Crossing Paths

"I wonder the nature of such a formidable power," Kuroe mused.

"The power to bring about the destruction of the world... A rather vague notion. Though I harbor doubts regarding its existence, I am inclined to test my limits by conquering this dungeon. Having already attained the status of the most formidable adventurer in our town's guild, I yearn for a challenge that will invigorate my senses," Lumina responded.

"My sentiments exactly. Let us vanquish numerous monsters, trade their precious gems for riches, and revel in a grand feast upon our return home," Kuroe proposed.

"An enticing prospect indeed," Lumina concurred. "And following our indulgence, we shall luxuriate in rest until our desires are fully satiated."

"You truly embody the essence of a recluse within our town," Lumina remarked, offering her support to Kuroe.

As they traversed, a sudden fissure materialized beneath their feet, propelling them into a swift descent. Unbeknownst to them, they had descended to the 56th level of the Crystal dungeons.

"Radiant wings," Lumina chanted, summoning light wings to lift them and secure Kuroe in flight. Their descent ended in a safe landing in an unfamiliar place with azure crystals, bathing the surroundings in an aquamarine hue.

"Such a myriad of crystals was in front of us. Let us gather some; their value is undoubtedly immense. With these in our possession, our wealth shall soar," Kuroe declared, securing a crystal fragment in her satchel.

"Your aversion to toil is apparent. Exercise caution in uncharted territory beyond guild's map. Descending below 20th level, remain vigilant for sudden appearance of malevolent monsters," Lumina cautioned.

A glimmer of crimson gazes in the distance captured their attention. A troop of mischievous monkeys monsters emerged.

"Coincidence or fate," Kuroe remarked, drawing her hand towards her elongated "Kogetsu", a katana of formidable length.

Dread monkeys

Level: 30

"They're just monkeys. I guess all I have to do is bring them some pain."

Kuroe gets herself ready and focus.

Kuroe sets a predetermined trajectory and travels along with it at a high velocity. She can use it to mow down multiple enemies in one activation or to strike the target from several unprotected spots in quick succession.

"Lightning swift!"

She beheads the pack of monkeys in one move.

"This monster sure give lots of experience I level up."

Kuroe establishes a predetermined trajectory on her brain and moves swiftly along it at a considerable velocity. This enables her to efficiently eliminate multiple adversaries in a single maneuver or to target the enemy from various vulnerable angles in rapid succession.

"Lightning swift!" she exclaims as she decapitates the group of monkeys with a single stroke.

"This monsters gives a lots of experience points… I level up."

Behind Lumina a giant earthworm appeared.

Earthbound worm

Level: 78

"Surprise attack won't work on me. As long as I can detect you, I can defend myself."

With her magic, she conjured ethereal luminescent projectiles. This array of radiant bullets then surged towards the body of the colossal earthworm. Harnessing her abundant magical prowess, she deftly manipulated these luminous projectiles to relentlessly pierce through the earthworm's body.

"Light bullets!" Lumina pronounced solemnly as the high-level worm met its demise.

"Shame I didn't level up." she lamented.

"It appears that conquering this dungeon will be an easy task for the two of us." remarked Kuroe.

After saying those words, an unfamiliar gentleman emerges and strides towards them. He appears to be in his forties, with a rather displeasing appearance. His face is a mess and his big fat body is juicing with sweat.

"Oh, what do we have here? Two lovely young ladies crossing my path. Care to share a bed with me? I have a soft spot for slender girls—especially this one. So delicate, almost childlike... I simply adore girls like you." The man looks toward Koroe's body in a lewd way.

"Yuck! Who is this bastard?"

"You're prince charming appears." Lumina teased Kuroe.

"There no way my prince looks like that. I prepare a manly and knight-like man." Kuroe replies to Lumina.

"That's unfortunate, I was captivated by your slender figure from the moment I saw you. That's regrettable... That's regrettable!"

The man, upon facing rejection, suddenly loses control and unleashes a surge of dark magic. His eyes turn a fiery red and his stature grows larger and larger.

"Kuroe, prepare yourself to eliminate this scoundrel."

"Only men of exceptional appearance are permitted to harbor affection for me."

Overconfidence is a dangerous flaw. Kuroe and Lumina failed to consider one crucial fact—the man standing before them had survived the deepest levels of the Crystal Dungeon. He was strong, capable of defeating countless high-level monsters. And with a single strike, he effortlessly knocked them to the ground.

"It's over for you both… I'm a level 150 mercenary. A knight once sworn to the king—until he betrayed me and left me for dead. But I'll seize the power to destroy this world… and make everything mine.'"

Kuroe's lightspeed slash had no effect. His light magic was being completely absorbed by the man's overwhelming dark magic.

"Hahahaha… You're out of stamina, aren't you?" the man sneered. "I'll deal with the cheeky brat first!"

With a single, crushing blow, he sent Kuroe crashing to the ground. His armor cracked, barely holding together under the force of the attack. Tears welled up in Kuroe's eyes.

"No… No… No! I won't allow this! There must be something I can do!"

The man loomed over him, raising his weapon for the final strike.

Just then—a brilliant ray of light pierced the darkness.

From the shadows, a voice rang out:

"Sword Skill: Rising Dragon Slash!"

A flash of steel tore through the air as Retto's blade cleaved the man's body in half.

"My… My prince charming has arrived."