Chapter 4: The Betrayal
Dungeon: Black Vale Depths – 1st Floor, Entry Hall
The heavy silence swallowed them whole the moment they stepped past the mossy archway.
The dungeon lit up slowly —
Torches on both sides of the stone corridor flickered to life, one by one, as if sensing their presence.
FWOOM. FWOOM. FWOOM.
A long hallway stretched ahead, lined with crumbled statues and old runes glowing faintly on the walls.
The air was cool and damp, smelling of ancient stone and old blood.
The six walked in silence.
Ken, at the back.
Bag still on his shoulders.
Eyes scanning everything.
After 5 Minutes…
A sudden sound —
SCRRRAAAAAGHHHH!!
From the side walls, three shadows leapt out, crawling over the cracked stone.
Monsters.
Three misshapen beasts — like twisted wolves made of black stone and bone, with glowing red eyes.
Their status flickered in front of each hero's vision — only visible to them.
[ Monster Identified ]
Name: Stone Hound
Type: Earth Beast
Level: 5
HP: 700
Special Trait: Rock Armor (Reduces physical damage)
Leo immediately raised his shield.
Leo: "Form up! Level 5 Stone Hounds! Defensive stance!"
Daichi raised both hands, his four elemental spirits spinning around him.
Daichi: "Alright, my cuties! Time to go wild!"
Flame: "On it~!"
Wind: "Zoom zoom!"
Daichi: "Elemental Drive — Quad Volley!
Each spirit launched a focused blast — fire, wind, water, and earth — at the nearest hound.
BOOM! The creature stumbled, scorched and knocked back.
Leo stepped in front of Ren and blocked the second monster's charge.
Leo: "I won't let you pass."
His shield began to glow with radiant light.
Leo: "Divine Counter — Shield Breaker!"
The hound slammed into him — and Leo pushed forward with a burst of holy energy.
CRASH! The beast was sent flying back into the wall, bones cracking.
Ren sighed, flicking his fingers toward the final hound.
Magic rings spun around his wrist.
Ren: "Why waste effort?"
He raised his hand.
Ren: "Chrono Pulse — Time Pierce!"
A needle of distorted air shimmered — then fired silently into the hound's eye.
POP. The monster dropped instantly.
Three monsters.
Three heroes.
Three kills.
Ken stood at the back, watching quietly.
Still holding the bag.
Still being ignored.
But his eyes…
His eyes watched everything.
He took mental notes of everyone's power — not out of jealousy, but out of preparation.
Kaito leaned back against the wall, watching lazily.
Kaito: "Tch. Didn't even need to lift a finger."
Takeshi said nothing — but his sword hand was twitching.
He wanted a fight.
Leo turned to the group.
Leo: "Keep your guard up. This is just the start. They were only level 5."
Daichi: "That was awesome!! Did you guys see that? My spirits are getting stronger!"
Ren (adjusting glasses): "Hmph. Basic fodder."
Ken didn't speak.
He simply walked forward behind them.
Dungeon – Black Vale Depths, Mid-Floor Corridors
They had been fighting for over two hours.
The torch-lit stone halls twisted deeper and deeper into the earth, the walls covered in moss and faded glyphs.
The deeper they went… the darker the flame from the torches burned.
Instead of yellow, the fire turned blue.
The monsters changed, too.
No more basic beasts.
No more slow attacks.
These were real threats now.
New Monster Encounter
[ Monster Identified ]
Name: Hollow Vulture
Type: Cursed Beast
Level: 5
HP: 1,200
Trait: Aerial – Screech Stun – Razor Dive
Three of them flew in through a cracked ceiling above, screeching loud enough to rattle the stones.
Kaito smirked.
Kaito: "Now we're talking."
He drew both swords, the steel glowing faintly with enchantments.
Kaito: "Double Style — Flicker Slash!"
He disappeared in a blur of motion, slashing two vultures mid-air, cutting through their wings before landing clean.
Takeshi charged past him, eyes burning.
Takeshi: *"Abyss Fire — Burst Cross!"
Black flames erupted around him as he slashed upward in an X, burning the last vulture to ash.
A loud DING rang in the ears of every hero — except one.
[ You have leveled up! ]
From the middle, Leo stood strong, his shield glowing with defensive aura.
Leo: "Behind you, Ren!"
Another beast tried to flank them.
Leo intercepted with:
Leo: *"Shield Arts — Guardian Bash!"
A wave of light slammed outward, sending the monster crashing into the wall.
The three beasts vanished in black mist.
Left behind were:
2x Cursed Beak (35 silver each)
1x Razor Feather (crafting item)
1x Monster Core Fragment (rare)
Ken, still silent, stepped forward and picked up each item carefully, placing them into labeled pouches in his bag.
No one said thank you.
No one even looked back.
They kept moving.
Room after room. Fight after fight.
Every encounter ended the same way:
The five fought.
Ken collected the loot.
EXP gained.
Ken gained nothing.
After 5 More Battles…
Their steps slowed.
The torches stopped. The corridor grew darker.
A massive set of ancient stone doors loomed ahead, sealed with glowing red glyphs.
Leo stopped, lowering his shield.
Leo: "…That's it."
Daichi: "The first boss room…"
Ren scanned the door.
Ren: "Glyphs confirm it. The first floor's final chamber."
Kaito stretched his arms.
Kaito: "Hope this one puts up a fight."
Takeshi: "…Let's just kill it fast."
Ken stood at the back. His pack was heavier now — filled with beast parts, item drops, and a few potions they tossed aside.
He looked at the door.
It pulsed softly with crimson light.
(thinking)
"So this is where they'll do it."
"The first floor boss… the perfect excuse."
"Let's see who makes the move first."
He adjusted the strap on his bag.
And waited.
Dungeon – First Floor Boss Room
A thick silence filled the air as the six heroes stood in front of the towering stone doors, pulsing faintly with blood-red glyphs.
Their breath slowed.
Weapons were gripped tighter.
Leo Takahashi, now Level 13, turned to his team.
Leo: "Everyone — one last gear check."
He raised his shield, shining with holy runes.
Leo: "This is a boss room. Stay sharp."
Status Check:
Leo – Lv 13 – Shield King – High defense, taunt, counter skills
Daichi – Lv 10 – Elemental Caller – 4 spirits, mid-range magic
Ren – Lv 13 – Chrono Seer – Time-based debuffs, teleport magic
Kaito – Lv 12 – Radiant Blade – High-speed dual-wielder
Takeshi – Lv 13 – Abyss Flame Knight – Cursed flames & burst damage
Ken – Lv 1 – ??? – No visible class. No recorded kills. Just the bag man.
---
As they stepped in, the torches around the circular chamber lit themselves, one by one.
FWOOM. FWOOM. FWOOM.
The room lit in crimson and gold. Ancient murals on the walls depicted warriors facing beasts, long faded.
Then — the ground shook.
THOOM… THOOM… THOOM…
A massive figure stepped from the shadows.
[ BOSS IDENTIFIED ]
Name: Minotaur Gladiator
Level: 20
HP: 4,800
Traits: Berserker – Twin Blade Style – Unnatural Regeneration – Enrage Triggered Below 20% HP
Its massive hooves slammed the ground.
Its twin jagged blades scraped the floor as it snarled.
Its eyes glowed red.
The doors behind the party slammed SHUT.
BOOOOOM.
The Minotaur ROARED — and charged.
FAST.
The heroes barely scattered in time.
Leo raised his shield.
Leo: "DEFENSIVE CIRCLE!"
Ken didn't move.
The Minotaur suddenly turned and swung one of its enormous blades at Ken, aiming to cleave him in half.
But—
CLAAANG!
Leo blocked the strike with his silver shield, feet skidding back.
He grinned through gritted teeth.
Leo: "Told you at the church, remember?" "Even if you don't have skills... I'll protect you."
Kaito dashed in with his blades.
Kaito: *"Radiant Blade — Dual Fang Drive!"
He landed three clean slashes.
Daichi's spirits circled above, unleashing volleys of fire and wind.
Ren slowed the Minotaur's swings with Chrono Rings.
Takeshi's sword ignited in black fire.
Takeshi: *"Abyss Flame Slash — Hell Fang!"
They pushed the Minotaur hard.
Its HP bar dropped — 75%… 50%… 25%…
Their bodies were bruised.
Breath short.
Potions gone.
The Minotaur slowed.
Victory was close.
Until—
Ken's POV
He stood behind them. Watching.
(thinking)
"They're strong… but they don't finish fights. They drag them."
"This is where it changes."
The Minotaur let out a deafening, monstrous roar.
Its veins turned black.
Eyes glowed brighter.
Its wounds… began to heal.
HP: 15% → 22%… 27%… 33%...
Leo: "NO—It's regenerating!"
Kaito: "I'm out of stamina!"
Daichi: "My spirits can't keep casting!"
Ren: "I… I can't hold the debuffs!"
Takeshi: "Tch… Damn it…"
Their legs trembled.
They had nothing left.
Daichi opened his pouch — empty.
Ren looked around, gritting his teeth.
Then — his fingers moved.
He reached into the inner side of his cloak… and touched the edge of a black scroll, sealed with royal wax.
FLASHBACK – Secret Briefing
Deep beneath the palace, the chamber was silent—lit only by the pulsing glow of a magic scroll. The flickering light threw shadows across the stone walls like silent witnesses.
Vaelric Thorne, the royal advisor, stood in front of Ren and Kaito . Both wore the black-trimmed cloaks of Gloria's summoned heroes—but neither looked at ease.
Vaelric (coolly):
"If things become... inconvenient — you know what to do."
"Use this.
(He held out the scroll.)
"Leave that useless sixth. The others will follow your lead."
Ren gave a smirk, but it lacked heat.
Ren (mocking):
"Ken? The Sixth Hero with zero blessings?"
(He gave a dry laugh.)
"All he's good for is hauling potions and sharpening our blades."
Kaito said nothing, staring hard at the scroll.
Ren (quietly, after a pause):
"Still... he never complained. Not once. Not when we left him out of training. Not when we laughed behind his back. He just... kept showing up."
Kaito:
"Even when we told him he was useless… he nodded and kept walking."
(His jaw tightened.)
"Like he accepted it. Like he didn't expect anything better from us."
From behind them, Princess Elowen leaned into Kaito, her perfume sweet and sharp.
Elowen (whispering):
"Why keep dead weight around? End this... and I'll be yours."
Kaito turned his face away.
Vaelric stepped forward, his expression hardening.
Vaelric (cold):
"This isn't about feelings. This is a command from the King."
(He looked directly into Ren's eyes.)
"You were summoned to serve Gloria—not your conscience."
Ren:
"He followed us from Japan. Same circle. Same hell. He just… didn't get lucky like we did."
Vaelric:
"Exactly. No blessing. No power. No future. That boy is a cracked sword waiting to break."
(His tone sharpened.)
"Disobey this order, and your heads will roll beside his."
Silence stretched. The weight of betrayal pressing down like stone.
Kaito (softly):
"We always knew we were tools. Just didn't think we'd be the ones throwing another tool away."
Ren (bitter):
"...Fine. But don't pretend this is heroic."
The scroll pulsed with cold light.
The betrayal was no longer a choice.
It was a duty.
BACK TO PRESENT
Ren's hand tightened around the scroll.
The Minotaur roared from across the chamber, its twin blades scraping the stone, muscles flexing, eyes glowing like molten coals.
The five heroes stood bruised, exhausted, out of potions, nearly out of hope.
Then—
Ren Hayashi's voice cut through the chaos.
Ren: "Hey everyone! Over here! I activated the teleportation scroll!"
A bright blue magic circle flared to life beneath his feet.
Runes spun outward, humming with arcane power.
Kaito was already standing inside.
Kaito: "Come on! We can't beat this thing — this is our only shot!"
Daichi: "W-Wait! I'm coming!"
Takeshi: "Tch… Damn it…"
The three rushed in.
Leo turned to Ken.
Leo: "Let's go, Ken-senpai!"
Ken nodded quietly and stepped forward—
But as he reached the edge of the circle… a barrier shimmered to life.
FZZZZZSSSHHH.
Ken's hand hit invisible resistance.
He stopped.
Tried again.
No use.
Leo: "OI!! What the hell is this?! Why can't he enter?!"
Daichi: "S-Senpai?! What is this!?"
Ren, calmly adjusting his glasses, smiled faintly.
Ren: "Oh. Right… I forgot to mention."
(He looked at them one by one.)
"The scroll only works with five people aboard."
Leo: "WHAT!?"
Daichi: "No… no… NO! That can't be!"
Leo: "Why didn't you tell us before!?"
Ren (mock-sheepish):
"Oops. I forgot."
"Guess it slipped my mind."
(He smiled like it was a joke. It wasn't.)
Daichi started crying, shoulders trembling.
Daichi: "We can't leave him…! He'll die! Ken-senpai—!"
Takeshi turned away.
Takeshi: "Didn't you hear Ren? It's done. Accept it."
Leo gritted his teeth, eyes burning.
He turned toward Ken, fists clenched.
Leo: "…I'm sorry, Senpai. I'm really, really sorry. I didn't know. I swear"
Ken just stood there.
Calm.
Unmoving.
Ken: "…It's okay, Leo."
He looked each of them in the eye.
Ken: "You're a good leader."
"This isn't your fault."
Then he smiled.
Not bitter. Not angry.
Just… calm.
Ken: "But don't worry about me."
Ken: "I'll be back."
Leo: "…What?"
REN AND KAITO: "…Eh?"
Daichi: "Senpai? S-SENPAI—!!"
WOOSH.
The magic circle flared, and in a flash of blue light — they were gone.
Silence.
Only the sound of the Minotaur's heavy breathing.
---
"…So they're gone."
"Just like I thought."
"No surprises."
He let out a breath.
Dropped the heavy supply bag to the ground.
His body straightened.
He rolled his shoulders slowly —
CRACK
CRACK
Then tilted his neck to both sides.
CRRRRK.
He turned to the towering Minotaur, now stomping toward him with a snarl.
And grinned.
Ken:
"Alright, beef boy…"
He slammed one fist into his open palm — a dull echo bouncing off the walls.
"You wanted a sacrifice?"
"Too bad."
Ken:
"I'm not dinner."
He slid his foot back into a low fighting stance — the same one his father taught him.
Ken (calm, smug):
"Bring it on, filet mignon."
Gloria Kingdom – Royal Audience Hall
The grand marble chamber echoed with murmurs.
Nobles, dukes, and generals gathered in ornate robes and armor, discussing the state of war preparations.
At the front, seated on his towering obsidian throne, sat King Aldenor, draped in red and gold.
Beside him sat Queen Seraphina, quiet, elegant… but visibly tense.
To her side, Princess Elowen, dressed in flowing sapphire silk, lounged like a cat, her eyes darting toward the doors every few seconds.
Suddenly—
FLASH!
A burst of magic light struck the marble floor at the center of the hall.
Five heroes appeared in a swirl of blue light.
But only five.
The king, queen, and princess stood from their seats.
Gasps echoed from the nobles.
Daichi's hand remained frozen mid-air, where he had reached out seconds before.
His eyes wide.
Tears already falling.
Daichi (choked whisper):
"Senpai…"
He collapsed to his knees.
Leo stood trembling. His fists clenched so tight, his knuckles turned white.
Then—
BOOM!!
He slammed his fist into the marble floor, cracking it beneath him.
Leo (roaring):
"SHIT! SHIT!! SHIT!!!"
Takeshi looked away, arms folded, eyes low.
He didn't say a word.
But the tension in his jaw… said enough.
Royal Advisor Vaelric stepped forward, expression calm.
Vaelric: "Where is the sixth hero of luggage ?"
The room went silent.
Then—
Leo snapped.
He grabbed Vaelric by the collar and yanked him forward, eyes blazing.
Leo (yelling):
"DON'T YOU DARE CALL HIM THAT, YOU PIECE OF—!"
Kaito quickly grabbed Leo from behind.
Kaito: "Whoa, chill out man! Chill out!"
"You wanna get executed right here? Let go of him!"
Leo's teeth clenched…
Then he let go.
He stepped back, breathing hard.
Then—he bowed.
Leo: "…Forgive me, Royal Advisor. It's just…"
Vaelric straightened his robe, then gently patted Leo's shoulder.
Vaelric (somber):
"I understand."
"Losing a comrade is no easy burden."
"He was a true hero… sacrificing himself so you five could survive."
A sharp gasp escaped from the throne.
Queen Seraphina, hand over her heart, eyes glistening with tears.
(thinking)
"No… Ken… This can't be true…"
"I should have done more…"
King Aldenor's voice boomed across the hall.
King Aldenor:
"The Hero of Luggage…"
"He gave his life to save his comrades. A noble end."
"I shall announce to the people of Gloria what he has done."
Takeshi (under breath):
"Tch… What a jerk."
King Aldenor:
"Rest now, heroes. Tomorrow, I shall proclaim his noble sacrifice before the kingdom."
"And in four days—we celebrate your survival. The first trial… and its first cost."
"Leo clenched his fists after what the king said.
Leo: "..... "
Leo (muttered) : this fricken bastard….
Vaelric and Princess Elowen smirked.
Queen Seraphina clutched her dress.
Her heart screamed.
King Aldenor: "Marlindor."
Head Mage Marlindor knelt beside the throne.
Marlindor: "Yes, my king?"
King: "Take the heroes to their chambers. Reward them."
Daichi after hearing that.
Daichi (thinking):
"A reward…? After abandoning him in that dungeon…"
As the heroes were led out, Princess Elowen turned to Kaito and winked.
Kaito looked away, weighed down by guilt and regret.
The scene closed with nobles clapping softly…
Unknowing.
Uncaring.
But somewhere…
In the dark…
A sixth hero stood.
Alive.
Awake.
And Surviving.