The familiar red crystals embedded in the ceiling bathed the cavern in a faint crimson glow.
Moisture dripped rhythmically from the jagged rocks overhead, creating small puddles across the uneven stone floor. The cool air carried the familiar scent of damp earth mixed with monster mana.
Reiji quietly ran his fingers across the rough dungeon wall.
"It's been a while..."
A faint sense of nostalgia washed over him.
Not long ago, caves like these had been life-threatening. Every corner hid danger, and every monster could have been his last battle.
Now... after surviving evolved Gates, after fighting in the Blacklake Realm, after defeating a B+ Rank Boss fused with an anomaly.
An ordinary F-Rank Gate almost felt peaceful.
Behind him, Aoi remained vigilant.
One hand rested firmly on the hilt of her longsword while her sharp eyes swept across every corner of the cavern.
Unlike Reiji, she hadn't relaxed even slightly.
'He's not even on guard...'
Her gaze lingered on his back.
