The streets were bustling, the roar of the crowds never fading. Leo—now living as Arno in his new existence—led Abe by the hand. Both of them were running toward the dungeon located west of the Kingdom of Sera.
'I still don't understand what's going on, but just thinking that I could die if I don't make it to the dungeon sends chills down my spine. Normally, I'd hesitate, but… everyone is desperately running that way.'
He glanced over his shoulder for a moment. Abe was running, placing her complete trust in Arno, unable to see due to the black bandage covering her eyes.
Arno recalled his earlier conversation with Abe. Apparently, the one who had used this body before Leo had been a troublesome dark paladin—one who treated Abe rather well. According to her own words, they had been seeking to gain more devotees.
When they reached the dungeon, they descended into the cave: a massive hole in the ground with a radius of sixty meters. The crowd began to scatter, but Arno stopped at a corner and spoke to Abe.
"We should be safe here, right?"
"Y-yes," Abe replied, resting against his thighs. "I'm sorry, Master. I don't have your incredible stamina."
Arno rested his hands on his hips and looked upward; the sky was still crimson.
"It doesn't disappear even if we're inside?" he asked.
"No. Actually, time becomes indefinite, so people stop waiting and choose to make use of their time inside the dungeon. We should do the same, Master."
"Right, about that—you said earlier it was a very high rank."
"It is. But it doesn't work all the time. I have to offer my devotion, and your strength is amplified. You said that the more devotees you have, the more powerful you can become."
"Honestly, I'm curious to see how it works. We just need to go through that door, right?"
"Yes. Further in, there will be monsters defending the underground labyrinth. Even though this is the first floor, you should use the crystal on the far right."
A white crystal, standing six meters tall, radiated a constant, oppressive energy. As they approached it, Abe spoke.
"It's a kind of memory. It connects to our energy and allows us to travel to the last place where we left part of our essence. However, only one can be left each time we enter the labyrinth."
"What floor are we on?"
"The deepest floor explored by mortals—the forty-seventh floor."
"We're that strong?"
"Master… I'm truly worried about your amnesia. I don't mean to be rude, but I'm concerned that you may not be in a condition to enter the labyrinth."
Arno brought a hand to his chin and fell silent for a moment. He gazed at the crystal and thought:
'If this guy—Arno, or rather, me now—was strong enough to reach the deepest floor ever explored, then I should be fine. Still… I'm worried about not knowing how to use his abilities.'
Looking back at Abe, he said:
"You mentioned earlier that you enhance my strength. Can you do it before we enter the labyrinth?"
"E-eh? Here?" she asked, a faint blush forming on her cheeks. "It's usually more discreet, but I don't mind accepting…"
Abe removed the black bandage from her eyes and locked her gaze onto Arno. Her pink eyes carried a calm yet resolute expression. It was intense, and combined with her physical allure, her presence was overwhelming.
Abe moved closer to Arno, her timid emotion barely contained, and whispered:
"Touch me. Wherever you wish."
NOTE: This novel will be updated daily WITHOUT EXCEPTIONS, but for now I'll be uploading chapters very frequently throughout the day. ^^