Chapter 4: The Goddess in the Shadows

As Takumi Erevan Knox stepped inside the cave, the massive stone door behind him slammed shut with a thunderous echo. The gate's color shifted to a dark, ominous purple—an ancient aura radiating from within. In the world of dungeons, the darker the hue, the more dangerous and ancient the place was.

Outside, panic spread among the students and instructors. Ayame Hoshizora, who secretly harbored feelings for Takumi, gasped. She had never confessed her heart, though many girls in class saw Takumi as “husband material.” He, however, always remained distant, calm, and carried an egoistic yet mysterious aura.

Inside, Takumi cautiously made his way deeper into the cave. The cold air whispered ancient secrets. He finally entered a vast room—a royal chamber with a grand throne standing in its center. As he stepped closer, a horde of goblins and zombies ambushed him.

Despite his lack of awakened powers, Takumi fought fiercely, relying only on physical strength. He was severely injured, blood trickling down his arm and forehead. Just when the monsters were about to overwhelm him—

A golden radiance engulfed the room.

A girl appeared out of nowhere, walking gracefully toward the throne. As she sat upon it, the monsters immediately backed off, vanishing into the shadows.

Takumi stared in disbelief.

“W-Who are you?” he asked, panting and barely able to stand.

The girl looked at him with glowing, otherworldly eyes.

“I am Akari no Megami… the Goddess of Love,” she replied.

“What are you doing here?” Takumi asked, trying to comprehend.

“I left Heaven,” she said coldly. “Now I live in this cave. My only purpose is to erase humanity and love from the world.”

Takumi frowned. “But you’re the Goddess of Love, aren’t you?”

Her eyes darkened. “Humans don’t understand love. I once loved too… but all I got was pain and betrayal.”

She stood from the throne. “Time in this cave passes differently. One year here is only a minute outside. I’ve waited centuries in silence.”

Takumi winced but spoke with conviction. “Love doesn’t work the way you want it to… if you spread hate, you’ll only receive hate.”

Akari narrowed her eyes. “There’s pain in your voice… I want to know more about you.”

And thus began the strange bond between the injured boy and the fallen goddess—two broken souls in a place where time stood still.