8. Chance of encounter

Dungeon – Twelfth Floor

The scent of blood and steel lingered in the air. A pack of Needle Rabbits lay slain, their bodies motionless on the dungeon floor. Orcbolg stood over them, methodically cleaning his blade.

The fight had been swift—he had lured them into a narrow passage, limiting their movement before striking them down one by one.

Efficient. Precise.

As he sheathed his sword, he sensed movement.

Footsteps. Multiple. Approaching from the path ahead.

Orcbolg turned slightly, his grip instinctively tightening.

A group of adventurers emerged from the tunnel. Their armor was well-maintained, their movements disciplined. Stronger than the usual adventurers he had seen.

Leading them was Ais Wallenstein.

Her golden hair swayed slightly as she walked, her expression unreadable. The air around her was still, calm—like a blade waiting to strike.

She paused, her gaze settling on Orcbolg.

Her teammates—Bete, Tiona, and Tione—paid him little mind, more focused on their conversation.

Orcbolg simply stood there, watching.

Ais took a step forward. "...You fight differently."

Her voice was quiet, yet firm.

Orcbolg said nothing at first. He merely looked at her, then at the fallen monsters.

"Efficient," he replied.

Ais tilted her head slightly, as if considering his words. "No wasted movement. No hesitation."

Orcbolg nodded. "Necessary."

Bete let out a scoff. "Tch. What's the point in talking to some no-name adventurer? Let's go."

Tiona grinned. "Come on, Bete, don't be rude!" She glanced at Orcbolg. "But yeah, we're heading back up. You should be careful—monsters are a lot nastier deeper down."

Orcbolg didn't respond. He already knew.

Ais, however, kept looking at him.

"...What's your name?"

A moment of silence.

Then, Orcbolg answered. "Orcbolg."

Ais blinked, as if processing the unusual name.

"Ais Wallenstein."

Before she could ask more, Tione tugged at her arm. "Ais, let's go. Finn's waiting."

Ais hesitated, but nodded. Without another word, she turned and followed her team.

As they disappeared into the tunnels, Orcbolg remained still, his mind replaying the brief exchange.

She had noticed his fighting.

Not many did.

But he had no reason to linger on it. He had other things to focus on.

With that thought, he picked up his gear and moved on.