novelnext Chapter 10: Dungeon Raid I
Chapter 10: Dungeon Raid I
Chapter 10: Dungeon Raid I
Ryuen moved side by side with Aika, his eyes closed as usual.
But he could sense Erina's movements in the trees; it was slow this time, not as quick as before.
His mind replayed the brief battle earlier—from the girls' speed to how Erina killed the beast without breaking a sweat.
He was somewhat excited that he had found himself in a world where the impossible was possible.
He could imagine how his students would react if they met Erina.
"You seem oddly calm for someone who nearly became a beast's food," Aika uttered, pulling him out of his thoughts.
Ryuen glanced at her. "If you call it 'Razard,' then I'll give you a reply."
Her brows furrowed, and she couldn't deny that the name was good—and very creative.
Heaving a sigh, she opened her mouth. "You seem calm for someone who nearly became the Razard's food."
She repeated it, earning a smile from him. He simply shrugged and faced forward.
"Why would I be worried when it's a normal thing? Besides, you two had it covered."
Erina suddenly appeared beside him, her fluffy tail swaying in random directions behind her.
"You're very confident, mortal. Is this how your kind are?"
Ryuen chuckled. "Let's just say there are strong and weak-hearted people."
As they approached the palace, Ryuen could hear Haruka's voice from afar.
He imagined they would be in a particular room, restricted, but the king seemed accommodating enough.
Aika pushed the entrance door open and nearly fainted.
Her gaze fell on Haruka, who hurried into the throne room, wearing what looked like the king's robe.
Akari followed, holding a dusting brush and a spray bottle.
Kenta went in after her, laughing heartily. He looked normal until he emerged from the room again, wearing the king's crown.
He vanished down the hall, dragging Yuta, who had a scarf wrapped around his face and sunglasses.
At least he was the only one who didn't...
He was holding the king's staff.
"Who are those?!" Erina asked, trying hard to suppress her laughter at Aika's expression.
"My... students..." Ryuen trailed off, equally shocked.
Erina clasped her hands together. "My goodness, mortals from your world are really amusing," she giggled.
"Compared to the greedy ones here," her tone dropped as she said that, but she exclaimed again.
Without saying another word, Erina hurried off, her hair bouncing with every step.
She vanished through the throne room door, leaving a stunned Ryuen and Aika.
"Uhm... sorry."@@@@
Aika snapped her head at him. "And why are you still here?" she said between gritted teeth, her crimson eyes glowing fiercely.
Ryuen chuckled nervously and took a step away from her.
He stopped to think for a moment, still staring into her eyes, then did the most unthinkable thing.
He patted her head, winked, and hurried off the second she screamed in frustration.
As Ryuen made his way into the throne room, he saw the king on his throne, seated comfortably with his legs in a basin and a towel around his head.
Beside him was a very familiar bag, with curlers peeking out of it, and a comb.
His gaze shifted to his students, performing some kind of play for him.
And Yuta was actually talking.
"Unbelievable," he mumbled, his shock doubling.
His gaze moved back to the king, expecting to see a look that screamed death. But no, what he saw were the eyes of a father playing with... his kids.
"Aren't kings supposed to be terrifying?"
Ryuen mumbled an "Oh," realizing they were not the only ones who came through the train.
King Arel's gaze suddenly turned dark. "How are you still standing without a mark?"
"Ah," Ryuen chuckled nervously. "I didn't actually get hurt."
"He's really brave for a mortal, father. That explains why he's with Aika," Erina chimed in, earning a groan and a chuckle from both ends.
"This young man," the king explained, his mind going back to their first encounter.
"Has incredibly fast reflexes, keen senses, hidden weapons, and a strong heart."
Before anyone could say anything else, a figure stepped into the throne room.
His golden eyes glowed faintly as he set his gaze on the king and his sisters.
His sharp features and imposing stance exuded authority and elegance.
His eyes locked onto Ryuen, a flicker of envy, disdain, and irritation passing through his eyes.
He made his way closer to the group, his head held high.
Who could blame him, with green hair framing his perfect face, eyes like gold pearls, and a voice like silk?
"Father," he called softly, stopping beside Ryuen, who immediately caught a whiff of his sandalwood scent.
And so did he, oddly amused by how good a mere mortal could smell—like lavender and incense.
However, he did not let himself get carried away.
He continued, "Is this the mortal you've spoken so highly of?" he asked, glancing at Ryuen, who did not move an inch, as expected.
"Indeed," Arel replied.
"Is that why you summoned me? I was busy with the city's barriers, father."
"That's not why I called, but I need everyone to meet him," the king answered, smiling.
"Ryuen Takeru has proven himself to be a better mortal, and capable too. You could learn a few things from him."
"What did mother say about this?"
King Arel smirked. "She's, I dare say, smitten with the young man."
"What?!"
The four yelled in unison, much to the prince's displeasure.
"How dare he flirt with our mother?"
"I did not flirt with anyone," Ryuen defended calmly, earning a glare. But he did not back down.
"Ryuen, this is Jun... Jun Shirokami Wang," the king said, a smile on his face, which Ryuen returned with a small one.
He turned to the prince, who sized him up before scoffing.
"It's a pleasure meeting you, your majesty," he said flatly.
Erina chuckled softly and moved to Jun's side.
"You look good," she leaned closer, pressing her body tightly against his, "and you smell good too."
"Thank you, and you look as beautiful as always suster," Jun complimented her.
He pushed his fingers between her ears to rub, but a glare from her made him rethink.
"Sorry," he mumbled.
She nodded and moved back to her position.
"So, father, what is the real reason you called us?"
"I need you four to visit a dungeon that opened in the middle of the city."
"Again?!" Aika exclaimed, frustration laced in her voice, but Erina patted her to calm her down.
"What class are the beasts?"
"Class D, it shouldn't be difficult for you three. I'm worried about the human," he said, shifting his gaze to Ryuen.
Who only smiled and dipped his hands into his pockets.
"You don't have to worry about me, your majesty."