That morning, the sun slowly crept up above the stone rooftops of Valiant, bathing the blue-gold banners in a gentle glow. At the modest inn where they stayed, the silence was broken by the faint rustle of fabric.
Arzael was the first to awaken. He sat up on his bed, his white hair tousled, his crimson gaze still as cold as ever. He exhaled heavily.
"…Time to buy something."
Calmly, he raised his hand. A crimson glow formed a translucent menu in the air.
[Infernal Exchange]
A market where Soul Shards collected from defeated creatures can be traded for powerful items and skills.
Soul Shards: 1243
Available Items:
Small HP Potion (Rarity: Common) — 50 Soul Shards
Restores 25% HP.
Small MP Potion (Rarity: Common) — 100 Soul Shards
Restores 25% MP.
Crimson Necklace (Rarity: Rare) — 1000 Soul Shards
Max HP increases by +50%.
Available Skill:
— Locked —
Use your Soul Shards wisely; the Infernal Exchange will reveal greater treasures as you grow stronger.
Arzael stared at the list for a long moment.
"Crimson Necklace, huh…" he muttered softly.
Without hesitation, his fingers moved.
[Crimson Necklace Purchased — -1000 Soul Shards]
[Crimson Necklace Equipped] [+50% Max HP]
HP: 900 → 1350
A necklace with a blood-red gem appeared around his neck. Unlike the invisible Ethereal Boots, the necklace was tangible, glimmering in the morning light.
"…This system really is strange," he murmured, touching the gemstone.
The remaining Soul Shards were allocated to potions.
[4x Small HP Potion Purchased]
[Items Stored]
"Preparations… in case of emergencies."
Just as he closed the menu, a small yawn came from behind.
"Uwaahhh…" Puff stirred from Seraphina's embrace. Her small pink eyes blinked sleepily, and she rubbed them with her tiny paws. But when she saw Arzael sitting with a new necklace, she immediately turned toward him.
"Boss… where did you get that necklace?" Puff asked hoarsely.
"Oh. I bought it at the shop yesterday," Arzael replied flatly.
Puff tilted her head. "But I don't remember you buying anything yesterday."
Before she could argue further, Seraphina slowly awoke. Her white hair shimmered beautifully despite just waking, her face pale yet stunning as always.
Then Arzael spoke.
"That's not important. We should go to the guild first."
"Boss, you should rest… you fought all day yesterday. Right, Seraphina?" Puff turned toward the girl.
Seraphina only nodded softly.
Arzael stood. "No. I only want to claim yesterday's compensation."
"Oh right, you're correct, boss." Puff finally relented.
The three of them prepared. After bathing and a brief breakfast, they walked along Valiant's stone-paved streets. Townsfolk turned to look their way. A few adventurers whispered among themselves.
"That's him, the kid who challenged the guild master…"
"They say their duel was insane, almost destroyed the arena."
"He's a real beast."
Arzael ignored it all, his gaze fixed straight ahead.
As soon as they entered the guild, the brown-haired receptionist from yesterday panicked upon seeing them. She turned pale and rushed straight into the guild master's office.
Not long after, the door swung open. A towering figure stepped out. Grokk, the muscular man in his fifties, laughed heartily when he saw Arzael.
"Ah, finally, boy, you came. Hahaha! You know, yesterday I got too carried away and forgot to give you your compensation."
"It doesn't matter," Arzael answered coldly. "Next time, I'll challenge you again."
"Hahaha! You're truly fascinating, boy!" Grokk thumped his chest, then placed two Guild Cards on the desk, along with a pouch of gold coins.
Arzael glanced at the cards. "This is… Rank C?"
"Of course. To be honest, I even wanted to promote you straight to Rank A. But… that wouldn't be fair." Grokk grinned.
Arzael could feel the envious and scornful stares from the adventurers around him. He only lowered his head slightly. "I understand."
The atmosphere was calm until the guild doors opened once again. Light footsteps echoed as a tall elf woman with long green hair entered. She was the same one who had stopped the duel yesterday. The aura of Rank-S radiated clearly from her.
"Ara-ara… there's the handsome one again," she said with a playful smile. Her gaze immediately locked onto Arzael. "Your name is Arzael, right?"
"Hm." Arzael gave a curt reply.
The elf glanced sideways. Seraphina was standing there, her expression still blank, but her eyes… cold.
The elf's smile widened. "Hey, pretty girl. Mind if I borrow your boyfriend for a bit?" she teased, winking.
Seraphina said nothing. But Puff, perched on her shoulder, shouted immediately.
"Auntie! I already told you yesterday, don't get near my boss, he already has a partner!"
The elf chuckled. "I'm still not satisfied. You'll keep me company, won't you, Arzael?"
Arzael stared at her coldly and uttered,
"Get lost, b*tch."
The guild fell silent at once. The elf only laughed softly. "Hoho~ how rude." She turned and walked away, her eyes glinting mischievously.
Puff grumbled. "What's with that auntie?!"
Grokk only laughed. "Hahaha… don't be surprised. Her name is Celia, an S-Class adventurer. She's always been fond of teasing handsome men."
Then his face grew serious. "By the way, boy… the exam is still about four months away. Do you intend to take the entrance test for the Hero Association Academy?"
"Of course," Arzael replied.
"I'm certain you'll pass without difficulty." Grokk nodded firmly.
When they left the guild, Seraphina walked beside Arzael with a gloomy face. Her lips slightly pouted.
Arzael glanced at her. "What's wrong, Seraphina?"
"Nothing," she answered briefly.
Puff quickly chimed in. "Boss, you're so dense! Seraphina's sulking, can't you tell?!"
Arzael paused for a moment, then sighed. "Oh? I understand. Do you want to buy lots of snacks?"
Seraphina turned her head briefly, then gave a small nod.
"Yayy!!" Puff cheered loudly.
"Not for you," Arzael said flatly.
They went on to buy various specialties of Valiant, sweet bread, spiced soup, mini-dragon skewers. At last, Seraphina's mood seemed to lighten. Puff, on the other hand, stuffed herself until her cheeks puffed up.
That night, after Seraphina and Puff had fallen asleep, Arzael sat on the other bed, staring at the dark ceiling.
"I'm not satisfied…" he whispered. Then he smirked. "Time to enter my paradise."
[Skill Activated: Gatewalk Lv.1]
A black-red portal opened beneath him, swallowing his body whole.
In the next instant, he stood on a land of fiery magma and sulfur. The crimson sky stretched endlessly, with distant storms of fire raging across the horizon.
[Underworld Layer 1]
The air was suffocatingly hot, reeking of blood and brimstone, filled with the faint cries of lost souls.
Arzael inhaled deeply. "Finally."
He walked. Not long after, the ruins of a massive castle appeared in the distance, crumbled and broken. Its black stones were shattered, its walls fallen — yet the aura it emitted… was crushing.
Arzael halted, his heart pounding rapidly.
"…I can feel it. An aura… overwhelmingly strong."
His hand clenched tightly. "Could this be… the ruler of Layer 1?"