Master's voice cut through the murmuring guild hall like a blade—sharp, calm, and unwavering. "The quest is straightforward," he said, his expression unflinching. "We're to clear an S-rank dungeon… and rescue any adventurers who might still be alive inside."
The table fell into silence, the weight of his words pressing against each of us like a physical force. Even the bustle of the guild beyond seemed to dim, leaving only the heavy truth of what awaited us.
Kylon leaned forward, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the wooden surface. "It's not just an A-rank dungeon anymore," he said quietly. "The classification was bumped to S-rank just now."
Master gave a small, steady nod. "Which only confirms what we already suspected—it will be a difficult mission. We can't afford carelessness." His gaze swept over us one by one, deliberate and assessing. "Let's review. Do we have everything we need?"
Kylon exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "Not yet. I'm missing a few critical reagents. I'll need to take on a quick quest or two to cover the cost."
Krent stretched his arms lazily behind his head, the chair creaking beneath his weight. "I've been meaning to replenish my potion stock and sharpen my blades. A few quests wouldn't hurt."
Kylon turned toward him with a wry grin tugging at his lips. "Then how about we go together?"
Krent blinked, surprised. "You sure about that? Wasn't expecting an S-rank to invite an A-rank along."
Kylon shrugged, his demeanor relaxed but his tone genuine. "I don't care about ranks. You've got good instincts, and you handled yourself well. That's more than enough for me."
Krent chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Heh. I'm flattered."
Kylon narrowed his eyes with playful challenge. "So, are you coming or what?"
Krent smirked and nodded. "Of course I am. Let's see who racks up more points."
I leaned back slightly, watching the easy camaraderie forming between them. A faint smile tugged at my lips. They really bonded quickly. Just a few hours of travel, and now they're acting like old comrades.
Aur's amused voice rippled through my thoughts. 'They were talking nonstop the whole way here. About swords, about magic, about food. It was kind of sweet, actually.'
I chuckled internally. 'Guess everyone needs a good teammate, huh?'
Without waiting another moment, the two of them rose and strode toward the quest board, already debating which missions were fastest and most rewarding. Their banter mixed with an undercurrent of trust, the beginnings of synergy that was hard to ignore.
The silence left in their absence was soon broken by Master. His tone was calm, but sharp as a knife. "Now," he said, folding his arms across his chest, "tell me everything. What exactly happened out there… especially about the demons?"
I leaned back, tilting my head against the bench, the weight of memory pressing heavily on me. "I think they were following me from the moment I left for the quest," I began. "At first, I ignored the presence. But after I killed one of the two S-rank beasts in the forest, they showed themselves. Four of them."
The words felt heavier as they left me. My hands clenched slowly as flashes of that battle returned. "Each one of those demons was stronger than the S-rank named beasts I faced in Forest. By a lot."
Master's eyes narrowed, his usual calm edged with faint concern. "And the beasts? Were they normal?"
I shook my head. "No. Not even close. They weren't like regular beasts had their intelligent." He leaned forward slightly, his eyes razor-sharp, listening.
"They were moving with calculation," I continued. "Not wild or feral like most beasts. Every motion had purpose. It was like fighting creatures that could think like humans—maybe even better. They didn't waste energy. They anticipated my movements, dodged when they needed to, and coordinated their attacks."
Master's gaze darkened with thought, but he said nothing, letting the weight of my words sink in. Krent returned briefly, adjusting the strap of his blade as he passed. "We'll meet at the tavern later," he said casually, giving a quick wave before heading off with Kylon. I returned the wave, while Master offered a half-nod of acknowledgment.
Once they were gone, I spoke again, my voice quieter. "There was one more thing. One of the demons… he said someone was looking for me."
Master's eyes snapped back to mine, sharp and focused. "Did they know who you are?"
I hesitated. "I don't think so. The demon said, 'You would be the one he was looking for.' Not that they found me, but that I might be the one. It didn't feel certain—just suspicion."
Master leaned back slowly, folding his arms again, his expression unreadable. "So… they're after you. But they don't know your identity, not completely for now."
I rubbed the back of my head, frustration pricking at me. "Yeah. They refused to tell me anything more. Every time I asked who was searching for me, they either dodged the question or got angry. It's like they were ordered not to say anything."
His gaze hardened, steel settling in his tone. "That makes sense. Which means they're looking… but blindly."
I nodded. "Probably because of the Source, right?"
The faintest flicker crossed his face, his jaw tightening at the word. "Yes and also your connection with that dead goddess. That might be what's truly drawing them toward you."
A chill crawled down my spine, his words settling like a shadow over my thoughts. The Source and the goddess… After a long silence, curiosity forced its way to the surface. I turned to him. "You know," I said slowly, "I feel like you're still not telling me everything. About the demons, I mean."
He raised an eyebrow, interest sparking. "You once told me demons started appearing on the continent about ten years ago," I continued. "But you never explained where they're actually coming from."
A smirk tugged faintly at the edge of his lips—one that didn't reach his eyes. "Alright," he said at last, his tone heavier than before. "Then listen closely."
He leaned forward, lowering his voice to a near growl. "I believe the Demon Realm… or what many call the Hell Realm… has been opened."
The air grew still. Even Aur's usual playfulness vanished, her presence in my mind quiet and alert.
"What do you mean opened?" I asked carefully.
Master stared at me for a long moment before answering. "As you know, there are realms beyond this one. Yours. Mine. The Demon Realm. All connected… yet sealed from each other. But the barrier between our world and the Demon Realm—something has torn through it. Cracks have formed… and now those cracks are spreading."
I clenched my fists. "And the gods of that realm… are they allowing this to happen?"
He exhaled slowly, his tone grim. "More than allowing. I believe the higher ups of the Demon Realm have sided with this realm's gods."
My eyes widened. "You mean… the gods of this realm and the higher-ups of demons are working together. Against your realm?"
He nodded once, the weight of it evident. "You could say that. I wouldn't be surprised if they forged a pact out of fear."
"Fear?" I echoed, my brow furrowing.
Master's gaze sharpened. "Of the Phantoms. The beings that were once bound to my realm. The gods of this realm fear them—fear what they could unleash. Not sure about the Demon realms as there are many Demon realms with even more powerful than our realms people"
I frowned, my thoughts spiraling. "Have you… ever met the higher-ups of the Demon Realm?"
He shook his head. "I know of them. Their names, their titles, some of their powers… but no, I've never stood before them." I leaned back, trying to absorb the scale of it all. Demons, gods, realms, alliances. The deeper I went, the more twisted the truth became. Master's voice pulled me from my thoughts, calm yet unyielding. "Things are going to get harder for you now. Much harder than you can think."
Before I could respond, Aur's voice rang bright in my mind, warm and confident. 'Papa, don't worry. We'll defeat them all.' I smiled faintly, her tiny form puffing up on my shoulder, warmth breaking through the shadows that weighed on me. "Yeah," I whispered. "We'll slay them. Every single one of them."
Master glanced between me and Aur, a low chuckle escaping him. "That spirit of yours is reckless… but maybe that's exactly what you need." I leaned forward, a grin tugging at my lips. "Old man… we are Slayers, aren't we?"
His grin answered mine, sharp and knowing.