Dungeon: To Reach You(5)

With the expedition seemingly concluded, Finn conveyed the same information to Gareth in a covert manner, ensuring their conversation couldn't be overheard by any prying ears. Gareth nodded stoically, aware of the gravity of the situation and the need to maintain the ruse, in case their every word was being scrutinized.

In no more than an hour, the Loki Familia wrapped up their preparations, departing from the 28th floor with a sense of tranquility, blissfully ignorant of the imminent upheaval about to befall them.

"You... stayed?" Ais wore a puzzled expression, for it contradicted Finn's previous statement. Nevertheless, she didn't dwell on it, her focus unchanged as she remained steadfast in pursuing her objective.

---

As we ventured through the 28th floor, our destination, the entrance to the 29th floor, loomed ahead. However, before we could take another step, a figure materialized, causing both my and Riveria's eyes to widen in astonishment.

With a mere glance, it became evident that this figure was no ordinary man. His raven-black hair cascaded like the depths of darkness itself, framing a face that bore the weathered marks of countless trials and tribulations. Yet, within those rugged features, there existed a beauty that rivaled that of any Gods I have ever seen. His piercing cyan eyes held a clarity so profound that one could see their own reflection in their depths.

What vexed me the most was the man's blatant disregard for myself and Riveria. It was as if Ais Wallenstein alone held his undivided attention...

However, I dared not underestimate such an individual. Even as Level 6 adventurers, we couldn't disregard the significance of equipment to pass these floors. And the man's attire, a simple white shirt, and black trousers, appeared more befitting of noble elites from the surface than battle-hardened adventurers who faced monsters day in and day out.

Moreover, his garments were pristine, devoid of any signs of wear or struggle, as if he effortlessly breezed through the challenges that lay in his path...

We immediately went on high alert, ready to defend ourselves and demand answers. I couldn't shake the feeling that this was the very person my intuition had warned me about.

"...Greetings, Riveria Ljos Alf... Ais... Wallenstein... and Finn Deimne." His voice was chillingly devoid of emotion. Before I could utter a single word in response, I witnessed Ais swiftly unsheathe her sword, leaving my own words lodged in my throat as I firmly gripped my spear.

The reason for Ais' immediate attack eluded me, but as a trusted member of the Familia, I chose to stand alongside her.

I anticipated the man to draw his own weapon and engage in combat, but my expectations were shattered. The man effortlessly swatted aside the tip of my proud spear with such force that my hands almost buckled under the pressure, leaving me in a solemn state of awe.

The surprises continued as the man skillfully evaded every thrust of Ais' sword as if he had anticipated her every move from the start. But the encounter was short-lived, as the man vanished from Ais' sight, reappearing next to Riveria, causing her to abruptly halt her incantation. A delicate hand closed around her throat, choking off any further action.

My breath grew ragged. While any other person would tremble in my position, I couldn't allow myself to falter. The weight of responsibilities bore down on me heavily. If I were to fall, everything I had worked hard for would be in vain.

"...Why don't we all take a moment to calm down? You appear quite... agitated."

I was unable to respond immediately. The man's words lacked hostility, leaving me perplexed. If he so desired, he could have easily slain us all without breaking a sweat.

The realization was absurd. They were among the strongest in Orario, and not even Ottar himself could have reduced them to this state with such ease. Yet, an unknown man had managed to accomplish precisely that.

Just as I was about to nod in agreement and seek understanding, I watched in alarm as Ais remained resolute in her pursuit to strike him down on sight...

This is not good, wait-

"Leave her... alone."

With those words, Ais unleashed her magic, channeling the full force of [Ariel], propelling herself toward the man in an instant.

Anxiety gripped me, fearing for Ais' safety. However, what unfolded before my eyes left me dumbfounded. The man... smiled broadly, as though he beheld the most exquisite work of art. He didn't even spare a thought for Riveria, effortlessly halting Ais' sword with a single finger.

"This wind is quite refreshing, Ais," he praised her with an almost tender tone, casting a deluge of doubts into my mind. Silently, I stood by, choosing to regroup with Riveria and assess any hidden injuries, while also strategizing a plan in the midst of this enigma...

'It's an impossible feat to defeat him.'

From the very beginning, it was evident that even forcing the enemy to draw his weapon was beyond our capabilities.

Even more disheartening was his ability to halt Ais's blade mid-air—a feat that defied all logical reasoning. It forced me to confront the harsh truth: there was no conceivable way for us to emerge victorious. I couldn't help but think that if we had possessed prior knowledge about him, perhaps we could have devised a strategy, however futile it may have been.

...But the truth remained, victory against him was an unattainable dream. Even if we attempted a retreat, there was little chance of escaping unscathed. If push came to shove, sacrifices would have to be made...

---

While Finn's mind raced to concoct a plan, the two remained locked at a standstill, their actions confined to a single exchange.

For Ais Wallenstein, the world seemed to crumble around her. She believed she was growing stronger, inching closer to the day when she could exact her long-awaited revenge. Yet, time and again, her weaknesses were laid bare before her.

She had witnessed a tiny rabbit swiftly climb the levels, igniting a spark within her, a drive to surpass. But the man before her was unlike anything she had ever encountered. He defied all logic and reason. Even if she were to ascend to Level 7 at this very moment, even if she defied reality itself and attained Level 8, she doubted it would leave even a scratch upon him.

As Ais Wallenstein's gaze met his, she felt her very spirit being challenged. His penetrating cyan eyes locked onto every facet of her being, not in a lecherous manner, but with an intimacy that surpassed even that of her own mother.

The intensity with which this man observed her was both unsettling and strangely captivating, evoking a sense of discomfort as if he held knowledge of her deepest secrets.

Unbeknownst to her, she failed to realize she was the sole focus of his attention, convinced it must be one of his abilities designed to inflict harm upon them.

This was the terror inflicted by a seemingly 'random' man, a man who had yet to disclose he was never meant to be a close-range fighter. An admission that would remain undisclosed until someone compelled him to fight seriously.

As her inner world crumbled, a deep, haunting voice filled her ears, shattering any lingering thoughts. It extinguished every notion she entertained, if only for a moment.

"Hold on, Ais Wallenstein. Your flames cannot falter now. Engage me in combat, force me to fight back if necessary. Do whatever it takes to prove that you are not so weak!"

The fervent shout surged with raw emotion, silencing even the concerned thoughts of Finn and Riveria. Yet, before they could gather their wits, Ais felt a weight lift from her shoulders, the burden vanishing as she transcended her limits. She attacked with unbridled ferocity, slashing at the nameless man whose identity eluded them all...

'I... will not yield.'

The glimmer in her eyes intensified, unyielding and resolute. Although her strikes were effortlessly parried by a mere flick of his finger, Ais paid it no mind. Her focus honed in on his words.

"Vertical slash aimed at my head, kicks utilized as distractions to throw me off balance, horizontal feint..."

He predicted her every move with unwavering precision, causing frustration to gnaw at her resolve. This man possessed an intimate understanding of her fighting style, rendering it useless. Desperate for change, she discarded defense and aimed to graze his skin, even if only by a fraction. But that proved to be an unattainable goal.

---

"...Hey, Riveria, do you think we're mere side characters in this scenario?"

I voiced my bewilderment, struggling to process the events unfolding before us. Somehow, I understood that this man was "training" Ais. But the reasons behind his actions eluded me. I chose to bide my time, resigned to my own powerlessness.

If my intuition served me right, the best course of action was to do nothing...

"I believe so."

Riveria still felt the lingering touch of the man's hand upon her throat, a faint mark that bore witness to his restraint, as if he intended to avoid instant death.

"Just what have we done to provoke such a man?"

Exasperation colored my words, silently praying that this trial would conclude swiftly...