BOOM!
Explosions thundered through the forest, scattering flocks of birds into the sky. The ground trembled, leaves and dirt rising like sparks from a forge.
In the chaos, Ren darted between trees, barely dodging a volley of fireballs. Each blast scorched the air behind him, the heat biting at his skin. Sweat dripped down his temple as he rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding another explosion that shattered a boulder where he'd just stood.
His speed was sharper now — precise, instinctive — but far from perfect.
A voice echoed through the smoke, sharp as a whip.
"Too slow!"
High above him on a rocky ledge stood Vaspera, her crimson aura swirling around her like living fire. Her expression was calm, almost bored, as she raised her hand again.
With a graceful flick of her wrist, several orbs of fire materialized around her — each one spinning faster, their glow deepening to scarlet.
Ren's eyes widened. Oh, come on! Again!?
The fireballs streaked toward him in a blur. He ducked behind a fallen tree, but the blasts struck the ground near him, blowing him backward in a wave of heat. His ears rang.
Damn it… I can't keep up anymore!
As the next wave closed in, Ren clenched his fists. His body glowed faintly green — then brighter — as a dome of light burst from his palms. The fiery blasts struck the barrier, scattering embers into the air before fizzling out.
When the smoke cleared, he was still standing — shield trembling but intact.
Vaspera's eyes narrowed, a faint smirk curving her lips. "Not bad. You've gotten pretty good in just four days."
Ren panted, smiling through the exhaustion. "T-Thanks, I guess…"
Her smirk faded into something colder. "But still not good enough to stop me."
She stepped forward, her aura flaring violently. The pressure alone shattered Ren's barrier like glass — and before he could brace himself, the shockwave sent him crashing into a nearby tree.
"Ugh…" He slid down the trunk, groaning. "She's… just too strong…"
His ribs ached, but the healing mana inside him slowly erased the pain.
Vaspera crossed her arms, her tone unbothered. "Get up, boy. We'll continue tomorrow."
Ren sat there for a second, rubbing the back of his neck. "Man… you really don't know mercy, do you?"
Vaspera didn't answer. She turned gracefully, her cloak catching the wind as she started toward the path leading back to Veloria. Ren sighed, pushed himself to his feet, and followed.
"So…" he began, catching up beside her, "what do you want for dinner tonight, Madam Vaspera?"
"I'm fine with bread," she said flatly.
"Bread? Again?" Ren groaned dramatically. "I was thinking of making rice and curry today… but if you don't want any, then—"
She froze for a brief moment, her crimson hair swaying as she turned her face slightly away. "If you want to make it for yourself, then make it."
Ren smirked. "So you will eat some, then?"
Her cheeks colored faintly. "Maybe," she snapped, crossing her arms with a huff.
He chuckled softly. "Got it — maybe."
---
Meanwhile, far from the calm forest and evening breeze…
Inside the royal palace of Veloria, tension filled the council hall.
Golden banners swayed above the assembled nobles as murmurs echoed off marble walls. At the center, seated upon a high throne, King Alaric rested his chin against one hand, his expression grim.
It's been two weeks," the king said, his deep voice cutting through the chatter. "Two weeks, and not a single soul has returned from the dungeon raid."
A nobleman stepped forward nervously. "Your Majesty… should we send a rescue party?"
King Alaric's eyes darkened. "No. We've already lost one full squad of knights. Sending more would only feed the dungeon."
The room fell silent.
Another noble cleared his throat. "Then… what should be done, Your Majesty? That dungeon could expand at any moment!"
The king leaned back slowly, his voice calm but heavy with intent.
"There is… one person who could handle it."
The nobles exchanged uneasy glances. "Who could possibly survive that place?"
The king's lips curved faintly, his gaze sharp.
"The Crimson Witch — Vaspera."
Every whisper in the hall died at once.
---