Hydra and his party burst from the entrance of the Yuta Dungeon, collapsing onto the ground as they desperately gasped for air. Guild Master Malgus, who had officially assumed his post at the Zephyr Village branch that morning, quickly spotted their battered state and rushed over.
"What happened in there?" Malgus asked, his sharp eyes scanning their ruined armor.
"We were ambushed," Hydra panted, struggling to his feet. "By a rogue assassin who clearly isn't affiliated with the official Assassin's Guild."
Malgus frowned, feigning ignorance as he considered the supposed mysteries of the dungeon. "What kind of weapon was this mysterious assassin wielding?"
"It looked like a standard short sword at first," Magda explained, her voice trembling slightly. "But through some kind of magic, the blade extended and transformed into a bladed whip."
Malgus stroked his beard thoughtfully, masking his inner realization. "A highly unusual weapon. I will look into this matter immediately and see what can be done."
Finally catching his breath, Hydra straightened up. "The rumors about the Safe Area are completely true, though. However, the skeleton monsters guarding Level 6 are incredibly strong."
"How strong are we talking about?" Malgus inquired.
"I couldn't tell you firsthand," Hydra admitted, looking slightly embarrassed. "That intel came from the three other veteran parties who had already reached the Safe Area."
Malgus let out a booming, hearty laugh. "Well, that is excellent news! It means the challenge is scaling appropriately. I hope to see many more adventuring parties push their way to that sanctuary and brave Level 6."
Hydra hesitated, remembering the bizarre loot they had found. "Guild Master... right before we were attacked, Cassandra found a healing potion inside a treasure chest. The label on it read 'Caramel Macchiato'. Do you know if the Mage Guild or the Alchemist Guild produces anything like that?"
Malgus looked genuinely bewildered by the phrase. "The Mage Guild certainly does not. As for the Alchemist Guild... I cannot say for sure. Their insistence on blending ancient magic with experimental chemistry often produces some truly baffling, unpredictable results sometimes."
Shylvia regained consciousness, groggily realizing she was being carried on Mira's back. The Cleric gently set her down as the Assassin blinked, trying to make sense of her surroundings. "What happened?"
"You passed out," Mira explained softly. "The mysterious assassin's strikes completely shredded your clothes and armor, but you are safe now."
Memory flooded back, and Shylvia shuddered. "His attacks... it was all centered around that sword transforming into a whip. When it extended, the strikes became so fast and unpredictable, it felt like being slashed by countless invisible daggers all at once."
"We are completely out of the dungeon now," Mira reassured her.
Shylvia frantically checked her ruined gear, her face flushing bright red in embarrassment. "I need to go find an armor shop back in the dungeon's Safe Area right now!"
"The merchants down there haven't fully set up their stalls yet," Hydra interjected, stepping forward. He reached into his inventory and pulled out a pristine set of gear. "I looted this Serpent Scale Light Armor from the boss room earlier. You can wear it."
Shylvia snatched the armor from his hands and immediately sprinted toward Zephyr Village to change. Hydra, Mira, and Magda could only watch her bolt away, letting out a collective, exhausted sigh.
Nearby, Guild Master Malgus was addressing a crowd of eager adventurers. "I strongly advise that you form proper parties from Level 4 onward. The monsters on those floors are becoming significantly more dangerous." While many adventurers nodded in agreement, taking his warning seriously, a few arrogant stragglers muttered that they still preferred to dive solo.
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted as Gideon Vanguard and his party burst from the dungeon entrance, sprinting as if their lives depended on it. They collapsed near the Guild Master, completely out of breath.
"What happened in there, Gideon?" Malgus asked, rushing over.
"The skeletons on Level 6," Gideon panted, clutching his shield arm, which was visibly trembling. "Their attack power is absurd. They are wielding literal bones as weapons, but the kinetic force behind their strikes is monstrous. Even if they hit the very top or bottom edge of my shield, the shockwave violently shatters right through the metal and vibrates straight into my arm."
Moments later, the two remaining veteran parties also scrambled out of the dungeon, looking just as battered and terrified.
"We were being hunted down by a pack of them!" one of the party leaders shouted. "Thank the Gods our Mage set up an Earth Quagmire trap to slow their advance, and our Cleric cast a Holy Prison to lock them in place, or they would have slaughtered us!"
Malgus surveyed the battered elites of his Guild and shook his head solemnly. "It is clear that all three of your parties need to drastically improve your raw strength and acquire higher-tier skills before you attempt that floor again."
Gideon and the other party leaders exchanged weary glances and nodded in absolute agreement.
A few hours later, the dungeon's backlines were a hive of bustling activity.
In the workshop, Vergil and Broomir were fully engrossed in their forging, while Aira and Hilda diligently crafted high-tier magic staves and enchanted arrows for the floor bosses. In the control room, Fenrir and Camilla were completely focused on finalizing the intricate acoustic runes for their new puzzle door, perfectly calibrating the sensors to react to everything from a deafening shout to the faintest whisper. Meanwhile, in the alchemy lab, Lira and Aunt Izumi continued to experiment, brewing a chaotic new batch of healing potions infused with modern beverage flavors.
The busy atmosphere shifted when Emperor Shiroi and Guild Master Malgus stepped into the control room. Malgus walked over to the twins' workstation, his eyes widening in genuine appreciation as he studied their complex trap blueprints.
"Brilliant," Malgus murmured, thoroughly impressed. "It is no wonder you two earned the title of the finest Trappers in the Distopi Contingent."
Shiroi turned to the group, his expression turning formal. "I need to speak with Uncle Vergil and Aunt Freya immediately. It is an urgent matter concerning Fenrir."
Hearing his name, Fenrir's fluffy wolf ears twitched atop his head, and his tail began to wag curiously behind him. Camilla tilted her head, wondering what kind of trouble her twin brother was in.
Nova, who was monitoring the surveillance screens, quickly tapped the communication crystal. "Vergil, Freya, you had better get to the control room. The Emperor is here with some news regarding Fenrir."
"What is going on?" Vergil asked, wiping soot from his hands as he and Freya hurried into the room.
"The king of our neighboring territory to the east wishes to formalize a strict alliance with the Kainaldia Empire," Shiroi announced. "To solidify this pact, he has offered a high-ranking noblewoman's hand in marriage to a member of the Imperial Family."
"The eastern kingdom?" Vergil rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "That is a small nation, but it is heavily revered. It is the primary territory where the church's 'Saints' are born and trained, is it not?"
"That is correct," Shiroi confirmed.
"Wait," Vergil continued, piecing the politics together. "There is a prominent Duke there who has two daughters. I recall hearing that one of them is the leading candidate to become the next Saint."
Freya nodded. "I have heard those rumors as well."
"The rumors are entirely accurate," Shiroi said, pulling a photograph from his coat. "The proposed bride for Fenrir is the younger sister of that very Saint candidate." He handed the photograph to Vergil and Freya.
Vergil studied the portrait of the young noblewoman and smiled. "She looks like a wonderful match for him."
Freya peered over her husband's shoulder, a bead of nervous sweat forming on her brow. "Aesthetically, yes, they look lovely together. I am just a bit worried because... well, Fenrir's personality can be highly eccentric and completely unpredictable. I just hope this poor girl knows what she is getting into."
"Heh~" Fenrir simply grinned, his wolf tail wagging at a much faster tempo, entirely intrigued by the prospect of an arranged marriage.
"To keep a low profile, the retrieval of the prospective bride will be conducted under the cover of the 2nd Imperial Force executing an 'Expedition Mission' near the border of the Kainaldia Empire and the White Hill Kingdom," Shiroi explained.
Vergil crossed his arms, catching on immediately. "Which means I am coming along on this expedition."
"Exactly," Shiroi confirmed. "And Aunt Freya must accompany us as well."
Freya smiled warmly, completely on board. "I agree to the plan. When do we depart?"
"Tomorrow morning," Shiroi replied. "That gives you and Uncle Vergil plenty of time to prepare. In the meantime, I actually came here to share a rather fascinating new discovery."
At the mention of a new discovery, Nova and Anastasya immediately spun their chairs away from the surveillance mirrors.
"What kind of discovery?" Nova asked, leaning forward.
"Can we employ it in the dungeon?" Anastasya chimed in simultaneously, her managerial instincts kicking in.
Shiroi chuckled. "During a recent survey, the Custodes Expedition Team and I discovered a dense forest northeast of the Dark Village. It is inhabited by a Red Dragon and a tribe of feline beast known as Cat-sith, they just like common cat in appearance until they talk. The cats even affectionately refer to the dragon as 'Uncle'."
Freya raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Where did you get this information?"
"Risa actually stumbled upon one of the cats while practicing her swordplay," Shiroi explained. "To her shock, the cat spoke to her in perfect, fluent human language."
"Heh~" Anastasya murmured, a wicked, intrigued smile spreading across her face.
"Heh?" Nova echoed, though hers was laced with utter bewilderment at the sheer absurdity of talking cats and babysitter dragons.
"Have you met this dragon personally?" Vergil asked, his interest piqued.
"I have," Shiroi nodded. "He simply wants to live peacefully alongside the Cat-sith. After discussing it with Yuna and the ministers, we all agreed to establish a special provision for their territory."
"Are you going to designate it as a protected zone, similar to the Forbidden Forest for the Spirits?" Freya guessed.
"Precisely," Shiroi confirmed. "However, with a few specific modifications."
"What kind of modifications?" Vergil asked.
"All Cat-sith will be granted free, unhindered passage in and out of the forest, but adventurers will be strictly prohibited from entering," Shiroi detailed. "We will be constructing a specialized border fence and a guarded checkpoint. If the guards spot a cat attempting to cross, the cat simply has to speak to prove their identity, and they will be allowed through."
Anastasya tapped her chin thoughtfully. "What if they transform into humans to pass the checkpoint?"
Shiroi blinked, momentarily thrown off. "What do you mean?"
"Master tutor once told me that Cat-sith are capable of wielding highly potent magic," Anastasya explained. "They can disguise themselves as humans and even use their tails as natural magic wands."
Nova stared at her. "Is their magic really that powerful?"
"That part is mostly just rumors," Anastasya admitted, her eyes gleaming with academic curiosity. "But if I ever get my hands on a real one, I fully intend to conduct an extensive research interview to find out."
Shiroi's eyes suddenly widened as a forgotten memory clicked into place. "Now that you mention it... I have heard reports of an A-Rank female Wizard who travels with a two-tailed cat. Furthermore, one of the children of an Imperial Force Commander is also accompanied by a cat, and that child grew up to become an incredibly powerful Force Swordsman. There might be truth to those rumors after all."
"If we are establishing a protected zone, we should also offer a representative from the Cat-Sith race a seat on the Imperial Racial Council," Vergil suggested thoughtfully.
Freya nodded in agreement, and Shiroi confirmed the motion. "The ministers and I have already approved that exact measure. The Cat-Sith possess the same level of human intelligence and sapience as all the other races residing within the Kainaldia Empire. They deserve a voice."
With the political matters settled, Vergil turned his attention back to the twins. "Can you two put the new puzzle door project on hold for a few days?"
"No problem!" Fenrir replied eagerly.
"We basically just need to load in the massive pool of riddles and finalize the randomized voice triggers for shouting and whispering anyway," Camilla added.
"Excellent. In that case, we are heading back to the Imperial Palace today," Vergil announced.
Fenrir pumped his fist in the air, letting out a loud cheer. His wolf tail wagged furiously at the prospect of leaving the dungeon for a new adventure.
"Wait, what about me?" Camilla asked, not wanting to be left out.
Anastasya smirked from the control console. "Consider yourself on paid vacation until your brother returns. Take some time to rest." Camilla immediately joined her twin in cheering, thrilled by the sudden time off.
That very afternoon, Vergil, Freya, and Fenrir accompanied Emperor Shiroi back to the capital. When they touched down at the Imperial Palace's private hangar, Ragnar and Eva were already waiting on the tarmac to welcome them. Fenrir sprinted down the ramp, throwing his arms around his grandparents for a tight hug before bolting excitedly into the massive palace corridors.
Freya and Vergil descended next, greeting the elders warmly. "We are home for a little while," Vergil said, embracing his parents.
"I know," Ragnar replied, patting his son's shoulder knowingly. "This is a highly important occasion for the family. Go get your gear sorted. You and Freya will be deploying tonight alongside Axel."
Inside the palace, Fenrir rushed to his quarters to meticulously prepare his assassin gear. He knew the logistics of the mission: the 2nd Imperial Force would be mobilizing under the cover of darkness, utilizing the massive 'Ox Transport Planes' for the journey.
Back at the hangar, Shiroi elaborated on the tactical strategy. "I am also deploying the 2nd Chapter of the Grey Knights to remain on standby for any unforeseen contingencies."
"A solid tactical choice," Vergil noted with approval.
Freya looked at her husband, slightly confused by the military jargon. "Aren't the 2nd Chapter of the Grey Knights strictly Search and Rescue specialists?"
"They are," Vergil smirked. "But just because their primary directive is medical extraction doesn't mean they don't know how to completely decimate an enemy line if they have to."
"Exactly," Shiroi agreed. "They will linger just behind the main vanguard in Medivac HawkPlanes. Intelligence suggests that the border area we are traveling through is currently infested with a highly dangerous, internationally wanted bandit syndicate. The 2nd Imperial Army was chosen specifically because they are incredibly versatile."
"They sound a lot like the 13th Marine Legion from my old adventure," Vergil remarked, a nostalgic gleam in his eye.
"They adapt to any combat scenario flawlessly," Shiroi confirmed. "Furthermore, Commander Genzomaru and Uncle Axel will be personally leading the vanguard."
Freya raised an elegant eyebrow, piecing the puzzle together. "If this is merely a discrete diplomatic mission to pick up Fenrir's prospective bride, why is the Kainaldia Special Force mobilizing in such overwhelming numbers?"
Shiroi's expression shifted into a cold, pragmatic smile. "Because it is the perfect opportunity to completely exterminate that bandit syndicate while we are in the border area."
Freya chuckled, thoroughly approving of the Emperor's ruthless efficiency. "Ah. Swatting an entire swarm of flies with a single strike."
Exactly on schedule that evening, Vergil, Freya, and Fenrir departed alongside the official Kainaldia Empire diplomatic convoy, heavily escorted by the 2nd Imperial Army. Axel had already deployed earlier that afternoon, leading an advance recon team comprised of elite operators from the Kainaldia 13th Special Operations Force and the Ghost Unit.
Despite riding in a luxurious horse-drawn carriage, Vergil and Freya were fully prepared for combat. They were dressed in elegant, formal noble attire, but hidden seamlessly beneath the fine fabrics was their lightweight, high-tier assassin armor. At their sides rested specialized hilts folded swords designed with blades that could completely retract into the handles for total concealment. Riding in a separate carriage, Fenrir was buzzing with anticipation.
The journey commenced at 7:00 PM, and by 10:00 PM, the convoy arrived at the designated border zone. The 2nd Imperial Force immediately began erecting a fortified temporary command camp.
As soon as the command tent was operational, Vergil activated his tactical radio, tuning into the encrypted comms channel. Commander Genzomaru and Axel were already on the line.
"We have arrived at the staging ground," Vergil reported.
"Copy that," Axel's voice crackled over the radio. "The Special Operations Force and Ghost Unit have been in position for hours. We have successfully located the bandit syndicate's primary stronghold."
"What is the scale of their base?" Commander Genzomaru asked over the feed.
Axel adjusted his macro-binoculars from his vantage point deep in the treeline. "It resembles a small, fortified village. I am counting roughly twenty to thirty wooden structures."
"Do you have a preliminary attack strategy, Commander Axel?" Genzomaru inquired.
"I debated calling in a direct strike using Airburst munitions or an AC-130 gunship," Axel mused, his tone dangerously calm. "But both options would be entirely too loud for a 'covert' diplomatic escort."
"Did you bring the Warhound combat automatons?" Genzomaru asked.
"I did," Axel confirmed. "Deploying them will still generate some noise, but nowhere near the deafening roar of an aerial bombardment."
"Just use them," Vergil authorized smoothly. "You have a safety net. The 2nd Chapter of the Grey Knights is holding position right behind us."
"Good to know," Axel replied. "The squad I brought consists of four highly specialized tactical teams. They are armed with ACR-0.6 assault rifles equipped with underbarrel HED launchers. We will make quick work of them."
"Execute the operation," Vergil commanded. "Chapter Master Vark is monitoring this channel as well."
Right on cue, a deep, raspy voice chimed into the frequency. "Chapter Master Vark here. The Medivac HawkPlanes are fueled, airborne, and holding at the designated rally point. We are ready for immediate extraction or medical support if things go south."
"Understood," Axel said, a predatory smirk evident in his voice. "Cutting comms. I am going into Ghost Mode."
"Good hunting. May the operation be a success," Vergil said.
"Time to party," Axel whispered, before his radio went dead silent.
Suddenly, a series of muffled, distant explosions echoed through the stillness of the night.
Fenrir's wolf ears shot straight up, twitching nervously. "What was that?"
Vergil didn't even flinch, his gaze shifting calmly toward the dark horizon where the bandit camp lay. "That is just Uncle Axel doing his job."
"Is that coming from where those bandits are hiding?" Fenrir asked, his eyes widening.
Freya nodded, a small smile gracing her lips. "It sounds quite intense. Then again, the Warhound automatons are heavily armed with rocket-propelled grenades and remote-controlled micro-missiles, all seamlessly guided by their Cross-Com systems."
At the mention of advanced weaponry, Fenrir's fluffy tail began to wag furiously behind him. "The Department of Defense must be field-testing their mass-production viability! If they perform well, maybe I could get my hands on—"
"No," Vergil interrupted flatly, not even looking at him. "I know exactly what you are thinking, and the answer is absolutely not. You are not keeping a military-grade Warhound as a pet."
Fenrir slumped, looking shocked. "How did you even know what I was going to ask?"
"Because I used to be young, reckless, and obsessed with weapons, too," Vergil replied with a knowing smirk. "Now, go to your tent and get some rest. You are meeting your prospective bride first thing in the morning."
Grumbling good-naturedly, Fenrir retreated to his quarters for the night.
Freya stepped closer to her husband, keeping her voice low. "Vergil, how do you think this poor girl is going to react when she realizes her future husband is an Immortal? Not to mention his status as a prince, and the son of the 'Twin Dragon Prince' of Kainaldia?"
Vergil let out a long, heavy sigh. "I am fully expecting an absolute uproar. But we will cross that bridge when we get to it."
The following morning, the anticipated convoy from the Archduke finally arrived at the encampment. Vergil, Freya, and Fenrir stood waiting in their pristine, formal royal attire.
The carriage door opened, and a young woman gracefully stepped down. She introduced herself flawlessly as Marie Anznable, the second daughter of Archduke Anznable of the White Hill Kingdom. She was seventeen years old, with striking emerald-green eyes and hair the color of burnt ash.
Freya stepped forward with a warm, welcoming smile. "It is an honor to meet you, Lady Marie. I am Freya, Fenrir's mother, and this silver-haired gentleman is my husband, Vergil."
While his parents handled the pleasantries, Fenrir stood frozen. His usual chaotic, trap-obsessed demeanor had completely vanished, replaced by utter absolute awe. He was completely enchanted by Marie's quiet beauty.
Vergil, however, was focused on something else entirely. As he looked at Marie, his finely tuned Immortal senses picked up a subtle but distinct magical signature radiating from her. There was something highly unusual about her aura—an anomaly that was incredibly rare, even among the highest-tier Holy Magic users. He filed the observation away in his mind for later.
"Lady Marie will be riding in Fenrir's carriage for the return trip," Vergil announced, gesturing to the royal transport.
Snapping out of his daze, Fenrir quickly stepped forward, offering his hand like a perfect gentleman to help Marie into the carriage before climbing in after her. With the hand-off complete, the White Hill Kingdom's escorts turned back toward their borders, while the Kainaldian convoy began its journey back to the Dark Village.
Once settled in his own carriage with Freya, Vergil tapped his earpiece, reopening the encrypted radio channel. "Axel, status?"
"Operation complete. Target neutralized," Axel's voice crackled, accompanied by the roaring wind of high-altitude flight. "We are packing up now. Where is the rendezvous point? I can drop the team directly onto the roof of your moving convoy."
"Absolutely not," Vergil ordered instantly. "You will terrify the girl. Rendezvous with us at the Dark Village or the Imperial Palace."
Axel chuckled deeply over the comms. "Understood. We will see you at the Dark Village. Ghost out."
Vergil tapped his earpiece, ending the transmission and settling back into his seat for the long ride home.