We continued farming for exp by massacring every Minotaur we encountered. They were very easy to kill now that we'd gotten stronger. Most of that was thanks to how overpowered Verdra was—and with her ice magic, I could use my Cryokinesis to my heart's content.
I also started using my Pyrokinesis and Electrokinesis to level them up. I bought a lighter for 5k Currencies to serve as my fire source. I could just use Verdra's fire, but having a lighter I could control myself was far more convenient.
Unlike yesterday, the 2nd floor of the Hellhole Dungeon had spawned far more monsters. It worked perfectly in our favor, However, so I had no complaints.
We also found 2 treasure chests while clearing the left-side section of the second floor. Inside were a Mana Recovery Potion (Mid) and a short steel sword. The sword was far too weak for the monsters on this floor, so I tossed it away and gave the potion to Verdra.
We cleared the left section of in just under 5 hours. We had slain 26 Minotaurs in total. As a result, I was now Lv59, while Verdra reached Lv57. My Cryokinesis leveled up to Lv4, while Pyrokinesis and Electrokinesis rose to Lv3 and Lv2 respectively.
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Cryokinesis (Lv4): Ability to manipulate cold and ice through the power of the mind. Lv4 effect: Range Increased (Short) | Cold resistance (Low) | Lightened brain load (Low)
Pyrokinesis (Lv3): Ability to manipulate heat and fire through the power of the mind. Lv3 effect: Temperature increase (Low) | Heat resistance (Low)
Electrokinesis (Lv2): Ability to manipulate electrical current through the power of the mind. Lv2 effect: Electrical voltage increase (Low)
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My Cryokinesis could now freeze an entire Minotaur's body while only giving me a light headache after.
For now, Pyrokinesis was useful in its own way, but not as versatile as Cryokinesis. I couldn't directly manipulate fire from afar, but as long as the flame was connected to the fire within my Pyrokinesis range, I could control it just fine. By far, this was the most destructive skill in my arsenal. The downside was its heavy brain load consumption.
As for Electrokinesis, it was surprisingly useful. Upon reaching Lv2, the voltage I could manipulate increased significantly. I could use it to briefly stun 1 or 2 enemies, buying time to prepare another attack—all while consuming very little brain load. It was also the easiest skill to perform, since it didn't require a catalyst—I could simply manipulate my body's natural electrical current and amplify it.
The real star of the show, however, was Verdra.
With every Lv up she gained, her mana pool increased as well. At this point, it wasn't an exaggeration to say she could blast a Minotaur dead on sight.
Her Hellfire Slash—what she called her Lv4 fire magic, Infuse Fire combined with Lv10 Hellfire—was already capable of decapitating a Minotaur when she was only Lv34. Now that she'd reached Lv57, she could probably kill 1 2 or 3 before I managed to finish 1.
I didn't even need to blind Minotaurs with ice anymore. She could simply use her Black Thunderbolt—a Lv3 Thunderbolt combined with Lv10 Black Lightning—to stun them, leap into the air, and execute a Hellfire Slash. Less than 5 seconds, clean decapitation.
Her ice magic also reached Lv3. Its area coverage expanded, and the density of the ice increased, making it an even better weapon for me. I could now pierce a Minotaur's hide with it easily.
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Ice Magic (Lv3): Ability to conjure ice through mana. Lv3 effect: Range increased (Small) | Ice density increased (Low)
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Interestingly, she never used her ice magic to attack directly, yet it still leveled up. That meant skills could gain exp as long as they contributed to battle in any way shape or form. Just a hypothesis—I had no way of checking skills' exp meters, after all.
"The second floor is surprisingly packed today," I said.
Verdra and I were heading back toward the first branching path of the 2nd floor.
Yesterday, I'd only encountered 3 normal Minotaurs and a red one. Today, they were spawning in large numbers—as if the dungeon had activated some kind of self-defense mechanism. Maybe because no one had ever entered this dungeon for so long—there was no entrance after all—it had loosened its security. Now that an intruder had appeared—Ahem, me—it was tightening defenses.
"It is. But this, 'dungeon' thing sure is fascinating," Verdra replied while checking her status page after leveling up. "The fact that it can endlessly spawn monsters, erase their bodies after death, and leaves items behind—it's nothing but incredible. And it continuously drains my exp like you said. That's how it restores its energy, right?"
"I don't know for sure, but probably," I answered. "It only drains about 30% of our current Lv exp per day, so it's not as bad as I expected."
"So this is how I've been weakened over the years…" she muttered.
"You're already strong. You even kept your skills. Look at me—I got stripped naked of all my magic," I said self-deprecatingly.
"I still can't believe the elves did those horrible stuffs to you. Elves are supposed to be on good terms with humans."
"Maybe not anymore. I rarely saw humans during my time in the elven kingdom—and when I did, they were slaves."
Outside dungeon expeditions, I barely left the royal palace. After all, they already provided me with everything I needed. They even sent human maid slaves to my room to 'serve' me at night—but I always refused. I was a shy boy. I didn't have the courage to do 'that' with strangers… though, I'd be lying if I said I was never tempted.
The only times I went outside were for dungeon trips or occasional visits to the Monster Hunters Guild to sell rare drops. Whenever I encountered elves outside the palace, most of them looked at me with clear disgust for no apparent reason.
Unlike stories in the light novels and manga I'd read, Heroes in this world weren't adored or revered. Still, I was a homeboy anyway—so it worked out just fine for me.
"Before they trashed me down here, the elven Princess even said being born as a human was a sin." I continued. "Can you believe that?"
"…From my perspective, it's kinda hard to believe," Verdra said, then continued calmly. "But if you say it happened, then it must be true."
"You believe me pretty easily."
"I chose you as my master," she said with a radiant smile. "it's a life altering decision, I'd never choose someone I deemed untrustworthy. You saved me without hesitation—on the first day we met—while neglecting your own safety, with that alone, it's somewhat hard to doubt your sincerity. You're also very kind to me, and the sweets you gave me were delicious."
It's somewhat embarrassing hearing someone that had a really high opinion of you, so to stir away the tickling feeling in my heart, I decided to play along with it.
"So I won you over with sweets. That hurts," I said sarcastically, clutching my chest, feigning heartbroken.
During lunch, I'd bought her sweets since they were quite cheap. She loved them very much apparently. She also killed more Minotaurs than I did, and since she was in my party, I still got the Currencies reward in full. So it's all a small price to pay—and my way of rewarding her.
"Don't misunderstand. The sweets were the least important reason I value you," she said, playfully punching my shoulder.
"Gee. Thanks."
We continued down the corridor toward the right section of the 2nd floor, exchanging small talk as we walked. The atmosphere was light—almost peaceful—yet the unease in my chest refused to fade. The longer we walked, the heavier it became, until I finally just couldn't hold it in anymore.
"Say, Verdra," I said.
"Yes?" she replied.
"I'm sorry if this question troubles you, but… it's been weighing on me."
She glanced at me briefly. "Just say it. I'm sure it'll be fine."
I swallowed. "So, our contract… how long will it last?"
Verdra stopped walking. She tilted her head slightly, confusion flickered across her face. "Hmm?"
"I-I'm sorry," I hurried on. "It's just—every time I let myself grow close to someone… they always end up leaving me…"
I stopped as well, lowering my gaze. I couldn't bring myself to look at her—not with what the current point of conversation.
"My birth parents," I continued, my voice trembling. "I loved them—I still do. But they left me behind when I'm still very much needed them."
I clenched my fists. "And there was someone in my previous world… someone who gave me the strength to endure everything my foster parents put me through. But the day I got summoned here, I disappeared without given the chance to say a proper goodbye."
My chest tightened.
"And the people in the elven kingdom," I said quietly. "The ones I thought were my friends…"
The memories surged back—their faces, smiles, laughter—then betrayal.
"…they were just using me," I whispered. "Toying with my feelings. And when I was no longer useful, they threw me away like dregs."
I finally raised my head to look at her, with my vision blurred with tears.
"So please… Verdra—" My voice begin to crack. "Are you going to leave me too?"
I wiped my tears with my sleeve, years of bottled-up feelings spilling out uncontrollably.
Hung my head low, I pleaded. "I beg you… please don't leave me... Please… don't..."
She stepped forward and stopped right in front of me.
Before I could react, her hands rested gently on my shoulders. Then her arms slid behind my neck, pulling me into an embrace—closing the distance that I hadn't even realized I was trying to keep.
"Don't worry," she said softly. " I will always stay by your side, I promise."
Her voice was gentle, warm—like a caring mother soothing a frightened child.
She lowered her embrace down to my back and rested her chin on my shoulder.
"…You mean it?" I asked, my voice's still shaking as sobs escaped my mouth.
"Yes," she whispered. Her voice rang in my ears, like a soft chime swaying by a summer breeze. "In fact, I'm bound myself to you. I can't leave you—even if I wanted to. You're my master, after all."
"…Are you serious?" I asked weakly, doubt from many unwanted separation still clinging to my heart.
She sighed. "You're such a worrywart."
She pulled back slightly—
—and then pressed her lips against mine.
"Hmpf!"
A startled sound escaped my throat as my eyes flew wide open.
Her face was right there, so close to mine. Too close. Close enough that the storm in my chest quieted instantly—only to be replaced by something more... sullied. My thoughts melted into heat and confusion.
I closed my eyes, surrendering myself at her mercy.
The kiss that only lasted for about 10 seconds—yet to me, it felt like an eternity.
When she finally pulled away, she smiled mischievously.
"Still doubting me?"
As the reality crashed back in.
I turned my face away immediately, covering my mouth with the back of my hand as my face burned in embarrassment. I shook my head.
"N-no…"
That was all I could manage to say.
"Good," she said calmly, releasing me. "Let's continue."
"O-okay…" I replied quietly, still unable to meet her eyes.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Come on," Verdra said as we walked toward the floor's boss. "Why won't you look at me? Are you still embarrassed about the… kiss?"
My shoulders twitched. "Y-yeah… kinda. And you saw how unstable I was. The aftertaste was super embarrassing. Not as embarrassing as the k-k-kiss, though."
"God! you sounds like a total virgin," she teased, repeatedly slapping my back. Her face up to her ears were slightly red.
"I am! Got a problem with that!?" I snapped.
…So she was embarrassed too. Was that confident act earlier just a front?
"Wait—really?" She gasped, then fell into thought, one hand covering her mouth. "I thought humans were lustful creatures who would start copulating the moment they hit puberty."
"What kind of humans do you think we are? Is that really how humans were in your memories?"
"More or less. By the way, Yuu."
"What…?" I replied half-heartedly.
"How old are you?"
"What's with the sudden question?" I tilted my head. "I'm 17. I'll be 18 in four months."
"What!? You're still a kid!" She gasped again, then muttered to herself. "Ah… that explains his emotional instability."
"Hey! Who are you calling a kid!? W-well, I am—but still!"
"You are," she said matter-of-factly. "You look mature when fighting, but outside of that, your lack of life experience is painfully obvious."
"How am I inex—" I stopped, replaying my actions so far. "…M-maybe you're right. Sorry for doubting you."
"See?" She twirled her finger smugly. "But admitting your mistakes is a sign of maturity. I think you'll be fine going forward with your life."
"Gee. Thanks."
"So? Feeling calmer now?"
"Yeah."
"Good," she said with a grin. "Because we need to focus on the next battle—or someone's losing a leg again."
"…And whose fault was that?"
"Hehe." She giggled cutely. "That's Mine. But I understand my limits better now. I won't mess up this time."
"Let's hope so."
As soon as I said that, we reached the final turn before the boss.
The red Minotaur from yesterday stood there—this time, accompanied by three normal Minotaurs acting as its bodyguards.
"Are you ready?" I asked, glancing at my partner.
"Of course I am!" she replied excitedly.
"Alright then," I said, stepping forward. "Let's go."
We charged ahead—toward the monster that had nearly crushed us yesterday.