Just as Monica reached the dark pit and was about to jump toward the dungeon's entrance, a powerful pressure forced her—and all the Espers following behind her—to a halt, followed by an authoritative voice.
"Stop, Monica. You said it yourself—this dungeon is dangerous. Even as an S-rank Esper, I can't gauge its energy level. Going in unprepared means there's no guarantee any of you will live. Do you want to die?"
Monica frowned at the familiar voice. As the pressure around her eased, she quickly spun around, her gaze locking onto the tall, beautiful woman standing solemnly at the dome's entrance alongside Eleven Elonor.
It was Sylvia Wales—the famous S-rank Esper from the prominent Wales family.
Sylvia's face was grim as she studied the pit. Her casual attire told Monica that she had come to the Association for a routine guiding session after clearing a dungeon, only to be interrupted by the commotion.
Beside her, Eleven looked exhausted, his face slightly flushed—a clear sign that he had overextended his guiding abilities.
Although he was a skilled S-rank guide, even someone of his caliber felt drained after guiding a powerful S-rank Esper, as they naturally possessed a lot of energy.
Moreover, combat-type Espers like Sylvia, who expended large amounts of mana in battles, were even more taxing to guide.
Unlike low-rank Espers and guides who fawned at the name of the Wales family, Monica's gaze remained unwavering and piercing when facing an S-rank Esper from the renowned Wales family, even though the latter was clearly stronger than her.
She rebuked Sylvia. After all, Sylvia's grim face made it very clear that she had seen Lucien and Zephyr being dragged away.
"Didn't you see? Two young men from the Association were just dragged in there. We can't just stand by and do nothing! So, stop interfering—this matter is for the Espers of the Association to handle, not outsiders."
Sylvia wasn't deterred by her sharp words. Inwardly, she harbored a flicker of disdain for Monica, who dared to talk back, though her expression remained composed. The world they once knew had long changed.
Power, influence, and formidable abilities were everything in the current era—and her family name alone carried that authority.
So, she was certain that the Association would not object if she intervened to help, especially with their S-rank Espers away.
With a wave of her hand, a surge of mana rippled through the entire dome. Everyone inside—whether A-rank or lower Espers, or guides—all felt their bodies abruptly lift off the ground before being flung out through the dome's entrance. Once everyone was out, Sylvia's authoritative voice rang out.
"As the strongest present, I, Sylvia Wales, will take charge—no questions asked. This dome will be sealed. No one may enter the dungeon without preparation. We cannot risk more lives to save two fools who fell there due to their own carelessness."
Monica's face stiffened with disbelief as she steadied herself, anger flaring in her usually calm eyes as she stared at Sylvia.
"You—they will both die! We need to go in there right now to save them! There is no time for preparation, or it will be too late!"
She snapped, her voice loud.
"The weird monster that took them away was radiating an aura no weak Esper—let alone a guide—could possibly withstand!"
Sylvia's gaze flickered. The confrontation between the two women instantly hushed the chaotic vicinity, all eyes fixed on them.
"I know."
Sylvia admitted rather calmly, yet with an edge that made the composed words cut.
"I witnessed what happened when I arrived. I could have saved them if I had arrived just a bit earlier. That monster… it was S-rank."
Her words made everyone behind Monica draw in a collective, staggered breath. The crowd started moving restlessly, eager to leave—let the powerful handle this. No one was in the mood to hear anything further.