Chapter 31 - The Humbled Fierce Wolf

The werewolf Bete stopped in his tracks. "That bragging weakling again?"

"Why is it always you?"

"Yeah, seems like we run into each other every day," Raven Eltharion replied coolly. "I'm just here to take back my weapon."

"Weaklings like you should stay on the surface. What business do you have being an adventurer?"

"If someone hadn't saved you on a whim, you wouldn't even know how you died."

Once again, the arrogant wolf was looking down on others.

But Raven didn't come back just to be insulted.

To be fair, Bete wasn't evil—just sharp-tongued.

Still, that didn't mean Raven would let himself be stepped on.

In the original story—

The [Loki Familia]'s expedition to the 60th floor, the Thousand Frost Glacier, ended in disaster.

Even with the "Big Three"—all Level 6—

Even with Tsubaki of the [Hephaestus Familia] and Airmid of the [Dian Cecht Familia] joining them—

The entire party was wiped out.

Finn, Riveria, Gareth, Ais, Lefiya, Bete, Tsubaki, Airmid… all left behind in the Deep Floors, their fates unknown.

Only a few survivors with missing limbs barely made it back to report: the expedition had failed.

Fifteen years ago—

The [Zeus Familia] and [Hera Familia] launched a joint expedition to the 71st floor. They, too, were annihilated.

Only [Silence] Alfia and [Gluttony] Charld escaped.

Raven Eltharion had no illusions.

If he ever joined an expedition like that, he'd need to be at least Level 6.

Anything less would be suicide.

In the original timeline, [Silence] Alfia—at Level 7—could have soloed the Black Dragon if she hadn't been sick.

But even if Raven summoned a healthy, pain-immune, Level 8 version of her—

It still came down to his mental strength and mana.

If Raven lost consciousness, the [Hestia Familia] would be officially destroyed.

So… if he really wanted to defeat the Black Dragon—

He'd need to reach Level 9.

"How about this," Raven offered.

"I don't feel like hearing your crap. Let's have a quick match. I won't move—you get three free hits."

"If you can land even one, I'll quit being an adventurer."

"But if you can't, then bring me my weapon."

With his magical shield active, Raven didn't believe a Level 5 like Bete could even scratch him.

Bete froze, unsure if he'd heard correctly.

Raven stared calmly and began chanting, his voice low and steady:

"—O greatest light, mightiest element.

—To you I offer magic, summon forth the hope in warriors' hearts.

—Let fear vanish, courage return—grant them strength from within.

—Unfurl radiant wings, and shield this world from all evil.

[Phantasmal Feather!]"

Golden feathers appeared, forming a luminous shield of light around him.

Raven looked at Bete, unimpressed. "What? Getting cold feet?"

The proud werewolf didn't get angry. He smirked.

"A defense spell, huh? Not bad. You've got some nerve."

"Let me show you reality, mutt."

He lunged—fist like lightning, slicing through air.

But Raven didn't even blink, lips curling in amusement.

Exactly as planned.

Just as Bete's punch was about to land—

A spear slammed into the ground between them.

Bete jerked back, eyes wide.

Standing nearby—Allen, Chariot of the Goddess.

The catman strode over, picked up his spear, and looked coldly at Bete.

"Don't touch him."

"You're just a dog. Go bark at the gate."

Then—Allen vanished in a flash of speed.

Raven was caught off guard, just for a moment.

Bete growled, "You from the [Freya Familia]?"

Raven only smirked. "Two hits left."

"I'm talking to you!" Bete roared and kicked.

But—

It didn't even activate Raven's Shinra Tensei passive.

Then, from the shadows—[Silence] Alfia appeared.

Wearing heels, she moved like a blur and stomped Bete's leg.

With a thunderous boom, the ground cracked beneath him.

"—Aaaaghhh!"

Bete howled in agony, collapsing. His leg was pinned.

"That mutt's yapping again? Shut it," Alfia said coldly, masked.

One move—enough to show the gap in power.

Raven sighed and gave her a look.

She understood—and vanished again.

"You… who the hell are you…?"

That pressure just now—

Made Bete realize how vast the gap really was.

Just from her movement, she had to be at least Level 7.

A new elite from the [Freya Familia]? A secret weapon?

If she hadn't held back, Bete's leg would've been shattered.

Even now—it was broken.

Raven Eltharion showed no pity. "One more hit. Come on."

"Damn you! Stop bluffing!" Bete shouted, pulling a potion from his belt.

He bit off the cork and poured it over his leg.

The wound began to heal—slowly.

---

Chapter 60+ now available on [patreon.com/dzeref887]

Update Schedule:

WebNovel = 3 chapters/day

Patreon = 10 chapters/day