The dungeon corridors stretched endlessly before them, illuminated only by the dim glow of mana-infused torches embedded in the walls. Ethan and Seraphina moved carefully, their senses attuned to every possible threat lurking within the shadows. The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and lingering mana, a reminder that this place had long been untouched by the outside world.
Ethan exhaled slowly, adjusting the worn cloth wrapped around his fists. His body still ached from their battle with the Abyssal Devourer, but the exhilaration of surviving such a powerful foe still coursed through his veins. Seraphina, walking beside him, had regained her composure, her cold and elegant demeanor restored after their momentary truce in battle.
"You should be more careful," she muttered, not looking at him. "That thing nearly crushed you."
Ethan smirked. "And yet, here I am."
Seraphina rolled her eyes, but before she could retort, they both stopped. Ahead, the corridor widened into a vast chamber, its walls adorned with ancient runes pulsing with a faint golden glow. In the center of the room stood a lone figure, her back turned to them.
She had long, silvery hair cascading down her back like a flowing river of moonlight, and her attire was adorned with symbols of nobility. As she turned to face them, her piercing sapphire eyes locked onto Ethan, her expression unreadable.
Seraphina tensed beside him. "Serene Aldridge..."
The name struck a chord in Ethan's memory. The Aldridge family—one of the most influential noble houses among the Awakened. And standing before him was their young mistress.
Serene's gaze flickered between Ethan and Seraphina before settling on the former. "I was wondering when you'd show up, Ethan."
He raised an eyebrow. "You know me?"
A ghost of a smirk touched her lips. "Everyone in the Academy knows you. The F-rank who refuses to give up. The one who survived against all odds. It's... amusing."
Seraphina's expression darkened. "What are you doing here, Aldridge?"
Serene stepped forward, her movements graceful yet imposing. "Hunting. Exploring. Perhaps looking for something... interesting. And it seems I've found it."
Ethan crossed his arms. "If you're here for a fight, you might want to reconsider. I'm a bit tired from killing dungeon bosses."
Serene chuckled softly. "Oh, I have no interest in fighting you, Ethan. Quite the opposite, actually."
Seraphina's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
Serene ignored her and stepped closer to Ethan, tilting her head slightly as if studying him. "You intrigue me. No mana, no system like the rest of us, yet you keep moving forward. That kind of resilience... it's rare."
Ethan wasn't sure how to respond. He had been called many things—weak, useless, an outcast. But rarely had someone looked at him with genuine curiosity rather than disdain.
Seraphina clicked her tongue. "We don't have time for your games, Aldridge. Get to the point."
Serene sighed, flicking a strand of silver hair behind her shoulder. "Fine. I came to see whether the rumors about Ethan were true. Whether he was just some fool playing hero, or if he was actually something more."
She turned to Ethan, her gaze sharp. "And? Will you prove yourself, or will you keep hiding behind your stubbornness?"
Ethan held her gaze. "I don't need to prove anything to anyone. I'll do what I have to, with or without recognition."
Serene smiled, seemingly pleased with his response. "Good. Then let's see how long you can keep that resolve."
Seraphina exhaled sharply, clearly irritated. "If you're done flirting, we have a dungeon to clear."
Serene's eyes glinted with amusement. "Flirting? My, my, Seraphina. I didn't realize you cared so much."
Seraphina clenched her jaw but said nothing. Ethan could feel the tension thickening in the air. He wasn't blind—he could tell Seraphina had been treating him differently ever since their last battle. And now, with Serene here, things were bound to get even more complicated.
Passive Ability Reminder:
Never Give Up (Progress: ???)
Iron Stride (Progress: 90%)
Bloodforged Tenacity (Progress: 67%)
Enduring Will (Progress: 49%)
Unyielding Flesh (Progress: 52%)
Before the situation could escalate further, a deep rumble echoed through the chamber. The runes on the walls began to glow brighter, and the air itself seemed to vibrate with an unseen force.
Ethan turned sharply. "Something's coming."
Serene's smirk widened. "Then let's see what you're really capable of, Ethan."
Seraphina unsheathed her blade. "Stay out of our way, Aldridge."
Serene simply chuckled. "Oh, don't worry. I wouldn't dream of missing the show."
Ethan sighed, flexing his fists. This was going to be a long night.
To be continued…