Chapter 3

The first floor, often referred to by some scholars as the 0.5 floor, serves as a threshold before one plunges into the true abyss below. This level is alive with the remnants of fallen kingdoms, whether they be from recent history or the echoes of ancient civilizations. Among the crumbling structures, there are even traces of societies unknown to us, leading to wild speculation that these ruins might belong to a civilization from another realm—one devastated by the EYE before it ever reached our world. Due to its vastness and relative safety, coupled with the bustling presence of people compared to the deeper, more perilous parts of the dungeon, this area has earned the nickname the unofficial fourteen countries.

Dust blankets the ground, a mix of soot from charcoal, metal shavings, and fragments of brick. While a brief encounter with this dust poses little long-term health risk, repeated and extended exposure can lead to serious hazards. Consequently, many researchers and scholars don specialized gear to meticulously examine the ruins scattered throughout. Even the guards and adventurers who accompany them don similar protective attire.

"Suicidal as always?"

"If you ever come across the Eye of Knowledge, do let me know; I'd gladly trade my entire fortune for it."

"Stay away from her; she's a spawn of the devil!"

"That's absurd. Has she ever taken a life?" [Eric]

"She made threats against the Prime Minister!"

"That old man? Who cares? I can't fathom why he still clings to his position at his age." [Eric]

As usual, opinions about me are sharply divided. Most seasoned adventurers have no qualms about me; they've even placed their lives in my hands. Yet, others—commoners, scholars, nobles, and the like—still regard me as a devil's offspring. It's only logical. How could a mere girl possibly defeat a devil capable of vanquishing an entire army? My survival is a story that sounds like it's been plucked from a fairy tale, but sometimes, reality is far stranger than fiction, especially when it involves The EYE. A decade has passed since that fateful day, yet the memory lingers in everyone's minds, haunting them like an unwelcome guest.

As I prepare for my extended stay in the dungeon, I take a moment to chat with a few friendly faces. I'll be down there for about a month, and I can't help but wish for a way to teleport back to safety at a moment's notice. If only such a device existed, it would completely change the way for adventurers delving into the depths of dungeon.

"Help! Someone, please!"

"Everyone, flee!"

"It's... It's... Aaaah!!!"

Before us stands a gaunt figure, resembling a skeletal wraith draped in the tattered robes of a dark cult. Its crimson eyes blaze with an eerie intensity, drawing in the souls of the unfortunate who dare to meet its gaze. The lich's frail form seems even more fragile than usual, but there's something unsettling about it...

"Now that's unusual. A lich on the verge of becoming a demilich," [Eric]

"I thought that transformation happened in an instant," [Alfin]

"True, but just because we've never seen it doesn't mean it's impossible," [Eric]

"Fair point," [Alfin]

If this situation escalates, it could spell disaster for all of us. Right here and now, we must put an end to this menace.