I stared up at the mouth of the dungeon in front of me. It was...the entrance into a cave, hidden away deep inside of a forest.
There was nothing off about the entrance, at a first glance. But...looking closely, the darkness of the cave started quicker, filling out the cave more than it should've.
To explain it better...immediately past where the ground transitioned from grass to stone...there was complete, utter darkness. Even in places where the sun shined, nothing could be seen. It was less like a cave entrance, and more like a void.
I thought back to what Jay had said before sending me on my way into this place.
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"There's no details about the dungeon. Nothing officially recorded, anyways."
Their words gave me momentary pause.
"What exactly do you mean, there's nothing officially recorded?"
Jay looked me in the eyes, all playfulness disappearing from their gaze.
"I've heard of a few people trying to enter already. There aren't that many dungeons around, so it makes sense that a lot of people will have tried their luck already. But...none of them has come out. Not a single one. Meaning, everything aside from the location is a rumor."
"..."
"But I'm sure you'll make it! After all, you seem much more qualified than most of those other people, Mr. Manager!"
"...You're really good at trying to sweet-talk, but it's hard to believe it when you're constantly staring at me with those dead eyes."
"Ehehe..." Jay just chuckled innocently at my words, obviously trying their best to look cute again.
'It's hard to know how much of these emotions and reactions are real or fake...I just can't bring myself to trust 'em.'
Sure, they were alluring. The way that outfit accentuated their slim, but still feminine body reminded me of a model...a weird way to feel about priestly garbs.
That sort of innocent seduction in how they acted and dressed, though...I wondered if that was just Jay's 'attack and defense'.
Viola used her obsession with wuxia and murim ideas to keep her life a pretend play, which let her stay sane and focused even in the most insane situation. Liliana kept herself calm and collected, no matter what was happening. Nozomi just focused on her mysterious smile, which made her seem unshakable. Alyssa cursed and threw violence out, which was...self explanatory. And Jay. Well...
Maybe this fake 'cutesy act' was their way of protecting themselves, and luring others in.
Who knows.
"So, what do people call this place?"
Jay answered, almost eagerly. "Forsaken Light Cave."
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"Qualified, my ass...ah. Guess I'm being negatively influenced by Alyssa, cursing this much." I bent down and picked up a rock near my feet, lightly tossing it into the entrance of the cave.
The moment it passed the threshold, it disappeared. There was no sight of the rock arcing into darkness, no sound of it falling...nothing.
I stared blankly at the cave.
'Throwing away my life like this isn't usually my M.O., but...not like I have much of a reason to hold back on life anyways. Might as well just jump in and see what happens.'
Maybe this sort of mindset that I was slowly beginning to develop was the unique outlook only a Regressor could have.
I wonder if I should feel happy or relieved that I was slowly beginning to overcome the misery I had experienced in that second Regression.
This was no time to ponder, though. Somewhere, far beyond this cave, Alyssa was suffering. And with my interference, Jay wouldn't be able to help her if I didn't act.
So, sighing, I strolled into the cave, holding a flashlight in my right hand. The beam of light didn't seem to penetrate the darkness, but better safe than sorry.
I disappeared into the mouth of the cave, cut off immediately from the outside world.
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[Jay POV]
I wondered, for a moment, if this was the right thing to do. I had only just learned about the method to use materials, after bribing a Pixie through completing a 'quest' for them.
It wasn't something people did often.
'But if it's for her, then...I can do anything.'
My eyes turned to look at Alyssa's still-unconscious form. She looked the same. The same as when she had saved me.
I owed her my life. And no matter what, I was going to do anything in my power to help her out the best I could...it was just a shame that I couldn't work up the courage to stand by her side before that man...
For now, I considered it an acceptable compromise. At least I could still help her out.
"M-Manager...cigarete..."
I heard her hoarse voice from beside me. My eyes brightened at the mere sound of her voice - but I quickly forced myself to calm down. This would be the first time I really talked to her...
'It's a bit annoying that his name is the first out of her mouth, though.'
I shook my head.
It was unbecoming to be jealous. Envy was wrong.
"Umm...are you awake yet, Saintess?" I spoke with a calm, clear voice, giving my best smile to the woman as she got up.
Her eyes settled on me, filled with confusion and a lack of recognition.
It didn't hurt me. I didn't expect her to know who I was. What did hurt me was the fact that, immediately after seeing me, she reached for her guns, snapping to consciousness and pointing the barrel of both at me.
Her eyes were unfocused and hazy, a sign of her poor condition, and there were deep, dark bags under her eyes...but her rage could still be felt.
"Speak, b-bastard...what the hell did you do to the...to my Manager? And why do you know my name?"
It was fine when the Manager had threatened me, but seeing the Saintess treat me like this was truly heartbreaking. It was best to explain quickly to get rid of that emotional wound, and the literal gun pointed at me.
"W-Well, you see..."
-----
The Saintess groaned, leaning against a wall. She narrowed her eyes at me, but her gaze was far away.
"Damn it, that guy...how dare he just go off and do some random crap like that, for such a stupid reason? Ugh..."
Her hand was on her forehead, her guns long discarded to the side.
"Here I was, thinking we were a team and all...but I was just being a damn burden. Again."
Something in her eyes darkened...but I quickly intervened with an outstretched hand.
"N-No, Saintess! Please, don't say those sorts of things about yourself, I-!"
The sound of bullet echoed through the room, embedding itself right into the wall beside me. I froze in place, but didn't flinch.
"Ah, shut up, you. You think I can't tell what kinda thoughts are going on in your head? I've seen eyes like that...and they're always on people I hate. You're not just impure. You're pitch black." She scowled, cursing me with an intensity that I couldn't quite bear.
I couldn't say anything to deny that. After all, I knew it better than anyone, still at the same time.
"If nothing...I really do genuinely want to help you."
I wanted - no, I had to convince her of that, at least.
She stared at me for a while, her crimson eyes looking over me. Her disgusted gaze felt like something scanning my entire being.
Then, even if just by a little bit, I could feel her expression lighten.
"...you're weird. I'm sure the Manager could sense that too. But if he thought your word was trustworthy enough to follow, then I'll trust him. Feels like crap that he just chose to do that without asking me first, though. I'll let him have it when he gets back."
She frowned, turning her hatred from me towards the wall. Her eyes opened and shut at steady intervals - like she was focusing and then losing her focus over and over.
"Hurry up and get back, you dumbass..."
She'd mutter things like these, while forcing herself to stay focused. Clearly, she was still fighting the Abnormality that continued attacking her mind and soul, even now.
And, even if not in the best conditions...she accepted me, just a little bit.
Staring at the Saintess, who was quietly waiting, I felt like I could see it in her eyes - the reflection of the man who called himself the Manager.
'Maybe the way to the Saintess is through controlling him...'
I decided then, that I'd spend some more time being extra 'friendly' towards the Manager when he returned. This wretched body is one of the few things I'm good for, after all.
Once I have him wrapped around my finger...then I can take my rightful spot as the closest next to the Saintess.
It was a sinful thought, especially towards the man who was working to save the Saintess, who I cared so much about...but the Saintess had been completely right about me.
I am pitch black.