Chapter 16 – The Party’s First Mission

The next day after the formation of The Radiant Six, they received their very first mission directly from Guild Master Sera.
On paper, the task was simple: exterminate the Goblin and Undead roaming near the entrance of a newly discovered dungeon north of the capital, Elyzaria.

However, the subtle tone in Sera’s voice as she explained the request made Leonix feel that something wasn’t quite right.

They arrived at the northern forest around midday. The damp scent of earth mixed with the metallic stench of Goblin blood they had already cut down.
Layla charged ahead, cleaving two Goblins in a single swing, while Seraphine summoned holy light to incinerate a group of Undead clawing their way out from the soil.
Shion stayed close at Leonix’s side, guarding his back from any sudden ambushes.

Suddenly, Leonix froze mid-step. Amid the chaos, his eyes caught sight of a young girl—short, soft pink hair and sharp violet eyes. Her neat formal attire was far too clean for a place like this, and without so much as glancing at them, she walked straight toward the dungeon entrance.

Leonix: “Shion, did you see that?”
Shion: “Yeah… what do you think she’s doing? She’s not even paying attention to us—just strolling in like nothing’s happening while we’re fighting all these Goblins.”

The girl didn’t turn her head. Within seconds, her figure disappeared into the mist clinging to the dungeon’s mouth.

After clearing the remaining Goblins, The Radiant Six decided to proceed inside.
Seraphine had been visibly uneasy, though Leonix gave her a faint smile to reassure her—even if inside, he felt anything but calm.

The deeper they descended, the colder the air became. Ancient wall torches still flickered dimly, proof that this place had once been inhabited.
But upon reaching a vast chamber, every step came to a halt.

Ruins—ancient, sprawling ruins. Towering cracked pillars, floors etched with strange sigils, and walls adorned with symbols that struck an uncanny familiarity within Leonix.
Then, without warning, a stabbing pain shot through his head.

Seraphine: “Leon! Are you all right? Are you exhausted?”
Leonix: “I… I’m fine. But… for some reason… this building… looks like something from my world…”

He clutched his head, trying to force the pain away. Shion, scouting slightly ahead, scanned the surroundings. When she turned, her eyes widened—the pink-haired girl stood at the far end of the corridor, silently observing them—before turning on her heel and vanishing.

Shion: “Hey! You there! Wait! This place is dangerous for normal people!”

No answer came. Only Shion’s voice echoed back from the stone walls.

They had no time to chase her. From the darkness ahead, more Orcs and Goblins emerged in force.
Seraphine stepped forward, raising both hands high as pure white light enveloped her.

Seraphine: “— Eclipse Judgement Ray!”

A blinding wave of holy light surged forth. Goblins and Orcs screamed briefly before their bodies disintegrated into ash.
Even Leonix, Layla, and Shion found themselves frozen for a moment at the sight of Seraphine’s true power—rarely unleashed to its fullest.

Leonix: “Hmph… not bad.”

They pressed on until they reached the dungeon’s fifth underground floor. There, their enemies were no longer mere beasts.
A deep, mocking voice reverberated through the ruins.

???: “Humans… how dare you drag your filthy feet into this place.”

From the shadows, a towering figure stepped forward. Black armor engraved with intricate patterns covered his frame, crimson eyes burning within his helm.
A suffocating demonic aura blanketed the chamber.

Leonix: “Who are you? And what is your purpose here?”
???: “Me? I am the Seventh Demon General… Ordo.”

That name alone made both Seraphine and Layla stiffen.

Ordo: “So… you are the so-called hero from another world my king spoke of? Bold of you to show yourself here after killing Igor… and slaughtering my pet Orc back at the church.”
“You shall taste… the wrath of the Demon King.”

Ordo raised his colossal blade, the weight of his killing intent flooding the air. Leonix met his gaze unflinchingly.
From behind the ruin’s crumbling walls, the pink-haired girl stood once more—her lips curling into a sly, knowing smile.