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Damien ended up spending three full days with the Takemikazuchi Familia. Long enough to watch Ouka recover completely, long enough for Chigusa, Asuka and the remaining members to regroup safely, and long enough for Mikoto to insist at least three times that he stay even longer. But eventually, departure was inevitable.
"We'll be here for four more days before returning to our Familia," Mikoto said as she walked him to the edge of their little campsite. "And as I said… expect a visit from us once we're back in Orario."
Damien smiled. "It was good meeting all of you. And good luck with the rest of your training. I'll see you back on the surface."
With a final wave, he headed toward the Under Resort's exit—only to run directly into something he absolutely did not expect.
...
On his way back, the faint rumble of battle reached his ears. Steel, shouts, impacts—far too familiar. Curious, he slipped between the trees, and when he emerged he froze.
There they were: Tione, Tiona, Bete, Ais, and Lefiya—ripping into a massive Goliath.Another Goliath.
And Riveria, Gareth, and Finn were waiting nearby, overseeing the fight.
Damien approached. "Hey, guys."
Gareth cracked a grin the moment he saw him. "Well, if it ain't the Rookie of Love!"
"Please don't call me that…" Damien sighed. "How're all of you doing?"
Finn answered with his usual calm smile. "Quite well. We're planning to push upward—maybe reach Floor Forty for training. But I must admit, Damien… seeing you here already surprised me."
"Aye." Gareth chuckled. "The lad jumped to Level Three the moment he sneezed. 'Course he'd be pokin' around the Under Resort. Probably came to challenge the Goliath himself—had we not gotten here first!"
Damien hesitated. "…Speaking of that. Actually, I have a question. Are we sure the Goliath respawns every two weeks?"
Riveria, arms crossed, tilted her head. "Yes. Without exception since the Dungeon was first charted. Why do you ask? Were you planning to challenge it? If so, I recommend bringing a party—fighting it alone, even for you, would be—"
She was cut off as Ais and the others finished the beast, the floor shaking as it collapsed.
Damien exhaled. "Well… the thing is… I already killed it. Three days ago."
Silence.Wide eyes everywhere.
Bete, having returned with the others, barked immediately, "What? You little rookie runt killed the Goliath? Cut the crap, hotshot. We know you're strong, but don't go makin' fairy tales."
Tiona tackled him into a hug before he could answer. "DAMIEEEN!" Then she shot Bete a glare. "Shut up, Bete! Damien could totally kill the Goliath!"
Tione only gave Damien a subtle warning look—as if telling him not to overplay it.
Ais and Lefiya finally reached the group, and Ais nodded with genuine calm.
"Damien killed the Goliath? Good work. I'm proud of you."
Lefiya nearly sputtered. "You're just accepting it—?!"
Bete threw his arms up. "What is wrong with all of you? You expect me to believe a brand-new Level Three killed that thing?"
Damien ran a hand through his hair. "I never said I killed it alone," he lied smoothly. "I had help from the Takemikazuchi Familia. But that's not the point. I killed it three days ago… so how is it here again already?"
Riveria's expression immediately sharpened. "Are you absolutely sure it was the Goliath? This is… unprecedented."
"And here's the kicker," Damien continued. "The Takemikazuchi group told me the Guild reported the Goliath was killed one week ago. Not two. So none of the numbers line up."
Finn fell silent for a long moment, hand to his chin.
"…Now that I think about it, there was no report of the Goliath being slain recently. We assumed it was simply time. But the Guild normally informs us when its respawn window begins… and we received nothing."
"That is concerning," Riveria agreed. "We should report this immediately."
"That's what I was planning." Damien nodded. "I was heading to the surface to tell the Guild anyway."
Finn's eyes lit with resolve. "That is noble of you, Damien. And we'll help. Riveria and Ais will return with you—Ais has already reached Level Five, and Riveria's expertise will be invaluable. The rest of us will continue our training as planned."
Bete scoffed loudly. "Hold on. Are we seriously believing this guy? What if he's just spoutin' shit?"
Damien sighed deeply. "Look, wolf boy—what exactly do I gain from lying? I'm rich. Popular enough. And obviously more handsome than you. So relax."
Bete lunged with a snarl, but Gareth intercepted him effortlessly. "Easy now."
Finn shook his head. "Bete. Stop. Damien has no reason to lie about something like this—and we all know it."
Bete looked around for support. None came. Everyone's face said the same thing: we trust Damien.
"Man, fuck this," he grumbled, kicking a rock hard enough to split it.
Finn apologized with a weary smile. "Pay him no mind. Bete is… well, Bete."
"I don't mind," Damien said casually. "So you're sure you're okay with Ais and Riveria coming with me? I don't want to interrupt your plan."
Riveria nodded. "It's perfectly fine. This outing was primarily for the Level Fours' training. Ais and I are free."
Ais stepped forward. "I want to help Damien."
"Then it's settled," Finn concluded. "Find out what changed. When we all return to Orario, I want a full report. If the Dungeon patterns are shifting… it could mean something serious."
The group began packing up.
Tiona bounced over to Damien one last time, pressed a kiss to his cheek, and chirped, "Be safe, okay? Bye!"
With that, Damien, Riveria, and Ais began the journey back toward the surface.
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If you Like this story! Check out my other story's ! Sukuna in DC! and Dragon Slayer in Marvel!
AND
If you wish to read more or simply support me just because ? than check out my patreon at
"https://www.patreon.com/Riadooo"
You can Get Access to 3 More Chapters OR 7 More Chapters if you want !