Chapter 6
The morning air is cold.
Shin has barely slept. Every time he closes his eyes, Historia's face appears before him. Her pale smile makes his chest ache.
As if that were not bad enough, wild Red Goblins suddenly appear out of nowhere.
Shin and Ray do not hesitate for a second.
"Go!" Ray shouts.
The goblins charge at them, but the fight is over quickly. Shin and Ray work together smoothly and defeat the monsters without much trouble. Soon after, silence returns.
Ray takes a deep breath and looks around.
"About one kilometer from here, there should be a High Dungeon."
They immediately set out. After about half the distance, Ray glances at Shin.
"How long are you going to keep making that face?" he asks dryly.
Then his voice becomes more serious. "This isn't your fault. You can't foresee an illness."
Shin stops for a moment. Slowly, he lifts his head. Ray's words reach him.
His chest feels a little lighter.
He takes a deep breath.
Regardless of Historia's condition regardless of his dream he must become stronger.
Shin clenches his fist.
"You're right."
Ray smiles when he notices the change.
"Good. You're back. As determined as ever."
After another hour, they reach their destination. Before them stands the entrance to the High Dungeon dark, silent, and intimidating.
Without another word, they enter.
The first floor is empty.
Then the second.
And the third.
This continues until they finally reach the hundredth floor the boss room.
There, a giant snake awaits them. Its scales shine golden, its body coils menacingly.
"No other choice," Shin murmurs.
The battle begins.
Suddenly, Shin remembers the iron snake he once fought.
"Ray! The eyes!"
Ray does not hesitate. He throws his spear with full force. The weapon hits its target.
The snake screams as blood flows from its eyes.
Shin uses the opportunity and attacks.
But at that moment, the monster changes. The golden scales turn deep black, and the eyes glow blood red.
Shin jumps back.
"Too dangerous…"
A single glance is enough. Both know what must be done.
"Together," Ray says.
They attack in coordination. Hour after hour they fight, dodging, striking, supporting each other.
After two long hours, the snake finally collapses.
Shin and Ray fall to the ground, completely exhausted. They can barely move.
Then they laugh.
"We're still alive," Ray mutters.
Shortly after, both fall asleep from exhaustion.
When Shin opens his eyes again, he feels warmth. The surroundings are calm and peaceful.
He sits up and notices that his body feels unusually light.
Ray also stands up.
"We were treated," he states.
They search for their hosts and eventually encounter an old woman.
She smiles gently.
"It seems you are doing better. You were on a very dangerous floor. Anyone who survives that boss must be strong."
Shin steps forward.
"How long did we sleep?"
"Five days," she answers calmly.
Shin's eyes widen.
"Then we have to go. A great celebration is waiting for us."
The old woman nods in understanding.
"I understand. But before that… I must show you something."
What will they learn?
What did the dungeon truly bring?