Sally laughed cheerfully. “Even with those mysterious light sources, the dungeon’s still pretty dim. Keeping your hood up like that’ll block your vision.”

Sophia met Sally’s gaze, as if searching for something in those emerald eyes—but gave up after a moment.

“I’ll take it off later.”

“Good. I was just worried about you, Miss Sophia. Dungeons are treacherous—one tiny mistake could cost your life.”

“Mm.”

Ignoring her, Sophia quickened her steps and put distance between them.

*Once we’re inside, I’ll go dormant. Contact me through our contract if anything urgent happens.*

An’s voice echoed softly in Sophia’s mind. She gave a slight nod.

A faint crimson glow shimmered beneath her robe. A cool brush coiled around her wrist. She lifted it—there, a fiery red bracelet clasped tight, a fire dragon carved vividly along its surface.

*An transformed herself into this…*

Sophia couldn’t help but marvel at dragon magic.

*At least it covers my elf markings,* she thought quietly.

Just then, the Lion Warband stepped into the dungeon.

The narrow passage was dim yet dry, thick with a strange, nauseating odor. Everyone except Sophia walked on calmly, clearly used to it.

Sophia frowned. The dragon scale atop her staff flickered faintly. A thin mist veil settled over her face.

The barrier made the stench barely tolerable.

To the other mages—and Deputy Captain Sally—it looked like fragility. Disdainful glances flicked her way.

This was only the entrance to Floor One. Any monsters here would be weak slimes—chopped into pulp by frontline warriors in seconds.

As the group advanced, light glimmered ahead. Stepping out, Sophia’s view opened wide. This “castle” was really a vast natural cavern.

Glowing crystals studded the high ceiling, casting just enough light to see the path.

*Without the smell and lurking monsters… this’d be a lovely spot for a secret rendezvous.*

*Gurgle~*

A strange sound echoed. Ahead, several green-skinned creatures stood hunched, creeping closer.

Goblins.

Common dungeon pests—weak, dim-witted, yet stubbornly resilient in numbers. A nuisance for small parties.

“First Warrior Squad—clear these goblins. Then catch up,” Raging Lion ordered, gesturing to a few fighters.

He led the group straight past the creatures.

The goblins lunged—only to be cut down mid-charge.

Sophia watched Raging Lion’s broad back ahead, her eyes darkening slightly.

“Sophia… this is your first time in a dungeon, isn’t it?” Sally murmured with a sweet, knowing smile.

Sophia nodded absently.

“I knew it. Your grace… you don’t look like an adventurer at all. More like a noble’s daughter.”

“…You’re imagining things.”