Dungeon – Twelfth Floor
The scent of blood and steel lingered in the air. A pack of Needle Rabbits lay slain, their bodies motionless on the dungeon floor. Orcbolg stood over them, methodically cleaning his blade.
The fight had been swift—he had lured them into a narrow passage, limiting their movement before striking them down one by one.
As he sheathed his sword, he sensed movement.
Footsteps. Multiple. Approaching from the path ahead.
Orcbolg turned slightly, his grip instinctively tightening.
A group of adventurers emerged from the tunnel. Their armor was well-maintained, their movements disciplined. Stronger than the usual adventurers he had seen.
Leading them was Ais Wallenstein.
Her golden hair swayed slightly as she walked, her expression unreadable. The air around her was still, calm.
She paused, her gaze settling on Orcbolg.
Her teammates—Bete, Tiona, and Tione—paid him little mind, more focused on their conversation.
Orcbolg simply stood there, watching.
They're observing each other.
Eventhough Orcbolg's appareance looks like a rookie adventurer with the cindition of his armor and equipment, Ais feels like he's strong person. Not strong as her of course, not yet atleast.
Ais kept looking at him.
"...What's your name?"
A moment of silence.
Then, Orcbolg answered. "Orcbolg."
Ais blinked, as if processing the unusual name.
"Ais Wallenstein."
Before she could ask more, Tione tugged at her arm. "Ais, let's go. Finn's waiting."
Ais hesitated, but nodded. Without another word, she turned and followed her team.
As they disappeared into the tunnels, Orcbolg remained still, his mind replaying the brief exchange.