Arthur dispelled the remaining elemental energy, his stats materializing before him.
[New Ability Unlocked: Water Magic]
A grin spread across his face. "I'm getting stronger," he muttered.
The others gathered around him. Callista had finished healing Riven and Seraphina, though their mana hadn't fully recovered. Arthur, relieved to see Riven awake, pulled him into a tight hug.
"I'm glad you're okay!"
"Don't just kill me off like that," Riven huffed. "It would take more than that to finish me off."
Arthur chuckled and nodded as they all moved toward the treasure room.
Riven glanced at Arthur's blade and frowned. "Arthur… what's up with your sword? There are some weird writings on it."
Arthur blinked and looked down—strange inscriptions had appeared on Hyorinmaru's blade. Before he could say anything, the sword transformed, revealing Hyorinmaru in his dragon form.
Arthur turned to him. "What happened? Can you read this?"
Hyorinmaru averted his gaze. "No."
Gael stepped forward, studying the markings. "Even I can't read it. This looks like an ancient writing system."
Before they could dwell on it, a sudden bolt of lightning shot toward Callista. Arthur reacted instantly, raising an ice wall just in time to block it. As the ice shattered, they all turned to see a battered and barely standing Zayne.
Arthur quickly checked on Callista. "Are you okay?"
Her face turned red as she stammered, "U-um… you're too close."
Arthur quickly backed up. "Oh—sorry!" He helped her to her feet.
Leo scoffed. "Should we finish him off?"
Gael shook his head. "No. Let's just confiscate the treasures and leave."
Before they could act, the ground rumbled. The dungeon walls cracked, dust and debris falling from above.
Gael's expression hardened. "That explosion must've weakened the dungeon's foundation. It's collapsing. We need to get out of here—now!"
No one argued. They all turned to leave—except Arthur, who hesitated.
"What about him?" Arthur glanced back at Zayne, still barely conscious. "We can't just leave him here."
More stones started falling. Before Arthur could move, Gael grabbed Arthur and carried him out.
As soon as they stepped outside, the dungeon behind them caved in completely.
Gael dropped Arthur onto the ground, glaring at him. "What the hell were you thinking?! You could've died!"
Leo crossed his arms. "If you ever want to die, just let me know. I'll gladly do it for you."
Arthur rolled his eyes. "No thanks."
Felix sighed. "Hyorinmaru, talk some sense into him."
Silence.
Felix turned to Arthur. "Where is Hyorinmaru?"
Arthur pulled out his sword—Hyorinmaru was curled up, sleeping. "That battle really drained him."
Gael shook his head. "Alright, let's head back home."
As they turned to leave, a group of figures appeared in the distance. Instinctively, the group tensed, ready for battle.
The approaching figures raised their hands in a gesture of peace. As their faces became visible, Gael's eyes widened.
"Elias Stormrider, Lucian Graves, Ivy Larkspur…" Gael muttered.
Arthur glanced at him. "You know them?"
Gael nodded. "Yeah. They're Sword Mages."
The man at the front, Elias, smirked. "We were sent to assist you. Your classmates and teacher were worried."
Leo scoffed. "You're too late. As you can see, we already finished the job."
Arthur sighed. "You don't have to be so rude."
Gael exhaled. "Alright, enough talking. Let's head back. You're all exhausted."
With that, they began their journey home.
---
Meanwhile…
A smoky train emerged from the ruins of the dungeon, carrying an unconscious Zayne and a bag of gold. Sitting inside, Kieran winced, rubbing his sore back.
"I can't believe they actually defeated Zayne," he muttered as the train moved toward the Velundria Kingdom.
Moments later, Zayne's eyes fluttered open.
Kieran grinned. "Oh, good, you're awake. How are you feeling?"
Zayne remained silent, staring at his hands.
"I feel… different," he whispered. His memories were clear now. Every single one.
The train pressed forward, vanishing into the dawn.
---
Sage Academy – Return
As Arthur and the group arrived, they were met by Mr. Nathaniel and the others.
Ronan sprinted toward them, relief clear in his expression. "Thank god you're alright! I was worried sick—tell me everything that happened in the dungeon!"
Before Arthur could respond, Mr. Nathaniel grabbed Ronan by the ear and pulled him back.
"Let them rest first," he scolded.
Ronan grumbled but backed off.
Lyra and Selene stepped forward, assisting Callista and Seraphina back to their quarters. The rest soon followed, disappearing into their dorms.
---
Mr. Nathaniel's Office
Gael stood before him, recounting every detail of the dungeon expedition.
When he finished, Mr. Nathaniel leaned back, deep in thought. "I can't believe it… He defeated a candidate qualified to become Velundria's Sword Mage General. His potential is even greater than I expected."
Gael nodded and turned to leave. As he stepped outside, a message arrived.
[Summon: Head Captain's Lounge]
Gael sighed. "Looks like I won't be getting any rest."
He made his way to the Head Captain's quarters.
---
Head Captain's Lounge
Gael knocked.
"Come in," a firm voice called.
Gael entered, offering a respectful bow.
The Head Captain fixed him with a sharp gaze. "You know why I called you here."
Gael nodded. "It's about the dungeon incident."
"Exactly. Now… tell me everything."
Gael began his report.
Shortly after, he exited the room, heading to his own quarters at last.
Inside the lounge, the Head Captain smirked.
"So my intuition was right about him…" He leaned forward, fingers tapping against the desk. "Who would have thought? Ice magic… and water magic."
His eyes gleamed with interest.
"And that ancient writing…"
He turned to a shadowed figure in the room. "Gather all the information you can on Arthur."
The figure bowed. "Yes, sir."
As they vanished, the Head Captain chuckled.
"I can't wait to see your progress at the tournament, Arthur."
---
Sapphire Hall – Room One
Damon, Darius, Kaelius, and Garoth entered the dorm, finding Arthur, Felix, Riven, Leo, and Ronan gathered inside.
The group welcomed them in.
Damon leaned forward. "Alright. Tell us everything that happened in that dungeon."
Arthur smirked. "It's going to be a long night—so listen well."
The conversation stretched into the late hours.
---
Rose Hall
Lyra and Selene hosted a small celebration, welcoming Callista and Seraphina back. As they dined, the girls listened intently to their story, eager to hear every detail.
The night carried on, filled with laughter, conversation, and the lingering thrill of adventure.