-Back at the Church-
...
"Where could Bell have run off to again?" Hestia sighed as she got up from the bed, her eyes falling on the empty space where Bell's armor had been neatly placed the night before. The Hestia Blade was gone as well. She ran a hand through her unruly hair, a mix of concern and frustration tightening her chest. "I told him not to overdo it..." she murmured, a trace of worry in her voice. Despite her admonishments, Bell's determination often pushed him past his limits. Accepting the situation, Hestia sighed again and began to ready herself for the day, though her thoughts lingered on her stubborn adventurer..
...
"Arghh!" Bell's cry of pain echoed faintly through the dim, oppressive corridors of the dungeon as he collapsed onto his knees. His breathing was ragged, each gasp a struggle against the searing pain that coursed through his body. His armor was in shambles—dented, scratched, and barely holding together. Blood seeped from several deep wounds, staining the tattered remains of his clothes beneath the armor. He pressed a trembling hand against his side, gritting his teeth as he fought against the overwhelming urge to give in.
His supplies were gone, used up in the fights that had brought him here. He had no potions, no bandages, and no way to stop the relentless bleeding. "Damn it..." he muttered under his breath, gripping his knee as he tried to push himself back to his feet. His arms shook under his weight, and his vision blurred with each passing moment.
He had overestimated himself. Again. Despite having magic now, his stats were woefully insufficient to survive beyond the upper floors. The monsters here were relentless, stronger than the ones he'd faced before. Still, he couldn't stop. He wouldn't stop. A bitter laugh escaped his lips, quiet and self-deprecating. "Guess I really am reckless," he said to no one in particular.
His eyelids grew heavier with every second, but he forced himself to keep moving. Each step sent fresh waves of pain shooting through his body, but he gripped the hilt of his knife tightly, using it as a crutch as much as a weapon. The dungeon showed no mercy to the weak, and Bell refused to let it claim him—not yet.
A familiar sound broke through his haze: the guttural growls of Goblins. Two of them emerged from the shadows, their green, leathery bodies illuminated faintly by the dim glow of the dungeon walls. Unlike the Goblins from the top floors, these were larger and fiercer, their claws sharp and their eyes gleaming with predatory intent.
Bell steadied his stance, raising his blade despite the throbbing in his arms. The first Goblin lunged at him, claws outstretched and aiming for his chest. Bell parried the attack, the impact reverberating through his aching body. He gritted his teeth and prepared to counter, but the second Goblin exploited his momentary distraction, darting toward his blind spot.
Realizing the danger too late, Bell barely managed to twist his body, the claws grazing his side as he spun away. Ignoring the fresh sting of the wound, he retaliated with a powerful swing of his blade, severing the first Goblin's arm. Its agonized screech echoed through the chamber, but Bell showed no mercy. With a swift, precise motion, he drove his blade into the creature's skull, reducing it to dust.
One Goblin remained. This one, perhaps enraged by the death of its companion, let out a feral roar and charged at Bell with reckless abandon. Bell's breathing was shallow, his muscles screamed in protest, but he stood his ground. Timing his move perfectly, he hurled his knife toward the charging Goblin.
The blade flew true, piercing through the creature's face. The Goblin stumbled, its momentum carrying it forward even as its body disintegrated into ash. Bell watched as the last remnants of the creature faded, then sank to his knees again, the weight of his exhaustion pressing down on him.
Sweat dripped from his forehead, mingling with the blood staining his battered armor. His hand trembled as he reached for his sword, retrieving it from the ground. His vision swam, and for a moment, he considered giving in to the beckoning darkness.
But he clenched his fists and forced himself upright. "Not yet," he whispered to himself, determination flickering like a fragile flame within him. His journey wasn't over—not by a long shot.
Suddenly, he froze mid-step. The faint sound of a voice reached his ears, distant yet unmistakable.
"Someone help!"
His breath hitched. There was no mistaking it—a desperate cry for help echoed through the dungeon's corridors. Instinct overtook him. Gritting his teeth against the pain coursing through his body, he forced his legs into motion, sprinting toward the source of the voice.
The labyrinthine halls blurred past him as he pushed himself to his limits, He was solely fueled by adrenaline at this point. His heart pounded in his chest, the sound almost deafening in his ears. Finally, he rounded a corner and burst into a large chamber, his sword drawn and his eyes scanning every shadow.
But the cries had stopped.
The silence that greeted him was suffocating, pressing down on him like the weight of the dungeon itself. His breath came in shallow gasps as he slowly moved further into the room, his every sense on high alert.
No one was there.
"I don't like this," Bell muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. Something felt off. His instincts screamed at him to turn back, but he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that someone—something—was nearby.
Just then, a deep, guttural roar erupted from the dark corridors behind him, the sound so powerful it reverberated through the walls. Bell's grip tightened on his knife as he instinctively stepped back into the shadows of the room, his heart pounding with renewed urgency.
His foot landed in something wet and cold.
A chill ran down his spine as he glanced down, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. His boot was submerged in a puddle of blood, the dark liquid glinting faintly in the eerie glow of the dungeon.
His pulse quickened. Slowly, as if afraid of what he might see, Bell tilted his head upward.
A single drop of something warm landed on his cheek.
His breath caught as his eyes adjusted to the darkness above. There, impaled high on the jagged stone ceiling, was the lifeless body of an adventurer. The corpse hung limply, its arms dangling as blood dripped steadily from its wounds, pooling on the ground below. The dim lighting obscured the face, but the unmistakable glint of shattered armor and a broken weapon at the adventurer's side told Bell all he needed to know.
His stomach churned, and a cold sweat broke out on his skin.
What had done this?
Bell took a cautious step back, his mind racing. The roar he'd heard earlier replayed in his ears, more menacing now that he understood what it could mean. The sheer brutality of the scene was unlike anything he'd encountered before, even in the dungeon. Whatever had done this wasn't an ordinary monster—it was something far worse.
He tightened his grip on the hilt of his knife, forcing himself to focus. Panic wouldn't help him His eyes darted to the dark corridors ahead, then to the shadows behind him.
He wasn't alone.
The faint sound of hurried footsteps reached his ears—a frantic, uneven rhythm that grew louder with every passing second. Bell pressed himself against the wall, peeking cautiously into the hallway.
A red-haired man came into view, stumbling as he ran. In his arms, he cradled a small girl, her body limp and bloodied. Both were gravely injured; blood streamed down the man's face, dripping onto the dungeon floor, while the girl's pale complexion and the gash on her arm told a grim story.
"Come to me!" Bell shouted, waving his hand to catch their attention.
The red-haired adventurer's eyes locked onto him, and with sheer desperation fueling his movements, he pushed himself forward, sprinting toward Bell with the last reserves of his strength.
"Thud!"
A massive, reverberating footstep echoed behind them, shaking the ground. Bell's heart sank as he turned his gaze back down the corridor.
Glowing red eyes pierced the darkness, malevolent and unrelenting. The creature chasing them emerged, its form colossal and grotesque. Its hulking body was covered in blood-matted fur, giving it an eerie crimson sheen. Massive claws dragged across the dungeon walls, carving deep grooves as it pursued its prey with terrifying speed.
"Run faster!" Bell yelled, his voice a mix of urgency and fear.
The red-haired man gritted his teeth, clutching the girl tighter as he staggered past Bell.
The creature finally stepped fully into the dim light, its monstrous form now fully revealed. It towered over them, its muscles rippling beneath its blood-soaked fur. Its face was a grotesque blend of animal and nightmare, with razor-sharp fangs glinting in its gaping maw. Bell's breath caught as recognition struck him.
"It's the monster from before!?"
It was an abnormal—a powerful mutant far beyond the strength of the dungeon's usual denizens. It was the created by adventurers themselves.
The creature let out a deafening roar, the sound shaking dust loose from the ceiling. Its glowing red eyes locked onto Bell as it prepared to charge.
Bell quickly weighed his options, his mind racing. If he didn't act, the creature would tear through the fleeing adventurer and the girl in moments.
"Firebolt!"
He aimed his palm at the ceiling above the monster and unleashed his magic. The fiery spell shot upward, exploding on impact. Rocks and debris rained down, collapsing the corridor between them and the monstrous abomination.
The creature howled in frustration, its glowing eyes disappearing beneath the rubble as it clawed at the barrier in a blind fury.
Bell didn't waste time. He turned to the red-haired adventurer, who had collapsed against the wall, still clutching the girl protectively.
"Can you move?" Bell asked, urgency lacing his voice.
The man nodded his head weakly, his breath ragged. "She... she needs help... Please..."
Bell's gaze shifted to the girl, her shallow breathing barely audible. He clenched his fists, forcing down the fear bubbling within him. He had to get them out of here before the monster found another way through.
"Don't worry," Bell said firmly, lifting the girl into his own arms. "I'll get you both to safety."
The sound of the creature's enraged roars echoed in the distance, a grim reminder that their time was running out.
The roars of the monster echoed louder, its claws scraping against the fallen debris as it began tearing through the collapsed ceiling. Bell could feel the vibrations beneath his feet and knew they had little time.
He adjusted the girl in his arms and glanced at the red-haired adventurer. "Can you stand at all? We need to move now!"
The man groaned, using the wall as leverage to push himself upright. His legs wobbled, but he managed to stay on his feet. "I... I can manage," he panted, though his pale face betrayed his words.
.
.
The ground trembled beneath their feet, a relentless reminder that the beast was gaining on them. Its enraged roars echoed louder, reverberating through the winding dungeon corridors.
Bell adjusted the girl in his arms, her shallow breaths quickening, and glanced at the red-haired swordsman struggling to keep up beside him. "Keep moving!" Bell urged.
"I'm trying," the swordsman grunted, his face pale from blood loss, but his grip on his sword was unyielding. "But we're sitting ducks if it catches up!"
Bell knew he was right. They couldn't outrun the monster forever—not in their condition. His mind raced, searching for a way to slow it down.
As they rounded a corner, the sound of claws scraping against stone reached their ears, sending a shiver down Bell's spine. He stopped abruptly, setting the girl down gently against the wall.
"What are you doing?!" the swordsman demanded, his voice filled with panic.
Bell raised his hand, his fingers crackling with energy. "Buying us time."
The beast's glowing red eyes appeared in the distance, its massive form barreling toward them. Bell aimed his palm at the ceiling of the corridor just ahead of the creature.
"Firebolt!"
The fiery magic shot upward, striking the ceiling with explosive force. The stone above collapsed, crashing down into the corridor and blocking the beast's path with a cloud of dust and rubble.
The monster roared furiously, the sound muffled by the barrier. Bell didn't wait to see if it would hold. He turned to the swordsman and scooped the girl back into his arms. "Let's go. It won't be stopped for long."
"Wait!" yelled the swordsman, Bell stopped on his tracks as he turns around to look at him. The swordsman digs through his pocket, revealing a potion. "Drink this.. It's for your mind." Bell understanding his intentions, grabbed the potion and drank it immediately.
They pressed forward, weaving through the labyrinthine dungeon. Every few corridors, Bell would stop, fire another Firebolt at the ceiling, and create another makeshift barricade. The strategy slowed their progress but kept the creature at bay, giving them precious moments to recover their strength.
The red-haired swordsman glanced at Bell as they moved, a flicker of admiration in his weary eyes. "You're sharp, kid. Not many would think of using the dungeon itself as a weapon."
Bell didn't respond, his focus entirely on navigating the maze-like corridors. He was running low on both energy and magic, and his body screamed for rest, but the faint, uneven breaths of the girl in his arms reminded him why he couldn't stop.
Hours seemed to pass as they pressed onward, each step heavier than the last. The oppressive air of the dungeon weighed on them, but eventually, a faint breeze brushed against their faces—a sign that they were nearing the surface.
But the monster wasn't far behind. The muffled crashes of rubble being cleared grew louder, each roar shaking the walls around them.
...
The chamber fell into a suffocating silence, broken only by the red-haired swordsman's ragged breaths and the faint whimpers of the girl I carried. I glanced up, squinting at the faint light filtering from above. Freedom felt so close... yet impossibly far.
The ground trembled beneath my feet, and a deafening roar shattered the stillness. My heart dropped as the monster emerged from the shadows, its glowing red eyes locking onto us. It was massive, its hulking form nearly filling the entire chamber.
I gripped my sword tighter, but before I could act, the red-haired swordsman stepped forward. His knuckles were white as he held his blade, his voice strained but firm. "I'll stay. You take her and go."
"No." The word escaped me without hesitation. I set the girl down gently, wrapping her in my coat for protection. She looked so fragile, barely clinging to life. I couldn't let her die here.
I turned to face him, determination hardening my voice. "You're in no condition to fight. Take her and get out of here."
"What?!" His eyes widened, disbelief etched across his bloodied face. "You'll be killed!"
His words hit me like a slap, but I didn't flinch. I couldn't. My gaze stayed on the monster, its claws scraping the ground as it watched us like prey. "I'm the only one who can hold it off," I said. "I can still use magic."
He hesitated, torn between his instincts and the truth. I could see it in his eyes—the guilt, the fear. But there was no other choice.
"She won't survive if we stay here," I pressed, glancing back at the pale girl. "You need to get her to safety and call for help. I'll buy you as much time as I can."
His jaw clenched, his expression twisting in frustration. For a moment, I thought he might argue. But then his gaze dropped to his sister, her faint breaths barely audible. Finally, he nodded, the fight leaving him.
"You better not die, kid," he muttered as he lifted her into his arms.
"I won't," I said, forcing the words out like a promise—to him, to her, and to myself.
I turned back to the monster, planting myself firmly between it and the two of them. My heart pounded in my chest, but my hands stayed steady. "Go. Now!"
I heard the swordsman's footsteps retreat, his heavy breaths fading into the distance.
The beast roared, snapping me back to the present. Its glowing eyes flicked toward them, but I stepped forward, drawing its attention back to me. It crouched low, its massive claws digging into the stone floor.
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay calm. My body screamed in protest, every wound and bruise flaring with pain. But I couldn't stop. I wouldn't stop.
"I'll become a hero.." I muttered, gripping my sknife tightly. My hands trembled, but I didn't care. I felt my back burn as I inhaled deeply. "Come!"
[ Heroic Desire ]
[ Vereath Aevum ]
It lunged, a blur of claws and fury. I raised my hand instinctively. "Firebolt!"
The flames exploded against its face, forcing it to stagger back with a furious roar. The heat from the blast singed my arm, but I couldn't stop now.
I bolted to the side, my mind racing. I needed a plan—something to slow it down. My eyes darted to the ceiling above the beast.
"Firebolt!" I shouted again, aiming high.
The spell struck true, and the ceiling caved in, sending a cascade of rubble crashing onto the monster. Dust and debris filled the air, and for a moment, I allowed myself to breathe.
It wasn't enough to kill it—I knew that. But it would buy me time.
The monster roared in frustration, clawing its way free. Its rage burned hotter now, its glowing eyes fixed on me.
I steadied myself, raising my blade once more. My body felt like it was breaking apart, but I couldn't falter.
"Not yet," I whispered to myself, staring into the monster's fiery gaze.
It charged again, and I braced myself.
The creature's claws came down with terrifying speed. I blocked with my knife, but the force was overwhelming. The impact sent me crashing into the dungeon wall, knocking the air from my lungs. My vision blurred, and I struggled to draw in a breath, my chest burning with pain.
Before I could regain my footing, the silverback leaped at me, its hulking form crashing down. I barely managed to roll to the side, but its claws still scraped across my chest, rending my armor and leaving deep gashes. Blood dripped onto the cold stone floor, but I fought through the pain, gritting my teeth and pushing myself to my feet. That's it for my armor..
It was relentless. The creature didn't pause, didn't hesitate. Its eyes burned with fury as it rushed at me again, swiping its massive claws in a vicious arc. My arms trembled as I blocked the attack, the force almost throwing me off balance. I staggered back, my legs buckling under the strain, but I stayed on my feet.
I couldn't keep up with its speed. The monster's next strike came faster, its claws raking across my side before I could even react. Pain shot through me, but I couldn't afford to fall. Not now.
I tightened my grip, preparing for the next strike, but my strength was waning. The creature didn't relent. It swung its claws again, catching me off guard and sending me crashing against the wall for the second time. My ribs screamed, but I didn't have time to recover.
The monster towered over me, ready to finish me off with a final swipe. I had to move, but my body wouldn't respond fast enough. I swung my blade with everything I had left, but it wasn't enough. The blow was barely deflected, and the silverback's claws came down harder than ever before.
A roar of pain escaped my mouth as the claws shredded across my side, but as the creature's massive arm fell back for another strike, something inside me snapped.
My body screamed, every muscle aching from the relentless punishment. But beneath the pain, something stirred—raw, unrefined power. The beast had pushed me to the edge, and now, I was going to make it regret it.
The moment I thought I couldn't hold on any longer, it happened. My senses sharpened, and the world slowed down. The fire inside me, fueled by pain, desire, and determination, surged with renewed strength. [ Heroic Desire ] The piled up damage I've received was all for this moment!
I was no longer just reacting. I was the one in control. I was going to end this.
The monster's claws swung down again, and in that instant, I raised my hand toward its approaching strike.
"RAAAH! Firebolt!" I shouted, the words barely leaving my lips before the magic exploded from my palm.
The blast of flame shot forward like a comet, the intensity far beyond anything I had cast before. The firebolt struck the silverback's outstretched arm with a deafening crack. The monster tried to block, its arm raised in a desperate attempt to shield itself, but the flame was too much.
The firebolt tore through the creature's arm with terrifying force. Flesh and bone disintegrated under the onslaught, the once-mighty limb crumbling to ash as the monster screamed in agony.
The silverback staggered back, clutching its severed arm, roaring in pain. It didn't die!? I stood, my body trembling from the overwhelming strain, but I couldn't stop. I had to finish this.
A sharp, wheeze escaped Bell's lips as he struggled to catch his breath. My chest heaved as I tried to steady myself, my legs feeling like they might give out at any moment. The world around me spun, but I refused to drop my guard.
The creature was still furious, its remaining arm swinging wildly, but it was slower now—its movements were clumsy. I could see the hesitation in its eyes, the realization that it was hurt, we we're now on equal footing.
But I didn't have much time left.
I staggered forward, knife raised, ready to strike, but the moment I took a step, a wave of dizziness hit me hard. My knees buckled, and I fell to the ground, the pain in my body overwhelming. My vision blurred, and everything around me seemed to tilt. Mind down
I gripped the ground beneath me, struggling to stay conscious. The fire from the Firebolt still burned within me, but it was starting to fade, leaving me hollow and exhausted. My muscles screamed for relief, and I couldn't stop the tremor that ran through me.
The monster lunged forward again, its claws coming down to finish me off. My heart raced, but my arms refused to lift the sword any higher. I couldn't move. I had nothing left.
And then—just as I thought it was all over—there was a loud crashing sound. A figure appeared from the shadow. The monster roared in surprise as a spear, strike the silverback in its side with a brutal force.
The beast was knocked off balance, stumbling backward.
"Get up, kid!" came a voice—familiar and urgent.
I looked up, my vision swimming, and saw the red-haired swordsman standing over me, bloodied but still standing. The Ganesha executive didn't hesitate, her spear cutting through the air again, this time severing the silverback's other arm. The creature howled in pain, its strength faltering.
Before I could fully process what was happening, more figures emerged from the shadows—more adventurers, their swords drawn and gleaming with intent. Among them, I recognized the insignia of the Ganesha Familia, a group known for their skill and coordination. They moved as one, like a finely tuned instrument, surrounding the beast in a seamless formation. Each adventurer struck in unison, delivering blow after blow to the silverback, keeping it on the defensive.
One adventurer leaped onto the creature's back, driving a blade deep into its shoulder as it struggled. Another darted in, slashing at its legs to weaken its stance. The coordinated strikes from all sides disoriented the creature, preventing it from fighting back effectively.
I could barely keep my eyes open, my head spinning, but I knew I wasn't alone anymore. Reinforcements had arrived—stronger, faster, and more prepared. They were here to finish what I had started, and I could feel the weight of that knowledge settle over me like a heavy blanket. I couldn't win by myself again.. I tried to get up but the red-haired man stopped me.
The red-haired swordsman, standing firmly at my side, gave me a pat on my head. His voice was hoarse but filled with conviction. "Rest, kid. You've done enough.."
I barely had the strength to respond. The world around me blurred as my exhaustion reached its peak, my body finally giving in to the toll the battle had taken. My legs felt like lead, and my vision grew dimmer by the second.
The Ganesha Familia adventurers continued to press their attack, each strike bringing the silverback closer to its end. The creature let out one last bellow of defiance before a final, well-placed strike drove deep into its chest, ending its reign of terror.
With a final tremor, the silverback collapsed to the ground, lifeless. The adventurers stepped back, their weapons still drawn, watching for any signs of movement from the beast. But it was over. The monster was dead. But it didn't turn into ashes?
I let out a ragged breath, the weight of the moment catching up to me. My knife slipped from my hand, and I collapsed onto the cold stone floor. Every muscle in my body screamed in protest, but I didn't care. I had done my part.
The red-haired swordsman knelt beside me, a look of relief on his bloodied face. "You have balls of steel, kid.."
I could barely keep my eyes open. "Thank you for coming back.."
His lips twitched into a tired smile. "Thank you for saving us."
"Hehe.. You're... welcome.." As I drifted in and out of consciousness, I could feel the hands of the Ganesha Familia adventurers steadying me, lifting me up. I had no strength left to resist. I closed my eyes, knowing that my fight was now over.
-Heroic Desire-