Chapter 11: A Step Toward the Unknown

Abe stood on the bridge, looking at the dull sky above Stargaze City. The wind was cool against his skin, but his mind was filled with questions.

Alice had asked him to leave this city and go with her to Oracle. She made it sound like the best choice, like he was wasting his time here.

He had never thought about leaving before. Stargaze was his home. Even though it was rough and full of problems, it was all he had ever known.

But after what happened in the dungeon—the near-death experience, the battles, and the strange power growing inside him—he knew one thing.

If he stayed here, he would never get stronger.

He sighed and looked at Alice, who was waiting for his answer.

"I'll think about it," he said. It was the only thing he could say right now.

Alice watched him carefully. After a moment, she nodded. "That's all I ask."

With that, they turned and stepped into the dungeon.

Third Floor – The Dungeon

As soon as they entered, Abe noticed something was off.

This floor was easy—too easy.

Goblins fell in a single hit. Lesser hounds barely had time to react before they dropped. Even the trolls, which should have been a challenge, were no match for them.

Abe barely had to try.

Before he knew it, they had reached the exit.

Back in the City

Outside the dungeon, Alice turned to him. "This was probably our last hunt together," she said.

Abe raised an eyebrow. "Because you're leaving for Oracle?"

She nodded and pulled out a small card, handing it to him. "This is my contact code. If you ever decide to leave, reach out to me."

Abe took the card, staring at it for a moment before slipping it into his pocket.

"Take care of yourself, Abe," she said.

He gave a small nod as he watched Alice and her group walk away, disappearing into the streets.

Abe sighed and headed home.

One Week Later

Day after day, he returned to the bridge, entering the dungeon and fighting. But something felt off. Without Alice and her group, things felt repetitive. Empty.

Then one evening, as he sat on his couch, staring at the ceiling, he made his decision.

"I'll leave," he said.

Ava's voice echoed in his mind.

Ava: To reach Oracle, you will need a world map. Cost: 10,000 gold coins.

Abe smirked. "Of course, nothing is free."

He bought the map without hesitation. The glowing image appeared before him, showing twelve major cities spread across the land. Oracle was far from Stargaze, but he could make it.

Without wasting time, he packed a small bag—clothes, food, water. The basics.

The next morning, he stood at the edge of the city, looking back one last time.

Stargaze had been his home, but his future wasn't here.

Without a word, he turned and walked away.