"I haven't even spent a full day inside the dungeon... I might have just set a new record, the fastest solo clear of a Dx1.5 dungeon."
With that thought, he sheathed his black blade and strode forward, his next adventure already forming in his mind.
---
On the other side of the dungeon DX1.5, nine hours had passed since Morca entered. The guild official stood beside his desk, packing his belongings as his shift neared its end. He was awaiting his replacement when a deep frown creased his forehead. Reaching into his storage ring, he retrieved a glowing object. The moment he laid eyes on it, his complexion turned deathly pale. Fear and shock seized him at once.
What he held in his trembling hands was the monitor device, an artifact used to observe the area beyond the massive metallic steel gateway. As he peered into the screen, his breath hitched. A lone figure stood there, clad in tattered clothing, his hand gripping a black blade tightly. The left side of his face was concealed by a black eyepatch, and despite his ragged appearance, he exuded an unsettling sense of calm.
"Is that not the Sherman family kid who entered nine hours ago? What is he doing there?" the guild official muttered in disbelief. His hands shook. "Wait… don't tell me he actually cleared the DX1.5 dungeon, a place infested with bloodthirsty Thorn Wolves. He's a monster…"
The revelation sent shivers down his spine. It was unprecedented. The DX1.5 dungeon was notorious for devouring seasoned adventurers, yet here stood a single survivor, a mere boy who had walked in alone.
A moment later, another guild official arrived for his shift. He was a younger man with short brown hair, dressed in the same uniform. His brows furrowed as he noticed his colleague's ghastly pale face.
"Mr. Odiy, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost. Are you sick?"
Mr. Odiy didn't answer immediately. Instead, he handed the monitor device to his colleague. The younger man glanced at it without much concern. It was not unusual for a party to enter a dungeon and for only a few members to return. Dungeons were deadly, and complete party survival was rare. More often than not, at least half the group would suffer fatal injuries.
But as the image on the device registered, his casual demeanor evaporated. His hands trembled, and the monitor device nearly slipped from his grasp.
"Wait… you're telling me this kid entered alone… and survived? And not just survived, he cleared it?" His voice quivered in disbelief.
Mr. Odiy sighed, his lips twisting. He knew his colleague wouldn't comprehend the gravity of the situation without an explanation.
"That boy belongs to the Sherman family from Section Four, one of the ancient bloodlines," Mr. Odiy explained. "He entered the dungeon alone, accompanied only by that man over there." He pointed toward Emmett Lee, who stood nearby. "And now, after nine hours, he's back. Completely alone."
The younger guild official could no longer contain his shock. His hands trembled as he muttered, "This is insane…"
The commotion caught the attention of Emmett Lee, who raised an eyebrow and strolled over.
"What's the matter?" he inquired, his tone casual.
Mr. Odiy quickly answered. "This device allows us to monitor what's behind the gate. If a life form appears, it glows blue. A moment ago, it lit up, and when I checked..."
Before he could finish, Emmett Lee snatched the device from his hands. His eyes flickered with a mixture of surprise and amusement as he observed his younger brother on the screen. Then, a knowing smile spread across his face.
"As expected. This wasn't even a challenge for him," he murmured to himself. "I'll take him to the Black Avengers Club. He needs to build a reputation before heading to the academy. It will serve as good training."
The two guild officials watched in stunned silence. A chill ran down their spines as they saw the devilish grin that crossed Emmett Lee's face.
"Are they really related?" they both wondered.
Emmett Lee's expression returned to calm indifference as he commanded, "Let him out."
Mr. Odiy obeyed, pressing several buttons on the device. A moment later, a deep, metallic groan echoed through the room as the massive steel gate slowly opened.
From within the dungeon, Morca emerged, his steps slow and composed. Despite the tatters of his clothing, his expression was one of absolute tranquility. His body bore the marks of battle, yet he moved as if he had merely taken a stroll.
As he approached, Emmett Lee wrinkled his nose and raised a hand to block the air.
"Stay back. You reek," he said, a smirk playing on his lips.
Morca chuckled, realizing his stench was a testament to his grueling battle. "I suppose I need to adjust my combat style in future adventures to avoid such embarrassment," he thought to himself.
"We're renting an inn or an apartment," Emmett Lee announced as he turned on his heels, striding away. Morca followed closely behind.
The two guild officials exchanged glances, shaking their heads in disbelief. The Sherman family's descendants were truly on another level.
---
In a modest apartment outside the main city of Section Three, Emmett Lee had secured a three-bedroom space. The place was furnished with a sitting room and kitchen. After a much-needed shower, Morca stood in the bathroom, dressed in only a white towel wrapped around his waist, another in hand as he dried his damp black hair.
He turned to face his reflection in the mirror. His crimson right eye studied his ink-black left eye. A strange sensation washed over him, as if his very life force was being drained. He gritted his teeth, shaking off the sudden dizziness.
"This is dangerous," he murmured. "There's something about this left eye… it feels like it devours life. I have to be careful."
With a sigh, he reached for his eyepatch and covered the black eye. A strange irritation stirred within him, but he ignored it.
Dressed in a simple white T-shirt and brown shorts, he made his way to the dining table. Only then did he realize how famished he was. Without hesitation, he sat down and dug into the feast before him.
From across the room, Emmett Lee smirked as he watched his younger brother devour the meal.
"Eat up, little brother," he thought to himself. "Where you're going tomorrow, you might not have time to think about food for the next two days." A sinister grin curled his lips.
As if on cue, Morca suddenly felt dizzy. Before he could react, darkness consumed him.
A shadowy figure materialized beside Emmett Lee. It was Dino, the spy Emmett Lee had planted within the Voidspace Family.
"You know what to do," Emmett Lee instructed coolly. "Take him to the Dark Avengers Club. Make sure no one notices."
Dino nodded silently. Without hesitation, he lifted the unconscious Morca and vanished into the night.