We stood just outside the teleportation circle, waiting for someone—or something. The tension among the party was palpable, everyone casting wary glances at the tombstones as if expecting the dead to rise at any moment. I glanced around, noticing the uneasy expressions on my comrades' faces, each reflecting the growing dread of what lay ahead.
The wait dragged on, the silence pressing in as we prepared to face whatever horrors this floor had in store.
CRACK
The hum of the teleportation magic filled the air as we all turned, eyes widening. Behind us, a woman materialized, her presence commanding immediate attention.
She had medium-length blonde hair, the tips dyed orange, and sharp yellow eyes that almost seemed to glow in the sunlight. Two swords rested on her back, their hilts engraved with familiar names—Sun and Lunar. Her armor gleamed, light yet sturdy, its silver plates trimmed in gold, and the chainmail beneath shimmered with an iridescent glow. A deep blue gem hung from a silver pendant around her neck, a crescent moon etched into the metal.
There was no guild insignia on her, marking her as a solo player, but I knew exactly who she was. I'd seen her name on the rankings.
She met my gaze, then stepped forward, her tone calm but firm.
"So you're the famous Arden, right ?" she asked. "I'm Rhy."
All I could do was nod.
A warm smile spread across her face, lighting up the desolate graveyard floor, but Viri wasn't impressed. She rolled her eyes at Rhy's entrance.
"Still upset about your loss to Adrian?" Rhy teased, her tone mockingly sweet.
Viri smiled, though there was a hint of irritation. "Adrian beat me fair and square," she admitted, her voice calm.
"What was it he said?" Rhy added, imitating Adrian's tone. "'You can challenge me anytime.'"
Before Viri could respond further, Tenshi sprinted over, throwing her arms around Rhy. "I haven't seen you in forever, Rachel!"
Rhy chuckled, returning the hug. "Good to see you too," she said warmly, her eyes drifting over to me as they parted.
As the conversation continued in the background, Eli tugged at my arm, pulling me aside.
"How do you know Rhy?" I asked, my voice low so as not to interrupt the others.
Eli smiled knowingly. "Although Rhy doesn't belong to a guild, she hops around helping where she's needed."
"Why is she here?" I whispered, trying not to sound rude.
"Sho asked her to come. Just in case something goes wrong."
"Goes wrong?" I frowned.
Eli's expression darkened. "Recently, some monsters and bosses have been buffed—healed or enhanced by outside players."
"So, the spider boss was…" I trailed off, feeling a knot in my stomach.
Eli nodded, her voice tinged with sadness. "Yes, another player must've buffed it. Or at least, that's what Sho thinks."
Rhy walked up to me, giving me a once-over, then another, as if assessing my worth. My nerves tightened under her gaze, though I tried to hide it. Her presence felt overwhelming, like being measured by someone far beyond my league.
"So," she began, a slight smirk on her face, "what's the plan for this fight? We've already got one dead weight."
I chuckled nervously. "Although we're not as strong as you, we'll try not to slow you down."
Eli nodded beside me, echoing my sentiment. But before Rhy could respond, Reyna stepped in.
"Viri and I will do most of the damage. You can just watch," Reyna said, her tone confident.
Rhy smiled, a playful glint in her eye. "Alright, I won't do anything. But I won't let you die from your own pride either."
Tenshi frowned, stepping forward with concern. "No, we'll need her help."
Reyna looked at her, her voice soft but firm. "What do you suggest we do, then?"
Tenshi hesitated for a moment, then responded. "Since she's here, why don't we have her disable the boss while we handle the minions?"
Reyna considered the idea, nodding slowly. "Not a bad plan. Is that alright with you, Rhy?"
Rhy's proud smile returned as she glanced around at all of us. "I'm at your command, Reyna," she replied with a slight bow.