For the entire following week, Kanae Kocho devoted herself wholeheartedly to Dungeon exploration, entering a full sprint to amass experience.
Under Phaethon's guidance and constant presence, Kanae tore through the upper levels of the Dungeon with overwhelming force.
Starting from the sixth floor, whether it was the elusive War Shadows, the swarming Killer Ants,
or the tougher monsters on the eighth and ninth floors such as Half-Beasts and Firebirds—
none could withstand Kanae's assault.
With all five of her basic stats maxed at A-rank and wielding the exquisite sword techniques of Breath of Flowers,
she was unstoppable.
Her movements resembled the most dazzling butterfly of the battlefield—
every dodge and slash carried a grace that bordered on artistry.
The pale pink glint of her blade resembled scattered petals, and wherever it passed, monsters fell in swathes,
reduced to ashes and magic stones.
Phaethon, controlling Bombu, followed dutifully behind, efficiently collecting magic stones and storing them in the magical pouch.
Their teamwork was seamless, and their efficiency was astonishing.
But such sweeping progress didn't go unnoticed.
With the upper floors nearly cleared of monsters, many beginner adventurers who relied on those layers to grind and grow found they had no targets.
Complaints flooded the Guild, with adventurers grumbling about some overpowered team monopolizing upper-layer resources.
They couldn't even earn enough to buy basic gear.
Miss Eina at the Guild was overwhelmed. No matter how she investigated,
there were no records of any major Familia conducting such large-scale upper-floor sweeps.
She did suspect it might be Kanae—the very rookie she had repeatedly warned to proceed cautiously.
But since neither Kanae nor Phaethon had visited the Guild for a week, she couldn't confirm her suspicion.
As for the uproar at the Guild and the complaints from novices, Phaethon was fully aware—but he paid it no mind.
His goal was crystal clear: to push Kanae's foundation to its absolute limit, preparing her for the next stage—a level breakthrough.
Kanae, too, was completely immersed in the thrill of rapid growth.
Each battle and stat increase brought her one step closer to changing her destiny.
That deep-seated desire transformed into an inexhaustible drive, pushing her to wield her Nichirin Blade tirelessly.
In just seven days, the vast experience she had accumulated utterly transformed her status sheet.
[Name] Kanae Kocho
[Level] LV1
[Stats]
Strength: A815 → S988
Endurance: A805 → S982
Dexterity: A830 → S995
Agility: A825 → S991
Magic: A800 → S970
[Magic] None
[Skills] (Unchanged)
All five stats had surpassed 970 points—virtually reaching the theoretical peak of a Level 1 adventurer.
She was just one step away from the perfect SSS rank.
Feeling the overwhelming power coursing through her, and the battle instincts now almost second nature—
Kanae knew it was time.
"Lord Phaethon, I'm ready."
At the end of the seventh day, she stood in their Familia base, her eyes unwavering as she faced Phaethon.
"Excellent."
Phaethon smiled with satisfaction. "Then it's time. Let's challenge the Infant Dragon, the de facto upper-level boss on the twelfth floor!"
Next Morning
Phaethon and Kanae once again entered the Dungeon.
This time, they didn't stop on the earlier floors.
Their objective was clear—they pressed directly toward the twelfth floor.
The deeper they went, the more perilous the environment became.
Corridors grew more twisted, and a thick fog began to settle.
But thanks to Kanae's now S-rank stats and Phaethon's vigilant guidance,
they advanced without incident and quickly reached the twelfth floor entrance.
As they stepped in, an overwhelming pressure hit them instantly.
This level was far more spacious than any of the upper layers, resembling a vast natural cavern.
The surrounding rock walls had a dull, metallic sheen, radiating faint heat.
And at the far end of the cave, a massive creature lay coiled—resting with its eyes closed.
It was nearly four meters long, covered in dark red, hardened scales.
It had powerful limbs, razor-sharp claws, and a spiked tail.
Although smaller than legendary dragons, the creature exuded an intense, savage aura.
The faint magical energy rippling from it confirmed its role as the dominant force of the upper levels—
This was the Infant Dragon.
"Rrr...?"
Sensing the presence of intruders, the Infant Dragon slowly opened its molten-lava-red, slit-pupilled eyes.
Its chilling gaze locked directly on Kanae and the Bombu plush in her arms.
Under that violent and commanding stare, Kanae's expression turned serious.
This dragon—its size, strength, and presence—eclipsed the Minotaur she had fought before.
This was, without a doubt, the strongest monster she had encountered in this world.
"Kanae, be careful. Its scales are incredibly tough, and it breathes fire."
Phaethon's voice rang out with timely advice.
"Yes!"
Kanae inhaled deeply and gently set Bombu down in a relatively safe corner.
Then she gripped her Nichirin Blade with both hands and took the starting stance of the Breath of Flowers.
All the gentleness faded from her eyes, replaced by an unshakable resolve and intensity.
To level up. To grow stronger.
To change Shinobu's fate—this battle must be won.