The great bloodthirsty demon wolf Garios had fought nonstop since his seal broke. Though his power had faded greatly, he still gave his all to uphold the Beastfolk's dignity.

But those treacherous humans exploited his weakened state from centuries of imprisonment. He fell heroically in their encirclement—dying gloriously, dying...

Garios's bizarre death shattered us. Dora and the other three adventurers remained frozen in shock, faces blank with disbelief at this cruel reality.

Listen to our exchange:

"Hiss... He's dead..."

"Mm... Dead."

"Just like that?"

"Really gone..."

"So... our mission's complete?"

"Mm. Complete."

"Feels... too easy..."

"You too? I thought I'd die here!"

"Me too! Me too!"

"Guess this old wolf was just weak."

"...

"So... what now?"

We five exchanged glances, then all turned to Dora—our team leader.

Though unsettled by the news, Dora, the seasoned adventurer, quickly decided: "Let's retreat. Sharon and Lisa guard the other seals; no major issues there..."

Her casual words revealed much to my sharp mind:

First, Dora's group could rival level-65 Garios—likely all level-60 elites.

Second, Sharon and Lisa outranked her; Sharon clearly led their trio.

Third, their dungeon familiarity and past mentions of "their team" hinted at a powerful organization backing them.

No wonder Anjelit never dared defy Lisa's speed or words. Anjelit was the true adventurer—she'd sensed Sharon's group's danger long before I did.

"Rogelit? What's wrong?" Dora patted my shoulder, snapping me from my chin-pinch daze.

I smiled slightly. "Just tired..."

"Mm. We walked far."

"My feet ache."

"Bathe on the way back. One gold coin reward—treat it like a trip~"

"Nice~ If only every mission was this easy~"

The girls chattered about shopping and clothes, conveniently forgetting the poor old wolf.

Retracing our steps, we entered the spiral staircase—then violent tremors and explosions shook behind us. I glanced back, stunned.

Collapse.

This underground world, built to seal Garios, crumbled without magic. First, the giant magic circle in the rock ceiling and sea dissolved into light. Then the mysterious altar cracked apart, stone chunks splashing into the water. Next, the stone corridor shattered with relentless crackling. When all plunged into the sea, the destruction halted at the staircase edge.

No corridor. No altar. No magic circle.

From the exit, only empty space remained—rock above, dark sea below. Like... a dream?

Dora knew we were safe. She didn't rush us, staring intently at the collapsing altar. To die so absurdly...

After ten seconds, she murmured: "Let's go."

Climbing the spiral stairs, wall glowstones dimmed with height. Dora reignited her gem with magic, its fierce light guiding us.

Soon, we reached the forked path. Minutes later, the dungeon entrance glowed clearly in the darkness.

Dora extinguished the gem. "I'll scout first," she said, summoning a light-wall shield onto her shoulder. Stepping out, she scanned carefully before calling: "All clear. No life signs."

She still feared that freak Ankexikaao. His single comment during our journey haunted her—a level-60 powerhouse like Dora couldn't sense him! Eliminating threats was vital for veterans. Yet no matter how she searched, Ankexikaao stayed hidden. Thankfully, he caused no trouble.

But... who was Ankexikaao? Why did he linger in my mind?

"Looking for me, cute little beauty?"

A man's voice echoed behind me. A powerful force yanked my body backward—dragging me into the dungeon's darkness!

Dora lunged to follow, but the entrance sealed with that same mysterious energy.

"ROGELIT!!!!"