Under the gentle morning sunlight filtering through towering treetops, a humble elf village emerged amidst the boundless expanse of the forest, where ancient trees stretched toward the azure sky like colossal pillars upholding the heavens. Nestled deep within the woods, the village blended seamlessly with the wild, harmonizing nature and civilization. Houses crafted from wood and stone, their roofs draped in lush green moss, merged with the surrounding foliage. Cobblestone paths wound gracefully, intertwining with the sprawling roots of ancient trees, creating a vibrant yet serene tableau. The air brimmed with the forest's breath, laced with melodious birdsong and the whisper of wind through leaves—a gentle liveliness, like the heartbeat of nature itself. Beside the Great Tree River—the lifeblood of this forest—the village was not only home to the elves but also a bustling hub for merchants and travelers from all races pausing on their journeys through this land.
In a cozy wooden house tucked beneath an ancient tree's shade, a young elf girl lived with her parents. Her golden hair shimmered like early sunrays piercing the canopy, and her emerald eyes sparkled like springwater, brimming with vitality. Each morning, as the sun rose, her father donned his coat and joined the villagers working at the forest's edge, leaving behind her bright laughter as she waved to her mother. Curious by nature, the girl loved exploring every corner of the village—from hidden nooks among ancient roots to the stone paths leading to the riverbank, where she'd sit listening to her friends' tales. She often sneaked into the small tavern by the village, eavesdropping on travelers from distant lands recounting adventures of monsters, treasures, and mystical realms. These stories fueled her innocent dream: to become the princess from her mother's fairy tales, awaiting a prince on a white steed to whisk her into the grand adventure she longed for.
…
"Lefiya… Lefiya!"
Stirring from her reverie, Lefiya opened her eyes. Before her was the simple interior of a tent, soft light seeping through fabric gaps, illuminating familiar belongings. Elfy stood there, her face etched with worry.
"Are you okay?"
"Don't worry, I'm fine," Lefiya smiled reassuringly. She sat up, stretching to shake off lingering lethargy. "Just… I had a nostalgic dream."
She tried to recall it, but the dream slipped away like morning mist, leaving only a warm feeling. Perhaps it was a glimpse of her past, of days long gone.
"I'm glad to hear that," Elfy sighed in relief. "You're assigned to clean the camp, tend to the wounded, and gather supplies today. But if you're not feeling well, just say so, and I'll—"
"I'm really fine," Lefiya interrupted, waving dismissively. She lifted her shirt, revealing a fully healed abdomen. "See? My wound's completely gone."
Thanks to Riveria's care, the injury was no longer a threat. Still, Lefiya felt guilty knowing her injury had delayed the expedition by a day.
Worse yet, she thought, her magic broom had been confiscated for reasons she couldn't fathom. Riveria had given her a stern look, dismissing any protests. Lefiya didn't dare argue, but secretly mourned its loss. Without it, she felt like a bird with clipped wings.
Elfy changed the subject, her tone playful: "By the way, it's Aiz and the others' morning bath today. Not joining them?"
Lefiya blushed, shaking her head. "I… passed on it. Though I'm a bit regretful…"
She truly regretted missing such a rare chance. Bathing with Aiz was a dream for anyone—a jackpot no one could refuse, except perhaps some eccentric Mad Wizard.
"Besides, I need to make up for the trouble I caused," she added, her voice tinged with sadness. Her injury had slowed the group, leading to an encounter with poisonous worms that injured many adventurers. She couldn't help feeling responsible.
They prepared and stepped out of the tent. The scene outside weighed heavily on Lefiya. Injured adventurers and blacksmiths lay scattered on the grass beneath trees or in open tents, their sweat-soaked bodies marked with purplish wounds. Men, women, humans, and demi-humans groaned in pain, their anguish blending into a grim atmosphere. Lefiya and Elfy stood in silence, taking in the bleak sight.
Worse still, some had perished. Most low-ranking members, including supporters, hadn't survived the worms' venom. Though not close to them, the loss pierced Lefiya's heart like thorns.
"I just want to help a little," Lefiya said, tidying the area. Unable to use healing magic, she washed cloths to wipe patients' foreheads. She knew such losses were part of an adventurer's harsh life, a reality she'd witnessed before.
With Elfy, she gathered and organized the belongings of the fallen, packing them for return to the surface—a small act of respect.
"Don't push yourself too hard," Elfy said, concern in her voice. "If you're tired, just let me know."
"Is that why you stayed here with me instead of joining the others?" Lefiya teased.
"Huh? What're you talking about?" Elfy stammered, cheeks flushing.
Lefiya hugged her friend tightly. "You're the best, Elfy."
…
That morning, as sunlight lingered on the treetops, her village friends gathered at her door, urging her to play. Without hesitation, she skipped along the mossy stone path to a clearing near the forest's edge. Children's laughter echoed, mingling with the rustling leaves, composing a carefree symphony of childhood. During their fun, they chose hide-and-seek—her favorite game. When it was her turn to hide, her green eyes flickered toward the deep forest beyond the village. She knew the adults' fireside tales: the deep woods were dangerous, hiding mystical shadows and ancient monsters. Yet curiosity overpowered her. Using the game as an excuse, she ventured just far enough for the sparse canopy to conceal her, while keeping the village in sight.
She slipped into a hollow of a large tree, holding her breath, eyes gleaming with excitement and a hint of nerves. The rustling leaves whispered like the forest's secrets, and she waited, listening for her friends' footsteps.
But time passed, and the silence grew eerie. No laughter, no calls—only the leaves' murmur, stirring unease in her heart. Peeking out, her green eyes scanned the surroundings, and a chill ran down her spine.
"Where am I?"
The forest was no longer familiar. She was lost.
A thick, gray mist choked the air, obscuring the familiar meadow. Panicked, she ran toward the village, her small feet pounding the damp earth, but the scenery grew stranger. The path home vanished, replaced by twisted trees like ghostly figures, their gnarled branches reaching for her. The wind turned sinister, carrying howls and chilling shrieks from all directions, as if the forest had awakened to hunt her.
Her foot caught on a protruding root, and she fell hard.
"Ouch…"
Her body hit the ground, grass brushing her nose. Slowly, she stood, pain shooting through her. Looking down, she saw her scraped, bleeding knee. Exhausted and aching, despair crept in.
Tears streamed down her rosy cheeks. "Papa! Mama!" she cried, her voice lost in the gloom, answered only by her echo. Fear gripped her small heart, her sobs blending with the forest's eerie sounds. Then, a new sound emerged—steady, deliberate: footsteps and the soft tap of a cane on the ground. Startled, she ducked into nearby bushes, stifling her cries as her parents had taught her in danger. But her trembling body betrayed her, soft whimpers escaping her lips.
…
Whoosh… whoosh… The wind whispered through the sparse forest. Accelerator stepped into the mist-shrouded woods, silence unbroken by any sound.
The trees around him no longer resembled life. Twisted and warped, they seemed molded by a cruel, frenzied hand. His steady steps cut through the fog, unfaltering.
This forest lay near the Chaotic Rift—or rather, near his laboratory. He was here to check the forest's barrier. The rift had grown more active, capable of ensnaring innocents if unchecked, which brought him here now.
Crunch… crunch…
"Hm." He scanned the misty surroundings. "This must be it." Normal senses failed here; only his vector sense guided him. Following it, he approached an ancient tree where his target seemed to lie.
…
The steady footsteps halted before the girl, resonating in the thick fog. A tall figure loomed through the mist, pausing before approaching. Her heart pounded, breath catching in fear. Her mind conjured a monstrous beast with sharp fangs and fiery eyes, ready to devour her—a nightmare from village tales. But no, it wasn't a monster. She squinted, waiting, then wondered: could this be the white-steed prince from her mother's stories, come to save her? As her eyes adjusted, the figure was neither.
They were lean and tall, with ███ hair and ██ eyes, their face strangely colorless, ethereal. Their beauty transcended gender—graceful, captivating. They wore a black frock coat with red accents, its hem fluttering in the forest breeze, paired with a fitted black shirt and slim black pants. Gray gloves hugged their hands, and their right hand held a simple black cane, its tip lightly touching the ground. Their silent presence in the misty forest felt enigmatic.
Their voice, warm as a melody cutting through the oppressive silence, broke the stillness:
"Lost, kid?"
The girl blinked, her teary green eyes meeting theirs, nodding faintly, tears glistening on her lashes under the dim light filtering through the trees.
"Do you know where your home is?" She bit her lip, steadying herself, and in a trembling voice described her village—the lush forest, wooden houses blending with trees, the great river, and the village name she spoke with pride. They listened, their red eyes narrowing as if searching for a matching memory. Then, in a cold, almost indifferent tone, they replied:
"Well, I don't know where that is."
The words struck her like a blade. Her eyes widened, lips quivering, tears threatening to spill again. But then, they laughed—a small, easy laugh echoing in the silent forest, dispelling the heavy air. She froze as they stepped closer, extending a gray-gloved hand.
"I may not know your home," they said, their voice softening with a hint of teasing, "but first, we need to get out of here. Will you come with me?"
She hesitated, staring at the hand. But the safety in their voice drew her in. She nodded, grasping their hand with her small one. Their gloved hand was cold, yet it offered an odd sense of security, like an anchor in a storm. She clung tightly, following their long strides, her small steps struggling to keep up. They walked in silence, her soft sniffles blending with the rustling leaves beneath their feet.
…
One Day Later
Boom! Bang!
The sharp crack of gunfire echoed deep underground, slicing through the stillness.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
A rapid succession of shots rang out, each bullet streaking toward a target 100 meters away. Except for the first two, slightly off, every round pierced the bullseye with flawless precision.
Click! Accelerator flicked open the revolver's cylinder, letting spent casings clatter to the ground, faint smoke curling from the barrel. In a flash, he reloaded with fresh rounds, snapping the cylinder shut with a deft flick. Spinning the revolver on his finger, he gripped it one-handed, aiming at high-speed moving targets.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The shots echoed again, and every target fell, not one spared. Four seconds—that's all it took for the entire sequence.
Whew. Accelerator exhaled, lowering the gun and placing it on the table. Even without using his special ability to manipulate vectors, his innate precision made every movement fluid and exact.
"Nehehe… I don't get why Master bothers with this," a playful voice chimed in. "Normal bullets can't hurt Level 5 adventurers, right? At best, they're just a minor annoyance." True, standard rounds might be harmless, but the Adamantium-tipped bullets Accelerator used were another story. While not enough to fell top-tier adventurers, they could still make them wince.
Accelerator didn't respond, silently cleaning his gun. The revolver, black with red accents, was modeled after a Smith & Wesson Model 500, with an 8.38-inch barrel and 12.7mm caliber, customized to suit him. He removed empty casings, replacing them with silver bullets etched with elegant patterns, then holstered the gun at his hip. The familiar weight was comforting. He preferred keeping it on him rather than storing it in his magic ring—near the Chaotic Rift, magical items were often the first to fail.
Glancing at his pocket watch, he noted the time. Without a word, he stepped past the floating demon and left the training room for the adjacent one.
Today wasn't special—just a minor task he'd accepted. But if he took a job, he'd do it right. That was his style. Plus, he wanted to avoid the nagging from Qliphah, Chloe, and Misha. (Who'd wear a t-shirt and shorts to explore a Dungeon, right?)
He chose his old outfit, bought when he first arrived in this world. A long black coat with red accents, its hem slightly frayed, made of thick fabric that hugged his lean frame. Rough stitching bore the marks of time and travel. Black pants, snug and durable, paired with a wide, worn leather belt holding pouches.
He adjusted his holster, grabbing two spare ammo boxes, a few homemade healing potions, and some magic grenades, stashing them in his belt. Checking his magic ring, he summoned Ban to confirm everything was in order. Finally, he picked up a small, dimly glowing lantern, inspecting its magical circuits before storing it in the ring. Carefully, he tucked an old music player into his coat's inner right pocket. Ready, he stepped outside to face Qliphah and Wander.
"Wow, hehehe, Master looks so cool!" Qliphah cheered.
Accelerator ignored her, moving on. Qliphah transformed into a cat and leaped onto his shoulder.
…
At the Guild, the air buzzed with activity. The forest incident had been resolved, albeit messily. Today, Accelerator was here for another task. Misha had asked him to guide a group of young adventurers for a friend who complained a lot. He'd nearly declined, but recalling Misha's help in his early days—before odd rumors about him spread—he agreed.
Crossing the Guild hall, whispers followed. "Mad Wizard," "mysterious mage"—murmurs about him. He paid them no mind, striding forward.
"Nehehe, Master's famous!" Qliphah, perched as a cat on his shoulder, giggled. "Looks like that skeleton in the black cloak's been spreading rumors, huh?"
She'd recovered after a day of sleeping and pestering him. He told himself not to indulge her again, but as her soft cat head nuzzled his cheek, he figured spoiling her occasionally was fine. He'd been too harsh lately.
"Tch," Accelerator muttered. "This was bound to happen. Doesn't matter."
Something else caught his attention. He and Qliphah glanced aside.
"Well, damn, you're famous, Accelerator!" Wander laughed loudly, darting around the Guild, greeting everyone cheerfully. Naturally, no one noticed him—perhaps they didn't even register his existence.
Still, it was better than yesterday. When Wander overheard Accelerator's Dungeon plans, he'd rambled endlessly, insisting on tagging along, even blocking his path to keep talking. Annoying.
In the end, Accelerator let him do whatever. Keeping Wander close was safer—who knew what trouble he'd cause if left unchecked?
Ignoring Wander's chaos, Accelerator approached the reception desk. Misha was busy with another adventurer.
"Here's your payment. Good luck!" she said, then turned to him, eyes brightening. "Oh, Accelerator! Glad you're here." She glanced at his outfit. "That's… quite a stylish look…" Her tone was unclear—didn't she think it was fine? Accelerator felt Qliphah's giggle on his shoulder.
'It suits Master perfectly… at least Wander and I think so… Though it's a bit outdated for your income… Nehehe.' Apparently, fashion varied across worlds—or at least didn't match the pink-haired girl's taste.
"Anyway…" Misha glanced around, noting curious stares and whispers about him.
"Don't bother," he cut in, voice even. "This was inevitable." He scanned the crowd. "Besides, I'm not that famous." In truth, only a few discussed him; most were buzzing about some "Little Rookie" who'd broken a record.
Misha sighed, visibly relieved. "Good." Her expression piqued his curiosity. Am I that scary? In this world, no one knew his past, and he'd never shown his dangerous side. Those who had seen it… weren't around anymore.
Dismissing the thought, he asked, "Where's the group I'm meeting, kid?"
"Don't call me kid…" Misha pouted like an angry hamster. "Hold on. Eina, the one I mentioned, is here." She darted off, returning with an elf—no, a half-elf. A slender girl with pointed ears, shoulder-length brown hair, and emerald eyes. Seeing him, her eyes widened briefly in surprise, then softened into a gentle smile.
"You must be the adventurer Misha mentioned. I'm Eina Tulle, pleased to meet you."
"Accelerator," he nodded, cutting to the chase. "Where's the group?"
"Straight to the point, huh? They're over here. Would you follow me?" He bid Misha goodbye and trailed the half-elf.
…
Eina led him to a familiar soundproof room in the Guild. The door opened, revealing three faces. The white-haired kid—Bell—whom he'd met at the tavern. A red-haired guy, Welf, brimming with energy. And the prum girl, Lili, who'd once traveled with him. When their eyes met, Lili flinched, as if seeing a ghost.
Accelerator frowned. Was he really that scary? It didn't bother him, but this could complicate things.
"Yo, Bell, since when do you have a twin?" Welf whispered, teasing.
"Cut it out, Welf, I don't have any siblings!" Bell waved him off, then turned to Accelerator with a friendly smile. "This is Accelerator. He helped me out before."
He nodded slightly, glancing at Eina, who stood formally.
"Ahem," Eina cleared her throat, drawing attention. "Bell, you remember the conditions for heading to the middle floors, right?"
Bell nodded, serious. "Yes, I do."
"Then here's the condition," Eina pointed at Accelerator. "He's going with you."
The trio blinked, confused. "What do you mean?" Bell asked, puzzled.
"Accelerator will escort you to the middle floors," Eina explained calmly. "But he'll only step in if absolutely necessary."
"So… he's a bodyguard?" Welf raised an eyebrow, sizing Accelerator up.
"Welf, don't say that!" Bell turned to Accelerator, scratching his head awkwardly. "Sorry, he didn't mean anything by it…"
Accelerator shrugged. "No big deal." He didn't care much.
Eina continued, "Though he doesn't look it, Accelerator is an exceptional mage for his age. He's reached Floor 21 solo."
"What?!" Welf and Bell exclaimed, eyes wide.
"That's right," Eina nodded. "He's impressive… and dangerous. Bell, as the leader, do you agree to have Accelerator as your escort?"
Bell glanced at his teammates, seeking their input. Then he noticed Lili, huddled and staring at Accelerator with unease. "Lili, what's wrong?"
"N-nothing!" Lili stammered, but her eyes stayed fixed on him, hiding something.
Accelerator frowned. Annoying. In his mind, he muttered to Qliphah: What'd you do to her, huh?
Nehehe! I swear I didn't do anything, Master! Qliphah giggled. She's probably just misunderstanding something!
"Tch," he sighed, looking at Lili. "Kid, whatever's in your head, keep it there. I don't care. But if you keep acting like this, the mission's gonna get messy."
Lili startled, eyes widening. "Uh… um… Thanks. I'll… make it up to you later!"
"No need," he waved her off. "I'm not broke." His words stunned her again. He could guess the amount she'd stolen from him before—a hefty sum for a supporter like her. "But if you insist on paying, just half is fine, bit by bit. I was gonna split it with you anyway." Giving something for free wasn't always good; debt could weigh heavy.
"Yes, thank you so much," Lili bowed to him.
He turned to Bell and Welf, who were watching curiously. "You guys discuss. I'll wait outside." Without waiting, he walked out, gesturing for Eina to follow. The half-elf hurried after him, clearly caught off guard by his pace.
"Um… is this okay?" Eina asked, a bit worried.
"Not my problem," he replied curtly, stepping into the Guild hall.
---
In the hall, Misha was helping another adventurer. Accelerator scanned the room, spotting Wander "accidentally" swiping items from a female adventurer's bag. He sighed. "Wander, get over here. We're moving."
The half-elf glanced around, curious who he was calling, but saw nothing.
"Huh, done already? Where's the group we're meeting?" Wander quickly dropped the items, startling the female adventurer as her pouch and belongings fell in front of another male adventurer behind her.
The woman shrieked, "Pervert!" A loud slap echoed, and the hall erupted in chaos.
Accelerator shot Wander a cold glance, the culprit of the commotion. He nodded toward Bell's group, now emerging from the room.
"That's who we're watching."
"Ooh, they look interesting!" Wander grinned. "Especially the white-haired kid. Like a little rabbit."
Words floated in the air, then vanished: [You know them?]
"Nope, just a hunch," Wander shrugged.
Nehehe, Wander's right, Master, Qliphah chimed in. That kid's the Little Rookie! His growth… it's like he's this world's protagonist. She spoke from bits of info she'd gathered.
Is that so, Accelerator replied mentally. Read less manga, Qliphah.
Ugh, how'd you know!
Bell and his team approached, the boy beaming. "We're okay with you joining us!"
"Great," Eina smiled. "Stay safe in the Dungeon."
…
Accelerator quietly watched Wander, who was scampering around, curiously inspecting the monsters Bell's group had just defeated. He picked up some dropped magic stones, eyes gleaming. "Wow, these monsters pack some serious energy. Their bodies are like dust, held together by a fragile bond."
Accelerator raised an eyebrow. "If you want, you can explore on your own anytime."
Whoosh! A bat-like monster dove from the Dungeon ceiling, aiming for Accelerator. Before it could touch him, a sharp gust tore it to pieces, scattering across the ground. "These things never notice me."
Wander shrugged, disappointed. "That's no fun. Nothing exciting. Even if I stop using my power, no one bothers with me."
Accelerator sighed, too lazy to respond. Everyone craved recognition, especially Wander, who carried the weight of endings. He glanced at Bell's group. The three worked seamlessly, taking down a pack of Hellhounds cleanly. Lili supported from the rear while Bell and Welf charged ahead. They were fine, so he didn't need to step in.
"Nice!" Bell cheered as the last Hellhound fell, his smile radiant. "Great job, everyone!"
Welf wiped sweat, glancing at Accelerator, who leaned against the Dungeon wall, looking bored. "The middle floors aren't so bad. But, Bell, your 'twin' hasn't said a word since we got here. Think he's mute?"
"Come on, Welf!" Bell scratched his head, embarrassed. "Maybe he's just… shy?"
Lili, holding a magical item, cut in: "We should find an open area to get our bearings. If we get stuck here, monsters could surround us—"
Her words were cut off by a piercing scream. The group turned toward the sound. A large hole had opened in the ground, dust and smoke billowing.
"What's that?" Welf frowned.
Another screech rang out. From the hole, a white rabbit standing on two legs charged, followed by two more. The Al-mi'raj, wielding small axes, roared as they rushed the group.
"Al-mi'raj!" Bell shouted, drawing his knife.
"They're fast!" Lili called, stepping back to support.
Welf smirked, slicing the nearest rabbit in half. "Bell! What'll poor Accelerator think, seeing you 'slaughter your kin' like this?"
"Enough! I'm not related to them!" Bell flushed, slashing while protesting.
More holes opened around them. A massive Al-mi'raj, twice the size of the others, leaped out, roaring menacingly. Lili glanced at their escort, but he seemed utterly unconcerned. That meant they'd have to handle this themselves.
…
Bell panted, his dagger coated in monster dust. The massive Al-mi'raj lay motionless at his feet. "Done… finally."
Welf leaned on his knees, exhausted. "Didn't expect your 'family' to be this ferocious, Bell."
"They're cute, though," Lili muttered, eyes sparkling. "Who'd think they'd actually attack…"
Accelerator approached slowly, scanning the pile of dissolving monster corpses. Welf smirked. "Oh, look who decided to show up."
Accelerator shrugged. "I'm just here to make sure you don't die."
"Whoa, he speaks!" Welf feigned shock, his tone teasing.
Lili stifled a laugh but still eyed Accelerator warily. "Stop it, Welf. We weren't in any real danger for him to step in."
Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from a distance. The group turned. A party of adventurers in Eastern-style clothing rushed past, as if fleeing something. Their leader, a man, supported an injured woman. They said nothing, their faces tense as they sped by.
"What's going on…" Bell murmured, eyes worried.
"This isn't good," Lili whispered, clutching her bag tightly. "Something bad's happening…"
"Right," Accelerator said from behind. "Looks like that group used you as bait." More monsters appeared at the room's far end—nearly twice as many Al-mi'raj as before, plus a few Hellhounds charging toward them. Bell and Welf's faces paled. Welf turned to their escort.
"Hey, Accelerator, can you help us out here?" Welf called, slicing an Al-mi'raj down with his sword.
Accelerator surveyed the scene. Monsters closed in from multiple directions—a tough spot for the young adventurers. He felt their desperate, pleading gazes, but only gave a slight smirk. His voice was cold as steel in a rainy night:
"No."
One word. Heavy as a deathblow.
"What the hell…?" Welf gritted his teeth, eyes blazing with anger. "Are you serious?!"
"This isn't a situation where I have to step in," Accelerator said, devoid of emotion. "If you can't survive this, you'll just die to something stronger later."
He turned, walking away slowly. His voice echoed like a judgment: "Relax. While I'm here, no one dies. But don't expect me to hold your hands out of this hell."
As he spoke, Accelerator faded into the air—no movement, no magic, no light. The space around him warped, rippling like water. He'd simply manipulated vectors to bend light and sound, a trick he hadn't used in a while. Welf cursed, nearly slamming his sword into the ground, but Lili grabbed his arm, her eyes hardening:
"No time. Run to the right—there's a narrow passage that way!"
The group moved, but Bell didn't.
He stood still, staring into the dark corridor where roaring monsters approached.
"I'll stay. Buy time for you guys."
No one could react. A purple glow erupted as Bell raised his hand. Three Firebolts shot out, crashing into the tunnel walls and igniting. Flames spread into three blazing pillars, turning the corridor into a sea of fire. The explosion shook the stone walls, smoke and heat surging like hell itself had opened.
Bell gasped, sweat dripping down his forehead. The fire's glow danced in his eyes.
Something stepped through the flames.
"No way…"
Four shadows. Horns, claws, blood-red teeth. Hellhounds. Unscathed. Unburned. Unstoppable.
They emerged as if the fire were mere mist. Five muscular beasts with glowing red eyes charged like living arrows. Bell yelled, slashing one down, then rolled to dodge another's lunge. Lili and Welf rejoined, taking down another with a crossbow and a broadsword.
But two hid in a blind spot, then leaped at the rabbit-like boy.
Bell ducked, killing the fourth, but the last one lunged, its fangs inches from his neck.
"Bell!!" "Master!"
No bite came. The monster froze mid-air, then shattered into pieces as if sliced by invisible blades. Blood and flesh fell in a heavy thud, no chance to splatter. The adventurers froze, except Lili, who knew the power of their unseen protector.
No one needed to speak. They all understood. No movement. No figure. Yet death struck—brutal, precise, silent. The chilling realization of something killing without being seen.
Something stronger than the monsters.
Welf swore under his breath. "Damn that mad mage." But there was no time to rest. Lili quickly rallied the group.
"Everyone okay?!"
"Y-yeah…"
"Damn it… somehow."
But the sight behind halted all thoughts.
"M-more!" Bell saw shadows approaching from the tunnel ahead.
At the same time, Lili spotted more dark figures emerging behind him. She whispered hoarsely, voice thick with worry: "A pincer attack…"
The three adventurers formed a triangle, backs together, ready to fight. Bell grimaced, glancing at the scattered Hellhound remains, then at the next wave of enemies.
"Why are monsters spawning so fast on the middle floors? I need a breather…"
"Because it's the middle floors, right?"
"Ha… haha…"
Lili quickly pulled recovery potions from her bag, passing them out. The boys forced smiles, trying to lighten the grim mood. The potions restored stamina, but couldn't ease the mental exhaustion weighing them down. Focus grew harder.
"Lord Bell, Lord Welf, Lili suggests we retreat. We need rest and to regroup. Otherwise, these monsters will never stop."
"Sounds good… but how do we handle this mess?"
"Focus on breaking through one side?" Bell suggested.
"Yes, Lili thinks that's our best shot."
As they spoke, Bell and Lili glanced at the empty space behind. Though they saw and felt nothing, they were certain their guide was still watching from the shadows.
Steeling themselves, they prepared to break through the monster horde, trusting someone was guarding them from the dark.
Accelerator shook his head slightly. It seemed Bell and Lili were betting their lives on his contract not to let them die. He stayed at the rear, eyes narrowing, then turned elsewhere.
Wander was poking at the Dungeon wall.
"Hey, what're you doing?" Accelerator frowned.
"Just curious," Wander shrugged, smiling. "Wanted to see if this 'living' place has nerves…"
He pulled a black stone from the wall, glossy and veined like a central core.
Crack!
The wall looked solid, but a piercing sound echoed. The Dungeon Mother had stopped tolerating.
Crack… crack…
Sounds like breaking bones reverberated. Then a scream—not human, not monster, but the Dungeon's soul wailing in pain.
Cracks spread across the ceiling like a spiderweb, crawling along the corridors in both directions. Too fast, too wide—the trio could only watch.
Boom!
Another crack. The fissures grew so dense it was impossible to distinguish real sounds from echoes. A massive boulder fell, the tunnel groaning as if collapsing under its own weight.
Then, the tremors and cracking stopped—no more spreading fissures or earthquakes.
"Oh." Wander looked around, then gave me a thumbs-up. "Everything's fine!"
Then—like a sandcastle struck by a child—the entire floor collapsed.
Sweeping up Wander, Accelerator, Qliphah, and the adventurers he was guarding, they all plummeted into the gaping abyss below.
Accelerator muttered through gritted teeth: "Damn… this is gonna be a hassle…"
…
"La... la... la..." A cheerful hum floated from the golden-haired elf, her voice as bright as the sunlight filtering through the leaves. Lefiya balanced on her tiptoes, delicately plucking ripe fruits from the high branches. The reason for her bubbling joy was simple yet exhilarating: she was out here, side by side with Aiz, gathering food and supplies on this floor.
The camp's reserves had dwindled to nearly nothing, and the situation was made worse by the roughneck adventurers in Rivira, who jacked up prices to obscene levels. With low-ranking adventurers teetering on the edge of life and death, their desperate need for medicine left them no choice but to grit their teeth and buy every antidote potion available, even at cutthroat rates.
The only silver lining was that the injuries were slowly being managed, and the adventurers' faces were starting to regain some color. Lefiya had stepped back from caregiving, leaving it to those more skilled, like Leene.
'Maybe I should study herbology after this expedition,' she mused quietly. Being a healer or alchemist would be invaluable for both combat and recovery. Explosive potions and healing elixirs had already proven their worth.
Snapping back to her task, Lefiya resumed picking fruits and foraging, while Aiz kept a silent, vigilant watch for any lurking dangers.
Out of nowhere, a lone bugbear lunged from the shadows, its menacing growl echoing through the air. But in the blink of an eye, Aiz ended it with a single, flawless swing of her Durandal blade, 'Desperate'. The silver sword gleamed, sharp as the day it was forged, untouched by the grueling trials of their long expedition. Not a scratch, not a hint of wear—it was as perfect as the swordswoman who wielded it.
As the beast crumbled to ash under Aiz's blade, Lefiya let her fingers glide through the fruit-laden branches in the magical garden of Floor 18. Her touch brushed against a cluster of Honey Clouds—soft, cotton-like fruits that shimmered as if dipped in honey. Their sweet, tantalizing aroma made her swallow hard, but with a resolute shake of her head, she carefully tucked them into her bag.
The trees here, much like the self-regenerating maze walls of the Dungeon, always bore fresh fruit after a time. Beyond Honey Clouds, Lefiya gathered strange gourds and a variety of other fruits. The area felt like an endless orchard, and she made a mental note to return, her eyes sparkling at the sight of the abundant harvest.
Aiz, ever watchful, stayed close to protect her elven companion. But when no further threats emerged, she joined in, carefully picking fruits and stowing them in her own bag. They worked in silence, the only sounds the rustle of leaves and the gentle glow of light filtering through the canopy.
Suddenly, Aiz froze, her gaze locked on the grass below. "A crystal drop," she said, her soft voice tinged with quiet surprise.
"Oh my gosh! That's so rare, Miss Aiz! Amazing!" Lefiya nearly squealed, her eyes blazing with excitement.
Among the tiny glinting crystals scattered in the grass, a pale green teardrop-shaped gem stood out, carved as if from precious jade. Crystal drops—or "rare fruits," as they were sometimes called—were treasures even on Floor 18. With a burst of enthusiasm, Lefiya explained, "These cost a fortune up on the surface! They're called 'Nobleman's Candy.' I only tried one once, but it's so crisp, with such a refined flavor… it's just too delicious!"
The crystal wasn't just food—it was a symbol of extravagance, coveted by the elite. A small jar could fetch over ten thousand dollars. Finding just two was enough to set Lefiya's heart racing as they gleamed in Aiz's palm.
Then, out of the blue, Aiz turned to her, a faint, secretive smile playing on her lips. Without hesitation, she placed the two crystals in Lefiya's hand. "Miss Aiz, what are you doing?!" Lefiya gasped, her voice trembling with shock.
"I'm giving them to you," Aiz replied, her tone calm but carrying a warmth that felt like a soft breeze.
"But you found them! And they're so valuable!" Lefiya stammered, her left hand clutching her staff tightly while her right cradled the crystals as if they might vanish.
Aiz's smile grew, softer than ever. "It's a thank you."
"Thank you?" Lefiya blinked, utterly bewildered.
Aiz nodded, her golden eyes shimmering with sincerity. "For saving me… no, for saving all of us on Floor 59."
Lefiya's blue eyes widened as memories of the battle with the corrupted spirit came rushing back. Had she really done anything special? In the heat of the moment, she'd charged forward recklessly, like some foolhardy novice. Sure, she'd used an alchemical potion, but then she'd blacked out, remembering nothing. It was Aiz and the others who'd defeated the beast. If anything, her impulsiveness had put the team at risk, slowing down the entire expedition.
"But I… I…" Lefiya tried to protest, but her words caught in her throat.
Aiz gently took her hand. "I haven't had the chance to thank you properly. So, thank you, Lefiya. Thank you for saving me."
A flush crept across Aiz's cheeks, her smile as gentle as the first light of dawn. Gazing into the swordswoman's radiant golden eyes, hearing the pure gratitude in her words, Lefiya felt her own eyes sting. She hurriedly wiped her face with her sleeve, trying to hide the flush spreading across her cheeks.
"You… you can't just say things like that, Miss Aiz!" Lefiya practically yelped, her voice quivering. "I'm the one who should be grateful! You and everyone else have saved me so many times. This was just… my chance to pay you back!"
"No, it's enough," Aiz said, her voice steady but kind. "I told you before, didn't I? We'll protect you, as many times as it takes. And you'll use your magic to save us."
Those words, spoken days ago, felt like a sacred vow. Now, ringing in her mind, they made time seem to stand still. A small but radiant smile bloomed on Lefiya's lips. Still flustered, she glanced down at the crystals in her hand—medals of her courage, proof of the moment she'd protected Aiz.
"Thank you," Lefiya whispered, carefully tucking the crystals into a pocket near her heart, nestled within her battle gear.
Aiz wasn't finished. "Tiona and Tione said you were incredible, too. If you hadn't been there, who knows what might've happened."
Aiz's praise washed over her like warm breezes, filling her heart with a treasure far greater than any crystal—the trust and gratitude of the person she admired most.
"Finn was happy, too," Aiz added, her eyes twinkling. "That you've grown so strong."
Lefiya froze, her blue eyes wide. Praise from Aiz, her idol for so long, felt like warm winds stirring her heart. But it was almost too much! Her face burned crimson, the heat creeping to the tips of her pointed ears. Unable to hold back, she ducked her head, gripping her staff tightly as if it were the only thing keeping her from collapsing under the weight of her embarrassment.
The sight only made Aiz's smile brighter. The swordswoman gazed at the little elf before her, silently marveling at how truly remarkable Lefiya was. Something sparkled in her eyes, as if she saw a profound transformation—not just in the powerful magic Lefiya had unleashed in battle, but in the clear growth she'd shown from one expedition to the next.
"It's all thanks to Miss Filvis!" Lefiya blurted, then faltered. "Oh, and of course, you and Lady Riveria's guidance… I, um…"
Her cheeks flushed as she stumbled, trying to shift the praise to someone else.
"The Mad Wizard, too, right?" Aiz asked, her voice soft but laced with curiosity.
"Y-Yes…" Lefiya mumbled, her already red cheeks burning hotter. Mentioning her mysterious teacher always made her worry Aiz might disapprove. The little elf didn't want to cause a rift between them, especially since they'd never even met. But this time, Aiz showed no trace of displeasure. Instead, she smiled, her golden eyes gleaming with sincerity.
"You're so lucky, Lefiya," Aiz said gently. "Finding a teacher like that… not everyone can. That Mad Wizard must be incredible, right?"
Lefiya paused, unsure if a teacher who'd dropped her into an abyss could be called incredible. But thinking of all he'd done for her, she knew her answer.
"Yes!"
Aiz knew a mysterious teacher stood behind Lefiya's growth. She wondered what had driven the elf to become so strong. And who was this Mad Wizard?
"I'd love to meet that teacher someday," Aiz said, her voice tinged with curiosity. "They must be as amazing as you say."
Lefiya looked up, her eyes sparkling but touched with worry. "Well, they're kind of ordinary, and meeting them might be tough… They don't like showing themselves much. But… I'll try talking to them!" She smiled, though uncertain if the Mad Wizard would agree. Her gaze drifted upward, as if searching for something far away. 'What's Mad Wizard up to now?'
…
The Dungeon lay silent. No monsters stirred, only the musty scent, damp air, and ash-gray stones shaping the oppressive atmosphere.
The tunnel was shrouded in darkness. The only light came from above, faint specks on the ceiling flickering like distant campfires. The crunch of heavy footsteps on gravel echoed through the gloom.
Bell and his party moved cautiously through the tunnel, his face faintly illuminated by the overhead glow. By some stroke of luck, they'd escaped serious injury despite plummeting deep when multiple floors collapsed at once.
"Lilly, what supplies do we have left?"
"Four potions and two antidotes; none are high-grade."
Lilly's answer hit Bell hard, underscoring the danger they faced. Escaping the middle floors would be grueling. He tried to calculate how far they could go with their current supplies.
Every adventurer knew weapons could break, and recovery items were vital on the middle floors. Worse, they were all exhausted after everything they'd endured.
The gravel crunched loudly under their feet.
With each step, Bell wondered if it betrayed their position to nearby monsters.
They'd fallen to this floor. Naturally, the creatures here would be stronger than those on Floor 13. More trapdoors lined the tunnel's sides. Staying in the center, every echo felt like the first warning of an approaching beast. Bell could no longer distinguish sounds, his mind stretched taut. Only now did he realize how dry his throat was.
Their path curved upward toward a junction. First a left turn, then a right.
Plop-plop. All three adventurers snapped their heads toward the sound. Just a few pebbles falling from the ceiling. It took every ounce of willpower to slow their racing hearts.
Their own breathing rang in their ears. They were exhausted, but that wasn't the only reason for their shallow, gasping breaths.
It was fear, plain and simple.
Fear of the darkness, of what the Dungeon had in store.
Their supposed escort was long gone, and now wasn't the time to dwell on it. Lilly had urged them to keep moving without worrying about him. Their goal was Floor 18—a safe zone—per his decision. Now, Bell had to lead his team to survival.
…
Not a bad spell, Accelerator thought, watching Welf unleash an explosion on the Hellhounds. A counter-magic spell, impressive for this era. If magic were a complex circuit, that spell was like dust jamming the system, short-circuiting it. In this world's rudimentary and unstable magic, it was a dangerous move, but against modern, refined magic, it'd be useless.
Still, no harm in noting it for later, he mused. The spell's potential could be decent with development. He and Qliphah, invisible, trailed the young adventurers. Wander had vanished completely. Accelerator hadn't found him since the fall, but he wasn't concerned—Wander could handle himself. Now, he could focus on his task: observing and evaluating this party.
Young and green, yet they made a bold, quick decision. Choosing to head to Floor 18 instead of climbing up wasn't easy. One wrong move, and the whole party could die.
'Using a special stench to repel monsters—homemade, probably shouldn't include that in the report.' Watching and assessing, he'd submit his evaluation to their overseer after this expedition.
Swift and decisive, the "little rabbit" led his novice party forward, cutting through any monster in their path. His two companions stood in awe, overwhelmed by the pace and intensity of a journey unlike anything they'd faced on these deeper floors.
And then—the culmination of their trek, or perhaps the start of a nightmare—loomed before the young adventurers.
The sprawling tunnels seemed to converge at a single point. Before Bell stood a massive gray stone wall, opening into an enormous chamber.
It was a vast space with a soaring ceiling. An arched gate led to a rectangular room, at least 200 meters long and 100 meters wide, with a ceiling over 20 meters high. The walls and floor were made of smooth stone slabs, stacked with an almost unnatural precision.
Before them rose the Big Wall of Grief.
…
I swallowed hard, tearing my eyes from the wall. I had to find a way through. No monsters were here. The wall loomed to my left as I ventured deeper into the chamber, trying to calm my racing heart. I glanced at Welf and Lilly, gripping their hands. Their eyes were wide with fear, their bodies trembling.
"We can still do this," I thought. "We can get through without trouble."
I could see the exit—a small cave opening at the far end. If I could reach it, I told myself, forcing a smile—my mind locked on that sole goal as I steered us toward it.
Crack! I heard it. My head whipped left. It was right in front of me. My eyes widened in shock. A massive crack ran down the wall, top to bottom, like a giant bolt of lightning.
My mind went blank, but my legs reacted faster. Gripping Welf and Lilly tighter, I lifted my heavy feet as fast as I could. I wasn't even halfway. The exit was still far, too far. I was moving as fast as possible, but it felt like I wasn't getting anywhere. What was happening?!
Crack! Crack! More fissures spread across the Dungeon wall, their piercing echoes filling the chamber. Each snap was a blow to my senses, flooding me with fear. The room shook. Suddenly, chunks of wall crumbled, crashing to the floor with deafening booms, threatening to rupture my eardrums.
A thunderous roar accompanied the emergence of a colossal creature, over seven meters tall. I froze. Invisible ropes seemed to bind me in place. The Monster Rex—Goliath, the floor boss—had appeared.
No time to react as it blocked my path, but I tried to flee with my team. I poured every ounce of strength into a desperate leap as I felt a massive hand reaching for me. A powerful gust signaled an attack that could crush everything.
I tried to jump, but it was too late. Boom! The impact roared. The room drowned in a whirlwind of dust. I clutched my teammates, shielding them from the coming blow.
But death didn't come.
A voice cut through. "Good job, kids." My eyes widened in shock, but the thick dust obscured my view. Still, I knew who it was—our guide, the one I thought we'd lost in the collapse.
"But from here, let me handle it." With a light stomp, we were suddenly lifted into the air. Before we could react, a fierce gust swept us toward the exit.
…
Watching the young adventurers slip through the tunnel's exit, Accelerator gave a faint nod of approval. The kids were safe—for now. Without hesitation, he slammed his foot onto the cold stone floor of the Dungeon. A thunderous boom echoed, the shockwave rippling through the chamber, making the stone ceiling tremble violently. Massive chunks of rock crashed down, sealing the exit in a cloud of choking dust. No adventurer—not even that rabbit-like kid with his naive heroic dreams—could turn back now. The path was completely blocked.
Accelerator turned, his icy gaze locking onto his "big friend"—Goliath, the towering beast with skin as dark as midnight. The creature roared, its furious bellow shaking the chamber as its intended prey slipped away. Goliath's crimson eyes fixed on Accelerator, glaring at him like a mere insect daring to challenge its might. Enraged, it raised its massive fists, muscles bulging, and smashed them down with earth-shattering force, aiming to crush the puny foe before it.
Boom! The blow shook the chamber, shockwaves cracking the stone floor. But as the dust settled, Accelerator stood unscathed. Goliath's giant hand, however, was mangled—flesh torn, black blood oozing onto the floor. "How should I deal with you, huh?" Accelerator's voice was indifferent, chilling the air like frost. He stepped forward, grabbing Goliath's remaining arm as if it were a dry twig, and with a single, fluid motion, hurled the colossal beast dozens of meters, crashing into a stone wall. The deafening impact resounded, as if the Dungeon itself were screaming.
"Maybe… it's time to brush up on some basics."
Accelerator stood still, feeling his pulse sync with the Dungeon's heavy air.
For eight long years, he'd poured himself into studying magic, seeking a way back to the place he once called home. But to conquer this world, he had to face Chaos—a realm where conventional laws warped, magic faltered, and raw strength often crumbled against abstract concepts. One thing remained constant, etched into his very being: vector manipulation. It was part of his essence. Over eight years, it had evolved, honed by his superhuman calculations and amassed knowledge. Yet, facing Chaos, where everything twisted, he knew he needed to push this power further.
Especially now, as the world around him began to stir. His instincts screamed it. He glanced at the beast and stepped closer.
Goliath, despite its grievous wounds, staggered to its feet, its matted black hair quivering with rage. It unleashed a bone-rattling roar:
"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" Accelerator frowned. "Screaming in pain? No—it's calling for backup." As expected, from the dark corridors above, a horde of monsters poured down—giant ants, Hellhounds, and humanoid creatures with jagged horns. They surged toward him like a tidal wave, shrieking madly. Goliath might not be clever, but it was cunning enough to summon reinforcements.
Accelerator didn't flinch. He reached out, snatching the head of a charging giant ant. "Let's try something new," he muttered. Instead of crushing it, he focused on the creature's molecular structure. In an instant, its body disintegrated into dust, then reformed—not as flesh, but as a crystalline object with a glowing core. He hurled it into the oncoming swarm.
BOOM! A massive explosion erupted, unleashing hundreds of razor-sharp crystal shards, shredding monsters within a 50-meter radius. A cloud of energy and dust engulfed the area, incinerating everything in its path. Even Goliath couldn't escape; its massive body was scorched by the searing heat, flesh charred, smoke rising in plumes.
"Not bad," Accelerator remarked, his tone as casual as if critiquing a lab experiment. He'd just combined three fundamental forces—electromagnetic, weak nuclear, and strong nuclear—to dismantle the ant's molecular structure, reshape it into an inorganic material, and unleash devastating energy. Still, he frowned slightly. "But not efficient enough." Though he could manipulate fundamental forces, his range was limited, and the calculations were far more complex than for others with similar powers. It's like coding a complex app in Assembly instead of Python. "That's what practice is for," he told himself, a dangerous smirk curling his lips.
Goliath, battered and broken, tried to rise again, but it had no chance. Accelerator stepped forward, planting a boot on its colossal frame. A terrifying gravitational force erupted from the contact point, cracking the stone floor and pinning Goliath's limbs down.
The air in the chamber began to swirl at a ferocious speed, sweeping up dust, rocks, and glowing magic stones from the ground. They collided, compressed, forming dense clouds of debris that began to emit a blinding white light. A fission reaction sparked in Accelerator's palm, its radiance like a miniature sun.
"Let's see if I can make a star without magic," he said, his voice cold but laced with an eerie excitement.
And then, the chamber blazed with blinding light, a star born in the heart of darkness.
…
Today, Aiz was tasked with overseeing Loki Familia's expedition tent—a seemingly simple duty amidst the Dungeon's relentless tension. As she gazed at the massive stone fangs hanging from Floor 17's ceiling, like the jagged teeth of some ancient beast, a sudden longing stirred within her. She yearned for the sun's radiant glow, the serene calm of moonlight—things she hadn't seen in the two long weeks swallowed by the Dungeon's darkness. This oppressive gloom, though familiar, weighed heavy on her heart, like a cage of stone.
Aiz secured her sword, Desperate, to her hip, its cold steel glinting silver under the faint glow of magic stones. She briefly informed her comrades at camp of her plan for a short walk, then left the tent. Her legs craved movement, and a brief sword practice might shake off the claustrophobia. Since descending to the deeper floors, chances to swing her blade had been scarce, and Aiz refused to let her skills rust amid endless battles with darkness and monsters.
Such thoughts drifted through her mind as her leather boots crunched on dry grass. Suddenly, a horrific sound shattered her reverie. "OOOOOAAAAAARRRR!"—a ferocious roar, like thunder from the earth's depths, echoed from afar. Moments later, a massive explosion shook the ground beneath her. Her honed adventurer instincts screamed danger. Aiz instantly recognized the roar—it could only belong to Goliath, the Monster Rex of Floor 17.
She bolted, her body moving like a gust of wind. This was the first sign of Goliath since Loki Familia set camp here. The beast must have respawned and was attacking a party daring to trespass its domain. The violent tremors rippling through the ground testified to the destructive force of Goliath's iron fists, likely pulverizing the stone corridors linking the floors.
Loki Familia's camp sat at Floor 17's southern tip, near the cave leading down. Worried for her comrades' safety, Aiz raced toward the cave entrance, her feet flashing past shimmering crystal trees and leaping over jagged stone hills. She tore through the dim forest at breakneck speed, her golden hair glinting in the faint light.
"Meow!" A faint cry sounded to her right, and she veered toward it.
Then she froze.
Before her was a scene that stopped her heart. Three young adventurers lay motionless on the green grass. Two boys and a small Prum girl, their bodies scratched and caked in dirt. The Prum girl was unconscious, her face marred with tiny cuts, as if dragged across stone. Beside her lay a red-haired boy, also out cold, his light armor heavily scratched. But the one who held Aiz's gaze was the other boy—his snow-white hair now streaked with dust and sand, his light armor torn, the salamander-wool lining beneath tattered as if caught in a whirlwind. He lay face-down, motionless, blood trickling from a gash on his forehead, staining his pale face.
"No way…" Aiz whispered, her mind blank for a moment. Her feet felt rooted, all sounds fading into a distant hum, swallowed by a white tunnel of shock. Her vision blurred, overwhelmed by horror at the tragic sight. She tried to step forward, but her body resisted, each step heavy as if wading through mud.
She stopped before the white-haired boy, her shadow falling over his frail form. She noticed he was still breathing—faint, but there. Suddenly, his hand twitched, and with a desperate effort, his trembling fingers clutched her boot. Aiz flinched, not from pain, but from surprise. His bloodied face slowly lifted, his clouded eyes burning with resolve.
"Please… save… my friends…" His voice was hoarse, every word a struggle, wrung from his last reserves of strength. Then his eyes closed, and his body went limp, collapsing again.
Aiz spun around, recalling the cat-like cry, but no one else was there. The party had escaped the cave, far from the tunnel's mouth. She moved to carry them to safety, but a colossal explosion roared from deep within the cave, shaking the ground harder than before. Aiz quickly set the adventurers down on a safe patch of grass and rushed to the cave entrance. The way was blocked by massive boulders from the earlier collapse.
Suddenly, the air around her was sucked into the cave at dizzying speed, as if an unseen force pulled everything toward its center. Blinding flashes seeped through the stone cracks, and Aiz's instincts screamed danger. Without hesitation, she summoned her magic: "Ariel, Tempest!" A whirlwind erupted, encasing her like a suit of unyielding wind. Moments later, a cataclysmic blast shattered the stone blockade, its force pushing Aiz back several steps. The searing heat and pressure slammed against her wind armor, forcing her to grit her teeth. Without her magic, she'd have been gravely injured.
Cough… cough… Aiz choked as thick dust cloaked the air. Gripping Desperate tightly, she stood ready, prepared for any threat. Through the haze, a figure emerged. Aiz tightened her hold on her sword, her gaze sharp. But as the silhouette sharpened, she froze.
It was a young man with white hair and blood-red eyes, yet the aura he exuded was worlds apart from the rabbit-like boy from before. He wore a black outfit with red accents, a long, tattered coat hugging his lean frame, fitted pants, and a wide, worn leather belt lined with pouches. He leaned on a silver cane in his right hand. He looked like a specter stepping from a nightmare, yet his eyes were eerily calm.
He saw her but then shifted his gaze elsewhere, as if searching for something.
"Meow… Meow."
A black cat darted to him, leaping onto his shoulder and sprawling across it. He smirked faintly, his low voice resonating: "Thanks for protecting the kids, Sword Princess."
…
The Little Cat's Big Errand
"Hello, dear customer! What can I get started for you?"
A bright, cheerful voice rang out, mingling with the incessant jingle of the doorbell. Inside the tavern, a lively buzz enveloped the air—boisterous chatter from adventurers, hurried footsteps, and quick words of thanks from the bustling waitresses.
As the golden hues of dusk painted the rooftops, Orario—the pride of adventurers—came alive with unmatched vibrancy. And in that bustling atmosphere, the Hostess of Fertility, a beloved local tavern, kicked into its liveliest hour of the day.
"Another pint of ale over here!"
"Coming right up!"
"A glass of fruit wine and... meat, meat, lots of meat!"
"Please wait just a moment!"
"Is the steak for table eight ready?"
"Fifteen seconds!"
"Hey, pretty waitress, top off my wine!"
"Hahaha! And that's how I took down that Minotaur! Pretty cool, huh? Oi, you listening, buddy?!"
"Syr-san! More wine, please?"
"Got it! I'm on my way—!"
Ding-a-ling! The doorbell chimed again.
"Welcome, dear customer!"
The familiar sounds looped endlessly, keeping the street outside the tavern alive with energy. It wasn't just the delicious food or fine drinks that drew crowds—it was the charming waitresses who captivated everyone, from burly Dwarves to fierce Amazon warriors, beastmen, and even picky Elves with their refined tastes. Even gods and goddesses frequented the place, their cheeks flushed as they laughed and shared stories about their Familias, like old friends reuniting after years apart.
And today, a special—yet very familiar—guest had arrived.
With light, graceful steps and an air of gentle elegance, the visitor approached the wooden door and gave it a soft push. Ding-a-ling! The bell chimed once more.
"Welcome, dear customer!"
A young girl with platinum hair and sea-blue eyes hurried to greet the guest. But… no one was there.
"Meow!"
A cute little cry caught her attention. Ayla looked down to find a jet-black cat with sparkling green eyes staring up at her.
"Oh, Qliphap! Here to hang out with us again?"
"Meow, meow."
The cat shook its head.
"Meow, meow, meow."
Qliphap waved a paw, gesturing.
"Oh, you're here to place an order?"
Ayla noticed a small coin pouch tied around Qliphap's neck. "Come on in, then! I've got to head upstairs for a bit."
The cat nodded and darted inside. With two nimble leaps, it hopped onto a chair, then onto a table, sitting face-to-face with Mia—the imposing, stout Dwarven proprietress of the tavern.
Qliphap swiftly untied the pouch, delicately picking out a magic stone with its mouth and placing it on the table before nudging the pouch forward with a paw.
"Meow."
Mia eyed the cat for a moment before picking up the pouch to count its contents.
"Placing an order, huh?"
"Meow, meow. Meow."
The cat gestured animatedly, but Mia shook her head. "Your master didn't send a list? How're we supposed to know what to prep without one?"
"Meow, meow!"
Qliphap tried to explain, but Ayla was busy with other customers. Just then, a silver-haired waitress—Syr—passed by and caught sight of the peculiar scene.
"Oh, Qliphap! Out on your own today?"
"Meow, meow."
The cat nodded, continuing its gestures. Syr followed the paw's direction and seemed to catch on.
"Hold on a sec!"
She dashed off and returned with Chloe in tow.
"Hey, Qliphap! What's up?"
"Meow, meow."
Chloe nodded thoughtfully after observing for a moment. "Got it. You're here to order food for the final training session of that student, right? That Acc guy didn't prep anything, huh… Honestly, so unrefined! What a hopeless case! So, what do you want to order?"
Chloe leaned down, chatting with Qliphap as nearby adventurers watched in astonishment and curiosity.
"They… actually understand cat talk?"
"Nonsense! I'm a beastman, and even I can't understand cats!"
"Then how's she doing it?"
Ignoring the whispers, Chloe grinned and confirmed the order. "Alright, so: bread, pumpkin soup, some meat, cheese, pickles, and sliced tomatoes—a simple meal, but perfect for a student."
She checked the pouch again, nodding approvingly, secretly impressed by her friend's antics. "Payment's all set. Hang tight here, okay?"
Qliphap obediently sat on the table, waiting for the food. Suddenly, a gentle hand stroked her head, making her flinch slightly. Turning, she saw Syr pulling back, looking flustered. Syr had kept her distance ever since learning Qliphap wasn't fond of her touch, wary of making the cat uncomfortable. Seeing this, Qliphap scooted closer and nudged her head into Syr's hand, as if to say, It's okay. After all, she no longer felt guarded around the silver-haired waitress, having learned her true identity.
Syr blinked in surprise, then broke into a soft smile, gently petting Qliphap.
Clink. Mia set a bowl of milk on the table.
"Had a bit of change left, so consider this a freebie. You get it, right?"
Qliphap knew full well—with this place's prices, there was no way there'd be spare change. But free was free, and good was good. She happily lapped up the milk while Syr sat beside her to rest.
"All good now, right?"
From the staircase, Ayla peeked down, giggling. Her playful, warm gaze sparkled—she was delighted to see Qliphap warming up to Syr.
When the food was ready, Chloe emerged with neatly packed boxes stacked in a small leather bag. She crouched down, placing it before Qliphap with a fond smile.
"Here you go. Be careful on your way!"
"Meow."
"Oh, oh, I know you're tough," Chloe chuckled, waving a hand. "It's just a good-luck wish. See ya!"
"Meow."
After the farewell, Chloe spun back to the kitchen, leaving the surrounding adventurers whispering curiously. The tavern practically held its breath, watching—how was such a tiny cat going to carry that heavy bag?
Qliphap didn't keep them waiting. She leaned down, delicately picking a magic stone from the pouch around her neck with her mouth. In a flash, the hefty bag floated into the air, gliding beside her as if held by an invisible hand. Adventurers gaped, some nearly dropping their mugs. To the waitresses, though, it was just another day at the Hostess of Fertility, where strange things had become routine ever since that person showed up. After all, Qliphap's master was the so-called "Mad Wizard."
Unfazed by the curious stares, Qliphap gracefully stepped out of the tavern, blending into Orario's soft sunset glow. Her small silhouette, with the floating bag trailing behind, weaved through the bustling streets, drawing startled glances from passersby. Then, with a sudden leap, she bounded onto a rooftop, moving with fluid steps like a tiny black shadow darting across the city's skyline, heading straight for Daedalus Street.
On her way, she passed a dark alley where a group of thuggish adventurers were ganging up on a weaker foe. As if by accident, a few needle-thin spikes—fine as cat whiskers—materialized from thin air around Qliphap. No one saw when they fell, but the thugs' pained screams shook the alley. With those agonized cries, they'd likely spend a week bedridden, wondering why "misfortune" had struck so suddenly.
Continuing her journey, Qliphap glided past half-open windows and leaped through dense tree branches along the rooftops. She paused before a large tree growing by a stone wall. To any onlooker, it was just an ordinary hollow, barely big enough for a child to slip through. Without hesitation, the cat dove in, as if she'd done it a hundred times before.
And in the next moment, Qliphap vanished entirely from Orario.
The air grew eerily still. Moments later, a silver owl silently swooped down, perching on a nearby branch. Its round, gem-like eyes fixed on the hollow, but all it saw were a few dry leaves rustling in the evening breeze—as if no one, or nothing, had ever passed through.