Chapter—Quiet days before beginning new life.
The dungeon's air trembled as the final blow landed.
The D-rank monster let out a distorted cry—half rage, half disbelief—before its massive body cracked apart, fragments of condensed aura scattering into the darkness. The oppressive pressure that had filled the dungeon moments ago slowly lifted, like a suffocating weight being peeled away.
For a brief moment, no one spoke.
Then the dungeon core dimmed.
Dungeon Cleared.
Uno lowered his hand, letting out a long breath.
"It's finally down," he said, rolling his shoulders.
Chika sat on the ground, wiping sweat from her forehead. "That thing was tougher than I expected…"
Liod stood quietly, scanning the surroundings out of habit, making sure no secondary threat remained. His gaze then shifted forward.
Shuri stood at the front.
Her posture was steady. Her breathing controlled. Aura still flowed faintly around her, not wild or unstable, but refined—like water guided through a narrow channel.
Uno looked at her closely, then smiled.
"You know," he said, breaking the silence,
"watching you fight just now…"
He tilted his head slightly.
"It really doesn't look like this is your first time fighting a monster."
Shuri turned toward him.
Uno continued, gesturing toward the place where the monster had fallen.
"Your movement was sharp. You didn't waste energy. And your coordination with us was almost perfect."
He crossed his arms.
"That was an outstanding performance."
Shuri paused for a moment before replying.
"After I left this place," she said calmly,
"I trained with my aura every day."
Her voice wasn't proud—but firm.
"I didn't want to rely on talent alone. I wanted control."
Chika looked at her with surprise. "Every day…?"
Shuri nodded.
"Yes."
She looked down at her hands, fingers tightening slightly.
"I didn't want to come back as someone who would slow everyone down."
Her gaze lifted again.
"I wanted to fight beside you all."
Liod spoke quietly, but clearly.
"And you can."
The dungeon fell completely silent, as if acknowledging those words.
Soon after, they lead toward dungeon entrance ,where sunlight spilled in.
---
Outside the Dungeon
The warmth of the sun felt almost unreal after the darkness.
Chika stretched her arms wide. "Ahhh… fresh air!"
Then her smile faded slightly.
"…You know," she said softly,
"it would've been really nice if Marin were here."
The name lingered in the air.
Luke looked ahead, his expression unreadable.
"It's only temporary," he said.
"One month."
He allowed a small smile.
"After that, we'll clear dungeons together again."
They stepped fully outside—
And there she was.
Marin stood a short distance away, leaning casually against a railing. Hands folded. Expression bored, as if he'd been waiting far longer than he actually had.
"So," Marin said, grinning,
"you finally finished?"
Chika's face lit up.
"Marin!"
She rushed over.
"You have no idea how weird it feels without you inside!"
Marin laughed. "Weird? I was dying of boredom out here."
He stretched his arms.
"I'm just counting the days till my suspension ends."
His eyes sharpened slightly.
"Then I'll show every monster where it belongs."
Liod smirked. "Don't rush. You'll get your chance."
They started walking together, leaving the dungeon behind.
---
Their walk through the city was relaxed.
They talked about food. About missions. About nothing important.
Then—
Liod glanced at Luke.
"So," he asked casually,
"did you clear the university stuff you were stressing over?"
The moment those words left his mouth, everyone's attention shifted.
Luke blinked. "Ah… yeah."
He nodded.
"I applied. Entrance process went smoothly."
Liod asked "Which colleage you chose?"
"Aokiyama University" Luke replied
Chika gasped. "I have also Tenryu University. "
Marin said " I have for Kiryoku University."
Uno said "I have for Kagetsu University."
Shuri turned sharply. "University?"
Luke smiled slightly. "Yeah."
Shuri nodded. "I applied too."
Luke stopped walking.
"…When?"
She smiled. "Right after I arrived."
"Which university?" Luke asked.
Shuri answered simply.
"Hoshinori University."
Liod froze.
"…What?"
Uno frowned. "What's with that reaction?"
Liod looked stunned. "That's the university I chose."
Silence followed.
Chika stared between them. "…You're serious?"
Luke raised an eyebrow. "That's interesting."
Uno laughed. "Small world."
Luke turned to Shuri. "What subject?"
"World Geography and Economics"
Shuri replied.
The air froze again.
Liod swallowed.
"…Same."
Uno burst out laughing. "You two might as well be end up as classmates."
Shuri stiffened.
"…Same class?"
Uno nodded. "Very possible."
Shuri looked away.
Out of all universities…
Out of all subjects…
He also find this one only?
Her heart beat faster.
But now I can spent time with him.
Then another cane to her mind
What are you thinking Shuri
No—focus on your goals.
Luke noticed her silence.
"Shuri?"
She snapped back. "Nothing."
Chika smiled warmly.
"Well, even if we all go to different colleges…"
She looked around.
"We're still Aurafiest."
Uno nodded. "That won't change."
They parted ways soon after.
---
Days That Slip Away
Time moved quietly.
Marin trained alone, waiting.
Aurafiest continued missions.
Shuri adjusted quickly—faster than expected.
And then—
Summer ended.
---
First Day of College
Morning sunlight filtered through Luke's window.
He stood quietly, adjusting his bag.
This wasn't a battlefield.
This wasn't a dungeon.
Yet his heart raced.
Because Its a begining of his new life.
A new life as a University Student.
Outside, the city buzzed with students and excitement.
Shuri was alreay lwft since his timing is earlier then Luke.
Soon—
He stood before massive gates.
Aokiyama University
Luke whispered softly,
"So… this is where it begins."
Auru appeared beside him.
"A normal life," she said gently.
Luke smiled.
They stepped forward.
And his new chapter began.
End of chapter.