Awkward silence.
Kael blinked at the elf, his mind scrambling for some kind of response, but his mouth remained stubbornly silent.
"Thought so," she said seriously, folding her arms.
Another awkward silence settled between them. Kael kept staring, trying to read her expression, but all he got was the faint twitch of her fingers as she fiddled with the bowstring resting against her shoulder.
She seemed uneasy, or maybe just impatient.
"So," she finally broke the silence, voice soft but direct,
"are you the one who conquered the F-rank dungeon solo?"
Kael's eyes flicked away for a second, like he'd been caught red-handed in some embarrassing prank. "Damn, lady," he muttered internally.
"She really snitched me out. Not like I was trying to keep it a secret or anything, but still."
He glanced up, catching her watching him with that almost-expectant look.
"Yeah. That was me," Kael finally confirmed.
The elf tilted her head, eyes narrowing thoughtfully for a moment. "Impressive."
Kael smirked, crossing his arms. "Thanks."
> Wait why is she impressed over such a dungeon being cleared? F ranks can be cleared easily by even just a single level 15.
There was a pause, and she suddenly asked, "Mind if I join your party?"
Her question caught him off guard.
For a split second, memories flickered through Kael's mind—ghosts of shadows: Bezel's encouraging grin, Seki's tactical nod, both silently asking him to rejoin their squads.
He shook his head sharply, snapping himself out of it.
The elf tilted her head again, clearly confused by his hesitation.
Kael, wanting to impress, tried to flash his best handsome grin, the kind that might charm a tavern full of grumpy adventurers.
It was a bit forced, maybe even a little ridiculous.
The elf just blinked, a subtle look of disgust creeping across her face.
Kael swallowed his pride. "Alright, alright, you can join. But you better keep up."
"But first mind helping me out?" He smirked.
The elf looked at him in disgust for a second.
He noticed her sudden change of expression then said blankly.
"The dungeon."
"Oh..."
Her lips twitched, as if trying to hold back a smirk. "Fine. I'll clear this dungeon with you."
Kael gestured grandly toward the dimly lit corridor ahead. "Let's go make history."
Before they set off, the elf stepped forward and, with a sharp whisper, shot an arrow right through the last Dwinki's head. The creature shattered into pixels before it could even flinch.
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Show off."
She shrugged, expression unreadable. "Efficient."
---
The two of them moved deeper into the Whispering Caverns.
The faint echoes of their footsteps mixing with the eerie whispers clinging to the walls.
When they reached the massive gate guarding the boss room, the air itself seemed to thicken, crackling with energy.
Kael gripped his dagger tighter. The elf notched an arrow, her eyes narrowing with focus.
As the boss door creaked open, a hulking ogre stepped into view.
Its skin was a sickly green mottled with scars, muscles bulging beneath tattered armor. Two massive tusks jutted from its jaw. Its eyes burned with primal fury.
The chamber's cold air was punctuated by the beast's heavy breaths, each exhale misting like smoke.
Kael's heart hammered. This was it.
The fight was about to begin.
---
The ogre charged first, thunderous footsteps shaking the cavern floor.
Kael dove to the side, narrowly avoiding a brutal hammer swing that would have cleaved him in two.
"Stay sharp!" Kael shouted.
She released an arrow, the shaft whistling through the air and embedding deep in the ogre's shoulder. The beast roared, shaking it loose with a savage swipe.
Kael flickered forward with Phase Shift, dagger gleaming as he slashed at the beast's exposed ribs.
The ogre roared in pain, swinging wildly to catch his elusive foe.
Kael ducked under the attack, feeling the gust of wind brush his hair.
The elf moved with grace, stepping lightly across icy stones.
Another arrow flew, this time striking the ogre's eye.
The ogre howled in agony, clutching its face, stumbling.
Kael grinned. "Nice shot."
"You talk too much" She replied.
The battle escalated. The ogre slammed its fists into the ground, sending shockwaves rippling through the cavern.
Kael leapt, barely evading the tremor.
landing with a roll to keep his balance.
The elf twirled, drawing a second arrow, releasing it in one fluid motion. It thudded into the ogre's thigh, slowing its charge.
Kael charged forward, adrenaline surging. The world narrowed to focus—every breath, every heartbeat, every movement synced perfectly.
He darted between the ogre's legs, slashing upward, then vaulted back just as the ogre swung a massive fist.
The elf dropped a volley of arrows, each one precise and deadly.
Kael's blade danced like lightning—slashes, stabs, feints—all weaving a deadly pattern of pain.
The ogre's movements grew sluggish, wounds piling high. Its roars turned desperate, the fury giving way to exhaustion.
Suddenly, the beast reared back, summoning its last reserves.
Kael and the elf exchanged a glance—silent agreement.
Kael feinted left, drawing the ogre's attention, while the elf nocked a glowing arrow, charged with a shimmering magic.
At the same moment, Kael leapt high, twisting mid-air as he slashed diagonally across the ogre's chest, drawing a deep gash.
The elf released her arrow, the shaft glowing bright as it streaked through the air, embedding deep in the ogre's forehead.
The ogre staggered, eyes wide, then crashed to the floor with a deafening roar.
And just like that.
The battle has concluded.
Then—
~ Ding ding ding.
The triumphant sound of victory echoed as Kael's UI pinged relentlessly.
He glanced up, eyes wide.
[Level Up!]
[You are now Level 28.]
A grin spread across his face.
He was literally a higher level than before he'd prestiged.
The feeling was electric.
"Things are starting to get interesting."