Forgotten Champion's Dungeon, Floor 2

"Ugh. That thing was stupidly strong."

Aveline wiped away what appeared to be soot, as well as some traces of oni blood. She looked around, her new surroundings more beautiful and pleasant to the eye. Large pillars of gleaming ice, almost as if they were molded into that form.

"Huh. So a deep and dark cave, to a beautiful cave of ice? It's even lit up in here."

She proceeded, staying cautious as her encounter with the goblins told her to always be wary. Her caution was warranted as a sudden shard of ice flashed ahead of her.

"Traps? Easy to dodge."

Aveline began to head through, her previous assumption instantly proven wrong as a torrent of ice shards flashed towards her. Ducking low, she evaded the largest portion. Another set was sent extremely low, so she lunged between the sets. Almost like an acrobat, she moved gracefully and swiftly.

"What the hell?! So much for a trap!"

She could see the culprit now. A small swarm of ice imps. Although they appeared like tiny cute girls, sharp teeth and flattering moth wings kept Aveline from admiring them.

"A small fang is cute, but that?"

Aveline launched a quick punch at the nearest one. It had grown overconfident, ending with it smashed against the wall. Aveline picked it up, holding it out towards its friends.

"You're so tiny. Jeez... you'd be attractive if you weren't evil little shits."

She tossed it towards the numerous others, becoming alarmed as they swarmed it's corpse. A moment later, all that was left behind were bones. Tiny bones that couldn't even be used to pick your teeth clean. Aveline grimaced.

"Guess you're all dead then."

A flurry of punches were sent out, numerous imps falling by her feet. Their bodies were made to use incredible magic, but they couldn't cast too often due to their limited capacity. This left them wide open for Aveline to launch a flurry of strikes against the weak creatures.

This went on for some time as she continued to dash through the second floor. She longer bothered with the beauty, only noticing the little creatures and their intense magic that led to their deaths. She quick work made this floor seem terrifyingly easy compared to the last.

"Ugh. I'm tired of this. Dodging and punching! I'm better fit to be a mage when I'm in my natural state."

Aveline neared what should have been the door to the next boss. Reaching towards it, Aveline could feel a strange mass of power within. Instinctively pulling her hand way, Aveline took a step back.

"That's a scary level of magic. I have to kill it to pass, but still..."

Aveline sat down, her weariness finally catching up to her.

"It's covered in ice, but I'm not actually cold. Should I actually rest here?"

Her mind wandered for a bit longer before she finally closed her eyes, soft snoring slowly coming from her. Unknown to her, the door beside her crept open slowly. A pair of gleaming eyes seemed to stare at her, curiosity being what fueled them. It watched for what seemed to be hours, just staring at the beautiful girl sleeping.

After much longer than would be deemed a normal length of sleep, the creature began to step forward. A thin pale body, almost resembling that of Sylvra's, with bright crystal eyes that seemed curious about anything and everything. Silver hair that reached its waist, the only thing covering it's naked body. It was female, with a nearly fully flat chest.

Kneeling beside Aveline, it began to curl up beside her. It's head laid in her lap as the creature began to sleep. Aveline opened her eyes, finally feeling safe enough to stop pretending.

'So it's an ice elf? They're extinct... how could I kill this... it's not her.'

She could feel the intense power coming from behind the door. Sadness crossed Aveline's eyes as she saw countless scars covering the frail body.

'Disgusting. Abusing a girl so weak and small.'

Aveline stroked her hair, almost like she felt mist combing her hand. The girls eyes opened, looking up at Aveline. She smiled down at her, still stroking her hair.

"Are you alright?"

The girl nodded.

"Did the one in there hurt you?"

Another nod.

"Can you speak?"

She shook her head.

"Do you want me to help you?"

She nodded, small tears streaming her face. They touched Aveline's skin, being the coldest thing about this dungeon.

"Are they like you?"

Her head shook, almost violently.

"Not an ice elf, gotcha. Maybe Sylvra would like to help me take care of you? Kaley would make a great teacher, especially since you're so young. Would you like to leave here?"

The girl nodded, climbing onto Aveline and hugging her.

"That settles it. You're my second little sister!"

The crystal like eyes brightened beautifully as Aveline hugged the girl back.

"First a nap, then I'll kick their ass. Sound good?"

Her small frame snuggled against Aveline, her pointed ear against her breasts. Aveline could tell she fell asleep thanks to the sound of her heartbeat.

'Whoever hurt her must be down right insane.'

Aveline closed her eyes, holding the small girl. She would protect her, feeling the strangest bond between the two of them.