22. The gap in strength

Dungeon – 14th Floor

The deeper they went, the clearer it became.

They were stronger.

Much stronger.

Orcbolg had experience, tactics, and endurance.

But Ais, Bete, and Lefiya were on another level.

A Difference in Speed

The party moved swiftly, descending to the 14th floor.

As they advanced, another group of monsters emerged from the shadows.

A pack of Dungeon Lizards.

They hissed and lunged—fangs bared, tails whipping.

Orcbolg moved to intercept—but Ais was already there.

Her sword flashed.

In a single motion, she cut down three at once.

He barely saw her move.

Bete followed, his fists crushing bone and scale with ease.

Lefiya chanted behind them—a single spell wiped out the remaining monsters.

It was over in seconds.

Orcbolg's Observation

He studied them.

They weren't just strong.

They were on a different scale.

Ais's movements—effortless. Precise.

Bete's attacks—raw speed and power.

Lefiya's magic—devastating when unleashed.

Their level wasn't the same as his.

And he felt it.

A Conversation with Ais

After the battle, Ais approached him.

"You were watching."

Orcbolg nodded. "Yes."

She hesitated, then asked, "What do you think?"

He thought for a moment.

Then answered.

"Fast. Powerful. Efficient."

Ais blinked. She seemed to consider something—then spoke, almost softly:

"You want to be stronger too, don't you?"

Orcbolg didn't answer immediately.

Then—he nodded.

Ais gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Then you should aim higher."

A New Goal

As they continued deeper, Orcbolg kept thinking.

In his old world, experience was enough.

But here—power mattered.

He was skilled. But if he wanted to survive the deeper floors—

He needed to be more than just skilled.

He needed to become stronger.

And this time—not just for hunting.

For something more.

For real adventure.