As the cool, underground air brushed against our skin, we reached the third floor.

At the bottom of the stairway, we found a narrow, long hallway. And at the end of the corridor was an open exit, from which a soft blue glow seeped in. The usual darkness of the underground dungeon felt oddly tranquil, illuminated by that sacred blue light.

“The guardian should be up ahead.”

“…Do you think it’s dangerous?”

“It’ll be fine. Raphne and I will handle it quickly.”

I gently patted Emily’s head, trying to ease her nerves. With Raphne and me leading the charge, most battles could be wrapped up without much trouble. But Emily, as the party’s healer, still kept a vigilant air about her, which was both endearing and reassuring. Smiling, I stepped forward.

━Whoosh.