Everyone drew their swords again, ready for any threat that might appear from the dungeon.
But Kingoro was different. While everyone was focused on the battle, he noticed something shiny on the ground. It was a small ring, seemingly ordinary at first glance, but the feeling that overtook him when he touched it was anything but normal.
What is this? he wondered as he slipped the ring onto his finger. At that very moment, his feeling of weakness turned into something strange. Is there some kind of power within it?
As everyone entered Dungeon Number Two, they began noticing the scattered resources around them. Life potions and food of B-rank were everywhere, but things weren't as they seemed. The magical energy emanating from the place was enormous, making everyone feel tense.
However, Kingoro, despite the powerful magical aura surrounding him, felt something different inside. He no longer felt the overwhelming pressure that he had in previous dungeons, but he still felt a deep sense of weakness.
Lawrence Haskell, Kingoro's father, examined the area carefully and said in a deep voice, "We'll split our group into three teams. Five soldiers will stay here, and five will go with each team."
"Kingoro, go with one of your brothers," Lawrence added, pointing to Yurio.
Yurio was the first to offer to go with Kingoro, and with Kingoro's approval, the group began to split.
Hans took five soldiers and headed to the left dungeon, while their father, along with five soldiers, including Renzo, the boy who had won the recent tournament in the kingdom, entered the right dungeon.
Kingoro went with Yurio and five soldiers into the middle dungeon.
"One of these dungeons will lead to the boss, most likely," Yurio said with a slight smile on his face, holding a burning torch to light the way. Kingoro followed behind him, watching closely.
Minutes passed, heavy with tension, until they reached the middle of the path, but the way was blocked. Before them, a treasure gleamed at the end of the corridor.
"This treasure...!" Yurio exclaimed as he quickly opened the door. Inside, he found life potions and food, grabbing everything for himself.
But suddenly, a massive threat appeared.
A monster of level 50, named "Rian," appeared. It was of average size but wielded a medium-sized sword emitting a bright light. With a single glance, it killed five B-rank soldiers in one strike.
"Impossible, this is not a B-rank monster!" Yurio said, shocked.
But there was no choice but to fight. With lightning speed, Yurio prepared for the monster's attack, which was coming at him with full force.
Rian unleashed his strikes brutally, but Yurio didn't back down. He dodged the blows at the last second, surprised by the monster's speed and strength. His heart raced, but his mind stayed alert.
Rian didn't stop attacking. His strikes rained down like storms, his sword glowing brightly. Yurio, standing on one foot, used his sword in an unorthodox style to deflect the relentless strikes.
"Impossible!" Yurio muttered to himself as he noticed his sword starting to lose stability with each strike. Then, unexpectedly, the monster Rian launched a sudden attack, hitting Yurio directly in his chest.
The strike was devastating, causing Yurio intense pain, but he gathered all his strength and let out a sharp scream as he recoiled from the blow, moving away from the monster.
But the monster didn't let up. The strikes kept coming, and Yurio had to keep dodging, his body growing weaker with each movement.
"Now!" Yurio whispered to himself as he felt his body surge forward, relying on his sword's magical energy. He moved his sword with skill, avoiding the next attack, but exhaustion began to set in.
But he knew he had to do something now. If I want to survive, I need to weaken this monster!
Yurio's heart raced with every step, every movement. In a critical moment, he pushed himself forward, facing the monster's next attack with complete courage.
"Particle Slash!" Yurio shouted as he focused his sword's energy into the strongest possible strike. With his exhausted hands, he landed a massive blow on Rian.
The strike was immense, destroying the monster completely, obliterating it into fragments. Its body exploded into shards and disappeared with its last breath.
But Yurio didn't fall. With all his strength, he planted his foot on the ground and stood, barely able to keep himself upright. "I can't take much more..." he muttered, but he lifted his head and pointed toward Kingoro.
"Let's go now, Kingoro."
As they made their way back, Yurio suddenly spoke. "Do you know why I keep bullying you, Keni?"
Kingoro was taken aback by the question, but he replied in confusion. "No... I don't know."
"I've always hated you, my brother. I've always despised your existence!" Yurio said, grinning wickedly.
Kingoro was shocked as he listened to his brother's words. "Did you think I saved you from that monster's attack because I wanted you to live? No. The only thing I want is for you to stay alive, but in eternal suffering."
Before Kingoro could respond, his armor began to tighten around his body. The iron grew over his arms and legs, as though the sword in his hands had lost all control.
"I'll seal you here, Kingoro. You'll stay alone for a hundred years. You won't die, but you'll suffer every second!" Yurio said with a twisted grin, saliva dripping from his mouth.
Yurio's words hurt Kingoro more than any physical blow. He couldn't say a word. All he could see was darkness as Yurio's footsteps slowly faded away.
Why?
What did I do?
"I just wanted to live with you... my brothers."
Did Father know this? Why, Father? Why did you leave me here in the darkness and solitude? I'll bring you food if you want, I won't eat your food.
I just don't want to be here! he screamed desperately.
Yuuurriiiiiiioooooo
The armor closed around Kingoro.
Darkness.
How much time has passed? Months? Years? I don't know. Maybe more.
When will this feeling end?
But something strange was happening inside Kingoro.
Silence...
Then, in a strange moment, he felt something different.
This is the first light I've seen after so much time.
(Welcome to the System.)