At the heart of the frozen continent of Glaciera, where the majestic Kingdom of Satirin stood against endless snowstorms, rose a colossal castle carved from Abyssium, a legendary black mineral that absorbed even light itself. The fortress appeared like a fragment of night frozen within an eternal winter, it belonged to one of the Five Dungeon Lords.
Fenrion.
An evolved demi-human of the exceedingly rare Basteti race. Despite ruling an entire continent, she looked no older than a girl in her late teens. Long silver hair flowed behind her like a waterfall of moonlight, contrasting beautifully with the elegant black cloak draped over her shoulders. Its high collar framed her face, giving her a regal appearance despite the relaxed way she lounged across a chair on her balcony.
She had just finished settling a territorial dispute between two distant kingdoms. Before that she had personally eliminated an S-Rank Death March that had approached within ten kilometers of Satirin.
Now...
For the first time in weeks she could finally rest. Fenrion leaned back comfortably.
"Damn..."
She stretched lazily.
"Now this is the life."
A content sigh escaped her lips.
"Being a ruler really wears you out. I swear... if Drey brings me one more report today, I'm pretending I don't exist."
She closed her eyes.
Silence.
Cold wind drifted through the mountains, snowflakes danced peacefully around the castle. Finally, peace.
Her ears suddenly twitched.
"...Hm?"
A tremendous presence entered her senses, one powerful enough to bypass the countless magical barriers surrounding her castle. Fenrion slowly opened one eye.
"...Only a handful of people can do that. I wonder who..."
BOOM!!
Something crashed through the balcony at blinding speed. The shockwave shattered several pillars before the figure skidded across the polished floor, leaving a deep trench through the room. Dust filled the air, Fenrion simply stared, then sighed.
"...Seriously?"
The figure stood up energetically.
"FENRIR!!"
Fenrion's face immediately filled with disappointment.
"...What the heck are you doing here, Ignivar?"
Standing before her was another girl who appeared no older than fourteen. Short silver -white hair framed her lively face, while brilliant pink eyes sparkled with mischief.
She wore a short black top, shorts, heavy gauntlets, and knee-high boots, everything about her screamed trouble.
This was Ignivar, Dungeon Lord of Khazadun.
A being capable of leveling mountains. And unfortunately, one who was perpetually bored.
"I came to play!"
Fenrion pinched the bridge of her nose.
"...No."
"Aww I flew all the way here."
"I didn't invite you."
Before Ignivar could complain further, armored footsteps echoed through the castle. The chamber doors burst open.
"My Lady!"
Several elite guards rushed inside, weapons already drawn.
"Did someone attack you?!"
Their eyes immediately locked onto the red-haired girl.
"Could she be the intruder?"
Fenrion waved a hand dismissively.
"No."
"But—"
"Leave."
"My Lady, what if—"
Fenrion's golden eyes narrowed.
"I said leave."
An overwhelming pressure engulfed the room, every guard froze.
"...Y-Yes, my Lady!"
They hurriedly bowed before fleeing without another word, the room became silent once more. Fenrion looked back at Ignivar.
"...What exactly is the Dungeon Lord of Khazadun doing all the way over here?"
Ignivar grinned.
"I got bored."
"I don't care."
Fenrion folded her arms.
"I spent days clearing my schedule for the perfect day off and I refuse to let you ruin it. So..."
She pointed toward the open hole Ignivar had created.
"Shoo. Go bother someone else."
Ignivar pouted dramatically.
"Aww...C'mon."
"No."
"I'll be fun."
"You are literally the opposite of fun."
Ignivar placed a finger beneath her chin.
"...Wait. I know!"
Fenrion immediately frowned.
"...That expression worries me."
"I'll go play with Zelkris!"
Fenrion blinked.
"...The Human Emperor?"
"Exactly!"
"He doesn't rule an entire continent by himself. He's probably free."
Fenrion chuckled.
"Good luck with that. I heard the Adze has been causing chaos throughout Elaria."
Ignivar's eyes widened.
"The Adze? That legendary beast? The one that's impossible to track?"
Fenrion nodded.
"Clairvoyance doesn't work, appraisal fails even detection magic loses it."
Ignivar grinned from ear to ear.
"That sounds fun!"
She turned toward the broken balcony.
"Alright! I'm off! See you later!"
Fenrion sighed.
"Hopefully not."
"C'mon, you know you love me."
Before Fenrion could deny it—
BOOM!!
Ignivar launched herself into the sky like a living meteor. Within seconds she disappeared beyond the snowy horizon.
Silence returned, a ripple appeared in the room. A tall man materialized from the shadows behind Fenrion. Silver hair, refined attire, sharp amber eyes, her loyal attendant.
"Drey."
"My Lady."
He bowed respectfully.
"Are you unharmed?"
Fenrion glanced toward the enormous crater now decorating her balcony.
"...I'm fine."
"What about the damage?"
Fenrion looked at the destroyed room for a long moment before sighing.
"...Send the repair bill to Khazadun."
Drey smiled faintly.
"As expected."
Fenrion leaned back into her chair.
"And Drey..."
"Yes, my Lady?"
"I don't want to see anyone for the rest of today."
He bowed once more.
"It shall be done."
With that he vanished into the shadows.
Fenrion closed her eyes again, hoping, perhaps foolishly that the rest of her day would finally be peaceful. Unfortunately, as one of the Five Dungeon Lords, peace was always a rare luxury.
Meanwhile.
The scorching heat of the volcanic floor washed over Maira like a crashing wave.
Rivers of molten lava snaked across the cracked landscape, filling the air with ash and shimmering heat. Towering pillars of black stone rose from the molten earth, while the sky glowed a deep crimson beneath clouds of smoke.
Standing several dozen meters away was a colossal Komodo dragon. Its obsidian scales glowed with fiery cracks, and every breath it exhaled released sparks that ignited the ground beneath its feet.
Maira stared at the monster with an utterly blank expression.
"...Arcanis?"
"Yes, Master?"
"...Is it too late to go back to the Verdant Wilds?"
Arcanis answered without hesitation.
"Impossibly late, Master."
She let out a long, defeated sigh.
"...Just great."
"Maintain a constant stream of wind magic around your body," Arcanis instructed. "Otherwise, the ambient heat alone will cook you alive before the monster ever reaches you."
Maira slowly turned toward the floating grimoire.
"And how, exactly, do you expect me to do that?"
"I'll handle it for now," he replied calmly. "Fortunately, after your recent growth, your mana reserves have reached the level of a C-Rank mage. You have enough mana for me to sustain the airflow around you until we find suitable shelter."
A cool current of wind immediately began circling her body, shielding her from the unbearable heat.
Maira sighed once more.
"...Just great."
The enormous lizard suddenly raised its head.
Its throat glowed a blazing orange as flames gathered within its jaws.
"Master!" Arcanis warned. "It's charging a fireball!"
Without wasting another second, Maira leapt backward, extending one hand toward the beast.
"Air Slash!"
A razor-thin crescent of compressed wind shot across the volcanic wasteland, slicing through the scorching air as it sped toward the giant monster.
SHIIIIING!
It carved through the scorching air like an invisible crescent. The Komodo dragon didn't even bother dodging.
BOOM!
The Air Slash struck its thick crimson scales and scattered into countless gusts, leaving behind only a faint scratch.
Silence.
Maira stared blankly.
The giant beast slowly looked down at the tiny mark on its scales before turning its burning amber eyes back toward her.
"..."
"..."
"Arcanis?"
"Yes, Master?"
"I think I just offended it."
"I believe you have."
The dragon inhaled deeply, it's chest expanded like a volcano preparing to erupt.
"Oh no..."
"Run."
BOOOOOOOOM!!
A torrent of blazing fire swallowed everything in front of it.
"FEATHER STEP!"
Maira vanished sideways as the flames scorched past her, melting rocks into glowing magma, the heat alone sent her tumbling across the volcanic ground.
"Hot! Hot! HOT!"
"Keep moving!" Arcanis shouted. "The wind barrier is protecting you, but it won't withstand direct contact forever!"
"I KNOW!"
She sprang to her feet and dashed across the volcanic landscape. Behind her...
CRASH!
The colossal lizard smashed through pillars of black stone as though they were made of paper. Its footsteps shook the entire floor.
"What rank is this thing?!"
Arcanis hesitated.
"..."
"Arcanis."
"...High C."
"What?!"
Magma Komodo
Rank: High C
Abilities
Lava Breath
Molten Armor
Heat Aura
Flame Claws
Magma Regeneration
Volcanic Rush
"It appears the random floor sequence wasn't feeling merciful today."
"I'M GOING TO DIE!"
The dragon roared, lava burst from cracks in the earth as it swung its massive tail. Maira barely ducked beneath it.
BOOOM!
The impact shattered a cliffside, chunks of burning rock rained from the sky.
"This thing's stronger than the Kirin!"
"It should be."
"It isn't a floor boss."
"What?"
"It's merely one of the native predators."
Maira froze.
"...Excuse me?"
"This floor's ecosystem is considerably harsher than the Verdant Wilds."
She slowly turned toward the floating grimoire.
"...You're telling me..."
"Yes."
"The normal monsters are this strong."
"I hate this dungeon."
"So does everyone who has ever entered it."
"Comforting."
The Komodo dragon lunged again, this time Maira didn't retreat, she inhaled deeply. Wind gathered around her feet, forest mana flowed through her veins.
"I can't keep running forever."
"That's the spirit."
"I wasn't being brave."
"I know."
"I literally meant I physically can't outrun it forever."
"...That is significantly less inspiring."
The dragon opened its jaws, another fireball formed. Maira narrowed her eyes.
"If fire needs oxygen..."
She raised her hand.
"...then let's take that away."
Wind spiraled violently around the dragon's head, the currents twisted into a vortex, disrupting the flow of air feeding the flames.
The fireball flickered.
Then—
PFFT!
It exploded harmlessly inside the dragon's mouth, the beast reeled backward, coughing smoke. Arcanis' pages flipped rapidly.
"Oh?"
Maira blinked.
"...That actually worked?"
Arcanis chuckled.
"Excellent thinking, Master."
"Wind doesn't merely create cutting attacks."
"It governs pressure... flow... and oxygen itself."
Maira smiled confidently.
"So even fire has a weakness."
"Indeed."
"But don't celebrate yet."
"...Why?"
Arcanis looked toward the horizon.
"I've found shelter."
"Finally!"
"...Unfortunately."
"...There's something already living inside it."
Maira's smile disappeared instantly.
"...Of course there is."
Far in the distance, beyond rivers of molten lava, stood a massive cavern carved into a mountain of black obsidian. From its entrance drifted an eerie crimson mist, a pair of enormous glowing eyes slowly opened within the darkness.
Arcanis sighed.
"...Well? We've successfully escaped one monster and found another."
Meanwhile, back on the surface, the towering walls of the Kingdom of Draxia finally came into view.
The massive gates stood proudly beneath the afternoon sun, while banners bearing the kingdom's crest fluttered gently in the breeze. Merchants, adventurers, and travelers could already be seen entering and leaving through the bustling entrance.
Kaleb walked at the front of the party, his crimson cloak swaying with each step. Behind him followed Terry with his enormous shield resting across his back, Natalia quietly reviewing the notes she had taken during their investigation, Saria lazily twirling one of her daggers between her fingers, and Asura walking beside his young wyvern, which chirped softly as it perched on his shoulder.
A heavy silence hung over the group. After several moments, Kaleb let out a long sigh.
"That led us nowhere," he muttered, his eyes fixed on the distant castle. "Lord Zelkris is going to be disappointed."
"We searched every location mentioned in the reports," Natalia replied. "There wasn't a single trace of the missing villages or any evidence of a hidden organization."
Terry scratched the back of his head.
"Feels strange. Whoever's behind this cleaned up everything."
"They're professionals," Saria added. "No witnesses, no mana residue, no tracks. Almost like they wanted us to know something happened... but not who did it."
Asura gently stroked his wyvern's head.
"Or perhaps they knew we'd investigate and erased everything before we arrived."
Kaleb nodded.
"Either way, we failed to uncover anything useful."
They continued walking until the kingdom of Draxia came into view.
"I suppose there's no point delaying it," he said quietly. "Let's report everything to Lord Zelkris. Even if we found nothing... that itself may be an important clue."
None of the others argued.
Suddenly—
BOOOOOOM!!
The earth erupted with a deafening explosion. A blazing streak of crimson tore across the sky before crashing into the open field between Draxia's gates and Kaleb's party like a falling meteor out side the kingdom's boarders.
The shockwave swept across the plains.
Trees bent violently.
The city walls trembled.
A massive crater, nearly fifty meters across, was carved into the earth as dust and chunks of stone shot high into the air.
"What the hell just happened?!" Terry shouted, planting his shield into the ground to withstand the blast.
"Something just landed!" Natalia exclaimed, shielding her face from the flying debris. "Was it an attack?"
"I don't know," Kaleb answered, narrowing his eyes. "Let's check it out."
With a burst of wind magic, he lifted himself into the air and slowly approached the impact site. The rest of the party followed cautiously, a thick cloud of dust concealed whatever had landed, then a cheerful voice echoed from within.
"Oh? I sense some powerful individuals."
The voice carried an unsettling excitement.
"I hope you can be fun."
Asura blinked.
"...Was that a girl's voice?"
Saria instinctively reached for her daggers.
"I've got a bad feeling about this."
The dust slowly began to disperse. Standing calmly at the center of the crater was a young girl who appeared no older than fourteen.
She had short silver-white hair fading into soft pink at the tips, radiant crimson eyes, and a carefree smile that didn't belong on someone who had just fallen from the sky. She wore a cropped black jacket over a dark outfit with crimson accents, fingerless gauntlets, shorts, and long boots that looked more suited for adventure than royalty. She looked completely harmless.
Yet...
The air itself felt heavy, it was as though the world was instinctively trying to distance itself from her. Kaleb's instincts screamed louder than they ever had before.
"Asura," he said without taking his eyes off the girl, "run an appraisal."
"Right."
Asura raised two fingers to his right eye.
"Appraisal."
The skill activated, then instantly shattered.
"...!!"
A crushing pressure slammed into his consciousness, his vision blurred, his body froze. It felt as though he had attempted to gaze directly into the sun.
"GUH—!"
He collapsed to his knees before vomiting blood onto the ground.
"Asura!"
Saria rushed to his side, catching him before he could fall completely.
"Asura, what's wrong?!" Natalia cried, immediately casting healing magic.
Golden light surrounded him, but even with the healing, his body continued trembling uncontrollably.
Asura looked toward the girl with horrified eyes.
"H-Her... power..."
His voice barely escaped his lips.
"It's... on an entirely... different level..."
He swallowed painfully.
"I... I couldn't even measure it..."
His breathing became erratic.
"It felt like I was an ant...trying to comprehend an endless ocean..."
Silence fell over the battlefield, Kaleb's expression hardened, power vast enough to break Asura's Appraisal, there was only one explanation.
A Disaster-Class...?
...No.
Something even beyond that. He stepped forward alone, his companions instinctively wanted to stop him, but none of them could find the words. Taking a respectful bow, Kaleb spoke.
"Greetings. My name is Kaleb Kang'wa, S-Rank Conjurer of the Kingdom of Draxia."
He met her crimson eyes without flinching.
"May I ask what brings someone of your caliber here?"
The girl tilted her head innocently.
"Oh?"
A bright smile spread across her face.
"I just came looking for a little fun."
She clasped her hands behind her back and rocked on her heels.
"You don't mind having a sparring match with me, do you?"
She grinned mischievously.
"I promise..."
"...I won't break anything."
The entire party froze. Not because of what she said but because every instinct they possessed told them she genuinely believed that holding back enough not to destroy the surrounding kingdom would be easy.
"...She says that like she didn't just create a huge crater."
Saria nodded without taking her eyes off Ignivar.
"Pretty sure the ground disagrees with that statement."
Ignivar blinked before glancing behind herself.
"Oh..."
She scratched the back of her head with an embarrassed laugh.
"That doesn't count."
"It absolutely counts!" Terry shouted.
"I was aiming for the empty field." Ignivar shrugged. "Besides, if I hadn't slowed down, the crater would've been much bigger."
The party collectively fell silent. Terry's face slowly paled.
"...That... wasn't your full landing?"
"Nope."
"...Very well," he said calmly as flames gathered around his hand. "Party formation."
The atmosphere changed instantly. Natalia stepped to the rear, already chanting healing and enhancement spells.
"Asura."
"I know."
Despite the lingering nausea, Asura slammed his hand onto a summoning circle.
"Summon—Sky Tyrant Wyvern!"
A colossal purple wyvern burst into existence with an earth-shaking roar, lightning dancing across its scales, Terry planted his massive shield into the ground.
Iron Bulwark.
Golden barriers spread around the team.
Saria vanished.
Only a faint distortion remained where she had been. Ignivar looked around with sparkling eyes.
"Ohhh..."
She clapped excitedly.
"So you guys actually know what you're doing!"
Kaleb raised his burning hand.
"Everyone..."
He smiled.
"...Don't hold back."
The Battle Begins, the wyvern opened its jaws.
"Dragon Breath!"
A torrent of violet energy engulfed the battlefield. At the same time Kaleb swung his arm.
"Great Fire Whip!"
The blazing whip spiraled through the dragon breath, creating a gigantic inferno. Natalia lifted her staff.
"Stat Boost!"
Golden light covered everyone.
Strength.
Speed.
Mana output.
Everything increased.
From the shadows Saria appeared directly behind Ignivar.
Blade Flurry!
Hundreds of crimson slashes flashed at impossible speed.
Meanwhile Terry charged.
Earthshaker!!
His shield crashed downward with enough force to split a hill. Every attack landed...
...
...
Nothing.
The smoke slowly cleared. Ignivar stood exactly where she had been, not a scratch.
She tilted her head.
"Aww. You guys are trying really hard, i appreciate that."
She casually poked Terry's enormous shield.
Tap.
BOOM!!
The impact launched Terry several hundred meters backwards. He crashed through three rocky hills before finally stopping.
"T-Terry!!"
Natalia immediately healed him from afar, the Sky Tyrant Wyvern descended again. Its claws capable of tearing dragons apart, Ignivar looked up.
"Oh."
She gently flicked its forehead.
Flick.
CRAAASH!!
The gigantic wyvern spun like a toy before smashing into the ground unconscious.
Asura stared blankly.
"...He lost to a finger..."
Saria reappeared again.
Shadow Step.
She struck from ten different blind spots.
Poison Edge.
Backstab.
Silent Takedown.
Smoke Veil.
A perfect assassination, Ignivar simply leaned left, right, bent backwards, stepped sideways, every dagger missed by millimeters.
"Hmm, you rely too much on disappearing."
Saria froze.
Ignivar smiled.
"If someone has enough battle instinct..."
She suddenly grabbed Saria's wrist.
"...the shadows stop mattering."
She lightly tossed her, Saria rolled dozens of meters before stopping.
"...She's reading me..."
Kaleb frowned.
"She's analyzing us."
Ignivar giggled.
"Of course, otherwise fighting wouldn't be fun."
Kaleb raised both hands, the temperature skyrocketed. Flames condensed into countless magic circles.
Flame Domain.
The battlefield became a sea of fire.
Natalia immediately strengthened him.
"Mana Regeneration!"
"Sacred Bloom!"
Holy light surrounded Kaleb, his flames doubled in intensity. Kaleb took a deep breath.
"This...is my strongest attack."
Hundreds of magic circles rotated above the sky, the clouds turned crimson. Ignivar looked impressed.
"Oooo this one looks dangerous."
Kaleb roared.
"GRAND COMBUSTION!!"
A gigantic pillar of fire descended from the heavens, the beam swallowed the entire battlefield. The ground vaporized, mountains melted, even Natalia's barrier shook violently.
Silence followed.
Smoke covered everything, Kaleb panted.
"...Did..."
"...did it work?"
A voice answered.
"It would've."
Everyone's eyes widened, Ignivar walked out of the molten crater completely unharmed.
Not because she blocked it but because the flames surrounding her had become strangely calm. She reached into the pillar of fire with her bare hand, the flames obeyed her. Kaleb's eyes widened.
"...Impossible."
Ignivar looked almost disappointed.
"Kaleb, you've got amazing mana, amazing control, amazing instincts."
She smiled.
"But you're treating fire like it's just something that burns."
She raised one finger, a tiny flame appeared.
"This? is alive."
The flame danced gently around her fingertip.
"It breathes, it expands, it contracts, it feeds, it changes shape, it has rhythm."
She flicked the tiny flame. It suddenly exploded into a blazing dragon before shrinking back into a candle-sized ember.
Kaleb stared in disbelief.
"I..." He said in disbelief. "...never thought of it that way."
"You force your flames."
Ignivar continued.
"You compress them until they explode. That's powerful but wasteful."
She pointed toward his chest.
"Stop commanding your fire, start listening to it. For a fire mage fire isn't your weapon, it's your partner."
Kaleb unconsciously looked at the flames around his hand. For the first time they almost looked alive, he was beginning to understand what she was saying. Ignivar stretched lazily.
"Anyways, that was fun."
She waved.
"Thanks for entertaining me."
Everyone blinked.
"...You're leaving?"
"Yep."
"I remembered why I came."
Kaleb immediately asked,
"...Which is?"
She grinned.
"I'm looking for have some real fun with an old friend of mine."
A chill ran through everyone's spine, Kaleb took a step forward.
"...You're going to challenge Lord Zelkris?"
Ignivar smiled innocently.
"...I want to play."
BOOM!!
The ground exploded beneath her feet, she disappeared so quickly that the shockwave arrived several seconds later, flattening the nearby forest. Silence fell over the battlefield, Terry slowly stood up.
"...She says she wants to play..."
He looked at the mountain that had been erased by Kaleb's strongest spell and the crater Ignivar had left with a single leap.
"...If that's her idea of playing..."
He let out a long sigh.
"...I'd hate to see her when she's serious."
Kaleb silently watched the direction she had disappeared, then he looked down at the small flame dancing above his palm. It flickered, not wildly but gently almost as if it were responding to his thoughts.
"...Fire is a partner..."
He closed his hand slowly.
"...Lord Zelkris, I think I've just realized how far I still have to go."
Meanwhile
The crimson mist rolled slowly from the cavern like the breath of some sleeping demon. Maira swallowed.
"...Tell me it's another High A."
Arcanis remained silent.
"...Arcanis?"
"...I would rather not."
She slowly turned toward the grimoire.
"...What does that mean?"
"It means if I tell you now, you may decide to run back outside."
"That sounds like a fantastic idea."
"And burn to death in the volcanic wasteland?"
"...Right."
She let out a defeated sigh.
"So... cave it is."
The heat outside had already become unbearable, the streams of wind surrounding her were consuming mana at an alarming rate.
"We don't have much time," Arcanis said. "Your mana reserves can sustain the wind barrier for perhaps another thirty minutes."
"Then let's move."
Taking a deep breath, Maira cautiously stepped into the cavern, the temperature dropped instantly.
"...Huh?"
Instead of the suffocating heat outside, the cave was surprisingly cool. Rivers of lava flowed through channels in the walls, providing just enough warmth to illuminate the vast interior without making it unbearable. Black crystal formations jutted from the ceiling, reflecting the crimson glow into thousands of shimmering lights. For a brief moment it almost felt peaceful. Maira smiled.
"Maybe whatever lives here is sleeping."
Arcanis didn't answer.
"Arcanis?"
"...Look down."
She lowered her gaze.
Crunch.
She had stepped on something.
It wasn't a rock, it was a skull. A half-melted
Human skull, her smile vanished.
"..."
She slowly looked around. The floor was covered in bones.
Humans.
Elves.
Dwarves.
Lizardmen.
Even enormous monster skeletons littered the cavern, many bearing deep claw marks.
Maira felt a chill crawl down her spine.
"...I don't like this."
A low rumble echoed from somewhere deep within the cave. The walls trembled, dust drifted from the ceiling. Something was breathing, each inhale drew the crimson mist inward, each exhale filled the cavern once again.
BOOM...
BOOM...
BOOM...
The footsteps were slow, deliberate, each one shook the mountain itself. A pair of glowing crimson eyes appeared in the darkness.
Then another.
Then another.
"...Three?"
Maira whispered.
"No."
Arcanis replied quietly.
"You're looking at only one."
The darkness shifted, the eyes moved independently before aligning into a single massive silhouette. Then, with another earth-shaking step, it emerged into the lava light.
Its body resembled a gigantic salamander covered in jet-black volcanic armor.
Molten lava flowed through glowing cracks across its body like blood through veins. Six obsidian horns curved backward from its head, while a crown of living flames burned between them, its claws alone were taller than Maira. The creature lowered its enormous head, studying the tiny human standing before it.
Ancient Calamity Beast
Infernal Salamander
Threat Level: Disaster-Class Monster
Estimated Rank: Unknown
Abilities
Hellfire Manipulation
Volcanic Dominion
Magma Regeneration
Catastrophic Heat Aura
Molten Armor
Lava Creation
Inferno Breath
Fire Magic Nullification (Partial)
Ancient Instinct
Maira's face went completely pale.
"...Arcanis."
"Yes, Master?"
"...You said there was 'something living here.'"
"I did."
"You forgot to mention..."
She slowly pointed at the gigantic beast.
"...that it's the size of a castle."
"I was attempting to preserve your morale."
"My morale is gone."
The Infernal Salamander stared at her in silence, it sniffed the air once twice. Then, unexpectedly it tilted its head.
"...It isn't attacking?" Maira whispered.
Arcanis' pages flipped slowly.
"Interesting..."
"What?"
"It seems..."
The ancient monster's burning eyes narrowed as it continued to stare at Maira.
"...it's curious."
The giant beast took one slow step forward, then another. Its enormous face stopped only a few meters from Maira, she stood completely frozen.
"...Please don't eat me..."
The Salamander lowered its nose toward her and sniffed her once more. Arcanis suddenly spoke, his voice filled with realization.
"I see now..."
Maira didn't dare move.
"...See what?"
"It isn't interested in you, it's interested in the blessing you received from the Elder Guardian Kirin."
Maira's legs trembled as she stared up at the colossal ancient beast.
Its single claw was larger than her entire body.
"...Arcanis?"
"Yes, Master?"
"How exactly am I supposed to defeat this thing..."
She slowly pointed at the Infernal Salamander.
"...with C-rank stats?"
There was a brief silence.
"You can't."
"..."
"It's literally impossible."
"..."
Maira's eye twitched.
"You know..."
She forced a smile.
"...I hate you sometimes."
"I hear that rather often but hey..."
Arcanis' pages turned lazily.
"...it's monsters like this one that truly make the World-Class Dungeon terrifying."
"The Kirin was only a Floor Boss, it existed to test challengers. This..."
His voice became noticeably more serious.
"...is a natural inhabitant, it wasn't created to be defeated. It was born here."
Maira slowly looked back at the Salamander.
"So you're telling me the ecosystem naturally produced..."
She pointed again.
"...that?"
"Correct."
"I hate this dungeon even more."
Arcanis let out a small chuckle.
"And yet, people still risk their lives to enter it."
"Because they're insane?"
"Because they're greedy."
He continued,
"Some seek power, others seek legendary materials, some come here to escape prosecution, most are thrown in here as execution and a few simply wish to challenge the impossible."
He paused for a moment.
"The World-Class Dungeon doesn't merely test strength, it exposes ambition."
Maira folded her arms.
"My ambition is to go home alive."
"A perfectly reasonable ambition."
The Infernal Salamander continued staring at her. It still hadn't attacked, it simply watched.
Almost as if it were judging her. Maira noticed something strange.
"...Arcanis."
"Yes?"
"If it wanted me dead, it would've happened the second I walked in."
"Exactly."
She narrowed her eyes.
"So why is it just...looking at me?"
Arcanis' voice became thoughtful.
"Ancient monsters possess intelligence far beyond ordinary beasts, they don't waste energy on meaningless battles. It has sensed the Kirin's blessing and now it's deciding whether you're prey or something worth acknowledging."
Maira laughed nervously.
"I really hope it chooses option two."
The Salamander suddenly lowered its enormous head until one blazing eye was level with hers. Its molten pupil reflected the tiny figure standing before it, for what felt like an eternity neither of them moved.
Then...
The colossal beast slowly snorted, a stream of hot air rushed over Maira, nearly knocking her off her feet.
"...Was..."
She finally spoke.
"...was that its way of saying hello?"
"I believe..."
Arcanis replied with a hint of amusement,
"...it just finished inspecting you."
"And?"
"It seems..."
The grimoire paused deliberately.
"...you're not worth eating."
Maira blinked.
"...Should I be relieved or offended?"
"I'll let you decide that."
Meanwhile.
Ignivar descended from the sky like a crimson comet, stopping just outside the Adventurers' Guild. Her landing shook the earth, though this time she had restrained herself enough to avoid flattening half the district. Inside the Guild Master's office, Zelkris looked up from the mountain of paperwork on his desk.
"...Why in the world would another Dungeon Lord come all the way here?"
He had sensed her mana long before she arrived. Just then, the office door burst open.
"My Lord! Someone just—"
"I know."
Without another word, Zelkris walked past the startled adventurer and headed outside.
Sure enough, Ignivar was standing at the entrance with a huge grin on her face.
"Zelky!! Long time no see, pal!"
Zelkris pinched the bridge of his nose.
"...Don't call me that in public."
He turned around.
"My office. Now."
Ignivar's eyes sparkled.
"Ooo? Are we going to be alone?"
"Just follow me."
A few moments later...
Inside the office, Ignivar plopped herself onto the couch as if she owned the place. Zelkris remained standing.
"So? To what do I owe the pleasure of receiving a visit from the Crimson Behemoth herself?"
Ignivar pouted.
"C'mon, I don't like it when you call me that."
"I'll ask again, why are you here?"
She leaned back lazily.
"For starters, a greeting would've been nice. As for why..."
She smiled mischievously.
"I'm bored. So I came to have some fun."
"I don't have time for that."
"C'mon."
She leaned forward.
"It's not like you're ruling an entire continent like the rest of us. Just one little spar."
"The last time I sparred with you..."
Zelkris answered without hesitation.
"...we lost an entire continent."
Ignivar scratched her cheek.
"That was a few centuries ago."
"We used to have nine continents."
"..."
"Now we have seven."
She shrugged.
"Pff. It's not like it'll happen again."
"You said the exact same thing before our second match."
"..."
"Well? My pride wouldn't let me lose."
"And you lost anyway."
Ignivar burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Man, the Grand Master was furious."
Zelkris nodded.
"He beat the living daylights out of both of us."
"He really did."
"I don't think I've ever run that fast."
"I don't think anyone has."
Both of them laughed for a moment before the room fell silent. Zelkris cleared his throat.
"With that said, you may leave."
Ignivar crossed her arms.
"You know..."
She gave a him a grin.
"We could have a sparring match right here."
She glanced around his office.
"It'll only take a minute."
"No."
"C'mon, why are you always so stubborn?"
"Because..."
Zelkris replied with a perfectly straight face.
"I'm not interested in long-distance relationships."
Ignivar blinked.
"...What? You don't even rule this continent."
"No but it still needs my protection."
She puffed out her cheeks.
"Fine then at least have a child with me."
Zelkris looked at her without changing expression.
"You're not fit to raise a child. He'd probably end up living with me."
"...You're so cold."
"Maybe."
He shrugged.
"Though..I might've given you the time of day if you were just a little taller."
Ignivar immediately stood up.
"Hey! That's just mean! You know I'm a dwarf!"
A faint smile finally appeared on Zelkris's face.
"You're pretty enough to have any man you want. So why are you so fixated on me?"
She answered without even thinking.
"Because I'm in love with you, obviously."
Silence.
Then Zelkris sighed.
"...Then you'll have to wait a little longer."
Ignivar tilted her head.
"...How much longer?"
"Maybe a few centuries."
She folded her arms.
"Fine, what's a few more centuries?"
Zelkris looked out the window.
"...It might be sooner than you think."
Ignivar froze, then her crimson eyes lit up like stars.
"...Really?"
"I'll hold you to that."
"You may."
She suddenly jumped to her feet.
"You know what? My day just got a whole lot better, i'm heading home!"
Zelkris nodded.
"Good but do me one favor."
"What's that?"
"When you leave get at least a kilometer away from the city. I'd rather Draxia remain standing."
Ignivar gave him a thumbs-up.
"Got it!"
The two of them walked together beyond the city walls, chatting casually like old friends.
They finally stopped more than a kilometer away from Draxia, Ignivar stretched her arms.
"Well then, time to..."
"Hold up, before you go."
He knelt down and kissed her on the forehead. Ignivar froze, her face turned red.
"That should make your trip worth while at least."
She jumped in excitement.
"Are you kidding! Of course it did!"
"Glad to hear that."
She then got ready to leave.
"Bye, Zelky! Love ya!"
"Till next time, Ignivar."
"See you later!"
She bent her knees.
BOOOOOOM!!
The instant she launched herself into the sky, a deafening sonic boom erupted across the plains. A massive crater formed where she'd been standing, cracks spreading hundreds of meters in every direction. Dust filled the air, Zelkris stared at the fresh crater in silence.
"..."
"...She did it again."
Letting out a long, defeated sigh, he raised one hand. Golden magic circles spread across the ground as the shattered earth slowly stitched itself back together, restoring the landscape as though nothing had happened.
"I should've asked for collateral."
Still muttering to himself, the Dungeon Lord of Humanity turned around and quietly walked back toward Draxia, already dreading the paperwork that would somehow blame him for yet another crater.