[Alfheim Online, New Aincrad, Floor 27]

After last second prep work, we delved into the dungeon of the 27th floor, it was mainly large white pathways with dark obsidian tunnels with streaks of colorful luminous archways, the pathway was pure white and helped to brighten the paths. Unfortunately, with open paths it meant Mobs would spawn at random in the area if we stood around too long or got lost. Thankfully, we had a map from a certain Rat, and my own knowledge to boot.

"That informant of yours is really detailed!" Siune praised as she held open her map for us.

"She prides herself on only the truth and accuracy, steep in price but don't tell her I said that," I want my job benefits to remain. "Feel free to reward her hard work later, she loves that sorta thing."

Up ahead, Yuuki swiveled to avoid the Lizardman Warrior's scimitar, striking across the stomach toward the right shoulder, slicing horizontally only to then drag her blade through the torso, completing an 'X' through its scales with Sharp Nail. The knockback sent the beast flying, draining the last of its health. Another flew by her shoulder from Jun's upswing in amber, the massive red gash tearing its HP apart.

I couldn't help but deadpan slightly, "Honestly wonder if they ever needed me," Just then, an elbow propped itself onto my shoulder as I walked. "Hello fellow Spriggan."

"Yo," Nori flashed me a peace sign then leaned closer to murmur. "So, what's the deal with you and Yuuki, huh?"

"Eh?" I don't follow, but given the coy look, jabbing my chest.

"Don't give me that crap, you two were practically glowing when we showed up, you didn't even know we were there until Jun opened his trap," Nori insisted.

"We were discussing strategy, y'know, to not die more than ten seconds through the door," I tried to use logic but with Nori, or really any girl I've encountered, she sensed something and latched on with curiosity

"You took her on a date to a cafe at night," She glowered.

"Okay, first off..." I raised a finger and mouth lay wide open. "I don't have a retort for that," I shrugged off her elbow. "But it's really not what you think it is-"

"You think she's cute?" Nori was persistent, I'll give her that.

"Why's that important to the conversation?" One I want no part of.

"It is when you kidnap our leader to go patrolling on floor 10 at midnight," I can't get a read on this girl, she's obviously trying to get me to slip up somewhere, thankfully, working closely with a certain Rat had it's perks.

"She kidnapped me, not the point, if it'll put you at ease yes, I do think she's cute, happy, goodbye," I waved and jogged to immediately grumble in annoyance next to Siune. "That girl's gonna take years off my life..."

"She's protective of Yuuki, even if she doesn't outwardly show it as much as Jun," The bluette smiled, patting my shoulder.

"Yeah, I get that, but would it kill them to-" I held in my breath, and without hesitation, drew my bow as I ran to Yuuki's side as she ran to the boss room further down the hall. The area opened wide with large pillars either side as a massive black door stood in our way. "Hold on," My arm wrapped around her waist to bring her back.

"Huh, how come?" I let her go to stare intensely at the pathway ahead, it was wide enough for all of us to stand in a line, I stepped out and withdrew an arrow, chanting a spell as I did. Darkness wrapped around the arrowhead before I shifted right and fired. The arrow pierced a near-invisible barrier, causing the illusion to crumble as the arrow remained wedged at the feet of three players with a familiar icon.

They looked completely surprised by my trick but the one in green waved his arms. "S-stop, stop! We're not looking for a fight!"

"In that case, sheath your weapons!" I yelled back, eyeing them critically. As they did I whispered to Siune. "They try something, attack, use an Aqua Bind spell on them too,"

"Understood," The Undine raised her wand in preparation before a cheeky grin split her lips with a sound of excitement. "This is our first PvP in ALO, makes your heart pound, doesn't it?" I couldn't withhold a laugh at that, she may have been the eldest with the most maturity but she had an urge for battle.

I sauntered forward with a fake grin. Time to go to work.

"So, what's the scouts of Red Sainglenn doing so deep into the pit, just finished mapping things out?" They seemed surprised by my cheery tone that the middle man spoke again.

"Uh, yeah, something like that," A lie but I let him prattle on. "This is our rendezvous point! See, it be a pain to be attacked by mobs while our friends get here so we hid," A lie, his eyes wouldn't meet mine.

By now, I was only a few feet from them, the two in purple looked ready to jump at a dropped hairpin, so I winked and patted their leader's chestplate. "Sure, I'd do the same, place can drop mobs on you outta nowhere so its expected," They relaxed again. "We're just here to take on the floor boss, but if you aren't ready you wouldn't mind us taking a stab at it, do you?"

"Ah, no, of course not," They stepped aside to show they weren't hostile as I motioned for Yuuki to pass. As they came closer, I gave a nod to the trio.

"Happy travels," I waved, moving back to the purplette's side as she met my gaze.

"That was so cool, you were like a total spy right there!" I laughed slightly at her remark, rubbing my nose.

"Comes with the title of mercenary, though I could've just killed them but that's a heap of issues I don't need," I admitted, besides, they were giving me a vibe I didn't like.

"We'll be... waiting for our comrades here, so... well, good luck you guys," The green player waved, but that look was anything but sincere. I didn't pay it mind for now, we had a free pass to use. He chanted and soon, their bodies disappeared.

Jun shrugged. "Let's forget about those guys and get going!"

Yuuki didn't look convinced, giving me a worried frown so I reached around to pat her head, seeing her shoulders relax, she wouldn't admit it, but she liked it. "For now, let's go see what it's like inside, as we planned."

"Right," Her smile returned.

"Instead of just scouting, let's trash this boss sight unseen, guys!" Jun hyped up.

"Solid plan but let's refrain from using our expensive items to recover, fight as long as both I and Siune are able to heal you, I've got a new coating to try out," I had cooked it up on the fly so it should work... probably. "Got it?"

"Sure thing, teach!" Jun joked as my finger flicked his forehead, causing the others to laugh.

"Last thing I want is that role but thank you all the same, Clifford," I taunted before facing the grand entrance. "Now, if you die, don't respawn and watch its patterns, once we're back in Ronbaru, we'll discuss what we've learned, simple, no?"

"Roger that!"

With that said, Jun, Talken, myself, and Tecchi pushed on the doors. The darkness greeted us with a hollow groan, a low-hanging mist escaping as we stepped forward. I eyed our surroundings, no one was following us with a cloaking spell, nor were there any debuffs appearing, good.

Once inside, the doors slammed shut, and the braziers surrounding the circular arena burned with bright goblets of fire. The floor and pillars took on a deep crimson, the walls yellow due to the flames' glare.

"Here we go again..." I grimaced and drew three arrows.

Two rings of fire circled us for a time, and, manifesting in the sky were black cubes with red outlines. They formed a large mass that towered over us before crumbling away, revealing the floor boss hidden within. A two-headed giant with four arms, the upper two carried large hammers while the lower two were wrapped with long chains.

The Boss let out a deafening roar, one that sent a shock through my body, for a moment... I was back in that same chamber. This was... the first boss I faced after 25. After... after losing everything. Somehow, that just made me feel more angry. "Alright, let's do this!"

"RIGHT!"

Together, we marched straight at the enemy as its chains were whipped high, sweeping from the sides of the arena as it roared at our approach.

[To Be Continued...]

[Author's Notes]

Well, I think we all know where this is heading so let's skip right to the end, shall we? Jokes aside, I'll probably make the big battle longer for the sake of the spectacle, the first portion of Timeless is meant to focus on setting up Malzeno's relationship with the Sleeping Knights, so uh, real slow-burn this one but it'll be worth it, trust me.

I hope you enjoyed, I appreciate the support, seeya in the next chapter, Readers!