Dungeon, 24th Floor.
The massive crystal hanging from the ceiling emitted a dazzling light as bright as day.
The plants in the Large Tree Labyrinth seemed to respond to the call, stretching their branches and leaves, dispelling the night's deathly silence. Slumbering magical beasts raised their heads, letting out roars before heading off to hunt, while Firebirds spread their wings toward the sky, dropping specks of flame.
In a secluded tree hollow, a sleeping mammoth raised its long trunk, sneezed, and leisurely walked off to fill its stomach.
Five meters beyond its territory, a transparent curtain fell. Kael surveyed the surroundings and, after confirming there was no danger, patted the girl sleeping on his lap.
Last night, the two had traveled without rest, slaying countless monsters as they barely reached the 24th Floor. This short distance of just 5 floors had stretched incredibly long for a team consisting of only a Level 2 and a rookie Supporter.
Kael's unfamiliarity with the terrain had led to several ambushes by Dark Fungus. Fortunately, whenever Aiz was exhausted or depleted of energy, he would become a meat shield, blocking damage and helping her escape the battlefield. After consuming half of their antidote potions, they finally reached their destination.
Staring at the girl who had fallen into a deep sleep from mental fatigue, Kael pinched her delicate cheek and pulled hard...
"Ah!" Aiz opened her eyes wide, staring at him with surprise.
"Time to wake up, lazybones. Didn't you want to break through barriers and become the strongest?"
"How long did I sleep?" Aiz rubbed her eyes, regaining her spirit.
"About 8 hours."
"What! Why didn't you wake me up?!" The girl's eyes were full of regret.
"Before becoming stronger, you should get yourself in good condition first." Kael tossed her the remaining fried Jagamarukun, "Let's get going after you finish eating."
Aiz nodded, taking small bites of the cold Jagamarukun.
Kael took inventory of their supplies: two weapons remained, 10 bottles each of physical and mental elixirs, one bottle of Dual Potion, and 8 antidote potions. Their burden had lightened considerably, but that also meant handling risks would be more difficult.
"Unfortunately, we don't have more supplies for the return journey. Let's pray we can complete this mission and gather some raw herbs from the Dungeon to replenish our energy."
After hearing about their situation, Aiz silently nodded, a look of resolution flashing in her eyes.
No adventure is smooth sailing. Only by experiencing despair and overcoming it can one achieve greatness and become stronger!
She knew that with the Loki Familia's resources and her own talent, even taking things steadily, her leveling speed wouldn't be slow. But for someone with ambitious aspirations like herself, seven or eight years was far too long for a nine-year-old girl!
That was more than her entire lifetime so far! She couldn't wait!
And if she died, she could reunite with her father and mother, though she would regret letting Riveria down...
The dark thought flashed by, quickly replaced by determination.
The two set off again on their journey to challenge the dragon.
Soon, they encountered an obstacle: a large flock of Firebirds soared across the sky, appearing to wage war with some territorial monster.
When the birds spotted two light reflections on the giant root pathway, they immediately changed targets. The Reverse Veil that should have concealed Kael and Aiz instead became a beacon attracting monster attacks — likely due to birds' unique vision combined with the light distortion created by the celestial magic stone.
"This is bad, the most troublesome flying monsters!" Aiz's mouth turned downward, "These flame-spitting annihilators are the most difficult to handle."
She was about to activate Ariel when Kael stopped her.
"Save your strength. I'll handle the monsters along the way."
Aiz was momentarily surprised, but Kael quickly convinced her with action.
He drank a flask of mental elixir, then spread his arms in a cannon stance, aiming at the diving flock of Firebirds.
Though Kael couldn't predict what magic would appear, he had one advantage — no incantation was required, meaning he could cast any spell without chanting!
"Come on, taste the power of suppressive fire! Ora ora ora ora!"
Miracles Ring, give me your power!
His hands thrust forward in rapid alternation, launching countless flames, wind blades, water bullets, and earth chunks toward the flock of Firebirds. Smoke exploded, gradually enveloping their entire field of vision.
But the expected screams never came. The first Firebird emerged from the smoke with a phoenix-like cry, unleashing surging flames that covered the ground.
"Damn! Is my quick-attack magic too weak? Why can't I cast area-of-effect spells?!" Facing the descending sea of fire, Kael bit his lip in desperation. His mind went blank, unable to formulate a suitable incantation.
Then, instinctively, Aiz's battle chant flashed through his mind.
"Tempest!"
Humm—
A spiraling storm materialized in Kael's palm, transforming into a wind wall as the sea of fire engulfed them—
"Face the wind!"
❈ Wind Wall!❈
The high-pressure air currents reflected the fireballs and flames back upward. The hot air disrupted the airflow, causing the flying Firebirds to lose balance and sway erratically.
Following this...
"Tempest!!"
Kael took a deep breath, and compressed wind shot like bullets toward the Firebirds struggling in the disturbed air currents.
❈ Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere!❈
Blood splattered and burst as the Firebirds wailed and plummeted to the ground.
Kael was stunned for a moment. All wind magic? Could the incantation be connected to the type of magic he summoned?
To test this theory, he called out once more, "Tempest!"
BOOM————
Wind and lightning erupted around Kael.
"Tasmanian Devil Spin Attack!!!"
"Eh?"
When the magic name and effect appeared in his mind, and he unconsciously blurted out that ridiculous phrase, Kael was momentarily confused. Then he involuntarily began to spin...
Under Aiz's "impressed but confused" gaze, he spun like a top, trailing sparks and lightning as he crashed through more than a dozen giant trees before finally coming to a stop.
"Whoa! Ohhhh! That's... that's amazing!"
He failed to notice the little girl's inspired expression.
At that moment, Kael's eyes were spinning with stars, but the [Goes Where He Pleases] effect, which granted immunity to control and abnormal status, allowed him to stand firmly again.
"This counts as wind too? At least it has the word 'wind' in it!"
Having gained some insight into his ability, Kael tried calling out again, "Tempest!"
Silence...
No special effects appeared. Kael thought his mental energy was insufficient and the casting had failed. Then a mist gradually rose in the dense forest, and visibility became blurry in an instant.
❈ Hiding in Mist Technique!❈
"This isn't wind either!"
It's just my imagination... you always say that, but you don't really care about me?
BGM began playing in Kael's mind...
Fortunately, after casting four consecutive spells, he felt his mind becoming fuzzy — a clear sign he was approaching mental exhaustion. The appearance of the Hiding in Mist Technique was exactly what he needed.
Following his memory, he quickly found Aiz. They donned their Reverse Veil and swiftly left the battlefield.
The mental elixir he had drunk earlier was taking effect. Though he felt capable of casting a few more spells, Kael didn't dare to be overconfident and drank another backup potion.
Taking advantage of the mist obscuring visibility, they moved quickly through the forest, covering nearly 1000 meters in just 5 minutes. Now, they were only 500 meters away from their target — the forest filled with gem trees.
"Let's rest a bit. Adjust our condition." Kael panted heavily; his reduced super-endurance prevented him from running continuously. He drank another bottle of energy potion, and they rested against a tree hollow.
Before he could recover, Aiz suddenly stood up, her gaze fixed on the gradually dispersing mist. At the edge of the forest before them, a jade silhouette with glowing red eyes raised its head.
Fierce fighting spirit burned between the human and the dragon.
The Green Dragon sensed the challenger's aura, while Aiz was ready to begin the hunt.
"ROAR——!!!"
"Hey… wait—"
"Tempest!"
❈❈❈
T/N: Favorite, comment and save to your library of best reads in the world, thank you for reading this far!
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