The guild hall swallowed Noah in sound the moment he stepped back out.
Laughter. Shouting. The scrape of chairs. The thunk of tankards. Even the quest board seemed louder up close—paper fluttering as hands tore fresh jobs free.
But when Guild Master Galvin appeared from the corridor with Noah at his side…
The volume dipped.
Not silence.
Just that subtle hush people made when they sensed something important was happening.
Galvin didn’t address the crowd. He didn’t need to.
He simply turned toward the clerk.
“Yuri.”
The young woman behind the counter straightened at once.
“Yes, Guild Master.”
“Prepare the aptitude chamber,” Galvin said calmly. “And clear the hallways.”
Yuri blinked, then nodded quickly.
“Right away, sir.”
A few nearby adventurers craned their necks, hungry for a show.
Galvin’s eyes swept the room once — cold and effortless.
“Back to your drinks,” he said plainly.
The tone wasn’t loud.
It didn’t have to be.
Chairs shifted. Conversations resumed. Eyes lowered.
Only fools argued with a guild master in his own hall.
Noah felt the attention ease off him, but not completely.
Across the room, that silver-haired swordsman and his little group still watched from their table like carrion birds waiting for something to die.
Noah ignored them.
Ignis’s presence warmed the back of his mind like a held flame.
They stare like wolves.
Yeah, Noah answered silently. But they don’t bite.
Not yet.
Galvin turned and walked toward the back hallway.
“Come.”
Noah followed.
Hayate fell into step beside him, relaxed in posture, dangerous in presence. His hand rested loosely near his katana—not gripping it, just reminding the world it existed.
They passed through the door behind the counter and down a quiet corridor where the guild’s noise couldn’t reach.
Stone replaced wood.
Cool air replaced the smell of ale.
At the end of the corridor waited a heavy iron-banded door carved with the guild’s crest.
Yuri was already there with a ring of keys.
She unlocked it, then stepped aside.
“Please.”
Galvin entered first.
Noah followed.
Hayate came last — closing the door behind them with a firm, final thud.
The sound cut off the guild hall completely.
No audience.
No whispering.
No eyes.
Just the three of them.
The chamber was circular, carved from solid stone. Runes were etched into the floor in a wide ring—old, precise, and layered with power.
At the center stood a tall crystal pillar shimmering faintly, like moonlight trapped in glass.
The Aptitude Stone.
Noah took one step forward and felt it hum—not in his ears, but in his bones.
Galvin folded his arms.
“This reading is private.”
He glanced at Noah.
“The results are recorded in the guild’s secure registry. Only the vice guild master and I have access.”
Yuri nodded from the side; pen already poised above a fresh page.
Hayate’s gaze never left Noah.
Galvin’s voice was even.
“Name.”
“Noah,” he said.
“Full.”
Noah paused.
Just a breath.
“Noah J. Blackwell.”
Yuri wrote it down without comment.
Galvin’s eyes narrowed slightly at that half-second hesitation… but he didn’t press.
“Declared class.”
“Battle Mage.”
Galvin nodded once.
“Good.”
He gestured to the crystal.
“Place your palm on the stone. Do not resist the reading.”
Noah stepped forward.
The closer he got, the louder the crystal’s hum became.
He set his palm against it.
For a heartbeat—
Nothing.
Then the runes beneath his feet flickered to life.
Soft blue light crawled along the circle.
The stone pulsed once.
And thin ribbons of light climbed the crystal-like living veins.
Glowing text formed across its surface—visible only in this sealed chamber.
Yuri’s pen scratched quickly.
Galvin’s expression remained steady.
Hayate watched like a hawk.
The glowing text formed slowly across the surface of the crystal, each line appearing with a faint pulse of blue light.
Physical Skills Aptitude: High
Magic Skills Aptitude: High
Prowess Potential: Above Average
Rare Abilities Detected: Summoner Attribute Detected
Unknown Ability Detected: Unable to Determine Type or Origin
The final line began to form beneath the others.
For a moment the crystal flickered, as if struggling to complete the reading.
Then the text stabilized.
Overall Final Aptitude Potential: SSS
The chamber went completely silent.
Yuri’s quill froze above the page.
Hayate blinked once.
Then slowly leaned forward, staring at the crystal as if expecting the words to change.
“…SSS.”
The sound left him quietly.
Galvin didn’t react immediately.
His eyes remained locked on the glowing line.
One second.
Two.
Three.
Then he exhaled slowly through his nose.
“Well…”
Hayate let out a low whistle under his breath.
“That’s a new one.”
He folded his arms, the faint smirk returning to his face as he looked toward Noah.
“In case you’re wondering,” he said casually, “most adventurers fall somewhere between H and B.”
He gestured lightly toward the crystal.
“S rank shows up maybe once every several years.”
His eyes flicked back to the final line again.
“But SSS…”
Hayate shook his head slowly.
“I’ve never seen that before.”
Yuri quickly resumed writing, though her hand moved slightly faster now.
Galvin finally stepped closer to the crystal again, studying the lines one more time.
“High physical potential…”
“High magical aptitude…”
“A summoner attribute…”
“And an unidentified ability even the stone cannot classify.”
His gaze shifted back to Noah.
“Interesting.”
Hayate chuckled softly.
“That’s one way to put it.”
He studied Noah again, head tilted slightly.
“Tell me something,” he said.
“Were you aware you had summoner potential?”
Noah scratched the back of his neck.
“…I did use it once,” he admitted.
Hayate’s eyebrow lifted slightly.
“Oh?”
Noah shrugged a little.
“More like… I used it for a friend.”
Galvin’s attention sharpened.
“You formed a contract already?”
Noah nodded.
“Yeah. It kind of… happened naturally.”
Hayate chuckled once again.
“That explains the summoner attribute.”
Galvin folded his arms behind his back, his gaze thoughtful now as he looked between Noah and the crystal.
“You should understand something, Noah,” he said calmly.
“A summoner class is extremely rare.”
Hayate nodded in agreement.
“In most kingdoms, summoners are considered S-rank class potential by default.”
Noah blinked slightly.
“Seriously?”
Galvin continued.
“It has to do with what we call soul affinity.”
He gestured lightly toward the crystal.
“Every person is born with a natural ceiling for their development.”
He tapped the air lightly with one finger as he explained.
“Some people are born with strong physical potential. They become warriors, knights, weapon masters.”
“Others possess high mana potential. Those become mages, scholars, enchanters.”
Hayate added calmly,
“And then there are those with strong prowess potential.”
Noah tilted his head slightly.
“Prowess?”
Hayate nodded.
“Stamina. Endurance. Battle resilience. The body’s ability to grow stronger through training and survive punishment.”
Galvin continued the explanation.
“In simple terms, these three things represent the maximum potential a person can develop in their lifetime.”
“Mana.”
“Physical power.”
“And prowess.”
He glanced back toward the crystal.
“Most people are born with one of these at a moderate level.”
“Sometimes two.”
Hayate gave a faint smirk.
“Very rarely someone gets lucky and is born with a single category that reaches exceptional levels.”
Galvin nodded.
“But never all three.”
His eyes returned to Noah.
“Until now.”
Noah frowned slightly.
“…Wait.”
“You mean—”
Galvin gestured toward the glowing lines still resting faintly on the crystal.
“Your physical aptitude is high.”
“Your magical aptitude is high.”
“And your prowess potential is above average.”
Hayate folded his arms again.
“That alone would already make you extremely rare.”
Galvin’s voice lowered slightly.
“But that isn’t the part that concerns me.”
His eyes moved to the earlier line.
Rare Abilities Detected: Summoner Attribute
“Summoner abilities draw directly from a person’s soul.”
“Which means they are normally tied to a single dominant trait.”
He looked back at Noah again.
“Physical summoners exist.”
“Magical summoners exist.”
“But you…”
Hayate finished the thought quietly.
“You possess all three foundations.”
Noah leaned back slightly in his chair.
“…That sounds like a problem.”
Hayate chuckled.
“Depends on your perspective.”
Galvin nodded slowly.
“What makes this even more unusual…”
He pointed again to the final line glowing faintly.
Overall Final Aptitude Potential: SSS
“…is that the crystal has classified your potential at the highest theoretical rank.”
Hayate rubbed the back of his neck slightly.
“I’ve been in this guild a long time.”
“Seen a few prodigies.”
“Seen some monsters too.”
He gave Noah another long look.
“But I’ve never seen SSS aptitude.”
Galvin exhaled quietly.
“Neither have I.”
The room fell silent again for a moment.
Then Galvin’s gaze sharpened slightly.
“And that brings us to the final issue.”
He tapped the line just above the aptitude score.
Unknown Ability Detected: Unable to Determine Type or Origin
Hayate’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Whatever that is…”
“…even the aptitude stone couldn’t identify it.”
Galvin crossed his arms again.
“And that means there is something about your power that doesn’t fit the known system.”
Noah sighed softly.
“Yeah… that sounds about right.”
Hayate smirked faintly.
“Well.”
He straightened slightly.
“You certainly know how to make a first impression.”
Galvin stepped away from the crystal.
“Despite the… unusual results…”
His gaze settled on Noah again.
“You pass.”
Noah smiled slightly.
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
Hayate grinned.
“You’d have passed even if the crystal shattered.”
Galvin nodded once.
“And now that we understand what you’re capable of…”
His tone shifted again.
“There is still one final matter.”
Noah raised an eyebrow.
“What’s that?”
“The real test.”
Galvin turned toward the chamber door.
“A rift opened this morning just outside the eastern forest.”
He paused briefly before continuing.
“We’ve already classified it as a C-rank rift.”
His eyes flicked back toward Noah.
“And we’re sending you to it.”
Noah blinked once.
“A C-rank?”
Hayate leaned casually against the nearby stone wall, arms folding across his chest.
“For most new adventurers,” he said, “that would be suicide.”
Noah tilted his head slightly.
“…Comforting.”
Hayate smirked.
“But you’re not most new adventurers.”
Galvin nodded once.
“C-rank rifts are considered manageable threats for trained guild parties.”
He stepped toward the door and rested one hand on the iron handle.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
“Typically four to six adventurers.”
“Sometimes more depending on the monster population inside.”
Hayate added calmly,
“This one hasn’t been cleared yet.”
“We detected it shortly after it formed.”
He glanced at Noah.
“Which means the creatures inside are still organizing around their dungeon core.”
Noah crossed his arms.
“So you want me to go clear it?”
Galvin shook his head slightly.
“No.”
His voice remained calm.
“This is not a solo mission.”
He opened the door, letting a sliver of corridor light spill into the chamber.
“You’ll be going with Captain Hayate.”
Hayate pushed off the wall with a quiet chuckle.
“Lucky you.”
Noah glanced at him.
“Are you there to help… or just watch me die?”
Hayate’s grin widened.
“Oh I’ll help.”
He adjusted the sheath of his katana at his side.
“But mostly…”
His eyes gleamed slightly.
“…I’m there to see if that SSS aptitude actually means something.”
Galvin stepped into the corridor.
“This rift will serve as your field evaluation.”
He looked back over his shoulder.
“If you perform well…”
“…your guild registration will be finalized, and I’ll start you as a rank C adventurer.”
Hayate stretched his shoulders slightly as he followed.
“And if you don’t—”
“Oh, I’ll pass.”
Galvin stopped mid-sentence.
Noah had cut him off.
Both men looked back at him.
Noah’s expression was calm, but there was a sharp confidence in his eyes now.
“And not just pass,” he added.
“I’ll pass with flying colors.”
Hayate raised an eyebrow.
“Oh?”
Noah rolled his shoulders once as they continued walking down the corridor.
“I’m not stopping here,” he said simply.
“I have to become as strong as possible.”
Galvin slowed slightly ahead of them.
Hayate studied Noah for a moment, the faint smirk on his face slowly returning.
Galvin watched Noah for a moment as the young man clipped the temporary guild tag to his belt.
Then the Guild Master gave a small approving nod.
“That’s what I like to hear, kid.”
Noah glanced up.
Galvin folded his arms, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
“You’re a confident one.”
He tilted his head toward the guild doors.
“And I think I can count on you.”
His expression hardened just a touch.
“So go prove me right already.”
Noah grinned faintly.
“Yes sir.”
Galvin suddenly reached into a pouch at his belt and pulled out a small leather coin purse.
He tossed it across the counter.
The pouch landed in front of Noah with a soft clink of metal.
“Oh—and here.”
Noah blinked in surprise.
“What’s this?”
“An advance on your pay,” Galvin said casually.
“Early.”
He nodded toward Noah’s simple clothes.
“Get yourself some proper equipment, will you?”
Hayate chuckled quietly beside him.
“Yeah… you look like you got lost on your way to a farm.”
Noah opened the pouch slightly.
Inside were several bright silver coins.
His eyes widened a little.
“Wow.”
He looked up quickly.
“Thank you, Guild Master.”
Galvin waved the title off with a relaxed flick of his hand.
“Please.”
“Call me Galvin.”
A small grin spread across Noah’s face.
“Well… thank you, Galvin.”
The Guild Master smiled back.
Then he gave Noah a light pointing gesture toward the door.
“Go get ’em, newbie.”
He said it playfully.
Hayate laughed quietly.
“Careful,” he said as he started toward the exit. “If you keep handing out silver like that, he might start liking you.”
Galvin chuckled.
“That’s the idea.”
Noah secured the pouch at his belt and followed Hayate toward the doors.
Behind them, the noise of the guild hall swelled again as conversations picked back up.
But more than a few eyes followed the new adventurer as he left.
Curious.
Skeptical.
And a few…
Impressed.
Outside the guild hall, the afternoon sun hung high over the city of Caldonia.
Hayate rolled his shoulders once as he stepped into the street.
“Well then.”
He glanced sideways at Noah.
“First stop.”
“The market.”
Noah nodded.
“Gear?”
Hayate smirked.
“Unless you plan on punching demons to death.”
Noah chuckled.
“Fair point.”
And together — they headed toward the bustling streets of Caldonia’s market district.
The first real mission of Noah’s new life was about to begin.
The streets of Caldonia buzzed with life as they moved deeper into the market district.
Merchants called from wooden stalls along the road.
“Fresh bread! Still warm!”
“Fine steel blades! Best price in the city!”
“Potions! Healing, stamina, mana!”
The smells mixed together in the air.
Cooked meat. Spices. Leather. Hot metal from nearby forges.
People moved everywhere—merchants, guards, travelers, adventurers in armor of every kind.
Noah glanced around, watching the flow of the crowd as they moved through the street.
Hayate noticed immediately.
He smirked slightly.
“Not used to crowds or cities, huh?”
Noah shrugged.
“Not anyplace with this many people.”
Hayate gave a small knowing smile.
“You’ll get used to it. If you look past the obnoxious nobles, most people here are good-willed.”
He gestured lightly toward a nearby baker handing bread to a small child.
“Just trying to live their lives.”
Then his tone shifted slightly.
“But like anywhere else… we’ve got our share of roughians.”
Noah raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah?”
Hayate nodded again as they turned down a wider street lined with larger shops.
“Bandits have been causing quite a stir lately.”
They passed a group of adventurers arguing over a map.
“Raiding farms. Hitting supply wagons.”
He glanced sideways at Noah.
“And kidnappings.”
Noah frowned slightly.
“Kidnappings?”
Hayate nodded again.
“Human trafficking too.”
His voice stayed calm, but there was a sharp edge behind it.
“Guild’s been dealing with it where we can.”
Noah crossed his arms as they walked.
“Sounds messy.”
“It is,” Hayate said simply.
He looked ahead toward the market square.
“That’s why adventurers rarely survive long alone.”
Noah glanced at him.
“You saying I should get a party?”
Hayate shrugged slightly.
“Eventually. Finding a few good friends… or a trusted party…”
He smirked faintly.
“Might be in your best interest.”
They continued through the busy street until the sound of hammering metal echoed ahead.
CLANG. CLANG. CLANG.
Hayate nodded toward a large stone building with smoke drifting from its chimney.
“Well.”
“There it is.”
“The best blacksmith in Caldonia.”
They stepped inside.
Heat from the forge washed over them immediately.
Sparks flickered through the air as a massive man hammered glowing steel against an anvil.
CLANG. CLANG. CLANG.
The blacksmith paused and glanced up.
His thick beard shifted as he smirked.
“Well now.”
“If it isn’t Captain Hayate.”
Hayate folded his arms casually.
“Good to see you too, Brannik.”
Brannik wiped sweat from his forehead with a rag before noticing Noah.
“And who’s this?”
Hayate jerked a thumb toward him.
“New adventurer.”
“First rift run today.”
Brannik grunted.
“Hope you’re here to buy steel then.”
Noah stepped toward the weapon racks lining the walls.
Rows of swords rested on wooden mounts.
Short blades. Long arming swords. Curved sabers.
He picked one up. Then another. Testing the balance.
Brannik watched with interest.
“Take your time.”
Noah finally paused in front of a particular blade.
It was a clean steel longsword with a dark leather grip—simple, elegant.
But something about it caught his eye.
Along the base of the blade, just above the guard, was a narrow metal slot built into the design.
A focus socket.
He held the blade up slightly, letting the light catch the slot. Hayate noticed immediately, tilting his head.
Noah scrolled through his inventory — landing on the small emerald gem Tera had given him.
After selecting It, he held it in his hand.
The refractive shine and vivid color was unexpectedly more vibrant than before.
“Oh?” Hayate said, stepping closer.
Brannik walked over, his eyes narrowing as he studied the slot.
“That’s a fine blade,” Brannik said, his fingers tracing the metal. “Where’d you get that gem?”
Noah held it up. “A friend gave it to me.”
Brannik nodded, his face serious now. “Embedding a focus gem in that slot will cost about five silver.”
He tapped the blade. “The sword itself is twenty silver.”
Hayate smirked faintly. “It’s a fine blade, Noah. Worth every piece.”
Brannik nodded, a grin creeping onto his face.
Noah smiled slightly as he set the sword down on the nearby wooden counter, then scrolled through his inventory.
He checked the small bag and examined the coins. As he counted, he realized he had 50 silver pieces in total.
"That’s plenty," he thought, tucking the pouch aside.
He glanced back at the wall, still feeling like he needed a bit more protection before heading out. “You got any nice armor?” Noah asked, eyeing the racks.
Brannik chuckled, wiping his brow. “I make the finest weapons—and armor—in this city.” He reached up and pulled down a heavy set of armor, its steel plates gleaming in the forge light. “This is top-tier chainmail—sturdy, reliable.”
Noah ran a hand over it, then shook his head. “I kind of like staying light on my feet.”
Brannik grinned. “Ah, the light style, huh?” He walked over to another rack and pulled down a fine leather armor set—sleek, tight to the body, with small metal pauldrons on the shoulders. “Light, flexible, and still offers solid defense.”
Noah grinned. “Yeah, I think this is more my style.”
Brannik nodded approvingly. “It’s a fine piece. And it even has two slots for future focus gems.”
Noah’s eyes lit up. “Perfect. How much?”
“Well—usually I’d charge around thirty silvers for the set, but for a friend…”
He winked at Hayate.
“How’s twenty silvers sound? That makes forty-five total—the sword, the armor, and the gem slotting.”
Noah reached back into his pouch and counted out the silver. Once he handed it over, he smiled, feeling the weight of a solid plan.
“Let’s do it.”
Brannik grinned.
“Good choice. The order will be ready in no time—just a few minutes.”
Noah nodded, feeling that spark of excitement. The next step wasn’t far now—once he was geared up, the rift awaited.
—
True to his word, it didn’t take long.
About fifteen minutes later, Brannik stepped out from the forge area carrying Noah’s equipment.
The leather armor rested over one thick arm while the newly fitted sword gleamed in his other hand.
“Alright, kid,” Brannik said as he set the armor down on the workbench. “Let’s see how it fits.”
Noah picked up the armor and slipped it on.
The leather felt firm but flexible as he fastened the straps across his chest. The smaller metal pauldrons rested neatly on his shoulders, adding protection without weighing him down.
He rolled his shoulders once.
Then twisted his torso slightly.
Noah grinned.
“Man… this fits perfectly.”
He crouched down slightly, testing his movement.
“Very mobile too.”
Brannik crossed his arms proudly.
“Told you.”
“The best armor in Caldonia.”
Hayate leaned casually against the nearby rack of weapons, watching Noah test the fit.
“Not bad,” he admitted.
Brannik then held out the sword.
“Now for the real prize.”
Noah took it carefully.
The blade was beautiful.
Clean steel polished to a bright shine. The leather grip felt solid in his hand, perfectly balanced.
But the real highlight rested just above the guard.
The emerald gem had been embedded into the focus slot near the hilt.
The green stone caught the forge light and shimmered softly, faint veins of mana glowing within it like captured lightning.
Noah blinked.
“…Wow.”
Brannik gave a satisfied grin.
“I was able to bring out the full potential of that gem as well.”
Noah looked up.
“Huh?”
“Full potential?”
Hayate smiled slightly.
Brannik shrugged as if it were obvious.
“Well, of course.”
He tapped the blade with one finger.
“The better the smithy…”
“…the more potential we can draw out of equipment.”
He nodded toward the gem.
“Even focus gems.”
Noah turned the sword slightly in his hand.
The emerald pulsed faintly.
Then—
A soft blue window appeared in the corner of his vision.
His HUD.
Aoi’s cheerful voice chimed in.
New Equipment Registered.
A small status panel appeared in front of Noah.
Uncommon Steel Longsword — 1 Slot
Slot Filled: Fine Emerald Focus Gem
Weapon Stats:
Base Physical Attack: 25
Weight: 5.25 lbs
Slot Stat Boost:
Fine Emerald Focus Gem → +30 STM
Noah’s eyes widened slightly.
“Thirty stamina…”
Hayate raised an eyebrow.
“Something good?”
Noah smiled.
“Yeah.”
He gave the sword a small testing swing.
It cut cleanly through the air with a sharp whistle.
“Very good.”
Brannik nodded proudly.
“Take care of that blade.”
He wiped his hands on a rag.
“And it’ll take care of you.”
Hayate pushed himself off the wall.
“Alright.”
He gestured toward the door.
“Shopping trip’s over.”
His eyes gleamed slightly.
“Let’s go close a rift.”
Noah scrolled through his inventory — landing on the small emerald gem Tera had given him.
After selecting It, he held it in his hand.
The refractive shine and vivid color was unexpectedly more vibrant than before.
Noah slid the new longsword into the scabbard at his hip and adjusted the straps of his armor. The leather hugged his frame snugly, the small pauldrons resting comfortably on his shoulders.
“Feels good,” he muttered.
Hayate nodded approvingly.
“Good gear keeps you alive.”
They stepped out of the forge and back into the busy streets of Caldonia.
The market was just as alive as before.
Merchants shouted prices.
Wagons creaked along the stone streets.
Children ran between stalls while guards watched from the corners.
Hayate didn’t slow.
He walked straight toward the eastern side of the city, weaving easily through the crowd.
Noah followed beside him.
“So how far is this rift?” Noah asked.
“About an hour walk,” Hayate replied.
“Eastern forest.”
They passed through the larger merchant streets until the buildings gradually began thinning.
Soon the tall stone walls of Caldonia rose ahead.
The eastern gate stood open, travelers moving in and out beneath the watchful eyes of two armored guards.
One of the guards straightened when he saw Hayate.
“Captain.”
Hayate gave a small nod.
“Rift duty.”
The guard stepped aside immediately.
Noah followed Hayate through the gate and out onto the open road.
Behind them, the sounds of the city slowly faded.
Fields stretched across the land outside Caldonia.
Farmers worked the soil.
A wagon rolled past them loaded with sacks of grain.
The air smelled cleaner out here.
Hayate walked steadily along the dirt road.
“So,” he said after a few minutes.
“First rift.”
Noah nodded.
“First one.”
Hayate smirked slightly.
“Good.”
Noah glanced at him.
“That doesn’t sound comforting.”
Hayate shrugged.
“Rifts are the fastest way to learn.”
They walked for a while in silence.
The road eventually curved toward the dark green line of the eastern forest.
Hayate spoke again as they approached the tree line.
“Rifts aren’t natural.”
“They’re tears in reality.”
Noah raised an eyebrow.
“Demons?”
“Usually,” Hayate replied.
“Sometimes worse.”
They stepped off the road and into the forest.
The shade cooled the air immediately.
Birds scattered as they walked deeper between the trees.
Hayate slowed slightly.
“You’ll feel it soon.”
“Feel what?”
“Miasma.”
Noah didn’t have to wait long.
A strange pressure slowly crept into the air around them.
Like the forest itself was holding its breath.
Hayate pointed ahead.
“Almost there.”
They pushed through a final line of trees and stepped into a wide clearing.
Noah stopped.
At the center of the clearing, the air twisted violently.
A jagged tear in reality floated above the ground like a wound in the world itself.
Dark violet energy spiraled around the opening.
Black lightning flickered across its surface.
The ground around it had turned dark and brittle.
Nothing grew within several yards of it.
Hayate folded his arms.
“There it is.”
“The C-rank rift.”
He glanced over at Noah.
“Still confident?”
Noah stared at the swirling portal for a moment.
Then he rested his hand on the hilt of his new sword.
A faint grin appeared on his face.
“Yeah.”
Inside his mind, Ignis stirred like a waking ember.
Good.
The wolf rumbled.
Something worth hunting.
Hayate reached into a small pouch at his belt and pulled out a smooth gray stone that faintly glowed with a soft blue light.
He held it up.
“You ever seen one of these?”
Noah shook his head.
“No.”
“Mana stone,” Hayate explained.
“Simple magic battery.”
He tossed it lightly in his palm.
“You can make them yourself if you're talented enough with mana shaping.”
“Most people just buy them from the guild or the mages quarters.”
Noah studied the glowing stone.
“What’s it for?”
Hayate nodded toward the rift.
“Opening the doorway.”
He stepped closer to the swirling tear.
“Technically you could force the rift open with your own mana…”
He smirked.
“But that’s a stupid way to start a fight.”
Noah chuckled.
“Save your energy for the monsters.”
“Exactly.”
Hayate stepped up to the edge of the rift and pressed the mana stone forward.
The stone flared with bright blue light.
The swirling portal reacted instantly.
The violet energy parted slightly, forming a stable opening like a doorway through the chaos.
Hayate glanced back at Noah.
“Better than draining yourself before the battle even starts.”
Noah nodded.
“Definitely.”
Hayate grinned slightly.
“Stay close.”
Then he stepped forward—
And walked through the rift.
Noah took one last look at the dark forest around them.
Then he followed.
The moment Noah stepped through the rift—
The world changed.
The forest vanished behind him like a curtain being ripped away.
Cold air slammed into his lungs.
The ground beneath his boots shifted from soft soil to cracked black stone that looked as though it had been burned centuries ago.
The sky above wasn’t a sky at all.
It churned like a storm trapped inside a cavern ceiling—dark red clouds swirling through veins of purple lightning.
The air carried the heavy smell of sulfur and rot.
Noah slowly exhaled.
“Well…”
His voice echoed strangely in the open space.
“This place looks welcoming.”
Hayate stepped forward a few paces, his posture immediately shifting.
The casual market-walking captain was gone.
In his place stood a seasoned warrior.
His hand rested loosely on the hilt of his katana.
Eyes scanning the terrain.
“Welcome to a rift.”
Noah glanced around.
Jagged rock formations twisted upward from the ground like the bones of some ancient beast. Black thorn-like growths crawled along the terrain, pulsing faintly with dark energy.
And ahead—
A massive stone archway stood partially collapsed.
Beyond it, the entrance to the dungeon.
A cavern carved into the earth itself.
Dark mist slowly rolled out from its mouth.
Noah rested his hand on his sword.
“So that’s the dungeon core area?”
Hayate nodded.
“Most likely deeper inside.”
He crouched slightly and ran his fingers across the ground.
The stone was scratched in several places.
Claw marks.
“Fresh.”
Hayate stood.
“Good.”
Noah blinked.
“Good?”
Hayate smirked faintly.
“Means we’re first ones here.”
Inside Noah’s mind, Ignis rumbled softly.
I smell them.
Noah subtly nodded.
“Same.”
Hayate glanced sideways at him.
“Oh?”
Noah shrugged.
“Gut feeling.”
Hayate didn’t press the subject.
Instead he slowly drew his katana.
The blade slid free with a smooth metallic whisper.
Shiiiing.
The steel gleamed under the strange red sky.
“Alright rookie.”
Hayate rotated the blade once in his hand.
“Lesson one.”
Noah drew his own sword.
The emerald gem in the hilt caught the dim red light, glowing softly as mana flowed through it.
His HUD flickered to life.
A faint blue window appeared in the corner of his vision.
Noah J. Blackwell — Lv 7
HP: 110
STM: 160
MP: 150
Noah blinked once.
The numbers hovered quietly in the air like translucent glass.
Then his eyes shifted sideways.
Another window appeared.
This one wasn’t his.
Captain Hayate — Lv 37
HP: 350
STM: 470
MP: 80
Noah’s eyebrows lifted slightly.
Yeah… definitely a physical build like I thought.
That stamina pool was ridiculous.
And the mana…
Barely anything compared to his own.
But the level…
Noah’s eyes widened slightly.
Level thirty-seven?
Holy crap.
His mind drifted for half a second.
If Hayate is level thirty-seven…
I wonder what level the Guild Master is…
Galvin’s calm presence flashed briefly in Noah’s mind.
He pushed the thought aside.
This wasn’t the time.
Hayate glanced sideways at him.
“You staring at something?”
Noah shrugged casually.
“Just thinking.”
Hayate smirked.
“Try not to do too much of that during a fight.”
He tilted his blade toward the cave entrance.
“Focus on staying alive. Remember rookie — this counts as part of your guild test.”
Right on cue—
A low, guttural growl echoed from inside the darkness.
Then another.
Noah’s attention snapped forward.
Movement stirred inside the cave.
Shapes crawling toward the light.
Hayate’s stance lowered slightly.
“There we go.”
The first creature emerged.
Then another.
Then three more.
Gray twisted bodies dragged themselves from the darkness, long clawed arms scraping against the stone.
Their eyes burned with dull crimson light.
Black saliva dripped from their jagged teeth.
Aoi chimed in Noah’s mind.
Enemy Detected
Rift Ghoul — Lv8.
Noah examined it quickly.
“Lv8. – only one level above me. If I’ve learned anything a few levels of difference doesn’t mean squat. My equipment is also way better now. I can do this no problem.”
Noah tightened the grip on his sword.
Hayate rolled his shoulders once.
“Ghouls.”
He pointed his blade toward them.
“C-rank rifts usually start with trash mobs.”
Noah thought to himself — "Trash mobs?”
The first ghoul shrieked and lunged.
Hayate moved first.
His katana flashed through the air.
Slash.
The ghoul’s head separated from its body in a single clean motion.
The corpse collapsed in a heap.
Hayate flicked black blood from his blade.
“…Your turn.”
Two more ghouls rushed forward.
Noah stepped into his stance.
“Of course, to him they are. To me their kind of horrifying.” He thought as he released a calm exhale.
“But even so, I must grow stronger.”
The new armor shifted smoothly with his movement.
Light.
Flexible.
Perfect.
The emerald gem in his sword pulsed faintly.
His stamina bar remained steady.
He could feel the difference already.
The first ghoul swung a claw toward his chest.
Noah pivoted.
The attack missed.
He stepped inside the creature’s reach—
And swung.
The blade cut clean through the ghoul’s torso.
Black blood splashed across the stone floor.
The monster collapsed instantly.
Enemy Defeated
+42 EXP
STM: 160 -> 158
“Easy enough,” he muttered.
The second ghoul lunged.
Noah reacted faster this time.
Instantly finding the next opening he jolted forth. “Now! —"
Slash.
The creature dropped before it reached him.
Enemy Defeated
+42 EXP
STM: 158 -> 156
Hayate watched with mild approval.
“Not bad.”
He pointed his blade toward the cave entrance again.
More movement stirred inside the darkness.
Dozens of glowing red eyes flickered to life.
Hayate grinned.
“Alright rookie…”
“Looks like the welcoming committee finally woke up.”
Dozens of red eyes flickered in the darkness of the cave.
More shapes crawled forward.
Bones cracking.
Claws scraping stone.
The air filled with guttural growls.
Noah felt the pressure in the rift increase slightly as the creatures poured out from the cavern mouth.
Aoi chimed again.
Enemies Detected
Rift Ghoul — Lv8 (x7)
Noah exhaled slowly through his nose.
“Seven…”
Hayate cracked his neck once.
“Good.”
Noah glanced at him.
“Good?”
Hayate lowered his stance.
“More practice.”
The first three ghouls burst from the cave at once.
Hayate vanished.
Not literally—
But Noah almost lost track of him.
The captain moved like a streak of steel.
Step.
Slash.
One ghoul split clean across the chest before it even understood what happened.
Spin.
A second ghoul’s arm flew through the air followed by its head.
Hayate landed lightly, katana humming through the air.
Two corpses hit the ground behind him.
Noah blinked.
Okay… that’s ridiculous.
A ghoul shrieked and lunged straight for Noah.
He shifted his footing.
His armor moved perfectly with him.
Light.
Flexible.
The stamina boost from the emerald gem kept his body steady.
Claws tore through the air toward his face.
Noah leaned back.
Miss.
His foot slid forward.
Sword flashed.
Slash.
The ghoul’s rib cage split open.
Black blood sprayed across the cracked stone.
Enemy Defeated
+42 EXP
STM: 156 → 154
Two more ghouls rushed him immediately.
Noah’s eyes sharpened.
They’re fast… but predictable.
The first swung wildly.
He stepped inside its reach again.
Shoulder twist.
Downward cut.
Slash.
The blade split through its collarbone.
The monster collapsed instantly.
Enemy Defeated
+42 EXP
STM: 154 → 152
The second ghoul lunged from the side.
Noah pivoted hard.
His boots scraped against the black stone.
He drove forward—
“Now!”
Slash.
The blade carved clean through the creature’s neck.
Its body tumbled past him in a lifeless heap.
Enemy Defeated
+42 EXP
STM: 152 → 150
Hayate landed nearby, flicking blood from his katana.
Three ghoul corpses lay behind him.
He glanced at Noah.
“Hm.”
Noah straightened slightly, breathing steady.
Hayate smirked.
“You’re not panicking.”
Noah shrugged.
“Should I be?”
Hayate chuckled.
“Most rookies freeze.”
A low growl interrupted them.
Two remaining ghouls crawled forward more cautiously now.
Their red eyes flicked between the two humans.
Hayate slowly raised his blade again.
“See that?”
Noah nodded.
“They’re hesitating.”
“Exactly.”
Hayate stepped forward slightly.
“Creatures like these rely on fear.”
His grin widened.
“But once they realize they’re prey…”
The captain vanished again.
Flash.
One ghoul’s body split diagonally before it could react.
The final ghoul turned to flee.
Noah moved first.
He surged forward.
The stamina boost from his gear pushed power through his legs.
He closed the distance in two steps.
Sword raised—
Slash.
The creature dropped instantly.
Enemy Defeated
+42 EXP
STM: 150 → 148
Silence returned to the clearing.
Black blood steamed faintly on the cracked stone.
Noah rolled his shoulders slightly.
“Okay.”
Hayate sheathed his katana halfway before resting it on his shoulder.
“Not bad for your first rift.”
Noah glanced toward the cave entrance again.
The darkness inside felt deeper now.
He could feel it.
Something stronger further within.
Ignis stirred in the back of his mind.
More are coming.
Hayate followed Noah’s gaze.
The captain’s grin slowly returned.
“Ready for the next lesson?”
Noah tightened his grip on the sword.
“Depends.”
Hayate tilted his head toward the cavern.
“Lesson two.”
His eyes gleamed.
“Trash mobs are just the door guards.”
A deep roar echoed from inside the cave.
The ground trembled slightly.
Dust drifted from the stone archway.
Hayate’s grin widened.
“Now we get to the fun part.”
The ground trembled slightly.
Dust sifted from the cracked stone archway as something heavy shifted inside the cave.
A slow scraping echoed from deep within the darkness.
Stone dragged against stone.
Bone against rock.
Hayate didn’t move.
His stance lowered slightly, katana angled forward in a relaxed but ready grip.
“That,” he said calmly, “doesn’t sound like a ghoul.”
Noah kept his eyes locked on the cave entrance.
The sky above churned violently as purple lightning crawled across the red clouds.
Then—
Something stepped out of the darkness.
The creature had once been humanoid.
But corruption had twisted it into something monstrous.
Its body was swollen with dark muscle, gray skin stretched tight over pulsing black veins. Jagged bone spikes pushed through its shoulders and spine like crude armor.
One massive arm dragged along the ground.
The other held a jagged slab of broken stone like a crude club.
Its eyes burned a deep, violent crimson.
Aoi chimed.
Enemy Detected
Rift Brute Ghoul — Lv12 (Elite)
HP: 300
Noah blinked.
“Level twelve…”
His grip tightened around his sword.
Hayate’s grin widened.
“Perfect.”
The brute ghoul inhaled deeply.
Then it roared.
The sound rolled through the clearing like thunder.
Even the air of the rift seemed to vibrate.
The monster stepped forward.
Heavy.
Deliberate.
Each footstep cracked the brittle black stone beneath it.
Noah adjusted his stance.
His HUD flickered.
STM: 148
Hayate glanced sideways.
“Lesson three.”
He tilted his blade toward the creature.
“Elite mobs.”
Noah nodded slightly.
“Bigger.”
Hayate chuckled.
“And tougher.”
The brute suddenly lunged.
Far faster than something that size should have been able to move.
Its massive arm swung the stone club through the air.
Hayate moved first.
He slid sideways like a ghost.
The club smashed into the ground.
CRACK.
Stone exploded outward in a spray of shards.
Noah dashed forward.
The brute’s crimson eyes snapped toward him instantly.
The monster swung its free claw toward his chest.
Noah pivoted.
The claw sliced through empty air.
The wind from the swing alone rattled his armor.
That thing hits hard…
Hayate appeared behind the creature.
His katana flashed.
Slash.
The blade carved a deep line across the brute’s back.
Black blood sprayed across the stone.
But the creature barely slowed.
Aoi chimed again.
Hit Confirmed
Damage Dealt: 48
HP: 300 → 252
The brute ghoul roared in rage and twisted violently, swinging the massive stone slab toward Hayate.
Hayate was already moving.
He slid backward across the stone like a shadow slipping away from light.
The club slammed into the ground where he had stood.
CRACK.
Chunks of black stone exploded outward.
Hayate grinned.
“Told you.”
“Thick hide.”
Noah stepped in again.
The emerald gem in his sword pulsed faintly.
His stamina bar hovered steady.
STM: 148
The brute turned toward him instantly, red eyes burning with fury.
It charged.
Heavy footsteps cracked the ground as it rushed forward.
Noah waited.
The monster swung.
A massive claw tore through the air toward his chest.
Noah pivoted.
The attack missed by inches.
The wind from the swing rattled his armor.
He stepped inside the brute’s reach.
Slash.
The blade bit deep into the creature’s ribs.
Hit Confirmed
Damage Dealt: 18
HP: 252 → 234
STM: 148 → 144
The brute howled.
Its arm swung wildly backward.
Noah jumped back just in time.
The claw passed through the space where his head had been.
Hayate appeared beside him again.
“You see it yet?”
Noah kept his eyes locked on the creature.
“Yeah.”
Hayate smirked.
“Good.”
Deep within the ghoul’s torn flesh Noah spotted it—
A faint glow buried behind the ribs.
A small purple crystal core pulsing with sickly light.
There.
The brute ghoul roared again.
This time charging both of them at full speed.
Hayate stepped forward first.
His katana flashed.
Slash.
Another deep cut opened across the monster’s shoulder.
Black blood sprayed across the ground.
Hit Confirmed
Damage Dealt: 52
HP: 234 → 182
The brute staggered for a moment.
Hayate slid past it smoothly.
Then he stopped a few steps away.
He lowered his blade slightly and glanced back at Noah.
“Your kill.”
Noah blinked.
“Seriously?”
Hayate’s grin widened.
“Field evaluation.”
The brute ghoul roared and turned toward Noah.
Its massive claws dug into the stone as it charged.
Noah exhaled slowly.
Alright…
Guess I better step it up.
His stance lowered.
Mana surged through his legs.
The emerald gem pulsed brighter.
“Swift Edge.”
His body shot forward like an arrow.
A burst of speed carried him around the brute’s first swing.
Slash.
Steel struck across the monster’s ribs.
Hit Confirmed
Damage Dealt: 27
HP: 182 → 155
STM: 144 → 139
The brute swung wildly.
Noah ducked under the strike and slid to its side.
Always moving.
Always watching.
Hayate’s grin slowly widened.
The captain’s sharp eyes tracked every step.
Interesting…
Noah didn’t speak.
His eyes never left the monster.
All focus.
All intent.
The brute turned again and slammed its club downward.
CRASH.
Stone shattered where Noah had been standing.
But he was already moving.
“Swift Edge.”
Another burst of speed.
Slash.
Steel cut deep across the creature’s back.
Hit Confirmed
Damage Dealt: 27
HP: 155 → 128
STM: 139 → 134
The brute howled and spun.
Its claw tore through the air.
Noah slipped beneath it again.
His boots scraped across the cracked stone as he shifted positions.
Hayate chuckled under his breath.
“Not bad…”
Noah surged forward again.
The purple core flashed into view through the torn flesh.
That’s it.
“Swift Edge.”
Slash.
The blade struck across the brute’s chest.
Hit Confirmed
Damage Dealt: 27
HP: 128 → 101
STM: 134 → 129
The brute staggered.
Blood poured from the growing wounds across its torso.
But it was still standing.
Still dangerous.
The monster roared and lunged again.
Noah pivoted.
Claws missed by inches.
He slid along the creature’s flank.
Another strike.
Slash.
Hit Confirmed
Damage Dealt: 27
HP: 101 → 74
STM: 129 → 124
Hayate’s grin had grown wider now.
The captain leaned slightly against his blade as he watched.
The kid’s got instincts.
Noah’s breathing remained steady.
His movements sharp.
Focused.
Every step.
Every swing.
Like a warrior honing himself mid-battle.
The brute roared again and lifted its club high.
Noah didn’t retreat this time.
He stepped forward.
Eyes locked on the glowing purple core.
Now.
“Swift Edge.”
He burst forward.
Slash.
The blade carved across the monster’s chest.
The core flashed brighter through the opening wound.
But the blade didn’t reach it.
The crystal was deeper than he thought.
Hit Confirmed
Damage Dealt: 27
HP: 74 → 47
STM: 124 → 119
The brute grabbed for him.
Noah twisted away just in time.
Too thick…
One more.
He inhaled sharply.
Adrenaline surged through his veins.
“Swift Edge!”
Power exploded through his legs as he burned stamina.
Noah launched forward like a bolt of lightning.
The brute ghoul barely had time to react.
Its massive claw swung wildly through the air—
Too slow.
Noah slipped past the attack, boots skidding across the cracked stone.
His blade flashed upward.
Slash.
Steel carved deeper into the monster’s torn chest.
Hit Confirmed
Damage Dealt: 27
HP: 47 → 20
STM: 119 → 114
The purple core inside the wound glowed brighter now.
But it still hadn’t shattered.
The brute howled and tried to grab him.
Noah twisted away just in time.
Claws ripped through empty air inches from his shoulder.
Still not enough…
His eyes locked onto the glowing crystal buried inside the creature’s chest.
Then again.
His muscles tensed.
He pushed off the ground.
“Swift Edge!”
Another burst of speed.
Stamina burned through his body as he surged forward again.
Even Hayate’s eyebrow lifted slightly.
The brute swung its stone club downward—
But Noah was already inside its reach.
His sword drove forward.
Straight through the torn chest cavity.
CRACK.
Steel pierced the glowing purple core.
Critical Hit Confirmed
Damage Dealt: 20
HP: 20 → 0
For a single second—
The brute ghoul froze.
Then the crystal shattered.
Purple energy burst outward as the monster’s body collapsed like a puppet with its strings cut.
The massive corpse slammed into the stone floor.
Dust and black blood spread across the clearing.
Enemy Defeated
Rift Brute Ghoul — Lv12
+160 EXP
STM: 114 → 109
For a moment, silence returned to the clearing.
Noah slowly pulled his sword free from the corpse.
Black blood dripped from the blade.
Then—
A soft chime echoed inside his mind.
Aoi’s voice followed immediately.
Level Up
Level 9 Reached
Noah blinked.
His HUD flickered to life.
He stared at it for a moment before a grin spread across his face.
That must have done it.
The earlier ghouls must have pushed his experience just under level eight…
And the brute finished the job.
Noah clenched his fist.
“Hell yes.” he muttered under his breath.
Behind him, Hayate let out a low whistle.
“Well damn.”
He stepped closer, looking down at the fallen brute before glancing back at Noah.
“That…”
A grin spread across his face.
“…was impressive.”
Noah flicked the blood from his blade.
“Guess I’m not a pushover after all.”
Hayate chuckled.
“No.”
He turned toward the dark cavern entrance again.
“You definitely aren’t.”
A low rumble echoed from deep within the cave.
The ground vibrated faintly beneath their feet.
Hayate’s grin slowly returned.
“Good.”
He rolled his shoulders.
“Because that…”
He nodded toward the dead brute.
“…was just the warm-up.”
Noah flicked the black blood from his blade and slid it back into a ready grip.
He glanced down at the massive corpse of the brute ghoul as it began to dissipate and smirked.
“I guess you did call it an elite mob, huh.”
Hayate chuckled quietly as he turned toward the cavern.
“Told you.”
The captain rolled his shoulders once and began walking deeper into the rift.
“Come on.”
“The real fight’s further in.”
Noah followed.
The deeper they went, the darker the cave became.
The air grew colder.
Heavier.
The red glow from outside faded behind them as twisted veins of purple corruption crawled along the stone walls like living scars.
A faint heartbeat pulsed through the ground.
Slow.
Unnatural.
Boom.
Boom.
Boom.
As they walked, Noah quietly opened his HUD.
The translucent interface appeared before him.
Level Up Points Available
“Perfect…”
He moved quickly.
Ten points into HP.
Ten points into MP.
Two points into DEX.
The numbers shifted instantly.
The stat window updated.
Noah J. Blackwell — Level 9
Class: Battle Mage
Title: Blessed Variable
STR 8?????HP 120
DEX 17????MP 160
CON 11????STM 130 +30
INT 16
WIS 12
CHA 10
EXP: 987 / 10290
LUK 17
Noah nodded slightly.
That feels better.
Then—
A soft chime echoed in his mind.
Aoi’s voice followed.
New Abilities Granted
Two new windows appeared in his HUD.
New Skill Acquired
Warrior’s Resolve
Buff Skill
Duration: 30 seconds
Effect: Stamina cost reduced by 50%
Noah’s eyes widened slightly.
“Oh… that’s good.”
Another window appeared.
New Skill Acquired
Phantom Slash
Physical Attack Skill
MP Cost: 30
Effect: Delivers a strike dealing double weapon damage
Bonus Effect: 25% increased chance of critical damage
Noah stopped walking.
“YES!” he shouted.
Hayate immediately turned around.
“What?”
The captain stared at him like he’d just lost his mind.
Noah quickly coughed.
“Uh…”
He scratched the back of his neck.
“Just… checking my abilities.”
Hayate squinted at him.
“…In the middle of a rift?”
Noah shrugged.
“Battle mage stuff.”
Hayate stared for another moment.
Then he slowly shook his head.
“You’re a strange kid.”
He turned and continued forward.
The tunnel widened.
The stone walls began to change as they walked—twisted roots of corruption growing thicker, pulsing faintly with dark violet energy. The air itself felt heavier now, like breathing through water.
The heartbeat beneath the ground grew louder.
Boom.
Boom.
Boom.
Hayate slowed.
Noah noticed immediately.
The captain’s relaxed posture from earlier was gone.
His hand rested firmly on the hilt of his katana now.
Not casually.
Ready.
They stepped through the final stone archway.
The cavern beyond was enormous.
A massive chamber carved from black stone stretched out before them. Jagged pillars rose from the ground like broken teeth. At the far end of the cavern, a large pulsating crystal formation jutted from the floor.
The dungeon core.
But something was wrong.
The corruption around it was far thicker than it should have been.
Dark mist poured across the ground like fog.
Then—
Something moved inside it.
A massive shape slowly stood.
Two glowing eyes opened in the darkness.
Red.
Much brighter than the ghouls.
The creature stepped forward.
Stone cracked beneath its weight.
Noah’s HUD flickered automatically.
Aoi spoke.
Enemy Detected
The identification text struggled for a moment.
Then stabilized.
Rift Revenant — Lv32
HP: 500
Noah’s breath caught.
“…Level thirty-two?”
Hayate didn’t answer.
For the first time since entering the rift—
The captain’s grin was gone.
His eyes narrowed sharply.
Slowly…
Very slowly…
He drew his katana.
The blade slid free with a cold metallic whisper.
“…That’s not right.”
The monster stepped forward again.
Its body was enormous—twisted armor-like bone plates fused with rotting flesh. A massive corrupted great sword dragged behind it, grinding against the stone floor with a horrific screech.
Dark energy poured off its body like smoke.
Hayate’s voice dropped low.
“This was supposed to be a C-rank rift.”
The creature lifted its head.
The pressure in the room intensified instantly.
Hayate’s jaw tightened.
“…Damn it.”
He shifted his stance.
Then glanced back at Noah.
“We’re leaving.”
Noah blinked.
“Seriously?”
“Yes,” Hayate said immediately. “This is wrong.”
His eyes never left the monster.
“A Level 32 Revenant doesn’t belong in a C-rank rift.”
He stepped backward slowly.
“We come back with a full party.”
“Minimum B-rank team.”
The monster watched them.
Silent.
Waiting.
Hayate reached into his coat and pulled out a small parchment scroll wrapped with a silver band.
“Teleport scroll,” he muttered.
“Expensive… but better than dying.”
He broke the seal.
Runes flared to life across the parchment.
Light gathered around them—
Then suddenly twisted.
The glow turned dark.
The magic collapsed.
The scroll crumbled into black ash in Hayate’s hand.
Hayate stared.
“…What?”
The air around them thickened.
Dark mist began spreading across the chamber floor.
Noah felt it immediately.
A cold pressure wrapping around the entire room.
Hayate’s eyes widened slightly.
“…No.”
The revenant slowly raised its massive blade.
Purple runes crawled across the cavern walls.
The stone entrance behind them sealed shut with a deep grinding sound.
Black magic spread across the archway like molten tar.
Hayate turned sharply.
The exit was gone.
Sealed.
“…It sealed the room.”
Noah’s stomach dropped.
Hayate crushed the ash of the scroll in his hand.
“Miasma corruption…”
His voice had gone tight.
“It canceled the teleport.”
He stared back at the monster.
“This is impossible.”
“How is it that smart…?”
The Revenant tilted its head slightly.
Then—
It spoke.
Its voice echoed through the cavern like stone grinding against bone.
“So…”
“Great warriors travel all this way…”
The monster’s glowing eyes narrowed.
“…only to run away?”
Noah froze.
Hayate’s face went pale.
“…They don’t talk.”
His voice was barely above a whisper.
“They never talk.”
The revenant slowly raised its corrupted blade.
“This is bad…”
Hayate’s grip tightened on his katana.
“Very bad.”
For the first time since they entered the rift—
There was real fear in his voice.
He glanced at Noah.
And sighed.
“…Sorry kid.”
He stepped forward slightly, placing himself between Noah and the monster.
“I didn’t expect something like this.”
His stance lowered.
The air around him sharpened.
“We might actually die here.”
The Revenant lifted its blade.
Dark energy erupted around the dungeon core.
The monster’s voice echoed again through the chamber.
“Good.”
“Then your souls will be worth harvesting.”
Hayate exhaled slowly.
“…Yeah.”
He tightened his grip on the katana.
“Definitely B-rank.”
The Revenant took a step forward.
And the cavern shook.
Dark miasma rolled across the chamber floor like a living fog, curling around the broken pillars and the pulsating dungeon core behind it.
Hayate inhaled slowly.
Then exhaled.
His grip tightened around the hilt of his katana.
“…Kid.”
Noah looked over.
Hayate’s eyes were sharp now – focused in a way Noah hadn’t seen before.
“If there’s ever a good time to fight like everything is on the line…”
He lifted the blade slightly.
“…this is it.”
The revenant dragged its corrupted great sword across the ground.
Screeeeech.
The sound echoed through the cavern like nails across stone.
Hayate’s voice lowered.
“Noah… listen carefully.”
He didn’t take his eyes off the monster.
“My eyes will stay on this thing.”
He shifted his stance slightly.
“I’ll do everything I can to protect you.”
For a moment—
Hayate’s tone grew heavier.
“But even I can only do so much.”
Noah nodded slowly.
His emerald-set blade rose into a ready stance.
His eyes burned with determination.
“I understand.”
The revenant lifted its head.
The dungeon core behind it pulsed violently.
Dark energy spread across the cavern walls like spreading cracks.
The creature took another step forward.
The chamber shook violently.
Dust fell from the ceiling.
Hayate stepped forward.
Taking point.
His katana angled toward the monster.
Noah stepped beside him.
Not behind.
Beside.
Hayate glanced sideways for half a second.
Then a faint grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Noah tightened his grip on the sword.
His stamina pulsed steady in his HUD.
“…Guess it’s time to go all out.”
The revenant raised its massive blade.
Dark power surged through the chamber.
And the dungeon core flared with violent purple light.
To Be Continued…
