Deep within the shadowy depths of a treacherous dungeon, echoes of footsteps and nervous chatter filled the cavernous halls. Jagged stalactites dripped with moisture, and an ominous energy thrummed through the air, hinting at the presence of something ancient and powerful. A group of adventurers trudged forward, the dim glow of their lanterns flickering against the encroaching darkness.
"We'll clear this dungeon in seconds!" a boastful man at the head of the group declared, his voice cutting through the silence. His name was Garrick, a loud and arrogant adventurer known more for his bravado than his skill. Wearing gleaming armor and wielding a massive sword slung across his back, he grinned, flexing his muscles for the group.
Two women clung to his sides, giggling sycophantically. Their armor was more decorative than practical, and it was clear they were only here to ride Garrick's success and wealth.
"You're the strongest, Garrick! There's no way anything in this dungeon can stop you!" one of the women cooed, fluttering her eyelashes.
"Yeah! You'll show them all who's boss!" the other chimed in, her voice dripping with fake adoration.
Garrick smirked, reveling in the attention. "Of course! I am Garrick the Invincible, after all! There isn't a creature alive that can stand against me!"
The group pressed forward, their confidence swelling—until the ground began to tremble beneath their feet. A deafening roar reverberated through the chamber, and from the shadows emerged the Eldian Guardian, an enormous beast of obsidian flesh, glowing cracks running along its massive body like molten veins. Its glowing eyes locked onto the adventurers, radiating an aura of death and despair.
"W-What the hell is that?!" one of the women shrieked, her fake charm evaporating instantly as terror gripped her.
"It's... It's the final boss!" another whispered, her voice shaking.
Garrick took a step back, the blood draining from his face. "T-That's impossible! They said this dungeon wasn't ranked that high! W-We weren't supposed to fight something like this!"
The Guardian let out a guttural growl, its colossal claws scraping the ground as it advanced.
"Do something, Garrick!" one of the women screamed. "You said you were invincible!"
"Y-Yeah! Y-You've got this, right?" the other stammered, her voice cracking with desperation.
Garrick's bravado shattered under the weight of the Guardian's presence. "S-Shut up! I-I need a second to—"
Before he could finish, the beast roared and lunged at them. The adventurers braced themselves for the end, eyes wide with terror, their bodies frozen in place.
Then, as if the very fabric of time twisted—
A streak of light shot through the air, moving so fast it seemed to cut the darkness in two. In the blink of an eye, a glowing arrow buried itself deep into the Guardian's skull.
The beast staggered, confusion in its glowing eyes. Before anyone could react, another arrow pierced through its chest, then another, each one landing with deadly precision.
The Guardian let out a final groan, collapsing to the ground with a thunderous crash. Dust and debris settled around it, and there—sitting casually atop its massive corpse—was a young boy.
His silver hair gleamed under the faint dungeon light, some strands tied back while the rest cascaded just above his neck, his bangs falling slightly over his bright, piercing purple eyes. He leaned back lazily on the Guardian's body, as if it was a mere bench, completely unfazed by the chaos around him.
Garrick and the others stared in disbelief. The man's jaw dropped. "W-Who... Who the hell are you?"
The boy looked down at them with a cool expression, tilting his head slightly. His voice was calm, as if what he had just done was the most mundane task in the world.
"Zaryth. Zaryth Silverlight."
The name hit them like a punch to the gut.
"Silverlight?" one of the women whispered in disbelief.
"As in, that Silverlight family?" the other gasped, eyes wide.
Garrick's bravado evaporated completely, replaced by a pitiful attempt to hide his fear. "T-The Zaryth Silverlight? The weak one?"
Zaryth ignored the murmurs, stretching his arms casually. "Guess it's time to head back," he muttered to himself.
One of the women, seeing an opportunity, quickly stepped forward with a seductive smile. "You know," she said sweetly, "if you're from the Silverlight family... You must be pretty wealthy. Maybe we could—"
Before she could finish her sentence or touch him, she vanished, reappearing a few feet away and stumbling to the ground with a yelp.
She glared at him, confused and humiliated. "What the—?!"
Zaryth gave her a lazy glance, his expression completely unbothered. "I don't have time for this," he said flatly, brushing off the encounter as if it were nothing.
He stood up from the Guardian's corpse, dusting off his cloak. "You can keep the dungeon rewards," he added with a smirk. "See ya."
Without waiting for a response, Zaryth walked away, his silver hair glinting under the dim light, the sound of his footsteps echoing softly in the now-silent chamber.
The adventurers watched him go, stunned into silence, unsure whether they had just witnessed a miracle—or something far beyond their understanding.
_ _