Crack.
A sharp, echoing noise tore through the corridor.
The ground gave a faint tremble—just enough to make the pebbles at our feet jitter like nervous insects.
We all froze.
Leo instinctively raised his spear. "What was that?"
I didn't answer. I was already scanning the shadows, listening.
Then—voices.
"Tch. Who the hell got here before us?"
I felt my stomach drop.
That line... that voice...
No way.
This dungeon was supposed to be cleared in early June. That's how it played out in the original story—at the start of the academy arc.
But right now?
It was still late May.
They weren't supposed to be here.
They weren't supposed to be here.
I clenched my teeth.
This damned world—this damned story—kept rewriting itself when I least expected it.
"Figures. No monsters left. Guess someone cleaned up before us."
Another voice—deeper, more annoyed. Footsteps echoed, drawing closer.
And then…
"Well, well. There you are. Didn't think you'd still be hanging around."
