As they walked through the dark stone corridor, Rin trailed behind, lost in thought.
Let's just focus, he told himself. Do what Kaela and Taro want. Stick to the plan.
A few quiet minutes passed.
"Huh," Taro muttered, glancing around. "Where's the third trial?"
Kaela narrowed her eyes. "Could appear any moment. Stay sharp."
They moved cautiously—but after just a few steps, three figures emerged from the shadows ahead. Cloaked in pitch-black robes, their faces were completely hidden. The air shifted, growing thick and unnatural.
This wasn't the kind of pressure a normal dungeon monster could produce.
Kaela's eyes hardened. "That's the third trial... and probably the last one before the boss. Don't let your guard down."
But something felt off. I don't remember Professor Kobe mentioning anything like this, she thought, tension rising in her chest.
One of the robed figures stepped forward.
"Rin Takashima," he said, voice low and calm. "We finally meet."
Rin froze. "What the hell...? How does he know my name?"
Taro immediately stepped forward, flames gathering in his palm. "Something's definitely wrong. Get ready!"
Another figure spoke coldly. "We only came for Rin. The extras… you can kill them."
Suddenly, Kaela felt a chill behind her—too late.
A blade sliced through the air toward her neck.
She twisted away just in time, the edge grazing her cheek.
What the hell?! No way this is a Rank C dungeon!
She looked over her shoulder and saw the remains of giant bats, their corpses slashed to pieces.
That was supposed to be the third trial monster. Then who the hell are these people?
Gritting her teeth, she faced her attacker. "Who are you?!"
The one engaging her gave a mocking chuckle. "Knowing that won't help you win."
With a wave of his hand, a sword formed—one forged entirely from darkness. It shimmered and flickered, as if real and unreal at once.
Kaela raised her icy blade. "Then I'll make you talk."
Across the room, Taro was locked in with another of the robed intruders.
"Ooh," the man sneered. "You look strong. Lots of potential. Too bad you die here."
Flames burst around Taro, his eyes locked in. "We'll see about that."
Back at the center of the chamber, Rin stood face to face with their apparent leader.
"We've been looking for you for twelve years, Rin Takashima," the man said, stepping forward slowly.
Rin's brows drew together. "Why? What business do you have with me? And how do you know my name?"
"All your questions will be answered—once you come with us. There are things you need to know."
"Not happening," Rin snapped. "Over my dead body."
Meanwhile, Kaela lunged at her opponent, but he dodged with ease.
He countered, slashing upward, and nearly caught her throat. She stumbled back, eyes wide.
This is bad—really bad. They're stronger than us. They're holding back, and even then, we're barely keeping up.
But I can't fall here. I won't.
She pushed forward again, blade raised—but missed her mark. The enemy struck quickly, driving his sword into her upper arm.
He smirked. "That's enough of a warm-up. Time to die."
Taro, now cornered, was gasping for breath. He launched a flame burst—but the enemy raised his hand, and the ground beneath Taro's feet turned to mud. He sank in before he could react.
"No—!" Taro tried to move, but it was too late. Fists rained down on him, brutal and relentless.
The attacker grinned. "Guess he's out. Time to finish it."
But Taro slowly lifted his head. Blood streamed down his face, one eye already swelling shut.
"You think I'd go down that easy?" he growled, fire bursting from his body.
The attacker blinked, then grinned wide. "Now this is getting fun."
Back to Rin—
His fists were engulfed in flames, but he hadn't moved yet.
His opponent tilted his head. "I'm not here to fight you, Rin. I'm here to bring you to the Master."
"You're dreaming," Rin said coldly.
"I'm giving you a choice. Come willingly… or I'll make sure both of your legs are shattered before dragging you there."
Rin's eyes narrowed.
"Let's see who makes it out alive."
...
To be continued...