The 37th floor contains a vast expanse known as the "Fighting Arena," where monsters emerge in an endless, torrential stream.
It is a subterranean fortress that evokes a strange sensation, as if one were trapped inside a gargantuan, milky-white dome. Its walls and the entirety of its infinite circular space are stained a dull, hazy white. Faintly glowing phosphorus provides the only light in the dim maze, creating a scene that blends raw terror with the enchanting mystery of the Dungeon.
This colossal space rivals the dimensions of Orario itself. The creatures that spawn here excel in close-quarters combat—Elite Lizardmen, Skull Sheep that resemble skeletal rams walking on two legs, and the bone-warriors known as Spartoi. These monsters appear in numbers unmatched anywhere else in the world.
When Ais had previously attempted to charge into this place alone, Riveria and the others strictly forbade it.
However, Al had once forced a solo expedition here. He camped in the heart of the Fighting Arena for an entire week, hunting monsters—including the Floor Boss, Udaios—the moment they reappeared. This "Respawn Hunting" for profit left even Ottar stunned and disgusted by such a method. Only Loki and Riveria knew of this, and they had pressured him to explain the insane leap in his Status.
Since this area belongs to the "Deep Floors," solo exploration is suicide even for first-tier adventurers. Here, monsters equivalent to Level 3 or 4—foes that would challenge second-tier adventurers—appeared one after another. Ais cut them down with sword strikes that seemed more violent today than ever before.
Despite her aggression, Ais did not act so recklessly as to endanger her comrades. She fought with intense energy, yet her demeanor felt off. Tione and the others watched her with visible confusion, trying to calm her down.
"I think we've gathered a fair amount of coin, haven't we? We've defeated a massive number of monsters and we've been exploring for about five days now."
"Perhaps. You're right..."
It was obvious to everyone that Ais, who answered Tione with a hollow tone, was still reeling from her defeat at the hands of the red-haired "Tamer" days ago. Her brothers-in-arms, like Tiona, felt puzzled; they knew Ais wasn't so fragile that a single loss would break her spirit.
"If we exchange the loot on the surface, won't we reach thirty million? How much was mentioned in the bond?"
"Wa... wait a second, let me see... what we sold in Rivira alone didn't even reach ten million Valis."
Their original purpose for entering the Dungeon was to raise funds. Yet, even as she recalled their primary goal, Ais's stoic expression remained unchanged.
(Al, am I truly becoming stronger?)
Watching Al's back as he annihilated monsters with a mechanical precision and speed she couldn't hope to match, she returned to the fray, carrying a heavy burden in her heart.
●○●○●
Several days had passed since the murder in Rivira and the discovery that the culprit was the red-haired "Tamer," whose strength rivaled Level 6. At the strong insistence of the Ganesha Familia—the powerful faction to which the victim, Hashana, belonged—the Tamer was placed on Orario's most-wanted list.
"What... what is that human, really?!"
Revis—the red-haired Tamer and the true culprit—had fled after her arms were severed, unable to land a single counter-blow. Now that she had finally reached a safe zone, she screamed into the absolute darkness. She clutched her trembling body as if reliving a nightmare.
"What was that thing?! What was he, damn it!!"
That white-haired human had parried her strikes—blows capable of felling dragons—as if he were waving a conductor's baton. He had outclassed her in every conceivable way.
Revis's psyche was pushed to the brink by an aura of absolute power she had never encountered. Who was that man? Was he even human to begin with? Her questions went unanswered, and the tremors racking her body would not subside. She felt an unbearable humiliation, having been reduced to fleeing like a terrified little girl.
Through direct combat, she had realized a painful truth: she had only escaped because that man had no desire to kill her. His eyes were those of a child trying to keep a fragile toy from breaking so he could play with it as long as possible.
She had learned from Enyo that there were two individuals at Level 7 she could never defeat in her current state. That man had to be one of them: the "Sword Saint," Al Cranel.
"I'll kill you. I will definitely kill you!! Al Cranel!!"
"I'll use the corrupted spirits. If I use them alongside the failed prototypes all at once, there's no way he can survive, no matter how strong he is."
Revis tried to embolden herself, but she suddenly noticed her legs shaking weakly. This wasn't hatred for humans, nor was it the tremor of excitement for her murderous vow. As she realized her entire body, not just her legs, had begun to shake violently again, she shook her head. It felt as though lead had seeped into the very marrow of her bones.
She bit her lip hard, realizing she never wanted to face him again.
"── Ha... hahahahaha."
She understood the reason for the trembling. That realization forced a mocking laugh from her throat—a laugh of utter self-loathing.
"── Ah... am I afraid?"
●○●○●
The gentle world of the cradle, which I thought would last forever.
But then.
■■ apologized, saying, "I'm sorry." Then he turned and vanished with ■■ behind the light.
I had a dream; I dreamed I was losing something of vital importance. I woke to a familiar dark-skinned hand shaking my shoulder gently. The cold morning air rushed in, and my consciousness tore away from the dream to return to reality.
When I opened my eyes, a friendly, tan-skinned woman was there—Tiona. Even with my mind still clouded by sleep, I realized she was watching me with a worried look.
"Are you okay, Ais?"
"Yes."
I answered Tiona's concerned voice while still half-submerged in drowsiness. I sat up and looked around. We were in the room on the 37th floor where we had slept last night. The light from the magic lamps was bright, telling my body instead of the sun that morning had arrived. It seemed I had fallen into a deep slumber.
"It looks like break time is over. We're heading out soon."
"Mhm."
Tiona said this, then stood and left the room. When Ais prepared herself and stepped out, she found the others already gathered, their preparations complete. Tiona waved at Ais, who responded with a small nod. Finn and Riveria stood facing each other, discussing something. Finn noticed Ais's gaze and addressed her.
Ais, still half-caught in the dream world, gave a flat response. Finn smiled bitterly at her state and continued his briefing. The images from her dream still clung to her mind.
(Again...)
It was a dream she had seen frequently of late. What did it truly mean? The lack of an answer made her feel anxious. A dream where everything precious fades away... yet she cannot remember what those things are. Still, for some reason, she felt it was of paramount importance.
She saw the profile of Al's face; his features were stoic as usual, his eyes alone burning with the fire of a thirst for power.
Then, she remembered that smile that had flickered across his face for a moment—a smile she had never seen before. A sharp pang of grief tightened her chest.
"...Tiona, I'm sorry. I'm going for a short walk."
"Ais, are you sure you're alright?"
She answered weakly, "Yes," and began to walk. Once she was far enough away, she started running with all her might.
If she hadn't, she would have burst into tears in front of everyone. She kept running until she was breathless, then collapsed to her knees alone behind a distant rock.
Why does this hurt so much? I don't know. All I know is that I am in pain and tears are streaming down my face.
A sob escaped her, as if something deep in her heart was forcing it out. She didn't know what this feeling was, but Ais thought she must surely be lonely.
"Ooh... Ooooooh."
What she remembered was that smile; the wide, genuine smile she had never seen, despite being the closest person to Al for the four years since he joined the Familia. It was a smile as innocent and happy as a child who had found treasure. For some reason, Ais felt a surge of resentment.
And she felt sad. Because she wasn't someone special to Al. Because he didn't look at her. She had done her absolute best to make him look at her, if only while she was by his side.
But without her realizing it, he had moved so far ahead of her, even though he was supposed to be right there. She hated it. Just thinking that she might not be able to stand beside him again brought her to the brink of a breakdown. She shook her head to drive the thoughts away.
She didn't fully understand why she cared for Al to this extent. But one fact was certain: Ais would shatter right now if he weren't there.
Al had already become an irreplaceable presence in her life. And that smile Al had shown—the one he never directed at her—was like the smile her father used to give her mother.
The smile directed at the red-haired Tamer, who was stronger than Ais, and who knew "Aria." Their relationship was the polar opposite of Ais and Al's. Ais was jealous. She wished he would smile at her like that, look at her, care for her.
So, Ais thought: If I were stronger, would he look at me? When her thoughts reached this point, she laughed mockingly at herself.
No matter how much she wished, it was impossible for the current Ais. There was a gap of two full levels between her and Al. Furthermore, Al would soon depart for new horizons—leaving her behind.
──── When that time comes, will I truly be able to endure it?
Suddenly, the worst possible thought occurred to Ais. What if that day came and Ais couldn't stay by Al's side?
In that moment, what would be left inside Ais? The answer was simple. Nothing. Only the void and the loneliness that would never fade. That was all. Terror gripped her at the thought. She felt she was starting to understand the meaning of that dream.
Before I lose him, before I lose the precious thing, I have to reach out...
As she thought this, a sense of loss that couldn't be described merely as jealousy crept up from her feet. Ais reflexively covered her mouth, fighting the urge to vomit.
Afraid, terrified, sad. Without understanding the truth behind these emotions, various negative feelings seized control of her heart.
"No, I don't want to be alone. Stay with me, Al."
That day, Ais shed tears for the first time. Ais had no one left but Al Cranel. Of course, she had friends like Tiona and Lefiya, but they could never become "family" to her. The only person other than Al who might fill that void was Riveria. But Riveria could not be a "hero" to her.
"Don't leave me. Save me."
Even if she said it, no one would save her. It is impossible to extend a hand to someone who only asks to be rescued. Despite knowing this, Ais couldn't stop herself from saying it. She couldn't imagine a world without Al. She had reached a point of total dependence on him.
"Are you going to ask for help again?"
There was the "young me"—the child Ais Wallenstein. The moment she heard those words, Ais's eyes widened. The girl was a mirror image of Ais's past self. Seeing her triggered an explosion of emotion.
Fear. This feeling dominated Ais. If that girl was Ais, and if these feelings belonged to Ais herself, and if this sensation was what was gnawing at her, and if that dream was what tortured her...
"Will you be protected again? Will that hero you aspire to keep protecting you from now on as well?"
Why did Father and Mother go and leave me? Was it because of the monsters? ── Shut up.
Why does Al go ahead and leave me behind? Is it because of his overflowing talent? ── Shut up.
"Isn't it simple?" mocked the young Ais Wallenstein ── Shut up, shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up!!
I want to stand beside Al! So, what do you know, "past me"?! And what do you know about me now?!!! Yes, I wanted to become strong. I wanted to become strong to protect Al. That's why I gave it my all. For this, for this, for this...
"Then why am I so weak?"
Wrong, I'm not weak. I've become strong. Because I've become strong, that's why, that's why.
"Then why did Father and Mother disappear from before me?"Wrong, be quiet."Is it because I'm not a hero?" ── Silence!!"Why, why, why, why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why"
"Why won't you admit it?"
"All of this—is surely because Ais Wallenstein is weak."
"── Ah,"
I knew. I knew it. It was obvious. If I were strong, I would have defeated the monsters, and I wouldn't have been separated from my parents. If I were strong, I would be fighting beside Al now, and I wouldn't be left behind. Because I was weak, my parents died. Al treats me kindly. But I don't know what he truly thinks.
Because Al is merciful, he would surely pity me and stay by my side if I let my current feelings out. "But, is that really what satisfies you, the current you──"
I am only averting my eyes from the bitter truth—and that in itself is my weakness.
"Ah... Aaaaaaaaaah!"
My heart was nearly crushed by the weight of self-loathing. I want to die, I want to go mad... how easy it would be if I truly died or truly lost my mind. Ah, I'm sick of it. I want to forget everything and lose it all.
I can't take it anymore. If it hurts this much, I want to break. Stop, please, let me stop. Don't torture me further. Even as I wished for it, that "young me" in my head would not forgive this final weakness, this escape.
I didn't even know myself anymore. I was just terrified of being hurt any further. Because of that, and without realizing it, my tongue uttered those words. That single word was the true emotion buried deep in my heart, which I had been trying so hard to hide.
Help me.
That was Ais's agonizing cry. But the "young me" whispered in my ear that if I ran away now, I would never be able to catch up to Al.
"The weak don't deserve Ais Wallenstein."
Those were words Bete had spoken before, but they weren't right; it was I, Ais Wallenstein, who didn't deserve Al Cranel.
Al is too bright. Continuing to watch that light from his side is something an ordinary person like me can no longer do. But does that satisfy you? Will you give up? Even though I want to stay with Al more, have I reached my limit? That's impossible. I'm truly tired. I've already stopped. For this, for this...
"The winner always exists inside the loser. That is the proof that I am the winner."
Words Al had spoken previously resurfaced. So, what do I represent now, having fled even from defeat? With what face and in what state do I dare say I want to stand beside Al? Ais remembered.
That day, the vow I made then. Remember that ambition. Remember yourself at that time. That is how you might be able to rise again.
Despite thinking this, Ais couldn't move. Her legs were shaking. Afraid, terrified. Those emotions controlled Ais. Do not forgive weakness; you know that the ugliest sin for an adventurer is neither greed nor pride, but weakness. You know that merely bowing your head will change nothing.
I know, don't I? He, my hero, never once knelt.
So, what will I do? What should I do? The answer must be clear. I am weak. Therefore, there is no alternative but to become strong. Otherwise──.
"You must become strong, or else you──will surely kill Al."
Without my noticing, the "young me" transformed into a "future me" who had grown older than I am now, screaming and wailing, her golden hair stained with maroon blood.
"No, no no, I don't want that."
Al dying? I am the one who kills him? ──── Such a thing, I could never forgive.
I won't forgive it. I will never allow it. Yes, because I am weak, I am protected by Al. This is my weakness. Yes, it can't go on like this.
I am not weak. I am not weak at all. I am weak, and because I was weak, I aspired to be a strong person. Just like the hero who saved me in my weakness, I will save him too. I decided that, didn't I?
To stand beside Al, what can I do now? The matter is settled.
Rise, look ahead, then scream.
I am weak.
So, I will become strong.
"I cannot forgive myself as I am now—the self that was waiting for someone to save her without doing anything."
Ah, how foolish I truly was. Why didn't I notice something so simple? I should have done this from the beginning.
Come, take up the sword.
Come, fight.
Because I was weak, I sought the strength to fight like this.
I'll just go back to the beginning.
"I will become strong; I must. ── For you taught me how that feels."
I wiped my swollen eyes and stood up.
I made my decision.
I won't run again.
I won't break again.
I won't give up again.
I will become an existence worthy of Al Cranel.
So I will be, I will be...
I unleashed the black wind in my heart, the wind that had faded over these four years, and whispered.
As if singing.
As if vowing.
As if declaring.
Stain this heart with the color of darkness. Strip away the mask of the girl called "Ais Wallenstein," so the monster known as the "Avenger" may wake.
Ah, so that's it.
This is it, this is exactly what I was looking for.
The power I truly desired.
The true wish I asked for from the bottom of my heart.
Black emotions completely possessed Ais's mind.
"── Tempest-Avenger."
── On this day, a new Level 6 was born in Orario.
──────────────────────────────────────────────────
Note: In this work, Ais-tan will suffer periodic setbacks even if Al doesn't die.
By the way, the "lap pillow" event with Bell-kyun won't happen; in this work, Bell has a real teacher, so he knows about magic and mental exhaustion as facts and hasn't acted recklessly.
☆☆☆☆
I've always been hesitant about setting goals because, let's be honest, they rarely work out. But I'm giving it one final shot. If we reach 50 Power Stones within the next 24 hours, I will release an extra bonus chapter immediately!
If this succeeds, I'll keep setting reasonable goals, and every time we hit them, you get a bonus chapter. If it fails, I'll drop the idea forever and won't try it again. The ball is in your court now!
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