New friends

"That sinister aura… it belongs to him."

Retto took a step closer, inspecting the man he had just cut down. Even with only his upper body remaining, the man struggled to rise, his glare fixed on Retto.

"A knight? Not just that… You have a lean, muscular body… and a face more handsome than mine."

Retto furrowed his brows. "And your point is?"

The man's face twisted with rage, his voice rising into a furious shout.

"I hate men who are better than me! Unlike you, I'm not likable, I'm not good-looking, I'm not skilled at anything! I'm just a fat, ugly nobody! Having a lover is impossible for me!"

Retto remained calm, gazing at him with an unreadable expression.

"Me? Good-looking? I've never really thought about it… But yeah, I'd say I look better than you."

From the side, Kuroe turned her gaze toward Retto, her voice filled with urgency.

"That man has regenerative abilities and a power boost. Be careful with every move!"

Retto acknowledged her warning with a nod. He then untied the cape from his armor and draped it over Kuroe's exposed body.

"You're distracting me. I can't focus."

Hearing Retto's low-toned voice, Kuroe blushed, her body stiffening in embarrassment.

The man, witnessing their exchange, trembled with fury. His lower body regenerated in an instant.

"That flirting! I hate it! I HATE IT! I'll cut you down and make you regret everything!"

Roaring with rage, he transformed into a massive giant, charging at Retto like an enraged bull.

Retto stood his ground, shifting into a stance as he raised his sword. Just as he was about to counterattack, the man leaped toward the ceiling with astonishing speed.

"Rubber Magic: Hell Bounce!"

His body ricocheted around the battlefield like a rubber ball, moving too fast for the eye to track.

"At this speed, there's no way you can keep up!"

Retto let out a quiet sigh, exhaling as he closed his eyes. He steadied his stance, his sword held in front of him. Mana gathered around his blade. He activated his detection skill, sharpening his focus to its limit.

Behind him, the man descended at high speed, his arm transformed into a massive drill.

"This is the end!"

"Mister Knight!" Kuroe cried out, fear evident in her voice.

But at that moment—

Retto vanished.

A blinding flash of steel followed.

"Sword Skill: Quick Slash."

The man's body stopped midair. His movements halted. His eyes widened in shock.

A deep, precise cut ran through his chest—straight into his heart.

Retto's blade, covered in pure mana, gleamed as he stood behind his fallen opponent.

"My sword, infused with mana, is the strongest in the entire kingdom. Not even someone with regenerative abilities can withstand it."

The dying man gasped, realization setting in. "That sword technique… You're that knight. The one they call the 'Knight of Knights'…"

With those final words, his body collapsed lifelessly.

Kuroe hadn't even been able to follow what had happened. The speed was beyond her comprehension. But as she gazed at Retto's back, her heart pounded loudly in her chest. Her face grew warm.

"This man… is incredible."

Retto, meanwhile, examined the fallen body with a serious expression.

"This guy was a rebel. It seems people outside the kingdom are also interested in the power hidden within this dungeon."

Kuroe slowly stood up and approached him.

"Mister Knight…"

Retto turned to her, noticing her hesitant expression.

She took a deep breath and bowed slightly. "Thank you. Thank you for saving us."

Retto nodded. "You're welcome."

Kuroe hesitated before asking, "Are you also after the power of this dungeon?"

"That's my main goal."

Kuroe smiled slightly. "Then we're the same. But don't think of us as enemies. We just want the power to make our lives easier. After losing to that bandit so easily… it feels like capturing this dungeon is impossible for us."

"Then go home," Retto said bluntly.

Kuroe sighed. "That's not really an option for us right now. So… can we join you for a while?"

Retto frowned. "I don't like burdens."

"I promise not to be one! I just want to get to know you better. Besides, I want to return the favor for saving us. Also, I'm pretty strong! I'm an S-rank adventurer in my local guild!"

Retto considered her words for a moment. This dungeon is unpredictable and dangerous… These two might slow me down.

Still, he turned his back to her and said, "Fine. You can join my party until I capture this dungeon. But I won't prioritize your safety. You're on your own."

Kuroe pouted. "That's a pretty rude way to accept someone… What's your name?"

"Retto. Just Retto."

"I'm Kuroe, and this slender girl is Lumina."

Retto picked up the unconscious Lumina.

Kuroe watched, whispering to herself, "I wish I were the one unconscious…"

…

Meanwhile, at the Base Camp

They soon arrived at Mayu's base, a well-fortified hideout deep within the dungeon. The camp was surrounded by intricate traps—poisonous spikes, magic tripwires, and defensive barriers crafted from the coral-blue serpent's skin and viper venom.

Kuroe's eyes widened. "I've never seen a camp this… heavily fortified."

"We're low on manpower," Retto explained. "In dungeon raids, adventurers usually take turns keeping watch. But I only have one companion—a midget I can't really rely on. So she set up all these traps to ensure our safety while we sleep."

Kuroe tilted her head. "A companion? Midget?"

Inside the camp, Retto gently placed Lumina onto a bed of soft, thick moss before preparing a drink.

"She's not here yet. I guess she's fighting a monster," he added.

Kuroe frowned. "Aren't you worried?"

Retto remained calm. "She can handle herself."

"Let me help with the tea," Kuroe offered, stepping closer.

Retto remained seated, watching as Kuroe carefully brewed tea using dungeon herbs. Once she finished, she poured the tea into a cup and walked toward him.

But then—she tripped.

The cape slipped off her body.

She fell directly onto Retto, her arms wrapping around him.

At that exact moment, the entrance flared open.

A small elf girl stepped inside, her expression darkening as she took in the scene.

"I see… So you rejected Sophia because you prefer little girls, huh? Retto, you're trash."

Mayu's cold voice cut through the air like a dagger.

"…Wait. This isn't what it looks like," Retto muttered, completely dejected.

A Few Moments Later…

Kuroe quickly explained the situation to Mayu, who listened carefully before nodding.

"Alright, I believe you."

She then handed Kuroe a freshly made outfit.

Meanwhile, Retto sat sulking in the corner, looking like a man who had lost everything.

Mayu sighed. "Sorry, Retto. I was just shocked to see this cute girl on top of you."

"Don't worry, I don't really mind," Retto said flatly.

Mayu smirked. "Then why are you sulking?"

"…I'm always like this."

And so, with Kuroe and Lumina now part of the team, their journey into the Crystal Dungeon truly began.