Golden Skull

"Afterward, Ophanim explained about the Unknown Fragment, revealing information even a game doesn't possess.

The Unknown Fragment is connected to multiple realms; the known realms are Dragon, Phoenix, Titan, and Abandon, where Ophanim originated. If a strong Phoenix or Dragon dies, the abilities they possess are absorbed by the fragment. However, Ophanim didn't know why. When I tried to inquire about what she knows and why she's inside the Fragment, she didn't reply and instead diverted the conversation to the presence of me a man in a dangerous labyrinth. Sensing her reluctance to discuss her past, I decided to let her reveal it in the future if she trusted me enough.

"So, why is a weak guy inside the labyrinth?" Ophanim asked curiously.

"I want to become stronger, and I was just lucky not to encounter any strong monsters on my way," I replied, fabricating the truth.

"Then why does a man have a Status window? Only females who have awakened can access the Status window and absorb Essences," Ophanim questioned, intrigued by the anomaly.

"I don't know myself. After waking up, it just appeared in front of me. After that, I created my new goal to become stronger," I replied, partially lying as I had indeed awakened in this body and saw the Status window.

"I see. I won't ask any more questions since you won't tell anyway. So, what is your next plan?" Ophanim inquired.

"First, what's your name so I can address you properly?" I asked, feeling it improper to refer to her simply as Ophanim.

"You can call me Ophira. Someone named me that, saying it means 'Gold,'" she responded.

"By the way, you're an Angel, Ophira. So why do you have such an attitude?" I queried, curious about her demeanor, which differed from the typical perception of angels.

"And what about it? We angels have our own personalities, just like humans. Don't compare me to other angels," she retorted, irritated.

"Okay, so are you going to accompany me now, Ophira?" I asked.

"Our souls are bound, so even if I don't want to, I have to go with you. But remember, don't act like you're my master or boss me around! I'm going to sleep now; I feel tired after consuming the Phoenix to save your ass. Let me rest," she said before the glowing light behind me faded away, signaling her departure.

"Sigh, I met a loud one. I didn't expect to encounter someone like Ophira. I expected to gain abilities and tattoos after exiting the labyrinth, not meet a loud-mouthed companion," I muttered to myself as I searched for the magic circle to exit the labyrinth.

"Blarg!" I exclaimed, feeling nauseous after stepping onto the teleportation circle. After a couple of minutes, I recovered from the dizziness and nausea. My next goal was to obtain the Ascension Stone to accelerate my growth. However, the stone was in the possession of the Criminal Organization leader named Aubrey. In the game, the stone was merely an item to strengthen pets, but since there were no restrictions on consumption mentioned, I aimed to acquire it for myself. But first, I needed to change my appearance to avoid drawing attention.

Opening my dimensional inventory ring, which I obtained from the labyrinth's eighth floor, I retrieved a black bone-like artifact resembling a mask.

ITEM NAME: Mask Veil of Illusion

ITEM RANK: UNIQUE

Description: The Veil of Illusion is a mask of unparalleled deception, capable of shrouding your true identity with a facade of your choosing. Crafted with intricate bone face construction, it seamlessly melds with your features, creating an illusion so convincing, it feels like your genuine face. However, its power comes with a caveat: to maintain the facade, you must meticulously memorize every nuance of the chosen visage, from the subtlest expression to the slightest twitch. Only then can you navigate the delicate dance of deception, concealing your true intentions behind the mask's captivating guise.

For now, the only face I'm most familiar with, the one I can use, is my face from my past life. Placing it within the mask, it dissolves, and my facial structure begins to change. My hair turns black, and my eyes transform into a beautiful shade of brown. After confirming the alteration, I seek out the nearest river to catch a glimpse of my new appearance.

"It's been a while since I saw my beautiful face from my past life," I remark to myself, satisfied with the transformation. Testing the mask's effectiveness, I find nothing amiss with my new visage.

With my disguise intact, I make my way to a small town nearby, intending to let kidnappers take me to their base. There, I plan to locate Aubrey and seize the Ascension Stone. As I set off toward the west, where the nearest town lies, I contemplate my strategy.

***

In the West, 30 miles away from Argenti City, lies a Territory of Duke Oriane and Their City Called Kenna City

In the bustling city, a female knight rode a horse, hastening towards the Knight Station in Kenna City. Upon arrival, she dismounted and hurried towards the four knights guarding the station's entrance.

"I have something to report to Commander Liza," she said, breathing heavily.

"I'll inform the commander right away," one of the knights replied, and after a brief moment, he returned to escort the knight inside.

"I'll guide you," she said as they made their way to a nondescript door. After reaching it, the guide left her alone to knock.

"I'm Knight Alice; I have something to report!" she announced respectfully.

"Come in," a deep, beautiful voice belonging to a mature woman responded.

Inside, the mature woman with voluminous brown hair, clad in a white military uniform, greeted her.

"Get to the point," she ordered tersely.

"There's been an attack on a carriage near Silverfall territory. Upon investigation, we discovered it was the work of a large criminal organization called the Golden Skull. Known throughout the Empire for its kidnappings, the attack targeted a carriage boarded by the young lady Amber during her visit to Argenti City. Witnesses reported seeing a red-haired girl being taken away by a group of formidable-looking women," Knight Alice reported, her voice trembling slightly.

"Are you saying that Young Lady Amber has been kidnapped?" the mature woman asked, her tone laced with anger.

"Young Lady Amber was supposed to return today, but she hasn't arrived yet. There's a 90% chance that the red-haired girl the witnesses saw is indeed Young Lady Amber," Knight Alice confirmed, her voice wavering.

"Prepare the knights! We're going to raid those fiends and bring Young Lady Amber back. How dare they kidnap the next Duke?" the mature woman declared furiously.

With determination in her stride, Commander Liza marched outside, where hundreds of knights awaited her orders.

"Prepare for departure! We're going to raid those bastards and bring Young Lady Amber home. Nobody kidnaps a future Duke under my watch," she declared, her voice echoing with authority.