Chapter—Waves Before the Dugeon Descent
The sound of waves filled the air.
White foam crashed gently against the shore as the sun leaned low toward the horizon, painting the beach in gold and orange. Before anyone could properly take it in, two figures broke into a sprint.
"Yoooo!" Uno shouted, shoes already in his hands.
"Beach!" Chika yelled, racing ahead and laughing loudly.
They ran straight toward the water, splashing through the shallow waves without a second thought.
Behind them, Liod stopped walking and stared. Marin stood beside him, arms crossed tightly, irritation clear on his face.
"HEY!" Marin shouted. "We didn't come here for enjoyment!"
Chika turned around mid-run. "I know, I know! We're here because a new C-rank dungeon appeared!"
Uno added, waving his hand casually, "But we're going tomorrow, right? Plus, exams are over. This is recovery time!"
Marin clenched his jaw. "You two…"
Luke, who had been quietly observing the beach and the surrounding cliffs, spoke calmly.
"It's useless to explain to them," Luke said. "Let's head to the campsite allotted to us."
Marin sighed heavily but nodded. "Fine. Move out."
Liod shouted"We are going at campsite you two come there."
They both replied yes.
---
The Government Campsite
As they walked toward the campsite area, Liod looked around thoughtfully.
"Is there something special about this dungeon?" he asked. "The government assigning a campsite itself is unusual. And this is the first time so many guilds are entering the same dungeon together."
Marin slowed his steps slightly.
"I think so too," he replied. "We've cleared E-rank and D-rank dungeons easily. But this is our first C-rank. And honestly… I have a bad feeling."
Luke listened silently.
Government camps. Multiple guilds. Restricted information…
This feels familiar.
He glanced toward the distant forested cliffs where the dungeon entrance was rumored to be.
Is there a devil inside…?
---
Among Other Guilds
The campsite was massive.
Tents of different colors and designs filled the area. Flags bearing various guild symbols fluttered in the sea breeze. Groups trained, talked, or prepared equipment.
Aurafiest stood quietly at the edge.
Compared to others, they looked small.
Most guilds here had six to ten members. Some even more. Aurafiest had only five.
Uno scratched his head. "We look like kids on a picnic."
Before Marin could respond, a familiar presence approached.
Kaizen.
He stood before the gathered guilds, his aura calm yet commanding. Marin, Liod, and Luke stiffened slightly upon seeing him here.
Kaizen raised his voice.
"All guild leaders and members present here—gather in one hour. There is an important announcement."
He turned and walked away without further explanation.
An hour later, the campsite buzzed with low voices as every guild gathered.
Kaizen stood at the center.
"You are all here because a C-rank dungeon has appeared near this coast," he began. "However, according to our readings, it may be more dangerous than a normal C-rank dungeon."
A ripple of whispers spread.
"We advise all guilds to enter at your own risk," Kaizen continued. "Any items obtained inside will belong to the clearing guild."
Murmurs grew louder.
"Additionally," Kaizen said, pausing, "the clearing guild will receive a government reward… and a special task."
"What task?" someone whispered.
Kaizen shook his head. "That will be disclosed only to the clearing guild. Do your best."
With that, he turned and left.
Back at their tent area, Aurafiest began setting up.
That's when another guild approached.
A D-rank guild—Vielbond.
A girl stepped forward confidently. "I like this spot. You'll have to move from here."
Uno looked up from the tent pole. "Did you just say… move?"
That girl replied"Yes you heard right I lile this place and what to set our tent here.
He glanced around. "Are you the leader of this guilde?"
The girl pointed back. "That's our leader. Klare."
A tall man stood quietly behind her, avoiding eye contact.
"A three-star Aura Destroyer," she added proudly.
Klare flinched. "Arika… don't introduce me like that to all…"
Uno raised an eyebrow. "And you are?"
"Arika. Three-star Aura Blaster," she said with a grin. "And I want this place."
Uno stood up. "We came first. We're not leaving."
Arika smirked. "Then I'll take it."
Their auras flared.
Klare slowly approached Luke and Marin, whispering shyly, "Sorry for all this but once Arika wants something… she'll get it. Talking or fighting."
Arika formed an aura sphere in her palm. "Last warning move your tent."
Luke raised his hand calmly, forming his own sphere. "No way."
Luke said to Marim and Klare that they should use there aurasphere to neutralize there attack.
Before either could release—
Two aura waves collided mid-air.
Marin and Klare had neutralized them.
Luke stepped between them. "We didn't come here to fight. We came to clear a dungeon."
He turned to Arika. "You can have this spot."
Arika blinked, then laughed. "Huh. I think you look smarter in this guilde ."
Uno protested, "Luke—"
"Our objective is the dungeon," Luke interrupted softly.
They moved to another area without further conflict.
They set there tent there.
That night, the campsite felt lighter.
Aurafiest grilled food, played small games, and laughed freely. The ocean breeze carried away tension, at least for now.
Luke sat slightly apart, staring at the distant forest.
"Tomorrow…
What can be insjde a devil,a monster whatwe have to face Auru."
Luke asked.
Auru replied"It is whatever we will fight."
Dungeon Entrance
The next morning, all guilds gathered before a massive entrance gate embedded into the cliffside. Blue symbols pulsed faintly across its surface.
After a while, Kaizen arrived.
"All guilds may now enter," he announced.
Groups began moving in.
As Aurafiest prepared to enter, Arika walked past.
"So you're here too," she said mockingly. "Hope you leave behind the one who's most dangerous here."
She laughed.
Uno clenched his fist.
Luke placed a hand on his shoulder and shook his head.
Klare bowed slightly to all. "Good luck."
They stepped into the dungeon.
Marin looked at his team. "Remember—our priority is survival and exploring, not clearing and risk our life."
Everyone nodded.
"Let's go," Marin said.
And together—
Everyybkdy shouted yes unitedly and confidently.
Aurafiest entered the dungeon.
End of Chapter.