The conditions for the promotion exam were clear.
— Clear a Rank C dungeon alone.
Vaelis listened without hesitation.
The dungeon in question had fifteen floors, and its guardian was known to be a Minotaur.
— I'll do it tomorrow, she said calmly.
She spent the rest of the day preparing.
Using the monster materials she had collected, Vaelis visited blacksmiths, alchemists, and merchants across the city. Her old gear was replaced piece by piece—reinforced armor, improved boots, and a new flame-resistant cloak. She stocked up on potions, antidotes, and mana crystals.
By nightfall, everything was ready.
At dawn, Vaelis stood before the dungeon entrance.
She took a deep breath and stepped inside.
The first floors were filled with familiar threats
—goblins, beasts, and animated traps.
Blades swung from hidden walls, pressure plates triggered falling spikes, and magical seals detonated without warning.
Vaelis moved with focus and precision.
She burned.
She dodged.
She advanced.
By the time she reached the fifth floor, the air had changed.
From the darkness, giant serpents slithered forward, their scales gleaming with venomous sheen.
The battle was fierce.
Flames clashed against fangs and coils.
One serpent struck.
Pain exploded through Vaelis's veins.
— Poison…!
Without hesitation, she rolled back, pulled out an antidote potion, and drank it in a single gulp.
Her vision steadied.
— Not enough to stop me.
She rose and finished the fight.
In the Mirror Dimension—
Talis sat upon his obsidian throne, one leg crossed over the other.
A cold wind swept through the hall as another figure approached.
— The preparations are complete, my lord, said the demon, kneeling.
Talis exhaled slowly.
— Good.
The demon lifted his head, revealing icy blue eyes.
— But you still cannot leave this dimension freely.
— No, Talis replied calmly.
— Only my avatar can cross over… and even then, my power is restrained in the human world.
The demon clenched his fist.
— This is because of the war a hundred years ago.
— Perhaps, Talis said with a faint smile.
— But it doesn't matter.
He stood.
— Soon, we will reclaim our worlds.
The demon bowed deeply.
— As you command, Namaah, Supreme Demon of Ice, said softly.
Back in the dungeon—
Vaelis reached the final chamber.
The ground trembled.
A massive figure rose from the shadows.
Broad shoulders.
Twisted horns.
A battle axe stained with dried blood.
The Minotaur lifted its head and roared.
Vaelis tightened her grip on her blade.
— This is it…