ã€ŠRaidersã€‹


 Chapter 1 "My Dream"

    "Since when did you decide to be a Raider?"

    The king''s voice was curious, but there was weight behind it. Not a simple question. Not one with a simple answer.

    He could have said since the first time he picked up a blade. Or since the first time he saw someone die. But neither would be the truth.

    When was it exactly?

    His mind reached back¡ªpast the blood, past the hunger, past the moment he was afraid to lose something.

    16 years ago...

    A bustling marketplace. Stalls filled with colorful goods. The smell of fresh bread and sizzling meat wafting through the air. A young woman walks through the crowd with her 3-year-old boy, Kin. She smiles warmly at him, and he grins back, eyes alight with curiosity.

    Then¡ªmovement catches his attention.

    A group of armored raiders strides past, their weapons gleaming under the sun. One man''s sword, sheathed at his waist, reflects the light just right, mesmerizing Kin. He barely notices his fingers slipping from his mother''s grasp as he follows the raiders, weaving through the crowd with small, determined steps.

    The large, gaping hole of the dungeon entrance looms before him, its darkness inviting and mysterious. Unseen, unnoticed, he sneaks in, stepping into the world he was never meant to enter.

    Inside, the clash of steel and monstrous roars fill the cavernous space. A battle unfolds before him¡ªwarriors moving with practiced precision, cutting down creatures twice their size.

    A soldier notices him amidst the chaos.

    "How did you get in here, kid?"

    Kin doesn''t answer. His wide, gleaming eyes lock onto the fight, watching, absorbing, understanding. with one thought on his mind

    "This is what I want to do!"

    Many years later

    A cool breeze passes through the dungeon entrance as Kin stands before it, his heart pounding¡ªnot with fear, but with anticipation. The same awe-struck expression from childhood remains on his face.

    Beside him, Shinoh adjusts his gear, They step up to the receptionist''s desk, where the Gatekeeper, a woman sitting behind iron bars, barely glances up from her records.

    "IDs and levels."

    Kin and Shinoh hand them over.

    The Gatekeeper''s eyes flick across their stats before she arches a brow. "And where are your other two members?"

    Kin and Shinoh exchange looks. "Other two members?" they say in unison.

    The Gatekeeper sighs, tapping a finger on the desk. "You need four members to enter. Did you even check the rules?"

    Kin''s stomach sinks. "The Manual..." He remembers skimming through it, but in his excitement, he must''ve overlooked that part.

    He groans, rubbing the back of his neck. "That completely slipped my mind."

    Kin, grasping at options, quickly asks, "What about reserve raiders?"

    The Gatekeeper nods. "You can wait over there. I''ll pair you with two others."

    "Thank you!" Kin says

    As they walk toward the designated area, Kin talks with Shinoh. They discuss their base stats at level 1. Kin has been training mentally and physically for this day, and his base stats are much higher than the average level 1.

    Shinoh elbows Kin playfully,

    "So, have you checked your stats, Kin?"

    Kin smiles subtly.

    "I check them every day, you don''t know how good it feels seeing a point added to one of your stats"

    Shinoh asks to see them. His stats are as follows

    STRENGTH: 12

    AGILITY: 10

    INTELLECT: 10

    VITALITY: 10

    MAGIC POWER: 6

    PERCEPTION: 7

    After a brief pause, he exclaims, "WHAAT!?! You literally have three times my stats! How is that fair?!"

    Kin laughs as Shinoh sulks, checking his own weaker stats.

    STRENGTH: 4

    AGILITY: 3

    INTELLECT: 3

    VITALITY: 5

    MAGIC POWER: 2

    PERCEPTION: 2

    Kin pats his shoulder. "Maybe if you spent less time flirting and more time training¡ª"

    Shinoh shrugs. quickly recovering from his seeming depression, hesmiles slightly while waving him off. "Yeah, yeah, there''s nothing wrong with living a little."

    They both laugh as the Gatekeeper calls them over. They jog up to two waiting raiders. The first, a broad-shouldered man with a confident stance, nods. "Name''s Stone. Level 2."

    The second, a shorter, quiet guy, mutters, "Riyo. Level 1, same as you."

    Shinoh grins. "I''m Shinoh, and this is Kin. First day. Hope that''s not a problem."

    Stone smirks. "Not at all. We''re only sticking to the first floor today, so we''ll be fine. Let''s move."

    Entering the dungeon, Kin notices two guards at the entrance of the 1st floor. Kin asks, "Why are there guards at the entrance?"

    Stone explains, "Ah, yeah, that. Apparently, a baby 15 years ago got into the dungeon without anyone noticing."

    Embarrassed, Kin slightly lowers his head, his cheeks turning red.

    Shinoh whistles. "That''s insane."

    "Right?!." Stone laughs.

    As they move forward, dim blue crystals illuminate the rocky terrain. Soon, Kin spots familiar creatures in the distance¡ªthe same monsters from his childhood memory. He turns to Shinoh, his adrenaline starting to rush.

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    "Shinoh, you ready?" he murmurs, gripping his sword.

    Shinoh grins. "Bring it!"

    They rush to fight the monsters. Kin slashes the first one easily and continues taking down the monsters effortlessly. Riyo watches, surprised by how well Kin is moving. After the first few groups, Kin levels up to Level 2.

    "Badadum"

    They press on further.

    In a brightly lit office adorned with rare dungeon artifacts, a seasoned man in a sharp suit sits across from a nervous recruit. The weight of the moment is heavy, yet the old man wears an amused grin.

    The boss asks, "What do you think is the point of entering the dungeons?"

    The recruit hesitates before offering the obvious answer. "To stop the creatures from coming out?"

    The boss laughs.

    "It''s the Discoveries Rookie. Every major breakthrough in the last century¡ªevery advancement that reshaped our world¡ªcame from those depths."

    He gestures toward a crystal-powered lamp illuminating the room "Take the light crystals for example. These lights alone revolutionized energy consumption, slashing greenhouse emissions. But even after a hundred years, we''ve barely scratched the surface. Our top raiders? They''ve only made it to the 30th floor."

    The rookie swallows hard. Thinking to himself "Just how deep do the dungeons go?"

    A faint shuffle echoes through the dungeon walls. Kin turns his head toward the sound, his instincts sharpening. Then¡ª

    The ground vanishes beneath him.

    "Kin!" Shinoh screams

    He plunges into an abyss, arms flailing. The rush of air howls past his ears. He twists midair, scrambling for something¡ªanything¡ªto hold onto. His fingers graze the jagged rock, but the sheer speed of his descent rips his grip away.

    Desperation kicks in. He yanks out his sword, angling it downward.

    Clang!

    The blade scrapes against the wall, sparks flashing in the suffocating black. It slows him down before finally snapping free. He braces for impact.

    Thud!

    A slight pain flares across his body as he crashes into solid ground.

    Then¡ªrumble.

    Kin''s Body laid flat as he rolls just as a cascade of rocks tumbles down, sealing the hole above. Darkness swallows his vision. A cold silence settles...

    "Where am I?"

    Hands outstretched, Kin gets up taking a cautious step, his fingers brush along a damp uneven wall. shivering in his ears as he moves blindly, his breathing the only sound in the oppressive blackness. Then¡ªhis foot hits something solid. He freezes.

    "Oh, yeah... My light crystal."

    Fumbling through his pack, he finds the familiar smooth surface and twists it. A soft glow pulses to life¡ª As he looks up his stomach drops.

    The back of a huge green like beast,. An ogre the size of a small tree stands still, Kin noticing the crude, club resting in its massive hand, as the ogre turns around. Kin''s eyes locked onto to the ogre.

    A low, guttural groan rumbles from its throat as it turns, sluggish but deliberate. Its yellow eyes struggle in irriation against the sudden light.

    "Aaarghhh..."

    Kin steps back, heart hammering. The ogre''s grip tightens on its weapon. It''s waking up.

    Shinoh burst out of the dungeon entrance, lungs burning. He barely made it a few steps before collapsing to his knees, gasping for air. His heart pounded against his ribs.

    "I need help! Please... someone!" His voice cracked from the his breathless lungs.

    The crowd of raiders lingering around the entrance turned toward him, startled. Two men in battle-worn gear exchanged glances before approaching.

    One of them, a rugged-looking swordsman, asked, "What happened?"

    Shinoh gulped down air, trying to steady himself. "My friend¡ªhe¡ªhe fell! There was a hole¡ª" unable to finish his words, the rugged swordsman speaks "Okay got it, Tye." Looking at his friend the man nods. A woman in sleek, expensive armor stood in the distance, her her hair golden. Her posture casual.

    Deep underground, in the dungeon''s suffocating darkness, Kin stood face to face with death. The ogre''s moves, his club cuts through the air like a falling boulder. Kin barely leaning back in time, the sheer force of the swing sending a blast of wind past his face. His hair whipping wildly

    "He''s not only big but fast, too"

    Before he could fully regain his balance, the ogre lashes out with a side kick "Crap¡ª!"

    Instinct took over. Kin raises his sword just in time, the steel barely absorbing the impact before¡ª

    CRACK!

    The blade shatters in two.

    Kin is sent flying, his body slamming against the dungeon walls. A sharp pain tear through his ribs, and as he gasped, blood explodes from his lips. His vision blurs, the edges darkening. His fingers dig into the dirt, slowly rising his face wincing in agony, shaking as he pushes himself to get back up.

    Then, a memory. The dungeon journals. Page 112 reveals the "Ogres struggle with depth perception due to blindness in their left eye." Kin sucks in a sharp breath, tightening his broken sword. His gaze darts to the severed shard of his sword, lying just a few feet away.

    The ogre roars, raising its club high for a crushing blow. But Kin moves first. He dashes left¡ªinto its blind spot. The club comes crashing down, missing him entirely and splintering the stone floor. Dust and debris scatters into the air. Kin seizes his chance. He dives, snatching the jagged half of his sword before rolling back to his feet. he ogre grunts in confusion, turning its head, trying to track him. But Kin was already on the move¡ªsliding into position again.

    The monster raises its club once more, aiming for sheer destruction. Kin runs straight at it. squeezing his fists, blood pours out of his left hand, holding the severed blade. As the club swings downward, he leaps onto it, using the massive weapon as a ramp. The ogre''s eyes widens in delayed realization, but Kin had already launched himself from the club''s handle¡ª

    "HAAAAA!"

    With both hands, he drives the jagged blades deep into the ogre''s throat. Blood gushes in violent spurts, drenching Kin''s arm. The ogre gags, eyes bulging. Kin doesn''t stop. Gritting his teeth, he twists the blade deeper, then ripsit across the thick muscle. The ogre''s head separates from its body.

    The ogre''s its massive hands flail weakly before collapsing to its knees. Making the ground quake beneath its weight.

    Kin still on the ogre''s shoulders, pants, his hands trembling from exertion. His vision flashes. A notification.

    "Badadum"

    Kin levels up four times, reaching level 6, he breaths a sigh of relief, his stats significantly increased.

    STRENGTH: 32

    AGILITY:30

    VITALITY: 30

    MAGIC POWER: 26

    PERCEPTION: 27

    Kin furrowed his brow, something wasn''t right. He recalled a passage from the dungeon''s leveling manual:

    "Leveling up occurs only by slaying monsters. Upon each level-up, all stats increase by exactly 2 points." His eyes flicked back to his stats.

    "So why are mine so high?" Unease crept into his chest as he navigated to the skills menu. A new entry:

    [The Brave] ¨C Doubles all stats.

    His breath hitched.

    "¡­No way."

    The initial shock faded, giving way to disbelief. "A skill that doubles all stats? That''s¡­ kinda busted."

    He wasn''t complaining, but this didn''t feel normal. Skills usually followed a pattern. But this? He gripped his broken weapon. For now, it was an advantage.

    Before he could process it further, a rustling sound snapped him to reality. Heavy footsteps. Low, guttural grunts. Kin ducked into a narrow crevice between the jagged stone walls, holding his breath. Three ogres lumbered past, their monstrous forms briefly illuminated by the faint glow of dungeon moss. Their stench clung to the air.

    Kin didn''t move. Didn''t breathe.

    After what felt like an eternity, they disappeared into the darkness. He exhaled slowly, his muscles stiff from staying still.

    Above ground, on the dungeons 1st floor¡­

    An experienced raider had surveyed the hole where Kin had fallen. The rugged swordsman hand appears out from the hole.

    "The collapse sealed it up completely. Judging by the depth¡­ your friend could be on the seventh floor. Maybe deeper."

    Shinoh''s Heart tightens "So¡­ he''s still alive, right?"

    The raider''s silence answered him. Shinoh clenches his fists, his vision blurring with tears. Without another word, he turned and bolted out of the dungeon.

    "Hey, wai¡ª!" One of the raiders started to call after him

    Tye, stopped him with a glance. Closing his eyes, he shook his head.

    Elsewhere, back in the city¡­

    The rookie sat across from the boss, his curiosity growing. "What about raiders who awaken skills?"

    The boss Acknowledging his question, nods.

    "Skills are great, giving raiders immense power. But they''re rare."

    The rookie frowned. "Why do only some raiders get them?"

    The boss''s smile faded. He tapped a cigar against the table, his gaze distant. "Nobody knows."

    A moment of silence passed before the rookie asked, "Do you think we''ll ever make it deeper into the dungeon?"

    The boss chuckled. "We''re already working on it."

    At Kin''s family home¡­

    Shinoh''s fist hammered against the door.

    A moment later, it swung open, revealing Kin''s mother. She smiled warmly.

    "Oh, Shinoh! Aren''t you supposed to be with Kin?"

    Shinoh''s breath shaking. His face twisted with anguish. The warmth in Kin''s mother''s expression drained. The color from her face followed.

    "¡­Where''s Kin?"

    "The only reason I''ve made it this far is my map. It shows me where the monsters are, letting me slip past unnoticed. But I''m unarmed. Still, thanks to my increased level and new skill, I can sense creatures before they get too close."

    Kin moved carefully, his steps silent against the cold dungeon stone on the 10th floor. His senses¡ªsharper, his body prickled with warning. Something was close.

    Kin froze, inhaling deeply. "Footsteps. More than one."

    His eyes flicked toward a nearby crevice. Three red goblins emerged from the shadows, their wiry bodies hunched and restless.

    "Seventh-floor creatures? What are they doing here?"

    His gaze locked onto the weapons in their hands¡ªwicked, dark red-tinted daggers. Small, but lethal. Kin''s grip tightened at his sides. He needed a weapon.

    "The ogre''s club was too big to carry¡­ but those daggers?"

    He weighed his options. His fists clenched and unclenched.

    "Do I risk fighting barehanded¡­ or sneak out and keep playing it safe?"

    The goblins trudged past, unaware of his presence. This was his chance to escape.

    As the goblins walk past, a foot steps forward¡ªnot by accident, but by choice. The sound echoes in the dim corridor. The goblins freeze. Slowly, they turn.Kin stands there, expression steady, shoulders squared. Slowly, he shifts into a fighting stance. No hesitation. No fear.

    Kin exhales, "No more running!"

    [END CHAPTER]

 Chapter 2 "Surviving the 10th"

    Kin looking toward the red goblins. They rush forward. The first swings his jagged blade in a wild arc. Kin shifts his weight¡ªa precise sidestep. The sword whistles past his chest, missing by inches. The second goblin is already attacking from the opposite side. Kin rolls his shoulder as the blade cuts the air. The last goblin poised for a fatal strike. Kin reacts instantly, anticipating the goblin''s movements, he drives a vicious kick into the goblin''s gut. A guttural wheeze leaves its lips, its eyes slightly roll upward, his mouth opens from the pain. The goblin collapses. It drops its blade for a moment, slightly shaking as he gets back up, grasping for his dagger once more.

    Kin says in his head, "They''re not slow... but the ogre was faster."

    Another goblin lunges forward, its dagger gleaming in the dim light. Too fast. And yet time seemed slow, Kin barely sidesteps, the cold edge of the blade grazing his ribs. A sharp sense of pain radiates through him, his face screws.

    "Tch, That would''ve killed me..."

    For a brief, heart-pounding second, everything goes quiet...

    "Focus..."

    His fist tightens. As he pivots, Snapping his body, putting everything into his punch. His knuckles smashing into the goblin''s jaw, shattering its bones. Time clicks back into place as the goblin stumbles intensely, its dagger slipping from its grasp. The goblin''s mouth is left open by its broken jaw, Kin takes the chance to pick up the dagger. Just as he does so one of the goblins attacks him from behind. As Kin is leaning forward, he shifts his hips and swings his back leg, hitting the goblin in the head, giving Kin little time to reposition. Now holding a dagger of his own. The goblin darts towards him and their daggers clash.

    "Tsching!"

    A flash of steel. White light envelopes their surroundings.

    "299... 300... 301..." The sun''s rays soften, revealing the clear blue sky, his breath was steady now, muscles burning from endless push-ups in the garden.

    A gentle voice nearby. "Kin, again with the training?"

    His mother''s shadow stretched across the ground, hands on her hips, watching him with a mix of concern and amusement. She sighs

    Kin says, "Mum, I want to be strong just like the R"

    "Yes, yes the Raiders, I know Kin."

    She smiles, tilting her head slightly. "You haven''t stopped going on about raiders."

    She exhales sharply "I bought you those books, but maybe it was a bad idea.

    Her worries start creeping in.

    "All you do is read them and train! If you could enter the dungeon today, you would, wouldn''t you?."

    Kin chuckles. Rubbing the back of his head, almost embarrassed by the truth of his mothers words. She exhales deeply steadying herself.

    "Listen, Kin, you''re 14 now, so I think I can tell you this... But some raiders don''t make it out of the dungeons. It''s a dangerous job!"

    The wind gently blows past them heard with the ambiance of the bird''s morning chirps in the distance. Kin cherishing his mother, he looks at her.

    "I know, Mum... but that''s still who I want to be." his eyes are determined and filled with passion.

    Kin''s heart races as the goblins closed in. With the dagger now firmly in hand, he steadied himself. The first goblin came at him with a roar, its jagged blade slicing through the air. Kin charged forward, meeting it head-on, the flash of his dagger cutting clean through the goblin''s chest. The goblin, lifeless. Falls to the surface with a sickening thud. Before Kin could catch his breath, the remaining two goblins attacked together. One came at him without a blade, its savage eyes filled with desperation, the other beside him, as they rush towards Kin... Kin doesn''t hesitate. He quickly reached down, grabbing the second dagger from the fallen corpse.

    In one smooth, fluid motion, Kin dashes in between the two goblins, catching them by surprise. They strike at him as he continues dashing past. Simultaneously stabbing them both in their necks. They grunt with their lungs filled with blood. Crashing to the ground, deceased.

    Kin stands there unmoving, hearing a familiar sound.

    "Badadum!"

    Kin levels up, he is now level 8. He looks at his stats and sees that the Brave skill noticeably boosted his abilities, making his stats even higher. A small, satisfied smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He then takes a short deep breath.

    "Right, the exit for the 10th floor should be near. I better get going..."

    Shinoh stands silently, his eyes locked on Kin''s mother... His mouth quirvering struggling to find his words. He begins to speak. The weight of the words sinking into the air between them.

    "Kin is missing"

    He could see the life drain from her as he spoke further.

    The scene shifted. Time passed, as they sat together at the dining table She looked down, fidgeting with her fingers nervously.

    She says, "I remember making dinner... and Kin would Be out there"

    looking nostalgically at the garden window.

    "playing with his makeshift sword and reading all those stories about raiders... I just never thought he would..."

    She stops as she begins to break.

    Shinoh Leans forward his hands held together "I don''t know if Kin''s alive or not, but he knows the dungeon better than anyone. And those experienced raiders don''t know him like I do! If there is anyone that can survive those deeper floors, it''s Kin!."

    A brief pause of silence as Kin''s mum looks at Shinoh... Her eyes begin to fill. Tears fall and she smiles.

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    "Thank you,"

    The relief in her voice bitter sweet. She pulls him tight. hungging him she trembles but somehow comforted by his words.

    An ominous woman is standing in a line side by side with four other raiders, all with top grade battle-worn gear, with their group leader composed, he stood at the front, his eyes scanning at his fellow raiders with a quiet intensity.

    "Is everyone ready?" the captain''s voice cut through the tension.

    in perfect unison, his team responded "YES!"

    as they head to the entrance of the dungeon. Surrounding raiders couldn''t help but stare. With murmurs spreading quickly.

    "Is that the Legion''s Captain?" one raider whispers in reverence

    "Ohh, I think it is." another answered, wide-eyed

    "Wow, look at their gear!" someone else muttered under their breath, admiring the polished armor and deadly weapons.

    "Did you hear the captain is over level 90?" a voice asks in disbelief.

    "90!? No way." An awe-inspired reply

    Itzu one of the team members with both hands behind his head nonchalantly asks the captain, "Hey, Cap, could you remind me what floor we are going to again?"

    The captain sighed, exasperated but fond, "Ugh, Itzu, you never listen in the briefing, do you?"

    "Nope," Itzu very casually says.

    The captain looking onwards, he takes his time in responding to Itzu "We are gonna head into the 31st floor,"

    Itzu stops for a moment his eyes widening in shock "WHAT?! No raider in 100 years has gone that deep."

    itzu''s feelings mix with excitement and interest "Awh man, I''m getting all fired up!"

    The captain gently smiles as they continue to make their way through the dungeon''s gate.

    Above outside the reach of the dungeon walls. A room was grand, with high ceilings and rich tapestries lining the walls. The long table was filled with the most exquisite dishes, their aromas wafting through the air. At the head of the table sat the Legion Guild Leader, a commanding presence, accommodated by the other Guild leaders.

    "This food looks delicious!"  one of the guild leaders remarked, dying to take a bite.

    Another leader, clearly more focused on the bigger picture, leaned forward."It indeed does, but why exactly are we here?"

    The Legion Guild Leader chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and mystery. "Let''s save that for after we eat."

    "Ah, good," The third guild leader says, digging in with relish.

    I''m starving."

    The scene shifts as the food is devoured, the table slowly clearing, leaving only empty plates and the faint sound of satisfied sighs.

    A moment of silence passed before one of the guild leaders questions "I appreciate the meal. But now, why did you bring us here?"

    The Legion Guild Leader''s expression grows serious. "Yes, about that. I have put a team of my best raiders on an expedition to the 31st floor," the Legion Guild Leader says.

    "WHAT?" The shock was evident among the guild leaders

    "You can''t be serious!?" another one exclaimed, their tone a mix of disbelief and concern.

    The Legion guild leader''s gaze, unwavering as he explained, "It has been far too long, and we have been far too afraid to enter into the deeper floors. It''s about time we do."

    "But even the highest-level raiders of my guild report the 30th floor being extremely difficult, with the magical beasts increasing significantly! How can you be so reckless to send your best raiders to die?!" another guild leader snapped, his voice tinged with alarm.

    The Legion guild leader remains calm, his tone measured. "I understand your concern, but we are taking precautions. We have an extremely high-level mage who can detect magic beasts from a vast distance. If they come across anything that they could not defeat, they will retreat."

    "So why tell us this anyway?" The Phoenix guild Leader, who had been silent up until now had finally spoken. His voice was cold, piercing the tension in the room...

    the Phoenix guild leader was known to be almost mute at all time so The Legion guild leader was surprised, as was every other leader. moments later the master of The Legions guild smiles gently.

    "Well. It''s to share the knowledge we gather, of course! The more we share our intel, the faster we can uncover valuable technologies and tools we may not know about. I will be giving you all a copy of the map my raiders will be making for your own teams when you''re willing to explore the 31st yourselves." The Legion Guild Master''s voice carried finality, marking the end of the discussion.

    ¡ªMeanwhile, on the dungeons 6th floor¡­

    each step, Kin encountered more foes¡ªkobolds, slimes, even a wandering skeleton¡ªbut none posed any real threat. His movements were fluid, mechanical, he hardly needed to think. A flick of the wrist sent another monster crumbling. He hardly needed to think anymore.

    "So I learned a few things about the dungeon, like the strength of 10th floor beasts made the 9th floor monster seem like a kid''s game. Maybe it''s because I leveled up, but these monsters feel almost laughable now. With my two new daggers, I can rest easy... I am Level 14, and I am just about to get to the 5th floor..."

    "You''re wondering what''s on the 5th floor?"

    "It''s got its own human city... one of the only places in the dungeon with any real sense of stability. Guards cover the entrances, keeping raiders safe enough to sleep, eat, and shop for gear. It''s the only floor where you can find real rest... and rare items. I''ve read there are more like it on the 15th and 25th floor..."

    his belly rumbles.

    "Ah, I could use a good meal..."

    Kin looks at his map and sees that the 5th floor should be on his left. As he turns, he sees a bunch of light crystals covering the walls and a sea of them following a stone-like entrance. He sees guards in the distance and heads towards them.

    They say, "Stop. name, and level."

    "Oh, it''s Kin, sir, and I''m level 14."

    The guard thinks to himself, "With no gear, just two red goblin daggers?"

    "Where is your party?" the guard asks.

    "I fell into a hole on the 1st floor and ended up on the 10th. My party is probably out of the dungeon by now." Kin says.

    "Oh? Is that so? Hold still."

    The guards approach him their movements tense, hands reaching for the cuffs with swift efficiency. Kin freezes for a moment, a knot tightening in his stomach.

    "What did I do?" surprised by their actions

    "Falling from the 1st floor and ending on the 10th as a level 14? Yeah, right. We''re taking you to the sheriff."

    They start to walk.

    Kin now sits in a room with one light crystal, centered on a table. The sheriff walks in with a piece of paper.

    "So, you''re Kin, huh?" Glancing at the report paper in his hands as he sits across from Kin

    "Yep, that''s my name" Kin utters very casually while exhausted.

    The Sheriff staring at his report "So, you claim that you dropped into a hole from the 1st floor and somehow landed on the 10th as a level 14 and survived?"

    "Well, I said nothing but the truth,"Kin says adamantly.

    Looking at Kin deductively wonders for a moment. After a brief contemplation he stops the act "I mean, that story is so ridiculous... If it was less ridiculous, I would probably think you''re lying."

    He continues "Well, even if I believe you, we still have to follow procedure..." as he stands up with the report in his heads

    "I''ve sent a letter to the Gatekeeper to get some more information about you." The Sheriff says honestly. "Thanks to our postal system, it shouldn''t take more than a few hours"

    "Postal system?" Kin inquires

    "Yes, phones don''t work down here. So we resort to sending letters. But you know, a hole being in the 1st floor dropping all the way to the 10th is so hard to believe..." Leaning his hands on the table staring at Kin. The room met with silence and a subtle tension fills the air.

    The Sheriff dropping his act once again, " Ah well. Just sit tight. If you''re who you say you are, then you will be released soon enough." As he closes the door behind him leaving Kin to himself

    Shinoh''s phone rings loudly, breaking the silence of the room. He sees the screen ID: Gatekeeper slightly hesitating he answers.

    "Hello?" he says, nervously.

    "is this Shinoh?" A women''s voice, slightly muffled due to signal

    "Yes, it is." Shinoh answers.

    "It''s about your friend Kin." His belly turns in twisted anticipation

    Can you come right away?" she asks

    His mind racing, yet his voice firm "I will be there right away."

 Chapter 3 "Kins Lucky Break?"

    Shinoh bursts through the dungeon entrance, barely stopping himself as he reaches the gatekeeper''s desk. His breath is uneven, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

    "Hey¡ª" he starts, voice tight with urgency. catching his breath "I just got here. Where''s Kin? What happened to him?"

    The gatekeeper glances up from her paperwork, raising a hand as if to physically slow him down. "Calm down. There is a man matching the description of Kin on the 5th floor,"

    Shinoh''s heart presses against his chest. "The 5th floor?!"

    The gatekeeper doesn''t react to his outburst.

    "Yes. But there''s one inconsistency¡ªthe report lists him as a level 14.""

    His stomach twists, his mind racing.

    "Level 14? That''s impossible. Kin had been nowhere near that when they last saw each other. The only way he could''ve gained that many levels so fast¡­ He must have fought high-ranking beasts."

    The thought makes his fists clench. "What the hell had Kin been through?"

    The gatekeeper''s voice brings him back. "Do you have what I asked for?"

    Shinoh fumbles into his pocket, pulling out a handful of worn photographs. His hands move quickly as he pulls out the photos. "Yeah. Here. I brought extras¡ªuse as many as you need."

    She takes them, flipping through the images before setting a couple aside. "These two will be enough. I will return them once the investigation is over,"

    Shinoh swallows hard. "How long?!" He barely notices how desperate he sounds.

    Then he corrects himself, forcing some composure. "Sorry... how long until we know if it''s him?"

    The gatekeeper understanding his concerns, softens slightly. "A few hours. You can wait here¡ªI''ll call you when I have news."

    "Okay... thank you." His voice is quiet now, the fire of his urgency dulled by helplessness.

    He turns away slowly, finds an empty spot by the wall, and sinks down onto the cold stone floor. His arms rest on his knees, his hands clasped together tightly.

    "Please be okay, Kin...Just be okay."

    The door creaks open, and the sheriff steps inside, a ring of keys jangling at his belt. In his other hand, he carries Kin''s daggers and his bag.

    "Well," the sheriff says, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Looks like you were telling the truth after all." a sigh of relief hits Kin.

    The sheriff uncuffing Kin pauses, tilting his head. "One thing though... you weren''t level 14 when you fell through that hole, were you?"

    Another brief silence hits the room.

    The sheriff lets out a short laugh, shaking his head. "You must be the luckiest raider¡ªor perhaps the unluckiest¡ªI have ever met. Hahaha. In any case, you''re innocent. You are free to roam the city as you please."

    The Sheriff tosses Kin''s bag back to him. Kin catches it, but before he can say anything--

    "GRRRRRMM..."

    Kin''s belly rumbles loudly

    The Sheriff shocked with kin slightly looking at his stomach. he then raises his hand behind his head and lightly laughs.

    Kin now free as he walks through the lively city streets "You wouldn''t think you''re in the middle of a dungeon being here..." he mumbles

    the scent of grilled meat and fresh bread drifts through the air. His stomach rumbles loudly. He follows the delicious smell to a cozy-looking restaurant, its warm glow inviting him in.

    He steps inside, takes a seat, and the waitress hands him a menu.

    "Can I have one of everything?"

    The waitress laughs, thinking it''s a joke¡ªuntil she notices Kin''s dead-serious expression.

    "O-Oh. Uh... one moment, please." She hurries into the Kitchen.

    A few moment later, the restaurant manager steps out and approaches Kin with crossed arms.

    "So, how will you pay for all this? It''s not cheap?!"

    Kin blinks, then opens his inventory screen. Scanning through his items, he sees a few basic things¡ªa few monster hides, a couple of low-tier potions, and... An Orc Amulet?

    He taps on the item''s details.

    [Orc Amulet]A necklace crafted by orc shamans. Said to bring battle fortune. Rare find in dungeons below the 10th floor.

    Tier: D+

    Kin raises an eyebrow. "Huh. D tier? can''t be really good then."

    He presses on it unintentionally still fatigued from earlier... The Orc Amulet appears gracefully falling into Kins hands.

    "Is that a?! WOW!" The manager amazed by what she sees

    An Orc Amulet! A super rare find! They go for at least 100 gold coins each!"

    She collects herself, her attitude flips "Sorry, I apologize for the rudeness. Without your gear, I just assumed you were a low-level raider."

    "No worries," Kin says casually.

    "I will get you your change right away," she says enthusiastically. before rushing off

    The small commotion starts drawing attention from other raiders in the restaurant. As Kin finally digs into his massive feast, three figures approach his table. A man with short, spiky brown hair and heavy armor steps forward, giving a friendly smile.

    "Sorry to disturb you. My name''s Flex, and here are my teammates, Creu and Seya."

    Kin, mouth still stuff, his cheeks bulging out, simply responds:

    "Hi!" his voice muffled.

    Ceru and Seya respond in kind with their Smiling turning awkward, Flex utters "Nice to meet you. So, we noticed you don''t seem to have a party... We were wondering if you''d be interested in joining us on our next raid?"

    Kin gulps his face relaxed "My names Kin. And I hear ya, but I''m headed back up to the surface."

    "Oh I see..." One of our members got super sick and had to drop out" His face seemingly defeated he remembers!

    "We''ll give you 1,000 gold coins on top of whatever we split on the 14th floor"

    Kin pauses.

    "1000 gold... I could buy my mum a big house with that." thinking to himself, as he looks at flex with a sparkle in his eyes.

    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    "Okay, I''m in! One condition though."

    "What''s that?" Flex asks.

    Kin lets out a long yawns.

    "I haven''t slept in a while, so can we go after I rest?"

    Flex smiles "Alright, there''s an inn we''ve been staying at nearby. We''ll take you there after you''re done."

    Kin, again stuffs his mouth full.

    "Okay." lifting his thumb up for approval as he devours the rest of his meal.

    The captain halts at the stone archway marking the entrance to the 31st floor. The air is thick, humid, almost suffocating. Streaks of pulsing red veins crawl up the cavern walls, giving the whole space a heartbeat-like pulse. A deep, distant growl rumbles from below.

    "We are about to enter the 31st," the captain says, his voice calm but firm. "Be ready for anything."

    In unison, the team responds "YES!"

    The captain turns to Riyu. "Use Detect. We need eyes deeper into the floor."

    Riya closes her eyes, channeling her magic. The cavern''s depths stretch out in her mind, revealing a shifting figure nearby in the darkness. But before she can speak¡ª A deep growl echoes from the shadows, making the cavern walls tremble. Four crimson eyes pierce through the darkness, glowing with malice. Then, with a heavy thud, a towering six-legged beast steps forward, its twin heads snarling in unison. Thick saliva dripping from its jaws. Its sheer size looms over them like a nightmare made flesh.

    "Incoming!" Riya warns.

    The captain''s doesn''t hesitate. "Positions!"

    "Lightning... Strike!" Riya yells, her staff crackling with energy. A bolt rips through the air, slamming into the beast''s chest with a deafening CRACK. Sparks flicker along its fur as it stumbles.

    Itzu''s eyes gleam. "Here we go!"

    Itzu sees the opening and bursts forward, his gauntlets glowing a fiery orange as he explodes forward, He leaps high, twisting in mid-air. He pulls his fist back, the spiral indents on his knuckles gleaming with stored energy.

    The beast snaps its heads toward him, its twin maws opening wide. With a guttural roar, it exhales a violent blast of wind, blowing Itzu back before he can land his punch. He crashes against the cavern floor, skidding backward.

    The captain and the tank are already moving in. They duck under the beast''s massive frame, their weapons slicing through the tendons in its four main legs. The beast staggers, a pained snarl ripping through the cavern.

    "Watch out!" Riya shouts

    The bear strikes with its two spare legs. The captain and tank both block the attack from both sides. Two spare legs lash out, aiming to crush the captain and tank. They brace, shields raised, absorbing the brutal impact. The impact rattles their bones, the force nearly crushing them beasts sheer strength. From behind, a lone figure moves in like a shadow. The ominous woman dashes forward, bow in hand. With practiced precision, she lets an arrow fly.

    "THWIP!"

    The arrow buries itself deep into the beast''s chest. A second later, it begins to spin, drilling further inside. The beast lets out an agonized roar. Without hesitation, she draws her blade, leaps, and plunges it deep into the exact spot her arrow struck. The beast''s massive form stiffens¡ªthen collapses with a thunderous crash.

    Silence.

    Itzu walks toward his comrades "Damn," he exhales, shaking out his arms. "That thing was tough."

    The captain surveys the beast''s corpse, his expression unreadable. "There will be more like it," he warns. "Stay sharp. Rinhu, check for any drops."

    "There are going to be a lot more like it on this floor, so stay alert. Rinhu, check to see if the beast dropped anything."

    Riya kneels beside the beast''s corpse, her hands carefully digging through the thick fur. Then¡ªsomething warm pulses against her fingertips. As she searches¡ª

    A pulse.

    A faint vibration tingles against her fingertips. She gasps "What the¡­?"

    Carefully, she pulls out a glowing violet orb, its surface swirling like liquid amethyst. Light rippling through its core. As she holds it, the air around it hums faintly, almost like a whisper threading through the silence.

    A chill skates down her spine. "Captain¡­" she exhales, tightening her grip on the orb. "I''ve never seen anything like this before."

    The captain''s gaze hardens. "Could you appraise it? Let us find out what it does."

    "Right," she nods, focusing. But before her ability can fully activate¡ª

    Her eyes snap open. "We have company!"

    Twelve glowing red eyes flicker in the distance. Three more of the six-legged monsters step forward, their guttural growls merging into an unsettling chorus.

    Itzu exhales sharply, rolling his shoulders. "More, huh?"

    The captain''s eyes remain locked on the approaching threats. He grips his weapon tighter.

    "Let''s go."

    Riya slams her hands onto the ground. Three streaks of Red lightning race through the cavern floor, spliting toward the advancing beasts.

    Kin wakes with a snort, sprawled across the bed in a ridiculous position¡ªone leg dangling off the side, the other bent awkwardly over his pillow. His face is half-buried in the mattress, an arm twisted behind his back like he had been wrestling in his sleep. A thin line of drool glistens on the pillow beside him.

    The morning light filters through the thin curtains, casting a soft glow over the messy room. A loud crack echoes as he shifts, realizing too late that his neck is in a weird angle. He groans, rubbing his sore shoulder as he flops onto the floor. Without missing a beat, he rolls onto his hands and starts cranking out push-ups, shaking off the stiffness.

    A quick cut¡ªwater splashes into a basin as he scrubs his face, the bristles of his toothbrush scratching against his teeth. Another cut¡ªhe tugs on his shirt, adjusting the fit before reaching for his daggers resting on the bedside table.

    "Knock. Knock."

    Kin swings it open to find Flex and his team waiting outside.

    Flex grins. "You ready?"

    Kin matches his energy, flashing a confident smile. "Yeah."

    Flex glances down, eyes scanning Kin''s outfit. "Where''s your gear?"

    Kin holds up his twin daggers, the polished metal catching the light. "Right here."

    Flex squints. "You don''t use anything else?"

    Kin blinks. "Umm, am I supposed to?"

    Seya shifts slightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear before speaking softly. "Gear like armor or boots gives you extra stats depending on its tier, it increases your defense, agility¡­ It''s really useful."

    Kin scratches the back of his head, eyes widening slightly. "Ohhh¡­" He recalls the book "Items & Gear... Thats right¡ªgear improves all stats depending on its rank" thinking to himself. His curiosity piqued, the realization dawning on his face.

    Flex smirks "Guess we''re making a stop by the market before heading out."

    Kin excited says, "Alright, lead the way." closing his door at the inn.

    The fight against the three magic beasts is over. The Legion team stands victorious, not a single injury among them. Yet, despite their win, a heavy silence lingers. Their breaths come slightly deeper than usual, their bodies tense as adrenaline slowly fades.

    All eyes are on Riya as she kneels beside the fourth glowing orb, her fingers trembling slightly as she channels her magic. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation.

    "It''s completed..." Riya states, her eyes scanning the text before her.

    Her expression shifts in real-time¡ªcuriosity turning into confusion, then sharp disbelief. Her lips part slightly, but no words come out. A noticeable pause stretches, thickening the air as the team leans in.

    Then¡ªher voice breaks through the silence, louder than she intended.

    "WHAT?! S-RANK?!"

    The words hit like a Nuclear Bomb. The entire team stiffens.

    Itzu''s usual calm collected vibe vanishes as he exhales sharply. "No way¡­" under his breath. stepping forward as he stares at the text alongside Rinhu. Even the captain, composed as always, narrows his eyes, stepping forward.

    "Riya, what is it?!" His voice is firm, yet there''s a rare edge to it.

    She then explains, "These orbs... They''re S Rank!

    A collective silence follows. No one speaks. No one moves. The gravity of the words sinks in, pressing against them like an unseen force. S-Rank items weren''t just rare¡ªthey were legendary.

    Then, as if the shock wasn''t enough, she continues. "Not only that¡­ but they can teleport us anywhere we ask them to."

    The reaction is immediate.

    The captain''s eyes widen slightly¡ªan almost imperceptible slip in his stoic demeanor. Itzu lets out a low laugh, rubbing the back of his head. "That''s crazy, huh, Cap?!" he exclaims, slinging an arm over the captain''s shoulder. The captain, now fully composed again, glances at him briefly before Itzu casually pulls away, chuckling.

    The captain straightens, his voice regaining command. "We should return to the guild and report this immediately. Let''s test one now."

    Riya, still shaken but focused, nods. "Right away, sir. Take us to the Legion''s guild building."

    The moment the words leave her lips, the orbs react. the orbs detonate with a pulse of energy¡ªno delay, no warning. There''s no time to react. One second, they stand in the dungeon. The next¡ªthey are gone.

    Kin and his new team weave through the market, the air thick with the scent of leather, metal, and fresh bread from nearby food stalls. Everywhere he looks, price tags glare back at him¡ª10 gold, 20 gold, even 40 gold for basic gear. His eyes widen.

    "The prices here are way higher than the surface," he mutters.

    Flex glances at him, his brows furrowing briefly before relaxing. "Yeah, most weapons and equipment get taken to the top for better sales. Finding decent gear down here is tough. But if you ever make it to the 25th city''s market? You''ll see items going for over 1,000 gold coins."

    Kin stops dead in his tracks. "1,000 GOLD COINS?!" His voice carries across the market, earning a few amused glances from nearby merchants.

    Flex shrugs. "Yeah, but nothing like that is here, so just pick something reasonable."

    Still reeling from the thought, Kin lets his eyes wander¡ªuntil something catches his attention. Through the glass of a dimly lit shop, an armor set gleams under the flickering lanterns. He steps inside.

    A short time later, Flex, Seya, and Creu are outside, securing food supplies for their journey. As they finalize their purchases, Creu nudges Flex. "Hey. Look."

    They turn¡ªand see Kin walking toward them.

    Gone is the simple gear from before. His new armor is sleek, black-tinted leather, reinforced with subtle silver plating. An intricately embroidered dragon head emblem rests on his chest, its deep stitches catching the light as he moves. A thin white rope wraps around his waist, its loose ends swaying slightly as he walks.

    Flex grins, "That looks good on you."

    Seya shifts slightly, glancing at him before quickly looking away. "Y-Yeah... I think so too." Her voice softer than usual.

    Creu chuckles. "It''s like it was made for you."

    As he steps closer, the camera lingers on the dragon emblem, the soft lantern light catching the intricate stitching. The thin white rope around his waist shifts with each step, draping just above his outer thigh. The shot pulls back, revealing the full sleek design of his new gear a subtle smile plays on his lips¡ªcalm, assured.

 Chapter 4 "The Plan"

    The air shimmered, and in an instant, the Legion''s team found themselves standing in front of the massive guild building.

    A guild member who had been leaning casually against the doorway jerked upright, eyes wide.

    "Holy¡ªwhat?!" he blurted, before quickly snapping into a salute. "Captain, sir!"

    The team exchanged glances, just as surprised that the orb had actually worked. Riya stared at her now-empty hand as the artifact faded from existence.

    Without wasting time, they stepped through the guild''s grand doors, the lively atmosphere of Raiders buzzing around them. A few passing by nodded in recognition of the team, acknowledging their status with respectful bows before continuing on their way.

    They ascended the wide, towering staircase, heading toward the Guild Master''s office.

    Inside the Guild Master''s Office

    A firm knock echoed against the thick wooden door.

    "Come in." The voice inside was casual, almost lazy. As they entered, the Guild Master raised an eyebrow at their unexpected arrival.

    "Did you forget to tell me something?" He smirked, clearly amused.

    The Captain stepped forward. "Actually, Master, we just got back."

    The Guild Master''s smirk faded. "That was fast¡­ What happened?" His posture shifted, now fully attentive.

    "We encountered a new magic beast. And¡­ we found something else."

    The Guild Master leaned forward. "A new item? Don''t keep me waiting¡ªwhere is it? What does it do?"

    Riya pulled out the three remaining orbs, placing them on the desk. Riya explained, "These orbs can teleport a group or individual anywhere they wish to go... It''s S Rank sir."

    A breathless pause. Then¡ª

    "This is incredible!"

    The Guild Master''s chair creaked as he shot to his feet, eyes locked onto the glowing spheres. "You''ve all surpassed my expectations." He exhaled sharply, already thinking ahead. "There''s much to do. I''ll call for you in the coming days¡ªenjoy your rest for now."

    The Master''s lifted joy seemed to drop for a moment "One Thing though... Keep this a secret for now"

    As the team exited, the Guild Master wastes no time and calls his secretary.

    "Yes, Master?" the secretary ready for orders.

    ""Gather all the Guild Masters this evening. Tell them¡­ I have news about the 31st." As the call ended, his gaze drifted to the remaining orbs, their glow was steady. Yet something about them gnawed at him.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Dungeon ¨C Floors 6th-9th

    The next few floors passed in a blur of steel and magic. Kin''s voice narrated his thoughts as the group carved through monsters with ease.

    "The 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th floors felt beyond easy. Fighting together, we cover each other''s weaknesses, and I''m gaining XP fast. Even Seya is starting to open up¡ªgiving me tips on how to chain my attacks with her fire magic. I should be excited, but¡­"

    His gaze lingered on the descending passage ahead. "The 10th floor¡­ I still remember what happened last time."

    A heavy silence settled over them as they approached the threshold.

    "The real trouble starts here. It''s not the deepest we''ve gone but stay sharp¡ªthese things are about to get relentless," Flex warns.

    Kin looks down at his daggers "This time... I won''t hesitate"

    Stepping onto the 10th floor, the shift was immediate. The air grew thick, not crushing, but heavy enough to notice¡ªa constant, unseen force pressing against their skin. The magic here was different, more concentrated, a reminder that the easy descent was over. The floors above had been little more than a warm-up, but now? Now, the dungeon was done holding back.

    And standing in their path, as if to drive that point home, was an ogre. Kin''s breath raised.

    Darkness. The past, or maybe a dream. The first ogre. It''s blood on his hands. The weight of the blade. The silence after.

    The silence.

    ¡ª

    Move.

    Kin''s eyes dulled as if he was under a trance, bolting forward, full speed.

    "Kin?!" Flex''s voice sounded distant. Unimportant.

    The ogre didn''t even move. Too slow. Kin''s daggers flash. One clean strike¡ªdecapitation. Quietness absorbed their surroundings. The others stared, stunned. Kin''s eyes seem to snap back into consciousness.

    "¡­I don''t know what that was," Ceru breathed, "but that was amazing! You didn''t tell us you could move like that, Kin!"

    Kin, disorientated, his voice dull, "yea..."

    Flex grins. Clapping him on the shoulder. "Save some for the rest of us, will you?"

    The group chuckled, but the moment felt oddly hollow. Kin barely registered the words. His mind was elsewhere.

    The room was different this time. The long banquet table, once overflowing with extravagant dishes, was bare. The scent of roasted meats and spiced wine had been replaced by parchment and candle smoke. This wasn''t a gathering of indulgence¡ªit was a meeting of consequence.

    A Guild Master, the same one who had once cared more for his meals than meetings, leaned back in his chair with an exaggerated sigh. "So, what? No feast this time?"

    The Master of the Legion''s Guild, expression intense, ignored the comment.

    "We need to talk."

    The air shifted. The sceptical Guild Master, arms crossed, leaned forward. "About the 31st, I assume? Your Raiders returned already?"

    "Yes." The Legion''s Guild Master speaking frankly.

    The sceptical Guild Master studied him carefully. "Then tell me¡ª I mean us what they found?"

    Only then did the Legion''s Guild Master reach into his coat and place the orb on the wooden table. The room darkened slightly as its glow pulsed, the unnatural radiance casting long shadows across the gathered faces. A suspense touches the room.

    Finally, one of the Guild Masters spoke. "What¡­ is that?"

    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    The Legion''s Guild Master''s fingers drummed against the wood. "It allows instantaneous travel. A person or an entire group¡ªanywhere in the world."

    The murmurs rippled, growing into a roar of voices.

    "This will change everything¡ª"

    "Nobles will pay a fortune for this!"

    "Supply chains, emergency extractions¡ª"

    The sceptical Guild Master remained silent; eyes locked onto the orb. After a moment, he spoke, voice balanced.

    "You''ve never given me a reason not to trust you," he admitted. "But something like this¡­ I''d like my appraiser to examine it. If that''s alright."

    A faint smile toyed at the Legion''s Guild Master''s lips. "By all means." His hand gestured toward the orbs.

    Sometime later...

    The room was deathly quiet.

    The appraiser stood over the orb, hands hovering inches above its surface. Threads of golden magic wove through the air, circling the item like a living thing. His eyes flickered with arcane light, his expression frozen somewhere between awe and disbelief.

    The sceptical Guild Master frowned. "Well? What do you see?"

    The appraiser didn''t answer.

    His breathing was slow, deliberate¡ªlike he was afraid of what he was witnessing. His fingers twitched as more sigils flared to life around the orb, scanning, deciphering. The glow remained constant. Too constant.

    "¡­This isn''t possible," he finally whispered.

    The sceptical Guild Master leaned in. "Explain."

    The appraiser took a shaky breath. His mouth opened¡ªthen closed. He exhaled sharply, shaking his head before forcing out two words.

    "It''s S-rank."

    The room exploded.

    Chairs scraped against the floor. Voices overlapped in disbelief. Even the sceptical Guild Master, usually composed, shot to his feet.

    "S-rank?! You''re sure?!"

    "There''s no mistake?"

    One of the older Guild Masters¡ªone who had seen many dungeon cycles¡ªran a hand through his hair, his voice strained with disbelief.

    "¡­S-rank artifacts appear once every hundred years." He turned to the Legion''s Guild Master, his gaze sharp.

    The Legion''s Guild Master nods. "Yes, you make a great point, however."

    he then showed the 2 other orbs "Out of the handful of monsters my team defeated, each one dropped one of these S-rank orbs"

    their breaths held for a moment.

    The Legion''s Guild Master let the weight of his words settle before his gaze swept across the room.

    "And now, I ask you all of you. Will you join in the first-ever joint guild raid?"

    The tension snapped. Voices surged. The air hummed with energy¡ªthis was history in the making.

    "YES!" The response was unanimous, a chorus of conviction.

    And then, the declaration:

    "Then gear your strongest members for the 31st!"

    Steel sang and magic howled, a storm of destruction as Kin, Ceru, Seya, and Flex wove through the chaos, cutting down the final wave of monsters with ruthless precision. The last beast lurched, its glowing eyes flickering like a dying star before snuffing out completely, its body crumbling into the dust of the fallen.

    Flex cracked his neck, exhaling. "That''s the last of them." He glanced at Kin, studying him for a moment. "You make it look effortless."

    Kin wiped the blood off his daggers. "Thanks, I trained hard for it."

    Flex nodded a hint of respect in his voice. "Yeah¡­ I can tell."

    Ceru abruptly points ahead. "I think that''s the entrance to the 11th floor."

    "Okay, great! Everyone follow my lead," Flex says as they step inside.

    Kin inhaled deeply, the air thick with damp stone and the faint scent of moss. The 11th floor. His first time stepping into its depths. At level 22, he should feel invincible¡ªhis strength, his skill, everything told him there was nothing here he couldn''t cut down. And yet, unease coiled around him.

    "I know I can handle what''s ahead¡­ so why do I feel so anxious?"

    The passage ahead yawned open, its entrance darker than the rest of the dungeon. Unlike the stark, lifeless stone of the previous floors, the 11th had something different¡ªfaint patches of moss clinging to the corners, dampening the air with a subtle, earthy scent. It wasn''t much, but in a place where every floor had been nothing but cold, dead rock, it felt... wrong.

    Seya''s voice cut through his thoughts. "Up ahead."

    Flex nodded. "Ceru, give me and Kin a speed and strength boost."

    "On it!" she declared, weaving her hands through the air.

    The moment the magic surged through him, Kin''s body lightened¡ªhis muscles hummed with energy, his reflexes sharper. The change was instant.

    Then¡ªthe air shifted.

    The walls seemed to breathe as countless eyes gleamed in the darkness. Shadows stirred. A horde of half-alligator half-human monsters spilled forth, their claws scraping against the dungeon stone.

    "So many?!" Kin tensed

    The power from the buff surges through him. "I feel so light."

    Flex looks at him eagerly. "Ready, Kin?"

    They lunged at the same time.

    Kin twisted past claws and fangs, his daggers cutting cleanly through their skin. His speed was unreal, his movements instinctive. One monster barely had time to react before his blade found its throat.

    "Seya!" Flex barked.

    A pulse of fire erupted beneath the remaining beasts. Flames devoured them, their screeches swallowed by the inferno.

    In moments, it was over.

    "That was nice, Seya!" Flex called over his shoulder.

    "You too, Ceru! Those buffs¡ªalmost felt unfair," he added with a grin.

    Kin flexed his fingers, his body still heightened by the remnants of magic. "Yeah¡­ felt like I was cutting through leaves."

    Ceru smirked, crossing her arms. "Of course you would! Buffs are sort of my specialty." her pride on full display.

    Kin checked his stats. A 30-point boost to strength and agility¡ªno wonder he felt unstoppable. But as quickly as it had come, the surge of power faded. He exhaled sharply. "It doesn''t last very long."

    Ceru, still indulging in her own pride, snaps, "Kin, you may not know this, but buffs eat up a ridiculous amount of mana! It''s impressive to hold a buff for even half a minute!"

    "Really?" Kin glanced at her.

    Flex nods. "Yeah. Only a few mages in the world can hold buffs for over a minute, and those are high-ranking elite members of the most prestigious guilds. Anyway¡­" he stretches. "We better move before more show up."

    Kin''s eyes scout across his teammates¡ªmoving together, covering each other without hesitation. It was just like before. Just like with Shinoh. "I wonder how he''s doing?"

    The dungeon''s entrance towering ahead, the usual chatter of Raiders and merchants blending into the background as Shinoh pushed through the crowd. His pace was brisk, his thoughts even faster. He hadn''t seen Kin in days¡ªnot since the dungeon breakout. His mother was worried sick. So why hadn''t Kin come home?

    Shinoh reached the gatekeeper, barely pausing before asking, "Has Kin gotten out yet?"

    Shinoh walks up to the dungeon gatekeeper.

    "Has Kin gotten out yet?" he asks.

    The gatekeeper shakes her head. "No. I did hear a word from the chief on the 5th¡ªhe said that his guards saw Kin leaving with a party, rather enthusiastically, deeper into the dungeon."

    The words struck Shinoh like cold steel sliding between his ribs.

    "What?" His voice came out sharper than intended. "He¡­ went deeper?"

    The gatekeeper gave a small shrug. "Yeah."

    A strange pressure built in Shinoh''s chest¡ªlike something was pressing down, making it harder to breathe. Kin had barely crawled out of the last raid alive, and now he was back inside? Just like that?

    His jaw tensed. His nails bit into his palms. "Damn it, Kin. Your mother was relieved to know you were alive, and you just¡ª" He forced a slow breath through his nose. Standing here wouldn''t change anything.

    He pivoted on his heel. "I have to find him and ask him myself."

    The sun hung low, casting golden light over the training yard behind the village. Dust swirled beneath hurried footsteps as a boy no older than seven swung a battered wooden sword, his tiny hands gripping the handle with fierce determination.

    Each swing was clumsy but relentless, the dull thud of wood slicing through empty air filling the quiet. His expression was tight, focused¡ªlike he was battling an enemy only he could see.

    Shinoh, approaching curiously, asks, "What game are you playing?"

    Kin straightened, puffing out his chest. "I''m not playing. I''m training." He lifted his sword again, eyes fixated. "Real Raiders have to be ready for anything!"

    Shinoh''s eyes lit up. "Oh, cool! My dad used to be a Raider when he was young!"

    Kin froze mid-swing. His arms locked in place for half a second before he spun around, wide-eyed. "No way! That''s super cool!" His excitement bubbled over as he quickly added, "Wanna pla¡ª I mean, train with me?"

    Shinoh smiles back. "Yeah!"

    The two boys clashed, their laughter mixing with the clack of wood hitting wood. The golden sunlight stretched their shadows across the park, trees swaying gently above them.

    The memory lingered as Kin''s name on the gatekeeper''s lips, the weight of those words had remained pressed against Shinoh''s ribs. Back in the present, his resolve had only hardened.

    "Anyone willing to take me to the 5th floor?" Shinoh called out, scanning the gathered Raiders.

    A man with a scar over his brow sized him up, arms crossed. "Your level?"

    "Level 2," Shinoh admitted. He caught their sceptical glances and quickly added, "I''ll pay! I just need to find someone."

    One of them scoffed. "Yeah? Then it''ll cost you one gold."

    Shinoh''s throat caught mid-breath. "One g¡ª" He coughed, struggling to clear his throat before forcing the words out. "One gold?! That''s¡ª" His voice rasped from the sudden shock. Expensive, sure, but to them, he was just a liability.

    The Raider shrugged. "You think we''re gonna drag some newbie through a dungeon for free? We''re already dealing with enough already."

    He wasn''t just buying passage¡ªhe was asking them to take on extra risk. The price made sense.

    "...Fine. I''ll pay."

    "Here." He flicked the gold coin toward them, and one of the Raiders caught it effortlessly. Without another word, he turned to face the dungeon''s gaping maw. He didn''t need to say anything. He was going in, no matter what.

 Chapter 5 "Paths & Destinations"

    Safe zones inside the dungeon were rare¡ªusually, you''d only find them in human cities on the 5th, 15th, and 25th floors. But every now and then, Raiders stumbled upon one in the wild, marked by clusters of green crystals. I''d heard stories of these places being packed with a few dozen Raiders; warriors eager for a moment''s respite.

    Tonight, though, we were alone.

    We had decided to set up camp, letting exhaustion settle as the soft glow of the crystals bathed our surroundings in the warm light. A quiet night''s rest in a place like this was a rare luxury¡ªwe weren''t about to waste it. Seya was already asleep beside the fireplace, her breathing blending with the crackle of the flames."

    For a while, no one spoke. The warmth, the quiet¡ªit was enough. Ceru poked at the fire with a stick, watching the embers shift. Then, out of nowhere¡ª

    "Kin? Do you ever get lonely?"

    Ceru''s voice was light, almost absentminded, but something about it made the air feel heavier.

    Flex glanced at her. "Ceru?"

    "Sorry, I''m just curious."

    Kin watched the flames flicker, feeling the fire''s warmth on his face. It was a welcome contrast to the dungeon''s usual chill, which always clung to his clothes no matter how far they travelled. He exhaled. "It''s fine. I don''t mind... No, not really." He tossed another piece of wood into the fire, sparks flaring before fading into embers.

    That''s a lie.

    The thought surfaced before he could shove it down, unbidden, whispering in the back of his mind.

    "... What about you?" he asked, shifting the conversation away from himself.

    "Me?" Ceru tilted her head, then grinned. "Hmm, not when I''ve got this handsome devil with me!" She grabbed Flex''s arm and shook him playfully.

    "Hey, cut it out," Flex murmured, his voice fond despite the words.

    "Oh, come on. It''s no secret," she teased, nudging him.

    Kin blinked. He hadn''t really thought about it before, but¡­ now that he did, their closeness was obvious. He must have looked confused because Flex chuckled, shaking his head.

    "We''re married."

    "Yep! Five years now," Ceru added, wrapping her arm around Flex''s neck and leaning against him, her smile warm and easy.

    Kin stared at them for a beat, then rubbed the back of his neck. "Huh. I just thought you raided together."

    Flex smirked. "You''re young, right?"

    "Eighteen," Kin said, straightening up a little.

    Flex let out a low whistle. "First year in the dungeon, huh? Damn. That''s impressive." He laced his fingers through Ceru''s. "Took us three years before we even dared touch the 10th floor."

    Kin chuckled. "I don''t blame you."

    A brief silence settled between them, as they look toward the fire flickering softly.

    "Ah, right," Flex muttered after a moment. "Almost forgot what I was gonna say." He stretched, then shot Kin a knowing look. "When you find your first love, believe me¡ªyour world''s gonna change. Sparks flying, magic spells being cast all around you¡­ something like that."

    Ceru giggled, squeezing his arm. "You see!?" digging her heads through Flex''s hair.

    Flex yawned, lying back. "Anyway, it''s gonna be a long day tomorrow. Time for sleep."

    Kin and Ceru followed suit, the fire''s warmth lulling them into rest.

    The Next Day

    The path ahead stretched into dim uncertainty, its edges uneven, carved by time rather than design. Moss clung to the rough stone in scattered patches, their deep green softened by the eerie blue glow of the crystal lights embedded in the cavern walls. The air was cool, carrying a faint dampness, as if the stone itself breathed in the silence. Tiny droplets collected on the ceiling, slipping free only to shatter soundlessly against the floor below.

    Flex raised a hand, bringing the group to a halt. His voice low "Every hundred meters, Seya, use Detection. We need to know what''s ahead before it knows about us." Seya gave a sharp nod, already focusing.

    Flex turned to Creu¡ª

    "I''ll handle the enhancements," Ceru cut in, her tone smooth, almost casual, as a soft glow flickered to life around her fingertips. Flex gave her a subtle smile before continuing. "Kin, you and I take the front. If anything jumps us, we stop it before it reaches the others."

    Kin nodded, "understood."

    They moved forward.

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    The silence grew heavier. The cavern walls felt like they were pressing in, shadows shifting in the flickering blue light. Then¡ªmovement. Quick, unnatural. Shapes blurred just beyond the glow, their outlines jagged and wrong.

    The team intimidated. The creatures weren''t familiar. Their forms twisted in and out of sight, too fast, too unpredictable.

    A flicker of memory. Kin''s breath caught. The way they moved¡ªshadows weaving, the erratic slithering between the walls¡ªhe had seen this before. His mind snapped back to the records.

    His heart hammered against his ribs. "They''re weak to water!"

    Flex didn''t delay. "Seya!"

    A torrent erupted forward. Water crashed into the abyss, the blue glow fracturing through the spray, turning the cavern into a storm of shifting light. flooding the space and swallowing the dark...

    The guilds had assembled, the air thick electric with anticipation, their strongest raiders gathered like a Tsunami crashing on the mountain side. Seven guilds, each with their own elite members, crowded the cavernous space. Some had three, others four, and one had only a lone representative¡ªan unfamiliar figure, draped in bandages, his eyes covered in stark white cloth. He wasn''t recognized by anyone, his presence more of a riddle than a person.

    Itzu stood at the centre, surveying the others, his hands crossed. "Alright, who''s leading this expedition?"

    Tank, towering and as immobile as a mountain in his full armour, only shrugged. His silent gesture carried weight.

    Itzu''s eyes narrowed, and he turned to Tank, exasperated. "I wasn''t asking you, Tank."

    Michi, standing nearby, mimicked Itzu''s stance with a cocky grin that bordered on narcissism. "Obviously, it''s gonna be me" his hand sweeping confidently through the air as if the role was already his by birthright. His eyes were shut in smug self-assurance.

    "Who made you king of the castle, huh?" Itzu cuts in, stepping right into his space, their foreheads colliding.

    Michi''s face twitched into a competitive grin, and without missing a beat, he shoved his head into Itzu''s, pushing back slightly. "Huh? What''s that, rockhead?" he retorted, not an inch of surrender in his stance.

    The two of them stayed locked in their back-and-forth, "Rockhead? huh?" Itzu snapped, his voice a mix of defiance and amusement.

    Tank, his massive form the embodiment of restraint, scratched the side of his helmet before, with the precision of a tectonic shift, sweeping both of them apart¡ªone on each side. His armoured arms moved with a fluidity that was unnerving, the separation between Itzu and Michi as effortless as though pushing two unruly children apart.

    Neither Itzu nor Michi even seemed to notice Tank''s intervention, their eyes still locked in a death grip of stubbornness, the distance between them growing only because Tank had forced it.

    The Captain''s voice broke through the chaos, his tone calm and clear: "Let''s split into two groups with two leaders. Any volunteers?"

    "I''ll bite" Kireo said.

    He strode forward, hands in his pockets¡ªnot with laziness, but with the kind of effortless cool that made it impossible to ignore him. His gaze barely lifted, but somehow, it commanded attention.

    The Captain gave a short nod, as if expecting this. "Alright. I''ll be the other."

    With that settled, all eyes turned toward the dungeon''s entrance. Excitement buzzed in the air, thick with tension, rivalry, and the undeniable sense that things were about to get very, very interesting.

    Shinoh''s pulse thrummed steadily in his chest as the last of the monsters crumpled to the ground. His fellow raiders, efficient in their work, sheathed their weapons, the quiet hum of the dungeon floor slowly settling. The man who struck the final blow wiped his blade clean. "That should be it," he said, his tone carrying the weariness of a job well done.

    They turned the corner, and the 5th city stretched out before them¡ªmore a sprawling town than a city, its entrance marked by a long, straight pathway led into the heart of the city, the ground surrounded beneath it covered by shimmering blue crystals, their glow soft, like a thousand stars nestled beneath the earth. The town itself was simple¡ªno towering spires or ornate facades. Instead, modest stone buildings lined the streets, well-maintained but lacking extravagant flourishes. Despite its size, it had a comforting, grounded feel, as though it existed solely for purpose rather than spectacle.

    His feet stepping through the threshold into the city''s core. His thoughts scattered like a thousand droplets of water splintering against a glass, each one bringing him back to the gatekeeper''s words.

    "If you''re foolish enough to try your luck on the 5th floor, you''ll need to know this." Her voice had been a steady current in his thoughts, unshaken as she handed him the iron emblem. "Kin was held here. Look for the mark, that''s where the chief will be."

    The emblem''s glow was faint, but it was enough¡ªa beacon in the dark. He knew this was the path. Without faltering, he moved deeper into the city, his boots reverberating across the city''s streets.

    The receptionist''s desk was a seamless extension of the space¡ªpolished, practical, and without ornamentation. The entire room mirrored this efficiency, its walls reinforced with precisely cut stone, smooth but bearing faint traces of tools that had shaped them. Soft, embedded lighting cast a muted glow, stark against the deep, clean lines of the architecture. Nothing here was excessive.

    Shinoh approached it with deliberate calm, but his voice cracked the silence as he said, "I need to speak with the chief."

    From the corridor, a figure stepped forward, his silhouette cutting clean against the measured light. He was broad-shouldered, standing with the kind of presence that made the space feel smaller around him. His cloak settled more like armor than fabric, hanging with deliberate stillness. His eyes, sharp and penetrating, focused on Shinoh.

    "Why the rush?" His voice was like a distant rumble.

    Shinoh didn''t flinch. "I''m looking for Kin."

    The chief''s face shifted, his features tightening as if a veil had been lifted. "Kin?" A pause. "A level 14 who fell from the 1st to the 10th floor... and returned here alone?"

    Shinoh''s response was immediate. "yes"

    The chief studied Shinoh with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. "My guards saw the raiders he left with. They tend to work the 12th or 13th floors." He paused, his eyes flicking to Shinoh''s stature, reading between the lines. "We don''t just let anyone go past the 5th."

    Shinoh''s expression darkened, but his voice remained even. "Thank you." He started to turn, but the chief''s voice stopped him dead. "I can''t let you go any deeper." The words struck with quiet finality, as if he had read Shinoh''s mind.

    The chief''s gaze maintained on his eyes.

    "Nobody under Level 10 passes the 5th." Shinoh''s jaw tightened slightly, but his stance never shifted. "Look. Even with the most experienced raiders going with you, it would be extremely dangerous." The Chief continued "And past the 9th? You may as well be signing your own death warrant."

    Shinoh didn''t flinch, his pulse steadying. His eyes met the chiefs with a quiet ferocity, unyielding and certain. "I understand," he said calmly. "I''m going back."

    The chief looked him over, his mouth set in a hard line. "You''d be better off waiting here."

    A flicker of something passed through Shinoh''s expression¡ªdetermination calcified into certainty. "No... I''ll be back when I''m Level 10."

    With those final words, Shinoh turned, his every step echoing in the silence as he moved away. The chief watched him go, his mouth slightly widened, as though caught in a moment of indecision. But Shinoh didn''t look back.

 Chapter 6 "I Thought This Would Be Easy"

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 Chapter 7 "The Message Must Be Delivered"

    Kin gripped Flex''s sword, its worn hilt pressing against his palm as he stared down the Tiger Bear. The beast''s hulking form shifted, its muscles coiling before it lunged¡ªrazor-sharp claws slicing through the air. Kin barely had time to react, stepping back just as the monstrous paw raked through the space he''d occupied a breath ago.

    "It''s slower than before¡­ but I still can''t get close without a distraction. And with Seya down and Ceru healing Flex, I''m the only one who can keep it occupied."

    His eyes flicked upward¡ªthen widened slightly. An idea. Without hesitation, he sprinted forward, his boots kicking up dust. As he neared the Tiger Bear, he hurled a dagger toward the dungeon''s ceiling. The blade ricocheted off the stone, whistling through the air in a perfect trajectory headed straight for the beast''s head. The Tiger Bear snarled, shifting to deflect it¡ªjust as Kin closed the gap and drove Flex''s blade into its blind spot.

    A dull thunk.

    Not deep enough.

    Kin''s jaw locked in place as he pulls the blade free, stepping back before the beast could retaliate. A sharp exhale left his lips, frustration setteling in. "I don''t even have the strength to pierce through to its organs¡­ and with one dagger left, I only have one more chance."

    His breaths came heavier now. Then¡ª

    A memory.

    The sun-drenched park. The rhythmic whoosh of a wooden sword cutting through air. Kin, practicing his daily swings, his posture rigid with determination.

    A voice.

    "Would you like to learn a sword skill?"

    Kin turned, meeting the gaze of an older man¡ªperhaps in his fifties, his expression calm yet amused.

    "One second," Kin had said, eyes locked on an unseen opponent.

    The man raised a brow. "Who are you talking to?"

    "My sparring partner," Kin replied, matter-of-fact.

    The man followed Kin''s gaze¡ªto nothing. But to Kin, the black-and-white figure stood there, ever-present.

    Intrigued, the man chuckled. "Haha¡­ I am a Raider."

    Kin''s demeanor shifted¡ªintense, almost electrified with interest. Without hesitation, he thrust his makeshift sword toward the man. "Here!"

    The man, momentarily surprised, accepted it. Then, plucking a leaf from the ground, he tossed it into the air.

    Slice¡ªslice¡ªslice¡ªslice.

    four perfect cuts. The leaf fluttered to the ground in fragments.

    "That''s full speed," the Raider said.

    "Whoa¡­" Kin breathed.

    Kin stood firm, his grip steady on the makeshift sword. His stance¡ªthough rough¡ªmirrored the old man''s almost instinctively. The angle of his blade, the positioning of his feet, even the subtle tension in his shoulders¡ªit was all close. Not perfect, but closer than a novice should be.

    The old man stroked his chin. "This child is perceptive."

    Then aloud, he began, "Yes, but keep your feet¡ª"

    "Like this?" Kin interrupted.

    Kin moved. His grip tightened, his sword traced the path of the technique. At first, it seemed promising. But then¡ªhis balance wavered. His strikes lost consistency¡ªsome sluggish, others too eager. His footwork, initially steady, faltered as his weight shifted erratically. By the final cut, he overextended, lost control, and tumbled onto the grass with a soft thud.

    The old man surprised overally blinking, then let out a small chuckle.

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    "Yes," the Raider finally said, amusement lacing his tone, "but keep your feet grounded. The power comes from your hips with every strike. Practice this ten thousand times, and you''ll master it."

    Still lying on the ground, Kin listened intently, eyes fixed on the old man. The moment the lesson ended. "Right!" he said, that determined glint never once fading.

    Ceru''s hands hovered over Flex, pure green light spilling from her fingertips. A subtle twist in the air her gaze flicked toward Kin¡ªhis stance had changed. His breathing was different, deliberate. intentional. A slow inhale. A long, measured exhale. The air seemed to tighten, pressing in around him.

    Then¡ªKin moved.

    A blur of motion. The battlefield warped around his speed.

    As he closed the distance, he flung a glass bottle high above the Tiger Bear. A twitch of its ear¡ªits gaze flicked up.

    CRACK!

    Kin''s dagger struck the bottle midair, shattering it. Water cascaded down, splashing across the Tiger Bear''s face.

    Its pupils constricted.

    A heartbeat. A chance?

    "I didn''t practice that move ten thousand times¡­ I practiced it one million times."

    Kin was already there.

    A final inhale. The breath stretched¡ªendless. A long exhale. The world around him unraveled into slow motion. Time stretched. The Tiger Bear, realizing the ruse, swung its massive paw¡ª

    Ceru''s eyes widened. "No¡­"

    Kin moved. Time stopped.

    His sword blurred¡ªDown from above¡ªacross to the left¡ªA diagonal cut, then another¡ªLightning crackled from the blade''s edge, streaking outward with each slash¡ªA final upward strike.

    Then. Time moved.

    The Tiger Bear''s pained roars ceased. Its massive frame sagged, then crashed into the earth with a deep, final tremor. Dust fluttered in the aftermath, disturbed only by Kin''s unsteady breath. The acrid scent of blood mixed with damp stone.

    Kin didn''t move. His grip loosened around the hilt. The weight of the moment pressed against his shoulders. A second passed. Then another. He exhaled. Slowly. Deeply. The tension in his limbs unwound¡ª Only then did he turn.

    Then, turning, he approached Ceru. She wasn''t crying anymore. Just exhausted, shadows beneath her eyes.

    "Is Flex alright?" Kin asked.

    "He''ll need medicine for the pain when he wakes up¡­ but he''ll be okay," she answered softly.

    "And Seya?"

    "She exhausted her mana, but with rest, she''ll recover."

    Kin exhaled. "That''s good." His eyes look into the distance. "We should be close to the fifteenth now. I''ll carry Flex. Can you hold Seya?"

    Ceru nodded. "¡­Yeah."

    They picked up their fallen comrades and pressed on. To the fifteenth city...

    As they stepped onto the 15th floor, a world of quiet majesty unfolded before them. A stone pathway stretched ahead, flanked on both sides by still, mirror-like water that reflected the crystalline glow above. The cavern¡¯s roof was a cosmos of its own¡ªdeep blue crystals embedded in the rock pulsed like distant stars, casting shimmering constellations across the vast expanse. Unlike the compact and rugged terrain of the 5th, this city was sprawling, its buildings rising with an air of elegance.

    At the heart of it all, a single structure dominated the skyline, a towering monolith that dwarfed the rest. At its peak, a massive crystal pulsed with ethereal light, refracting into a soft, glacial hue that bathed the city in a dreamlike glow.

    Kin and Ceru emerged from the pathway, burdened yet unwavering¡ªKin cradled Flex¡¯s unconscious form, while Ceru carried Seya on her back, her steps steady despite the weight. The moment they reached the city¡¯s entrance, guards rushed forward, eyes widening at the sight of the wounded. Without hesitation, they whisked Flex and Seya toward the local hospital, disappearing into the labyrinth of blue-lit streets.

    Street lamps, sculpted from crystal and metal, lined the roads, casting cascading ribbons of azure light across the stonework. Kin, chest rising and falling with urgency, turned toward the city¡¯s heart. But his mind was already leagues ahead, chasing the message he needed to send.

    The guards had taken Flex and Seya, whisking them away through the glowing streets. Yet Kin remained stiff his fingers twitching at his sides, as if resisting an instinct.

    Ceru shifted beside him, rolling her shoulders now freed from Seya¡¯s weight. She stole a glance at him. Even under the city¡¯s ethereal glow, the sharp cut of his features remained severe¡ªcheekbones etched like flint, his jaw locked in silent determination. His hands, battle-worn and restless. Ceru sensed it.The impulse to act.

    ¡°I got them from here,¡± she said, voice even but edged with quiet insistence, a tether meant to ground him.

    Kin blinked as if surfacing from deep water, his gaze snapping to hers. A slow exhale. Then a curt nod.In an instant, he was gone, boots striking the stone in a rhythmic sprint toward the nearest courier station. The thought burned in his skull, searing and absolute¡ªhe had to reach the Gatekeeper.

    The mailing service had no doors, only a smooth fa?ade with shifting slots where letters flowed in and out like clockwork. Behind a narrow desk, tucked between the constant motion of enchanted paper, sat an older man¡ªhis wiry frame hunched slightly, ink-stained fingers moving with practiced efficiency as he scrawled messages onto enchanted parchment. Despite the ceaseless flurry of letters, he barely glanced up.

    Kin didn¡¯t waste a second.  ¡°I have an urgent message for the Gatekeeper,¡± he said, voice clipped and firm.

    A brief time skip. The attendant, adjusted his spectacles before meeting Kin¡¯s gaze. ¡°Your letter has been sent. Expect a response in several hours.¡±

    ¡°Several hours?!¡± Kin¡¯s voice sharpened, his pulse spiking. ¡°We don¡¯t have that kind of time.¡± His fingers constricted into trembling fists, muscles pulled so taut they felt like twisted cables beneath his skin. A breath scraped past his teeth. Every instinct in him rejecting the idea of waiting while time slipped away. If the Gatekeeper wouldn¡¯t get the message fast enough¡ªKin would deliver it himself.

    But first, he had one more stop to make.

 Chapter 8 "Through the Gates of Fate"

    The exhibition party gathered near a grand fountain at the city''s heart, its cascading waters catching the glow of the towering glacial crystal above. The familiar sight of the 15th city stretched around them¡ªwide streets, elegant structures, and the ever-present shimmer of crystal lights illuminating throughout the city streets.

    "Is that Tiren?" one of them asked, eyes widening. "He''s nearly level 90 now, isn''t he?"

    "Yeah," another chimed in. "And did you hear about Kireo? He was passing through the 24th and saved an entire squad from being wiped out¡ªsolo."

    Before the chatter could continue, a sharp clap snapped their attention.

    "We''re on the clock. Grab your supplies and whatever else you need¡ªwe meet back here in ten minutes."

    With quick nods, they scattered into the city''s winding streets, their figures soon swallowed by the towering structures and the soft luminescence of the world around them.

    A muted beeping filled the dimly lit hospital room, the rhythmic pulse of machinery blending with the hushed stillness of the space. Flex lay awake, staring at the ceiling, the weight of exhaustion pressing down on him. Beside him, Ceru sat with her fingers interwoven with his, her grip slackened by sleep, her head dipping slightly forward. Even in rest, she never let go.

    Flex noticing Kin walk in, his voice was hoarse but full of conviction. "Thank you¡­ for saving my life and Ceru''s," looking at her with a great sense of affection for a few moments before his gaze drifted to the next bed, where Seya lay fast asleep, her breathing steady. "Seya too¡­ I don''t know how you managed to beat that thing, but from the deepest part of me... Kin, thank you."

    Kin exhaled, relieved to see Flex awake, but the weight on his shoulders remained. His voice came firm,"I need to tell them about what happened. If they don''t know, more people will die."

    Flex nodded, understanding. "Before you leave¡ªdon''t forget your payment." He gestured to a sack of gold placed on the side table. " I figured you''d show up, so I had Ceru prepare it for you." A pause. Then he shifted slightly, his fingers brushing the hilt of his sheathed sword. "And I also wanted to give you this."

    Kin shook his head. "I can''t. The gold is more than enough."

    Flex let out a strained chuckle before exhaling slowly. "Without you, this sword wouldn''t have meant anything. I owe you my life¡ªtake it."

    Kin understood. He accepted both the gold and the sword with a single decisive motion. Then, without another word, he turned, his boots pressing against the polished floor as he strode out of the hospital¡ªhis path set, his burden clear.

    The Gatekeeper awaited.

    The air is crisp, yet it clings to his lungs with an invigorating charge, each breath filling him with a sense of purpose, of urgency. His chest rises and falls in a rhythm dictated not by fatigue, but by the relentless drive to reach his goal. "I have to get there before it''s too late." Each step Kin takes is a surge of energy against this placid symphony. His boots strike the cobblestones with a sharp, steady cadence, cutting through the calm like the wind slicing through a still lake.

    From around the corner, a group of figures materialize, moving with a quiet grace beneath the lights, the faint gleam of polished armour catching the light. The exhibition team. A serene composure that contrasts sharply with Kin''s frantic run, the woman ¡ª the same one who had heard of him falling into the pit.

    They pass each other within the span of a heartbeat. The city''s timeless glow makes it feel like a moment suspended in eternity.

    For an instant, their profiles align ¡ª Kin''s eyes, wide with unspoken urgency, meet her calm, unreadable look. A moment of stillness, as if the pulse of the world has slowed around them. A flash of light flickers between their eyes ¡ª but neither stops. Kin''s feet don''t falter, and her step unceasing. The connection between them is brief, fragile, yet somehow weighty with unspoken meaning.

    Deep within the catacombs of the Fourth Floor, Shinoh¡¯s blade scythed through the umbral air, its edge parting sinew with a sanguine hush. The lupine monstrosity convulsed¡ªits final, breathless rasp devoured by the dungeon¡¯s abyssal stillness.

    A voice intruded upon the quiet.

    "Let''s adjourn for now."

    Stone¡¯s cadence was measured, but beneath it lurked an undertow of fatigue. Shinoh, exertion wreathing his frame, merely exhaled, a glint of fervor igniting within his gaze.

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    "A little longer."

    Stone¡¯s brow corrugated with concern. "We¡¯ve been at this nearly ten hours."

    Shinoh wiped the perspiration from his temple, his grip vicelike around the sword¡¯s hilt. "If we advance a little deeper, we should encounter a safe zone, correct?"

    Stone scrutinized the map, its phosphorescent inscriptions undulating faintly beneath his fingers. "Yes¡­ according to this."

    A beat. A sigh of reluctant assent. "Fine. Let¡¯s keep going."

    Shinoh¡¯s lips curled in the faintest shadow of a smile¡ªnot of smugness, but unyielding tenacity. "Kin¡­ you held the burdens of many. It is time someone shoulders yours."

    His blade became an extension of will¡ªa specter of steel phasing through sinew and cartilage, every adversary before him sundered before their final, incoherent snarl could even leave their throats.

    His mind sharpened into a singular point. "Almost level nine¡­ just a tiny bit more and I can find him"

    at the moment¡ª

    "Shinoh! The Safe Zone!"

    Stone¡¯s voice lanced through the void. Ahead, nestled into the cavern¡¯s curvature, a corona of resplendent crystals caught his eyes nearby.

    He exhaled slowly, reluctant but conceding, and slid his sword back into its sheath. Only now did exhaustion creep into his limbs, the weight of the day¡¯s battles settling deep into his muscles.

    "Tomorrow... Tomorrow, I find you, Kin." His body eased, surrendering to weariness. His mind drifted, slipping into sleep.

    Then¡ª

    A peripheral flicker. Beyond the safe zones threshold.

    A silhouette. Sprinting.

    Kin.

    He tore through the dungeon¡¯s depths, feet pounding against stone, his breath sharp and relentless. The fourth floor blurred past him¡ªthen the third, then the second, until the cavernous halls of the first loomed ahead. His focus never wavered. There was only one destination, one purpose screaming through his mind. The Gatekeeper. He burst into the open, the city¡¯s cool night air wrapping around him. The Gatekeeper¡¯s sharp gaze flicked to him, her expression unreadable as he thrust the sealed letter forward.

    ¡°It¡¯s urgent,¡± Kin stated, his voice edged with urgency.

    She took the letter, her eyes scanning the seal before nodding. ¡°This will be sent to the Raiders¡¯ Association.¡±

    Kin¡¯s fingers twitched. ¡°How long?¡±

    ¡°A week, give or take.¡±

    His pulse clamored within his skull, a relentless war drum reverberating through his veins. Every squandered instant felt like a moment closer to calamity. Yet his breath settled.

    ¡°Out of curiosity,¡± he asked, ¡°who owns the Raiders¡¯ Association?¡±

    The Gatekeeper hesitated before answering. "The Legion¡¯s Guild Master."

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Then¡ªhe was gone.

    ¡°Hey, wai¡ª¡± she started, startled. But the words fell away as she realized the truth.

    He wouldn¡¯t be stopping for anyone.

    Kin barreled through the bustling streets, his breath a steady rhythm against the biting night air. The towering edifice of the Legions Guild peered ahead, its insignia beneath the lantern-lit sky. He surged toward the entrance. Inside, the murmur of guild activity barely registered in his ears. He stormed forward, his voice edged with urgency. ¡°Where¡¯s the Guild Master?¡±

    A receptionist, startled by his abrupt entrance, stammered before pointing him toward a set of reinforced doors. Without another word, Kin pushed through them, his momentum unstoppable.

    The doors swung open with force.

    ¡°What the hell is going on?!¡± The Guild Master¡¯s voice cut through the room, sharp with irritation. His gaze locked onto Kin, assessing the young man who had just practically kicked down his door.

    ¡°Sorry, but this is urgent!¡± Kin¡¯s breath came fast, but his resolve was unshaken. ¡°News from the dungeon¡ªMy team reached the 14th floor and ran into a Tiger Bear sir!"

    The Guild Master¡¯s expression flickered¡ªfirst with skepticism, then with something deeper.

    A memory surfaced.

    A park, years ago. A boy¡ªno more than five¡ªstood alone, clutching a wooden sword. He wasn¡¯t playing, wasn¡¯t aimlessly swinging. His small frame was rigid with focus, his expression locked in quiet concentration. Each motion was deliberate, not skillful, but driven¡ªas if the act of standing there, of moving with intent, meant something greater. The Guild Master had slowed his steps, drawn in by the sheer intensity in the child¡¯s eyes. A rare kind of stillness, an unyielding fixation. He thought to approach, but a voice called for his attention.

    Now, that same indomitable fire burned in the young man standing before him.

    "Could this be¡­?"

    His posture shifted, the weight of recognition settling over him.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?!¡± Kin pressed. ¡°You have to do something!¡±

    The Guild Master exhaled, grounding himself in the present. ¡°Hold on, kid. First, we need to pull our main forces out. They¡¯re en route to the 31st floor right now. There should be some time before they arrive, so I have a special request for you.¡±

    The Guild Master reached into his coat and retrieved two of the S ranked orbs, their surfaces swirling with a pure purple haze of energy held within.

    ¡°These orbs,¡± he explained, ¡°can teleport you anywhere upon command. But listen carefully¡ªonce you use one, it won¡¯t work again. I¡¯m entrusting you with two.¡± He placed them into Kin¡¯s hands. ¡°Use the first to teleport directly to the Legions Guild Captain. That should take you to their exact location. Once there, use the second orb to bring them back. Saying ¡®Legions Guild Hall¡¯ should work.¡±

    Kin tightened his grip around the orbs, feeling the gravity of the task settling over him. ¡°I understand how important this is, but¡­ why me?¡±

    The Guild Master¡¯s gaze softened, but his tone remained resolute. ¡°Because apart from the fact that we don¡¯t have time to waste, I see something in you... A look of unyielding determination. And that¡¯s something I can trust.¡±

    Kin nodded. His fingers curled around the first orb.

    ¡°Go on now,¡± the Guild Master urged. Kin drew a deep breath. ¡°Right.¡± He focused. The words left his lips.

    ¡°Take me to the Legions Guild Captain.¡±

    A pulse of energy enveloped him¡ªthen, in an instant, he was gone.

 Chapter 9 "To Stand Before Oblivion"

    The team had settled within a cavernous expanse, where veins of pale light coursed through the walls like trapped lightning. Moss clung to the stone in uneven patches, its deep green a stark contrast to the cold, lifeless rock. Here and there, rare sprouts of twisted plants pushed through cracks in the ground, their roots seeking what little nourishment this place allowed. The air carried a damp chill, thick with the scent of earth.

    Then¡ªa ripple in space. The air distorted, and in the blink of an eye, Kin stood among them.

    He wasted no time. "The Master of the Legions Guild sent me. We need to leave. Now."

    Silence. A few raiders exchanged wary glances.

    ¡°Hold up¡± A man pushed off the wall, arms crossed, his voice laced with scepticism. Yoko. He eyed Kin with an easy confidence. ¡°You can¡¯t just appear out of nowhere and start barking orders.¡±

    Another voice¡ªmeasured, calm. Kireo. He regarded Kin with a steady look, his tone cool but not dismissive. ¡°With all due respect¡­ the Guild Master holds no authority over me. So why should I follow you?¡±

    Kin¡¯s fists clenched. He couldn¡¯t waste time arguing. His voice kept clear, unbroken.

    ¡°A monster from the 20th floor attacked us on the 14th. Something¡¯s wrong with the dungeon.¡±

    That got their attention. Kireo sitting relaxed with his side against the dungeon''s walls took a glare at Kin ¡°...That¡¯s not supposed to happen.¡±

    Yoko scoffed; his arms remained crossed. ¡°A 20th-floor monster? how scary! I will cut them all down.¡±

    Kin¡¯s feeling the pressure, but before he could speak, the Legion Captain¡ªa commanding presence stood up amongst them. ¡°The kid¡¯s not just talking about the 20th floor.¡± His gaze swept over the team, serious. ¡°He¡¯s saying this could happen anywhere. On any floor.¡±

    Kin exhaled, steadying himself. ¡°Name¡¯s Kin.¡±

    The Captain gave a slow nod. ¡°Captain of the Legions Team.¡± They clasped hands¡ªa brief but firm exchange.

    Kin didn¡¯t skip a beat. ¡°What floor is this?¡±

    The Captain¡¯s answer landed like a stone in his throat.

    ¡°The 31st¡±

    A deep tremor rumbled beneath them. Then another. The earth shuddered¡ªdust trickled from the dungeon ceiling.Then¡ªa growl. Low. Reverberating. Something massive was coming.

    A wave of pressure crashed over the Raiders, sinking deep into their bones. The air turned thick¡ªcharged with raw, suffocating energy. Then¡ªwings unfurled. A shadow loomed, vast enough to eclipse the cavern¡¯s distant ceiling.

    Two heads. Two sets of eyes. Two voices, speaking as one.

    ¡°Humans,¡± it rumbled. Its voices overlapped, one rich and ancient, the other sharp and cruel. ¡°It has been¡­ ages.¡±

    A deep glow ignited in its twin maws¡ªsearing, pure destructive power gathering in its throats.

    Some Raiders stood frozen; their breath stolen by sheer magnitude.

    One of them gasped. ¡°That¡­ magic¡­¡±

    Kin shook off the paralysis gripping his limbs. No time to freeze. No time to hesitate.

    He moved.

    The dragon¡¯s maws ignited, a blinding crescendo of destruction swelling¡ª Kin slammed the orb to his chest. ¡°Take us to the Legion Guild Hall!¡± Light swallowed them.

    A split second later¡ªthe world detonated.

    The cavern erupted in a blinding white inferno; the force so overwhelming that it left an open chasm in its wake¡ªyawning into the unknown depths below. As the white-hot radiance faded, only smouldering ruin remained. Perched at the crater¡¯s edge, unscathed, the two-headed dragon watched. One head let out a slow, amused chuckle. ¡°How interesting.¡±

    The other exhaled a deep, rattling breath. ¡°Yes, brother¡­ very.¡±

    Their eyes glared, reflecting the abyss left in Kin¡¯s wake.

    A sudden flash of light erupts in the guild hall, followed by a sharp gust of displaced air. The arrival is near-instantaneous¡ªone moment, there¡¯s nothing, the next, they stand in the heart of the guild. Gasps ripple through the room as dozens of eyes lock onto them, confusion and awe painted across their faces.

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    Yet, amid the tension, a single figure moves unfazed. The rookie dashes past without sparing them a glance, as if their sudden appearance were as routine as a passing breeze.

    Without hesitation, they ascend the wide staircase draped in crimson, each step muffled by the plush carpet beneath their boots. At the top, inside the guild master''s room the rookie is already present, head bowed in deference before the Guild Master. A hushed exchange passes between them before the rookie straightens and strides past.

    The Guild Master exhales, a breath weighted with tension, before placing his phone down with measured precision¡ªa quiet clack against the desk. His gaze lifts, cool and assessing, scanning their faces.

    "Good. You''re here." His voice, though even, carries the kind of urgency that tightens the air in the room. His fingers tap once against the wood, a fleeting gesture of restraint.

    "All the guild leaders have just agreed. The plan has changed. You should be receiving the message any second now¡ª"

    Ping!

    A sharp chime punctuates the moment.

    A raider pulls out his phone, eyes locked at the screen. A second passes. Then another. Two words glare back at him, stark against the screen:

    The words "Evacuate Raiders" glare back at him in stark white letters.  Legion¡¯s Guild Master speaks without pause, his voice carrying the weight of an undeniable command.

    "All raiders from the sixth floor downward¡ª must be evacuated immediately."

    The captain steps forward, his stance rigid, his words clipped. "What the hell is going on, Master?"

    The Guild Master meets his gaze, his expression grim. "Something''s changed. Monsters from the lower depths have begun attacking higher floors. It doesn¡¯t matter if they''re seasoned raiders or rookies¡ªcasualties are mounting by the minute." His hands tense on the red wood desk, his words pressing down like iron.

    "Save as many as you can."

    They push back into the dungeon, urgency crackling between them like static. The 5th floor ahead, its towering entrance streaked with severed stone. Shinoh¡¯s gaze sweeps the passing figures¡ªand then he sees him.

    "Kin!" His voice slices through the air, sharp and unrelenting.

    Kin doesn¡¯t register it at first, lost in the momentum of the charge. But the name snags his mind like a hook, jerking him from the tide of motion.

    He barely turns. ¡°Shinoh, it¡¯s been a while, but¡ª¡±

    "Your mother!" Shinoh roars the words, desperation laced in every syllable. "She¡¯s worried about you!"

    The name lands like a hammer. Kin stops.

    Kin and Shinoh stand eye to eye, the dungeon¡¯s distant echoes swallowed by the silence between them.

    "Kin." Shinoh says his name as if testing reality itself. His breath is uneven, a sharp contrast to the steel in his stare. "You''re alive." His voice is raw¡ªhoarse from shouting, from searching, from hoping.

    "They told me a level 2 wouldn¡¯t make it." His fingers twitch, hands curling like they might hold onto something that isn¡¯t there. "I had to tell your mother about what happened. But... she never stopped believing. And neither did I."

    Kin exhales through his nose, his expression softening, but he doesn''t let it linger. His smile rises¡ªnot just out of relief, but from something deeper, something earned.

    "A lot¡¯s happened, Shinoh," he says, his voice steady but edged with exhaustion. "Right now, we need to evacuate the lower floors. I¡¯ll tell you everything when I get back."

    Shinoh watches him, then lets out the smallest sound¡ªhalf a breath, half acknowledgment. His lips press together, something unspoken in his expression, before he gives a single nod. Kin doesn''t wait. He turns and disappears into the rushing crowd, his figure swallowed by the momentum of the mission.

    Time forwarded inside the twisting tunnels of the dungeon, the air dense choking with the coppery scent of blood.

    Flash. Tiren, his armour painted in streaks of red, drives his fists through a writhing beast. The monster screeches¡ªa sound that rattles through marrow¡ªbefore collapsing in a twitching heap.

    Flash. Kiero, hoists a wounded ally over his shoulder. Their legs buckle under the weight, but they press on, effortlessly through the smoke-choked air.

    Flash. A headless body drops. The dull thud barely registers over the relentless din of battle. Another follows. Then another. Their killers¡ªinhuman, merciless¡ªvanish back into the depths. Kin¡¯s voice echoes over the shifting montage, carrying the weight of what no words could fully contain.

    "Many raiders died that day. Many more were left broken. It was a nightmare to witness."

    The images shift. The dungeon stills. The screams, the clash of steel, the desperate cries¡ªreplaced by something softer yet no less haunting.

    A sea of mourning.

    The world awakens in hues of fire. The sun, on the horizon spills a deep red glow across the field¡ªpainting the ground in long, wavering shadows. The light catches on the armour of the fallen. Rows of the headless lay with an eerie precision, their lifeless forms lined in perfect, awful order. Loved ones kneel beside them, their voices quivering with prayers that rise into the cold air. A woman clutches the hand of a motionless figure, her forehead pressed against stiffened fingers, whispering through choked sobs. A child, too young to understand the finality of death, shakes their father¡¯s headless shoulder, waiting for him to wake up. Some cry loudly, openly¡ªwails of grief that shake their very ribs. Others sit in still, hollow-eyed silence, their tears long spent. Nearby, the wounded stir¡ªsome groaning through gritted teeth, others too weak to make a sound as medics work tirelessly around them.

    Kin watches.

    his silhouette stark against the tragedy unfolding before him. His posture is rigid, yet his shoulders betray the exhaustion sinking deep within. He sits on a small grassy hill, his legs drawn up beside him.

    Then¡ªbeep, beep!

    A call.

    Kin lifts the device, his movements sluggish. "Hello," he says, voice void of its usual sharpness. The response comes with measured calm. "Hello, Kin. It¡¯s the Legion¡¯s Guild Leader. Can we talk?"

    Kin exhales, eyes dull. taking some time to answer.

    "Yeah," he mutters. Tired of it all.

    ---------------------------------------------------------

    Hey, Raiders! ????

    If you¡¯ve made it this far, you¡¯re officially part of the team¡ªand I appreciate every single one of you. Writing this story is a wild ride, but seeing your reactions? That¡¯s what really makes it worth it.

    ?? Drop a comment! Got a favorite moment? A wild theory? A reaction that just needs to be shared? Let¡¯s hear it¡ªI read every single one!

    ? Hit that follow! More chapters, more twists, and more chaos are on the way. It also helps my story get seen.

    This is just the beginning¡ªso gear up, stay sharp, and I¡¯ll see you in the next dive.

 Chapter 10 "The Reflection in the Dark"

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 Chapter 11 "The Art of Getting Lost"

    Before their journey begins, Kin pauses. There''s one place he needs to visit first.

    His knuckles rap against the oak door. A heartbeat later, it swings open. His mother stands there, frozen¡ªjust for a second¡ªbefore she gasps and pulls him into a crushing embrace."Kin... Kin, my dear, you finally came home!" Her voice quivers, torn between joy and disbelief.

    The hug lingers, a silent moment of reunion. He closes his eyes, letting the warmth of the moment sink in. Then, as she opens her eyes, they land on Sye. The joy in her eyes softens into curiosity. "Oh, you''ve brought a friend?" She steps aside, gesturing warmly. "Come in, come in."

    The door closes behind them with a soft click, wrapping them in a quiet, long-awaited peace.

    A thick silence settles over the dining table. The kind that makes every small movement feel loud.

    Kin shifts in his seat, his fingers drumming against his thigh. He sneaks a glance at Sye. She remains still, her eyes half-lowered, unreadable. He wonders, "Is she going to say anything?"

    Just as the silence starts pressing in, his mother returns, carrying a large silver tray. The faint clink of porcelain breaks the tension. Steam coils from the tea, mingling with the earthy scent of almonds and pistachios. The polished plates gleam under the light.

    Setting the cups down, she finally speaks. "So, your friend?"

    Kin straightens, seizing the opportunity. "Ah, she''s a member of the Legions Guild, like me."

    His mother pauses mid-pour. Her head snaps up. "You''ve joined a guild?" Her voice wavers between surprise and concern before her gaze flickers to Sye. "I hope he''s not too much trouble, miss?"

    Sye finally looks up, meeting her gaze directly. "Sye."

    His mother smiles, her expression melting into warmth. "Sye... what a beautiful name."

    For the briefest moment, a faint pink tints Sye''s cheeks. She looks away, caught off guard by the kindness.

    In the hallway, away from Sye''s ears, Kin reaches into his cloak. The heavy pouch presses against his palm before he gently pushes it into his mother''s hands.

    "Mum, we don''t have much time, but¡­ this is for you."

    Her fingers hesitate as she undoes the string. The moment she peeks inside, her breath catches. Gold glints under the dim light, spilling like captured sunlight.

    "Kin¡­ this is too much," she whispers, her voice barely audible. "I can''t¡ª"

    "You can," he interrupts softly. "You always wanted that house near the river, right? Buy it. Besides... A raider''s life has its perks¡ªso don''t worry about me."

    Her lips part as if to protest, but then, instead, she exhales a quiet laugh. With a knowing smile, she pulls him into another hug, tighter than before. When she finally lets go, she brushes a strand of hair from his face, her eyes shining with something deep, something unspoken. "I''ll have something special for you when you come back, okay?"

    Kin exhales softly, nodding.

    The door clicks shut behind them. The morning sun bathes the streets in warm, golden light, casting long shadows that stretch lazily across the path. The sky is a brilliant blue, untouched by clouds, the crisp air carrying the faint scent of morning dew. Birds trill in a polyphonic symphony, their voices tessellating through the open air. Sye unfolds the map, barely glancing at it before turning on her heel and walking.

    Kin startled, jogging to catch up. "You already know the way?!" His voice carries a note of incredulity. Sye doesn''t answer. She keeps moving, her focus unshaken.

    Kin lets out a small laugh, shaking his head. "Okay, then!" He falls into step behind her, following her lead.

    Tiren stands bare-chested in the training yard, his skin lacquered with sweat, each breath rolling from his chest in slow, tempered waves. Four opponents encircle him, their wooden spears poised like the fangs of a beast ready to strike.

    They lunge in unison.

    Tiren vanishes¡ª exploding upward, his leap so abrupt that dust coiled beneath him. Below, the spears slashed through empty space. One attacker, anticipating his movement, thrust upward to meet him mid-air.

    Tiren reacted instantly. His heel snapped down, shearing the tip of the spear with a precise, brutal kick. Without hesitation, he followed through¡ªeach successive strike demolishing another section of the shaft, reducing it to splintered fragments before his opponent¡¯s eyes.

    A whisper of danger behind him. He felt the attack before he saw it. A subtle shift of his weight sent him pivoting mid-air, the oncoming spear slicing past his ribs with a hair¡¯s breadth to spare. His hand lashed out from behind him, fingers clamping onto the wooden shaft. With a sharp yank, he wrenched it from his opponent¡¯s grip.

    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    As he descended, the remaining two fighters angled their spears skyward, forming a lethal barricade. But Tiren adapted in an instant¡ªhis knees bent, bending his body into a squat mid-air. In the same motion, he swung his stolen spear beneath him, balancing it atop the sharpened tips of their weapons. For a breath, time seemed to hold with him, the wooden bridge suspending him above danger. The warriors gawked in disbelief.

    Then, with a bound, he sprang off the precarious platform, flipping behind his last two challengers. Even as they turned, he was ready for more.

    A sharp whistle sliced through the air.

    An arrow tore toward him, aimed for his skull. But Tiren moved before impact¡ªhis head tilting just enough for the projectile to scream past. His gaze snapped toward its source, a quiet recognition settling in his eyes.

    Whoever loosed that arrow would regret they missed.

    Mud squelched beneath Kin and Sye¡¯s boots as they trudged along the lonely forest path. Birds chirped, leaves rustled, and everything felt eerily peaceful¡ªwhich, of course, meant trouble was about to start.

    Right on cue, shifty snickers slithered through the trees behind them. A ragtag group of bandits emerged, grinning like wolves, twirling rusted knives between their fingers.

    "Well, well, what do we have here?" one sneered, cracking his knuckles. "Looks like easy pickings, boys."

    They barely got to blink.

    In a blur, Sye moved.

    A gust of wind. A series of sickening thwacks. And suddenly¡ª

    The bandits were decorating the ground like discarded laundry, moaning in pain, faces bruised, swollen, and questioning their life choices.

    Sye stood in the middle, casually dusting off her knuckles, looking only mildly inconvenienced.

    Kin, still standing in the exact same spot, hadn¡¯t even processed what happened yet. His eyes sparkled with admiration. ¡°Wow, she is SO cool.¡±

    As Sye walked past the fallen bandits, completely unbothered, Kin followed¡ªhappily hopping over one of the groaning goons with a single foot, like a kid skipping a puddle. Then he caught up to her, hands behind his head, whistling like that wasn¡¯t the most impressive thing he¡¯d ever seen.

    The forest path led them straight to a dead end¡ªa towering cliffside with a sheer drop into a shallow river. Kin and Sye both stared at it. The wind howled. A single loose pebble tumbled off the edge, plummeting below.

    Kin slowly pulled out the map. One glance. Then another. Then¡ª

    A snicker.

    Sye¡¯s eyes locked onto him, suspicion all over her face. "What?"

    Kin sucked in a breath, trying to keep a straight face. ¡°¡­We went the wrong way.¡±

    Sye¡¯s face flared red faster than a matchstick. Her lips pursed in a tight pout as she spun on her heel and stormed off.

    Kin clamped a hand over his mouth, his body shaking from the effort of holding back laughter. It was useless. The second she stomped past him, his composure shattered.

    ¡°PFFT¡ªBAHAHAHA!¡±

    He doubled over, pointing dramatically in the opposite direction through his wheezing laughter. ¡°Not that way!¡±

    Sye froze mid-step.

    Her fists clenched. Her head lowered, hair covering her eyes. Her face? Now a volcanic shade of red. Without a word, she turned and marched in the correct direction, her entire soul radiating humiliated fury. Kin, still cackling uncontrollably, wiped a tear from his eye before jogging after her.

    The steady rhythm of footsteps pressed into the lavish carpets of Yown¡¯s guild headquarters. Gilded chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their golden glow casting restless shapes along the walls. Outside, the city¡¯s distant commotion buzzed in the background, but within these halls, the air felt unnaturally stagnant, as if waiting for something to break.

    Then, the Legion Guild Master entered. Unannounced.

    Yown, seated behind an obscenely ornamented desk, had been absentmindedly shuffling through stacks of parchment, but at the sight of his visitor, his entire body went rigid.

    His hands twitched. Papers disappeared into drawers with hurried, clumsy movements¡ªone nearly slipping from his grip before he forced it inside. The act was casual in intention, but far too frantic in execution.

    Still, he forced a smile, though his lips lacked the conviction to sell it.

    "W-What brings you here?" His voice carried forced warmth, yet a single bead of sweat trickled down his temple, betraying his true state.

    The Master took one deliberate step forward. "I already know what you''ve been scheming, Yown."

    A suffocating pause.

    Yown''s smile twitched at the edges, threatening to crack. But he recovered quickly, leaning back in his chair, waving a dismissive hand as if shooing away a child''s accusation.

    "S-Scheming? Now, that¡¯s a strong word. I wouldn¡¯t¡ª"

    "First, the purple orbs." The Master''s voice remained unshaken, each word landing like a weight against the floor. "And now, you''ve gone even further."

    Yown¡¯s pupils shifted¡ªjust barely¡ªto the right.

    A fraction of a second. A fatal mistake.

    The Master moved.

    A sharp, decisive elbow strike drove into the unseen figure lurking behind him. A strangled gasp.

    Tom ¡ªYown¡¯s so-called ace in the hole¡ªcollapsed to his knees, his cover instantly broken. The moment his skill fell apart. His fingers clawed weakly at the ground, his lungs refusing to pull in air. The Master didn¡¯t turn to acknowledge him. He simply adjusted his sleeve.

    "And I know exactly how you planned to do it."

    Yown bolted upright. His chair scraped against the floor with an ugly screech. His breath came shallow now, his eyes darting from the Master to the doorway, then back to the man gasping on the ground.

    ¡°How?! How could you know?! I accounted for everything! So much planning¡ªso much work!¡±

    A knock.

    Yown flinched so hard his knee hit the desk.

    The door eased open, and a the rookie stepped inside. Without a word, he held it open wider, allowing two more officers to march in, their eyes locked onto the defeated schemer.Metal restraints clamped shut with mechanical finality.

    Tom, his second plan¡ªYown¡¯s last safety net¡ªwere pulled to their feet, their resistance amounting to nothing more than weak protests and unfufilled ideas.

    Defeat settled over Yown like a sickness.

    Sometime later... The Master stood before a grand window within Yown¡¯s office, his posture rigid, hands clasped behind his back. His gaze remained fixed on the scene below.

    A massive pit lay carved into the guild¡¯s courtyard. The crude attempt at a tunnel stretched deep, its edges uneven, riddled with scattered tools and abandoned crates. A desperate, reckless project.

    He stared at it for a long moment.

    His voice was devoid of amusement. No mockery. No gloating. Just pure, emotionless disappointment."I expected treachery, but trying to dig a hole to the 31st¡­"

    The rookie stationed by the door, finally spoke.

    "Some men would rather chase wealth than wisdom."

    The Master didn¡¯t respond. His hands remained still behind him. His gaze remained immutable, a silent monolith untouched by circumstance.

 Chapter 12 "Footsteps Toward You"

    The sun bled through the treetops, smearing the sky with bruised streaks of amber and violet. A breeze blew through the underbrush, stirring the scent of damp earth as Kin and Sye pushed forward. Ahead, a cave sat wedged between gnarled roots and moss-choked stone. The entrance  dark and quiet.

    Kin tilted his head toward it. "We should rest up in there. I''ll grab some firewood, you get some rest."

    Sye didn''t answer. Didn''t even pause. She just kept walking. Kin squinted, then smirked. He cupped a hand to his mouth. "Not even a ''Yes, thank you, oh kind Kin, provider of warmth and shelter''?" His voice climbed into an exaggerated pitch, a flawless impression of how she might have said it.

    Silence.

    Sye didn''t react. Didn''t twitch. Just kept moving. Kin stood there for a second longer, then scoffed lightly. Without another word, he turned and strode into the trees, vanishing into the dusk.

    Kin let out a quiet exhale. Carefully¡ªalmost too carefully¡ªhe lowered the firewood, making a deliberate show of silence. The fire crackled low, stirring orange reflections in the damp walls. Sye was already asleep, curled near the fire with her arms folded, legs tucked in tight. The light brushed against her face, her breathing gentle and slow. He sat cross-legged, hands bracing behind him as he leaned back against the cool stone. Taking a quick gaze toward Sye.

    The flames danced in her half-lidded eyes as she blinked herself awake.

    Kin perked up. "Oh, you''re up!"

    Sye groaned softly, rubbing her temple. She didn''t respond.

    Kin turned back to the fire, exhaling. "Ahhh¡­ I can''t stop thinking about what the Master said." His tone wasn''t heavy, but it carried something distant. Something thoughtful. Sye didn''t react. She just watched the flames, unmoving.

    Then, completely serious, Kin murmured, "You know, you''re like a potato."

    Sye''s head turned toward him. Slowly. Expression unreadable.

    Kin, unfazed, grinned. "Hard on the outside, hard on the inside¡ª"

    As he shifted, stretching out to lie down, Sye''s eyes narrowed. Unamused.

    "¡ªbut boil it, and suddenly, it''s all soft and warm."

    For a moment, the only response was the quiet crackle of the fire. Then, without a word, Sye turned back to the fire. But in that tiny shift¡ªjust barely¡ªa smile crossed her face. Small enough to miss, but real enough to be there. She tucked her chin against her knees, hiding it.

    Kin stretched out with a yawn, "Rest well, Sye. Goodnight."

    She hesitated. Her lips parted, as if she might say something. But in the end, she only adjusted her arms, burrowing deeper into warmth, and let the fire do the talking.

    The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and distant foliage. A thin mist clung to the ground, slowly retreating under the warmth of the rising sun. The wooden bridge ahead stretched over a quiet stream, its weathered planks creaking softly under the occasional breeze.

    At the entrance, a lone man stood with an air of quiet authority. His stance was firm, feet planted wide, arms crossed as if guarding something important.

    Sye, leading as usual, stopped before him. The man tilted his chin up slightly, his gaze steady.

    "That¡¯ll be one gold coin to cross," he said smoothly. "This is the King¡¯s bridge¡ªanyone who wishes to pass must pay the toll."

    Kin, trailing behind, peeked over Sye¡¯s shoulder.

    Sye reached into her pouch without hesitation, seemingly unfazed.

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    Kin''s expression shifted as he studied the man. Something was off.

    He stepped beside Sye, arms loosely crossed. "Where¡¯s the signed decree from the King?" His voice was casual, but his words carried weight.

    The man¡¯s jaw tightened for a fraction of a second before he scoffed. "There is no letter. You¡¯re just supposed to hand over the money and move along."

    Kin exhaled through his nose. "No, no, I don¡¯t think so."

    He stepped forward as if to cross, but before his foot met the wooden planks, a flash of steel caught the light. The man had drawn a knife, holding it low but unmistakably ready.

    "Give me your money."

    The shift was instant.

    Kin let out a slow sigh and took a small step to the side, revealing Sye.

    She was already rolling up her sleeves.

    Kin, as if completely uninvolved, tilted his head upward, hands casually in his pockets. A dull thud echoed against the bridge.

    The so-called toll keeper was now sprawled on the ground, limbs twisted at odd angles, a fresh bump swelling on his forehead.

    As Kin and Sye walked past him onto the bridge, Sye mumbled something.

    "Thank you."

    Kin turned his head toward her. "What was that?"

    She hesitated for a moment, then shut her eyes briefly, a faint pink rising to her cheeks.

    "Thank you!" she repeated, this time with a little more force.

    Kin stared for a moment before his hand drifted behind his head in a sheepish motion. "Woah... it was nothing, really." His gaze dropped to the wooden planks beneath them.

    Sye¡¯s shoulders loosened slightly, tension easing from her frame. She kept her gaze ahead as she spoke, her voice quieter than before. "He was about to trick me, so I... I really appreciate it."

    There was something unguarded in the way she said it¡ªno sharp edges, no stoic distance. Kin felt a sudden warmth crawl up his neck. He wasn¡¯t sure why, but the sincerity in her words sent a strange flutter through his chest. His fingers twitched before he instinctively rubbed the back of his head. "No problem," But when he glanced at her from the corner of his eye, he caught the faintest tint of pink dusting her cheeks. That only made his own face heat up even more. His steps faltered for half a second, before shoving his hands into his pockets.

    Neither of them said anything after that, but the silence between them felt different¡ª it was something they both quietly held onto.

    The sun had begun its slow descent, its golden light fading into cooler tones as thick clouds stretched across the sky, casting soft shadows over the landscape. A chill crept into the air.

    Then, something caught Sye¡¯s attention.

    Perched against the side of the mountain, a magnificent temple stood proudly, its red-tiled roofs curved in elegant symmetry, its white walls gleaming against the dimming light. The craftsmanship was impeccable¡ªeach detail radiating an air of reverence and history.

    Sye stopped and pointed. "There."

    Kin followed her gaze, and for a moment, he simply stared. His breath hitched slightly¡ªthe sheer elegance of the temple was almost surreal. It was like something pulled from an ancient tale, standing against the mountain like a monument to time itself. Then, his awe twisted into something else.

    A grin spread across his face. "Meet you up there."

    And just like that, he took off. For a moment, Sye simply stared¡ªthen, as if a switch had flipped, she shot forward, overtaking him in an instant. Kin froze mid-step, his brain catching up a moment too late. His eyes widened before he surged ahead, pushing his legs harder to close the gap. Their footsteps pounded against the rugged trail, the rhythm of their chase echoing through the mountain air.

    The race was on.

    The dirt trail spooled upward. Kin¡¯s breath came in fractured gusts, his legs tight with the sting of overuse, but Sye pressed forward, her pace as certain as the turning of celestial spheres. The wind, now laced with the spectral wisp of incense, curled around them like an unseen guide, hinting that their destination lay just ahead. As they crested the final steps of the mountain path, the temple revealed itself in full splendor. White stone walls bore intricate carvings of dragons and celestial figures, their forms so lifelike they seemed to shift beneath the passing clouds. At the temple''s entrance, a massive pair of wooden doors, their deep brown surface etched with golden calligraphy.

    A lone monk stood before them, framed by the open doorway.

    His robes were a rich shade of saffron, layered with deep brown fabric that draped over one shoulder. The fabric, though simple, carried the weight of tradition, its edges embroidered with faint, geometric patterns. His hands, weathered by time yet steady as stone, rested together at his waist. Beneath his shaven head, his features were sharp yet kind¡ªhigh cheekbones, a straight nose, and dark eyes that held the stillness of a lake untouched by wind.

    A calm smile touched his lips. "Hello, travelers." His voice was smooth, carrying a quiet authority.

    Kin took a step forward, still catching his breath. "Hi, we¡¯re looking for someone named Senen. The Master asked us to meet him."

    The monk¡¯s brow lifted ever so slightly. "Senen, you say?" His gaze lingered on them for a moment longer before he stepped aside with an elegant motion, gesturing toward the temple¡¯s dimly lit interior.

    "Right this way."

    The scent of aged wood and burning incense curled into the cool air as Kin and Sye stepped past the threshold, the weight of the temple¡¯s presence settling over them like a silent promise.

 Chapter 13 "The Strength Of One"

    Kin and Sye stepped into the temple, its design paradoxical¡ªboth monastic in simplicity and overwhelming in presence. At the heart of the chamber stood an intricate sculpture of a ten-headed dragon, carved with such accuracy that its many faces seemed to follow them, their gazes spectral. it''s materials of ruby and pearls.

    Kin asks "woah whats that?"

    The monk lets out a measured breath, as if exhaling the weight of history itself.

    he began, "In an age long forgotten, there was a dragon unlike any other. It stood taller than the highest temple spire, its scales the color of bloodied rubies, its ten heads crowned with eternal flame. And yet, despite its terror, it was abandoned. Feared, yes, but not for its power¡ªfeared because it was unworthy. A dragon without eyes was an insult to legend, a creature deemed unfit for warriors seeking glory.

    And so, the world turned its back on it.

    No hunter sought its skull for their mantle. No hero dreamt of besting it in battle. Even its own kin, those arrogant beasts that soared across the heavens, left it behind, believing it to be nothing but a footnote in history¡ªa tale of pity, not of power.Yet the dragon did not despair. It did not weep

    It trained.

    For centuries, it roamed the desolate mountains, sharpening every other sense until sight was nothing but an afterthought. It learned to feel the tremors of an insect''s wings upon stone. To hear the heartbeats of men long before they dared to approach. To smell the intention behind every drawn sword, every foolish warrior who thought, for a fleeting moment, that they might be the first to slay the forgotten beast.

    And when the time came, it emerged.

    Not as prey. But as the strongest dragon to have ever lived.

    Its flames, once untamed, became an executioner''s blade, falling only when judgment was absolute. Its movements, once reliant on sight, became imperceptible¡ªa shadow in a world of light.

    The warriors who had once ignored it now begged for their names to be written in history alongside it. They were not. Because the blind dragon did not grant them legacy. it granted, only death.

    The monk turned to Kin, his expression unreadable.

    "And so," he murmured, "it became a legend of its own. Not as the dragon who was abandoned. But as The Great Blind Dragon"

    Kin swallowed, his gaze locked on the dragon¡¯s many faces. The shimmer of ruby and pearl seemed more menacing now, as if the sculpture itself was listening.

    ¡°The Great Blind Dragon?!¡± he murmured, almost to himself.

    The monk nodded, his voice softer now. ¡°And it became more than legend¡ªit became proof.¡±

    Kin¡¯s breath stopped. ¡°Proof of what?¡±

    The monk¡¯s lips barely moved. his eyes opened once more.

    ¡°That in being alone comes true strength.¡±

    His words hang in the air, matter-of-fact yet laden with a quiet authority. Without waiting for Kin or Sye to respond, the monk moves toward the ornate, weathered doors that mark the boundary of the temple¡¯s inner sanctum. They creak in protest as he grips the handles, the motion deliberate, almost ceremonial. With a fluid sweep, the doors part, revealing the open porch beyond. A rush of fresh air fills the space as the door slowly drifts aside, unveiling the vast training grounds. The floors are worn, etched with the impressions of countless steps, each marked by the relentless passage of disciplined feet.

    At the heart of the training grounds, a man of gigantic build¡ªhis chest bare, his body resembling a statue of war given life¡ªstood before a boulder the size of a temple bell. His breath misting in the air before¡ªBOOM!¡ªhis fist met stone. The boulder exploded into shards, fragments sent flying in every direction. But not a single piece struck him. His blows were not mere force; reducing rock to dust in calculated strikes. His hands, wrapped in tattered black cloth, were cracked and calloused, yet unshaken. His eyes lifted only once¡ªto Kin¡ªbefore returning to the next boulder placed before him.

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    To the left, another figure danced amidst chaos. Unlike the Titan, this fighter was small in frame, but their presence was no less dominant. They wore layered robes of blue and gold, embroidered with ancient sigils that pulsed faintly, reacting to the sheer power flowing through them.

    Flames licked at his fingertips, floating around his arms like serpents of fire, yet did not burn them. pieces of earth following the paths of the fire as if connected. With a flick of his wrist, a jet of water erupted, colliding with an incoming stone projectile, instantly cooling it into ice before it shattered harmlessly to the ground.

    And then¡ªthe air warped.

    A gust, as if drawn from a raging tempest, blasted outward. The targets surrounding them split, momentarily covered by dust as the elemental warrior spun in place, controlling the air around it with effortless elegance. Their movements were like a symphony of destruction, every element bending to their silent command.

    Further ahead, a woman moved like a phantom in the wind. She was clad in sleek, dark leather, reinforced with strips of silver along her arms and waist, yet there was no weight to her steps¡ªonly the whisper of motion. Her bow, carved from some unknown black wood, flexed effortlessly in her hands. The arrows she loosed were not mere projectiles¡ªthey were ghosts of steel, bending impossibly around stone obstacles, ricocheting off of each other at absurd angles to strike hidden targets with surgical precision. One arrow twisted mid-air, rebounding against a pillar before curving toward a target who had taken cover. Another seemed to split just before impact, striking two dummies at once.

    She did not stop. The moment the arrows left her bow, her hands were already reaching for the next.

    Kin exhaled, barely aware he had been holding his breath.

    ¡°These guys¡­ ¡­are incredible.¡± he didn''t take a moment to blink afraid he might miss something.

    The monk, eyes closed as if listening to something unseen, gives a slow nod. Kin, still absorbing the intensity of the training ground, doesn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°So where is Senen?¡±

    The monk¡¯s hand rises, his fingers extending toward the left. ¡°Over there. Training.¡±

    Kin and Sye follow the gesture, turning their heads in unison.

    There, standing apart from the others, is Senen¡ªhis back to them, a long, thin rectangular staff resting against his shoulder. His straw hat casts a shadow over his face, obscuring his expression, yet there is something about his stance ¡ªas if he is not standing still, but waiting.

    Kin narrows his eyes. ¡°What is he doing?¡±

    A brief silence lingers between them before the monk, his voice calm yet resolute, replies.

    ¡°¡­Just watch.¡±

    A single raindrop descends from the skies, drifting weightlessly toward Senen¡¯s nose. As it nears, time slows to a crawl. With an almost imperceptible movement, Senen tilts his head downward, allowing the droplet to miss him by a breath. His eyes slip shut. He listens¡ªnot to the sounds of the world, but to the rhythm of nature itself.

    Then, as if the heavens itself acknowledges him, the rain begins to fall in earnest.

    Time resumes.

    Countless droplets descend, each a glimmering shard of liquid silver. Yet, impossibly, not a single one touches him. Senen moves with an elegance that borders on the unnatural¡ªhis body weaving, pivoting, gliding through the storm like wind through an open window. The raindrops strike the stone floor, their impact echoing through the training ground, but none find purchase on his skin.

    Kin watches, his breath caught somewhere in his throat. His wide eyes reflect the fluid spectacle before him¡ªSenen dancing between each drop, never breaking rhythm.

    And then, the sky darkens further. The rain thickens. An inevitable truth sets in¡ªno human could possibly continue dodging now. A droplet descends, aimed unerringly for the rim of Senen¡¯s straw hat. It is inevitable. Yet, at the final moment, his hand flicks upward, and the hat sails through the air, landing neatly on a hook beneath the shelter of the porch.

    His arm extends outward. Raindrops rush toward his fingers¡ªcertain to touch¡ªyet, in one final defiance of fate, his fingers spread, allowing the water to pass through the spaces between them. His wooden staff rises¡ªa blur of motion¡ªbefore slamming downward. The air trembles from the force, momentarily carving out an empty space in the rain. In a single motion, Senen steps into that void¡ªa heartbeat of shelter before the storm reclaims its domain.

    And then¡ª

    He leaps.

    His body turns, his staff whipping through the air in a spiraling arc. A full-frontal flip melds seamlessly into the motion, his momentum redirecting as he strikes the air once more. Like a comet, he propels himself upward.

    His staff¡ªreleased mid-motion¡ªflies upward, twirling violently. Senen¡¯s fingers extend once more. He spins his staff between his fingertips like a wind-propelled turbine. With a final, fluid motion, the rotation slows just enough for him to land smoothly upon the porch¡ªuntouched, unmarked.

    Kin and Sye stare, their expressions frozen in sheer disbelief. Senen, now seemingly indifferent to the feat just performed, leans his staff against the wall and approaches them. Resting his hands behind his back as he approaches them. He looks to Kin and Sye.

    ¡°Welcome to the temple,¡± he says, voice calm. ¡°What do you need?¡±

    Kin¡¯s amazement lingers for a breath, but then hardens into something else¡ªconviction. He steps forward, the storm behind him forgotten, his expression sharp with intent.

    ¡°Train me.¡±

    Senen remains motionless. His stance doesn¡¯t shift, his breathing doesn¡¯t change, yet something is different. A stillness settles around him, his fingers press against the fabric of his sleeve. Something stirs. A recognition buried deep. His brow lowers, only slightly.

    ¡°Those eyes¡­¡± His mind carrying clarity. Not with shock. Not in disbelief. But certainty.

    His fingers tighten against his own wrist, his posture otherwise unchanged.

    ¡°...I know this boy.¡±

 Chapter 13 "Overflow"

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