As soon as they left Mr. Goro’s territory behind, the group continued walking along the narrow forest road.
For a while, no one spoke.
Eventually, Lysera was the first to break the silence.
“That old man was… strange.”
Garrick glanced sideways at her.
“So are you.”
Lysera raised an eyebrow.
“Are you trying to say something?”
“I am.”
Garrick answered without hesitation.
“Why us?”
She tilted her head slightly.
“What do you mean, ‘why you’?”
Before the conversation could turn into another argument, Mirelya stepped in with her usual gentle smile.
“I think what Garrick means is…”
She looked at Lysera kindly.
“Why did you want to join our party specifically?”
Lysera remained silent for a few seconds.
Her eyes briefly wandered over each member of the group before she finally answered.
“Because you looked like outsiders.”
She paused.
“And…”
Her gaze lowered slightly.
“There’s also the prejudice against assassins.”
The group continued walking.
Garrick spoke again.
“Then why are you still in this kingdom?”
A faint smile appeared on Lysera’s lips.
“You’re quite observant.”
Mirelya looked genuinely curious.
“Are you from another kingdom?”
Silence settled over the group once again.
No one said a word.
Ren was the one who finally broke it.
“Hey, everyone…”
He pointed ahead.
“Look over there.”
The others followed his gaze.
Between the trees, a gigantic crater stretched across the forest floor.
It looked as though an entire section of the woods had collapsed into the earth.
Ren’s eyes widened.
“That’s… huge.”
Mirelya observed it for a few moments before pulling out the small map Mari had given them.
She compared the surroundings and smiled.
“We’re here.”
She pointed toward the enormous opening.
“This is the Forest Dungeon.”
Garrick folded his arms as he studied the massive crater.
“We’re not going too deep.”
His tone became serious.
“Just like Mr. Goro told us.”
Lysera took a step forward.
Her eyes remained fixed on the darkness below.
“Goblins…”
A small smile appeared on her face.
“Let’s go.”
Ren stared at the entrance to the Dungeon.
The darkness beyond seemed to swallow the light itself.
He swallowed nervously.
“Can we… really do this?”
Lysera looked at him.
“I’ll protect you.”
She chuckled softly.
“Hehe.”
Ren scratched his cheek awkwardly.
“Ah…”
“N-No, it’s okay.”
“I’ll manage.”
Mirelya tightened her grip on her staff.
“Before we go in…”
She took a deep breath.
“I’m going to cast a Barrier spell on everyone.”
The others stepped back to give her room.
Mirelya slowly closed her eyes.
She stood perfectly still for several seconds, holding her staff close to her chest while gathering mana.
Then…
She raised it toward the sky.
Brilliant green runic circles appeared beneath her feet.
The magic circles rotated slowly as countless glowing particles drifted around the group.
The emerald light softly illuminated the entrance to the Dungeon.
Mirelya opened her eyes.
“Barrier.”
The magic spread silently across everyone.
Ren looked down at himself.
He moved his arms.
Then his legs.
He frowned.
“Huh…”
He looked at Mirelya.
“I don’t feel anything.”
She smiled.
“That’s because the spell only activates when you’re about to get hurt.”
She rested the staff back on the ground.
Ren blinked in surprise.
“That sounds ridiculously convenient…”
Mirelya let out a small laugh.
“It would be…”
She breathed out slowly.
“But casting it on four people consumed much more mana than I expected.”
She placed one hand over her chest.
“As long as the spell remains active…”
“You’ll all be protected.”
She hesitated for a moment before adding,
“At least… unless something truly powerful attacks us.”
She looked at everyone.
“So let’s finish this mission as quickly as we can.”
Garrick rested his hand on the hilt of his sword.
“We probably won’t even need it against goblins.”
He gave her a small nod.
“But thanks anyway.”
He slowly drew his sword.
The blade reflected the faint light coming from the Dungeon entrance.
Walking toward the edge of the crater, he looked down.
Then smiled.
“I’ll go first.”
Without a second thought…
He jumped.
Ren’s eyes shot open.
“Hey!”
A few seconds later, Garrick’s voice echoed from below.
“It’s safe!”
“You can come down!”
Ren took a deep breath.
“…Alright.”
He clenched his fists.
“My turn.”
He took a running start—
—and jumped.
The instant he was airborne…
His brain finally caught up with what he had just done.
“Aaaah…”
“What did I just do?!”
“I actually jumped!!”
The ground rushed toward him.
“AAAAAAAH—!”
THUD!
Ren landed firmly on both feet.
Dust burst into the air around him.
He remained frozen for several seconds.
Blinking repeatedly, he looked down at his own legs.
“…”
“…I’m alive?”
Garrick walked over.
“You okay, Ren?”
Ren let out a relieved breath.
“Y-Yeah…”
He looked back up toward the surface.
“I thought it was going to be much deeper.”
Above them, Mirelya’s nervous voice echoed down.
“S-Someone help me!”
She stared over the edge of the crater.
“It’s too high!”
“I don’t think I can do it!”
Ren looked up.
“You can jump!”
He smiled reassuringly.
“It isn’t as high as it looks!”
Garrick raised his head as well.
“I’ll catch you.”
He opened his arms.
“Come on!”
Mirelya remained frozen at the edge.
She took several deep breaths while clutching the fabric of her robe.
Finally, she spoke in a tiny voice.
“B-But…”
She looked at Garrick.
“You’ll have to close your eyes first…”
Garrick blinked in confusion.
“Huh?”
“How am I supposed to catch you with my eyes closed?”
Nearby, Lysera silently watched the entire exchange.
She sighed.
“Fine…”
She looked up at Mirelya.
“You’re Mirelya, right?”
She took a small step forward.
“I’ll catch you.”
Mirelya looked at her in surprise.
“A-Ah…”
Then she smiled with relief.
“Thank you…”
Without waiting another second…
Lysera simply jumped into the crater.
“Watch out!”
Ren’s eyes widened.
“Hey!”
Instinctively, he rushed forward.
Just before Lysera reached the ground…
Ren caught her in his arms.
The impact was surprisingly light.
For a brief moment…
Time itself seemed to slow.
Their eyes met.
Only inches apart.
Ren was the first to snap back to reality.
Carefully, he set her back on her feet.
“You okay?”
“You didn’t get hurt, did you?”
Lysera simply stared at him.
Her lips parted slightly.
As if she wanted to say something.
But no words came out.
Ren tilted his head.
“What is it?”
She blinked a few times before gently shaking her head.
“…I’m fine.”
Then she looked back up toward Mirelya.
Opening her arms, she called out,
“You can jump now.”
After that, she glanced toward Garrick and Ren.
“And you two…”
“Turn around.”
Garrick crossed his arms.
“I’m not taking orders from you.”
He looked back up at Mirelya.
“Mirelya…”
“What was all that about?”
Lysera rolled her eyes ever so slightly.
“Come on, loudmouth.”
Garrick immediately frowned.
“What did you just call me?”
Before another argument could start…
Ren placed a hand on Garrick’s shoulder.
“I-I think… maybe we should just do it.”
Garrick stared at Ren for two long seconds.
Eventually, he let out a sigh.
“Fine.”
“But if Mirelya gets hurt, it’s your fault.”
He walked a few steps away.
“I’ll turn around once I hear her land.”
Up above, Mirelya inhaled deeply.
She closed her eyes.
“H-Here I go…”
And jumped.
Lysera caught her effortlessly before she touched the ground.
Then gently set her back on her feet.
Mirelya slowly opened her eyes.
She let out a relieved sigh.
“Thank you…”
Lysera simply nodded.
“It’s done.”
Ren smiled.
“Now we’re all here.”
He looked around the enormous cavern.
The walls were rough, damp, and covered with thick roots that had broken through the stone over countless years.
The air was noticeably colder than outside.
Drops of water echoed somewhere deep within the Dungeon.
“So…”
He looked toward Garrick.
“What now?”
Garrick walked a few steps ahead.
Drawing his sword once more, he scanned the darkness before them.
“Simple.”
He tightened his grip around the hilt.
“We wipe out every goblin in th—”
He suddenly stopped.
His expression changed instantly.
Ren immediately noticed.
“What is it?”
Garrick didn’t answer.
Beside him, Mirelya slowly closed her eyes.
Her face immediately grew pale.
“I…”
She placed a hand over her chest.
“I can sense…”
Her eyes opened wide.
“…several different mana signatures.”
Her voice trembled.
“Oh no…”
Without wasting another second, she raised her staff.
“Flash!”
A brilliant sphere of light burst from the tip of her staff.
It shot forward, illuminating the enormous chamber ahead.
And then…
They saw them.
Dozens of goblins.
Some carried heavy wooden clubs.
Others held rusted chains wrapped around their arms.
Every single one of them stood perfectly still…
Watching the group.
Without saying a word.
Garrick smiled.
“There you are.”
He raised his sword.
“Reinforce.”
Crimson runes wrapped themselves around the blade.
Moments later, brilliant red energy engulfed the weapon.
It looked as though the sword itself had caught fire.
Without hesitation…
Garrick charged.
“Wait!”
Ren instinctively reached out.
But it was already too late.
SHHK!
Garrick’s sword pierced straight through the chest of the nearest goblin.
Without slowing down…
He spun.
His boot slammed into another goblin’s ribs.
The creature was launched violently into the cavern wall.
Before it could even scream—
CRAAK!
His blade came crashing down again.
Another goblin’s skull shattered against the stone floor.
Four more goblins rushed toward him simultaneously.
They raised their clubs.
Just before they could attack…
Several blazing fireballs suddenly flew past Garrick.
BOOOOM!!
The goblins were instantly swallowed by flames.
“AAAAAHHHNMAAAAH!!”
Their shrill screams echoed throughout the Dungeon.
Ren clenched his fists.
“…I’ll help too.”
Taking a deep breath, he rushed forward.
He closed his eyes.
Pulled back his arm.
And threw a single punch.
When he opened his eyes…
He froze.
The goblin was gone.
Completely gone.
Behind where it had been…
A massive crater, nearly a meter deep, had been blasted into the stone floor.
The only evidence that the goblin had ever existed…
Were scattered remains lying around the impact site.
Silence swept across the battlefield.
Everyone turned toward Ren.
Garrick.
Mirelya.
Even Lysera stood perfectly still.
Her eyes were wide open.
“…Ren?”
Mirelya was the first to recover.
She quickly scanned the battlefield.
There were still plenty of goblins surrounding them.
“Lysera!”
she called firmly.
“There are still plenty left!”
Lysera blinked several times, almost as if waking from a trance.
“…Right.”
She slowly drew the twin daggers hanging at her waist.
Her expression became cold.
“Invisible.”
The moment the spell activated…
Her presence nearly vanished.
She wasn’t truly invisible.
Her body could still be seen.
But her movements became so silent…
So subtle…
That she blended naturally into the shadows of the Dungeon.
A second spell followed immediately.
“Speed.”
A crimson aura wrapped around her legs.
The next instant…
She disappeared.
Shhh!
One goblin never even saw her coming.
Her dagger sliced cleanly across its throat.
Another turned around—
Too late.
Slash!
It collapsed instantly.
Lysera moved like a phantom.
Appearing.
Disappearing.
Striking.
By the time the goblins realized where she was…
She was already behind them.
Ren watched the entire thing in amazement.
“…Wow.”
“She’s incredibly fast…”
“And she says she lacks control…”
Meanwhile…
Garrick continued carving through the goblins with overwhelming precision.
Each swing of his sword brought down another enemy.
From the rear, Mirelya supported the group.
Every goblin that tried to approach her…
Was met with explosive bursts of fire.
Ren clenched his fists once again.
“I have to help too!”
He prepared another punch.
But Mirelya immediately called out.
“Ren!”
He looked back.
“Hm?”
She smiled nervously.
“Try to save some of that strength…”
Ren glanced back toward the battlefield.
“But there are still—”
He suddenly stopped.
Looking around in confusion.
“…Huh?”
“…Where did they all go?”
“…Where did they all go?”
An eerie silence settled over the Dungeon.
The cavern that had been overflowing with goblins only moments ago now felt almost empty.
Garrick slowly wiped the blood from his sword before sliding it back into its sheath.
“The survivors ran.”
He pointed toward a dark tunnel deeper inside the Dungeon.
“They fled that way.”
Ren let out a relieved sigh.
“So… it’s over?”
“No.”
Lysera’s calm voice immediately answered.
She kept her eyes fixed on the darkness ahead.
“They went to call the others.”
Mirelya slowly walked toward the entrance of the tunnel.
She peered into the endless darkness beyond.
Then took a deep breath.
“Mr. Goro warned us not to go too deep…”
Lysera folded her arms.
“This is only a Rank C mission.”
Her voice remained composed.
“There should only be goblins inside.”
She glanced at Garrick.
“Maybe a few stronger ones.”
Then her gaze shifted toward Ren.
“But nothing we shouldn’t be able to handle.”
Garrick looked at her thoughtfully.
“You said earlier that you struggle to control your power.”
He paused for a moment.
“But honestly…”
“You fought just fine.”
Lysera tilted her head slightly.
“W-Well…”
She looked away for a brief moment.
“If there are only a few enemies…”
“I don’t have any problems.”
She inhaled quietly before continuing.
“The real problem starts when the battle drags on.”
“The longer I keep fighting…”
“The harder it becomes to control my movements.”
Silence fell over the group once again.
After a few seconds…
She slowly turned toward Ren.
Her eyes lingered on him.
Then she finally asked,
“…By the way.”
She looked down at his fists.
“What was that strength?”
Ren stared at his own hands.
He slowly opened and closed his fingers.
“…I…”
He scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed smile.
“I honestly wish I knew.”
Mirelya quietly walked past them.
Her staff rested lightly against her shoulder.
“Let’s find out where this tunnel leads.”
She tried to sound confident.
But there was unmistakable tension in her voice.
As Mirelya passed by…
Lysera watched her closely.
Her gaze remained fixed on the young mage for several long seconds.
Cold.
Curious.
Almost analytical.
Yet…
She said nothing.
The four of them began walking once more.
With every step…
The Dungeon grew darker.
The echoes of dripping water bounced endlessly through the stone corridors.
The air became noticeably colder.
Nearly twenty minutes passed.
Not a single goblin appeared.
Finally, Garrick broke the silence.
“From what I’ve seen…”
He carefully examined the surrounding tunnels.
“I think this Dungeon really is inhabited only by goblins.”
He looked toward Mirelya.
“Can you light up the path ahead a little more?”
She nodded.
“Of course.”
Raising her staff once again, she softly chanted,
“Flash.”
A brilliant sphere of light shot through the corridor.
It traveled dozens of meters into the darkness…
Until it illuminated an enormous chamber far ahead.
And then…
Every one of them stopped moving.
Silence consumed the Dungeon.
Ren’s eyes slowly widened.
His voice barely escaped his lips.
“What…”
He swallowed hard.
“…is that?”
None of them answered.
The magical light illuminated only part of the enormous creature sleeping within the chamber.
Ren could hardly believe what he was seeing.
The massive body occupied nearly the entire cavern.
Dark scales mixed with deep shades of blue shimmered beneath Mirelya’s spell.
Its enormous wings rested folded against its body.
Its long tail stretched across the stone floor.
Every slow breath caused its chest to rise…
Then fall again.
As though the Dungeon itself breathed alongside it.
Ren couldn’t look away.
“What…”
“…is that?”
This time his voice came out as nothing more than a whisper.
Garrick immediately raised one hand.
A silent signal.
Don’t make a sound.
His eyes never left the creature.
“Keep your voices down.”
His tone was barely audible.
“We’re leaving.”
Ren looked toward him.
“But…”
“What is it?”
No one answered immediately.
Finally…
Mirelya spoke.
Her voice trembled.
“That…”
She took a slow breath.
“…is a dragon.”
She hesitated.
“At least…”
“It certainly looks like one.”
A chill ran through Ren’s entire body.
“A d-d-dragon?”
His eyes immediately returned to the sleeping monster.
Then back to Mirelya.
“…Like the ones from games?”
Lysera instantly placed a finger over her lips.
“Shhh.”
“Quiet.”
The group slowly began backing away.
One careful step at a time.
Never taking their eyes off the enormous beast.
Then…
Mirelya noticed something.
The color drained from her face.
She discreetly pointed toward the dragon.
“Look…”
Everyone followed her gaze.
Two goblins slowly approached the sleeping dragon.
Each carried a crooked wooden staff.
They walked with unsettling calm.
As though standing beside such a terrifying monster was perfectly normal.
Garrick tightened his grip around his sword.
“…It’s asleep.”
He slowly exhaled.
“Let’s get out of here.”
His expression hardened.
“That old man…”
He clenched his teeth.
“He should’ve warned us.”
Mirelya slowly shook her head.
“I don’t think…”
She glanced back at the dragon.
“…he knew.”
Ren continued staring at the creature in fascination.
Then quietly asked,
“These dragons…”
He looked at Garrick.
“They breathe fire…”
“Right?”
While they spoke…
They continued backing away.
Making sure not to produce the slightest unnecessary sound.
Garrick answered in little more than a whisper.
“There are many different species of dragons.”
“But…”
“Yes.”
“Most of them can.”
As soon as he finished speaking…
His expression suddenly froze.
He slowly turned toward Ren.
“…Wait.”
He blinked.
“There are dragons in your world too?”
Ren answered naturally.
Without thinking.
“No.”
“They only exist in stories.”
Silence.
Garrick stopped walking altogether.
He blinked three times.
His face stiffened.
Then he slowly covered part of his face with one hand.
…Damn.
Did I just admit he’s from another world?
His eyes immediately shifted toward Lysera.
She had already started retreating a little faster.
Her entire attention seemed focused on escaping that chamber.
Before anyone could say another word…
A faint sound echoed behind them.
Tap…
Then another.
Tap…
Tap…
Garrick slowly turned around.
His expression instantly changed.
“…Damn.”
His voice came out almost like a growl.
“Goblins.”
Ren, Mirelya, and Lysera immediately turned around.
The tunnel they had entered through was completely blocked.
More than fifty goblins stood shoulder to shoulder, sealing off the only exit.
Some wielded crude wooden clubs.
Others gripped rusted chains wrapped around their arms.
Every one of them wore a grotesque grin as they stared at the four adventurers.
Mirelya instinctively placed a hand over her chest.
“What do we do now…?”
Lysera tightened her grip on her twin daggers.
“I think our only option…”
“…is to fight through them.”
Ren glanced from the wall of goblins…
…to the sleeping dragon behind them.
He took a deep breath.
“I’d rather deal with them…”
He pointed discreetly toward the enormous beast.
“…than wake that dragon.”
Without waiting for anyone to answer…
He charged forward.
“Ren!”
Garrick shouted.
But Ren had already closed the distance.
He poured all of his strength into a single punch.
BOOOOOOOM!!
The first goblin exploded backward.
Its body became a projectile, crashing through the ranks behind it.
Several goblins were launched into the air together, scattering like leaves caught in a storm.
Lysera froze in disbelief.
“…Ren?”
Garrick only let out a slow breath.
He drew his sword once again.
“Mirelya!”
Without taking his eyes off the goblins, he barked,
“Same strategy!”
She nodded immediately.
“Right!”
A translucent green barrier shimmered around her body.
At the same time, small spheres of fire began circling the tip of her staff.
She remained behind the front line, providing support while burning down any goblin that got too close.
Ren threw another punch.
BOOOM!!
Then another.
BOOOOM!!
The Dungeon trembled.
Stone dust rained from the ceiling.
The shockwaves alone crushed several goblins before Ren’s fists even reached them.
When the dust settled…
Ren slowly looked down at his hands.
“…Seriously…”
“I still have no idea how this works.”
Garrick, breathing heavily, shouted toward him.
“Ren!”
“Those punches are loud enough to bring this entire Dungeon down!”
“Be careful!”
Ren blinked.
“Oh!”
He scratched the back of his head.
“Sorry…”
“I was just trying to—”
He stopped mid-sentence.
Looking around.
“…Wait.”
“…Where’s Mirelya?”
Garrick immediately searched the battlefield.
Then the tunnel behind them.
His face turned pale.
Lysera’s breathing grew uneven.
“She…”
Her eyes darted around frantically.
“She was right here…”
“…Just a moment ago.”
Garrick grabbed both sides of his head.
“Damn it…”
“Mirelya!”
Then something caught his attention.
His eyes narrowed.
“…Wait.”
“The goblins carrying those staffs…”
He stared toward the deeper parts of the Dungeon.
“…Were they hitting the dragon?”
At that exact moment…
A terrified scream echoed through the darkness.
“AAAAAAAAAAAH!!”
The voice was unmistakable.
“Mirelya!”
A heartbeat later…
An earth-shaking roar erupted from deep within the Dungeon.
ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRR!!!!
The cavern violently shook.
Loose stones crashed from the ceiling.
The air itself seemed to vibrate beneath the monstrous roar.
Everyone froze.
Garrick’s eyes widened.
“That scream…”
“…It sounded like Mirelya.”
Lysera tightened her grip on her daggers.
“And that roar…”
She stared toward the darkness.
“…That was the dragon.”
Garrick looked at her.
“You’ve heard one before?”
She slowly shook her head.
“No…”
“…I’ve just never heard anything like that.”
Ren took a determined step forward.
“We’re going after her.”
Garrick answered without the slightest hesitation.
“I am.”
His grip tightened around his sword.
“I owe her far too much.”
“I’ve already told you that.”
Lysera remained silent for several seconds.
Then spoke calmly.
“…We’re not obligated to fight a dragon.”
Garrick didn’t even turn around.
“Then leave.”
“If that’s what you want.”
A flash of anger crossed Lysera’s face.
Without another word…
Garrick sprinted toward the darkness.
“Mirelya!”
Ren looked at Lysera.
“If you’d rather wait outside…”
He smiled faintly.
“…Go ahead.”
“But…”
His expression became serious.
“I owe Mirelya a lot too.”
Lysera stared at him for several long seconds.
Finally…
She let out a quiet sigh.
“…Ren.”
She shook her head.
“Fine.”
She sheathed one of her daggers.
“I’m coming.”
A small smile appeared on Ren’s face.
“Let’s save Mirelya.”
Lysera returned a faint smile.
“…I just hope I don’t end up regretting this.”
Without another word…
The three of them rushed deeper into the darkness of the Forest Dungeon.
Behind them…
The bodies of dozens of goblins lay scattered across the stone floor.
Ahead…
Only darkness…
The echo of Mirelya’s scream…
And the terrifying presence of the dragon waiting somewhere beyond.