Chapter 3: “The Useless One”

Royal Training Grounds – Day One

The sun blazed over the polished white stone courtyard. Rows of training dummies stood ready, and the sound of steel clashing echoed through the air as knights and royal instructors lined the grounds.

In the centre, the six summoned heroes were split into groups — five of them, that is.

Kaito, Leo, Ren, Daichi, and Takeshi were already deep into training: sparring with instructors, casting practice spells, learning how to channel mana into their bodies.

Ken sat quietly alone on a bench near the edge of the field.

No sword.

No instructor.

No one even speaks to him.. 

Noble instructors looked past him like he didn't exist.

Knight Cadets chuckled and pointed.

"Is that the failed hero?"

"No class. No weapon. Just taking up space."

"Maybe they summoned a jester by mistake."

Ken didn't move.

He simply watched.

His arms rested on his knees, eyes sharp and unreadable.

Leo stood in a perfect stance, shielding up as an instructor shouted commands.

Takeshi was practicing slashes with his cursed sword, black fire trailing through the air.

Ren summoned floating spell rings, analysing magic flows with precision

Kaito was laughing mid-spar, moving like a blur.

Daichi glanced at Ken every now and then, guilt flickering in his expression… but he said nothing.

From the observation balcony above, a group of young noble trainees watched, snickering.

One leaned on the railing, loud enough for Ken to hear.

Noble Trainee: "Maybe someone should get him a broom instead of a blade."

Another: "Yeah, let him clean the courtyard while real heroes train."

They laughed.

Even one of the instructors cracked a smile.

Still, Ken said nothing.

Not a word.

I could crush that dummy in one hit.

I could dodge every strike on this field.

I could end these nobles with a flick of my wrist.

But not yet.

His hands clenched slightly. But his face remained calm.

Azarith told me to wait. To lead. Not to destroy.

So I'll wait. Watch. Learn.

And when the time is right… I'll make them choke on every word they ever say.

From the shadows behind the training grounds, Royal Advisor Vaelric watched from behind a pillar, arms crossed.

Vaelric (thinking): He just sits there. Not a spark of power. No aura. No presence.

The crystal truly rejected him.

...Or did it hide him?

His eyes narrowed.

The instructor clapped loudly.

Instructor: "Alright! Tomorrow, we enter the First Trial Dungeon. Get rest. Except…"

He looked at Ken with a blank face.

Instructor: "You. You'll stay in camp. The dungeon is no place for dead weight."

A few knights laughed again.

The blast of magic spells rang out in the training yard, but one voice cut through the noise.

Ren Hayashi stepped forward, wiping sweat from his brow as he glanced toward the instructor — then turned his gaze directly at Ken and adjusted his glasses. 

That cold smirk of his curved upward.

Ren: "Instructor, don't be too harsh. Even a nobody deserves a role."

The nearby cadets and nobles quieted, sensing the venom in his tone.

Ren continued, now addressing everyone.

Ren: "My comrades and I agreed earlier that Ken-senpai will take on a very important job for us."

He glanced over his shoulder at Ken — mocking eyes glinting behind his glasses.

Ren: "He'll be our official baggage carrier. And he approved, didn't you, Ken-senpai?"

All eyes turned to Ken.

There was a pause. Just a few seconds.

But it felt like a punch in the chest.

Ken: "…Yeah."

Kaito, leaning casually on his practice sword, added with a laugh:

Kaito: "Well, he's still a hero after all — the Hero of Baggage!"

The instructor let out a loud belly laugh, slapping his thigh.

Instructor: "HAHA! Good one, Hero Kaito! That's a class I haven't heard before!"

The knights laughed. The cadets chuckled. Even some noble instructors shook their heads with amused smirks.

Nearby...

Daichi's fists were clenched tight at his sides. His knuckles turned white.

Daichi (muttering): "That's not funny…"

But he said nothing more. Just lowered his head.

Leo stood silently at the edge of the yard, arms folded. He watched the scene unfold, his expression unreadable.

Takeshi leaned against a training post, arms crossed, not even looking in Ken's direction.

Takeshi: "Tch… waste of time."

Laughter surrounded him.

Mocking eyes. Dismissive smirks.

Even those who said nothing… said everything.

But Ken didn't flinch.

Didn't look away.

Didn't say a word.

He just stood there.

Watching.

Waiting.

I don't need your respect.

I don't want your pity.

I remember every laugh… every insult… every silence.

I'm patient.

And the patient ones… are the deadliest.

The sun dipped lower in the sky.

The training continued.

And the man they mocked as "baggage"…

…was already stronger than any of them could imagine.

Audience Hall – Night

The flames in the golden braziers flickered low, casting long shadows across the obsidian throne room. The guards stood still as statues, and the towering stained glass glowed faintly in the moonlight.

Royal Advisor Vaelric Thorne stepped forward, dropping to one knee before the throne.

His cloak trailed behind him like a serpent's tail.

Vaelric: "My Majesty… I have devised an excellent plan to rid us of that pathetic nobody."

A cruel smile tugged at King Aldenor's lips.

He leaned forward, intrigued.

King Aldenor: "I'm listening…"

Vaelric raised his head, dark delight flashing in his eyes.

Vaelric: "The hero party is set to enter the dungeon tomorrow. The others have already assigned Hanzashi Ken to carry their baggage."

He paused.

Vaelric (smirking): "What if… we simply left him there?"

The king let out a low chuckle that grew into a laugh.

King Aldenor: "Hah... haHA... HAHAHA! Brilliant! Brilliant, Vaelric!"

He slammed his fist against the armrest in twisted glee.

King Aldenor: "And after that… I'll announce to the public that he died heroically — protecting his fellow heroes inside the dungeon."

He stood, pacing slowly across the polished marble.

King Aldenor: "They'll see him as loyal. A tragic sacrifice. And we'll be rid of the disgrace."

He turned to Vaelric with blazing eyes.

King Aldenor: "Prepare the plan. No mistakes."

Vaelric bowed his head deeply, hiding the wicked grin on his face.

Vaelric: "As you command, Your Majesty."

From behind the tall ornate doors — cracked open just an inch — a pair of soft blue eyes watched.

Queen Seraphina stood frozen, her breath caught in her throat.

She had heard everything.

Her delicate hands clutched the edge of her dress tightly.

(thinking)

"They're planning to kill him… That poor boy. He's done nothing wrong. I won't let this happen."

She turned and swiftly walked down the corridor, her heels clicking sharply against the stone floor.

At the Hallway Entrance

Two royal guards stood at attention.

She approached one, her voice calm but commanding.

Queen Seraphina: "You. Summon Hero Hanzashi Ken to the royal balcony. Now. Do not inform anyone. Not the king. Not the council."

The guard blinked, surprised.

Guard: "Y-Your Highness? I… I cannot—"

The queen pulled a small leather pouch from her sleeve — heavy with the sound of coins.

Queen Seraphina: "Fifty gold. For your silence. For his life."

The guard's eyes widened. He nodded quickly, eyes darting left and right.

Guard: "Y-Yes, Your Highness. Gladly!"

He turned and dashed off down the hallway, armor clanking.

The queen walked swiftly, her heart racing.

(thinking)

"Please, let me reach him before they do. That boy… He's more than they know. I can feel it."

Her footsteps echoed in the dark marble hallway, lit only by moonlight and guilt.

Training Grounds – Midnight

The palace training field was silent.

The moonlight cast long shadows across the grass. The other heroes were asleep. But one figure moved in the dark — alone.

Ken Hanzashi.

He stood before a handmade wooden training dummy, crudely built from old logs and wrapped with cloth. 

Barefoot. Shirt damp with sweat. Muscles tensed.

Ken: "EYAA! … HAA! … HOOOWAH!"

His fists flew like lightning, striking the dummy with precise, practiced blows.

Each hit echoed through the empty field.

I remember what my father always told me during training…

'Your fists will save your life one day.'

He wasn't wrong.

This dummy? I built it myself. So I'd never forget those days. The pain. The lessons. The strength.

This kingdom may throw me away… hell, Aldenor's already planned it. I can feel it.

But I'm not going down that easy. I will survive. No—

I will rise.

Ken: "HAA!!"

CRACK!

A heavy punch connected — and the wooden dummy splintered, cracks spider-webbing through the log.

Nearby… A Royal Guard Watches

One of the palace guards had been quietly approaching from the shadows — until he saw it.

Ken.

Moving like a warrior trained for years. Not just swinging wildly… but striking with control. Precision.

Power.

Guard (thinking): "Woah… even without weapons, this guy can fight."

He looked closer.

Ken stepped forward, rotated his hip, and launched a clean straight punch—

BOOM!

The dummy's upper half shattered.

Wood exploded into fragments.

The guard's mouth fell open.

Guard (thinking): "H-He broke the dummy… with his bare fist?"

He swallowed hard.

Guard (thinking): "I get it now. The Queen… she must've seen it too."

Guard Approaches, Nervous

He cleared his throat.

Guard: "Ahem… Hero Hanzashi Ken—"

Before he could finish—

 Ken: "HAA!!!"

—CRACK!

Another strike. The dummy's base collapsed completely.

The guard stood frozen.

Guard (thinking): "H-He just obliterated that thing! What kind of monster is he?!"

Guard (thinking): "Note to self: NEVER piss this guy off…"

Ken Turns

His chest rose and fell. Sweat dripped from his chin. His black hair clung to his forehead, wild and damp. His black eyes were half-lidded, unreadable. Focused. Calm.

Tank top soaked. Muscles tense. Every inch of him screamed disciplined fighter — not some joke of a hero.

He walked over slowly, eyes fixed on the guard.

Ken: "…Yeah? What do you want?"

The guard blinked.

Guard: "A-Ah… M-My Lord— I mean, Hero! The Queen—Queen Seraphina has summoned you."

Ken raised an eyebrow.

Ken (thinking): "The Queen? At this hour?"

Ken: ''....''

Ken: "…Alright. Take me to her."

And as they walked, the guard snuck one more look at Ken's shredded, soaked frame.

Guard (thinking): "This guy… isn't just strong."

Guard (thinking): "He's a monster in disguise."

Royal Balcony – Midnight

The wind whispered across the tall towers of Castle Valemont. Twin moons floated in the sky like silent gods, casting their glow over the marble balcony.

Ken Hanzashi stood at the edge, hands resting on the cold railing.

He had been summoned without explanation — no escort, no message. Just a guard with nervous eyes and a stammer.

His black hair, still messy from training, swayed in the breeze. His tank top clung to his chest, still damp with sweat.

His thoughts were quiet. Cold.

"Maybe they've finally decided what to do with me…"

"If they're going to get rid of me… they can at least say it to my face."

Footsteps.

Soft.

Graceful.

He turned slowly.

And saw… her.

Queen Seraphina.

She approached alone, wrapped in a midnight-blue robe that flowed over her curves like moonlight over silk. Her long blonde hair shimmered under the moon's gaze.

Her expression — soft. Worried. Human.

Oi… oi oi oi... That's the Queen?!

She's gotta be 33… maybe 34?

And hot. Like, seriously hot.

How the hell is she the King's wife?! She looks like she walked out of a fantasy artbook…

Ken (blinking): "…Your Highness?"

Queen Seraphina nodded gently, stopping a few steps away.

Queen Seraphina: "Please forgive the late hour, Hero Hanzashi."

Ken: "It's fine. I wasn't sleeping anyway."

A pause.

She lowered her eyes.

Queen Seraphina: "I overheard a conversation… between my husband and Lord Vaelric."

Ken's gaze sharpened.

Queen Seraphina (softly): "They plan to leave you behind. In the dungeon tomorrow. They'll abandon you… and tell the kingdom you died protecting the others."

Silence.

A distant bell rang in the capital below.

Ken didn't flinch.

No shock. No anger. Just… calm.

He turned back to the sky, watching the moons.

Ken: "…I figured."

Queen Seraphina blinked.

Queen Seraphina: "You… knew?"

Ken (quietly): "I'm not blind, Your Highness. I see how they look at me. I hear the whispers. The mockery."

Ken: "They never wanted a sixth hero. Just a body to discard."

Her expression softened — full of guilt and sorrow.

Queen Seraphina: "You don't deserve this. I believe… you were summoned for a reason. Even if the crystal didn't shine for you."

She reached into her robe and revealed a small golden crest, engraved with a divine sigil — the mark of Azarith.

Queen Seraphina: "Take this. It bears the blessing of my bloodline… and the protection of the Divine."

She placed it gently into his palm.

Queen Seraphina: "It will shield you. Once. And only once. But it could save your life inside the dungeon."

Ken stared at the glowing crest in silence.

For a second, his stoic mask cracked — just slightly.

Ken: "…Why are you helping me?"

She blushed faintly.

Queen Seraphina: "Because… you remind me of someone I once loved."

Her eyes lingered on his face. His presence. His stillness.

Queen Seraphina: "Someone who stood alone. Someone who changed everything."

She stepped back, folding her hands in front of her.

Queen Seraphina: "You don't have to prove anything, Hero Ken. Not to them."

Queen Seraphina: "Just survive. That will be enough… for now."

She turned to leave.

But paused at the archway.

Queen Seraphina (softly): "I will pray for you."

She walks away...

Her heels echoed faintly in the corridor. She touched her lips with her finger.

Her heart was racing.

"I… I didn't know he was that handsome."

"He's so mysterious… like a warrior carved from silence."

"Wait—why am I thinking about him?! Why am I blushing?!"

She held her chest and whispered, "…Why is my heart… beating like this?"

Ken stared down at the crest.

Then clenched his fist tight around it.

So even the Queen sees it.

The rot inside this kingdom.

They want me dead?

Then I'll show them… what a dead man can do.

He turned toward the twin moons.

His eyes… burned like embers in the night.

Ken: "Tomorrow… I enter that dungeon."

Ken: "Let's see who comes out alive."

Audience Hall – Morning of the Dungeon Trial

The grand audience hall of Castle Valemont was filled with gold, banners, and sharp eyes. Rows of nobles stood in attendance — cloaks flowing, jeweled rings gleaming.

At the far end, on the black obsidian throne, sat King Aldenor, adorned in deep red robes embroidered with golden phoenixes.

To his right stood Queen Seraphina, silent and stiff.

To his left, Princess Elowen, barely hiding her excitement.

Down below, the six summoned heroes stood in formation.

Each of the five stood tall in gleaming new armor, enchanted weapons at their sides.

Leo in shining silver plate, shield glowing with divine light

Kaito, shirt open slightly, long coat billowing behind him — smug as ever

Takeshi, cloak draped over one shoulder, dark fire sword strapped to his back

Ren, dressed in high mage robes, magic rings floating around his wrists

Daichi, in light gear, spirits floating playfully around him

And then there was...

Ken Hanzashi

No armor.

No sword.

No badge.

Just his plain shirt, messy hair, and a huge leather travel pack strapped to his back — filled with the team's gear.

He looked like a servant.

Not a hero.

Whispers filled the court.

"Is that one even a hero?"

"No class. No magic. Just look at him."

"Maybe he's their squire or… baggage handler?"

Even some of the nobles chuckled behind gloved hands.

King Aldenor stood slowly, raising one hand. Silence fell.

King Aldenor:

"Today marks a great step forward in our war against the Demon King."

"These six… warriors… will take their first step into the fire. Their first dungeon."

He gestured proudly to the five armored boys.

King Aldenor: "Each blessed by the Divine Crystal. Gifted with powers. Weapons. Purpose."

Then his eyes shifted to Ken — cold, mocking.

King Aldenor: "And… one more."

Laughter rippled through the nobles.

King Aldenor (grinning):

"Of course, even baggage must be carried — and for that, we thank our... sixth hero. The Hero of Luggage."

The hall erupted in polite laughter.

Princess Elowen didn't even glance at Ken. She clung tightly to Kaito's arm, her eyes sparkling.

Princess Elowen: "So strong… and handsome too."

Kaito smirked, gently adjusting his collar.

Kaito: "Well, I'll make sure the princess stays safe from demons, yeah?"

Ren, standing proudly, flicked his cloak.

Ren: (adjusts his glasses) "We'll keep the team balanced. He carries the gear, we carry the battle."

Queen Seraphina said nothing — but her hands were clenched tight at her sides.

She wanted to speak up. But she couldn't. Not here. Not now.

Daichi stood beside Ken, jaw tight, fists trembling.

He wanted to scream. But fear… shame… and helplessness kept him silent.

Royal Advisor Vaelric watched with amusement, arms crossed.

Vaelric (smirking): "Let's see if the runt survives the trial."

Head Mage Marlindor simply adjusted his robes, saying nothing — but not looking Ken's way either.

Ken Hanzashi stood there.

Holding the pack.

Staring at the people. 

Laughing at him. 

Silent.

Same as always. 

Mocked. Ignored. Treated like a joke.

Good.

Let them laugh.

Because when this trial is over… I'll be the only one laughing.

King Aldenor: "Now, heroes. Enter the dungeon. Return victorious. And know that the kingdom watches your every move."

His smile widened.

King Aldenor (coldly): "…Especially you, baggage boy."

Ken stared at King, clenching his fist until his knuckles turned white.

Before the Dungeon Departure – Palace Garden Courtyard (Secluded)

Just minutes before the heroes were set to leave, Ken was pulled aside by a single messenger — quietly handed a sealed note and directed to a small garden near the west wing.

He followed the path, quiet, cautious.

There she stood.

Queen Seraphina — her long robe fluttering in the breeze, moonlight dancing on her hair.

No guards. No witnesses.

Just her.

Queen Seraphina turned at the sound of his footsteps.

Her eyes softened the moment she saw him.

But her heart — her heart was beating way too fast.

(thinking)

"Damn it… why is it like this again…?"

"Every time he's near… It's like my skin heats up. My chest tightens. This isn't normal…"

She touched her collarbone briefly, then forced herself to smile.

Queen Seraphina (gently):

"Thank you for coming, Hero Ken."

Ken: "I didn't have much of a choice. A queen's summon isn't something I can ignore."

She chuckled softly… but it sounded distant. Nervous.

She reached into the folds of her royal robe and pulled out a small black pouch — tied with gold thread.

The coins inside clinked faintly.

Queen Seraphina (softly):

"This is… for you. In case… in case you survive."

Ken looked at it. Then at her.

Ken: "Silver and gold?"

She nodded once.

Queen Seraphina: "Enough to get you a room, food, maybe a blade… if they truly leave you behind."

A pause.

Ken took the pouch quietly, tying it to his belt.

(thinking)

"Even she believes I won't come back with the others…"

Ken: "...Thank you."

As he stepped a little closer to bow respectfully, the air between them changed.

Queen Seraphina's breath caught in her throat.

Her eyes widened slightly — her cheeks flushed.

She could feel it.

Something unnatural.

Not hostile. Not painful.

But intoxicating.

(thinking)

"W-What is this warmth…? His scent... his presence... my knees feel weak…"

"This isn't normal… this is... something else."

"I-It must be that… that curse or whatever he hides. That power..."

She turned her face slightly — blushing hard.

Queen Seraphina: "You're… different, Hero Ken."

Ken: "…I get that a lot lately."

She looked at him again. His sweat-dampened black shirt, clinging to his chest. His calm black eyes, watching her but not desiring her — and somehow that made her want him even more.

(thinking)

"I can't let this become something it shouldn't… I'm the queen. I can't…"

"…But if he lives…"

Queen Seraphina: "Please… just survive. That's all I ask."

Ken gave a nod.

No smile.

No words.

Just a look.

The kind of look a man gives when he knows people want him dead — and he plans to disappoint them.

He turned and left, disappearing into the castle halls.

Queen Seraphina stood in silence.

Hand on her chest.

Blushing. Breathing.

"That man… is dangerous…"

"And I can't stop thinking about him."

Kingdom of Gloria – South Gate Carriage Road

Six freshly summoned heroes sat inside a long, gold-trimmed carriage drawn by four sleek black horses. It rattled gently as it rolled down the stone road away from Castle Valemont.

The castle's towering spires faded behind them, swallowed by distance and mist.

Their first mission had begun: a beginner dungeon trial just outside the city walls.

Inside the Carriage

Kaito leaned lazily against the window, arms crossed behind his head.

Kaito: "Finally. I was starting to feel like a bird in a cage.

Ren flipped through his enchanted grimoire, barely glancing up and adjusting his glasses. 

Ren: "About time. I need field data if I'm to master this world's magic architecture."

Leo sat tall, eyes scanning the horizon calmly.

Leo: "We'll see how real the danger is once we're outside these walls."

Daichi, the most excited, practically had his head out the window.

Daichi: "WOAH! There's people! And shops! Look! That guy's selling roasted meat on a stick!"

Takeshi stayed silent, arms folded, staring out the other window with a bored expression.

As the carriage passed through the inner ring of the capital, the heroes caught their first real look at the kingdom they were summoned to protect.

The Noble District shone with white marble houses, golden gates, and mana-powered lamps.

Guards wore polished armor.

Servants bowed along the roadside.

Children laughed in silk clothes, running with enchanted toys that glowed and floated.

Then came the Mid City — crowded but clean. Merchants haggled. Taverns spilled music into the street.

It was alive.

Daichi: "Dude, I could live here! Look at that bakery! And that stall's selling slime candy!"

Kaito: "Feels like Akihabara if it got hit by a fantasy truck."

But as they reached the outer districts… everything changed.

The streets narrowed.

Shops turned to shacks.

Stone roads became cracked dirt.

The guards disappeared.

Children wore rags.

Eyes followed the carriage — not with joy, but with quiet suspicion. Hunger.

Trash filled corners where mana once lit the lamps.

Ken, seated at the far end of the carriage, silently watched.

The others laughed, joked, talked of gear and glory.

He saw the people looking up at them like they were from another world.

He saw the pain in their eyes.

He didn't say a word.

 "So this is the kingdom they claim is worth dying for."

"They dress us like gods… but hide this part behind their walls."

"They summoned us to fight for this kingdom…"

"…but maybe it's the kingdom itself that needs to be cleansed."

Leo finally noticed the shift.

Leo: "It's… different out here."

Ren: "The economic disparity is obvious. Low mana circulation. No noble support."

Takeshi: "It stinks."

Kaito: "Well, they'll probably give us a nice inn after the dungeon. Who cares?"

Daichi looked conflicted — excited, but quieter now.

Daichi: "…Ken-senpai. You okay?"

Ken looked out the window.

The castle was far behind now.

The city of gold had faded.

Only stone, dust, and quiet eyes remained.

Ken: "…Yeah."

"I'm just finally seeing the truth."

Just Outside the Kingdom – Evening

The sun was beginning to set behind the Forest of Black Vale — a misty expanse of tall, dark trees and twisting trails. The air was cooler here, filled with distant bird calls and the scent of wild earth.

The kingdom's walls were long behind them now, and the dirt path had turned into worn tracks barely visible between the trees.

The group had stopped at a small clearing just at the forest's edge.

They began setting up camp — enchanted tents, a small fire circle, and a mana lantern on a wooden post.

Ken moved quietly, rolling out the packs, organizing the food, gathering wood.

No one thanked him. No one helped.

Ren threw off his cloak like royalty.

Ren: "Oi, Ken. Boil water. My tea blend's in the red pouch. And don't screw it up this time."

Kaito, leaning back against a log with his hands behind his head, added lazily:

Kaito: "And make me some of that jerky rice thing again. Oh — and clean my boots. They got mud on 'em."

Ren: "You heard him. Senpai"

They both chuckled.

Ken froze mid-step.

A breeze passed through the camp.

He slowly turned around — eyes half-lidded, dark, unreadable.

No emotion.

But something in the air shifted.

The quiet firewood crackled louder.

Ken: "…Let's get something straight."

His voice was calm.

Low. Dangerous.

Ken: "The term was baggage handler… and cook. That's all."

He looked directly at them — first Ren, then Kaito.

Ken: "I'm not your servant. Not your dog. You don't give me orders."

The two blinked.

Their smiles faded.

A drop of cold sweat rolled down Ren's neck.

Ren (thinking): "W-What is this feeling…?"

Kaito shifted his posture without realizing.

For a moment… It felt like Ken was towering over them.

Even though he hadn't moved an inch.

Daichi, who had just finished setting up his tent, paused and looked over.

His eyes widened slightly.

Daichi (thinking): "Senpai… changed. That wasn't just anger. That was..."

Leo, silent but sharp-eyed, narrowed his gaze.

Leo (thinking): "…That was presence. Like a warrior's pressure."

Takeshi, leaning against a tree nearby, cracked one eye open.

Takeshi: "…He's holding back."

Ren cleared his throat awkwardly.

Ren (shakingly adjusting his glasses) "Y-Yeah… right. Right. That's what we agreed to. Cook and baggage only. Haha…"

Kaito (sweating) 

"Tch. Fine. Whatever."

They turned away, pretending to stretch and fiddle with their gear.

Ken knelt by the fire again, calmly lighting the tinder.

His expression was unreadable.

But no one — not even Kaito — told him what to do again.

And for the first time… they felt it.

The chill of something hidden.

Something dangerous… pretending to be weak.

Morning – Edge of the Black Vale Forest

The soft chirping of birds echoed through the misty woods.

The sun had just begun to rise over the tree line, its golden light spilling across dew-covered grass.

Six young heroes had already finished packing up camp.

Their enchanted tents vanished into small glowing stones, tucked back into gear pouches.

Today was their first real mission — their first taste of a dungeon.

The group walked in a line down a mossy path leading into the forest's heart.

The air was cool and damp, filled with tension and quiet breath.

Leo Takahashi walked ahead, holding a folded parchment — a map marked with magical ink that glowed faintly.

Leo: "Yeah… We're getting close. Just a few more minutes."

Daichi bounced lightly on his feet, excitement buzzing in his voice.

Daichi: "Leader, what do you think the dungeon will look like? Are there really gonna be monsters like in games and anime?"

"Like we kill stuff, get item drops, level up?"

Ren Hayashi smirked, adjusting his silver-framed glasses.

Ren: "Yes. Exactly like that."

"Instructor told us each floor ends with a boss room. Defeat the boss, and a hidden chamber appears. The treasure inside is legendary-grade."

Kaito yawned, hands buried in his coat pockets.

Kaito: "Hope one of those legendary items is a badass sword. Something that glows red when I get serious."

Takeshi walked in silence, arms crossed — his voice cold but resolute.

Takeshi: "I didn't come here for loot. I came to get stronger."

At the very back of the group, Ken Hanzashi walked alone.

A massive leather bag slung over his back — filled with their rations, tents, and supplies.

No armor.

No weapon.

No words.

But his eyes watched everything.

"It's time."

"Let's see how they plan to do it."

"Who's going to pull the trigger?"

"Kaito? Ren? Both?"

"I'll remember."

After another ten minutes of walking…

Leo stopped.

Ahead of them stood a ruined stone structure.

Vines crawled up the broken archway.

Two shattered statues stood at the gate, faces worn smooth by time.

A cold breeze flowed out of the cracked entrance like a whisper.

Leo: "Looks like this is it."

The group stood before the entrance to the Trial Dungeon – Black Vale Depths.

It looked like a forgotten church, sunken into the ground. Stone pillars leaned sideways. The old stone doors had long since crumbled, revealing a dark hallway inside.

The faint glimmer of unlit torches lined the walls… waiting.

Leo: "Alright. Check your weapons, potions, gear. No mistakes once we enter."

Each hero stopped and began inspecting their equipment.

Leo adjusted his shield straps

Kaito unslung his sword and spun it casually

Ren tapped his grimoire and checked his spell rings

Daichi's elemental spirits swirled nervously

Takeshi lit a black flame in his palm and snuffed it out

 "Leo's a good leader."

"Careful. Smart. Focused."

"But what will he do… if I get left behind?"

"Will he hesitate?"

"…Or just keep walking like the rest of them?"

Ken's grip tightened on the bag strap.

The dungeon waited.

The shadows were calling.