Prologue

When we are about to die, it is said that life flashes before our eyes. In my case, though, life flashed before my eyes like a movie nearing its conclusion. I remembered losing my family, friends, and comrades, giving up on my life, and dying over and over. Those trials shaped me into the person I am now. The memories that pushed me to fight even though I knew there was a risk I would lose my life at any moment.

Months and perhaps years have gone by. We're almost there in terms of fighting him, the main antagonist in this game-like system. His true identity is unknown, but he was labeled the Abyssal King. He was the villain who sought our world and craved vengeance. I, Kia Grimaldi, a sword master and Athena's disciple, will put an end to this warfare. 

"Kia, Kia, Kiaaa!" When I felt someone tapping my back and screaming in my face, I flinched and blinked constantly. In front of me stood Gail, a mage, marksman, and Lilith's disciple.

Numerous demonic creatures surrounded us, but they were paralyzed and unable to move, with arrows piercing their skulls, which were undoubtedly done by her. Buildings are collapsing and fires are raging throughout the city—or should I say, the dungeon. Right now, I'm in the midst of a battle. How could I lose my concentration? We're even caught in the midst of these obnoxious monsters. 

"What are you thinking?! Your lover? " With an irritating grin, she asked. I rolled my eyes and ignored her. It annoys me that she can read my mind but yet asks nonsensical questions. Regardless of the situation, she enjoys spewing nonsense. "Can you tell me when the reinforcements will arrive?" I asked as I pulled my long sword, long enough to sever the heads of these gigantic monsters. 

"Sooner or later, most probably. I can't feel their presence. "

I sighed. My squad has five members. Then why did I have to fight with this woman despite having four comrades? At the same time, I felt lucky and unlucky. "Are you aware that I have the ability to read your thoughts?" She glared at me. Like a toddler throwing a tantrum, she crossed her arms and stamped her feet.

"Certainly."

"Whatever. Why are you always cold to me? " As she turned her bow into a double gun, she pouted. When will she begin to act her age? She even has a cool weapon that is totally unfit for her nature.

The monsters began to move once the effect of Gail's magic had worn out. Even the arrows in their heads vanished into thin air. Before I could wield my sword, I heard the twin guns firing continuously behind my back, followed by a maniacal laugh. What a weirdo. 

As I moved closer to the monsters, I took a deep breath. I swung my long sword at their feet, knocking them off balance before slashing them in half and chopping off their limbs. Despite the fact that my long sword weighed more than a human adult, I had no trouble swinging it. One of them came close to grabbing my head, but I was able to avoid it and cut off his head. These monsters seem like pests, as they are far too easy to kill, even with just one's bare hands. However, if I face them alone, they have a large number of them, which may result in my fatigue. They kept coming, but I was fortunate to have Gail with me. 

Except for a demon who had been discreetly watching us from the start, it took us half an hour to take them all down. I wiped the blood from the monsters off my face. Unlike the woman beside me, who maintained a beautiful and neat appearance, my entire body was drenched in blood. But, because of my stamina, I didn't feel even a tiny little bit of tiredness or break a sweat.

"Congratulations! Despite our best efforts to kill you all, what a surprise that all of you managed to survive. " The demon remarked sarcastically. My ears were irritated by his deep, raspy voice. He was seated on a throne amidst hellfires. I can't even imagine how hot it was. He must be this dungeon's boss.

"Thank you for praising us; it was quite 'kind' of you to do so. However, your obstacles were inadequate to prevent us from eventually meeting you, lowly demons. " The laughter of my friend echoed throughout the place. She's both silly and provocative, but right now, her tone of voice hinted at how vicious she actually is, and that just shows how she's been keeping it all this time.

The monster clenched his jaw, revealing the veins in his head. "You have the audacity to-"

"By the way, we have an Abyssal King to kill, so bye!" She cut him off before he could complete his statement, followed by a loud gunshot. She even smiled while waving the other gun in her other hand. His lifeless corpse immediately slumped to the ground.

"Crazy," I commented.

She responded, "I'll take it as a compliment."

I smiled, not because of the woman beside me, but because in front of us appeared a portal to the last dungeon. My heart was racing with anticipation. She smiled at me as she took my hand. "Let's go." 

We went through the portal together, which led to the throne room. A spacious throne room with a red interior and gold ornamentation. In the center, there was a large diamond chandelier. He isn't referred to as the "King" for nothing.

"K-Kia, I-Isn't that—?" Her voice had a crack in it. Because she sounded surprised, I immediately diverted my gaze to her. Her eyes grew large as she trembled and pointed to the throne. I followed her gaze with my brows furrowed, and my heart almost stopped pounding. I recognized the person seated on the throne wearing a crown of thorns.

"Welcome, players."

That physique, face, and, most importantly, voice. I let out a gasp and covered my mouth.Why is he in this place? What exactly does this mean?