Renji left the King's chamber with a heavy expression. The words of the monarch still echoed in his ears—fear, doubt, uncertainty about the demons' movements. But Renji knew sitting still wasn't enough for the answer. He needed more information, more strength, and a plan.
He made his way down the stone steps toward the Adventurers' Guild. The tall, wooden doors open as he entered, and the familiar bustling sound of adventurers echoed inside—men and women of all classes drinking, laughing, and sharing tales of survival.
Renji walked straight toward the counter. The guild receptionist, a middle-aged man with glasses, looked up from his papers.
"Oh, it's you again. What brings you here today young boy?"
he asked politely.
Renji placed his hand on the counter and leaned in slightly.
"I need to know something important. The dungeon east of the capital—how many floors does it have? And how far have adventurers managed to go?"
The man blinked at the serious tone, adjusted his glasses, and opened the guild's thick record book. His fingers traced across lines of ink before he looked up again.
"The dungeon has one hundred floors. So far, the deepest anyone has reached is the forty-eighth. No one has ever gone beyond it. Many lost their lives trying."
The guild hall suddenly grew quieter, as if everyone around had caught onto the conversation. Some adventurers exchanged nervous glances; others muttered about the dungeon being cursed.
Renji stepped back, his jaw tightening. A hundred floors. And he wasn't even confident about his current strength. If he couldn't even guarantee victory against the hidden summoned boss he'd just fought, what awaited him deeper inside?
For a moment, his hand instinctively reached for the hilt of his sword.
"I'm not strong enough yet… not alone."
The receptionist gave him a concerned look.
"What are you planning, young man? The floor above fifthy in that dungeon isn't meant to be tackled by one person."
Renji didn't answer. Instead, he turned and walked straight out of the guild, his mind racing. He had no time to waste. If the Demon Lord really was orchestrating these movements, every second mattered.
He went directly back to the castle and knelt before the King in the grand hall. The monarch, surprised to see him return so soon, leaned forward.
"Renji… why have you returned so quickly?"
Renji took a deep breath.
"Your Majesty, I want permission to take an army with me into the dungeon. If the demons are already interfering, this dungeon might hold the key to their plan. I can't solve this alone."
The King was deep in thought. The chamber fell silent as he requested. His advisors exchanged uncertain looks. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the King spoke.
"You're asking me to entrust soldiers, knights, mages, and archers to you… into a place where even the best adventurers have failed?"
Renji didn't falter.
"Yes. If I'm right, the Demon Lord's commenders are already planning something in this dungeon. If we leave it unchecked, the kingdom may face destruction before we realize it."
The King closed his eyes for a moment. Then he let out a slow breath.
"…Very well. You've proven your worth time and again. I'll grant your request."
Renji relief, but it didn't last. He still needed more help. And so he made his way to the apartments of the summoned heroes. Guards stood in front of the gate.
Renji stepped forward.
"I need to speak with the heroes. It's important!"
One of the guards gave him an apologetic expression.
"I'm sorry, sir. The heroes have already departed for their nation. They left back to their nation just this morning."
Renji froze, the weight of disappointment settling on his shoulders. He clenched his fists.
"So… they're gone...?"
For a long moment he stood there silently, staring at the closed gates. Then he turned and walked back toward the castle, his footsteps heavy.
When he arrived at the princesses' chambers, Elira and Celis rushed to him, noticing his gloomy expression.
"Renji, Did anything happened to you?"
Elira asked with worry.
"You look pale… did something happen with the heroes?"
Celis added.
Renji sighed and forced a calm smile.
"The heroes are gone. They left already before the battle... That means… it's just me now."
The sisters exchanged anxious glances, their hands tightening together.
"You're not really planning to enter that dungeon alone, are you?"
Elira's voice cracked slightly.
Renji gently placed his hands on theirs, his voice calm.
"I'll be gone for a few days. Don't worry. I'll come back alive."
Both princesses blushed faintly at his touch. Celis looked down, her cheeks warm.
"…Idiot. You say it so casually, but do you know how dangerous it is?"
Elira pouted.
"You better not make us wait too long. Or else…"
Renji chuckled softly. For the first time in days, he allowed himself a small laugh.
"Don't worry. I'm not planning on dying."
Before the mood could grow heavier, a soldier entered and bowed.
"Sir Renji, His Majesty has assembled the forces you requested. They're waiting you at the training grounds."
Renji nodded firmly.
"Thank you for noticing."
He turned back to the princesses, giving them one last eyes contact before leaving. The sisters followed him with their eyes, their expressions a mix of pride and worry.
The training grounds were full of soldiers stood in formation—armored knights with polished blades, archers adjusting their bows, robed mages, and guards readying shields.
The King stood at the front of them, his presence commanding silence.
"Renji, here is the army you requested. Free freely to use them but wisely."
Renji stepped forward, surveying the force. Determination burned in his eyes.
"I will. Together, we'll reveal what is happening in that dungeon."
The soldiers exchanged murmurs. Many of them had heard tales of Renji's exploits. Some were already hyped, some were wispering about the leader who'll lead them, but all were curious to see what kind of leader he would be.
And so, with gaining turst of the kingdom's upon his shoulders, Renji led the army out of the capital.
The journey to the dungeon was tense. Soldiers whispered among themselves, archers glanced around nervously, and the mages held their staffs tighter. The sky grew darker as they neared the massive gate, ancient stone towering above them.
Finally, they arrived.
The mysterious gate of the dungeon, a dungeon even the top advantures can't complete it.
Renji stood at the front, His soldiers lined up behind him, weapons were ready. The air was thick with tension.
He stared at the gate, holding his sword.
"…This is it. The place where everything begins."
A cold chill ran down his spine, but he didn't waver. He knew the truth now—the Demon Lord's plan was hidden somewhere within these depths.
"I'll reveal it. No matter what it takes."