The light of the morning sun barely slipped through the half-drawn curtains, softly gliding across the wooden floor of the room. The spacious space was quiet, the only sound being the gentle rustling of the wind outside, a reminder that the world was waking up. Amid this silence, Alex lay on the large bed, half-covered by a sheet.
His eyes were already open, but he wasn't in a hurry to get up. He simply lay there, staring at the ceiling, allowing himself a few more minutes of peace. His body felt relaxed, his thoughts — sparse, nearly translucent.
Several minutes passed before he finally exhaled, sat up, stretched, and eventually rose from the bed. He slipped on a pair of dark shorts, pulled over a light tank top, gave the familiar room a glance, and calmly made his way downstairs to the first floor.
The house was silent. No footsteps, no voices, no familiar aroma of breakfast in the air — just the soft creaking of the window frames. Alex entered the kitchen and immediately saw a note lying on the table. Recognizing his mother's handwriting, he picked it up.
"We went to the dungeon with Dad and the girls. The food's ready — just heat it up. Don't worry, it's only a C-rank. We'll be back in about an hour. Love you. — Emma."
Alex chuckled and scratched the back of his head.
"Hm… I thought they weren't planning to go anywhere today…"
He put the note back in its place and looked at the breakfast waiting for him: a few roasted potatoes with spices, meat with a crispy crust, and a fresh salad of cucumbers and tomatoes. Steam still rose from the potatoes and meat — they must've left just moments ago.
Alex sat down at the table, picked up a fork, but didn't start eating right away — his thoughts began to slowly surface, flowing in one after another.
"Four more days… and it'll be exactly one year since I returned to the past."
"In the first few months, I achieved quite a lot, but real progress came in the last eight. During that time, I reached level sixty-six. My magic and intelligence had hit one hundred long ago. The rest of the stats I've been training evenly."
"And what's most interesting — I wasn't even obsessed with raiding. Twice a week — standard outings with the Academy raid group, plus three dungeons on the weekends when I was free. Not that much, really."
"I still went into A-rank dungeons. S-ranks were still off-limits — no guild wanted to send a solo fighter there, even with Elizabeth's permission. But over time, those dungeons started to feel like casual strolls. And to avoid getting bored, I started experimenting."
"A scythe made of blood. A double-edged sword like Kaelis's. Or just… bare hands. Anything to make it more thrilling. But the real fun began when I finally… truly felt progress with dark magic."
Alex smiled slightly, looking out the window. The sun was shining, and the wind gently swayed the tree branches in the yard. He picked up his fork — it was time to eat.
He slowly chewed a slice of meat, unhurriedly. The taste was excellent, as always when Alpha cooked, but his thoughts had long since drifted elsewhere — to what had happened over the past eight months.
"Now all the mana channels for darkness are complete. From the core — to every finger, every muscle, every nerve. And it's… hard to put into words. Dark mana flows through my body freely, smoothly — as if it was always a part of me. Just like normal mana… but darkness feels different. As if… more pleasant?"
Alex smiled to himself, leaning back against the chair.
"Though maybe I'm just saying that because its destructive potential fascinates me. I like holding power in my hands — power that could obliterate everything around me — and having complete control over it."
He remembered the first time he created a dark magic circle — simple, but stable. Day by day, he learned to form darkness into various shapes, to control its duration, power, and speed of manifestation. One spear could leave just a scar, another — pierce straight through even an A-rank boss.
"Darkness is about scale. If blood is surgical precision and one-on-one combat, then darkness is catastrophe. With blood, you fight a dozen enemies. With darkness — an army."
He smiled again, recalling one particularly vivid episode.
"Once, I decided to clear a dungeon using only dark flame. I didn't even look at who was in front of me. Just raised my hand, cast the spell — and kept walking. Like moving through fog. I reached the boss room using only half of my mana supply. And the boss itself — I wiped it out with a single, powerful spell. Clean. Cold. Beautiful."
But even more memorable was another technique — familiar, intriguing, foreign and yet somehow close.
"Reiner's Spikes. Darkness rising from beneath the ground. I really liked it. I began training it myself. Forming the spikes — easy. Giving them hardness — also manageable. But creating them at a distance… That's where it gets tricky. My limit is a few meters. Beyond that, they're either smaller, less solid… or don't appear at all. For now. My control's still not perfect. But I'm working on it."
He picked up the fork again, slowly ate a few more pieces of potato, and looked out the window.
"All of this — thanks to Krul. She spent so much time on me… even though her own time is limited. Most of her effort went into helping me understand how to shape darkness. It's somewhat similar to blood magic… but in reality — entirely different sensations, different reactions. I had to work with it several times more carefully than with blood."
"Now we see each other rarely. She only asks me to visit from time to time — to share new techniques, my progress. A few times she even took me into B-rank dungeons, just to see what I was capable of. She was pleased. But warned me — keep everything a secret."
"Krul said if anyone finds out a vampire mastered dark magic — there'll be hundreds wanting to learn. But she doesn't believe they have my talent. And she doesn't want to waste her time."
"So aside from Krul, Elizabeth, Adam, and Astarion — no one knows that the world has seen its first vampire to tame darkness. At least… the first that I know of."
Alex finished breakfast, washed his dishes, and then headed to the bathroom. It greeted him with a familiar sterile shine, a light scent of mint from the soap, and a mirror that reflected his own face — slightly older than a year ago, but still with the same eyes full of determination.
He turned on the tap, rinsed his toothbrush, squeezed on some toothpaste, and began brushing his teeth. As usual, his thoughts wandered.
"During this time… I've changed. But I'm not the only one. Aria… she gets stronger with every training session. And I don't even know — is it because of her natural talent, or am I just a good teacher?"
"Our sparring matches now — they're no longer warmups. They're real fights. I attack, she counters. She strikes — I defend. Counter after counter. Adam once joked that we're dancing more than fighting. And honestly, that comment warmed my heart."
Alex smiled to himself in the mirror, toothbrush still in his mouth.
"I'm finally teaching Aria the things I promised. For example, how to use the blood of dead monsters. We go into C-rank dungeons together — safer, fewer problems. She experiments with shapes, applications, tries every idea that pops into her head. And the progress… is clear."
He spat out the toothpaste, rinsed his mouth, and wiped his face with a towel. He glanced once more into the mirror. Then placed his hands on the sink and leaned forward slightly, allowing the next memory to rise.
"Damian… he's improving too. Even though Elizabeth said blood magic comes harder to him than to Aria, every time he gets closer and closer to his sister. And what's most interesting — he has far fewer training sessions than I have with Aria. But the results are almost the same. What else would you expect from Elizabeth's student? She has years of teaching behind her. And me? Aria's my first student. Still, Elizabeth says I'm doing well. Maybe it's not so bad after all."
Alex left the bathroom, walking leisurely down the hallway, until his thoughts returned to another familiar name.
"Adam… He's nothing like the boy I first fought eight months ago. Now he's Professor Light's student — and it shows. Lightning magic in his hands now feels ten times more dangerous than before. His attacks have become much faster and more powerful, to the point that even I can barely keep up with him during sparring. Every month he asks me for a duel. And with each one… he gets closer. Not to me — to his goal. To defeating Astarion."
"And he'll achieve it. I have no doubt."
"He's even formed his own raid group, clearing B-rank dungeons. Kailan, Edward, Sophia, Aria, Damian… and Reiner. That was my idea — to suggest Reiner. He's changed. A lot."
Alex stopped by the window, gazing out into the yard. The fresh air gently swayed the curtain.
"He even became a member of the student council. Everyone was surprised. Even me, to be honest. But… now, when I look at him — I can't even bring myself to say he's the same Reiner who once tried to kill me."
Returning to the room, Alex immediately walked up to the wardrobe.
The sun was already climbing higher, and if he wanted to make it in time for a walk around the city, he needed to get dressed. He took off his home tank top and shorts, then pulled on black jeans, a white t-shirt, and threw on a light yet elegant black coat. In the mirror's reflection, it looked simple and stylish—typical for him.
As he descended toward the manor's exit, memories suddenly flashed through his mind again—this time of those with whom he had completed dozens of raids.
"Our group... We work as smoothly as it's even possible. No pointless arguments. Everyone holds their position. Everyone listens to my commands without unnecessary questions. I think I'm doing well as a commander."
"All this time, not a single raid ended with someone getting seriously hurt. And that's not just my merit. Each of them has become stronger. Strong enough now that every one of them could defeat an A-rank boss alone. Of course, not as easily as I could... but still. And that's thanks to the training with the Directors."
"We've become more than a battle unit. We're true friends. Lilith, Celia, Lianel—it was easy to find common ground with them. But Rogan and Kaelis... they surprised me."
Alex smiled faintly again, remembering how the silent Rogan suddenly began slipping in joking remarks during training, or how Kaelis once stepped in to support Eliria in a fight of his own accord.
"Rogan's become less withdrawn. Even cracks jokes now and then. The same goes for Kaelis. He's grown softer, warmer. And it's done him good."
"But what I'm most proud of is Eliria."
Alex closed his eyes for a moment. Before him rose the image of the same girl—quiet, tense, always guilty for her own fear. And then—the image of the Eliria of today: confident, composed, ready to act.
"She's almost no longer afraid of monsters. And that... that's a huge step. For all of us. Now I know for sure—our healer won't freeze at a critical moment. She's not a burden—she's a pillar."
"Teleportation magic gave her mobility. She can reach any one of us in seconds. And now—she's studying vine magic with Irida and can already defend herself. She can restrain the enemy, immobilize them, help us buy time. In short... she's almost like she was in my past. And that brings me incredible joy."
Alex stepped back from the mirror, took one last look at his reflection. There was something new in his eyes now—a mix of pride, responsibility, and a certain inner peace.
"They've all changed. And I've changed too. And there's still so much ahead..."
Morven was coming to life under the midday sun.
The city's narrow streets, paved with light gray stone, were slowly filling with life. The houses here were built of light stone and dark wood, with tiled roofs and wide windows, behind which flickered the displays of shops, workshops, and cafés. Above each door hung wrought-iron signs—with crests, inscriptions, or even magical emblems that glowed softly.
The air smelled of fresh pastries, dried herbs, and aromatic oils from the nearby alchemy shop. From time to time, children ran through the crowds, laughing, or small carts of goods rolled by. Some people sold vegetables right from wooden tables, while others called passersby to a performance by a small traveling theater set up right in the square.
Alex walked leisurely through these familiar streets, breathing in the air that had always seemed alive to him. Everything around was simple, yet filled with enchantment.
He had already passed one of the main streets when his gaze suddenly stopped on a familiar figure—Eliria was standing near the bookstore window. She was leaning forward slightly, intently examining something inside, her hair gently falling over her shoulders. Amid the bustle of the city, she looked remarkably serene.
Alex was about to approach her, but as she heard his steps, the girl turned around. When her eyes met his, she immediately smiled and waved.
"Oh, Alex!" she said joyfully as he came closer. "I didn't think I'd run into you here."
"And I was almost starting to think I was seeing things," he smiled. "What brings you all the way to Morven?"
Eliria glanced back at the display and replied:
"I wanted to visit this bookstore," she nodded toward the shop with the elegant sign Leaves of Knowledge, "to see what they have. They say the selection here is better than at the Academy. And also... ever since you taught me teleportation magic, traveling's become way easier."
Alex raised an eyebrow, looking at her with mild irony.
"You had enough mana to teleport all the way from the Academy?"
Eliria laughed—lightly and warmly.
"Of course not. I teleported to the nearest pass, and from there someone helped me get here."
Alex smiled slightly. Her voice, her confidence, even her simple smile—all of it reminded him just how far she had come. And how much more she could still achieve.
He turned his gaze to the display, following where Eliria was looking.
"So what book caught your interest?" he asked, stepping closer.
Eliria smiled and pointed to one of the upper shelves.
"That one, with the green cover. They say it's one of the best books on healing magic. A few students at the Academy spoke very highly of it."
Alex raised an eyebrow and glanced sideways at her.
"Really? Is there anything you don't know about healing magic?"
"Honestly—no," she chuckled softly, looking at him. "But I want this book for my personal collection. Its print run was very limited, and finding it here—it's a real stroke of luck."
"Then I suggest you buy it before someone else beats you to it."
Eliria nodded, and they were just about to step into the shop when a shout rang out nearby, followed by a harsh, rough voice:
"Grab that girl!"
The students reacted instantly. Their eyes met, and a second later Eliria cast one last glance at the book, then looked back at Alex.
"It can wait."
Alex nodded, and together they sprinted toward the sound of the shout. The street narrowed, turning between two tall stone buildings, and the crowd that had just been cheerfully strolling now parted in surprise.
But suddenly, Alex felt something—a weak, barely perceptible magical aura off to the side. He stopped, quickly turning his head—but there was nothing. Just emptiness.
"What is it?" Eliria asked, stopping beside him.
Alex didn't answer. He closed his eyes, trying to focus on the sensation. The aura was real—faint, trembling, but clear. And it was coming from slightly to the right.
Opening his eyes, Alex began to stare in that direction, straining his sight, trying to catch even the slightest trace of anything.
Then—there it was. A short, distinct sound.
A thin, frightened squeak. A child's. Barely audible... and yet Alex heard it. So did Eliria.
"Did you hear that?" she asked quietly, standing beside him.
"Yes," Alex replied, waiting for the next sound. But from that side—only silence again.
Eliria turned in the same direction, but her gaze remained empty.
"I don't see anything... but I definitely heard it. Like a child..." she whispered.
"Focus," Alex said just as softly, nodding toward the source. "Look closely. You'll see it."
The girl squinted, took a deeper breath... and after a moment she whispered:
"Yes..." she whispered again. "A faint glow. Almost invisible... but it's there."
Alex smiled faintly, and in the next moment, he vanished—simply dissolved into the air, reappearing behind the source of the aura. His hand reached forward to gently touch the unseen presence—when suddenly, two men ran out from around the corner.
"This way!" one of them, with short brown hair and a sharp look, called out. "Hey, kid! Have you seen a little girl? Light-gray hair, white dress!"
Alex immediately stepped forward, shielding the invisible source with his back. His aura shifted drastically—becoming dense, massive, enough to completely obscure the faint glow behind him.
"I did," he answered calmly. "She ran straight ahead and turned left." He pointed.
"Thanks!" shouted the second man, bald, and both ran off without realizing how close they'd come.
As their footsteps faded into the distance, Eliria stepped closer.
"What was that just now?" she asked, a note of wonder in her voice.
Alex glanced back to the spot where he had sensed the aura. Then he looked around, made sure no one was nearby, and nodded to Eliria to come closer. She silently approached, holding her breath.
Alex reached out a hand and, speaking into the emptiness before him, said quietly,
"If you need help—take my hand. I'll take you somewhere safe."
A moment—nothing.
Another—silence.
But on the third, Alex felt two small hands clasp his palm. They were tiny, trembling... and ice-cold.
At that same moment, Eliria appeared beside him.
"Ready?" he asked softly.
She nodded. And in that very instant, a magical circle ignited beneath their feet—and all three vanished from the streets of Morven.
The magic circle flared with a soft glow in the center of the living room. A moment later, three figures appeared in the spacious, cozy room: Alex, Eliria—and a small, invisible presence clutching tightly to Alex's hand.
Eliria looked around at the dark furniture and large windows, lifting her brow slightly.
"Where are we?" she asked cautiously.
"My home," Alex replied briefly, glancing down at the girl still clinging to him.
"You're safe now," he said to her gently. "Nothing will harm you here. You can show yourself."
Everything was still for a few seconds. But then... she appeared.
A little girl—six, maybe seven years old.
Her light-gray hair fell in thin strands over her shoulders. Her eyes were large, pale, tearful and red. On her white dress, to the left side, there was a torn patch of fabric, revealing a scratch along her ribs. The wound was shallow, but still bleeding a little.
"Oh, poor thing..." Eliria whispered and immediately dropped to her knees, reaching out as she readied her healing magic.
But the girl recoiled in fear and hid behind Alex again, tightening her grip on his hand.
"It's okay," Eliria said softly. "I just want to help. It won't hurt at all. I promise."
The girl looked up at Alex, uncertain. He smiled warmly and confidently at her, nodding just slightly. That was enough.
She stepped forward and allowed Eliria to approach.
A soft green glow of healing magic lit up the wound, which quickly began to close.
The girl watched in amazement and relief as her side healed.
"Thank you..." she whispered.
"You're always welcome," Eliria smiled, gently placing a hand on the girl's head and stroking it softly. For the first time that day, the child seemed to relax a little.
Meanwhile, Alex—still holding her hand—used his free one to summon two thin blood tendrils that reached all the way to the kitchen. They filled a glass of water and brought it back, carefully offering it to the child.
She stared at it for a moment, confused, then let go of Alex's hand and took the glass. The water disappeared in several big gulps.
Alex drew the tendrils back into his wrist while Eliria turned her gaze to him.
"What now?" she asked calmly, though a note of concern lingered in her voice.
"Let's give her a little time to rest," Alex replied. "Then we'll ask what happened."
But before he could finish the sentence, the girl spoke quietly again.
"Thank you... but I have to go."
Alex and Eliria exchanged a glance.
"Go where exactly?" Alex asked gently.
The girl looked down at the floor, her fingers trembling slightly.
"I... I need to go home."
"And where is your home?" Eliria asked softly, leaning in closer.
"I live at... Ray of Hope," the girl whispered.
Eliria looked at Alex in surprise.
"You know what that is?"
"I do," he nodded. "It's an orphanage. The most well-known one on the continent. There are seven of them—one in each kingdom."
Alex crouched to the girl's level.
"Why do you want to go back?"
Her lips trembled. Tears welled up in her eyes again.
"I... I have to help. My brothers... and sisters... and Mama."
"How can you help them?" Alex asked gently.
"I..." Her voice cracked, and she sobbed. "I don't know... but I have to..."
Alex was already reaching to embrace her, but Eliria beat him to it.
She gently wrapped the girl in her arms and whispered,
"It's going to be alright. Alex and I will help you get home. We promise."
"Really?" the girl asked quietly, lifting tearful, trusting eyes to them.
"Really," Eliria confirmed with a smile and held her even closer.
With her right hand, she created a green magical ring and touched it lightly to the girl's head.
The glow flickered—and a moment later, worn out from emotion, the child fell asleep in the healer's embrace.
Alex, eyes still fixed on the sleeping girl in Eliria's arms, tilted his head slightly and said quietly,
"I didn't know you could use that kind of magic."
Eliria glanced down at the little one and smiled faintly.
"I asked Irida to teach me. Just out of curiosity. And... this is the first time I've actually needed it."
"Good debut," Alex said warmly, then looked around the living room. "I'll take her."
He gently lifted the girl into his arms and carried her to the soft couch. He laid her down carefully, as if placing the most precious treasure in the world, then stood upright.
"Now all we can do is wait for her to wake up," he said, turning back to Eliria with a small smile. "Don't want to go back for that book before someone else snatches it?"
Eliria shook her head slightly, smiling.
"I'll get it another time. I think I'm needed more here right now."
"Thank you," Alex said sincerely. "Let's leave her here and head to the kitchen."
They left the living room, letting the girl rest in peace and quiet.
Alex led Eliria to the kitchen and gestured to a chair by the window.
"Sit. I'll be just a minute."
And with a flash of magic, he disappeared.
In his room, he quickly grabbed a soft blanket, returned to the living room, gently covered the girl, and a second later, was back in the kitchen.
"Want something to drink?" he asked.
"Green tea, if you have any," Eliria replied with a smile.
Alex nodded, started rummaging through the shelves for the right box, and soon found it. He set the water to boil, took out two cups and a bowl of treats that always sat there for guests. Before long, the aroma of tea filled the kitchen.
He handed a cup to Eliria.
"Thanks," she said, taking a few sips. "Hmm… light, slightly floral, with a faint bitterness at the tip of the tongue."
Alex laughed. "That's the first time I've heard anyone describe tea like that."
"My mother's a complete tea maniac. Drinks it constantly. Sometimes I wonder how she still has blood in her veins and not just tea. I learned it all from her."
"Ha, I may not be as much of a professional as she is, or you, but..." Alex took a sip, thought for a moment, then added, "It has something fresh and sweet. Like greenery after the rain."
Eliria raised an eyebrow and smiled like a seasoned connoisseur.
"Not bad for a first time. A few more tea sessions like this — and you'll learn to tell flavors as well as I do."
Alex only smiled in return, taking another sip — but at that moment, the manor doors burst open.
One of the maids — Gamma — ran into the corridor. Her eyes sparkled with tears, her breathing was uneven, and her gaze was full of panic. She looked around for Alex and, spotting him, rushed forward.
"Gamma?!" Alex jumped up, instantly beside her. He took her by the shoulders, looking into her eyes. "What happened?"
She couldn't utter a single word. Only gasped and sobbed as tears streamed down her cheeks. Her uniform was torn in several places, stained with blood — but not her own. There wasn't a single wound on her body.
"Sit down. Easy," Alex said gently but firmly, sitting her down in his chair. He handed her a glass of water, and she drank it all in one gulp.
A few seconds of silence.
Then, still trembling, Gamma finally spoke:
"It... it was an ambush..." she said through tears. "In the boss's room. Everyone… they stayed behind… covered me… told me to run and… get help…"
She sobbed again, clutching the hem of her dirty dress.
"Stay home," Alex said firmly, then turned to Eliria. "Watch over her. And the girl."
"I'm coming with you," Eliria said firmly. "You might need a healer down in the dungeon."
Alex opened his mouth to protest… but thought better of it. He simply nodded.
"Thank you."
"Don't go!" Gamma grabbed his arm. "There's a monster… he… he…"
"It'll be all right," Alex leaned in, placing his hand gently on her shoulder. His voice was soft, yet confident. "Trust me. I'll come back with everyone."
He looked at Eliria again.
"Keep an eye on our guest," he added to Gamma as a final note — and in that very moment, a magic circle lit up beneath them.
Gamma didn't even get to ask who he meant by "our guest."
Alex and Eliria were already gone.
Thirty minutes earlier…
"All right, last spider's down," Gabriel exhaled, wiping sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand and swinging his sword down. He turned to the girls standing behind him. "You all good?"
"Everyone's fine," Emma replied, approaching the man and immediately beginning to inspect him carefully from head to toe. Her eyes turned suspiciously serious.
"Oh, Emma..." Gabriel chuckled. "It's just a C-rank dungeon. How many times do I have to say it — no creature here can even scratch me."
The woman narrowed her eyes and, without looking away from him, coldly added:
"Sure. But that D-rank goblin two weeks ago, who managed to hit you, might want to argue with you on that."
"Oh, come on!" Gabriel groaned. "I've already explained! I was distracted by another one, didn't see the strike! He was crafty, for a D-rank goblin!"
Emma was about to respond when Alpha cut in:
"Excuse me, but if everyone really is fine, we should hurry. Remember how much time we have left until the festival? Every minute counts now."
Emma, still not done with her moral speech, grudgingly agreed:
"Fine… But this conversation isn't over," she shot at Gabriel and moved ahead.
Gabriel leaned closer to Alpha and whispered:
"Thanks, you saved me."
Alpha smiled.
"That wasn't a rescue. I fully support Emma. But... it really is time to move."
She followed after the lady, and Gabriel looked back at the other maids.
"Well, maybe at least you'll take my side?"
Beta sighed.
"Alpha and Emma are right. You should stay alert not only in B-rank dungeons. Then your lady will be less angry with you."
The other maids silently nodded and followed her.
Gabriel stayed a few steps behind, muttering under his breath:
"These women... always don't get it..."
But despite everything, he moved on.
A few more minutes passed, and they reached the massive, grim doors of the boss's chamber. Gabriel stopped and glanced back at his companions.
"Anyone need a break?"
Silence.
"Good. The faster we're done — the faster we get out of here," he said and pushed open the doors.
They entered the cavern.
A vast hall, its floor blanketed in webs, with dozens of tunnels along the walls leading into darkness. The only light came from a few blue crystals embedded in the walls, casting a dim glow.
Gabriel frowned, peering into the darkness.
"Where is he...? Damn it, don't tell me we'll have to dig through those burrows," he growled.
Alpha, who had moved ahead a bit, suddenly stopped and called out:
"No need. Come here!"
They all gathered around her — and froze.
Lying on the ground in a pathetic heap was the body of a giant spider — the boss. He was wrapped in his own webbing. Not a single leg remained. Shards protruded from his body, wounds covered his entire frame, several eyes had been gouged out.
But he was still alive. Barely. His head moved slightly as he bled.
Emma covered her mouth in horror.
"That's… definitely the boss… But who could've done this?"
And then laughter echoed through the cavern.
Rough, cold, almost human — but at the same time… otherworldly.
From one of the tunnels — behind them — he emerged.
Tall, seemingly human in shape, but his body was fully encased in gleaming black plates. Spikes jutted from his shoulders and spine, and his fingers ended in sharp, curved claws. His teeth gleamed like blades in a sinister grin, and his glowing red eyes pierced the darkness. Two massive horns arched from his head.
Gabriel immediately stepped forward, shielding the girls.
"Did you do this to the spider?"
The monster laughed again, tilting his head slightly.
"Maybe. Or maybe… he wrapped himself up like that. Spiders can be so stupid."
"Very funny," Gabriel rasped, waiting for the right moment to strike. "Who are you? What do you want?"
The monster grinned even wider. His eyes glinted.
"Who am I?" he mused briefly, tapping his chin with a claw. "Still figuring that out."
Then... he extended his hand forward. The claws gleamed like blades, and his smile turned feral.
"But what I want — is to hurt you all real good."
Gabriel sprang into action, closing the distance between himself and the monster in an instant. His sword ignited with a flaming aura and slashed downward at breakneck speed. But the enemy didn't even flinch — he simply raised a hand and stopped the blade mid-air.
A flicker of genuine surprise crossed Gabriel's face, while the monster only smiled wider. The next moment, the creature's free hand swung in a vicious arc, striking Gabriel in the side with immense force. His body was flung like a rag doll, crashing against the stone wall with a heavy thud.
"Gabriel!" Emma screamed and rushed to him.
The monster was already lifting his hand, preparing to strike her too — but a storm of spells flew toward him: fire bolts, ice blades, wind scythes. The creature raised a magical barrier, shielding himself, as Emma dropped to her knees beside Gabriel and began healing him. The damage was severe — the mark of the blow stretched from his ribs to his shoulder.
"Thanks, love," Gabriel rasped, forcing himself to his feet. "Hell of a hit, huh? What do you think?" He tried to smile.
"I think we should get out of here," Emma said, trying to teleport them... but nothing happened. She tried again — still nothing. "He blocked teleportation magic!" Panic crept into her voice.
"Then we take him down here and now," Gabriel growled, fire flashing in his eyes.
Still holding the barrier, the monster turned his head toward them.
"How about joining the fun?" he asked. A red magic circle flared in his palm, and blazing fireballs hurtled toward the couple.
Gabriel reacted instantly: he grabbed his wife, pulled her aside, and simultaneously summoned his own magic circle, launching a counterattack of fire spheres. The spells collided mid-air — a blast, a cloud of dust, and silence.
"Impressive," the monster rasped from within the haze. "But... too weak."
With a grin, he dropped the barrier and lunged at the maids. They didn't even have time to react — several sharp, slicing blows later, they collapsed, blood spilling from deep wounds.
"No...!" Gabriel could only watch as the creature blurred past. He was already behind them, readying the next attack.
But Gabriel appeared right in front of him. His fists blazed with fire as he aimed a strike at the monster's torso — the creature didn't even guard. He took the hit… and didn't budge.
"That all?"
"Just warming up!" Gabriel roared and unleashed a furious barrage of fiery punches.
Meanwhile, Emma was already healing the wounded maids. The first was Gamma. As soon as the healing was complete, she whispered:
"Run. Now."
"I'm staying to help," Gamma croaked.
"No," Alpha said with a broken voice. "If you want to help — bring someone strong. We'll buy you time."
Tears filled Gamma's eyes as she nodded, rose to her feet.
"I'll come back. Hold on!" she shouted, then ran.
The monster saw it. He raised a hand — a magic circle ignited.
"Don't get distracted!" Gabriel shouted, slamming a fiery fist into the monster's jaw with all his might. It was a powerful strike — a wound appeared on the creature's face.
But… his eyes flared with a blazing red light.
His magical aura exploded with renewed strength, filling the cavern. It thickened, darkened — and became terrifying. It pressed down on everyone like a suffocating fog. Gabriel clenched his teeth — his legs barely held him. One thought flashed through his mind:
"This is the darkest aura I've ever seen. An S-rank… far beyond what I can handle. Is this... where I die?"
He raised his hand for another strike — but the monster was faster, driving a blow into his chest. Blood burst from Gabriel's mouth as he was hurled several meters away.
Emma stood frozen, unable even to scream. Her body wouldn't respond. A few other maids, like her, stood paralyzed by fear. The rest lay wounded on the ground.
The monster calmly approached Alpha. She was the closest. He raised his hand — her heart pounded, tears welled in her eyes… but the blow never came.
He… stopped.
His hand slowly lowered, and that wicked smile returned to his face.
"No... not yet. It's too early for you to die. The star of the show… hasn't arrived."