Chapter 19: Demon vs Titan
Thank you for your support: PRLXThanatos, Luka_Raphael_2687, Sus_ohio12, Elemise
—-
Veldrin moved through the dark corridors of the 13th floor of the Dungeon, his breathing calm and his body in a natural state of alertness. The humid air and the dim light from the crystals embedded in the walls gave the place a stifling atmosphere, but he was used to it.
With each step, the echo of his boots resonated throughout the vast cavern. His glaives rested in his hands, ready to spring into action at any moment. The previous night was still fresh in his mind: his fight with Ais, his unexpected transformation, the others' reaction… especially Ryuu's look.
But now was not the time to be distracted.
A dull sound made him stop. From the shadows, a group of Almiraj emerged, their red eyes glowing with killing intent. Rabbit-like creatures, but much larger, with sharp claws and dangerous agility.
Veldrin exhaled slowly and assumed a fighting stance.
"Time to work."
Just as the Almiraj prepared to pounce on Veldrin, a fire arrow streaked through the air and exploded against one of them, engulfing it in flames. The monster shrieked and writhed before crumbling into dust.
Veldrin turned his head slightly and saw Lili standing a few feet away, her crossbow still smoking from the shot. The little prum wore a satisfied expression as she prepared for another attack.
"Lili covers Veldrin from behind!" she exclaimed, quickly reloading.
Veldrin gave a slight smile before turning his attention back to the remaining monsters.
"Well done. Let's continue."
The remaining Almiraj launched an attack, but with Lili providing supporting fire and Veldrin facing them head on, the fight was over.
Evilus's attack had left an indelible mark on Orario. The city, though still standing, was left in a state of simmering tension. But the most immediate impact was felt in the Dungeon.
With fewer adventurers daring to descend, the monsters were gathering on the lower floors. Before, the constant flow of battle groups kept the monster population under control, but now… now those who still went down were met by denser, more aggressive hordes.
And Veldrin and Lili were no exception.
They walked down a narrow corridor on the 13th floor, their footsteps echoing softly on the stone. The humid, stale air of the Dungeon didn't bother them; they were already used to it. Veldrin led the way, attentive to every movement, with Lili following him closely with her crossbow in hand, ready to fire at any moment.
"Veldrin… do you think we should have waited a little longer before coming back here?" Lili asked softly, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "The dungeon feels more… crowded."
Veldrin didn't respond immediately. All around him, he could feel it. Not just the increase in monsters, but the tension in the air, as if the dungeon itself was reacting to the chaos above.
"If we waited any longer, the monsters would just keep piling up. It's best to clear some of them out now before it becomes a bigger problem."
Lili sighed, but didn't argue. She knew he was right.
A sudden noise made them both stop in their tracks. From across the hall, a wave of shadows began to move. Glowing eyes opened in the darkness, reflecting the dim light from the magical stones embedded in the walls.
Killer Ants. A lot.
Veldrin frowned, and without wasting any time, flexed his legs and prepared for combat. Beside him, Lili adjusted the aim of her crossbow.
There was no time for doubt. The dungeon was more dangerous than ever… and they would have to make their way through.
The Killer Ants advanced in formation, their chitinous bodies gleaming in the dim light of the dungeon. Their mandibles clicked with a dry, repetitive sound, and while they weren't particularly dangerous individually, their numbers made them a real threat.
Veldrin twirled his glaive in his hand, adopting a low stance. He couldn't allow himself to be surrounded.
"Lili."
"Understood."
Without further ado, Lili fired a Fire Arrow, and the explosion lit up the hallway with an orange glow. The projectile hit the front row of ants, incinerating several and disrupting the formation.
Veldrin seized the moment. He lunged forward, his glaive slicing through the air with deadly precision. The blade flashed in the flames as it sliced a Killer Ant in two, its ichor splattering across the ground. Without pausing, he spun around and slashed horizontally, decapitating another.
The remaining ants reacted quickly, launching themselves at him with renewed frenzy. Veldrin moved swiftly, dodging a pair of mandibles that attempted to close on his arm. With an upward swing, he impaled one through the chest and threw it against the wall, where it writhed before going still.
From behind, Lili continued firing. Each Fire Arrow found its mark, burning and slowing the Killer Ants enough for Veldrin to finish them off. The synergy between them was effective, a result of their experience fighting together.
But the Killer Ants weren't alone.
A deep crack echoed through the hallway. Veldrin felt the change in the air before he saw it: a Crystal Mantis fell from the ceiling in a flash of light. Its scythe-sharp crystal blade descended in a lethal slash.
Veldrin barely managed to react in time. He leaned to the side, feeling the edge slice through the air inches from his neck. Before the monster could retreat, he spun his sword and plunged it into its thorax. The Crystal Mantis screamed with a high-pitched, vibrating sound, its crystal body glowing with the impact as it frantically twisted to free itself.
"Lili, finish it off!"
Lili was already in position. She fired another Fire Arrow directly at the monster's head. The blast fractured its gleaming exoskeleton, and crystalline shards fell to the floor along with its inert body.
They took a deep breath.
The Killer Ants were dead. So was the Crystal Mantis.
The hallway fell silent except for the dripping of monster ichor.
Veldrin looked at the bodies for a moment before turning to Lili. "How are you?"
Lili lowered her crossbow and exhaled sharply. "Lili's fine. And Veldrin?"
Veldrin looked at his arm, where one of the Killer Ants had managed to scratch him before dying. A superficial cut. Nothing serious.
"I'm fine."
Lili sighed. "The Dungeon really is worse than usual."
Veldrin nodded. "Let's continue. This was just the beginning."
Lili closed her eyes, connecting with the vision of her Scout Owl, floating silently through the tunnel.
The atmosphere on the 14th Floor was oppressive, unlike the levels above. The walls and floor were made of pure bedrock, rough and uneven, forming narrow tunnels that ascended and descended without a clear pattern. The faint blue light emanating from the cracks barely illuminated the path, and the air was thick with humidity.
The owl moved forward, inspecting the area carefully.
And there they were.
Three Silverbacks.
Large ape-like monsters, covered in thick white fur with silver stripes down the center of their bodies. They were larger than a minotaur, with incredibly robust arms capable of pulverizing rock with a single blow.
Lili held her breath.
The Silverbacks were in a large cavern, located just before the entrance to the next floor. One of them stood, patrolling the entrance like a guard, while the other two rested next to a pile of broken bones and rusted armor.
Remains of adventurers.
Lili swallowed.
She broke the spell and returned to reality. "We're in trouble."
Veldrin looked at her. "What did you see?"
Lili took a deep breath. "Three Silverbacks. Just before the descent to the next floor."
Veldrin crossed his arms, analyzing the situation. One Silverback was a formidable threat on its own, but three… that was problematic.
"Position?" Veldrin asked.
Lili described the cave and the layout of the Silverbacks. One was alert, while the other two were distracted.
Veldrin smiled slightly. "Then we'll take advantage of that."
Lili looked at him doubtfully. "How?"
Veldrin drew his glaive and twirled it smoothly in his hand. "We'll take out the first one before the others react."
Lili nodded. She could shoot first.
Veldrin moved with her through the tunnel, moving stealthily until they reached a small rise that gave them a clear view of the cavern.
The Silverbacks had not yet detected them.
Lili inhaled deeply and loaded her crossbow with a special bolt. A fire bolt.
"Lili will attack first."
Veldrin nodded, ready to launch into combat as soon as the first shot found its target.
"Whenever you want."
Lili held the crossbow steady and aimed.
The first shot flew through the air, illuminating the gloom with an orange flash.
The Silverbacks were no longer a threat to Veldrin now that he had reached Level 3, but that didn't mean he would let his guard down. In the Dungeon, one mistake could mean death.
Lili wouldn't just sit idly by either.
From the rear, his crossbow was already loaded, his eyes fixed on Veldrin and the monsters' every move. The tension in the air was palpable, but his hand remained steady.
The first Silverback roared and launched an attack, its massive arms tearing at the ground as it tried to hit Veldrin with a devastating blow.
But Veldrin was no longer the same as before.
With a simple sidestep, he easily dodged the blow and, in a single fluid motion, swung his glaive in an upward arc, severing the Silverback's arm in a single slash.
The monster roared in pain, staggering backward.
That's when Lili acted.
From his position, his gaze scanned the fight in fractions of a second. He waited for the exact moment.
"Veldrin, up!"
The second Silverback leaped to fall on Veldrin with its full weight.
But Lili's warning came just in time.
Before the monster could hit the ground, a fire bolt hit it directly in the right eye.
Boom.
The Silverback's face was engulfed in flames, causing it to screech as it flailed its massive arms in an attempt to put out the fire.
A fatal error.
Veldrin had already turned and, with a swift movement, plunged his glaive into the Silverback's chest, tearing through its torso in a single slash.
The creature fell heavily to the ground, lifeless.
But there was still the third.
The biggest.
Lili did not hesitate.
She immediately pulled out his second crossbow, a smaller one but loaded with an explosive bolt.
She pointed out.
Shot.
The bolt hit the Silverback directly in the knee, and the resulting explosion shattered the joint.
The monster roared in agony, falling to the ground unable to get up.
Veldrin watched him for a second.
Then, without hesitation, he raised his glaive and brought a lethal blow down on his neck.
Silence.
The three Silverbacks lay dead on the stone floor of the 13th Floor.
Lili exhaled and slowly lowered her weapons, scanning the scene.
"…Lili thinks this was too easy."
Veldrin wiped the blood from his glaive with a quick motion.
Yes. It was too easy.
His gaze shifted to Lili, who was still watching him.
Finally, he nodded approvingly.
"Good job."
Lili blinked in surprise before smiling a little proudly.
"I-it's obvious! Lili is an excellent supporter." Veldrin smiled slightly.
"Good. Let's move on."
Veldrin and Lili continued advancing through the 13th Floor, moving with precision through the dark, damp tunnels. The bedrock walls seemed to close in on them with each step, while the echo of water droplets falling in the distance mingled with the sound of their footsteps.
Despite the momentary calm, they both knew that danger lurked around every corner.
The path began to slope slightly downward. Veldrin, his senses sharper than ever, noticed the presence of multiple openings in the tunnel walls: entrances to upper and lower passages, creating a labyrinth in which any creature could lurk.
Lili, still with her Scout Owl active, frowned.
"Lili sees movement ahead. It seems…"
Before he could finish, a deep roar echoed through the tunnel.
Minotaurs.
They had barely crossed the entrance to the 15th Floor when enormous figures emerged from the gloom. They were taller than Veldrin, with muscular bodies covered in brown and red fur. Their enormous snouts exhaled sharply, and their crimson eyes burned with bloodlust.
One of them snorted and stamped its foot, flexing its legs before charging at them at full speed.
Lili immediately stepped back, but Veldrin didn't move.
I didn't need to do it.
Just before the minotaur charged him, Veldrin twisted his body and slid his glaive in a clean horizontal cut.
SCHLACK!
The sound of flesh and bone separating echoed as the minotaur's torso split in two, spraying blood down the tunnel.
The body fell heavily, still with the inertia of the race.
The other two roared angrily, charging at the same time.
"Lili, can you handle them?"
Lili didn't need more than a second.
She leaped to the side, planted her knee on the ground, and fired a volley of magical bolts.
One hit a minotaur in the shoulder, staggering it.
Another hit him right in the knee, causing him to fall heavily to the ground.
The third crossbow bolt lodged in the second minotaur's chest, but it was not enough to stop him.
Veldrin moved forward without hesitation.
Fwoosh.
With a swift step, he closed the distance and leaped, landing on the wounded minotaur.
His glaive descended in a vertical slash, opening a deep furrow from his neck to his stomach.
The minotaur collapsed with a stifled groan.
The last one, still on the ground with his leg shattered, tried to get up.
But Lili was already loading another fire explosive bolt.
She pointed out.
Shot.
BOOM.
The minotaur's head exploded in a cloud of blood and bone, its body falling lifeless.
Silence.
Veldrin cleaned his weapon and looked at Lili.
"You're getting better."
Lili smiled proudly, still holding her crossbow firmly.
"Lili is always helpful! She's not just a burden." Veldrin nodded slightly.
"I know. Let's go."
The two continued forward, advancing even deeper into the Dungeon.
Lili and Veldrin continued advancing through the dark tunnels of the Dungeon, gradually descending into the deeper levels of the Labyrinth Cave. The air was thicker here, and humidity permeated the bedrock walls. The bluish lights emanating from the cracks in the ceiling grew fainter, plunging the room into an eerie gloom.
The monsters they encountered along the way were quickly dispatched, whether with Veldrin's swift slashes or Lili's precise crossbow bolts. The reduction in the number of adventurers in the dungeon was evident: each fight lasted longer than usual, and the enemies seemed to group together more frequently.
After a long stretch of uninterrupted walking, Lili stopped.
"Lili is going to check the road."
She raised a hand and activated his magic.
Scout Owl.
Her eyes glowed with magical light as the Owl took flight, speeding through the tunnel ahead.
Lili closed her eyes for a moment, concentrating on the sight of the owl as it made its way through the narrow bedrock corridors.
The owl moved undetected among scattered groups of monsters. It descended to a deeper level, traversed narrow passageways, and finally emerged into a much wider area.
The end of Floor 17.
There, standing in the center of a huge circular chamber, a colossal figure waited motionless.
A massive, muscular body, with grayish skin covered in scars. Arms as thick as tree trunks and powerful legs that could shake the ground. His red eyes glowed in the darkness.
Lili held her breath.
Goliath.
One of the most feared floor bosses in the Dungeon.
The owl vanished in a flash of light, and Lili's eyes flew open.
Veldrin looked at her carefully.
"What did you see?"
Lili swallowed.
"Goliath… is there."
Veldrin smiled confidently, placing a hand on the handle of one of his glaives.
"Good."
Lili blinked, stunned.
"Good? Lili just said Goliath is there! Why is Veldrin-sama acting like that's just another monster?"
The elf shrugged, relaxing his posture as if the situation didn't concern him.
"Because that's what it is." His eyes flashed with determination. "Just another monster to be defeated."
Lili puffed out her cheeks in frustration.
"It's not just another monster! It's the floor boss! Even level 3 adventurers prefer to avoid it unless they're in a well-prepared party!"
Veldrin raised an eyebrow, noticing the growing desperation in the little prum's voice.
"Lili, I know it seems dangerous, but—"
"He doesn't look dangerous, he is!" Lili waved her arms. "Lili doesn't mean to sound rude, but this is suicidal! Veldrin-sama barely reached level 3! Even if he's stronger than before, Goliath is a completely different beast from normal monsters!"
Veldrin kept his smile, but there was a flash of seriousness in his eyes.
"I know, Lili."
The prum looked at him in disbelief.
"So why—?"
"Because I want to see how far I can go." Veldrin clenched his fist, looking in the direction Goliath was facing. "Ever since I defeated the infant dragon, I've wondered how much I've improved. This is the best chance to find out."
Lili gritted her teeth, feeling a knot in her stomach.
"Lili knows that Veldrin-sama is strong… but—"
Veldrin leaned down slightly, placing a hand on the prum's head.
"Trust me, Lili." His tone was calm but firm. "I'm not so reckless as to rush in without thinking. If things get complicated, we'll retreat." Lili pouted, crossing her arms.
"…Lili is not convinced."
Veldrin laughed softly.
"You will be when you see that giant fall."
Lili sighed, still with a worried expression.
"Lili doesn't agree with this… but if Veldrin-sama is going to do it anyway, then Lili will support him from a distance."
Veldrin smiled, amused. "I knew you'd say that."
The prum frowned. "Lili isn't doing this because she wants to. If Veldrin-sama falls, Lili will pick him up and get him out of here. So don't die, understood?"
Veldrin laughed softly and nodded.
"Understood." He tapped him on the head before turning toward the end of the 17th floor. "Now let's see what this boss is made of."
Lili clicked her tongue, preparing her crossbow.
"I can't believe I'm agreeing to this…" She whispered, taking up position on an elevated area.
Veldrin took a step forward, advancing into the Goliath's territory.
The edge of the glaive cut the Goliath's skin... but it was barely a scratch.
The beast didn't even react. It just growled and twisted its massive body, throwing a crushing punch.
Veldrin jumped back, but the shockwave from the collision with the ground caught him, sending him back several meters. He rolled onto the bedrock, catching his balance on one knee.
"Veldrin-sama!" Lili fired another explosive arrow.
BOOM!
The projectile hit the Goliath's torso, engulfing him in flames for a second… only for him to extinguish it with a simple swipe of his hand.
"None of this is working."
Veldrin gritted his teeth. The creature was a monster designed to crush entire parties of adventurers. While it was now Level 3, the Goliath still had the raw advantage in durability and strength.
The titan roared and raised both arms.
Veldrin saw the attack coming and ran to the side.
BOOM!
The Goliath's hands slammed into the ground, sending up a column of debris. Rock fragments flew in all directions. A shield-sized chunk grazed Veldrin, slicing into his cheek.
Lili stepped back further, protecting herself with her arms.
Veldrin kept running, looking for a blind spot.
But the Goliath immediately turned.
It was faster than he looked.
Without hesitation, the monster launched a downward blow.
Veldrin couldn't dodge.
"Ugh!"
The impact threw him against the rock wall. His back cracked as he hit, and for a second, he felt the air escape from his lungs.
It hurt.
But he had no time to complain.
The Goliath was already raising his fist to finish him off.
Veldrin gripped his glaive tightly.
"I have to change tactics. If I can't get through his skin… then I'll do it another way."
Dark energy immediately enveloped him.
Veldrin felt his body expand, lengthening and strengthening. His skin disappeared beneath a black cloak, and wings of the same energy sprouted from his back. Horns sprouted from his head, and when he opened his eyes, they glowed with a green glow.
Goliath roared and threw his fist.
But Veldrin was no longer there.
The ground he'd been standing on was pulverized in an instant. The shockwave shook the tunnel… but Veldrin was floating in the air.
Lili looked at him with wide eyes.
"Th-that's…!"
Before he could finish his sentence, Veldrin extended his hand.
Green flames burst from his palms.
The Fire of Chaos burned brightly, reflecting in the Goliath's eyes.
For the first time… the monster hesitated.
Veldrin wasted no time. He raised both hands and threw two spheres of fire.
BOOM!
The impact was instantaneous. Flames engulfed the Goliath's torso, searing its tough hide.
Green flames burst from the Goliath's chest, but the titan did not fall.
He roared in fury, ignoring the pain, and threw a massive blow.
Veldrin barely had time to react.
He leaned back, dodging by inches… but the shock wave of the blow threw him against the rock wall.
BOOM!
The impact reverberated throughout the tunnel.
Lili gritted her teeth.
"Veldrin!"
But before he could do anything, the Goliath lumbered forward, raising his fist again.
Veldrin growled.
From the shadows covering his body, green flames sprang forth, covering him completely.
Before the titan could crush him, he pushed himself to the side, dodging the blow.
BAM!
Goliath's fist destroyed the wall, scattering debris everywhere.
But Veldrin was already on the move.
He took advantage of his new speed and dived, spinning in the air, to fire a blast of flames towards the monster's back.
Explosions shook the cave.
The Goliath roared again, this time in anger.
He turned with a surprisingly quick movement for his size and swept the ground with his arm.
Veldrin tried to jump, but he wasn't fast enough.
The impact hit him full on and sent him flying several meters.
Lili watched him crash to the ground, rolling hard on the stone.
"Veldrin!"
But the elf stood up immediately.
The Fire of Chaos still burned in his hands.
He took a deep breath.
This monster… was tougher than I expected.
The fight would not end so easily.
The air on the 17th floor became a hellish furnace.
Veldrin's green flames flickered brightly, reflecting off the rock walls.
The Goliath roared with fury, his eyes bloodshot, pounding the ground with such force that the entire cave shook.
BOOM!
Lili momentarily lost her balance.
Vibrations rippled through the tunnel, causing rock fragments to fall from the ceiling. "Veldrin, watch out!"
The elf was already moving.
He slipped through the rubble, avoiding the Goliath's massive attack, and concentrated his fire in one hand.
Green sparks danced on her fingers.
Then, with a fluid motion, he launched a spiraling blast of flame straight into the beast's face.
FOOOOM!
The fire hit hard.
The titan roared madly, staggering backward.
But it didn't fall.
"Damn!" Veldrin clicked his tongue.
The monster was tougher than I expected.
At that moment, a fiery arrow shot through the air.
SWISH!
The projectile flashed like a comet and embedded itself in the side of the Goliath.
BOOM!
An explosion erupted in his hardened flesh.
Lili didn't stop.
He loaded another arrow into his crossbow and fired again.
"I'm not going to let you do it alone, Veldrin!" Another fire bolt struck.
And another.
And another.
Explosions rocked the tunnel, illuminating the surroundings with flashes of crimson and orange.
But the Goliath was still standing.
Despite the combined attacks, the titan simply roared louder.
"Tsk!" Veldrin kicked the ground.
Suddenly, the Goliath leaped.
The beast's enormous shadow covered Veldrin completely.
"It can't be!" Lili screamed.
The titan descended like a meteorite.
The rocks broke.
The ground split into pieces.
The impact shook the entire 17th floor.
A cloud of dust and fire covered the battlefield.
Lili held her breath.
"Veldrin…"
The smoke began to dissipate.
And then, a black silhouette emerged from the rubble.
The green flames rekindled.
The green flames danced furiously.
Veldrin moved with inhuman speed, dodging the Goliath's swipes as his own hands burned with the fire of chaos.
FOOM!
He threw a flame directly at the titan's face.
The impact was brutal.
The Goliath roared in pain, shaking the cave with his fury.
But Veldrin didn't stop.
He slid across the ground, dodged another blow, and charged more fire into his hands.
"This is where it ends!"
His entire body burned in green flames.
He somersaulted over the beast and smashed both hands into its chest.
FOOOOM!
The fire exploded with a deafening roar.
Flames tore through the Goliath's hardened flesh, piercing its torso.
The titan staggered, its roar turning into a gurgling growl.
In his chest, there was now a huge smoking hole.
The light in his eyes went out.
And, with a final shudder… the Goliath fell to his knees and collapsed heavily to the ground.
The Goliath's body crumbled into a dim light.
The flesh blackened by the flames of chaos began to crack and glow, slowly dissolving into a cascade of luminous dust that floated in the air.
The only thing left behind was his magic stone… and it was monstrous.
Same size as transformed Veldrin.
Its dark surface pulsed with a faint light, as if still pulsing with the energy the Goliath had contained in life.
Veldrin stared at her, motionless, the flames still enveloping his body. His breathing was labored.
Behind her, Lili barely dared to come closer.
The prum did not take her eyes off him, cautiously watching the dark silhouette he had taken.
She knew it was Veldrin.
But seeing him in that state, so large, so enveloped in that dark energy and with those green flames that seemed to devour everything in their path...
It got on her nerves.
She took a breath and moved forward slowly.
"Veldrin…"
Her voice was barely a whisper.
The transformed elf turned his head towards her.
His eyes shone brightly, his silhouette still burning with that unknown fire.
Lili swallowed.
I was used to monsters, to the brutality of the Dungeon… but this… this was different.
Veldrin was still there… right?
Veldrin watched her silently.
The glow in his eyes shone in the gloom of the 17th Floor, reflecting the faint light from the Goliath's magic stone.
Lili felt a chill run down her spine.
I knew it was him. It had to be him.
But the image before him… that enormous figure covered in dark energy, with horns, wings, and those green flames burning in his hands…
It was like I was looking at something else.
She clenched his fists.
She couldn't show fear. Not when he was still there, staring at her.
Lili moved forward cautiously, her breathing ragged.
"Veldrin…"
The transformed elf tilted his head, looking at her with an unreadable expression.
Then, slowly, the black energy began to dissipate.
The green flames flickered before dying out, leaving behind only the scent of something burning.
His wings and horns vanished into dark smoke, as if they had never been there.
And in just a few seconds, Veldrin was back.
He was breathing heavily, his spires were back in his hands, and sweat was running down his forehead.
Lili stood still, watching him intently.
He looked up at her… and saw something strange in her expression.
Fatigue.
And something else.
Something Lili had never seen in him before.
Doubt.
Veldrin let out a deep sigh as the last trace of his transformation faded into the heavy air of the 17th Floor. His body ached more than he expected, as if the energy that had enveloped him had drained his strength with every second it remained active. He gripped the glaives tightly, feeling the cold sweat on his skin.
In front of him, Lili had stopped a few steps away. He hadn't seen him transform before. And although her expression remained firm, Veldrin could notice the slight trembling in her fingers, the way her breathing was slower than usual. She wasn't afraid, but she was cautious.
"It's just a skill." Veldrin's voice sounded deeper than usual, still carrying the weight of change. "It's still me."
Lili took a few seconds to respond. Her large eyes scrutinized him intensely, evaluating every detail of his face. Finally, she sighed.
"If you say so…" she murmured, though his tone indicated he was still processing what he had just witnessed.
She walked up to the Goliath's magic stone, which was still glowing with a blueish glow. It was enormous, easily the size of Veldrin when he was transformed. Lili inspected it closely, gauging its weight with her eyes.
"This… is going to give us a nice sum," he said with an attempt at normalcy, although his voice still sounded somewhat strained. "But it's going to be hell carrying it to the surface."
Veldrin gave a small laugh, slowly regaining his composure. "Yes, but it's worth it. It's not every day you get a magic stone this size."
Lili nodded, but in her mind, the image of Veldrin covered in dark energy kept lingering. She knew she should trust him. But a question lingered in her head, one she couldn't ignore.
To what extent was that transformation still Veldrin?
Lili looked away for a moment, pressing her lips together in thought. The image of Veldrin wrapped in that black energy still lingered in her mind. It was a terrifying thing to witness, yes… but why was she even hesitating?
It was Veldrin.
The person who had protected her when no one else would. The one who trained her, guided her, gave her a home. His transformation had been shocking, but it hadn't given her any reason to fear him. It was foolish to think otherwise.
"How ridiculous…" he muttered under his breath, shaking his head.
Veldrin glanced at her. "What did you say?"
Lili forced a small smile and shook her head. "Nothing."
There was no point in questioning it. Veldrin had always been her pillar, the person she trusted without question. No matter how much his appearance changed or how strong he became.
He was her hero.
And nothing was going to change that.
Veldrin looked at the enormous magic stone the Goliath had left behind, then looked at Lili. "We could go down to Rivira on the 18th Floor. It's a safe floor, so we could rest there before returning."
Lili frowned and crossed her arms, still keeping some distance from him. "What for? You've already defeated the Goliath, there's no reason to keep going down. Besides, it's not like we need more supplies or shelter. We'll rest a bit here and then head back to the surface."
Veldrin watched her for a few seconds and then nodded. "You're right. There's no point in going any further if we've already gotten what we wanted."
Lili let out a sigh and sat down on a nearby rock, rubbing her legs. "For once, I'm glad you're thinking practically."
Veldrin smiled slightly and sank down onto another rock, crossing his arms. "Yes, yes. Enjoy this rare moment of sanity."
Lili snorted in amusement, but her gaze still held traces of the unease she had felt moments before.
Veldrin noticed Lili settle in next to him, crossing her arms with a sigh. It had been a tiring day in the Dungeon, and the momentary silence allowed them to catch their breath.
Without saying anything, the prum turned slightly and, after a brief pause, rested her head in his lap.
He didn't move, feeling Lili's light weight. It wasn't the first time she'd shown confidence in him, but it was one of the few where she'd done so in such a carefree manner.
"This doesn't mean anything," Lili murmured, her eyes closed. "I'm just tired. And your lap is… acceptable."
Veldrin raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly. "Just acceptable?"
Lili didn't respond; she simply let out a more relaxed sigh. The tension of the day was behind her, and now, in this moment of calm, she felt safe again with Veldrin.
The silence between them stretched as the echoes of the dungeon rumbled in the distance. Veldrin looked around, making sure no monsters lurked in the darkness. But for now, they were safe.
Lili didn't move, breathing calmly. Her body was relaxed, and although she wouldn't say it out loud, she seemed genuinely comfortable there.
"We should be back soon," Veldrin commented, breaking the stillness.
Lili just mumbled something unintelligible, too comfortable to bother answering clearly.
Veldrin sighed, but made no move to push her away. He remained silent for a while longer, letting his tiredness slowly dissipate. Although they would soon have to get up and head back, for now, this little break was enough.
Veldrin finally moved carefully, causing Lili to open her eyes with a slight grunt of annoyance.
"Time to move," he said, standing up.
Lili sighed, but didn't protest. With a quick stretch, she fell into step beside him. In front of them, Goliath's enormous magical stone still glowed with a faint purple glow. It was an incredible haul, probably worth a fortune on the surface.
With effort, Veldrin lifted it, making sure to distribute the weight evenly. It wasn't impossible to carry, but it definitely wasn't something anyone could carry without help. Lili, meanwhile, adjusted her crossbow and checked for any nearby enemies before nodding.
"Let's go before something tries to ambush us," she said.
Veldrin nodded, and the two began their return journey. They still had a long walk to the dungeon exit, but with victory over Goliath assured, their return would be much smoother.
…
Xander let out a sigh as he signed another copy of Exodus of the Horde, his pen gliding easily across the page.
"For a future Warchief," he wrote with a smile before handing the book to the adventurer in front of him.
The young man, wearing light armor and carrying a sword on his back, received the book with excitement. "Thank you, Xander-sama! I never imagined reading about orcs and humans in such depth!"
Xander rested his chin on his hand as the line moved forward. His first book, Exodus of the Horde, had caused quite a stir in Orario. No one expected a story where orcs were the main characters and not just monsters to be killed in the dungeon. But now, with the sequel, Scourge of Lordaeron, the anticipation was even greater.
"Xander-sama, Prince Arthas…" began an adventurer with the second book in her hands. "Did he really do all that?"
Xander gave her an amused look as he took the copy and began writing his dedication. "Every choice comes with a price. And some people just can't escape their fate."
Loki, who had been watching from the sidelines with his usual mischievous smile, decided to intervene. "I have to admit, kid, you've achieved something impressive. Getting the adventurers to talk about something other than the Dungeon is quite an achievement."
Xander winked at him as he slid another book across the table. "So, Loki, do you want a copy? Maybe you'll learn something about leadership."
Loki laughed. "And I have to pay?"
"Of course."
"Passed."
The event continued, with more excited adventurers discussing Thrall, Grom, and the decline of Lordaeron. Some wondered if there would be a third book. Others argued over whether Arthas had truly made the right decision.
Xander smiled contentedly as he signed another copy. Maybe not everyone understood the weight of those stories, but he'd accomplished something beyond ink and paper: he'd made them think.
Xander looked up as the young woman approached timidly, holding a copy of her book in both hands. He noticed her long black hair falling in waves to her waist and her light green eyes, which regarded him with some hesitation.
"Hi," Xander greeted with a friendly smile. "Do you want me to sign your book?"
She nodded quickly, but didn't say anything. Xander calmly took the copy and asked as he took out his pen, "Who is this for?"
The young woman hesitated for a moment before answering in a low voice: "For me… Cassandra."
Xander smiled at the sound of his name. "Nice name, Cassandra. Do you have any favorite characters so far?"
Cassandra seemed to think about it, then said in a small voice, "I like… Uther."
Xander smiled approvingly. "A great character. A true champion."
As she wrote her dedication, Cassandra seemed to gather some courage. "It feels… real. Like I really existed."
Xander gave her a closer look and passed the book back to her with a small smile. "Maybe because your story is something many people can understand… even here."
Cassandra received the book carefully, but instead of walking away, she stood there, looking at Xander with a glimmer of doubt in her eyes.
"In your story… everyone fights against their destiny." His voice was low, almost as if he was afraid to ask. "But in the end… they can't change it."
Xander leaned his elbows on the table and looked at her with interest.
"Fate isn't something set in stone," he said calmly. "We can't always avoid what comes… but we can choose how to face it. Uther did. Arthas did too, though his path was different."
Cassandra pressed her lips together, seemingly debating internally. "Do you think… that's true here too?"
Xander looked at her more closely. That wasn't just a casual question.
"Yes, Cassandra," he replied firmly. "I believe it."
She looked down at her book, clutching it tightly. Then, after a slight nod, she murmured a "thank you" and walked away with measured steps.
Xander followed her with his eyes for a moment, wondering what story she carried on her shoulders.
Cassandra walked away with careful steps, holding the book to her chest like a treasure. Her fingers tightened against the cover as her mind replayed Xander's words.
We can't always avoid what comes... but we can decide how to face it.
The idea seemed as comforting as it was terrifying.
However, his reverie was short-lived.
"Cassandra."
She jumped when she heard the low, stern voice calling her. She looked up and saw a tall, serious-looking man, his arms crossed as he watched her.
"…Mr. Ulrich," she murmured, shrinking slightly.
The man sighed, though his brows remained furrowed. "You know you shouldn't have left without warning." Cassandra looked down, hugging her book tighter. "I just wanted to see Mr. Xander…"
"I know." Ulrich uncrossed his arms, but his tone remained firm. "But you know you can't walk alone."
She pressed her lips together and nodded slightly. There was no point in arguing.
The man watched her for a moment longer before letting out a tired sigh. Then, without another word, he turned and started walking.
Cassandra followed him silently, still clutching the book.
Cassandra walked silently behind Ulrich, but her mind was far from the bustling street they were traveling along.
Xander's words still echoed in her head, but what really kept her deep in thought was the reason she had felt the need to come see him.
For a long time, every time she slept, she had visions.
At first, they were blurry images of minor events: a merchant tripping and spilling his wares, a girl losing her doll in the street, a sudden storm drenching those without shelter. Small misfortunes that, while disturbing, didn't seem to mean much.
But the closer she got to Orario, the more terrifying they became.
She'd seen fires devouring buildings, screams of pain echoing in the darkness, gigantic shadows lurking among the ruins. Her own reflection in a pool of blood.
She would wake up gasping, her chest tight, and a feeling of helplessness that tormented her even when she was awake.
So when she read Xander's first book, "Exodus of the Horde," she felt… understood.
The story of a leader forced to confront a vision of his people falling into despair, trying to guide them toward an uncertain future… spoke to him directly. Xander hadn't just written about a hero; he'd written about struggling against a seemingly inevitable fate.
And then, with "The Scourge of Lordaeron," she found something else.
Uther, a knight who represented justice and compassion, someone who clung to his values even when everything around him fell apart.
His story hurt her.
Because deep down, Cassandra feared becoming someone like Arthas.
Someone who, in his desperation to avoid tragedy, ended up becoming the cause of his own nightmare.
She clutched the book to her chest.
That's why she'd come. That's why she wanted to meet Xander. Because in his words, she found a small glimmer of hope that maybe... just maybe... fate wasn't completely written.
But now that I had seen him, now that I had spoken to him… She didn't feel calmer.
If her visions were true, something terrible was about to happen in Orario.
And she had no idea how to stop them.
Ulrich stopped in his tracks and turned his head to look at Cassandra.
The young woman had stayed behind, clutching the book to her chest like a shield. Her expression was lost in thoughts he couldn't read, but he knew that look.
He frowned.
"Cassandra."
She blinked, startled, and looked up.
"What's wrong? Don't tell me you want to be in that god's Familia."
He said it in a mocking tone, not really expecting a response. It was just a joke, something to tease her a little after seeing her so engrossed in that book.
But Cassandra didn't answer.
Ulrich raised an eyebrow, expecting some kind of complaint or immediate denial. But she only clutched the book tighter to her chest and lowered her gaze.
He stopped.
The silence lasted a second longer than it should have.
"Huh?"
The mockery in his voice evaporated.
Cassandra was considering the question. Seriously.
His brow furrowed slightly.
"…Cassandra."
She blinked, as if waking from a trance. She looked up, but avoided looking directly at him. "I…"
His voice was low. Hesitant.
He did not deny it.
Ulrich looked at her for a second longer before snorting and shaking his head.
"Stop thinking nonsense," he said, starting to walk again.
Cassandra stood still for a moment before hurrying to follow him.
But even as they moved forward, the question remained in his head.
And I didn't have an answer.
Xander let out a long sigh as he placed his quill back on the table. Finally, the book signing was over. He leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms, feeling his muscles relax after so much time writing dedications and shaking hands. Loki stood there beside him, as if she had nothing better to do.
"Don't you get tired of signing your name?" she commented with amusement, leaning her elbows on the table as she looked at him with her usual mocking smile.
"Almost, but it's a fair price to pay for fame," Xander replied, looking at the pile of sold books.
Loki clicked her tongue and settled back in her chair. "So now, in addition to being a god and a strategist, you're also a writer. I wonder what's next?"
"If the opportunity arises, I will open a tavern."
Loki burst out laughing. "I can just imagine. 'The Hero's Tavern,' with Xander himself serving ale and telling epic tales."
Xander shook his head, but the conversation didn't completely distract him. He was still thinking about Cassandra. That girl had been different from the others. Not just because of her shyness, but because of the way she held her book like it was a precious object. And then there was her reaction when he mentioned fate.
Loki watched him silently for a moment, before narrowing his eyes mischievously. "Don't tell me you fell in love with some fan."
Xander rolled his eyes. "Do you always have to take him that way?"
"Of course. I get bored if I don't do it."
Xander sighed and decided to let the subject drop. The signing had been a success, and while he was curious about Cassandra, it wasn't something he could dwell on right now. He stood up and stretched his arms.
"Well, I'd better get moving. I'm not going to stay here all day."
Loki smiled. "Yes, yes, the 'Hero' has important things to do. Come on, I won't keep you any longer."
With that, Xander gathered his things and headed out, feeling like this day wasn't quite over yet.
Xander arrived at his Familia's headquarters with calm steps, feeling the change in atmosphere as he stepped through the door. Compared to the bustle of the signing event, the place was completely calm. He threw his cape over a chair and ran a hand through his hair, letting out a sigh.
Lili and Veldrin had not yet returned.
He approached the table and sank into one of the chairs, drumming his fingers on the wooden surface. The feeling of stillness felt strange after spending so many hours surrounded by people.
His gaze scanned the interior of the headquarters, noting the small details that had become part of his routine. The table with some scrolls he'd left before leaving, the light filtering through the window, the slight creaking of the wood as he shifted in his seat.
"Guess I'll have to wait," he muttered to himself, leaning an elbow on the table and resting his head on his hand.
I wasn't worried, but still, I hoped they wouldn't take too long.
The sound of knocking on the door broke the calm in the headquarters. Xander, who was leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed, opened one eye and let out a sigh.
"These two are finally here…" he murmured, stretching before standing up.
He approached with a relaxed stride and opened the door without much ceremony, expecting to see Veldrin and Lili. But instead of his silver elf and his little monster slayer, what he found was a much more unexpected figure.
Cassandra.
The same shy girl who had attended the book signing was now standing in front of her door.
Xander blinked in surprise, watching her silently for a second. She seemed somewhat nervous, her fingers intertwined and her gaze shifty.
"…Don't tell me you're here for another signature," he joked, raising an eyebrow.
Cassandra shook her head quickly. "N-no… well, yes, but not exactly."
Xander leaned a shoulder against the doorframe, crossing his arms. "So? Don't tell me you're coming to join my Familia just because you liked my books."
The slight tremor in Cassandra's expression made him reconsider his words.
I wasn't there just for that.
Xander narrowed his eyes, watching Cassandra's reaction more closely. He'd expected a sheepish laugh or an outright denial, but instead, she looked away and lightly bit her lip, as if she were considering something.
"Are you serious?" he asked, surprised by his own instinct.
Cassandra took a breath and clenched her hands in the folds of her robe, not daring to look him in the eye.
"It's not just that." His voice was barely a whisper.
Xander let out a sigh. "Well, at least you're not here for a signing."
The attempted joke didn't ease the tension in the room. Cassandra looked hesitant, as if she were on the edge of a cliff.
Xander tilted his head. "So? Why do you want to join?"
The young woman took another deep breath, still without looking up.
"…Because I want to be in a safe place."
Xander didn't respond immediately. It wasn't the first time someone had sought refuge in a Familia, but it didn't seem like Cassandra was running away from anything specific. More like… she was worried about what was coming.
"Sure about what?"
Cassandra bit her lip. She knew she couldn't tell him the whole truth. Not without him thinking she was crazy.
"I don't know exactly," he admitted. "I just… have a bad feeling."
Xander raised an eyebrow. "A bad feeling?"
Cassandra nodded.
"Ever since I approached Orario, it's like… something's lurking. I can't explain it, but I can't breathe. And every time I sleep, I have dreams of misfortune. Not always clear, sometimes just… fragments. But the closer I got to this city, the worse they became."
Xander watched her silently.
"I have no proof of anything," Cassandra continued, her voice strained. "Maybe they're just senseless nightmares… but I can't ignore it."
Xander rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "And I take it you read my first book and could relate to the visions."
Cassandra nodded slowly.
"That explains why you ended up hooked on the second one," Xander added, a small flicker of understanding in his eyes.
"…Uther was someone who tried to do the right thing," Cassandra murmured. "Someone who fought for what he believed in… even when everything was falling apart around him." Xander crossed his arms and let out a sigh.
"So… you want to join because you think something bad is coming and you're looking for a place to be safe?"
"… Yeah."
Xander looked at her for a few more seconds and then smirked.
"You could have said that from the beginning."
Cassandra blinked, surprised.
"I-is that all?"
Xander shrugged. "If you really think something bad is coming, I see no problem with you staying here. After all, if something happens, I prefer capable people nearby rather than scattered."
Cassandra's lips parted, as if she couldn't believe how easy it had been.
"So…" Xander extended a hand toward her with a confident smile. "Welcome to the Xander Familia."
It took Cassandra a moment to react, but then, with trembling hands, she took his.
In the back of her mind, a strange feeling crept through her. As if this moment were marking a point of no return.
But seeing Xander's calm gaze, something inside her told her she had made the right decision.
Xander held his hand in the air for a moment before raising an eyebrow, realizing something.
"Wait a second." He pulled his hand back and crossed his arms. "How old are you?"
Cassandra blinked, not expecting the question. "T-thirteen…"
Xander frowned. "Uh-huh. And if you're thirteen, that means you're still dependent on someone. Parents, guardians…?"
Cassandra looked down, her fingers intertwined. "I have a caregiver."
Xander sighed. "And he knows you came all the way here to join my Familia?"
The young woman looked away, clearly uncomfortable.
Xander clicked his tongue. "Let me guess. No."
Cassandra didn't reply, which was answer enough.
Xander ran a hand through his silver hair, thoughtful.
"Cassandra," he said calmly. "I can't accept someone into my Familia without at least their guardian knowing. Imagine if they arrive here with a Guard patrol, demanding the return of their lost child."
Cassandra pressed her lips together.
"It's not like that…" she muttered.
"So what's it like?" Xander leaned in slightly, staring at her.
Cassandra swallowed.
"…Ulrich wouldn't understand."
Xander put a hand on his hip. "And you think not coming here wouldn't make him mad either?"
Cassandra frowned slightly. "He doesn't believe in visions."
Xander blinked, surprised by his own intuition confirmed. "Visions?" Cassandra bit her lip, realizing her mistake.
But Xander didn't press any further.
"Listen." He sighed and rubbed his face. "I'm not saying you can't join my Familia… just that things have to be done right."
Cassandra looked at him, unsure.
Xander smirked. "I wouldn't be a good god if I accepted just anyone without making sure everything was in order."
The young woman lowered her gaze and nodded slowly.
Xander patted her head, ruffling it a little. "So, what do you say? We go see this Ulrich of yours and negotiate like civilized people."
Cassandra let out a small sigh, not having much choice.
"… Alright."
Xander smirked and nodded at her. "Good. Lead the way, then."
Cassandra nodded with some resignation before turning and starting to walk away. Xander closed the headquarters door behind him and followed her, keeping a relaxed pace.
As they walked through the streets of Orario, Xander noticed how the girl kept her head slightly down, her arms close to her body. She didn't seem too keen on the idea of talking to her caretaker, which made it clear to him that their relationship wasn't exactly easy.
"So," he broke the silence, glancing sideways at Cassandra, "how angry do you think he'll be when he sees you?"
Cassandra hesitated. "…Quite a bit."
Xander chuckled. "Well, that will make it more interesting."
Cassandra looked at him with some despair. "That doesn't help…"
"No? It helps me prepare."
The young woman sighed and quickened her pace, while Xander remained relaxed at her side. Eventually, they arrived at a modest inn on one of the less-busy streets.
Cassandra stopped in front of the door, as if gathering her courage.
"It's here."
Xander tilted his head. "Are you just going to stand there, or do you want me to play?" Cassandra glared at him before sighing and pushing open the door.
The interior was modest, with a few tables occupied by adventurers resting. A man with a weathered appearance sat in one corner, arms crossed and eyes closed, as if meditating or sleeping.
But as soon as Cassandra took a step inside, her brow furrowed and her eyes widened, immediately focusing on her.
Xander felt the change in atmosphere.
Ulrich.
The man calmly rose from his seat, but his sharp gaze indicated that he wasn't exactly happy.
"Cassandra," he said firmly. "Where were you?"
Cassandra hesitated.
Xander, still smiling, raised a hand in greeting.
"She was with me."
Ulrich looked him up and down, assessing Xander with a neutral expression, but his eyes held a warning flash.
"And who are you?"
Xander placed a hand on his hip. "Xander, god of heroes. My pleasure." Ulrich's frown deepened.
"… I see."
His gaze returned to Cassandra, who avoided his gaze.
"And what were you doing with a god?" he asked, his tone more severe.
Cassandra bit her lip, not knowing how to respond.
Xander decided to intervene, calmly raising a hand. "Before you scold her, it was my idea to come here. It seems there's a pending conversation between you two."
Ulrich stared at Xander for a moment longer, then sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"Come here," he said to Cassandra, motioning for her to come closer. "Let's talk."
Xander crossed his arms, watching the scene with interest.
Cassandra complied with some hesitation, approaching Ulrich with her head slightly bowed. Xander followed her with his eyes, not intending to intervene unless necessary.
Ulrich said nothing at first, just watched her with an inscrutable expression.
"What were you thinking?" he finally asked, his tone calmer, though still laden with reproach.
Cassandra clenched her fists, but didn't look up. "I just... I just wanted to explore Orario on my own."
Ulrich exhaled slowly. "And that included seeking out a god and asking to join his Familia?"
Cassandra tensed, but didn't respond.
Xander raised an eyebrow. So Ulrich had already figured that out.
The man turned his gaze to Xander. "How much do you know?"
Xander shrugged. "Just what she's told me. That she wants to join my Familia and isn't here on a whim."
Ulrich narrowed his eyes. "And you think it's normal to just accept someone like that?"
Xander smiled calmly. "I haven't accepted it yet."
That seemed to take Ulrich by surprise.
"Cassandra still hasn't given me a good enough reason," Xander continued. "I told her I don't accept just anyone. But it seems like she really wants to join."
Ulrich glanced at Cassandra. "And why do you want to do that?"
Cassandra swallowed. "I want… I want to be in a place where I can grow and learn to protect myself."
Xander noticed that she didn't mention her visions. It didn't surprise him.
Ulrich clicked his tongue. "And you think being in a Familia of adventurers will solve that."
"Yeah."
Xander watched as Ulrich pressed his lips into a tight line, as if he was considering something.
Finally, he sighed. "Cassandra, do you really think joining a Familia will give you the answers you're looking for?"
Cassandra raised her head, meeting Ulrich's gaze.
"… Yeah."
There was a long silence.
Finally, Ulrich looked at Xander.
"And what will you do if you accept it?"
Xander smiled slightly. "Help her grow. But only if she's willing to put in the effort."
Ulrich looked at Cassandra once more. "… You have a lot to learn."
Cassandra nodded, without looking away.
After a moment, Ulrich closed his eyes and sighed.
"I don't like the idea," he admitted. "But if that's what you really want…" Cassandra blinked in surprise.
Ulrich looked at her harshly. "Then make sure you don't regret it." Cassandra felt a lump in her throat, but nodded determinedly.
Xander smiled.
"Well," he said, "I guess that means I'll see you at headquarters."
Cassandra nodded firmly, although her hands remained slightly tense at her sides.
Ulrich watched her for a few more seconds before letting out a heavy sigh. "I'll be back in a bit to check on you."
It wasn't a request. It was a warning.
Xander took it in stride, smiling slightly. "Anytime. I'll be here."
Ulrich narrowed his eyes, but nodded, saying nothing more. Then he turned to Cassandra. "Be careful."
Cassandra felt a slight warmth in her chest at those words, although Ulrich's tone was as serious as ever.
She nodded, and without further ado, the man turned and started walking away.
Xander watched her for a few seconds before speaking.
"I guess it's official."
Cassandra blinked, seeing him again.
Xander smiled. "Welcome to the Familia."
Cassandra felt a strange chill run down her spine, as if those words marked a point of no return. But instead of backing down, she took a deep breath and nodded. Xander turned and nodded at her. "Let's go."
Cassandra followed him, her heart pounding as she crossed the entrance of the headquarters.
Destiny was on its way.
Xander closed the door to the headquarters behind them and turned to face Cassandra, leaning against a table with his arms crossed.
"Okay, before we make this official, I want to know a few things about you."
Cassandra blinked nervously. "H-what do you mean?"
Xander smiled reassuringly. "The basics. Where are you from? How old are you? Do you have any fighting experience? Any special skills?"
Cassandra tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm from a small town near Orario… I'm thirteen years old…"
Xander nodded, not looking surprised. "Familia?" Cassandra hesitated for a second, but replied, "My parents…"
She said nothing more, and Xander didn't press her.
"Do you know how to fight?"
Cassandra shook her head. "I've never held a weapon."
Xander gave a light laugh. "Well, that can be fixed. Magic?"
Cassandra tensed slightly, but replied, "No… I don't have magic."
Xander noticed her hesitation, but didn't push her yet. He just nodded.
"Well, that's something to work with." She pushed herself up from the table and smiled. "Now, last question. Why do you want to be an adventurer?"
Cassandra looked down for a moment before answering softly. "Because I want to be able to protect myself."
Xander watched her silently for a second and then nodded.
"A good reason." He turned toward the stairs. "Come on. Time to make this official." Cassandra followed him, her heart pounding.
Xander led her to one of the most private rooms in the headquarters.
"Okay, before we start, tell me, do you know how to put on the falna?" he asked, crossing his arms.
Cassandra shook her head timidly. "N-no… I only know that the gods grant it to their followers."
Xander nodded. "Correct. To do that, I have to engrave it on your back… which means you'll have to take off your top."
Cassandra's eyes widened slightly in surprise, and her face flushed.
Xander raised a hand with a slight smile. "Relax. It's nothing unusual. I just need access to your back to place the blessing."
Cassandra swallowed and nodded slowly. She turned onto her back, reaching for the top of her clothes.
Xander waited patiently, giving him as much time as he needed.
Just as Cassandra slid her blouse off her shoulders, the sound of the door opening echoed through the headquarters.
Xander barely had time to turn his head before two figures entered.
Veldrin and Lili froze in the doorway.
Their gazes immediately shifted to the scene in front of them: Xander, sitting on the bed with a relaxed air, and Cassandra, with her back to him, the top of her clothes in her hands, revealing her pale skin.
"…"
"…"
There was a long, tense silence.
Lili was the first to react. Her face turned as red as a tomato before she pointed her finger. "W-what are you doing?!"
Veldrin simply raised an eyebrow, looking at the scene with a neutral expression.
Cassandra, barely realizing what had just happened, let out a small squeal and hurriedly covered herself with her clothes.
Xander, for his part, sighed, putting a hand to his face. "Perfect. Exactly the kind of entrance I was hoping for."
Lili was still speechless. "Lili and Veldrin are leaving for a day, and you're already attracting girls to headquarters!"
"It's not what it looks like!" Cassandra exclaimed, her face red.
Veldrin crossed his arms. "Oh, no? Enlighten us."
Xander stared at the ceiling in resignation before letting out a sigh. "She's here to join the Familia. I was just explaining the falna to her."
Lili blinked a couple of times. Then she looked at Cassandra, who nodded quickly.
"… Oh."
A new silence fell over the room.
Finally, Veldrin simply clicked his tongue and started walking toward the headquarters. "Fine. I'm going to take a shower."
Lili, still blushing, hurried to follow him.
Xander sighed, before looking at Cassandra with an arched eyebrow. "See? Now they think I'm a pervert."
Cassandra just covered her face with her hands.
Xander waited for the sound of Veldrin and Lili's footsteps to fade before sighing heavily.
"Okay… now that the embarrassing interruption is over, let's get back to what we were doing."
Cassandra nodded shyly, still somewhat embarrassed, but obeyed. She removed her top again, more cautiously this time, making sure the door was securely closed.
Xander took a seat behind her, taking out a needle.
"This won't hurt, but it will feel strange."
Cassandra swallowed and nodded.
Xander pressed the tip of the needle into his finger, dripping a drop of his blood onto the girl's back. Immediately, the drop expanded into intricate patterns, slowly forming the Xander Familia crest on her skin.
Xander watched the newly inscribed falna on Cassandra's back as the information unfolded before his eyes. But something inside him told him he could do more.
He took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment as he touched the symbol on the young woman's back. Allowing himself to use even a fraction of his Arcanum was risky, but he couldn't help it.
feeling that Cassandra had a role to play… and he wanted to make sure she was ready when that moment came.
A faint blue glow began to emanate from his hand, flowing into the falna. It was only an instant, but long enough.
When Xander opened his eyes again, his expression hardened. Cassandra's falna had changed.
Cassandra Ilion
Level 1
Strength: I0
Endurance: I0
Dexterity: I0
Agility: I0
Magic: I0
Magic:
Chain Lightning: Spell without chant. Launches a lightning bolt that bounces off up to 5 enemies, the bolt becomes weaker the more enemies it hits.
Spectral Wolf: Spell without chant. Summons two wolves that obey the user. Use this magic again while the other wolves are alive, the previous ones will disappear to create two more.
Skills:
Incarnation (Far Seer): Through the altar of storms, the body adapts to the Far Seer's history. Manifestation of Abilities and Magic of the Far Seer.
Xander looked at the sheet of paper with Cassandra's condition before handing it to her. There was no doubt in his mind that the Seer's Incarnation was the right choice for her. Her ability to foresee the future, even if she didn't fully understand it herself, made her worthy of the title.
Cassandra took the paper in both hands, curious at first, but as her gaze scanned the details, her expression changed.
Two spells.
That was strange enough. Most adventurers took years to obtain even a second spell, if they ever managed to. But what completely froze her was what was at the end.
Incarnation (Far Seer).
The air seemed to escape from her lungs.
The paper trembled slightly in her hands as his mind filled with thoughts.
No… it can't be…
Why such a skill? Why this?
For as long as she could remember, her dreams had been filled with misfortunes, with events that seemed so real they made her wake up in a cold sweat. But she always wanted to believe they were just nightmares. Nothing more than her imagination playing tricks on her.
But if his Falna, the blessing of a god, had registered this ability in his body, it meant that those dreams…
They weren't dreams.
They were visions.
Everything I had seen… all those tragedies…
Her face paled as she felt a mixture of fear and vertigo run through her body.
Xander watched her silently. He'd seen it before. People facing the truth of their own nature. Some accepted it easily. Others denied it to the bitter end.
Cassandra seemed to be in the middle, caught in the shock of the revelation.
"Cassandra."
She raised her head slowly, her shaky gaze meeting Xander's.
He crossed his arms, still calm. "Do you want to talk about it?" Cassandra immediately looked down, clenching the paper in her hands.
"… It's no big deal."
Xander let out a sigh.
"You've had dreams… nightmares… that seemed too real."
Cassandra shuddered.
"And now that you see this, you start to wonder if they were really nightmares or if they were always something more."
The young woman didn't respond, but her grip on the paper tightened.
Xander tilted his head.
"I'm not going to tell you what to think about this, but the gods don't grant abilities for no reason. Something inside you makes you worthy of this. Maybe it's time you started accepting it."
Cassandra swallowed, feeling her whole body tense.
Accepting that her visions were real meant accepting that the things she had seen could actually happen.
And if that was true…
Her gaze turned grim.
Xander watched her for a moment longer before taking a step back. "You don't have to process everything right now. Take your time."
Cassandra nodded slowly, although in her mind, the pieces were beginning to fall into place in a way that terrified her.
Xander didn't expect it.
Cassandra, her expression still filled with uncertainty, stepped forward and hugged him gently. It wasn't a long, desperate embrace, but a brief, contained one… but meaningful.
Xander felt the slight tension in her body, as if she was struggling with her emotions, but he also felt the gratitude in that gesture.
He didn't say anything at first, he just gave him the space to do it.
Then, Cassandra slowly pulled away, keeping her gaze lowered. "Th-thank you… for this."
Xander gave a small smile. "No problem."
The young woman nodded and stepped back a little further, still holding the sheet of paper with her condition in her hands. She seemed to be still absorbing everything that had just happened.
Xander watched her for a moment before switching to a lighter tone. "Well, now that you're officially part of my Familia, I guess I should say 'welcome'."
Cassandra looked up and, although her mind was still full of doubts and questions, she couldn't help but smile slightly.
Xander led Cassandra to where Veldrin and Lili were.
Lili sat in an armchair, her ears slightly pricked with curiosity. Veldrin, for his part, maintained his relaxed posture, though his silver eyes assessed the newcomer with interest.
Xander raised a hand in a nonchalant gesture. "Okay, guys, before you start asking questions… I want to officially introduce you to our newest member."
He put a hand on Cassandra's shoulder and moved her forward a little.
"This is Cassandra Ilion. From now on, she's part of our Familia."
Cassandra lowered her head slightly in a gesture of respect. "U-um… it's a pleasure to meet you."
Veldrin watched her for a moment before speaking calmly. "It's rare to see someone so young wanting to be an adventurer. Do you have experience yet?"
Cassandra shook her head. "No… but I want to learn."
Lili tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. "So how did you end up recruiting someone like that all of a sudden?"
Xander sighed. "Long story, but let's just say he had his reasons."
Lili frowned slightly, but didn't press the issue too hard. Instead, she crossed her arms. "Well, I hope you're not a burden. Everyone around here does their part."
Cassandra swallowed, feeling the pressure.
Xander snapped his fingers, getting Lili's attention. "Hey, don't scare her off right away."
Lili snorted, but said nothing more.
"Okay, let's sit down. Cassandra, if you have any questions, this is the time."
Cassandra nodded shyly and followed them, preparing for her new life within the Xander Familia.
Cassandra sat somewhat stiffly in the chair, still feeling Veldrin's gaze on her. Lili, arms crossed, watched her as if evaluating her every move.
Xander settled into his seat and stretched out his arms. "Okay, Cassandra, you're officially part of the Familia. Now's the time to ask any questions before Veldrin sends you straight to training."
Cassandra blinked and glanced at the elf, who didn't deny the statement.
"…How exactly does all this work?" he asked cautiously. "I mean, I understand that I'm part of the Familia now, but… what's expected of me?"
Veldrin was the first to answer. "If you want to be an adventurer, you'll have to train. Learn to fight, handle weapons, and strengthen your body. Otherwise, the dungeon will kill you as soon as you set foot in it."
The harshness in his voice made Cassandra tense. Lili nodded slightly. "That's true. It's not a game. But you can help with other things, too. Not every member of a Familia has to go down to the Dungeon."
Cassandra looked down, thoughtful. She knew she wanted to become strong. She couldn't rely on others every time a vision tormented her. But the thought of facing terrifying monsters...
Xander leaned an elbow on the arm of the chair and looked at her curiously. "So, what do you want to do?"
Cassandra bit her lip. "…I want to learn how to fight."
Veldrin nodded approvingly. Lili snorted. "Then brace yourself. It won't be easy."
Xander smiled. "Okay, we'll start tomorrow."
Cassandra swallowed. Something told her she'd signed a contract with hell itself.
Veldrin leaned his back against the wall with his arms crossed, watching the interaction between Xander and Cassandra until he finally decided to intervene.
"By the way, Xander… we killed Goliath."
Xander blinked. "Excuse me?"
Lili nodded with a satisfied smile. "Lili and Veldrin defeated the 17th Floor boss. Single-handed."
Cassandra, who had been processing everything her joining the Familia meant, froze in her seat. "Goliath? The boss of the 17th Floor?"
Veldrin tilted his head. "Do you know about him?"
Cassandra nodded slowly. "I've heard it takes a group of experienced adventurers to defeat him… Did you two face him alone?"
Xander ran a hand over his face and let out an incredulous laugh. "This is something I would have liked to see." Then he looked at them more seriously. "How the hell did you manage to kill him?"
"With great effort." Veldrin smiled calmly. "And fire."
"And Lili's arrows." Lili puffed out her chest with pride. "Lili helped a lot."
Cassandra stared at them as if she couldn't believe it. She knew strong adventurers existed, but she'd never been around them. And now she was part of the same Familia as someone capable of killing Goliath.
Xander sighed and shrugged. "Well, I guess I missed a good fight. Although… did they bring the magic stone?"
Veldrin let out a small sigh and crossed his arms. "It would have taken us too long to get back if we carried that thing all the way. So we sold it at the guild."
Xander raised an eyebrow. "And how much did they give you?"
Lili smiled with satisfaction. "3.1 million valis."
There was a brief silence. Xander blinked. "3.1 million? By the gods… that's more than I expected."
Cassandra, who had been listening silently, was startled. "Three… million?"
Veldrin nodded calmly. "A Rex monster's magic stone is worth quite a bit."
Xander laughed. "And I imagine they caused quite a stir in the guild."
Lili nodded vigorously. "Lili and Veldrin attracted a lot of attention. No one could believe that just two adventurers had brought back Goliath's magic stone."
Veldrin shrugged. "There were quite a few adventurers watching. Some seemed impressed, others… well, they didn't seem very happy."
Xander let out a whistle. "Yeah, adventurers don't usually take kindly to someone else doing something they can't."
Cassandra looked at the three of them, trying to process what she'd heard. What kind of Familia had she ended up in? She could hardly believe two people had managed to kill a Rex monster on their own.
"So… what are you going to do with all that money?" he asked curiously.
Lili smiled. "Lili plans to buy lots of useful things."
Veldrin looked at Xander. "We could upgrade the Familia headquarters, get better supplies, and maybe start preparing to explore deeper floors."
Xander nodded thoughtfully. "That doesn't sound bad… although we could treat ourselves to a little luxury, too."
Cassandra looked at them with a mixture of astonishment and bewilderment. She'd barely joined the Familia, and already they were talking about millions of valis as if it were commonplace. Something told her that her life here was going to be much more hectic than she imagined.