with unnatural speed, their legs clicking against the stone as they charged. Aria tensed, feeling a strange pull deep within her, but she pushed it aside, focusing instead on the battle unfolding before her. She unsheathed her dagger and her grip on it tightened.

 10 - The Guardians Appearance

    Dain raised his shield, activating [Shield], and summoned a sturdy barrier between himself and the approaching danger, protecting his allies. Rhea, with a smirk on her face, swiftly drew an arrow from her quiver, nocked it, and activated [Flaming Arrow]. With a swift motion, she released it, sending the arrow soaring toward one of the spiders. It struck dead center, bursting into flames as the spider writhed in agony before succumbing to the fire.

    "See? This is going to be a piece of cake!" Rhea said, her confident smile widening as she watched the flames consume her target.

    Leon charged forward, sword in hand, and with a fluid motion, unleashed [Sword Slash], the force of his attack enhanced by his skill. His blade tore through the spider effortlessly, cleaving it in half. As the creature''s body crumpled, it disintegrated into shimmering particles, fading from existence.

    "That''s two down, three to go." Leon said loud enough for the group to hear.

    Rhea swiftly nocked another arrow, her eyes scanning for an opening. She hesitated for a moment, realizing none of the spiders were in her line of sight. Dain, noticing Leon was momentarily exposed, charged forward. He positioned himself to shield Leon from the side, his shield raised in defense. With a powerful roar, he activated [Shield Bash], slamming into the nearest spider and sending it crashing into the wall with a resounding thud.

    "Stay sharp, Leon," Dain warned, his voice firm as he prepared for the next move.

    Leon gave a sharp nod, his focus unwavering, just as an arrow zipped past him and struck one of the remaining spiders, eliminating it in a burst of fiery destruction. "That''s three down!" Rhea called out, a satisfied grin spreading across her face. She quickly reached into her quiver, nocking another arrow, her gaze fixed on the last two spiders as she patiently waited for them to move within her range.

    Without warning, the group turned toward Aria as she surged forward, her eyes glowing a deep, haunting purple. Her movement were a blur of raw intensity, leaping over jagged rocks and unstable terrain with the fluid mobility of a seasoned warrior. She landed behind both of the spiders, her dagger flashing through the air like a streak of lightning. With one swift, brutal strike, the blade cut through both creatures, and in an instant, they exploded into a cloud of writhing, blackened gore. The dark purple aura that had enveloped her dagger now stained the ground, the remnants of the spiders sizzling in its wake.

    Her eyes flickered back to their natural emerald hue, but the tension in the air remained. Aria stood motionless for a beat, her dagger dripping with the spiders'' green blood, her chest rising and falling with the intensity of her actions. A wave of confusion washed over her as she stared down at the weapon, but then, with a slow exhale, she seemed to shake it off. There was something that felt familiar, yet foreign. She felt different. More alive in a way as she felt the adrenaline rushing through her body.

    Rhea raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening as she glanced at Aria. "Damn, did you practice being an Assassin before you found out you were a Priestess?"

    Aria let out a nervous laugh, still disoriented by what had just happened. "I... I guess you could say that?"

    Leon, wiping his sword clean before sheathing it, nodded approvingly. "Well, whatever it was, that was some damn good footwork."

    The group pressed forward, moving deeper into the gate. Soon, they encountered another cluster of five spiders, their grotesque forms skittering into view. Without hesitation, the team fell into their usual rhythm. Rhea''s arrow flew first, striking one of the spiders dead on, [Flame Arrow] igniting it in a fiery explosion. Dain charged forward, his shield raised, knocking another spider back with a powerful [Shield Bash] before Leon finished it off with a precise [Sword Slash]. Aria, her movements sharp and instinctive, darted in to cut down the remaining spiders with swift, fluid strikes, her dagger glowing with an eerie dark purple light still.

    "That''s the last of them," Rhea said, watching as the last spider dissolved into particles.

    They continued onward, pausing only for short breaks after each battle. Every fight blurred into the next: spiders, traps, and the unrelenting push forward. Time seemed to stretch, and before they knew it, an hour had passed. Their bodies were beginning to feel the strain, but they kept moving, determined to face whatever came next.

    Finally, they reached the heart of the gate. The air grew heavy, thick with tension. In the distance, they saw the massive silhouette of the boss¡ªits grotesque form looming like a nightmarish titan. It was a giant spider, easily the size of half a tree, its monstrous legs twitching and its many eyes glinting ominously in the dim light.

    The ground seemed to quake as it slowly advanced toward them, its sheer size casting a shadow over the entire group. Aria felt a rush of unease, but her instincts kicked in.

    The massive spider loomed over them, its hulking form casting a long, grotesque shadow. Its legs scraped against the stone floor, each movement sending tremors through the ground. The group tightened their formation, instinctively spreading out as they prepared for the fight of their lives.

    "Stay alert," Dain grunted, his shield raised high. "We need to work together."

    Rhea nocked an arrow, eyes narrowing. "No promises. Let''s just end this!"

    With a screech that rattled their bones, the giant spider lunged forward. Its massive, spindly legs sliced through the air, aiming for the group like jagged blades. Dain moved first, stepping in front of Leon and Aria, blocking a crushing strike with his shield. The force of the impact sent him staggering back, but his stance held.

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    "Got your back!" Leon shouted, charging forward with his sword raised high. He slashed across one of the spider''s legs, his blade cutting deep, but the creature hissed in rage, pulling its limb back with surprising speed.

    Rhea fired an arrow, the flaming projectile piercing the spider''s side, but the creature seemed to shrug it off, its thick, chitinous armor absorbing most of the damage. With a swift flick of its massive leg, it sent Rhea tumbling to the ground, barely avoiding a deadly stomp.

    "Watch out!" Aria shouted, her voice breaking through the chaos. Without thinking, she sprinted toward Rhea, her dagger in hand, glowing with dark purple energy. As the spider lunged at her, Aria slid under its attack, feeling the heat of its massive body overhead as she sliced at its underbelly, leaving a dark streak across its hide.

    The spider shrieked, its many eyes flashing with fury as it spun around, its massive body crashing into the ground. Aria barely managed to leap back, the tip of its leg grazing her side.

    "Focus on its legs!" Dain commanded, his shield blocking another brutal strike. "Take them out, and it can''t move!"

    Leon nodded, springing into action, slashing at the spider''s closest leg with a flurry of strikes. Each cut chipped away at the hardened armor, but it was slow work. The spider reared back, its mandibles clicking menacingly as it unleashed a poisonous spray from its mouth. The venom arced through the air, and Rhea, narrowly dodging, cursed under her breath.

    "Not today," she hissed, her bow string pulled taut as she fired a volley of arrows with [Arrow Converse] into the spider''s mouth, hoping to hit its weak spot. One arrow struck true, digging into the spider''s soft tissue, but the creature roared, enraged.

    The giant spider charged, its speed shocking for its size. Dain swung his shield, but the spider skittered around him, its massive fangs snapping down toward Leon. Just in time, Aria leaped forward, her dagger flashing as she plunged it into the spider''s side with a vicious twist. The creature shrieked in pain, its venomous fangs snapping mere inches from Leon''s face.

    "Aria, get back!" Leon shouted, but she was already in motion, her body acting on instinct. She ducked under another swipe of its leg, narrowly avoiding being crushed.

    Here''s a more intense and showy version of that scene:

    Aria caught the spider''s attention as it lunged toward her, its massive fangs snapping open to devour her. In that moment, her eyes shifted to a dark purple, her entire demeanor altering as an unknown force coursed through her veins. Without hesitation, she leaped backward just as the spider''s fangs crashed into the ground, sending shards of stone and dust scattering in every direction. The air itself seemed to thicken around her, heavy with a palpable energy that made it harder to breathe.

    "What are you doing?!" Leon''s voice was sharp, his gaze flicking nervously around as the oppressive atmosphere grew stronger. Rhea, sensing the shift, quickly ran over, positioning herself behind Leon and Dain, who instinctively activated [Shield].

    Mana swirled violently around Aria, manifesting in a chaotic vortex that pulsed with dark power. The spider''s instincts screamed at it to flee, and with a frantic skitter, it turned to run. But before it could escape, the damage Leon had dealt to its leg collapsed, and it tumbled to the ground with a heavy thud.

    Aria stood motionless, her eyes locked on the creature, as it shakily tried to rise. Her voice was cold, carrying a weight far beyond her years.

    "Enough. The sins you carry are too great for such a simple creature of nature."

    As the words left her lips, the vortex behind her erupted, spiraling upward into the sky with a deafening roar. She raised one of her hands to the sky, her hand radiating with a deep purple color as the mana flew into the vortex, and she exhaled slowly before raising her voice loudly, "May the Guardians of Principles heed my call."

    Her eyes shut tight, a wave of exhaustion overtaking her, and she collapsed to the ground, unconscious. The vortex above her flared brighter, and from its swirling depths, three shadowy figures descended, their presence monumental.

    The three guardians descended, each one a towering figure of power, their very presence causing the air to tremble. The first knight, draped in deep purple armor, stood tall with an aura of command and shadow. The second knight, radiant in bright blue, seemed to shimmer with a cold, unyielding light, while the third was clad in dark crimson, his armor emitting a constant, ominous heat.

    As they landed around Aria, their movements were swift and deliberate. Each guardian''s gaze fell to her, their senses honing in on her soul, and for a brief moment, they hesitated¡ªrecognizing the very essence of the being before them. But just as quickly, their attention snapped to the spider, their blades shifting with unnatural precision, focusing on their target.

    The knight in purple raised his sword high, a low, guttural chant echoing from his throat in a language that Dain, Leon, and Rhea could not comprehend. The sound felt ancient, dark, and binding, sending chills down their spines.

    In a flash, the guardians lifted their weapons into the sky, the air around them crackling with energy. Their forms vanished, only to reappear in front of the spider, positioned as if they had always been there. Before the spider could react, a wave of crushing force emanated from the guardians, and the spider''s body crumpled under the weight of their power.

    The purple knight''s blade sparked with dark lightning, leaving a trail of blackened burns across the spider''s carcass. The crimson knight''s sword flared with a brilliant flame that consumed the air around it, while the blue knight''s blade sent an icy chill down the spider''s spine, coating it in a thick layer of frost.

    Together, they lowered the tips of their swords to the ground. The ground beneath the spider trembled, and in an instant, the creature was torn apart by an explosive convergence of elements. The force of the attack released a violent eruption¡ªdark purple lightning crackled through the spider''s body, while blinding flames erupted from its core, and a freezing wind spread from its shattered remains, turning the area around them into a deathly cold wasteland.

    The guardians stood, their weapons still embedded in the ground as the last of the spider''s body disintegrated. The very air was charged with the aftermath of their power, and for a moment, there was nothing but silence.

    The three guardians, having crushed the spider into oblivion, slowly turned their attention toward Dain, Rhea, and Leon. Their eyes, though hidden behind the visors of their helmets, felt as though they pierced through the very core of the group. The air grew thick with an unspoken tension, and for a moment, it seemed as though the guardians were preparing to strike.

    But before the trio could react, the vortex above them crackled with violent energy, its swirling chaos intensifying. The knights, their attention still on the group, began to ascend, their massive forms rising effortlessly into the air as the vortex pulled them back. With a final, powerful burst of light, the guardians vanished into the storm, leaving only the remnants of their power in the air, crackling and sizzling in the wake of their departure.

 11 - Bloodied Transaction / Returning To Nebraska

    As Stiles and Riven stood in silence, the weight of the moment pressed down on him like a vice. His mind raced through every possible outcome, every way this could go wrong¡ªbut in the end, survival was all that mattered. He exhaled slowly, the sound ragged and almost bitter.

    "Deal," he muttered, his voice void of hesitation but thick with resentment. "I''ll kill those bastards for you¡­ if it means I can live."

    A slow, sadistic grin spread across Riven''s face, his amusement barely concealed. He lifted his hand, and Stiles hesitated before reaching out, grasping it in a mockery of a handshake.

    Riven''s voice turned deathly cold, devoid of emotion.

    "As the Principle of Bloodshed, I release thee to the new contractor. May thy life be drenched in suffering and thy path paved in the corpses of the fallen."

    The moment the words left Riven''s lips, the air twisted, suffocating and heavy. A deafening crack echoed through the room as his mana surged like a tidal wave, an unrelenting force that sent shockwaves through the foundation. The stone and steel beams split apart, crumbling into dust, and sparks of raw energy flickered like dying stars, devouring everything in their wake.

    Then, all of it¡ªevery ounce of Riven''s mana¡ªrushed into Stiles like a violent flood.

    It was pure agony.

    It was as if molten steel had been poured into his veins, searing through his body, ripping apart his mana core, and stitching it back together with something monstrous. Stiles barely had time to scream before his body collapsed to the ground, convulsing. His fingers clawed at the floor as his breath came in ragged gasps. His vision blurred. The pain was unbearable.

    "F-FUCKING HELL!" he howled, his voice raw with torment. His mana surged uncontrollably, a crimson glow bursting forth like a storm of blood. It spread through the ruined room before vanishing just as suddenly, leaving behind only the lingering scent of iron.

    Through the haze of agony, Stiles forced himself to check his status. His breath hitched.

    His HP had shattered its limit, overflowing beyond what should have been possible. A new buff pulsed in his vision.

    Bloodied Regen (Always Active) ¨C The more foes bleed, the more life you restore.

    After another agonizing ten seconds, a second surge of mana erupted from Stiles, lashing out violently before dissipating into nothing. His body trembled, every muscle screaming in protest, but the torment wasn''t over yet.

    Riven watched with cold amusement, then finally spoke.

    "Now... The last wave will hurt the most then it''ll stop afterwards. My mana was too great in every way possible, It''s releasing the amounts of mana your body physically and mentally cannot withstand."

    Riven coughed weakly, a trickle of blood staining his lips. His eyes, once sharp and unyielding, widened slightly as he forced out his final words.

    "Kill... those bastards."

    His body gave out, collapsing to the floor. In an instant, his form withered away, turning to ash. A sudden gust of wind swept through the ruined room, scattering what remained of him into the void.

    For several agonizing minutes, the pain wracked Stiles'' body, but then¡ªsilence. The torment faded, leaving behind something entirely new. He staggered to his feet, his breathing ragged as he looked down towards his hand and flexed his fingers, feeling the raw power coursing through him. His mana¡ªrefined, potent, unlike anything he had ever felt.

    "This¡­ this power¡­" he whispered, but before he could dwell on it further, his instincts took over. He grabbed his twin blades, sheathed them, and rushed out of the ruined chamber.

    He sprinted toward the massive entrance doors of the building, and as they came into view, he spotted SteelArm and Dante seated on the ground, waiting. Relief flooded his chest at the sight of them, and without hesitation, he ran over and wrapped them both in a tight embrace.

    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    "I told you¡­ I''d be back."

    SteelArm gave a firm nod. "I knew my friend wouldn''t lie to me."

    Dante, however, narrowed his eyes. He had already sensed the shift in Stiles'' mana¡ªsomething was different. Something unnatural.

    "What the hell happened to you?" Dante asked, his voice low.

    Stiles hesitated. The truth weighed heavily on his tongue. He exhaled, then finally spoke.

    "A deal," he admitted. "I don''t know how¡­ but he gave me his power. To kill others like him."

    Dante''s expression darkened. "The fuck do you mean ''others like him''? You''re telling me there''s more out there? More people with that kind of power?" He scoffed, running a hand through his hair. "Shit. Let''s just get the hell out of here. I don''t wanna be in this godforsaken place any longer than we have to."

    SteelArm and Stiles nodded, helping Dante to his feet before making their way toward the healers.

    As they walked, Stiles felt something¡ªa strange sensation pulling at his senses. His newly enhanced mana picked up on something deep within the forest, an energy signature unlike anything he''d felt before. It was faint, but unmistakable.

    "Hey¡­ let''s go this way instead," Stiles said, turning toward the dense treeline.

    SteelArm frowned. "What? Why?"

    "Just a feeling," Stiles replied, keeping his eyes locked on the forest.

    SteelArm crossed his arms. "Let''s get the healers first, patch Dante up, then we''ll check it out."

    Stiles nodded in agreement.

    Once they reached the gate, they gently laid Dante down, watching as the healers immediately got to work. Within moments, the color returned to his face, and his wounds knitted together as if they had never been there.

    "Shit¡­ that''s better," Dante muttered, rolling his shoulders.

    One of the healers glanced around before speaking. "Where''s Kiera? She said she''d be here."

    A heavy silence fell over them. The three exchanged glances, their expressions grim. Finally, Dante spoke, his voice quieter than before.

    "Kiera¡­ she did a lot for us in there. But she didn''t make it."

    The healer''s face fell, but there was no time for mourning¡ªnot now.

    Dante turned away. "Let''s check out whatever Stiles found," he said, leading the way.

    They moved swiftly through the forest, the air thick with tension. Then, Stiles stopped abruptly.

    "I found something over here!" he called out.

    The others rushed to his side, and as they caught sight of what he was looking at, Dante''s breath hitched.

    "Holy shit," he muttered.

    Before them stood a golden gate¡ªglowing, pulsating with an otherworldly energy.

    "This¡­ this is a dungeon exit," Dante said in disbelief. "I''ve only ever seen one of these twice. But this is real¡ªthis will take us out of here."

    Stiles didn''t hesitate. Without a second thought, he stepped through the gate. SteelArm followed, then Dante, then the healers.

    And then¡ªlight.

    When their vision cleared, they stood in the heart of a familiar city. Japan''s cityscape stretched before them, its neon lights flickering in the night air. The distant hum of life, of civilization, surrounded them.

    Stiles took in a deep breath, the scent of the real world filling his lungs for the first time in what felt like weeks.

    "Holy shit," he whispered. "It actually worked."

    As they all turned to look at the dungeon''s entrance, it slowly faded into nothingness.

    "What do you think was on the other three floors of that hellhole?" Dante asked, his voice laced with exhaustion.

    Stiles exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "I don''t know¡­ and I never want to find out." He sank onto the pavement, letting the weight of their ordeal settle over him.

    Before anyone could say more, a sleek black car pulled up, a golden dragon emblem on its side gleaming under the city lights. The tinted window rolled down just enough for the driver''s voice to carry.

    "We were told to wait until we saw the four of you. Get in¡ªwe have places to be."

    The door locks clicked open. Without hesitation, Stiles, SteelArm, and Dante climbed inside. The moment they settled in, the car sped off, weaving effortlessly through the quiet streets.

    Leaning back into the plush leather seat, Stiles glanced at the driver through the rearview mirror. "So¡­ where exactly are we going?"

    The driver didn''t turn his head, his tone professional yet firm. "Aria Noctis."

    At the name, stiles and SteelArm stiffened a moment.

    "We received reports from her teammates during her first gate raid¡ªclaims that something unnatural occurred with her mana and some sort of ''Knights'' appearing. Normally, we wouldn''t think much of it, or give a damn, but given the situation the guild found this girl in... They want to verify with the people who were there that found her as well. I don''t have anymore information than that. Wait, where''s Kiera? From my knowledge she also went in with Stiles and SteelArm before Dante Cross entered the gate."

    A heavy silence filled the car before Dante spoke up, "She didn''t make it out alive from the dungeon."

    The driver looked over at Dante sitting in the passenger seat, "Dungeon? It was suppose to be a gate from what I heard."

    "Yeah? Well it wasn''t." Dante said rethinking of his broken bones from earlier.

    Stiles rested his elbow against the window, staring at the blurred cityscape as it rushed past. His fingers curled into a loose fist. "Aria Noctis¡­ just who the hell are you and why does the guild care so much?"

    Minutes passed in contemplative silence before the car reached a private airstrip. A sleek jet waited on the tarmac, its engines humming softly in the night air.

    Without another word, the four of them boarded. Moments later, the jet lifted off, leaving the glowing skyline of Japan behind as they set course for Nebraska.

 12 - Dragon Bones headquarters

    Dain stepped toward Aria''s unconscious body, kneeling beside her with careful precision. He pressed two fingers against her neck, holding his breath for a moment before feeling the faint rhythm of a pulse.

    "She''s still alive¡­ but what the actual hell was that?" His thoughts raced, replaying the events from moments ago.

    Footsteps approached from behind. Leon and Rhea came to stand beside him, their gazes fixed on Aria.

    "Well, let''s get her out of here," Leon said, exhaling as he crouched down. "Best we report this to the Dragon Bone Guild. She belongs to them, and they''ll know what to do." Carefully, he lifted Aria into his arms, making sure not to jostle her.

    Rhea crossed her arms, eyes lingering on Aria''s unconscious form. "I mean¡­ what else can we do?" She hesitated before adding, "¡­Whatever that was, it won the fight for us. We should probably be grateful."

    She wasn''t sure if she meant it¡ªbut one thing was certain. What they had witnessed was beyond anything they''d ever seen before.

    With Aria unconscious in Leon''s arms, the three made their way back to the dungeon''s gate. As they stepped through, the familiar chill of transition washed over them before they emerged into the real world. The fresh air felt almost unnatural after what they had just experienced.

    Waiting outside was a man clad in dark armor, the emblem of the Onyx Guild displayed on his chest. Leon recognized him instantly¡ªone of his guildmates. The man''s eyes flickered to Aria before shifting back to Leon with silent curiosity.

    Leon wasted no time. "I need you to contact the Dragon Bone Guild¡ªtell them we have one of their members here. Something happened in that gate, and they''ll want to know."

    The man gave a short nod before stepping away to make the call.

    Twenty minutes later, a sleek black car pulled up, and a well-dressed man stepped out one of the manager of Dragon Bone. His sharp gaze swept over Aria before landing on the group.

    "Thank you for looking after her," he said, his voice smooth yet unreadable. Then, after a pause, he added, "For now, I must ask you all to keep her identity a secret."

    Leon, Dain, and Rhea exchanged glances. He didn''t offer an explanation, but they didn''t need one. They had seen the knights¡ªor guardians¡ªinside the gate. Whatever had happened to Aria, it wasn''t normal. And if Dragon Bone wanted to keep it quiet, there had to be a reason.

    Without another word, the manager took Aria and carefully placed her into the passenger seat before driving off toward Dragon Bone''s headquarters.

    Upon arrival, the manager wasted no time handing Aria over to the nurse, instructing her to check Aria''s vitals thoroughly. The nurse nodded and got to work, running every test necessary.

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    An hour later, Aria''s eyes slowly fluttered open. The nurse, noticing her being awake after a few minutes, approached her. "How are you feeling?"

    Aria blinked, taking a moment to register the question. "¡­Fine, I think."

    "Do you remember anything that happened inside the gate?"

    Aria hesitated, then shook her head. "I remember going in with a group, fighting the spiders, and arriving at the boss. Anything past that and now... It''s a complete blank. "

    The nurse frowned slightly but didn''t push further. Instead, she ran Aria''s vitals again¡ªjust to be sure she was fine.

    That''s when she noticed something different.

    Aria now had a mana core. The nurse''s eyes widened in surprise. When Aria had last been examined, she had lacked one entirely¡ªan anomaly in itself. But now, not only did she possess one, its color was¡­ unique, it was dark purple. It was a color the nurse had never seen before.

    Quickly, she accessed the database, running a cross-check against every recorded mana core color in their hospital list. Nothing matched. The doctor with the Database Search skill¡ªwho could have verified it instantly¡ªwas currently on leave, leaving her with limited resources.

    Something was definitely not normal about this.

    Without wasting another moment, she turned to the manager. "We need to call in Halstein."

    The manager wasted no time pulling out his phone and dialing a secure line. After a few rings, a deep, authoritative voice answered.

    "Halstein speaking."

    "It''s me. We have a situation." The manager''s tone was calm but firm. "Aria Noctis, as you probably know just returned from her first gate raid. When she was last checked, she had no mana core. Now, she does. I know mana cores can manifest randomly, but the incident I was told and this? I doubt it''s sheer luck."

    There was silence on the other end.

    The manager continued, his tone steady but laced with urgency.

    "The nurse ran her vitals twice to be sure¡ªher mana core has indeed fully manifested. But here''s the problem: the color is something we''ve never seen before. As we all know, the standard mana colors are blue, yellow, and green, with very rare exceptions like crimson, pink, and even bright gold. The nurse would like to speak in person whenever you have time."

    Another pause, then a quiet exhale.

    "I''m on my way," Halstein finally said before ending the call.

    The manager slipped his phone back into his pocket, his gaze flickering toward Aria. She still looked disoriented, unaware of the significance of what had just been discovered.

    Ten minutes later, Halstein walked into the infirmary, his sharp gaze settling on the nurse as she gestured for him to come over.

    "Take a look at this," she said, clicking a few keys on her computer. The screen displayed a detailed scan of Aria''s mana core¡ªits color a deep, dark purple, matching her hair almost perfectly.

    The nurse exhaled, folding her arms. "I ran a search through every database I have access to within the entire USA¡ªand not a single recorded case in the past seven years shows anyone with any shade of purple for their mana core. Not even once."

    She leaned against the desk, her expression serious. "And here''s the other thing¡ªevery person who''s ever had a unique mana core color, whether it be crimson, pink, bright gold, or any other rare shade, has always been at least A-rank or higher. Without fail."

    She turned back to Halstein. "So, what do we do about Aria?"

    Halstein stood silent for a few moments, arms crossed, deep in thought. Then, after a long exhale, he made his decision.

    "I''ll call a driver for Stiles, SteelArm, Dante, and Kiera. Three of them were there when we found her¡ªI want their thoughts on this before making any moves. I don''t want to misjudge the situation."

    Pulling out his phone, he dialed a direct line to Japan, arranging for a driver to pick them all up. Once the call ended, he turned back to Aria, who had been quietly listening.

    "For now, just stay in your room until I call for you," he instructed.

    Aria nodded without question, and the nurse moved to remove the IV drip and the other monitors she had placed to check her vitals. Once she was disconnected, Aria left the infirmary and returned to her room¡ªwaiting.

 13 - First Shade

    A day later, the doors to the Dragon Bone Guild swung open as Stiles, SteelArm, and Dante stepped inside.

    Without hesitation, they made their way through the building, heading straight for Halstein''s office. The moment they entered, Halstein looked up from his desk, his sharp eyes scanning them before giving a small nod.

    "You''re here," he acknowledged. Then, after a brief pause, his expression grew serious. "Where''s Kiera?"

    The room fell into silence for a moment before Stiles stepped forward, his voice calm but heavy.

    "She passed away... a dungeon boss got her."

    Halstein''s eyes widened. "What do you mean by a dungeon?"

    Dante let out a bitter chuckle, shaking his head before stepping up. "You basically sent all of us to our deaths, that''s what we mean."

    Halstein''s expression hardened, but Dante continued before he could respond.

    "We barely made it out alive. And the only reason we''re standing here right now is because, for some damn reason, a portal opened. If that hadn''t happened¡­" Dante exhaled sharply, his fists clenching. "We''d all be dead."

    Halstein sighed, rubbing his temples before leaning back in his chair. "I see... I won''t make excuses. I truly didn''t anticipate the situation unfolding like that." He exhaled heavily before looking at the three of them. "I''m sorry for what you went through... and for Kiera."

    Without another word, he turned to his computer, typing swiftly before a notification rang out on their devices.

    "$1.2 million. Each."

    Dante raised an eyebrow. "That''s a hell of an apology."

    Halstein met his gaze. "It''s the least I can do. Whether it''s enough or not, I''ll leave that to you to decide."

    The three exchanged glances before Halstein reached for his phone, dialing a number.

    "Aria, come to my office."

    After spending the past day in her room, Aria finally stepped out, stretching as she let out a quiet yawn. Rubbing her eyes, she made her way through the hallways toward Halstein''s office, still feeling the weight of exhaustion from everything that had happened.

    As she pushed the door open, she kept her head down slightly, only glancing up after a few steps inside and she immediately froze.

    All four of them were staring right at her.

    The moment Stiles'' eyes locked onto Aria, something inside him stirred violently.

    Without warning, his red mana¡ªgifted to him by Riven¡ªerupted outward in a massive wave, the sheer pressure shaking the office as it rushed toward Aria. SteelArm, Dante, and Halstein tensed instinctively, feeling the sudden force of mana surging through the room.

    Aria''s eyes widened as the crimson energy streaked toward her. But the moment it touched her hand, it vanished.

    A strange silence followed. But before anyone could react, a crimson hue flared around Stiles, his entire presence feeling heavier, more intense than any of them has ever felt from him before. SteelArm clenched his fists, feeling the weight of the aura pressing down on him. Dante took a cautious step back, his instincts screaming that something unnatural had just occurred.

    Halstein narrowed his eyes. "What... was that?"

    Then, as suddenly as it had appeared¡ªthe energy sealed itself back inside Stiles, as if it had never been unleashed to begin with.

    Aria slowly looked down at her hand, turning it over in confusion. "What... just happened?"

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    Dante let out a low whistle. "Tch. Hell if I know, but that shit wasn''t normal even for me."

    SteelArm crossed his arms, watching Stiles carefully. "You good?"

    Stiles exhaled sharply, gripping his chest as if trying to steady himself. "I... I don''t know. It felt like my mana core reacted the moment I saw her." His gaze flickered to Aria. "Like it was trying to reach her for some reason."

    A long silence followed. Then, Halstein sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Great. Another damn mystery."

    SteelArm grunted. "So what now?"

    Halstein tapped his desk thoughtfully, his sharp gaze flicking between them. "Let''s focus on why I called you all here. Recently, Aria Noctis has manifested a mana core¡ªone of dark purple." He let that sink in for a moment before his eyes shifted toward Stiles.

    "But before we continue¡­ Stiles, that mana just now¡ªit was red, wasn''t it?"

    Stiles stiffened slightly but nodded. "Yeah."

    Halstein leaned forward, his expression darkening. "Your mana has been blue from the first day I met you. Just what the hell happened?"

    A tense silence filled the room. SteelArm, arms crossed, suddenly frowned as if something had just clicked in his mind. "Wait¡­ he''s right. Your mana''s always been blue. Why is it red now?"

    Dante narrowed his eyes but said nothing, simply watching Stiles'' reaction.

    Stiles, not wanting to explain what happened after Dante and SteelArm had left the dungeon, kept his expression neutral. With a casual shrug, he met Halstein''s gaze. "I don''t know what you guys are talking about¡­ my mana has always been red." His voice was calm, too calm.

    SteelArm studied him for a second before exhaling and shaking his head. "Hm... maybe I''m colorblind or something then."

    Halstein wasn''t convinced. His eyes lingered on Stiles a little longer before he finally leaned back, filing the information away for later. "Alright. Let''s move on."

    "Back to the real issue¡ªAria. Her mana core manifested, and it''s unlike anything we''ve ever seen before. A dark purple¡­ a color not recorded anywhere in the databases." He glanced at Aria, who remained quiet, listening intently. "That alone is concerning, but what makes this even more complicated is what happened inside the gate she was in."

    He folded his hands on the desk and continued. "From what I was told, three figures¡ªguardians, knights, or something similar¡ªappeared from a vortex and killed the gate boss before vanishing. No explanation, no trace left behind. Just... gone." His voice was laced with frustration. "That kind of thing doesn''t just happen. Not in E-rank gates. Not in any gate, for that matter."

    The room was silent for a moment before Halstein sighed and leaned back. "I don''t know what to do about this. There''s too much unknown, and I can''t afford to make a bad call here." He turned his attention to Stiles and SteelArm. "You two were there in Stern when we found her. What do you think we should do?"

    Stiles and SteelArm exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable.

    Halstein then turned to Dante. "And Dante, you''re the only SSS-rank hunter in right now. The rest are either raiding gates or enjoying time off in Hawaii drinking. What''s your take on this?"

    Stiles and SteelArm exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. "We''ll take her into our party for now at least." Stiles said. "If something weird happens, at least we''ll be there to handle it."

    Dante leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "Ay I''ve got nothing better to do, so I''m in."

    Halstein exhaled, relieved that a decision had been made. "That''s probably for the best. If anything strange happens, you''ll all be together to witness it firsthand¡ªand maybe even figure out what the hell is going on." He rubbed his temples. "Honestly, I just don''t want to deal with this headache any longer."

    After a brief pause, Halstein looked up. "Alright, then. Who''s leading this party?"

    Dante immediately shrugged. "Stiles should do it. He was the first to suggest it."

    SteelArm nodded in agreement before glancing at Aria. "What do you think?"

    Aria, unsure of what to say, simply nodded.

    "That settles it," Halstein said, pulling up the guild registration system. "Stiles, you''re the leader. Give me a party name, and I''ll get you all officially registered."

    "The party will be called¡­ Black Sigil," Stiles said after a moment of thought, his voice steady and certain.

    Aria shifted slightly before speaking up. "So, uhm... what exactly should I do now?"

    Dante grinned and jumped up from his seat. "Don''t worry about that. I''ll take you through a training program I forced myself into when I was trying to break into S-rank a few years back. It''s brutal, but if you''re serious about getting stronger, it''ll be worth it. That is, if you''re up for it¡ªand if everyone else is fine with it."

    Aria hesitated for a moment, thinking. "Being trained by someone strong, someone who actually knows what they''re doing, is way better than me just guessing and hoping I don''t die in a real gate," she reasoned to herself. Finally, she nodded. "Sure, I''d love that if it''s possible."

    Stiles and SteelArm exchanged looks before nodding as well. "How about we all train together for a while?" Stiles suggested. "That way, we can figure out how we work as a team. It''ll also give us time to see what Aria''s capable of¡ªsince right now, we don''t know much about her skills aside from the fact that she called herself a priestess."

    SteelArm crossed his arms, closing his eyes in thought before nodding along. "Yeah, that makes sense. Though, we''re kind of going in blind since we don''t even know the extent of her abilities."

    Then, Aria hesitated before speaking again. "Uhm¡­ actually, priestess isn''t my class."

    Silence filled the room as all eyes landed on her.

    "I don''t actually know what my class is," she admitted. "At the time, I just thought it would be easier to lie about it instead of dealing with extra pressure or unwanted attention."

    Halstein let out a long, exhausted sigh, rubbing his temples. "You know what? Y''all deal with this. I don''t have the youth¡ªor the patience¡ªto handle this kind of shit anymore."

 14 - Class Choosing

    As they exited Halstein''s office, Stiles, Dante, and SteelArm led Aria toward a hidden section of the guild. They entered an elevator, and SteelArm pressed a button that wasn''t labeled. The doors closed, and the elevator descended deep underground.

    Aria looked around, feeling the change in air pressure as they traveled downward. "This place... it seems... different."

    Dante grinned. "Yeah, not a lot of people know about this part of the guild. It''s where we do advanced evaluations and class awakenings manually."

    The elevator finally came to a stop, and the doors slid open, revealing a dimly lit hallway. The walls were reinforced with metal plating, and the hum of machinery filled the air. At the end of the corridor, they entered a spacious chamber with a massive sphere-shaped object in the center. Thick cables and wires extended from the sphere, connecting it to various machines across the room.

    Aria''s eyes widened. "What is this...?"

    "A class resonance sphere," Dante explained, stepping forward. "This thing taps into your mana and analyzes your potential class paths. If it works like it should, it''ll display all the available classes you can choose from."

    SteelArm nodded. "It''s how most high-rank hunters confirm their classes. Some people awaken naturally, but this method ensures you don''t overlook a potential path that a hunter could have gotten instead of what they awakened as if they so wish to change."

    Dante patted the side of the sphere. "For me, I could''ve chosen between Reaper, Flame Swordsman, Phantom Dancer, or a weird class called I never looked at called Driller. I went with Phantom Dancer because it suited my fighting style best." He turned back to Aria. "All you need to do is place your hand on it and release some mana into it. After a few minutes, it should display your options."

    Aria hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward. Slowly, Aria placed her hand on the sphere and let her mana flow into it, the machine hummed to life. The wires running across the room crackled faintly with energy, and the sphere glowed with a pulsing light.

    Then, dozens of classes began to appear in shimmering text above the sphere.

    Dagger-wielding assassins.

    Staff-bearing mages.

    Martial artists with enhanced bodies.

    Talisman users invoking ancient spells.

    Even weaponless combat styles, something rarely seen.

    The list kept expanding, filling the entire screen with options. Stiles, SteelArm, and Dante watched in stunned silence as the sheer number of possibilities unfolded before them.

    "She has this many options?" SteelArm muttered, eyes widening. "Even high-ranking hunters usually get three, maybe four at most¡­ This is unreal."

    "She''s not normal," Stiles added, crossing his arms. "This level of potential¡­ it''s insane."

    The sphere continued to glow brighter, the options it displayed now pulsating with an otherworldly energy. The sheer number of possibilities stretched across the screen, some familiar, some foreign. But then, a sudden shift happened. The entire room felt like it was being drawn into an unseen vortex, as if the very air around them had changed. The hum of the sphere grew deafening, and the temperature in the room dropped, sending a chill down their spines.

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    SteelArm''s eyes widened. "What the hell''s going on?"

    Before anyone could respond, the list of classes began to slow. Then, with a jarring flicker, the entire display froze. The room became eerily still, the only sound being the sharp beating of their hearts.

    And then, in the blink of an eye, the countless classes that had been displayed moments ago began to fade away. One by one, they vanished into the ether. The sphere pulsed with an intense glow before the screen cleared entirely.

    But what replaced the options that had once flooded the screen sent an immediate shock through the room. New names appeared, glowing with a deep, ominous purple light:

    Bringer of Chaos and War

    Void Priestess

    Priestess of Storms

    Frost

    ???

    Stiles, SteelArm, and Dante all exchanged stunned looks. The silence stretched on for a beat too long, until Dante finally broke it, his voice shaky but filled with disbelief. "What... What the hell is this?"

    SteelArm''s usually stoic expression faltered, his mouth slightly agape as he looked from the sphere to Aria and back. "I''ve never seen anything like this before. These... these are different."

    Stiles'' eyes narrowed, he glanced at the final unknown option, a feeling of unease creeping up his spine. "What the hell does it mean?"

    As if answering his unspoken question, the air around them seemed to shimmer, and then¡ªlike a soft breeze stirring through a quiet room¡ªa voice, calm and soothing, echoed through the space.

    "Choose wisely, for this will affect the course of all that is to come."

    The voice was warm, almost maternal, yet carried with it an undeniable weight. It wrapped around them like a protective embrace, the words resonating deep within their souls.

    Then, as quickly as it had appeared, the voice faded, leaving only silence in its wake.

    The three men stood frozen, each of them processing what had just happened. A feeling of awe and trepidation filled the air. This was no longer just about Aria''s journey. The fate of everything seemed to be tied to this moment.

    Aria stood in front of the sphere, her hand still resting on it, her eyes scanning the list of classes before her. She felt a pull, a deep connection to each of the names that appeared, as if each one resonated with a part of her being. Yet, the unknown fourth class¡ªmarked only by question marks¡ªwas the most enigmatic. She couldn''t shake the feeling that whatever that class was, it might hold the key to unlocking everything she''s missing.

    The three men, who had seen many things, now found themselves in a moment of rare, near-reverent silence. They''d all seen potential before, but what stood before them now was a turning point. A pivotal moment for their guild and possibly the world. They didn''t know it yet, but this decision¡ªthis choice¡ªwould ripple through time and space, altering the very fabric of reality itself.

    Dante''s grin returned, though it held a hint of awe. "This is it. This is the real deal. Whatever happens next, it''s gonna be huge."

    Stiles'' usual composure was still present, but even he couldn''t suppress the excitement in his voice. "She''s not just a player in this world anymore. She''s a force. We have to help her make the right choice."

    Aria, still staring at the list of classes, slowly nodded. Her mind raced, but for the first time since awakening in this body, she felt like she was truly on the brink of something¡ªsomething big. She glanced at the men standing behind her, their faces filled with anticipation and respect.

    "I''ll choose wisely," she whispered, though her words seemed to carry far more weight than they should. She wasn''t just choosing a class. She was choosing her fate, and with it, the fate of the three next to her.

    The three men stood back, each of them eager but mindful, waiting for her decision. This was a turning point for all of them¡ªone they would never forget.

    Aria lowered her hand and exhaled softly. "How... do I pick a class from this thing?"

    Dante spoke up quickly, "Just look at the one you want and imagine yourself using it and call out its name."

    Aria slowly scanned her eyes through the list she saw and closed her eyes.

 15 - On The way

    Aria focused on the list of names, watching as three of the five options flickered and vanished, leaving only two behind.

    Void Priestess

    Frost

    The group exchanged glances, nodding in silent agreement. These choices seemed ideal¡ªnot only minimizing risk to civilians but also offering strong potential for party dynamics.

    "I''ll go with¡ª" Aria began, but before she could finish, the remaining options disappeared. In their place, a single class materialized before her eyes.

    Priestess of Frosted Voids

    Dante''s eyes widened in shock. A fusion of two distinct classes¡ªan impossibility for most. He quickly recalled the only other person who had ever achieved something similar, an SS-ranked powerhouse who had only emerged last year. His lips curled into an intrigued smile.

    "...Interesting. I doubt anyone else knows about her except us," he mused before speaking aloud. "Congrats on the class. Let''s move on to the training program, yeah?"

    Stiles and SteelArm blinked in surprise before exhaling and nodding in agreement.

    As they turned to leave, something caught their attention.

    "Aria¡­ has your hair always looked like that?" Stiles asked, his voice tinged with surprise and curiosity. "It actually looks¡­ striking."

    Aria''s brow furrowed as she glanced over at him. "What do you mean?" she replied, taking a few steps toward a nearby mirror.

    Her breath caught in her throat as she studied her reflection. Streaks of icy blue now threaded through her dark purple hair, like frost settling over twilight. The colors intertwined, flowing together in a perfect, seamless blend that took her breath away.

    "W-what the hell happened?" Aria gasped as her eyes scanned over her hair again before sighing. "Well whatever I guess... It does look pretty nice."

    Putting everything else aside, Dante nodded in agreement, then turned and made his way toward the elevator. The others followed suit, entering, and ascending back to the guild''s main area. "I''ll be driving," Dante said casually. "The place is pretty much in the middle of nowhere."

    With that, he stepped out of the guild and pulled out his car keys, making his way through the parking lot. After a brief search, he reached a truck and got in, the moment he got into the truck, he started the engine, waiting for the others to catch up.

    Stiles spotted the truck first and slid into the backseat, securing his seatbelt. SteelArm and Aria approached next. SteelArm opened the passenger door and gently helped Aria into the seat before climbing into the back himself.

    "So, where are we headed?" Stiles asked, leaning back against the leather seats, his voice full of curiosity.

    "It''s a place I found a while back, like I said. I used it for my training program. There''s a waterfall there¡ªthanks to the gates. When they opened, the terrain got all messed up, and, well¡­ a waterfall just showed up out of nowhere. That''s all I''ll say about it." Dante''s lips quirked into a slight smile as he turned on the radio, flipping through channels until he settled on one. He then put the truck in gear and drove off, leaving the guild behind.

    As Dante drove, the rhythmic patter of raindrops began tapping against the windshield. The dark clouds overhead had thickened, casting a moody atmosphere over the road ahead. The streetlights flickered against the wet pavement, their reflections stretching along the surface like ghostly apparitions.

    "Rain just had to start, huh?" Stiles leaned back in his seat, casually resting his arm against the car door while the soft hum of the radio played in the background. The beat of a classic rock song filled the air, blending with the rain''s steady drumming.

    Dante sighed, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. "Want to drive for us, then?"

    "Nah, you got it, man," Stiles replied, stretching his legs before fishing his phone out of his pocket. His eyes flicked over the screen as he scrolled through messages and notifications.

    The car remained silent except for the faint beats of music and the occasional swish of the windshield wipers. After a few minutes of skimming through the Hunter''s Network, Stiles suddenly spoke up.

    "There''s an open B-rank dungeon next week. They still have room for two more parties¡ªfive-man groups or less. Wanna go for it?"

    Dante''s reaction was immediate. "Hell yeah! Sign us up for that!" His lips curled into a grin. "I could use a good brawl after that nightmare we went through in... that place." His voice trailed off at the end, as if refusing to acknowledge the memory directly.

    SteelArm, who had been sitting quietly, let out a low hum before shaking his head. "Didn''t we agree to help Aria with her training first? Gotta make sure she''s ready for the gates before we go dungeon-hopping. A week might be pushing it."

    Dante clicked his tongue before nodding. "Oh, shit, you''re right. My bad. Yo, Stiles, cancel my vote on that¡ªwe can''t make it." He cranked the volume knob up a little, letting the music take over as Stiles gave a small shrug and continued swiping through his phone.

    Aria, seated in the passenger seat, had been quietly watching the exchange, her gaze occasionally shifting between the three of them. Eventually, her curiosity got the better of her.

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    "What''s that?" she asked, eyes lingering on Stiles'' phone.

    He blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "You mean my phone?"

    "...I guess?" Her voice carried a note of hesitation.

    Stiles held up the device slightly. "It''s the newest model from the Hunter''s Network¡ªNetwork V3. Only available for hunters. Got some exclusive features, better signal, and all that high-tech junk."

    Aria stared at the glowing screen for a moment before giving a slow nod. "I... I see. Alright then."

    She turned her head back toward the window, watching as the raindrops raced down the glass in winding patterns. The world outside blurred under the streaks of water, distant neon signs reflecting off the wet roads like fractured light.

    The conversation faded into a comfortable quiet, each of them momentarily lost in their own thoughts as the car continued down the rain-slicked highway.

    "Anyone got a song request? Or should I just keep cycling through?" Dante asked, briefly glancing at the others before shifting his focus back to the road. The rhythmic swish of the windshield wipers kept time with the falling rain, clearing away the droplets clinging to the glass.

    Stiles, still scrolling through his phone, spoke up without looking away. "Try 47.8. Heard from some other hunters it''s a solid station¡ªgood mix of chill tracks."

    Dante nodded, reaching for the radio dial. He twisted it through the static and half-tuned voices until the numbers settled on 47.8. A smooth bassline kicked in, followed by the mellow strum of an acoustic guitar, filling the car with a relaxed yet steady rhythm.

    He let out a satisfied hum. "Not bad. Guess hunters sometimes have decent taste after all."

    After a few hours on the road, the truck rolled into a dimly lit gas station, its fluorescent lights flickering against the wet pavement. Dante pulled up next to a pump and shifted the truck into park before exhaling.

    "Tank''s running low. I''ll fill it up. You guys can head inside, grab whatever you need," he said, cutting the engine and pushing the door open. The moment he stepped out, the cool night air greeted him, carrying the lingering scent of rain and gasoline.

    Stiles was the first to exit, shutting the door behind him with a lazy push before making his way toward the gas station''s entrance. The bell above the door gave a soft chime as he stepped inside.

    SteelArm took his time, stretching as he climbed out of the vehicle. He rolled his shoulders, letting out a small grunt before glancing over at Aria, who hadn''t moved from her seat. She leaned back, her head resting against the window, eyes half-lidded in quiet contemplation.

    "I''m just gonna stay here," she muttered, barely turning her head toward him.

    SteelArm shrugged. "Suit yourself," he replied before heading inside, leaving Aria alone in the truck.

    Dante stood outside, letting the gas pump do its work while his eyes wandered over the quiet surroundings. The gas station was mostly empty aside from a single car parked near the convenience store entrance, its driver nowhere in sight. The neon sign above the building buzzed faintly, casting a dull glow over the wet asphalt.

    Inside the truck, Aria shifted slightly, listening to the faint hum of the radio. The warmth of the car''s interior contrasted with the cold glass against her temple. Her fingers lightly tapped against her knee as she let out a slow breath. Something about the night¡ªabout the stillness¡ªfelt oddly familiar, like an echo of something she couldn''t quite place.

    Meanwhile, inside the gas station, Stiles wandered through the aisles, grabbing a bottle of water and a pack of snacks before heading toward the counter. SteelArm, on the other hand, stood near the back, eyeing the selection of energy drinks with mild interest.

    The store clerk barely looked up from his magazine as Stiles set his items down. The atmosphere was quiet, save for the faint hum of a vending machine in the corner.

    Then, just as SteelArm reached for a drink, the entrance bell chimed again. The door swung open, and two figures stepped inside, their presence shifting the air ever so slightly.

    Stiles glanced up and immediately felt something was off. The way they moved¡ªthe way their eyes scanned the store, it was too deliberate.

    Dante, watching from outside, placed the gas pump back in its holder and shut the fuel cap. He leaned against the truck, eyes narrowed as he kept his focus on the gas station''s entrance. The rain had slowed to a drizzle, but the tension in the air was undeniable.

    Inside, the lanky man reached the counter, placing a single pack of gum down before looking up at the clerk. "Late night shift, huh?" His voice was casual, almost too relaxed.

    The clerk barely glanced at him, flipping a page in his magazine. "Yeah, what about it?"

    The man chuckled, tapping his fingers against the counter. "Gotta be tough, working alone at this hour¡­ not a lot of people around to help if things went south, y''know?"

    Stiles exhaled quietly through his nose. Yep. Here we go.

    SteelArm turned fully, his muscles subtly tensing. The broader man near the door shifted, his hand slipping inside his jacket.

    The clerk finally looked up, brow furrowing. "You buying something or just wasting my time?"

    Lanky Guy grinned. "Relax, man. Just making conversation." He reached into his own pocket, and for a split second, Stiles'' body tensed¡ªready to move.

    But instead of a weapon, the man pulled out a few crumpled bills and placed them on the counter. "For the gum."

    The clerk scoffed, taking the money, and placed it into the register before the man walked out getting into a car nearby and driving off.

    "¡­Well, that was not what I expected," Stiles muttered, running a hand through his hair as he placed his items on the counter and handed the clerk the cash. The tension from moments ago had completely evaporated, leaving only an awkward silence between the would-be robbers, the clerk, and the hunters.

    SteelArm followed suit, paying for his drink before shaking his head and exiting right behind Stiles.

    As they slid back into the truck, Stiles let out a chuckle, rubbing his temples. "That might''ve been the weirdest exchange of goods I''ve ever witnessed."

    Dante scoffed as he started the engine, the truck rumbling to life. "Yeah? Welcome to the world of dumbasses." He shifted into drive, pulling away from the gas station and back onto the road.

    For a while, the only sounds were the steady hum of the engine and the faint buzz of the radio. The rain had finally let up, leaving the road slick and gleaming under the headlights. They drove in comfortable silence for miles before Dante suddenly turned off onto a dirt road, the tires crunching against gravel as the truck rumbled deeper into the woods.

    The road twisted through dense trees, leading them toward a clearing where a modest yet sturdy-looking house stood, nestled beside a roaring waterfall. The moonlight reflected off the rushing water, giving the area an almost ethereal glow.

    Dante grinned as he parked and killed the engine. "Alright, boys. Welcome to hell." He threw open the door and stretched. "Training program Dante officially starts now!"

    Stiles groaned, slumping forward against the dashboard. "Man, you make it sound like some legendary martial arts retreat. It''s just a house in the woods."

    Dante smirked. "Yeah? Give it a few days, and you''ll be begging to leave."

    SteelArm stepped out, rolling his shoulders. "As long as it works, I''m in."

    Aria, who had barely spoken the entire ride, finally stirred in her seat. She looked out at the waterfall for a moment before sighing and pushing the door open.

    "¡­This better be worth it," she muttered, stepping out into the crisp night air and stretching her legs and yawned slightly.

    Dante cracked his knuckles. "Oh, it will be. Let''s get started in the morning."

    They all walked inside of the house.

 16 - Training Begins

    The house was surprisingly well-kept inside¡ªsimple, but sturdy. There were just enough rooms for everyone, though the furniture was sparse. A single couch, a small kitchen, and an old fireplace that crackled softly, filling the space with warmth.

    After grabbing whatever they needed from the truck, everyone found their own space to settle in.

    SteelArm took one of the spare rooms and practically collapsed onto the bed. Stiles, ever the opportunist, claimed the couch before anyone could protest. Aria chose a smaller room with a window facing the waterfall, staring out at it for a long moment before finally lying down.

    Dante, of course, stayed up a little longer, scribbling out the final details of his "training program" in a notebook. He grinned to himself, already picturing the misery they''d be in for tomorrow.

    Then, with the sound of the waterfall in the background, silence overtook the house as exhaustion pulled them all into sleep.

    At the crack of dawn, Dante was already up, standing outside with his arms crossed, enjoying the crisp morning air. After a moment of peace, he turned back toward the house, a wicked grin forming.

    Then, all hell broke loose.

    A loud bang echoed through the house as Dante slammed a metal pot against the wall, the deafening clang ripping through the peaceful morning.

    "RISE AND SHINE, LOSERS! TRAINING PROGRAM DANTE STARTS NOW!"

    Groans erupted from every room.

    "Dante, I swear to¡ª" Stiles'' voice was muffled as he pulled a pillow over his head.

    SteelArm sat up groggily, blinking. "Is he serious¡­?"

    Aria, already awake but still in bed, sighed. "This is going to be annoying, isn''t it?"

    Dante didn''t wait for complaints. He stomped through the house, yanking off blankets, flipping mattresses, and ensuring nobody got even five extra seconds of sleep.

    Once everyone was finally outside¡ªgrumbling, exhausted, and barely awake¡ªDante stood before them with his arms crossed, looking every bit like a military drill instructor.

    "Alright, listen up! This training is gonna be hell, and I do mean hell. You all wanna get stronger? Then get ready to suffer."

    He unfolded his notebook and began listing off the program.

    "For you two¡ª" he pointed at Stiles and SteelArm, "¡ªyou''ll be on the Dante Special Regimen. You''re gonna run twenty miles first thing every morning. No powers, no boosts, just raw endurance."

    Stiles groaned. "Twenty miles? What kind of psycho wakes up and immediately does cardio?"

    Dante ignored him and continued, "After that, combat drills. Sparring, reaction training, weapons practice, and¡ªoh yeah!¡ªdaily full-contact fights. No holding back."

    SteelArm cracked his knuckles, nodding. "I can work with that."

    Dante grinned. "Good, ''cause it gets worse. Afternoon? Strength training. Carrying boulders, resistance training, and impact conditioning. You''re gonna feel what it means to be durable."

    Stiles leaned toward SteelArm. "We''re gonna die."

    Dante wasn''t done. "Evening? Reflex drills. Dodging high-speed projectiles, navigating obstacles at full speed, and reaction-based combat. Oh, and before bed? More running."

    "YOU''RE INSANE." Stiles said instantly upon hearing this.

    Dante shrugged. "And you''re weak. If you wanna change that, shut up and run."

    Finally, Dante turned to Aria. He narrowed his eyes slightly. Unlike the others, they still didn''t know her true capabilities.

    "For you," he said, tone shifting slightly, "I''m adjusting things. Until we know what you can handle, I''m easing you in. No twenty-mile runs¡ªjust five. No full-contact fights unless you say you''re ready."

    Aria stared at him, expression unreadable.

    "You''ll focus on control first. Precision, magic application, endurance in casting. Since we don''t know your limits, I''m not gonna push you past breaking¡ªyet."

    She simply nodded. "Understood."

    Stiles, still processing his impending death, scowled. "Oh, so she gets an easier time?"

    Dante smirked.

    "You wanna be treated like her? Fine. First, fight me and win. Until then? Shut up and start running."

    Stiles groaned again as Dante clapped his hands together.

    "Alright! Enough talk! Everyone, move your asses¡ªwe start NOW!"

    The moment Dante barked his final order, Stiles and SteelArm exchanged a glance¡ªone filled with pure suffering¡ªbefore reluctantly taking off at a steady pace.

    "Twenty miles¡­ this is actual hell," Stiles grumbled as his feet hit the dirt path.

    SteelArm sighed, his strides strong and steady. "You heard Dante. No complaining. Just run."

    "Easy for you to say, you''re built like a damn mountain. My legs are gonna give out before we even hit mile ten."

    "Then run faster and get it over with."

    Stiles shot him a glare but pushed forward. The sooner they finished, the sooner they could rest¡ªor at least try to before Dante threw another hellish task at them.

    Meanwhile, a short distance away, Aria had started her own run¡ªfive miles instead of twenty. The gap between her and the others was obvious, but Dante wasn''t about to throw her into the same level of torment just yet.

    She ran at a steady, controlled pace, her breath measured, eyes focused straight ahead. She wasn''t struggling, but she wasn''t pushing herself too hard either¡ªsimply getting a feel for the exercise.

    Dante jogged alongside her for a few moments, watching her form. "Not bad. Keep a steady rhythm, control your breathing. This isn''t a sprint¡ªit''s endurance."

    Aria nodded, not breaking her pace. "I know I know."

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    Dante smirked. "Good. ''Cause this is just the warm-up."

    Up ahead, Stiles groaned dramatically. "Just the warm-up?! I hate you, Dante!"

    Dante grinned. "You''re gonna hate me a lot more by the end of today." As Aria ran, her thoughts drifted uneasily.

    "I¡­ don''t think I used to run. But this doesn''t feel difficult at all. Shouldn''t it be harder?"

    The thought lingered, unsettling in a way she couldn''t explain. She had no memories¡ªnothing of who she was before waking up in this unfamiliar world. And yet, her body moved as if it had done this a thousand times before. It felt¡­ natural.

    "Why am I even thinking like this? I don''t remember anything except those stupid Hunter 101 lessons¡­ some basic things, and also all the things I''ve learned the past I''m not sure.. two weeks?"

    Her mind replayed them in an endless loop¡ªmonsters, gates, classifications. It was all useful, but it wasn''t hers. Not really. It was just something drilled into her by force, filling the empty spaces where her memories should be.

    She let out a quiet sigh, closing her eyes for a brief moment, listening to the rhythmic sound of her footsteps against the dirt. When she opened them again, she focused on the path ahead and kept running, pushing those thoughts aside.

    A few hours later, by the time the run was over, Stiles collapsed onto the ground, panting like he had just escaped death itself.

    "I¡­ hate¡­ you¡­" he wheezed, pointing a trembling finger at Dante.

    SteelArm, though winded, simply stretched his shoulders and exhaled. "That was a good warm-up."

    Stiles shot him a betrayed look. "Warm-up?! That was twenty miles of pure suffering!"

    Meanwhile, Aria slowed to a stop, after deciding to keep running for an extra three miles, barely out of breath. She wasn''t sure if she should be relieved or confused by how easy it had been. She kept quiet, unsure how the others would react if she admitted she wasn''t even tired.

    Dante clapped his hands together, grinning. "Alright, no time to waste. Next up¡ªcombat drills."

    Stiles groaned. "No break?"

    Dante smirked. "You get a break when you''re dead. Now get up."

    SteelArm rolled his shoulders. "What are we doing?"

    Dante pointed to an open area near the waterfall. "Sparring. Stiles, you''re with me. SteelArm, you''ll be Aria''s partner."

    Aria''s eyes widened slightly. "W-Wait, I have to¡­?"

    Dante raised a brow. "You think you''ll get stronger by standing around?"

    She hesitated, glancing at SteelArm.

    Noticing her hesitation, Dante added, "Don''t worry, I told him to go easy on you. Your training''s gonna be different from ours. Just focus on learning how to move and react."

    Aria bit her lip but eventually nodded. "¡­Okay."

    Dante smirked. "Good. Now, let''s get started."

    Aria stood a few feet away from SteelArm, shifting uncomfortably as he cracked his knuckles. His sheer size alone was intimidating, and despite Dante''s reassurance, she wasn''t sure how "easy" he was really going to go on her.

    SteelArm tilted his head. "You ready?"

    Aria hesitated before nodding. "¡­I think so."

    He didn''t charge at her immediately. Instead, he planted his feet and took a defensive stance, watching her closely. "You make the first move."

    Aria swallowed. Attack first? That felt unnatural¡ªlike something she wasn''t used to doing. But she couldn''t just stand there.

    Taking a deep breath, she darted forward, aiming a quick strike toward his side. She barely made contact before SteelArm shifted, effortlessly catching her wrist.

    "Too slow."

    Before she could react, he swept a foot behind hers and pulled, sending her stumbling backward onto the ground.

    Aria winced, gripping her wrist where he''d caught her. It didn''t hurt, but the ease with which he countered her made her stomach sink.

    SteelArm offered a hand to help her up. "It looks like you''re hesitating too much."

    Aria looked at his hand for a second before accepting it, letting him pull her to her feet.

    "¡­I don''t exactly know what I''m doing. I feel like I know what to do, but doing it is a bit different than thinking of it."

    "That''s why we''re training," he said simply. "Again."

    Aria exhaled and nodded, stepping back into position.

    Forty minutes later, the sparring matches finally came to an end.

    Aria stood with her hands on her knees, breathing a little heavier than before. Her body ached from being knocked down so many times, but she was still standing. SteelArm had been patient, correcting her mistakes and giving her advice between exchanges. Even though she had landed barely any hits, she had at least improved her movements, if only slightly.

    SteelArm gave Aria a nod of approval. "You''re learning¡­ and at a solid pace too. But you''re still overthinking. You need to trust yourself more¡ªlet your body move naturally instead of trying to analyze every single possibility in the moment."

    Aria looked away, unsure how to respond. She wasn''t sure if she trusted herself at all but ended up nodding along to what she was hearing.

    Meanwhile, across the field, Stiles lay flat on his back, staring up at the sky with dead eyes.

    "I¡­ I can''t move¡­" he muttered weakly.

    Dante stood over him, stretching his arms. "That was fun. We should go for round two."

    Stiles let out a pained wheeze. "I would rather die."

    Dante smirked. "That''s quitter talk. Alright, training''s not over yet. Next up¡ªstrength and endurance drills."

    Stiles groaned. SteelArm nodded. Aria simply sighed, bracing herself for whatever was coming next.

 Training .2

    As days turned into weeks, the four of them grew closer, guiding Aria through the intricacies of skills and combat. With their help, she finally managed to activate her first skill¡ªonly for it to freeze everything around them solid for nearly a week. The ice only began to melt when the relentless sun bore down on it. Dante was more than a little annoyed, but the others treated it like a divine blessing, reveling in the unexpected break.

    After testing multiple weapons, Aria''s fingers wrapped around the hilt of a katana¡ªand something clicked. It felt natural, like an extension of herself. In that instant, she knew: this was her weapon.

    "Alright, it''s time for your morning run, everyone," Dante announced, sitting on the porch, listening to birds chirping in the trees.

    "To hell with you!" Stiles groaned, still struggling to accept the brutal training routine.

    Dante smirked. "After the run, you all get a thirty-minute lunch break." With that, he leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes as if already dismissing them.

    The group turned just in time to see Stiles adjusting his stance, his movements suddenly sharp and precise. Then, without another word, he launched forward with such flawless form that, for a moment, he looked like a seasoned professional runner, leaving the others momentarily stunned before SteelArm took off after him to catch up.

    Aria stayed behind them both and exhaled slowly, focusing on her breathing while running her miles. Over the course of a few weeks she increased her miles to fourteen a day.

    After another grueling stretch of running, Aria finally slowed to a halt, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath. Beads of sweat clung to her skin, but the burn in her legs told her she was still improving. She dropped onto the grass, letting the cool earth soothe her exhaustion while she waited for Stiles and SteelArm to finish their laps.

    An hour and a half later, the two came to a stop in front of the house, their heavy breaths syncing with the faint rustling of leaves in the wind. Stiles ran a hand through his damp hair, his face twisted in mild irritation. SteelArm, though equally exhausted, rolled his shoulders, already recovering from the strain.

    "We''re done," Stiles exhaled, glancing toward the porch. "Where''s the break?"

    Dante, who had been lounging on the steps with an easy grin, stood up and stretched. His relaxed demeanor made it obvious for Stiles when he looked over.

    "Next step in training," Dante announced, his grin widening. "Boulder carry. Ten miles. All of you. Then you can have a break for lunch."

    Aria groaned, tilting her head back toward the sky. "You''ve got to be joking."

    "Do I look like I''m joking?" Dante raised an eyebrow, already stepping off the porch to lead them toward the training area.

    SteelArm smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Heh. Finally, something I can actually call training."

    Stiles shot him a glare. "Glad one of us is excited."

    Dante led them to a clearing where several massive boulders lay scattered. Each one varied in size, some barely manageable while others seemed outright impossible to move.

    "Pick your boulder," Dante instructed. "No switching once you start. And if you drop it, you go back to the beginning."

    Stiles cursed under his breath. Aria rubbed her temples. SteelArm? He was already lifting a rock the size of a small carriage, testing its weight with a satisfied nod.

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    Dante clapped his hands together. "Alright! Get moving. The faster you finish, the sooner you eat."

    Aria sighed, stepping up to choose her burden for the next who knows how long.

    ----

    Aria scanned the scattered boulders, her eyes narrowing as she searched for the smallest one. After spotting a rock roughly the size of a large barrel, she placed her hands on it and took a deep breath.

    She pulled the boulder up in a way to lift it, and nothing.

    She adjusted her stance and pulled again, her arms straining as the weight barely shifted. Her fingers trembled, the rough stone slipping slightly in her grasp. Gritting her teeth, she focused, drawing upon the cold within her. A thin layer of ice spread from her fingertips, wrapping around both her hands and the boulder. The frost bonded her grip to the rock, reducing the strain of keeping hold.

    With one last heave, she finally lifted it off the ground. Her arms shook, her legs wobbled, but she held firm. A shaky breath escaped her lips as she took the first step forward.

    Meanwhile, Stiles eyed the fourth smallest boulder. It was nearly twice the size of Aria''s, and lifting it was proving to be a nightmare. He crouched low, digging his fingers under the stone''s edges, straining his back and legs with every attempt. Minutes passed, frustration creeping into his features, but he refused to be outdone.

    With another attempt, he exhaled sharply and pulled. The boulder finally lifted, his muscles screaming in protest. "Finally," he muttered before he steadied himself and began his run, pacing himself carefully to avoid wasting too much energy.

    SteelArm, on the other hand, grabbed a boulder that would have crushed most people under its weight and hoisted it onto his shoulder with little effort. He took off at a steady, controlled pace, his massive frame moving with practiced ease.

    Aria, still adjusting to the weight, started her run at a slow pace. Every step sent a jolt of strain through her body, but the ice coating around her hands helped her maintain her grip without exerting extra energy. She focused on her breathing, determined not to fall behind.

    ----

    Fifteen hours had passed.

    The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving only the faint glow of moonlight and the occasional flicker of torchlight to illuminate the grueling scene. The air was thick with sweat, exhaustion, and the dull ache of muscles pushed far past their limits.

    Aria and Stiles had dropped their boulders more times than they could count. Each time, they were forced to restart from the beginning, their frustration growing alongside their fatigue. Even after the two short meal breaks, their bodies screamed in protest with every step.

    Aria''s vision blurred as she stumbled forward, the once-refreshing cold from her ice magic now barely clinging to her hands. Her legs felt like lead, her breaths shallow and ragged. She had long since stopped keeping track of the distance¡ªevery mile blended into the next.

    Stiles wasn''t faring that much better. His arms felt like they were ripping apart at the seams, his legs sluggish beneath him. His pride had kept him going, but even that was starting to wither against the relentless weight of the 560lbs boulder pressing down on his frame.

    Then, it happened.

    Aria took one more shaky step before her knees buckled. The boulder slipped from her grasp and crashed to the ground with a dull thud. She barely had time to register it before her body followed, collapsing onto the dirt.

    Just a few minutes later, Stiles'' body finally gave in. His fingers lost their grip, the boulder rolling away as he slumped forward, face-first into the ground. Neither of them moved.

    SteelArm came to a slow stop, watching the two lying motionless in the dirt. He sighed, looking down at the two. "Figured that''d happen. I''m surprised either of them lasted this long"

    Dante, who had been observing from a distance, walked over with his usual smug expression. He crouched next to Aria and gave her a light poke on the forehead. "No response. Same with Stiles, it appears."

    "They''re out cold," Dante said, shaking his head. "Guess they learned what happens when you push past your limits for too long."

    SteelArm exhaled through his nose. "So, what now?"

    Dante stood up, stretching lazily. "Now? We let them sleep. Tomorrow''s another day." He glanced at the boulders still resting beside them, a smirk playing at his lips.

    "And I doubt they''ll be looking forward to it considering I have booked us all flights."

 Training .3

    As the morning sun rose, the clouds parted, allowing golden rays to pierce through and bathe the house in blinding light. By the time Stiles and Aria finally stirred, it was already past noon. Dante''s voice soon echoed through the house, calling them into the living room.

    Aria descended the stairs slowly, each step deliberate as pain still lingered in her body. She eased herself into one of the chairs, while Stiles remained sprawled on the couch, glancing over with a half-lidded stare.

    Dante stood before them, arms crossed. "We have a flight scheduled in two hours," he announced. "The guild booked it for us. We''re heading to Denali, Alaska¡ªthe next stage of our training. Everything''s taken care of, including clothes and gear, so don''t worry about packing."

    Stiles blinked, then shot upright. "You crazy son of a bitch! You mean Denali¡ªas in the Denali? In Alaska? You expect us to climb that frozen deathtrap? I''m not about to lose my damn toes to frostbite, you lunatic!"

    Dante shrugged, unfazed. "We agreed this would be a team experience. What better way to build trust than climbing a mountain together in the bitter cold?" With that, he turned on his heel and walked out, the distant roar of the truck''s engine following moments later.

    Aria let out a strained sigh, wincing as she pushed herself up from the chair. Each step toward the truck was slow and deliberate, pain still radiating through her body. Stiles lingered for a few seconds before groaning and forcing himself off the couch, trailing behind her.

    When Stiles opened the truck door, he froze. SteelArm was already inside, arms crossed, looking entirely too comfortable.

    "You bastard," Stiles muttered with a sigh before climbing in.

    SteelArm smirked. "It''s not that bad, Stiles. Just... be more open-minded," he said, nodding as if trying to convince himself just as much as Stiles.

    Aria grabbed the handle inside the truck, using it to hoist herself up before shutting the door and buckling in. Stiles and Dante followed suit, while SteelArm, unsurprisingly, was already strapped in.

    Dante glanced around the truck. "Everyone ready?"

    "Not a damn chance in hell am I ready, you lunatic," Stiles shot back, pulling out his phone. He tapped the screen, frowning. "...Wait. What the hell happened to my service?"

    "Oh, I had all of our services canceled for the next two months," Dante said casually. "The guild helped with that."

    Stiles'' head snapped toward him. "You what?"

    Ignoring him, Dante started the engine and pulled onto the dirt road, merging onto the main road before turning right¡ªheading straight for the airport.

    Aria gazed out the window, tuning out the argument between Stiles and Dante as it escalated over their lost phone service. She let out a quiet breath, watching the scenery blur past. "This is going to be¡­ a long week, isn''t it?" she thought, her mind drifting to everything that had happened in the past few weeks¡ªhow much had changed, how much she''d endured.

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    Time slipped by, and after an hour and a half, they finally pulled into the airport. Their reserved section for the private flight awaited, the plane already prepped for takeoff. Stepping out of the truck, they grabbed their small belongings they took with them and made their way up the stairs, filing onto the aircraft.

    The door sealed shut behind them, and the plane took off smoothly. Not long after, a steward approached, handing each of them a set of cold-weather gear prepared by the guild. Heavy-duty coats, insulated gloves, thermal layers, and specialized boots¡ªall essential for surviving the bitter cold of Denali.

    One by one, they took turns changing in the cramped airplane bathroom, emerging fully outfitted for the harsh conditions ahead.

    Hours passed in flight before the plane finally descended, the engines roaring as they landed on the icy tarmac. Stepping off, the bitter chill of Alaska hit them immediately, a stark contrast to the warmth inside the plane.

    For a brief moment, they lingered near the airport, stretching their legs after the long journey. Soon after, a cab rolled up, its headlights cutting through the thin veil of falling snow.

    The driver, a middle-aged man in a thick coat, rolled down the window. "I was requested by the Dragon Bone Guild to take you to the mountains. That right?"

    Stiles, looking thoroughly unimpressed with the cold, spoke up first. "Yeah," was all he muttered before slipping into the back seat. Aria followed, settling in beside Dante, while SteelArm took the front passenger seat.

    The drive stretched on for another hour, the road winding through dense forests and snow-covered valleys. Gradually, the towering silhouette of Denali loomed in the distance, its icy peaks vanishing into the overcast sky. The sense of isolation became palpable.

    Finally, the cab slowed to a stop at the base of the mountain¡ªan area reserved exclusively for their training over the next four weeks. The wind howled as they stepped out, boots crunching into the packed snow beneath them.

    Dante exhaled, taking in the unforgiving landscape before turning to the group. "Welcome to hell," he muttered, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

    Stiles shoved his hands into his coat pockets. "Yeah, no shit. I can feel my soul freezing."

    Aria glanced up at the mountain, her expression unreadable. "Four weeks in this¡­" she thought to herself befor sighing.

    SteelArm stretched his arms, almost unbothered by the cold. "Well, no time like the present. What''s first on the agenda, boss?"

    Dante''s eyes gleamed with determination. "We climb."

    Stiles stared at the towering, ice-covered mountain before them, then back at Dante. "We climb right away? No rest? After all that flying and driving?" His voice was a mix of disbelief and exhaustion.

    Dante smirked, adjusting the straps of his gear. "Hell no. We only have four weeks, after all."

    Before Stiles could protest further, Dante and SteelArm were already moving, trudging through the snow toward the base of the mountain.

    Aria followed close behind, completely unbothered by the freezing temperatures. The wind cut through the air, harsh and biting, yet she barely felt a thing. "Why does this feel... normal?" she wondered, tilting her head slightly. Is it because of that class thing I chose? Do I have some kind of resistance?

    As if responding to her thoughts, a translucent menu suddenly materialized before her, hovering in the air. Her eyes scanned the text, and the first few things she looked at was:

    Ice Immunity, Frost Immunity, Frostbite Immunity, Coldness Immunity

    A smile crept onto her lips. "Well, that explains a lot." Feeling even more confident, she picked up her pace, and began to keep up with SteelArm.

    Meanwhile, Stiles stood at the bottom, watching the three of them disappear into the ascent. He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Unbelievable," he muttered. "They''re actually insane."

    Still, with no real choice left, he let out a dramatic sigh and started trudging after them, boots sinking into the snow with every step. "Fine, fine... but if I freeze to death, I''m haunting all of you," he grumbled.

    Dante chuckled. "You can try. I''ll make sure to exorcise your ghost myself."

    The group continued their climb, the icy wind whipping against their faces. The mountain loomed above them, a silent, unyielding force¡ªbut they were ready.

 17 - Frozen Mountain

    SteelArm took the lead, moving like a force of nature, using his large body to push through the deep snow with ease. Dante followed closely behind, his movements precise, calculated, and following where SteelArm had stepped previously.

    Aria, to her own surprise, moved effortlessly. The cold didn''t sap her energy, the wind didn''t sting her face, and the biting chill in the air felt almost comforting. She wasn''t just enduring the conditions¡ªshe was thriving in them. She had to stop herself from smiling too much. "This actually feels nice in a way." She thought to herself as she stepped where both SteelArm and Dante had stepped previously making it easier for her.

    Stiles, on the other hand, was struggling. Hard.

    "This is the worst idea anyone has ever had," he muttered through clenched teeth, pulling his coat tighter around himself. Every step felt like a battle against the elements. His boots sank deep into the snow, and every gust of wind threatened to throw him off balance.

    "Quit whining," Dante called back without looking. "You''re wasting energy."

    "You know what''s a waste of energy? This!" Stiles snapped, waving his arms around before nearly slipping on an icy patch. He caught himself at the last second, groaning. "I am not built for this."

    SteelArm chuckled, turning his head slightly. "You''re just out of your element. It builds character."

    "Yeah? Well, I''d like to return this ''character'' and get a damn refund," Stiles shot back, glaring at the ground as he continued upward.

    The higher they climbed, the thinner the air became. The wind was relentless, carrying with it fine shards of ice that stung against exposed skin.

    Dante stopped for a moment, glancing up at the mountain ahead. "We''ll hit our first checkpoint in a few hours," he said. "There should be a resting point before we push higher."

    "Few hours?" Stiles groaned louder this time. "Dante, I swear to god¡ª"

    Before he could finish, SteelArm suddenly halted, raising a hand to signal the group. His expression turned serious as his eyes locked onto something ahead.

    A series of jagged rocks jutted out from the side of the mountain, and between them¡ªhalf-buried in the snow¡ªwere strange claw marks. Deep, unnatural.

    "Something''s been here," SteelArm murmured.

    Dante narrowed his eyes. "And it''s big."

    Silence fell over the group, the wind howling between them.

    Aria tightened her gloves, glancing at the marks. "Maybe this isn''t as nice as I had thought.."

    The group moved in silence, all four of them sharpening their senses as they climbed. The eerie stillness of the mountain, combined with the claw marks they had seen earlier, left an unshakable tension hanging in the air. No one spoke. The only sounds were the wind whipping around them and the crunch of their boots against the snow.

    Two hours passed.

    Then, another set of claw marks.

    Dante immediately knelt beside them, brushing some of the snow away to get a clearer look. His fingers traced the deep grooves in the ice, and he narrowed his eyes. Using a special method he had developed, he focused his mana, analyzing the faint traces of energy left behind.

    "These are fresh," he muttered. "At most, an hour old. That means whatever left them could be anywhere nearby."

    Aria tightened her grip on her katana''s hilt. Stiles rolled his shoulders, forcing himself to stay focused. SteelArm simply exhaled through his nose, bracing himself for whatever was to come.

    Then¡ªbefore they could take another step forward¡ªthey felt it.

    A wave of raw mana surged through the air ahead of them. It was heavy, thick, and suffocating. The temperature seemed to drop even lower, and a strange pressure settled in their chests.

    Then, it appeared.

    A massive white-furred bear emerged from the swirling snow, towering over them like a beast from a book. Its body was covered in countless scars, old and new, proof of the battles it had survived. Its eyes burned red with unrelenting rage, and as it locked onto the four intruders, its lips curled back in a vicious snarl.

    Then, it roared.

    The sheer force of its bellow shook the air, sending a violent surge of white and blue mana cascading toward them like a storm. The energy slammed forward, threatening to crush them under its weight.

    But Dante and Stiles reacted instantly.

    Their own mana erupted outward, colliding against the beast''s surge. Dante''s was sharp and controlled, a deep emerald green that cut through the storm like a blade. Stiles'' was wild and untamed, flickering crimson as it clashed against the beast''s energy. Their combined force overpowered the mana wave, breaking through it like a dam bursting.

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    Dante didn''t hesitate. He activated [Phantom Materialization], and within seconds, a glowing green spear materialized in his grasp, humming with energy.

    Stiles threw his bag onto the ground, wasting no time pulling out his twin blades. "Oh, you wanna go?! Let''s go then, you overgrown snow bitch!" He twirled the weapons once before getting into his stance.

    SteelArm took a deep breath and shifted into a martial artist''s stance, his muscles coiling like a spring, ready to explode forward at a moment''s notice.

    Aria, standing slightly behind them, unsheathed her katana with a soft metallic whisper.

    Her breathing was uneven. She tightened her grip on the hilt, her fingers trembling slightly. "This¡­ this isn''t like before", she thought before exhaling slowly trying to get her breathing under control first.

    The bear huffed, lowering itself slightly as if preparing to charge. The battle was seconds away from beginning.

    Aria forced herself to steady her breathing. No time to hesitate.

    The bear roared, its breath visible in the frigid air as it lunged forward with terrifying speed. Snow exploded beneath its massive paws, sending white powder flying in every direction. Despite its sheer size, it moved like a blur, closing the distance in seconds.

    Dante''s eyes narrowed. Fast.

    The beast reared up and swung a claw down at him with devastating force, aiming to cleave him in two.

    Dante reacted instantly. He sidestepped, barely avoiding the deadly strike, the wind pressure alone cutting through the air like a blade. As he moved back, his mana surged, and he activated [Phantom Cleave]. A green scythe appears and flies forward striking the bear before it goes into the bear hitting its soul, lowering its resistances, before using it again onto the bear to double the effects.

    Before the beast could retaliate, Stiles was already moving.

    "You''re not the only one who can hit fast!" he shouted.

    Mana surged through his blades as he activated [Silver''s Last Pride]. A silvery crimson imbued light engulfed his weapons as he dashed in, slashing twice in quick succession across the bear''s chest. The moment his blades connected, an aftershock of mana pulsed through the cuts, enhancing the impact. Using the beast''s own body as leverage, Stiles pushed off, flipping backward through the air before landing smoothly on the snowy ground.

    A second later, the silvery glow around the bear detonated. Boom! A shockwave burst outward, sending snow scattering.

    SteelArm wasted no time. The moment the explosion rippled through the air, he charged forward.

    Each step crushed the snow beneath him as if it didn''t exist. His heavy frame moved with surprising speed, and the moment he closed in, he planted his foot deep into the ground, coiling his power into a single, devastating strike.

    [Colossal Blow].

    His fist connected with the bear''s chest. A deafening crack echoed as a shockwave rippled through the air. The sheer force lifted the bear off its feet, sending it flying backward like a ragdoll.

    The beast hurtled toward the mountain wall behind it.

    But before it could crash, something changed.

    Its massive claws dug into the ice at the last second, stopping its momentum just before impact. A deep, guttural growl rumbled from its throat. The air around it grew heavy¡ªcolder, and sharper.

    Then, its mana surged violently.

    A chilling blue aura exploded from its body, mixing with the white snowstorm around them. Its muscles tensed, and its eyes burned with a deeper, more primal rage.

    The Ice Bear had activated its special skill¡ª

    [Icy Rage].

    A brutal power coursed through the beast''s veins, tripling its strength, speed, and defenses. The ground beneath it cracked from the sheer force of its raw energy.

    Then it moved. Faster than before, the massive beast charged, its claws gleaming with frost as it tore through the snow like a living avalanche.

    Dante''s grip tightened on his spear. "Shit¡ªit''s even faster now!"

    Stiles clenched his jaw. "Oh, you''ve gotta be kidding me¡ª"

    As the beast flew into the group, Dante activated [Phantom Replacement on himself and the others on random pieces of snow. The bear charged forward destroying snow as the four of them stood where the bear had stood prior to charging.

    Aria exhaled slowly, steadying herself as the chaotic sounds of battle faded into the background. The world around her felt eerily silent, as if the world had vanished. She took in her surroundings¡ªthe endless white, the path covered in thick layers of snow, and the sheer emptiness stretching beyond the mountain ridge.

    Something stirred deep within her.

    Her grip on the hilt of her katana tightened as she shifted her stance, exhaling slowly, and lowering her center of gravity with a sense of natural precision. The blade became sheathed, her fingers resting lightly on its hilt, waiting. The air around her changed, a strange, creeping shift that was almost imperceptible at first. The snowflakes that drifted near her darkened, losing their luster, turning black as if touched by shadowed frost.

    The bear roared, its fury unrelenting, but when its crimson eyes locked onto Aria''s, it hesitated for the first time.

    In a blink, she moved.

    Her feet barely touched the snow, yet it did not break beneath her. Two steps¡ªeach as weightless as a whisper¡ªbefore her speed suddenly exploded. The three others barely caught the blur of her motion before she was upon the beast.

    The moment she reached the Ice Bear, a faint shimmer pulsed around her sheath, freezing it over with an ethereal blue frost. A single motion¡ªfluid, effortless¡ªher katana unsheathed, a chilling gale swirling around its blade.

    [Winds of Icy Blooms] activated.

    The moment her blade cut through the bear, frost spread across the bear''s stomach in an intricate pattern, delicate yet deadly. A single frozen bloom took shape on the wound¡ªa flower of ice, pristine and hauntingly beautiful.

    Then, it shattered.

    A sharp, crystalline crack rang through the air as the ice erupted, expanding in a ruthless burst. In an instant, the bear let out a strangled, pained howl, its massive frame lurching backward. One of its feet and an arm had been consumed by the frost and broken away, vanishing into the storm of shattered ice.

    Aria did not linger.

    She took a single step back, her katana sliding smoothly into its sheath, and with the same gliding motion, retreated to where she once stood. The snow remained untouched beneath her¡ªno footprints, no disturbance, as if she had never moved at all.

    The battlefield fell into stunned silence for a brief moment.

    Dante''s grip on his spear tightened as he watched, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable. Stiles let out a slow whistle. Even SteelArm, usually unfazed by anything, gave the smallest nod of acknowledgment.

    The Ice Bear, though grievously wounded, was not yet dead.

    It roared once more, shaking the air with sheer force, but this time, there was something else behind its rage. Fear.

    Aria merely exhaled again, her fingers resting lightly on her blade, ready to move once more.

 Frozen Mountain .2

    As Aria locked eyes with the beast, something within her stirred. A realization.

    She closed her eyes for a brief moment, allowing the world to fade around her. The howling wind, the weight of the cold, even the presence of her allies¡ªeverything dulled into the background. Then, like a whisper from the depths of her mind, a voice echoed.

    "Relax. Calm your breathing. Focus on your enemy and the surroundings to reach that enemy. Nothing else matters besides that one strike."

    The voice was serene, steady, yet commanding. It resonated deep within her soul, and suddenly¡ªshe saw it.

    Paths. Countless invisible routes weaving through the battlefield, each one leading her to the beast. The snowy mountains around her were no longer obstacles but tools. The jagged terrain, the shifting ice, the untouched ridges¡ªall of it formed a network of possibilities.

    Her eyes snapped open, glowing faintly with icy determination.

    Then, she moved.

    Her form blurred, vanishing in an instant as she lunged forward. The wind barely shifted in her wake. Using the mountain itself as her foothold, she propelled herself at an angle, appearing beside the beast in less than a heartbeat. A single, precise slash.

    Before the Ice Bear could react, she was already gone.

    Aria rebounded off the snow, twisting midair before landing on the edge of a jagged outcrop. The moment her feet touched it, she pushed off, using the narrow point as a springboard to launch herself again¡ªher blade flashing as it carved through the bear''s thick hide.

    Again.

    Again.

    Again.

    She was relentless. An ever-moving specter weaving through the battlefield, her strikes sharp and fleeting like winter''s breath. Each movement was calculated, flowing seamlessly into the next.

    The bear, in its rage, roared violently, thrashing its colossal limbs in a desperate attempt to catch her. It slammed its massive paws into the ground, sending waves of snow and ice scattering through the air. It crushed rock, tore apart the very terrain in its frenzy¡ªbut no matter how wildly it struck, it could not touch her.

    And then¡ªjust as an attack was about to predict her next landing¡ªDante acted.

    With a flicker of movement, he activated [Phantom Replacement].

    In an instant, Aria vanished from harm''s way. The Ice Bear''s claw came crashing down upon where she should have been, obliterating the icy ridge into a thousand shards.

    But something unexpected happened.

    As Aria''s position shifted, her katana slipped from her grip, the momentum of her attack already set in motion. The blade hurtled toward Dante with frightening speed.

    Dante, ever sharp, twisted at the last second, narrowly dodging the edge of the incoming strike. Yet, even in that instant, the sheer precision of Aria''s cut was undeniable¡ªa few strands of his hair were severed mid-motion, scattering into the wind.

    The loose strands froze in the frigid air before shattering into glimmering frost.

    Then, the battlefield stilled.

    The Ice Bear''s massive frame trembled. Across its body, intricate patterns of frost had begun to form¡ªdozens of ice blooms growing like spectral flowers, spreading outward from every wound Aria had inflicted.

    Then, with a single, deafening crack¡ª

    The frozen blossoms shattered all at once.

    A chorus of breaking ice echoed through the mountain pass, and the beast let out a final, guttural howl before collapsing under the weight of its own destruction.

    Silence followed.

    For a long moment, only the wind remained.

    Aria landed lightly on the snow, her blade back in her grasp. Unscathed. Unbothered. The snow beneath her still untouched, as if she had never moved at all.

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    Aria exhaled slowly, the cold air escaping her lips in a soft wisp as she sheathed her katana. The world around her, which had faded away in her moment of focus, gradually returned¡ªher surroundings, the howling wind, and most notably, her party staring at her with wide eyes.

    "D-Did I just do that?" she asked, her voice laced with genuine disbelief.

    Dante was the first to react. He turned to her, a broad grin stretching across his face.

    "That was fucking awesome."

    Stiles and SteelArm quickly chimed in, both nodding in agreement.

    "Smart use of the mountain," Stiles remarked. "The way you used the terrain to keep increasing your speed¡ªit was a good idea."

    SteelArm let out an approving chuckle. "Yeah, that was some next-level footwork. I don''t think that bear even realized what was happening until it was already dead."

    Dante, never one to miss an opportunity, crossed his arms smugly. "Of course, let''s not forget why she was able to pull that off. That''s all thanks to my expert training program." He shot Aria a knowing look. "Clearly, I''m just an incredible teacher."

    Aria, who had been absorbing the sudden flood of compliments, felt a warmth creep up her face. She turned away, cheeks slightly flushed.

    Stiles, ever perceptive, smirked as he caught the reaction before anyone else. "Oh? What''s this? The Ice Queen actually blushing?"

    Before Aria could retort, Stiles'' eyes flicked downward, noticing something unusual. His playful expression shifted to curiosity.

    "...Hold up." He gestured toward her feet. "What''s with the whole standing on snow without it breaking?"

    At his words, both SteelArm and Dante turned their gazes downward.

    Sure enough, the snow beneath Aria was completely untouched¡ªpristine, unbroken, as if she hadn''t just been moving at impossible speeds across it.

    There was no imprint. No disturbance.

    Just untouched, perfect snowfall beneath her feet.

    Aria looked down, finally noticing what the others had pointed out. The snow beneath her remained undisturbed, as if she had never stepped on it at all. A small frown formed on her lips before she shrugged slightly.

    "I guess¡­ it''s something to do with my class," she muttered, her voice trailing off as a quiet thought settled in the back of her mind.

    Stiles, never one to dwell on mysteries for too long, just shrugged. "Eh, who cares?" He shook his head before turning to Dante. "Hey, use [Phantom Replacement] on my bag real quick."

    Dante gave a lazy nod before activating his skill, swapping a random clump of snow with Stiles'' bag. The bag materialized in the air, and Stiles caught it effortlessly. He dusted off the snow, then slipped his twin blades back inside before slinging the bag over his shoulder.

    Dante stretched his arms before glancing ahead. "We''re close to the first checkpoint," he announced, already moving up the mountain. "Let''s get going."

    SteelArm followed, his heavy footsteps crunching through the snow. Aria and Stiles trailed behind, their breaths visible in the cold night air.

    The climb was steady but grueling. The mountain''s harsh winds picked up as the minutes turned to an hour, but none of them spoke much¡ªthey were too exhausted to complain.

    As they reached the checkpoint, the exhaustion in their bodies weighed heavier than the freezing air around them. The small outpost was nothing more than a set of makeshift tents and reinforced barriers against the mountain''s relentless winds. The dim glow of lanterns flickered within the resting areas, casting long shadows over the snow-covered ground.

    Dante pulled back the flap of one of the tents and stepped inside, letting out a breath he didn''t realize he was holding. SteelArm did the same, rolling his shoulders before settling in a corner of the tent, his massive frame making the space feel smaller than it was. Aria hesitated for a moment before stepping in, her fingers subconsciously brushing against the hilt of her katana as if grounding herself in reality.

    Stiles, still outside, scanned the area with a tired but cautious gaze. His experience taught him that even in so-called safe zones, nothing was guaranteed. He let out a slow breath before finally stepping into the tent and dropping his bag beside him.

    Aria sat down near the entrance, pulling her knees to her chest as she stared at the dimly lit ceiling. Her mind replayed the fight over and over¡ªthe sensation of moving effortlessly through the snow, the strange awareness that had taken over, and the icy flowers blooming from her strikes as if they had always been part of her.

    She clenched her fists. "That voice¡ªit felt familiar, yet distant."

    "Oi," Stiles'' voice snapped her out of her thoughts. She looked over to see him stretching out his arms before resting against the back of the tent. "You good?"

    Aria hesitated before nodding. "Yeah. Just¡­ thinking."

    Stiles raised an eyebrow but didn''t push further. Instead, he chuckled. "Thinking about how badass you were back there?"

    Dante smirked from his spot. "She was badass. But let''s be real, it was all thanks to my training program."

    SteelArm let out a deep chuckle. "Right..."

    Dante crossed his arms. "You say that like it wasn''t a learning experience. She didn''t die, did she?"

    Aria rolled her eyes but couldn''t hide the small smile tugging at her lips. The warmth of their banter eased the tension in her mind, if only slightly.

    Stiles smirked. "Well, joke''s on you, ''cause I''m officially calling dibs on that trick. Next time I get in trouble, Dante, I expect you to teleport me out of danger, too."

    Dante scoffed. "Sure, but it''s gonna cost you."

    "I''ll pay in exposure."

    SteelArm chuckled again before settling into a more comfortable position, his heavy frame shifting the tent slightly. "We should get some sleep. We''ll need all the energy we can get for what''s ahead."

    That statement made the air a little heavier. They all knew this was just the beginning. The mountain was only going to get harsher, and their challenges were far from over.

    Aria laid back, staring at the tent''s fabric above her. The question still lingered in her mind¡ªwhat exactly had she done back there and the way it felt normal, natural, yet also foreign.

    Her fingers grazed the cold hilt of her katana once more before she closed her eyes.

    The answers could wait until tomorrow.

    One by one, their breathing slowed, their bodies finally succumbing to rest. Outside, the wind howled loudly brushing against their tents as they all slept.

 Frozen Mountain .3

    As the moon faded into the horizon, the first light of dawn crept over the frozen landscape. The sun''s rays barely brought warmth, but they glistened against the snow, casting a faint golden hue over the icy terrain. Dante, Stiles, and SteelArm awoke around the same time, each emerging from their tents within minutes of each other. They stretched out their stiff muscles, their breaths visible in the cold air, before walking through the snow toward the large tent at the back of their camp. Inside, a fire pit still crackled faintly, kept alive by a lingering trace of mana.

    Stiles crouched near the flames, rubbing his hands together for warmth. "That was the coldest night I''ve ever slept in..." he muttered, his fingers trembling as he reached into his bag for some food.

    "Tell me about it," Dante grumbled, extending his hands toward the fire, not even bothering to grab his rations yet.

    SteelArm rolled his shoulders before cracking his neck. "It was... an experience," he admitted before pulling a pack of beef from his bag. "I''ll cook this for everyone." Without waiting for a response, he placed the meat over the fire, letting the warmth soak into his fingers as he adjusted the placement.

    Stiles gave a small nod and tucked his food back into his bag, deciding to save it for another day.

    The scent of sizzling beef soon filled the tent, cutting through the crisp, morning air. After twenty minutes, the food was finally ready. Stiles, now sitting comfortably near the fire, took a deep breath. "I gotta say, this fire''s something else. It''s still burning strong in this weather."

    Dante and SteelArm settled in beside him, the warmth of the flames offering a brief respite from the biting cold. The three of them ate in relative silence, allowing themselves a moment of calm before the day''s journey.

    Another thirty minutes passed before Aria finally stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and she instinctively reached for her sheath before pushing herself up from her sleeping bag. Unlike the others, she felt well-rested, letting out a quiet yawn, she stretched her arms above her head, taking her time before stepping outside. The crisp air nipped at her skin, but the scent of cooked meat quickly caught her attention.

    Following the aroma, she spotted the others gathered in the large tent. After a few minutes of stretching, she walked over and sat down beside them. "Morning," she greeted, her voice still a little groggy. "How was the sleep?"

    SteelArm let out a short chuckle. "Not the worst, but definitely not good," he admitted, passing her a portion of the cooked beef.

    Stiles and Dante both nodded in agreement, finishing off the last of their meals.

    Aria accepted the food, taking a small bite before glancing at Dante. "And you?"

    Dante took a sip from a water flask he had left near the fire to keep from freezing. "Could''ve been worse," he said before setting the flask down. "How about you?"

    Aria shrugged. "Cramped, but it was nice."

    With breakfast finished, Dante stood up, brushing the snow off his clothes before reaching into his bag. He pulled out a map, unrolling it onto the table.

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    "Our goal is to reach the summit within the next two weeks," he began, his fingers tracing over the marked pathways. "Once we''re up there, we''ll spend the remaining time training. But¡­" He tapped the map lightly. "After that bear attack, I think it''s safe to assume this mountain isn''t just some frozen wasteland. When I was last here, it wasn''t like this. Something has changed."

    Stiles leaned in, arms crossed. "Two weeks seems doable, but yeah¡­ we need to be ready for whatever else is up here. That bear wasn''t normal¡ªat least not for an ice-based beast. If more creatures like that show up, this climb is going be rough on us all."

    Dante nodded and pointed at a few marked locations. "These are our next checkpoints. If there''s anything strange about this place, we''ll find more signs as we go higher."

    Stiles sighed, rolling his shoulders. "Great. More mystery bullshit. Let''s just hope the next thing we run into isn''t a damn yeti or something."

    SteelArm smirked. "You know¡­ now that you''ve said it, you probably just jinxed us."

    Stiles groaned. "Fantastic."

    Aria finished the last of her meal, brushing off her hands before standing up. The group followed suit, packing up their supplies and preparing for the next stretch of their climb.

    With their gear packed and their bodies warmed from the fire, the group stepped out of the tent, bracing themselves against the biting wind. The mountain stretched endlessly above them, its icy slopes and jagged cliffs promising an arduous climb. Dante took one last glance at the map before rolling it up and securing it in his bag.

    "Alright, let''s move," he said, leading the way toward the next part of their ascent.

    The snow beneath their boots crunched with every step, and the wind howled through the jagged rocks above. Though the sun had risen, it provided little warmth, and the cold air seeped through even their insulated clothing. They moved in a single file, carefully navigating the steep incline. The path ahead was uneven, with patches of ice hidden beneath the snow, making every step treacherous.

    Aria stayed near the middle of the group, adjusting her pace to match the others. "How much further until we reach the second checkpoint?" she asked, while looking around her.

    Dante, walking at the front, glanced over his shoulder. "Around four few hours, if we keep this pace."

    As they climbed higher, the terrain grew harsher. The once manageable slopes turned into steep inclines, forcing them to use their hands to grip onto protruding rocks for stability. The wind intensified, whipping around them like an invisible force trying to push them back.

    At one point, Stiles, slightly ahead of Aria, misstepped on an icy patch. His foot slipped, and in an instant, he lost his balance. "Shit¡ª!" He reached out, but before he could fall, Aria reacted. Hard ice formed around her hand after she grabbed the back of his coat and pulled him toward her, steadying him before he could tumble backward.

    "Careful," she warned, her grip firm before letting go.

    Stiles let out a breath of relief and muttered, "Yeah, yeah¡­ thanks." He steadied himself and continued climbing, now more mindful of his footing.

    The higher they went, the more the air thinned. Breathing became slightly more difficult, but it wasn''t yet severe enough to slow them down. However, the cold grew even more unforgiving. Ice coated the rocks, making it increasingly difficult to find solid footing.

    Dante suddenly raised a hand, signaling for them to stop. He narrowed his eyes ahead. "Something''s wrong¡­"

    Aria followed his gaze. At first, she saw nothing but the endless stretch of white snow and jagged rocks. But then, she noticed it¡ªsubtle disturbances in the snow, like something had been moving through it recently.

    "There''s damn tracks," SteelArm murmured. He crouched down, brushing away some of the fresh snow to reveal deeper impressions beneath. They were large, and they had multiple sets of claws venturing different ways.

    Stiles exhaled sharply. "Well¡­ there goes my hope of not running into a yeti."

    Dante''s grip on his weapon tightened. "Stay alert. Whatever made these¡­ it''s not far."

    A deep silence settled over the group. The wind howled, but beneath it, there was something else. A low, distant rumbling.

 Frozen Mountain .4

    As the group continued their ascent up the mountain, the atmosphere grew heavier with each step. The air was thin, the wind bitter, and the snow crunched beneath their boots, the only sound amidst the unnerving silence of the frozen wilderness. But then, the stillness was shattered.

    A low growl echoed from all sides, followed by the unmistakable sound of claws scraping against ice and stone. The group stopped, instincts kicking in as they turned in unison, eyes narrowing at the growing shadows around them.

    Twelve ice tigers emerged from the snow in front of them, their fur a haunting blend of blue and white, their glowing eyes fixed on their prey. Above them, three more tigers scaled the icy cliffs, their claws digging deep into the mountain for more grip. Behind them, four tigers moved swiftly, closing in from every direction.

    Stiles broke the silence with a nervous chuckle, "...I mean, at least it isn''t a yeti?" He offered, though the words were hollow.

    SteelArm rolled his eyes, his jaw clenched with frustration. "This... this is exactly what I meant by jinxing us." He said dryly, before slamming his fists into the ground. With a deep rumble, the earth responded, rising in a jagged wall behind them. [Earth''s Shield] formed, blocking off the four tigers from behind. The icy beasts collided with the rock barrier, their snarls muffled by the thick stone.

    SteelArm turned back to face the oncoming threat. He got into a martial stance, his body tense and ready for the inevitable clash.

    Dante sighed deeply, his eyes flicking over to Stiles with an exasperated look. "You just had to say it, didn''t you?" He muttered before turning back to the battle at hand. Without missing a beat, he activated [Phantom Materialization], and in a flash of eerie green light, a spectral spear materialized in his hand. The ethereal weapon hummed with an otherworldly energy, its edges shimmering with a soft, sickly green glow, casting an unsettling light over the surrounding snow.

    Aria, standing beside them, exhaled slowly, her breath forming a cloud in the cold air. She focused her mind, pushing aside the mounting tension in her chest. With a fluid motion, she unsheathed her katana, the blade gleaming faintly as she took a steadying breath. She stood tall, her posture poised and calm, yet the tension in the air was undeniable.

    Stiles let out a resigned sigh, eyeing the approaching tigers. He dropped his bag into the snow, the crunch of it being left behind the only sound for a moment. He reached for his twin blades, his fingers wrapping around the hilts with a firm grip. A surge of energy coursed through him as he activated [Silver''s Last Pride], the twin blades glowing with a brilliant silvery crimson light, their power crackling as they hummed with anticipation.

    "Alright, let''s do this," Stiles muttered under his breath, the weight of the moment settling in.

    The tigers growled, their eyes fixed on the group, teeth bared as they prepared to strike. The air was thick with tension, the frost around them suddenly feeling even colder.

    SteelArm was the first to move, charging forward with immense power. His massive fists, reinforced with [Colossal Blow] collided with the first tiger that lunged at him. The impact sent the creature flying, its body skidding across the snow before it came to a halt, motionless.

    Dante''s spear whipped through the air, slashing at one of the tigers that tried to leap at him. The blade passed through the beast''s body with ease, sending it disintegrating into a pile of frost and ice. Dante''s eyes narrowed, already focusing on the next target.

    Stiles darted forward, his twin blades a blur as they cut through the air. Each strike was precise, each movement calculated, as he weaved between the tigers, cutting them down one by one. The silvery crimson light of his blades left a trail of a slight glow as they connected with the beasts, tearing through fur and ice with ease before an explosion came after his strikes.

    Aria followed suit, her katana flashing through the air as she met a tiger head-on. With a swift slash, she severed the creature''s limb, sending it tumbling backward in a spray of snow and blood before rushing back to her party not wanting to get far without them.

    But even as they cut down one beast after another, there were more¡ªmore eyes gleaming from the shadows, more growls echoing from the cliffs.

    "Shit, we need to keep moving!" Dante shouted over the chaos, his spear flashing as he struck down another tiger. "They''ll just keep coming if we stay here."

    Stiles nodded, wiping blood from his blades. "Right behind you," he said, his voice steady despite the chaos around him.

    As they carved a path through the tigers in front of them and began to sprint forward, more tigers suddenly descended from the cliffs above. The ground shook as SteelArm''s [Earth''s Shield] finally cracked under the weight of the assault, and with a deafening roar, another twenty tigers surged from behind it.

    SteelArm glanced behind him, his eyes widening as the tigers surged forward, moving much faster through the snow than they could. Without hesitation, he stopped and turned to face the oncoming wave. Slamming his hand into the ground, the snow beneath him cracked and shattered as he activated [Earthen Grip] and [Earth''s Shield]. Stone hands erupted from the mountain''s face, gripping the tigers with deadly force, squeezing them until their bodies were crushed under the immense pressure.

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    The shield lifted, blocking the remaining tigers'' advance for a brief moment, and SteelArm exhaled heavily, his chest rising and falling with effort. He turned back toward the group and immediately began to sprint, pushing forward. Dante, anticipating the need, used [Phantom Replacement] to swap his position with a patch of snow closer to SteelArm, allowing him to catch up much faster.

    "Thanks!" SteelArm shouted over his shoulder, the growls of the tigers still echoing in the distance.

    "No problem!" Dante replied, his voice cutting through the chaos as the group pushed forward, racing as quickly as they could through the snow.

    Aria, gliding over the snow, her steps light and swift. The snow didn''t seem to hold her back¡ªshe moved across the surface as if it were solid ground, gaining a noticeable lead on the others as they struggled through the powdery terrain.

    With a bone-chilling howl splitting the air behind them, Dante''s instincts immediately kicked in. His head snapped over his shoulder, and his eyes widened as they fell on the largest tiger he had ever seen. It was massive, easily towering over the others. Its fur was an unnatural shade of icy blue, and its eyes gleamed with a predatory intelligence. The creature''s howl reverberated through the snowy landscape, sending a shockwave that crushed SteelArm''s [Earth''s Shield] as if it were made of paper.

    The beast''s eyes locked onto Dante, and in that moment, it surged forward with an unnatural speed. The tiger''s claws dug deep into the snow, sending ice shards scattering in every direction. It darted through the blizzard-like storm of snowflakes, closing the distance between them in seconds. Without a second thought, the creature leapt toward SteelArm''s back, its massive fangs bared and poised for a deadly strike.

    But Dante was quicker.

    "Not today!" Dante muttered under his breath. He activated [Phantom Replacement], and in a flash of green light, his presence swapped with a distant patch of snow just behind the tiger. The beast landed in the snow, its claws scraping uselessly against the frozen earth as it found itself farther back from the group.

    The tiger growled, a deep, guttural sound, but it didn''t give up. It immediately turned, its glowing eyes now focused on Dante, but the creature''s speed and coordination weren''t enough to prevent the disorienting effect of the sudden teleportation. Still, the beast was relentless.

    Dante''s heart pounded in his chest as the tiger regained its momentum and began to sprint toward them once more, undeterred by the setback. He could feel the strain in his muscles. The cold air was burning his lungs, and his feet were beginning to sink deeper with every stride.

    "As much as this is working," Dante shouted, glancing sideways at the others, "if we don''t figure out what the hell to do soon, we''ll run out of stamina and end up dead due to this damn terrain!" His words were laced with a mix of frustration and urgency. The cold was beginning to take its toll, and their escape wasn''t looking much better than it had an hour ago.

    SteelArm glanced over, his breath heavy as he nodded, his body showing signs of fatigue despite his endurance. "Dante''s right," he said through gritted teeth, glancing back at the beast. "We need a plan. We can''t keep running like this."

    Stiles, who had been keeping his pace just behind Dante, took a sharp breath. "I''ve been thinking the same thing," he said, his voice strained. "But if we stop moving, we''re done. That thing''s not going to let us go."

    Dante gritted his teeth. "We''ll need to make our stand somewhere we can use the terrain to our advantage. Somewhere that won''t drain us even more."

    The tiger, now back on their trail and faster than before, was almost upon them again. Dante felt his heart rate quicken, and the icy wind biting into his skin as he activated another [Phantom Replacement] on the beast.

    "Over there!" Aria suddenly shouted, pointing toward a narrow, snow-covered pass between two jagged cliffs ahead. "That''ll be our spot!"

    Without hesitation, the group shifted their course toward the pass, their breaths ragged but determined. The tiger growled behind them, but now, with the cliffs closing in, it would have to fight in a more confined space. It was their only chance.

    The air was thick with the sound of heavy breathing as the group raced toward the narrow pass. The wind whipped against their faces, stinging like needles, but the looming presence of the tiger behind them was far more terrifying than the cold. Despite their best efforts to push forward, the massive tiger was closing in fast, its snarls growing louder as it gained ground.

    Dante''s eyes darted over his shoulder. The tiger was almost upon them, its glowing eyes like twin moons fixed in its predatory stare.

    Then, with a thunderous crash, the massive tiger leapt forward, crashing into the snow mere feet away from SteelArm. But it didn''t stop there. Behind the lead tiger, a pack of at least seven more emerged from the shadows of the cliffs, their eyes blazing with the same cold fury. They too were fast, agile, and deadly. The mountain pass was about to be a battlefield.

    The pack skidded to a halt behind their leader, forming a semi-circle that trapped the group in the narrow corridor. The lead tiger raised its head and let out a bone-chilling howl that echoed across the mountain, reverberating off the cliffs. The sound sent a shiver down Aria''s spine, and for a moment, it felt as if the very air was frozen.

    "Not good," Dante muttered under his breath, his grip tightening around the spectral spear in his hand.

    Stiles glanced between the pack of tigers and his teammates, his nerves beginning to fray. "I don''t know how much longer we can keep running. If we don''t fight now, we''re just dead meat," he said, his twin blades gleaming in the dim light.

    The leader of the pack lowered its head, growling softly as it locked eyes with Dante. It wasn''t just a fight for survival¡ªit was a message. The beast was sizing them up, calculating, waiting for the right moment to strike.

    The rest of the pack mirrored its movements, their eyes glowing with predatory hunger. There was no mistaking it now¡ªtheir position was precarious, and they had no choice but to fight.

    Dante''s breath came in shallow bursts. "Looks like it''s time," he said, voice cold. "Everyone, get ready. We''re not backing down."

    The lead tiger howled again, a deafening, guttural sound that rattled the bones of everyone present. The echo seemed to reach into their souls, heightening the tension, making their hearts pound in unison with the feral rhythm of the pack.

    And then, as if to signal the start of the battle, the pack lunged forward all at once, their bodies moving like a wave of fury crashing down on the group.

    SteelArm, still at the front, raised his hands to the sky. The earth beneath them trembled as he activated [Earthen Grip], sending giant stone hands surging up from the ground to grab and hold the first few tigers back. But there were too many and the pack tore through the barriers with terrifying speed.

 Frozen Mountain .5

    Stiles jumped in front and slashed through a few of the tigers using [Relentless Edge], killing them instantly before charging his [Luminous Rift] it charged for just a second before he pointed his blades towards the leader of the pack and a horizontal slash flew out before killing off the rest of the pack as the leader jumped backwards and dodged it. "Tch, damn it." he said.

    Aria''s eyes fluttered closed for a brief moment, a sudden, dark pulse of mana radiating from her. The air grew heavy, the world around them seeming to hold its breath. The group instinctively turned to her, feeling the pressure of her presence¡ªintense and cold. At the same time, the massive leader of the ice tigers locked eyes with her, its primal gaze unyielding, but something in its stance faltered.

    Her eyes snapped open, their color now a deep, almost unnatural purple, glowing faintly in the dim light. A cold, commanding voice echoed through the mountains as if it came from the very earth itself.

    "Why?" she asked simply, her gaze narrowing toward the beast. Her words sliced through the frigid air, sharp and deliberate. The silence stretched out, thick with an oppressive energy that seemed to stop time itself.

    The wind stilled, the very atmosphere around her quivering in response. Dante''s breath caught in his throat, feeling the weight of her mana pressing down on them all. It was suffocating, suffused with a dark, ethereal power that sent an uneasy chill down his spine. He had felt her magic before, but this¡ªthis was something else entirely.

    Before anyone could fully react, Aria''s foot shifted, and in the blink of an eye, she vanished. The group watched in awe, and the air seemed to crackle as she appeared before the leader of the pack with a speed that defied comprehension. The wind whipped toward them with a fierce gust, as if reacting to her sudden motion, cutting through the snow in a violent swirl.

    Dante''s eyes widened in disbelief, the question tumbling from his lips almost instinctively. "What the hell is that...? What the fuck was that kind of agility?"

    Before anyone could answer, they saw her, standing effortlessly next to the tiger. The pack of tigers froze, their eyes flicking between Aria and their leader. The beast, confused and unsettled by her sudden appearance, snarled and lunged toward her with terrifying speed, its fangs bared.

    But Aria didn''t flinch. With a subtle shift of her weight, she dodged the tiger''s snap, moving only slightly to the left. In that same fluid motion, her hand reached out, resting against the beast''s massive, frosted hide. Her touch was light, but there was an undeniable power in it. Her dark purple eyes met the tiger''s, her voice cold but steady as she spoke.

    "You have no human blood stain anywhere on your soul... yet you wish to have it by killing us all?" she asked, her words deliberate, almost like a verdict. "Why."

    Her gaze pierced through the tiger''s fiery eyes, as though she were staring into its very soul, unraveling its intentions. The tiger, unnerved by the weight of her gaze, recoiled, its body instinctively pulling back from her presence.

    The moment seemed to stretch, the mountain silent around them as the beast stood frozen, seemingly dazed by the strange force that Aria emanated. It let out a low, guttural growl, but there was an unmistakable hesitation in its stance. For a heartbeat, it felt as though the very air had frozen in place, the conflict hanging in a delicate balance.

    Aria''s gaze remained unyielding as she stepped forward, her presence suffocating the space around her. The very air seemed to shift in response, growing colder, sharper, as though even the environment feared her. Her dark purple mana surged around her like a storm, tendrils of ethereal power crackling and twisting through the air, and in that moment, the snow beneath her feet seemed to melt, the cold earth itself bending to her will.

    "I won''t ask again," she said, her voice a sharp, icy whisper, yet somehow carrying the weight of a command that reached deep into the beast''s very soul.

    The tiger stood frozen for a moment, its primal instincts warring with the unknown force before it. It locked eyes with Aria, its pupils dilated, and then¡ªseemingly realizing that it was being watched not just by her, but by his followers¡ªit snarled and stood taller, a flicker of defiance in its gaze. With a sudden, powerful motion, the creature threw its head back and let out a deafening howl that shook the very mountain beneath them.

    The sound it released was ancient. The vibration from the roar reverberated down SteelArm''s spine, his muscles tensing involuntarily as he watched the scene unfold before him. He stood there, frozen in awe and fear, the sound echoing through the icy expanse as if challenging Aria herself.

    But it wasn''t just the tiger''s roar that caught everyone off guard. As the vibrations rattled the air, something in the distance stirred¡ªsomething even darker than before.

    Before anyone could respond to the tiger''s challenge, the air shifted once again. A sudden rush of red mana burst forth from Stiles as it coiled around him, the raw power of Riven''s energy erupting in a fiery aura. He moved with the speed of a predator, instincts flaring as he unsheathed his twin blades in a blur of motion. Without thinking, his body vanished from sight, leaving only a fading trail of heat in the air behind him.

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    In an instant, Stiles appeared behind Aria, his twin blades raised high, their edges gleaming with deadly precision. His expression was tense, but there was something in his gaze¡ªa flash of uncertainty, a flicker of doubt, even as his blade moved toward her.

    The movement was quick, calculated, but Aria, in her current state, instantly felt the surge of magic in the air. She didn''t flinch. Her eyes, dark and piercing, flicked over her shoulder, locking with Stiles for just a heartbeat before her body moved with unnerving grace. She tilted her head slightly, and in the same instant, the air around her seemed to bend, slowing the world down for just a moment.

    Stiles'' blades stopped mere inches from her, frozen in place by the invisible force that emanated from her being. Her cold gaze remained fixed on him, unblinking, her mana swirling around her like an impenetrable shield.

    Her voice no longer cold, but filled with something much more unsettling¡ªdisappointment. "You are not my enemy, Stiles."

    She paused, the weight of the moment hanging between them. Her gaze remained steady on Stiles, and then, with a slight tilt of her head, she spoke, her voice low but commanding, "Riven... might be a more fitting name, don''t you think?" Her dark purple eyes locked onto his for a heartbeat, the intensity in them sharpening the words she was about to say.

    In an instant, she reached out a hand, and the air itself seemed to respond. A wave of mana surged from her palm, and before Stiles could react, the force slammed into him, propelling him backward with such speed that he barely had time to register what was happening. The world blurred as he was thrust to the very edge of the cliff, teetering dangerously near the drop. The wind howled as he scrambled to steady himself, a cold sweat forming on his brow.

    Aria''s voice, calm yet laden with unspoken power, cut through the chaos. "Keep your eyes on that one... if you wish to live."

    Stiles, breathing heavily, managed to steady himself just in time, his pulse racing. His heart thudded loudly in his chest, not just from the physical exertion, but from the sheer overwhelming presence of Aria''s power. As quickly as she had moved, her focus shifted¡ªher eyes returning to the beast, her expression hardening once more.

    "Leave this place at once," she commanded, her tone colder than the mountain air itself. "And you will be forgiven."

    With a subtle gesture of her hand, she dismissed the tiger. It hesitated for only a moment, staring back at her with a primal glint in its gaze. Then, after a low, rumbling growl, it turned. Slowly, the massive creature began to retreat, its pack following suit. They disappeared into the snow-covered mountain, vanishing as silently as they had arrived.

    Aria exhaled, a long, steady breath, as the tension seemed to drain from her body. But there was no relief in her expression, only the lingering weight of whatever battle had just occurred. She turned to face the group, her eyes scanning over each of them with a cold precision that made their hearts tighten.

    "Do not say a word about this," she said, her voice firm, unwavering. "Do you understand?"

    There was a brief, heavy silence as her gaze lingered on each of them in turn. SteelArm nodded, his usually unshakable demeanor tempered by the unmistakable fear of Aria''s power. Dante followed suit, his brow furrowed but his respect for her unquestionable. Stiles stood still, his body tense, his mind racing from the whirlwind of events that had just unfolded. And yet, they all knew the weight of her words was not to be taken lightly.

    After a moment, the world seemed to resume. The wind howled louder once more, the snow swirling viciously as if to reclaim the land. It was as though time had bent and twisted, only now returning to its proper course. The ground beneath them was already being blanketed in snow, the world around them quickly returning to its frigid silence.

    But Aria, standing there at the edge of the cliff, suddenly faltered. Her knees buckled beneath her, and with a soft gasp, she collapsed into the snow. Her breathing was shallow, her body limp as her katana, still resting by her side, was swept from her grasp by the wind. The blade sailed through the air, falling steadily into the abyss below, swallowed by the unforgiving void.

    Her eyes, once a haunting shade of dark purple, now flickered with an emerald green.

    SteelArm and Dante rushed to her side, kneeling beside her, but it was too late. Her body was still, her pulse faint but steady. As the snow continued to fall around them, the cold was the only thing that seemed certain in the silence that followed.

    "She''s out cold," Dante muttered under his breath, though his voice held a trace of concern. His gaze lingered on Aria, the weight of their journey ahead settling in.

    "We''ll have to move soon," SteelArm said quietly, his expression grim. "We can''t afford to stay here too long."

    The wind howled again, biting through the mountain air, a sharp reminder of the harsh world they were in. Dante glanced at SteelArm, his gaze full of concern. "What should we do?"

    SteelArm shifted Aria gently in his arms, his expression pensive. He stared into the distance for a moment before meeting Dante''s eyes. "I''m not sure," he admitted, his voice rough with uncertainty. "How far are we from the next checkpoint?"

    "About an hour," Dante responded, his voice carrying the weight of their fatigue.

    SteelArm nodded, his jaw tightening with resolve. "Then we push on. We get to the checkpoint, figure out a plan, and hope she''s awake by then." He glanced down at Aria''s still form in his arms, his brow furrowing. "let''s go."

    Dante nodded, but his eyes never left SteelArm''s face. There was a tension in the air, a kind of unspoken weight that made it hard to breathe.

    SteelArm shifted his stance, his eyes narrowing as he turned to Stiles. "What the hell was that, man?" His voice was low but sharp, the edge of concern mixing with frustration. "Why did you try to attack her?"

    Stiles flinched, as if the question had struck a chord deep inside him. He looked away for a moment, his brow furrowing in thought, as if trying to piece together a memory that refused to come into focus. "I... I''m not sure," he admitted, his voice distant. "It was like an instinct. Like something... told me to get rid of her. As fast as possible."

    Stiles thought back to what Riven had said before he left, "BloodShed is a cursed Principle. It will crave the blood of others, and mainly other Principles." With a heavy sigh, Stiles turned and continued up the path, his steps slow at first, but growing steadier as he moved forward.

    Dante and SteelArm exchanged a glance before following behind him, SteelArm carefully carrying Aria, his movements deliberate to avoid jarring her.

 Frozen Mountain .6

    Several hours had passed before Aria finally stirred. Her body ached as consciousness returned, her vision blurry at first as she took in the dimly lit tent around her. The crackling of a fire beside her provided warmth, its flickering glow casting long shadows across the tent walls. Slowly, she sat up, wincing slightly at the stiffness in her limbs.

    "W-what the hell happened?" she muttered, her voice hoarse. Her emerald eyes swept over each of them¡ªDante, SteelArm, and Stiles¡ªpausing briefly before landing on the fire. The warmth was oddly soothing, but something deep inside her felt... off.

    SteelArm shifted uncomfortably before crossing his arms. "You passed out," he said flatly.

    Aria frowned. "That''s it?"

    Dante, poking at the fire with a stray stick, nodded without looking at her. "Yeah. We took care of the beast pretty quickly after that. I managed to slash one of its eyes out, and it ran off. Nothing crazy."

    Aria''s gaze flickered between them. Her head was still foggy, with a sigh, she leaned back, staring at the flames. "Alright," she murmured, though she didn''t believe them.

    Morning arrived, painting the mountain in hues of orange and pink as the group prepared to move. The bitter cold bit at their skin, but they had long since grown accustomed to it. Without delay, they resumed their trek, winding through the treacherous terrain.

    Dante and SteelArm continued to keep their silence, refusing to reveal what had truly happened that night. The lie remained firm¡ªAria had passed out from fear, and they had finished the battle swiftly. It was easier that way.

    The days blended together, time stretching endlessly as they ascended higher. The sun rose and fell in a cycle that felt almost unnatural, casting long shadows across the icy slopes. Nights were spent in makeshift camps, their fires barely keeping the frost at bay.

    Through the bitter winds and unyielding landscape, they pressed on. Five weeks passed in what felt like the blink of an eye. Surprisingly, they encountered no other creatures, no more beasts lurking in the darkness. It was an eerie, silent climb¡ªone that only deepened Aria''s suspicions.

    Their training had been relentless for the past three weeks. The first two were spent scaling the unforgiving mountain, and the rest was nothing short of brutal. They carried massive boulders of ice and snow, endured endless push-ups with layers of frost pressing against their backs, and ran six grueling miles around the summit every day. With each passing day, the weight of their training gear increased, pushing their bodies to their absolute limits.

    Another three weeks passed¡ªone dedicated to extra conditioning, the last two spent descending the mountain. By the time they finally stepped onto solid pavement, where a cab was waiting, they looked as if they had just survived a battlefield. Their bodies were stiff with exhaustion, their muscles ached with every step, and the moment they removed their gear, the bitter cold was replaced with the suffocating heat of their sweat-soaked clothes.

    Aria was the first to break the silence, groaning as she tugged at her damp shirt. "I swear, my clothes are drenched. I am never doing this again. With anyone."

    SteelArm and Stiles immediately agreed, each grimacing at their own sticky discomfort. Dante, who had already endured this hellish training once before, exhaled sharply before giving in as well. "Yeah¡­ this is the last time I''m ever setting foot on a mountain."

    Without another word, they piled into the waiting cab, heading straight for the nearest hotel¡ªwhere a long-awaited shower awaited them.

    The cab pulled into the hotel, and all four of them got out, their exhaustion evident in every step. The past weeks of brutal training and climbing had taken a toll, leaving them sore and mentally drained. They each grabbed their keycards, which were handed to them as they entered the hotel. The lobby was quiet, and the soft hum of the fluorescent lights overhead seemed like a distant comfort compared to the brutal cold of the mountain. They made their way to the same floor, each heading toward their assigned rooms.

    Stiles walked into his room, taking a deep breath as the familiar scent of the hotel''s fresh linens and subtle air freshener filled the air. It was a smell that hit him in a way he didn''t expect, like a strange comfort after the grueling days on the mountain. He exhaled, running a hand through his messy hair. "Never thought I''d say it, but I actually like the smell of a hotel. But holy shit, I need a shower."

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    He dropped his bag to the floor, scanning the room with tired eyes. Everything was simple but clean¡ªperfect for what they needed right now. Opening the closet door, he was pleasantly surprised to find clothes waiting for him: two pairs of baggy jeans and two shirts. One was a white shirt with bold black stripes, while the other was a black shirt with the Dragon Bone logo on it, red stripes wrapping around the fabric.

    "Well, look at this," he muttered to himself with a smirk, pulling the black shirt with the logo on it from the hanger. "Damn, alright then, Mr. President of Dragon Bone."

    He grabbed a pair of baggy jeans, then stripped off his mountain-worn clothes, tossing them into the basket in the corner of the room. After a few moments of stretching his stiff limbs, Stiles stepped into the bathroom and into the warm embrace of the shower, letting the heat rush over his sore muscles. The cold, biting wind of the mountain seemed like a distant memory as the hot water pounded against his skin, washing away the grime and fatigue.

    SteelArm entered his room next, his massive frame seeming out of place in the hotel''s cozy setting. He grunted as he dropped his bag by the door, his body aching from the last few days of grueling training. His muscles were on fire, but he''d learned to ignore that pain. The real exhaustion came from the mental battle of pushing through each moment.

    "Home sweet home," he murmured dryly, before walking over to the small closet. Inside, he found his set of clothes: a plain gray t-shirt and sturdy jeans, nothing flashy, just simple and practical.

    SteelArm took a quick glance at the clothes before stripping off his training gear, the fabric clinging to his sweat-drenched skin. With his broad shoulders and thick arms, he made quick work of the shower, stepping in and turning the water to the hottest setting. The steam filled the small bathroom as he stood under the flow, his eyes closing as the tension began to melt away, the pain easing just a little. SteelArm ran a hand over his face, the warmth a relief from the harsh cold they''d endured for so long. He could feel his muscles start to relax, his body finally able to release the pent-up tension.

    Dante entered his room, a quiet sigh escaping his lips as he closed the door behind him. His mind was still buzzing from the intensity of the mountain training, but the hotel room was a welcome change. The soft bed, the warmth¡ªeverything was so different from the brutal cold they''d fought through.

    After tossing his bag on the floor, Dante took a moment to assess the clothes in his closet. A pair of fitted black jeans and a deep green shirt with a subtle snake design on the sleeve. He chuckled lightly to himself. "Well, looks like someone planned ahead."

    He quickly stripped out of his gear, his body sore from the daily training regimen. Tossing his clothes into the basket, he stepped into the shower, feeling the cool air of the bathroom briefly before the heat of the water hit him. He closed his eyes, allowing the water to fall over him, soaking away the physical strain. The heat was comforting, but his mind wandered, thinking about everything they''d been through on the mountain¡ªpushing each other, barely hanging on. The brief peace of the hotel was a welcome contrast, but it also reminded him how far they still had to go.

    Aria stood outside her room, her gaze fixed on the door as if it held the answers she needed. The weight of the past weeks hung heavy on her shoulders, and her mind was still racing from everything that had happened on the mountain. Despite the physical exhaustion, her thoughts churned endlessly, replaying moments of the harsh training, the cold, the isolation. But through it all, she had endured. Just like always.

    With a deep, steadying breath, she pushed open the door and stepped inside. The soft, familiar scent of the hotel room wrapped around her, a stark contrast to the biting air they''d left behind. As the door clicked shut behind her, a quiet sigh escaped her lips. The rush of the past few days seemed to fade as she dropped her bag onto the bed. She stood there for a moment, taking in the simplicity of the room, the warmth, the calm.

    Moving toward the closet, she opened it to find a black turtleneck and a pair of dark, baggy sweatpants. The clothes were just what she needed¡ªcomfort, simplicity. Her eyes lingered on them for a second, her thoughts slowing as she undressed. The worn gear, stained and torn from their journey, was discarded into the basket in the corner.

    After a few moments, Aria walked into the bathroom, the cool air inside a contrast to the warmth of the room. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, studying the exhaustion in her eyes. Her face was a little too pale, her body a little too thin from the days of constant exertion.

    A soft exhale escaped her as she set her clothes down onto a small table in the bathroom. The weight of the world felt a little lighter in this moment, the silence of the room almost peaceful.

    Stepping into the shower, the rush of warm water was almost overwhelming. She gasped softly, a relief she hadn''t known she''d needed flooding over her. She closed her eyes, letting the steam envelop her, letting the warmth dissolve the tension in her muscles. Each drop of water seemed to wash away the strain of the mountain, the sleepless nights, the endless days of grueling training. For a few minutes, there was only the soothing sound of water and her steady breath.

    The world outside of this small sanctuary seemed so far away. In the soft glow of the bathroom lights and the cascade of water, everything felt still. It was the first true moment of peace she had had in weeks. Her thoughts slowed as the warmth melted away the fatigue.

    By the time she stepped out of the shower, feeling more like herself than she had in days, everyone had settled into their rooms. The night was quiet, and the exhaustion of the past weeks finally claimed them. One by one, they fell into a restful sleep, the world outside their windows fading away as they found comfort in the softness of their beds.

 18 - Gates Increased

    The shrill ring of the phone cut through the stillness of the morning, shattering the quiet of the hotel rooms. Aria''s eyes snapped open, her body instinctively tensing as the call blared from her bedside table. She groaned, pushing herself up from the bed, the weight of exhaustion still heavy in her bones. The incessant ringing echoed in her ears, making her mind foggy as she reached for the phone and answered, her voice groggy.

    "Yeah?"

    "Aria," came the voice on the other end, sharp and business-like despite the early hour. "You''re needed in the lobby. Get moving. I''ll explain once you''re down here."

    Before Aria could respond, the line went dead.

    Across the hallway, Dante, Stiles, and SteelArm were all waking up to the same call, each of them answering their phones groggily before hanging up and quickly getting to their feet. There was a heavy, mutual silence as they dressed quickly, none of them asking questions. They''d all become accustomed to Halstein''s directness and urgency.

    Aria slowly pushed herself up from the bed, the remnants of sleep still clinging to her mind. Her eyes flickered to the closet, and she walked over to it with a quiet sigh. Reaching for the change of clothes, her gaze lingered on the dark turtleneck in her hands before looking down at her body for a few seconds.

    "Will this even fit?" she muttered to herself, half-doubting the size as she slipped it on. The fabric stretched comfortably, molding to her body better than she had expected.

    "Hm¡­ I guess it does," she said softly, a faint trace of relief in her voice. She tugged on the baggy sweatpants next, the soft material falling easily into place. After a moment of adjusting, she stood in front of the mirror, taking in her reflection.

    A few minutes later, they gathered in the hallway, making their way down to the hotel lobby. As they entered the spacious, quiet area, the scent of fresh coffee lingered in the air, but there was little time to indulge in that luxury. Their eyes immediately locked onto a figure standing near the front desk, a woman in a sharp suit. The Dragon Bone logo, a black silhouette of a dragon winding around a bone, was emblazoned on her shoulder, unmistakable.

    Stiles squinted, his gaze narrowing as he tried to place her. She didn''t look familiar, but the presence of the Dragon Bone logo meant she was connected to them somehow, and that was enough to stir a sense of wariness in the group.

    he woman''s gaze flicked toward them as they approached. She was tall, with dark hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail, her sharp features accentuated by the cold professionalism she carried. She studied them for a moment, eyes assessing, before she spoke.

    "Halstein told me you''d be coming down," she said, her voice low and controlled, but with an underlying edge of authority. "We don''t have much time. Follow me."

    Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked briskly toward the exit.

    The group exchanged glances, confusion and curiosity written on their faces, but they fell into step behind her, instinctively aware that something important was unfolding. They passed through the lobby, and as they stepped outside, a sleek, all-black SUV came into view. The woman approached it without hesitation, opening the driver side door.

    "Get in," she ordered, her tone making it clear there was no room for argument.

    Dante, SteelArm, and Stiles followed her lead, slipping into the vehicle one by one. Aria, trailing behind them, took a deep breath before sliding into the seat next to SteelArm. The door clicked shut behind her with a soft thud, and the engine rumbled to life, the quiet hum of power underscoring the tense silence in the vehicle.

    The woman slid into the driver''s seat, locking eyes with them through the rearview mirror. Without another word, the SUV smoothly pulled away, heading toward the unknown.

    The SUV drove swiftly through the city, the hum of the engine the only sound breaking the silence. After a short while, they arrived at a private airport. The group stepped out of the car, their curiosity deepening with every passing second. The woman led them toward the tarmac, where a sleek private plane awaited them. The air was thick with the tension of uncertainty, and the group exchanged glances, trying to piece together the rapid sequence of events.

    Without a word, the woman gestured toward the plane, leading them to a set of stairs. As they walked up, the cold morning air brushing their skin, they couldn''t shake the feeling that whatever this was, was about to take a dramatic turn. Once everyone was onboard, the plane''s doors closed with a swift hiss, and before they could even settle into their seats, the engines roared to life. The plane surged into the sky, taking off without any delay, a stark contrast to the calm they had just experienced on the ground.

    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Hours passed in the air, the steady hum of the plane''s engines accompanied by the quiet murmur of the group''s unease. They sat in silence, each of them processing the whirlwind of events, unable to shake the questions gnawing at them.

    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the plane began its descent. They could see the sprawling city below, the lights of Tampa shining through the night as the plane touched down with a soft jolt. The group walked down the stairs as the plane''s engines idled, and they were met by a fleet of sleek cars waiting for them.

    Without wasting any time, they were ushered into one of the vehicles, and the ride continued for another three hours, the landscape outside changing with each passing mile. Tired and worn from the constant movement, they eventually arrived at a dock, the salty air filling their lungs as they looked around. The dock was filled with large boats, their engines humming as they bobbed gently in the water.

    And there, standing at the edge of the dock, was Halstein. His figure was hard to read in the dim light, but his presence alone spoke volumes. The group stood still for a moment, unsure of what to expect next.

    Halstein''s voice broke the silence as he stepped forward, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

    "You''ve made it, welcome to Florida." he said, his tone far from reassuring. "Now, we begin."

    Halstein boarded the boat first, his movements purposeful, and gestured for the rest of them to follow. The group, still processing the rapid series of events, stepped onto the boat, feeling the rocking beneath their feet as they took their seats. The boat''s engines hummed to life, and it pulled away from the dock, gliding across the water with swift precision.

    The air was thick with tension, the quiet lapping of water against the hull echoing in the silence. As they made their way out into the open waters, Halstein unfolded a map on the table in front of them. His fingers traced the lines of the terrain before he placed his hand over the map, channels of mana swirling from his fingers to hold the map in place, preventing it from flying away in the wind.

    "Listen carefully," Halstein began, his voice carrying a weight of urgency. "Over the past week, we''ve seen an alarming increase in the appearance of gates."

    He paused for a moment, allowing the gravity of his words to settle before continuing.

    "Two days ago, a gate break occurred in a country¡ªone that no longer exists." His voice dropped lower, almost too cold for the surroundings. "By the time the break was contained, half of the country had been destroyed. The leaders of the nation were dead in their homes, and the surviving population was scattered, helpless."

    The group sat in stunned silence as the gravity of the situation hit them. The magnitude of the damage¡ªthe devastation¡ªwas unlike anything they had ever imagined.

    Halstein continued, his face unreadable, as he shifted the map slightly, revealing more of the affected areas. "We don''t have a lot of time. Every hour that passes, the situation gets worse. More gates are appearing, and the potential for another disaster like this is growing."

    He exhaled slowly before looking directly at Aria. "I know this mission wasn''t what any of us had planned, Aria. I''m sorry for making you come with us, but the urgency of the situation left no room for delay. We needed all the help we could get, and I couldn''t afford to waste time taking you anywhere else."

    His expression softened for just a moment. "I understand if you''re upset. But right now, we need your abilities. This isn''t just a mission¡ªit''s survival. For all of us."

    The boat cut through the water, the soft sound of the engine accompanying the steady rhythm of Halstein''s explanation. As the map continued to unfurl, they could all feel the weight of what was to come¡ªuncertainty hanging heavily in the air.

    Stiles shifted in his seat, the tension in his posture evident. "So, what do we do now?"

    Halstein''s gaze flicked to the horizon, the night sky now filled with stars. "Now, we figure out how to stop this. Together."

    The group remained silent for a moment, their minds racing with the implications of his words. The world was in danger, and their journey was far from over.

    Halstein broke the silence once more, his voice carrying the same unwavering authority as before. "I''ve been in contact with several guilds and influential figures from various regions. They''ve all pledged their support. We won''t be going in blind. Reinforcements will be on standby."

    Aria, who had been quietly watching the endless stretch of ocean, turned to Halstein with a small, smile. "Well, I suppose this is quite good for my rank, then," she said, her tone laced with a hint of playfulness as her eyes lingered on the ocean around her.

    Stiles let out a deep sigh, his gaze shifting toward Halstein. "So, what''s the first target? Which gate are we closing first?"

    Halstein''s gaze remained fixed ahead, his focus sharp. "The first gate we''re tackling is classified as HJ-R4. The specifics are unclear at the moment, but our mana readings suggest it''s about B rank in power."

    Dante and the others nodded in acknowledgment. The gravity of the mission was settling in, but there was little time for hesitation. Each one of them, in their own way, steeled themselves for the unknown challenges that awaited them.

    The boat continued its relentless trek across the ocean, cutting through the water at high speed as they neared the location of HJ-4R. The team fell into a quiet rhythm, each of them lost in their own thoughts as the sound of the engine rumbled in the background. It was a brief moment of stillness, but they knew the calm would soon end.

    Halstein stood up, his gaze locked on a distant island. "That''s the island where the gate is located," he said, pointing with a steady hand. "We''ve coordinated multiple raid parties, and you''re the last team before we send everyone else in."