Chapter 29: Malicious People

The dungeon of the kingdom of Satirica was a massive cave system where the mana essences were abundant, making it home to many kinds of monsters. Due to the place being bathed in concentrated mana, monsters in this place could reproduce at an alarming rate, and their strength was greater than that of the monsters outside.

Killian and Finel entered the dungeon and began digging on the cave walls for Vyx crystals. Vyx crystals were a type of quartz that had magic properties due to being bathed in concentrated mana, making them blue or purple rather than white.

Killian and Finel were carrying shovels, digging in the area that was cleared by the adventurers. Killian found Finel's company amusing; she was a joyful girl who always had a smile, was energetic, tended to jump around, and loved telling stories.

"And because of that, we had no choice but to go home covered in mud," Finel said, laughing.

Killian chuckled. "That's funny." His eyebrows furrowed upon seeing how Finel looked at him. "Why? Is there a problem, Finel?"

Finel shook her head. "Nothing. I just thought you were more handsome while laughing."

Killian patted Finel's head, making her blush. Finel smiled and looked down.

On the other hand, Killian's eyes darted towards the silhouette from a distance. Five male adventurers had been following them for a while now, watching their every move. Of course, Killian noticed them from the beginning; he was just waiting for them to make a move.

"Fine, we should go in that direction," Killian said, pointing his index finger at a certain part of the cave system.

"Are you sure? That part of the dungeon is filled with cliffs," Finel said, furrowing her eyebrows.

"Then it is perfect," Killian said as he walked towards it.

Although a little bit confused, Finel followed after Killian. On the other hand, the five adventurers following the two walked out from the shadows and revealed themselves with malevolent smiles on their faces.

"Zimf, they are going to that area; they are unknowingly making this very easy for us," the other adventurer said with a sinister smile.

Zimf pulled his dagger, his eyes showing his sinister plan. "No one will know what happens inside the dungeon," he said, sticking his tongue out.

The other four adventurers laughed, looking at Finel and Killian from the distance.

Killian and Finel walked on the bridge made of stones, which was the only path to cross the cliffs.

Under the stone bridge was pure darkness, an indication of how deep the hole was.

"This is an unusually large and deep hole, right? Do you know it's history?" Finel asked while leading the way.

Killian stared at the massive hole beneath them. "Do you know?" he asked.

"The legendary mage Zero created this massive hole. There was once a massive and powerful wyrm living at the very bottom of this dungeon. People believe that he lost a bet against the hero, Hikari, and had no choice but to exterminate it himself." Finel chuckled. "But he was known for his infamous laziness, so he just blasted a powerful attack from here down to the very depth of the dungeon where the wyrm was. A Class SS wyrm was evaporated into ashes without even knowing what hit it."

"In short, he is an insensitive, lazy, and narcissistic bastard who will do whatever he wants," Killian said, raising his gaze to Finel.

Finel smiled. "Perhaps he is. But this spot is memorable, especially for those who idolized Zero. This feat was exactly the reason why he was acknowledged as the second most powerful member of the hero's party. The hero scolded him hard after that, though," she chuckled.

"You know a lot about him, huh?" Killian asked, tilting his head.

Finel smiled more brightly. "Of course, because Zero is my grandfather's hero. He saved his life and taught him a valuable lesson that he passed down to us." She moved closer to Killian. "Living the way you want is the best way to live your life."

Killian smiled as he slowly nodded. "Your grandfather must be a great person."

"Well, well, would you look at that? A healer and a cute warrior walked into a trap." Zimf walked forward, holding his daggers, smiling at Killian and Finel.

"Zimf? What are you doing here?" Finel asked, vigilance showing in her eyes.

"Nothing. We are just here for retribution," Zimf said.

The four adventurers behind Zimf draw their weapons. Showing their sinister smiles.

"You probably don't know me, Killian. I am Zimf, a Class C adventurer. Also known as Shady Black Shadow," Zimf said.

"Shady Black Shadow? Isn't that nickname a little bit too redundant?" Killian asked casually.

"That's not the point here! Can't you see the situation you are in?" Zimf screamed with irritation. He exhaled. "Anyways, boys, do the thing."

Finel draws her sword. "Stand back, Killian," she said, assuming a battle stance.

The five adventurers jumped at Finel at the same time, overwhelming her with their superior capabilities. She was easily subjugated because each one of the five was much more powerful than her, pinning her to the ground.

"This is for my girl, you damn bastard!" One of the adventurers screamed as he slammed his body against Killian, pushing him into the hole.

Killian's scream slowly faded as he fell deeper into the hole.

"Killian!" Finel screamed as she tried to stand up.

"You idiot, why did you push him?" Zimf screamed.

The one who pushed Killian shrugged. "Wasn't it the point of retribution? To kill him?"

"No!" Zimf almost jumped at him with frustration in his face. "We were supposed to keep him alive while playing with this girl. We were supposed to have our way in her while he was watching! Now, what is the point?"

"Now that I think about it, that makes a lot of sense." He scratched the back of his head.

"That was the plan! We discussed it earlier, you idiotic son of a preacher!" Zimf screamed.

"Then, what are we supposed to do with this girl now?" The one pinning Finel asked.

Zimf just shook his head and exhaled. "We already initiated it, so let's just proceed as planned. Let's bring her across, and let's have her for us to enjoy." His disappointed expression changed to excitement while seeing Finel's vulnerable situation. "Her company would more than make up for it."