Even though so much had happened the night before, once the sun rose, the world felt refreshed and new.

It was the weekend.

Aside from professional adventurers, many students could also be seen at the entrance to the dungeon.

Most of them came for Seal training, so their expressions were far more relaxed than the seasoned adventurers.

But even among them, no one looked as carefree as our Miss Zervanie.

As one of the Empire’s most popular songstresses, she was usually performing or preparing for a concert. Rarely did she get to go out, much less enter a dungeon.

And more importantly—today, she was with Felyn.

She’d spent nearly the entire night worrying about Felyn, even dreaming about apologizing to him.

But none of that anxious energy showed on her face. She didn’t want to leave Felyn with another bad memory.

The past had already gone poorly—now, she wanted to focus on the present and the future.

—

Fourth Floor of the Dungeon—Bronze Badge Area.

Above them, glowing crystal stones bathed the vast green meadow in a beautiful light.

This area was relatively safe. The magical beasts here were weak and posed little threat.

"Felyn! Look, hahahaha!"

Zervanie called out gleefully.

Today, she wore cloth armor with red markings, a short skirt, and a flowing black cloak. Brown boots wrapped over long black stockings—perfect symmetry.

A beautiful girl looked good in anything.

She didn’t bother with a mask or hat to hide her face today, since they were unlikely to run into anyone in this part of the dungeon.

After all, the dungeon was huge.

Zervanie darted over to the edge of the path and crouched into a patch of tall grass, blending perfectly into the dungeon’s scenery. With the flowers surrounding her, she was almost impossible to spot.

"This tree is so tall!"

She had clambered up onto a massive tree trunk—wide enough that a dozen people couldn’t circle it—and stared up in wonder.

Light from the crystal above barely filtered through the thick canopy, spilling in soft beams across her face.

It might have been the most beautiful sight the dungeon had ever seen.

"Trees that absorb mana grow much taller than the ones on the surface," Felyn answered casually, flipping through the dungeon guidebook. He was more focused on not getting lost than on Zervanie’s behavior.

"Oh, right. Some trees eat people, so don’t get too close to them."

"Eh?!"

Unfortunately, his warning came a little too late.

Several roots suddenly sprang out of the ground and tangled around Zervanie’s ankles.

"Wait, wait, wait—!"

She reflexively pulled out a seals to attack, but caught herself and held back just in time.

The magical beasts here were low-level. She could break free from the roots any time—there wasn’t much danger.

But if the tree actually lifted her into the air, she’d end up hanging upside down. And that would mean her skirt would…

Thankfully, she had chosen cute underwear today.

"F-Felyn! Help me!"

Zervanie spread her arms dramatically, not even bothering to hold down her skirt.

She could feel the roots trying to hoist her upward.

If Felyn saw her panties—what kind of face would he make?

It’s not like I’m doing this on purpose! I’m not that kind of girl! It’s the tree’s fault! If it weren’t for this stupid tree, I wouldn’t be flashing anyone!

But the dreaded moment didn’t come.

Instead, something hit her lightly on the head.

"Oww…" Zervanie rubbed her head, opening her eyes to find Felyn standing there, staring at her with exasperation.

He pointed to her legs.

Zervanie looked down—and saw that the roots were trying hard to lift her… but failing.

"You’re too heavy. The roots couldn’t get you off the ground."

She immediately leaned forward, flailing her arms as she protested.

"I’m not heavy! I’m super light! I’ve been eating so little lately—barely anything at all!"

“What kind of tree are you?! You can’t even lift a beautiful maiden like me!"

Great. Not only did she fail to flash him, but now Felyn probably thought she was an oblivious idiot who didn’t panic even in danger.

It’s all your fault! All your fault!

Zervanie smacked the trunk with both hands.

"Ow!"

…

Felyn was starting to get concerned.

Was Zervanie really cut out for this?

"Felyn, that was just an accident! I wasn’t being careless! I’ll definitely protect you next time!"

"Thanks," he said with a nod.

No point in discouraging her enthusiasm.

Let’s just hope she runs if a strong monster shows up.

—

"This is weird. We’ve been walking forever and haven’t seen a single magical beast."

Zervanie scanned the area as they walked along the winding path.

This endless green meadow should’ve been teeming with monsters, yet there was nothing in sight.

"Yeah. Maybe the dungeon’s on a weekend break, too? I didn’t get one."

"Weekend break?" Zervanie tilted her head, not understanding the joke.

The knee-high grass brushed against their legs, dancing with the wind.

"It’s so beautiful…" Zervanie lifted her skirt slightly as the breeze swept through it. Her silver hair flowed in rippling waves. She tucked a few strands behind her ear.

On this vast, wide plain, it really felt like they were the only two people in the world.

The dungeon sky wasn’t blue, but sparkled like a starry night.

Yet the ground, lit by glowing crystal stones, was even brighter than the sky. A strange reversal—only possible in a dungeon.

"True."

Felyn, like Zervanie, didn’t come here often.

Since they couldn’t find any magical beasts, they might as well enjoy the view.

No point coming all this way for nothing.

The more you chase something, the more elusive it becomes.

But the moment you stop trying—it often finds you.

Just as the two of them strolled ahead, treating this like a casual outing, they finally encountered their first magical beast of the day.

A Level-3 Stonehide Bull.

Its body was encased in grayish-brown armor plates like stone, with two curved horns sprouting from its head.

Much like them, the creature probably hadn’t seen a living thing in ages.

The moment it laid eyes on them, it charged madly forward.

"Felyn, wait!"

Just as Felyn prepared to activate a Tier-3 Seal, Zervanie raised a hand to stop him.

She still remembered the pained look on his face last night when he’d bought those expensive Tier-3 Seal.

She wanted to help him save wherever she could.

"Just use a Tier-1 Seal."

"That’s a Tier-3 monster. Tier-1 Seals won’t even scratch it."

"Don’t forget—I’m a songstress."

Zervanie raised the Seal in one hand, her other hand resting confidently on her hip. The glowing rune formation formed almost instantly in the air.

So fast!

Even Felyn had to admit it—she was on par with Adelina now.

Casting a Seal required time. The more skilled the caster, the faster they could construct the pattern.

The Seal activated, forming a blue glowing needle of energy that slowly fused into Felyn’s body.

He immediately felt the difference—his body felt light, almost weightless.

"Zervanie, what was that…?"

"A Tier-4 Buff Seal. You can’t buy it in Saiwa."

When she saw Felyn’s surprised expression, Zervanie puffed out her chest proudly.

"Felyn, you know… you really can rely on me more. I’m pretty strong, you know?"

But Felyn didn’t see that proud little smile.

Someone else did—from far away.

Two girls, watching from the distance.

A Tier-6 Tracking Seal—it could clearly observe things from several kilometers away.

"Viloti… look at that smug grin. Zervanie’s seriously enjoying herself, huh?"

(End of Chapter)