7. Where death reeks

Ruby's fingers moved with precision, forming a complex sequence of signs: up, down, left, and right. In response, a small portal crackled into existence before her. She reached into the portal and retrieved a regular shortsword, her eyes glinting with determination.

Feeling unprepared and unarmed, I hastily invoked a skill called "Partial Overall Improvement." The air around us shimmered as a visible white outline enveloped everyone's body, including mine. It was a makeshift defense, a desperate attempt to bolster our abilities for what was to come.

Beatrice, Niana, Zach, Natalie, and Elizabeth reacted with a mix of surprise and awe at the sudden manifestation of wordless and gesture-less magic, especially given that I was just six years old. Guinevere herself appeared astonished as she carefully inspected the aura surrounding us, "Impressive, I didn't expect you to do this."

With a chuckle, I stood proud, beaming with confidence, "I studied hard."

Ruby affectionately patted my head, puzzled, "When did you have the time to study?"

I smirked mischievously, "With the help of the maid."

"Ah, Lady Jennifer?" Ruby's voice trailed off as she seemed lost in thought for a moment.

Meanwhile, Guinevere began casting a protective spell, her words resonating with power, "Grant us protection from any evil, Auto Cleanse!"

Although nothing appeared to happen visibly, a subtle shift in the atmosphere signaled the spell's success. We were now immune to curses and any movement impairments.

Guinevere's eyes narrowed as she addressed the goons, "You five kids, stay there."

Then, she turned back to Ruby and me, a mix of excitement and concern in her expression, "Are you two ready? This will be your debut fight."

"YES!" Ruby and I exclaimed in unison, determined to prove ourselves in this daunting battle.

With resolute determination, we stepped into the swirling distortion. The moment I entered, a wave of revulsion washed over me, and the stench of death hung heavily in the air.

Ruby, too, looked around, her face turning pale as she gagged, "This couldn't be.."

My eyes scanned the eerie scene, witnessing the haunting aftermath of past confrontations. Countless bodies lay strewn across the ground, bearing witness to the destructive power of this dimension. The moon loomed large overhead, casting an eerie glow that illuminated the grisly sight before us - a vast clearing with a solitary house standing ominously at the end.

The unsettling sight of rotting human, goblin, and elf corpses filled the eerie landscape.

Guinevere's face turned pale, a realization dawning upon her, "We weren't dealing with humans... We're dealing with the undead!"

Before she could finish her sentence, a sudden disturbance interrupted us. A menacing purple fireball struck the portal we had just entered through, causing a deafening explosion that sealed our way out.

The portal was now closed, leaving us trapped in this nightmarish dimension. As I turned my attention back to the house, my heart pounded loudly in my chest, and my breaths quickened.

Six figures emerged from the shadows - three of them adorned in dark robes, while the other three were clad in light armor. Their eyes glowed with an unnatural crimson hue, and a malevolent energy emanated from their very presence, making my skin crawl with unease.

The man, bearing a menacing scar that ran across his right eye, wore a sinister smile as he spoke, "Well, well, well. What do we have here?"

Guinevere's eyes narrowed as she observed the man, a flicker of recognition crossing her face, "From the demon orge tribe, aren't you? Impressive shape-shifting abilities."

The man let out a dark laugh, "Karuk Barim. A devoted follower of LapLance and Lucifer. And you must be Guinevere Ponse, if I'm not mistaken."

Guinevere winced at the mention of her family name, "Disgusting name. Just call me Guinevere."

The man seemed unfazed, continuing to probe her identity. "Ponse, one of the great families of Pon. Currently led by Yang Yune, right? I recall Ponse is the lineage where most purple magicians originate."

I focused my Partial Passive Identification (PPI) on the house, peering into its interior to discern the situation. Inside, I saw dimly lit surroundings with furniture scattered around. My heart sank as I observed four people helplessly tied up, with two of them barely clinging to life, their breaths shallow and labored.

I whispered urgently to Ruby and Guinevere, "Four people are tied up inside the house, and two of them aren't moving much, but they're still breathing."

Karuk's lips curled into a cruel grin as he drew a menacing scimitar from his hips, making his intentions clear. "I'm afraid I'll have to take hostages," he announced with an air of menace.

The three robed figures accompanying Karuk began chanting intricate magic spells, their gestures sending ripples of energy through the air.

Guinevere's eyes ignited with a fierce determination as she assumed a battle stance, her voice unwavering as she commanded, "Get ready."