Chapter 15:- The 25-Floor Dungeon.

The spring sun lit up the gardens of the Supreme Magic Academy, but there would be no theoretical or classroom practice that day. The first-year students were gathered in front of a massive stone gate, located beneath the west wing: the official entrance to the 25-Floor Dungeon, a place where many mages had forged their legend.

Trebol, his gray cloak fluttering slightly in the breeze, turned to his group with arms crossed.

—Today, you'll have your first official incursion into the dungeon,— he announced in his usual serious tone. —You're allowed to go as far as floor 10. Beyond that, it's controlled by the Supreme Institute — and it would be suicide for you.

Ares clenched his fists with determination. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he had the advantage. "This isn't a written exam or a magic showcase… this is a hunt. My element."

Liana, standing beside him, noticed his slight smile.

—Excited? —she asked warmly.

—Very. This is where I can truly prove my worth.

Agust, who had already recovered his usual air of superiority after the wolfly fiasco, scoffed.

—Don't get too excited, elf-raised human. A few beasts in a cave won't make you better than a real mage.

Ares didn't respond. This time, he didn't need to.

He would answer inside the dungeon.

---

The dungeon's first floors were dark, damp, and swarming with wild creatures: shadow goblins, fire bats, lesser specters. The students advanced in groups, but Trebol had been clear:

—If you don't learn to survive alone, you'll never reach level 100.

So, Ares broke away after the first few encounters. Activating his enhancement magic, he ran, dodged, leaped, and fought with ferocious intensity. Each defeated enemy gave him energy; every floor conquered boosted his confidence.

On floor 5, he faced a pack of stone ogres. Using his enhancement magic to the fullest, he shattered their defenses with a mix of speed and strength. Once, on impulse, he tried to summon his blue fire... but nothing. Just a faint warmth in his palm.

—Not yet... —he muttered in frustration— But I will.

Meanwhile, Liana advanced with grace and strategy, using her nature magic to set traps and ambushes. On floor 6, she made roots sprout and tear apart a swarm of giant arachnids.

Agust, for his part, froze enemies with efficiency and cruelty. However, something felt off — the monsters seemed more resistant to his magic than before. His attacks weren't as deadly, and his arrogance was beginning to crack.

---

At the end of the week, when they regrouped at the surface, Trebol evaluated each of them using his magical assessment stone.

—Acceptable results,— he said without much enthusiasm. —But someone surprised me.

His eyes locked on Ares.

—I didn't think you'd climb so fast. Seems your dwarf magic does have its uses… at least against monsters.

Ares didn't reply.

For the first time, Trebol didn't look at him with disdain — but with a flicker of respect.

And though the blue fire still hadn't awakened, Ares felt he was getting closer.

Much closer.