Aeris stared at the entrance to the Whispering Grove Dungeon with unease. Two days had passed since the confrontation in the library, and although he had managed to avoid revealing his secret with the excuse of "bad timing," the pressure from his three comrades had not lessened one bit. Even now, on this academy field expedition, they were still watching him like hawks stalking their prey.
"This D-class dungeon is perfect for you beginners," Professor Aldric explained to the thirty students gathered. "The monsters inside are no more than level 15-20. However, keep your formation and—"
"Aeris," Seraphina's whispering voice suddenly reached his ear. The girl had been standing very close to him for some time now. "You look pale again. Still thinking about our conversation yesterday?"
Aeris stepped back slightly, trying to keep his distance. "I'm fine, Seraphina."
"No, you're not fine." Seraphina's violet eyes stared at him with an intensity that made Aeris uncomfortable. "And I'm increasingly convinced that you need me. More than you realize."
On the other hand, Leon and Elena also continued to watch them. Leon with a worried expression mixed with frustration, while Elena with a sharp analysis that never stopped.
[SYSTEM ALERT: Dungeon energy signature abnormal]
[RECOMMENDATION: Maintain high alert status]
The system alert made Aeris even more anxious. Since yesterday's incident, his system energy had only recovered about 40%. If something unexpected happened...
"Alright, get into your respective groups!" Professor Aldric shouted. "Remember, don't separate from your team!"
Aeris hoped to join the calm group, but his hopes were dashed when Seraphina immediately pulled his arm. "We're a team," she said in a tone that made it impossible to refuse.
Leon and Elena, whether by chance or intention, also joined the same team. Aeris felt like a goat surrounded by wolves.
"Diamond formation," Leon suggested while checking his sword. "Elena in the back as support, Seraphina and I on the sides as damage dealers, Aeris in the middle as—"
"As the one who must be protected," Seraphina interrupted with a smile that was too sweet.
"Because he's precious."
Elena snorted. "he can take care of himself. His taming ability is extraordinary."
"That's why he's precious," Seraphina's eyes flashed. "And I won't let anything happen to him."
Aeris took a deep breath. This was going to be a very long expedition.
They entered the dungeon in the formation Leon had planned. A damp, dark stone corridor greeted them, lit by crystals that emitted a dim blue light. The sound of dripping water echoed in the distance, creating a tense atmosphere.
[SYSTEM ALERT: Energy signature intensifying]
[WARNING: Something is awakening in the deeper levels]
"Something's strange," Aeris muttered unconsciously.
"What?" his three friends immediately turned their heads.
"Uh... no. It's just a feeling," Aeris shook his head quickly.
Seraphina stepped closer. "Your instincts are always accurate. I trust you."
Seraphina's blind trust somehow made Aeris feel more guilty than touched. The girl didn't know that his "instinct" came from a sophisticated system from another world.
They continued their journey, defeating several Moss Goblins and Cave Spiders with ease. The monsters' levels were not too high, according to the class of the dungeon. However, the system's warnings kept buzzing in Aeris' head.
"Look there," Elena pointed to a hidden path behind a cracked stone wall. "There's a secret passage."
Leon examined the gap. "It seems safe. Shall we explore?"
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: Hidden area detected - Ancient Chamber]
[RECOMMENDATION: Investigate immediately]
[WARNING: Powerful entity stirring in main dungeon path]
Aeris felt a dilemma. The system suggested exploring the hidden area, but it also warned of dangers on the main path. "Maybe we should check that area," he said softly.
"Why?" Elena stared at him sharply. "Any special reason?"
"Just... I feel like there's something important there."
Seraphina immediately agreed. "If Aeris feels that way, then we should go there. His instincts are never wrong."
Leon and Elena exchanged glances, but ultimately followed suit.
The hidden passage led them to an ancient chamber filled with mysterious carvings. In the center of the chamber stood a stone altar with a thick book radiating a magical aura.
[ANCIENT TAMING MANUAL DETECTED]
[RARITY: LEGENDARY]
[EFFECT: Instantly learn advanced taming techniques]
"My goodness," Elena was mesmerized. "This... this is an ancient manual. It's priceless."
Aeris stepped closer to the altar, his hand reaching out to touch the book.
"Careful," Leon warned. "Ancient objects like this usually have traps."
But as soon as Aeris's finger touched the cover of the book, a warm glow flowed through his body. The system instantly processed the information:
[ANCIENT TAMING MANUAL ABSORBED]
[NEW ABILITIES UNLOCKED]
[MASS TAMING PROTOCOL AVAILABLE]
[CREATURE COMMAND ENHANCEMENT ACTIVATED]
"Wow," Seraphina stared at Aeris with sparkling eyes. "You were glowing just now. It was like..."
sHe didn't finish her sentence, but her gaze grew more intense.
Suddenly, the entire dungeon shook violently. Dust fell from the ceiling, and a terrifying rumbling sound echoed from the depths of the dungeon.
[CRITICAL ALERT: ANCIENT MONSTER AWAKENING]
[DUNGEON EVOLUTION DETECTED: D-CLASS → NIGHTMARE-CLASS]
[ALL STUDENTS IN EXTREME DANGER]
"What's happening?!" Leon shouted as he struggled to keep his balance.
Professor Aldric's voice echoed through magic communication crystals: "ALL STUDENTS GET OUT IMMEDIATELY! THE DUNGEON IS EVOLVING! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!"
Elena paled. "Dungeon evolution... that means..."
"The monsters inside have drastically increased in level," Leon finished in a trembling voice.
"And the sleeping Ancient Monsters could be awakened."
Seraphina instinctively moved to protect Aeris. "No matter what happens, I will protect you."
[SYSTEM ANALYSIS COMPLETE]
[ANCIENT BASILISK - LEVEL 89 AWAKENED]
[STUDENT SURVIVAL RATE WITHOUT INTERVENTION: 12%]
[RECOMMENDATION: USE MASS TAMING PROTOCOL]
Aeris felt a heavy weight on his chest. The system showed a map of the dungeon in his mind—dozens of students were trapped in various corridors, chased by monsters that had suddenly become much stronger. The awakened Ancient Basilisk was moving toward them at terrifying speeds.
"We have to help the others," Aeris said in a trembling voice.
"What? No!" Seraphina gripped his arm tightly. "It's too dangerous! We have to get out now!"
"Seraphina is right," Leon nodded. "We can't fight a monster of that level."
Elena agreed. "Survival comes first."
But Aeris saw red dots on the system map indicating students in danger. Some were already badly injured. If she didn't act...
[MASS TAMING PROTOCOL ACTIVATION REQUIRES 95% ENERGY]
[CURRENT ENERGY: 40%]
[ALTERNATE SOLUTION: RISK EXPOSURE OF SYSTEM CAPABILITIES]
"No," Aeris said quietly, his eyes determined. "I can't let them die."
"Aeris!" Seraphina tried to stop him, but Aeris had already run out of the hidden room.
They exited the main corridor and were immediately greeted by chaos. The screams of students echoed everywhere, evolved monsters roamed around with levels reaching 50-60. In the distance, the roar of the Ancient Basilisk grew closer.
"Oh my," Elena was stunned to see a badly injured student being attacked by a Mutated Cave Bear.
Without thinking, Aeris unleashed his new ability:
"MASS TAMING PROTOCOL: ACTIVATE!"
A wave of golden energy radiated from his body, spreading throughout the dungeon. All the monsters hit by the wave suddenly stopped moving, their eyes changing from an aggressive red to a calm blue.
Even the Ancient Basilisk that had almost reached the main corridor suddenly stopped and lowered its head.
All the students, professors, even Leon, Elena, and Seraphina stared at Aeris with their mouths agape.
"How... how is that possible?" Professor Aldric stammered through the communication crystal.
Aeris stood amidst dozens of monsters that were now subservient to him, his breath coming in short gasps as the system energy was drained drastically. But it wasn't exhaustion that sent shivers down his spine—it was Seraphina's gaze.
The girl's violet eyes were no longer just obsession. There was something darker, more possessive, more dangerous now.
"Incredible," Seraphina whispered, her voice shaking with mixed emotions. "You... you are special. Very special."
She stepped forward, ignoring the monsters surrounding them.
"HEAR EVERYONE!" Seraphina shouted in a voice that echoed throughout the dungeon, her eyes never leaving Aeris. "AERIS IS MINE! ANYONE WHO DARE TO HURT HIM OR EVEN THINK OF TAKING HIS HEART..."
A dark aura began to flow from her body, causing the tamed monsters Aeris had tamed to back away in fear.
"I WILL FACE YOU!"
Leon and Elena took a step back, feeling the terrifying aura Seraphina radiated. Even the other surviving students felt a chill run down their spines.
Aeris stared at Seraphina with a mixture of awe and fear. This was it—the moment the novel's main villainess officially claimed the protagonist as her own in front of everyone.
To his dismay, the system gave him a new notification:
[WARNING: Seraphina's obsession level reaching critical threshold]
[YANDERE PROTOCOL DETECTED]
[RECOMMENDATION: EXTREME CAUTION ADVISED]
In the midst of a dungeon filled with tame monsters and mesmerized students, Seraphina walked up to Aeris with a smile that was both beautiful and terrifying.
"Now everyone knows," she whispered as she stood right in front of Aeris. "You are mine. And I… I will do whatever it takes to keep you."
Her violet eyes glinted with a promise that sounded more like a threat.
From a distance, a hidden observer recorded the entire event with narrowed eyes of interest. The Ancient Demon Belphegor might have failed to scan his target's mind, but he now had something far more interesting—visual proof of his unnatural abilities. And he was not alone in observing.