chp:4 determination

The morning sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. Alicia stirred in her sleep, wincing as a pounding headache brought her back to consciousness. She blinked, trying to make sense of her surroundings. This wasn't her room.

She groggily stood up, her steps heavy and unsteady. Fragmented memories of the previous night flitted through her mind. Before she could piece them together, the door creaked open, and Ryuu stepped in.

"you're awake," Ryuu said, her voice calm and measured.

Alicia's eyes widened with a mix of confusion and alarm. "What happened? And Where am I?" she asked frantically.

"You were attacked by some scums," Ryuu explained in her usual stoic manner. "They are now in the hands of the Ganesha Familia. You're in my room at the Hostess of Fertility."

Alicia's mind raced as she tried to recall the events of the night. Slowly, it started to come back to her. "So, you were the one who saved me?" she asked, a hint of gratitude in her voice.

Ryuu shook her head slightly. "I wasn't the one who saved you. It was a boy named Asriel Silver, a silver-blue haired cat person. He rescued you and carried you here. I assisted him."

Alicia's expression softened. "Oh," she murmured, a touch of sheepishness in her tone. "Is… he here?"

"No," Ryuu replied, her expression unchanged.

"I must get going to work now. You can stay a little while longer if you're still feeling unwell," Ryuu offered, her tone even.

"Okay, thank you," Alicia said, managing a small smile.

Ryuu nodded once and left the room, her footsteps barely audible down the hallway. Alicia sat for a few moments, gathering her thoughts. Eventually, she stood up and made her way out, thanking Ryuu again at the door. She couldn't help but ask a few more questions about Asriel before she left, her curiosity piqued by Asriel who had come to her rescue. "I hope I find him" Alicia thought, wanting to thank her hero and headed back to the twilight manor.

Asriel woke up after the best sleep he had in a while. He yawned and stretched, thinking, "The quiet room really helped, i didn't have any nightmares this time." He stood up, donned his equipment and coat, and yawned again. "I should head to the guild now," he said to himself.

He walked for several minutes until the imposing structure of the guild building, well known as "The Pantheon," came into view. Asriel saw a large number of adventurers milling about. "A bit crowded and too noisy," he thought, covering his sensitive lion ears with his hands.

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Navigating through the guild, he made his way toward the counters. Suddenly, an adventurer shoved him, causing him to stumble and fall onto someone. Asriel felt something soft and squishy under his hand. Slowly lifting himself, he realized what he was holding.

"Can you get off me?" said the person beneath him, her voice tinged with annoyance. Asriel's face turned crimson as he realized he was holding one of her assets. He quickly scrambled to his feet, helping the woman up as well. Bowing at a perfect 90-degree angle, he exclaimed, "I am so sorry!"

The woman let out a sigh and said, "Head up."

"Yes, ma'am," Asriel responded, his guilt evident. His lion ears drooped and his tail hung low, emphasizing his remorse.

He looked at the woman and whispered to himself, "She's beautiful." She wore the standard guild uniform: a set of black vest and pants with a white collared long sleeve shirt underneath and a grey bow tie, all tailored to highlight her feminine curves. Her vibrant red hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her delicate, angular features. Atop her head were werewolf ears, twitching slightly. Her eyes, a striking yellow, seemed to pierce through him with a mix of irritation and curiosity. The fitted vest accentuated her ample breasts, emphasizing her strong yet distinctly feminine physique. She had the appearance of a mature woman, with a poised and confident demeanor that added to her allure. Behind her, a wolf tail swayed gently, its movements mirroring her subtle shifts in posture.

"At least he didn't do it on purpose," she thought as she looked at the teen with a guilty expression. She had encountered many people, but he seemed different.

"You're here to register as an adventurer?" the mature woman asked, her tone firm yet not unkind.

"Yes," Asriel replied quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

She glanced at the clock and saw she had plenty of time before her break. With a sigh, she looked back at Asriel and said, "Follow me." Wasting no time, she turned and headed towards a private booth.

"Yes," Asriel repeated in a low voice, trailing behind her with his head down. He could feel numerous unfriendly eyes on him, filled with anger and jealousy—except for one pair of kind emerald eyes.

Upon entering the private booth, the werewolf woman commanded, "Sit." Asriel quickly obeyed, taking a seat. The woman moved to the shelves to retrieve the necessary paperwork for registering Asriel as an adventurer.

Asriel sat there nervously, reflecting on how similar this was to the time he signed up to become a knight. Memories of long ago surfaced; he remembered sitting in a similar chair, awaiting his registration as a candidate for the kingdom's knighthood. However, this time was different—there were no numerous, grueling tests to endure. He had despised those tests with a passion.

The werewolf took her time gathering the paperwork, relishing the opportunity to observe how the newcomer handled pressure. It amused her to watch him squirm. Every few moments, she glanced at the teen and noticed his ears twitching curiously in all directions, much like a kitten. "He looks more like a kitten than a cat," she muttered under her breath. Asriel, with his keen hearing, caught the remark clearly, and embarrassment washed over him.

With each glance she threw his way, he seemed to shrink further into his seat. Eventually, satisfied with her little game, the werewolf ceased her playful torment. She approached the desk, sat down across from him, and spread the paperwork out on the table.

"Let me formally introduce myself. I am Rose Fannett, one of the many guild employees responsible for adventurer paperwork. Today, I also serve as an advisor for new adventurers," Rose concluded, her voice steady and authoritative. Asriel's curiosity ignited at the mention of adventurers, swiftly dispelling his embarrassment and nervousness. He leaned forward, his full attention now riveted on the werewolf.

Rose couldn't help but think, "He really does look like a cute, curious kitten," as she observed his eager expression. She retrieved a pen from her breast pocket, ready to begin the process. Looking at Asriel, she said, "Okay, what's your full name?"

"Asriel Silver. It's nice to meet you, Ms. Fannett," he responded politely.

Rose nodded, acknowledging his response, and moved on to the next set of questions.

"Age?"

"Sixteen."

"Race?"

"Cat person."

"Birthplace?"

"Ah… I'm not sure," Asriel replied, leaning back and gazing at the ceiling. Even before his second chance at life, he had never known where he came from. He and his sister had lived in his village for most of his life before he venture to the Lion Kingdom. Now, he found himself at a loss for an answer. "I lived in a village called Sythver in the northwest for a year and a half. The rest of my life is a blur, just fragments of my past," Asriel added, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Rose nodded, maintaining her professional demeanor despite being a bit puzzled by his lack of knowledge about his own past, but she continued with the questions.

"Family members?"

"…"

"Mister Silver?"

"Ah, sorry. I have an adoptive grandpa and brother, but my other family members are… long gone," Asriel said, his gaze dropping to the floor.

Rose noticed his eyes shimmering with a complex mix of emotions—sorrow, longing, nostalgia, and a flicker of anger.

"He looks like a sad kitten now," Rose thought as she observed him.

"Sorry if these questions are too personal, but we are required to know this information for safety measures and future reference," Rose explained, her tone professional yet gentle.

Asriel nodded. "It's okay, I've had a long time to come to terms with it," he said, offering a weak smile while still looking down.

Rose felt a sudden urge to reach out and scratch his head to comfort him, much like she would with a kitten. She restrained herself, though, even as his soft cat ears tempted her. Instead, she focused on the paperwork, ensuring the process was as smooth and efficient as possible for him.

"Thank you for your understanding, mister silver. Let's move on to the next part," Rose said, her tone warm yet businesslike, hoping to ease the young cat person's burdened heart while maintaining the professionalism required of her role.

"Place you are living?"

"The quiet inn on western Main Street."

"Do you have any previous experience, like farming, merchant, or adventurer—any information that would be important for the guild to be aware of?"

Asriel pondered, his thoughts a whirlwind of memories. "Well, I do have a lot of experience, but I can't just say I was a knight for a kingdom that is now nonexistent," he mused silently.

Aloud, he replied, "I was a farmer with my gramps and brother and a guard in my village. I have combat experience, so I became a guard for my village, fending off any surface monsters that would come our way. There weren't many monsters to worry about, though. As for adventuring, I'd say not much, but I did slay any monsters I encountered during my trip to Orario."

Rose blinked in disbelief, struggling to reconcile the innocent-looking kitten before her with the seasoned guard he claimed to be. The only manly thing about him seemed to be the cross-shaped scar on his face. But there was sincerity in his eyes. "So, how many surface monsters did you exactly kill before and after you left your village?"

"About sixty when I was a guard in my village, over the span of a year and a half. During my travels, around twenty-five in the span of three weeks," Asriel answered confidently. Rose found it endearing how the kitten's face lit up with pride at his successful hunts. The urge to scratch his ears surged within her, but she resisted, though she couldn't help but give a small smile.

"Well it seems you won't have a problem of getting in to a familia with your experience"

Asriel tilted his head, his cat ears drooping slightly as he patted his own head. "I haven't registered with a familia yet. I thought I had to register with the guild first before doing anything else," Asriel admitted.

"Oh yes, many newcomers think the same," Rose replied, a hint of a smile on her lips. "For now, we'll leave the familia spot blank." She then gathered her hands on her knees and looked him in the eyes. "Now, for the last question… why do you want to be an adventurer?"

Rose's words struck a chord within Asriel, but when he spoke, his voice was filled with unwavering determination. "I have a goal: to reach for the skies and become a beacon of hope for everyone—their silver lining. I aspire to be a hero that people can look up to, someone who instills confidence and assures safety. Even if I can't be the beacon of hope for everyone, I yearn to be the guiding light for at least one person."

His passion grew as he continued. "I dream of soaring above the clouds, illuminating the path for those lost in darkness. My heart burns with the desire to be a symbol of courage and unwavering support. If I can ignite even a single soul, inspiring them to believe in themselves and in a brighter tomorrow, my purpose will be fulfilled. For it is in uplifting others, whether it be many or one, that I find my true calling."

He paused briefly, then added with a shy yet resolute tone, "And… when I have a family in the future, I want to be able to protect them."

Rose was surprised by his response. She was accustomed to hearing answers like, "I want to become famous," "I want to be rich," or, on rare occasions, "I want to be the strongest." But here was someone she had initially likened to a kitten, expressing a goal far beyond his years.

"That's a noble ambition, Asriel," she said warmly, her professional demeanor softening slightly. "With such determination and spirit, I'm confident you'll make a remarkable adventurer and make your goal come true." Rose said with a gentle smiled.

Asriel smiled back, "thank you mis fannett"

/\

(This part was inspired once again by "and so bell cranel became a hero" fanfic. I recommend you read it!)

Rose took her time explaining the guild's functions to the "silver kitten"—a nickname she had secretly given Asriel, though he was unaware of it. She covered the minor details, such as the working hours of various guild attendants and the fact that the exchange teller was always available for trading monster cores and materials.

More importantly, Rose informed him that the dungeon was accessible to anyone, whether they belonged to a familia or not, as long as they were registered with the guild. She handed him a map detailing the locations of various familia homes, encouraging him to consider joining one. Additionally, she explained the significance of Babel Tower, which housed numerous shops where he could purchase equipment ranging from novice to high-end.

Rose also assisted him in filling out forms for admission to a familias. Asriel, with his insatiable curiosity, bombarded her with numerous questions about various topics. Rose found his enthusiasm admirable and refreshing, making him one of the most interesting things to happen to her in a long time. Consequently, she felt a pang of disappointment knowing she would no longer be his advisor, a role she had left behind years ago.

Once they had covered everything, Asriel bowed formally and said, "Thank you for your help, Miss Fannett. I promise to do my very best."

Rose nodded curtly and replied, "I look forward to seeing it."

Asriel left with a smile, and Rose felt a sense of satisfaction with her work so she smiled as Asriel left.

As Asriel walked away from the guild, he noticed the sun still shining brightly. "I have some time to spend. I should do some shopping," he mused. He sighed, remembering his financial situation. "I only have 21,000 valis," he thought. "Surely, I can find something inexpensive."

Asriel arrived at the bustling free-market district, where an array of shops lined the vibrant streets, each displaying a variety of goods. Colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, and the air was filled with the lively chatter of merchants and customers haggling over prices. He strolled for a few minutes, taking in the sights and sounds, when an unusual sensation washed over him—a strange sense of connection, like a hum of electricity coursing through his body. Intrigued, he scanned his surroundings, trying to locate the source of this peculiar feeling.

As he continued walking, the sensation grew stronger, guiding him like an invisible thread through the crowd. His curiosity piqued, Asriel followed the mysterious force. Finally, his eyes settled on a barrel brimming with cheap weapons, tucked away in a corner of a modest shop. The electrical force seemed to intensify as he approached, pulling him closer with an almost magnetic allure. He could feel the vibrations in the air, a tingling sensation that seemed to resonate with his very soul.

He stared down at the assortment of weapons, his gaze narrowing as he focused on the source of the connection. Among the haphazardly arranged swords, daggers, and other implements of battle, six daggers stood out, their presence almost pulsating with energy. The blades, though rusted and worn, seemed to call out to him, as if recognizing a kindred spirit.

"Find something you like?" an old man asked, noticing Asriel's interest.

"Oh, I'm just looking," Asriel replied, though he couldn't tear his eyes away from the daggers.

"These are some cheap and rusty weapons. If you're looking for something decent, you can check these out. Call me if you need any assistance," the old man said, walking off to help another customer.

Asriel continued to search through the barrel of cheap weapons, feeling a growing sense of connection until it became almost overwhelming. The sensation peaked when he touched the six blades that seemed to call to him. "Nightstrike Bolts," Asriel thought as he pulled the six daggers out of the barrel.

"These are my daggers," Asriel thought as he unsheathed one of the blades, feeling its weight in his hand. "How much for these daggers?" he asked the old man.

"Huh… those daggers? Do you really want them? They're quite rusty," the old man replied, surprised by Asriel's choice.

"Yes, I possess some decent blacksmith skills," Asriel said, downplaying his expertise to avoid raising the price. In reality, he was quite skilled, having acquired extensive knowledge and skills from the Kingdom of Lion, encompassing much more than just combat, being able to learn basic, skilled, and expert on almost every subject.

"Ah, sure, kid. How about 6,000 valis for all six? I was actually going to throw them out since they've been here for so long," the old man said.

"Yeah, that sounds like a good deal," Asriel agreed, handing over 6,000 valis and leaving with his new daggers, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

"I can't believe I found my old daggers," Asriel thought, a smile spreading across his face as he walked out of the free-market district with 4,000 valis worth of goods. "You may be rusty now, but I'll restore you all to your original glory," he vowed, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Asriel made his way toward the inn where he had been staying. "Miss Fannett said I wouldn't have trouble getting into a familia, so I should be able to join one before running out of money," he said to himself, calculating that he still had about 11,000 valis left.

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1 week later

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"I was wrong," Asriel muttered, his voice heavy with exhaustion and despair.

Day after day, he knocked on door after door, only to face rejection, indifference, or even hostility. His initial enthusiasm had long faded, replaced by a gnawing frustration and a growing sense of hopelessness. The normally joyful street chatter he once enjoyed had become an incessant, irritating noise in the back of his mind, grating against his frayed nerves.

The first 10 familias had been straightforward in their dismissal:

"We aren't looking for recruits."

Asriel nodded politely, trying to stay optimistic, and moved on to the next.

By the 20th familia, the rejections had become harsher:

"You aren't fit for this familia."

Asriel tried to explain his experience, to plead his case, but they flat out ignored him. He clenched his teeth in frustration and moved on, determined not to give up.

The 45th familia was even more blunt:

"Piss off, kid. Go play somewhere else."

Asriel knew he looked young, but he was ready to prove himself. Yet again, he was ignored. He walked away, feeling the edges of his resolve beginning to fray.

By the time he reached the 50th familia, his patience was nearly gone. When he approached a group of familia members, one of them sneered, "Fuck off, kid," and tried to kick him in the stomach.

Asriel dodged the attack, but something snapped inside him. In a blur of movement, he grabbed the attacker's head and slammed him into the wall, leaving a crack in the stone. The attacker slumped to the ground, unconscious, while the other two members stood frozen in shock. They stared into Asriel's eyes, which blazed with a furious intensity, glowing with an almost inhuman anger. His face remained emotionless, but the fury in his gaze spoke volumes.

Asriel took a deep breath, his chest heaving with the effort to control his rage. "I will not be treated like this," he thought, feeling the weight of every rejection pressing down on him. He walked away from the scene without a word, his heart heavy with disappointment and his spirit bruised, but not yet broken. The vibrant and welcoming streets remained lively and cheerful, but for Asriel, they had transformed into a source of irritation, the cacophony of voices and sounds amplifying his sense of isolation and frustration.

"These people are all the same," Asriel thought bitterly as he walked toward the last familia on his map. Memories of his time in the Lion Kingdom flooded back, where every captain had a singular obsession: power, perfection, and recruits from noble families. The elite circles he had tried to penetrate were unyielding, their gates firmly shut to anyone not meeting their lofty standards.

"The Twilight Manor. This is where the Loki Familia lives," Asriel muttered under his breath. He was still simmering with anger and irritation, though slightly alleviated by his earlier outburst against the hostile recruit. As he approached the entrance of the Loki Familia, his heart pounded with a mix of desperation and determination.

"Hold. What is your purpose here?" one of the two guards demanded, their posture rigid and alert.

"I'm here to join your familia," Asriel replied, forcing a smile to mask his frustration and simmering anger.

The guards exchanged skeptical glances, and Asriel found himself talking to them for over ten minutes, trying to convince them of his worth. He noticed the irritated gaze of a silver-haired werewolf watching him intently, but he pressed on, refusing to be deterred. Finally, he managed to persuade one of the guards to fetch a captain.

"Finally!" Asriel thought with a surge of hope as he saw the guard head off to get the captain.

Before the guard could complete his task, the silver-haired werewolf sneered, knocked the guard aside, and stormed over to Asriel. His eyes were cold and unwelcoming.

"The hell do you want, kid?" the werewolf growled.

Asriel took a deep breath, struggling to maintain his composure. "Hello, my name is Asriel, and I'm here to join your familia."

The werewolf's sneer deepened as he grabbed Asriel by the collar of his coat with blinding speed, too fast for Asriel to react. "Why would we accept someone as weak as you? A weakling like you will only get yourself or somebody else killed. Go home and find your momma," the werewolf mocked, his smirk filled with disdain.

Asriel's mind went blank and dropped his application as he was unceremoniously thrown out by the werewolf. He landed hard, his pride and spirit shattered. He scrambled to his feet and ran away from the gates of the Loki Familia manor, humiliation and anger stinging his eyes. His emotions churned in a tumultuous mix of shame, regret, and self-loathing. The vibrant, welcoming streets that he once in joyed now felt like a cruel mockery, their lively chatter and cheerful ambiance a stark contrast to the storm raging within him.

Riveria stared out from the window of the library, her jade eyes narrowing as she witnessed the scene unfolding below. The sight of the silver-haired werewolf hurling a boy out of the gate filled her with a simmering rage.

"Lady Riveria, is everything okay?" Alicia, who was sitting across from her and deeply engrossed in a book, looked up, concern etched across her delicate features. She was alarmed by the anger contorting her princess's normally flawless face.

"No, Alicia, that damn wolf just pissed me off," Riveria snapped, her voice tight with barely restrained fury. Before Alicia could ask for more details, Riveria bolted out of the library, her long, flowing jade hair trailing behind her like a banner of war.

Within moments, she was running across the courtyard, her focus solely on the laughing werewolf. "You damn mutt, what have you done now?!" she shouted, her voice echoing with authority.

"Just taking out the trash. That weak-ass boy had no right coming to our door," Bete chuckled, his arrogance palpable.

"How would you know, mutt? You were weak just like him when you started off!" Riveria's voice was filled with contempt.

"Shut up, you old hag. The weak will always be weak," Bete sneered.

Riveria's fury spiked at the insult. Despite being ninety-nine years old, she was still in the prime of her life by elven standards. Many treated her as elderly, but she refused to let such insults slide. Her body tensed with anger, and the audible crack of her knuckles made even a level five like Bete go on high alert.

"Why not punish you by making you train some of the weaker familia members?" Riveria suggested, her voice dripping with venom. A blue aura began to light up around her body. "And in the meantime, why don't I turn you into an ice sculpture?"

Bete felt his fur stand on edge as the level six High Elf mage started her ice spell, Wynn Finbulvetr. "Crazy witch!" he spat, but his bravado faltered. He knew better than to challenge her in this state. Being the second-fastest adventurer in Orario, he immediately sprinted away, a blur of motion.

The giant blue magic circle dissipated as Riveria cut off her spell. She turned her gaze to the two guards who were cowering in fear. "Go look for that child," she ordered, her tone brooking no argument.

Without hesitation, the guards took off down the street, their fear spurring them into swift action. Riveria stood there, her heart still pounding with residual anger. As she tried to calm herself, she noticed a piece of paper fluttering on the ground. She bent down to pick it up and found a crudely filled-out application for their familia.

Riveria read the form carefully, her eyes lingering on the words.

Name: Asriel Silver

Race: cat person

Age: 16

Hair: Silver-blue

Left Eye: Milky blue

Right Eye: Pure blue

Scar: On his right cheek

Thunder Scar: On his right arm

Experience: Farmer and seasoned guard for his village

Goal: To become a knight and hero like in the stories

She chuckled softly, a smile curling her lips as she read the goal part. "Become a knight and a hero, huh? Good luck with that," she murmured. But as the description and name sank in, a realization struck her. This was the same Asriel that Alicia had described as her savior.

Just then, Alicia walked up behind Riveria, her curiosity piqued. "What happened?" she asked, noting the expression on Riveria's face.

Riveria turned to her, holding out the piece of paper. "Hey, Alicia, does this description and name match your savior?" she asked, her voice tinged with an unexpected excitement.

Alicia took the paper and read it carefully. Her eyes widened in recognition, and she nodded vigorously. "Yes! That's him! Is he here?!" Alicia's voice was filled with hope and excitement, her heart racing at the thought of seeing and thanking her hero.

Riveria's smile faded slightly, and she sighed. "Sadly, no. That damn Bete scared him off," she said, frustration and anger evident in her tone.

Alicia's excitement vanished, her elven ears drooping as she processed the disappointing news. The joy that had sparked in her eyes was extinguished, replaced by a look of sorrow and dismay.

Riveria, seeing Alicia's disheartened expression, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't be down, Alicia. I believe you will meet him again soon," she said, her voice filled with reassurance and a promise.

Alicia managed a small, hopeful smile. "I hope so," she whispered And went back to library

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Asriel wandered aimlessly, his thoughts a chaotic whirl. "Why am I not good enough?" he questioned himself, each rejection amplifying his self-doubt. The weight of his failures pressed down on him, suffocating the flicker of hope he had held onto so desperately. He had come to Orario seeking a new beginning, but it felt like he was trapped in an unending nightmare of rejection and ridicule.

Asriel clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he tried to channel his despair into resolve. "I can't give up," he thought, though the conviction in his mind wavered. He needed to find a way to prove his worth, to rise above the scorn and disbelief of those who couldn't see his potential. The road ahead was uncertain and fraught with challenges, but Asriel knew he had to keep moving forward, even if it meant facing the darkness alone, with or without a familia.

Asriel's eyes were locked onto the towering structure in the distance. He would prove his worth in there. Determined, he returned to the inn where he had been staying while in Orario. He gathered his belongings and left his keys behind, he went to buy cheap dried food. Desperation for money and a burning desire to prove himself fueled his every move, as he was resolute in making his dreams a reality.

Upon reaching the Babel Tower, Asriel descended into the depths of the dungeon. With his hood pulled up and eyes laser-focused, his steps were deliberate and firm. He walked past a group of adventurers, not bothering to glance their way. Yet, they noticed him. An energetic Amazon among them felt a flicker of recognition but couldn't quite place him.

"He looks familiar," Tiona remarked, glancing back at him but continuing to walk.

"Yeah, I feel like I've seen him before too," Tione added, though she quickly dismissed the thought.

Ais also looked back momentarily, curiosity piqued, but soon her attention shifted to her immediate concern. "I want Jagamarukun," she declared.

"We know, let's go," Tione replied, ushering the group forward.

Asriel continued on, undeterred by the fleeting recognition from the adventurers. His mind was set on the challenges ahead, each spiral step taking him deeper into the labyrinthine dungeon, where he would face trials that would test his resolve and fortitude.

As Asriel took his final step onto the light blue-colored floor, he muttered under his breath, "No monsters." He proceeded cautiously, his eyes scanning the wide hallways of the first floor. Suddenly, five goblins materialized from the walls, their eyes glinting with malevolence.

Two goblins charged at him with speed. With a fluid motion, Asriel drew his twin daggers, their blades gleaming dully in the dungeon's dim light. he infused them with low Kai energy, causing them to glow with an eerie black hue. He sidestepped the goblins' lunges with practiced grace, slicing through them effortlessly. The goblins disintegrated, leaving behind their precious magic stones.

The remaining three goblins wasted no time. One flanked his right, another his left, while the last one charged head-on. Asriel dropped into a low stance, his muscles coiled like springs. He dashed forward, narrowly evading the two flankers and closing the distance to the middle goblin. With a swift, precise strike, he decapitated it in one clean motion.

The two remaining goblins regrouped and attacked again. Asriel dodged their wild swings with cat-like agility. He spun around, his dagger slashing through the air and into one goblin's torso, causing it to vanish in a puff of smoke. The final goblin, sensing its imminent demise, hesitated for a split second. That was all the time Asriel needed. He summoned a burst of electric energy, releasing it in a crackling shot that struck the goblin square in the chest, reducing it to nothing more than a faint scorch mark on the dungeon floor.

Asriel took a deep breath and sighed, scanning the area for any further threats. The hallway was silent once more, save for the faint hum of residual magic in the air. He collected the magic stones from his fallen foes, he placed the stones in his pouch backpack, his mind already shifting to the challenges that awaited him deeper within the dungeon. Each victory, each step, brought him closer to proving his worth and achieving his dreams.

Asriel descended further into the dungeon, the air growing colder with each step. Goblins and kobolds fell before him, their resistance proving only a mild challenge. He continued until the walls shifted to a light green hue, signaling his arrival on the 5th floor. The structure of the dungeon changed, becoming more intricate and foreboding. Asriel navigated the maze-like corridors, dispatching monsters with measured efficiency and collecting their magic stones and item drops.

His movements were swift and precise, each encounter sharpening his focus. As he reached for the last magic stone from a vanquished foe, his instincts suddenly screamed a warning. Without hesitation, he executed a barrel roll, narrowly avoiding a lethal strike. Springing to his feet, he drew his daggers, ready for combat.

From the shadows emerged a dark humanoid figure, its eyes glowing with malice. The creature dashed towards him with blinding speed, its elongated arms ending in razor-sharp claws. Asriel sidestepped a right swipe, ducked under a left swing, and attempted a counterattack, but the creature evaded with astonishing agility. It circled behind him, claws slashing through the air, missing him by mere inches.

"It's fast," Asriel muttered, steeling himself for the fight. Summoning his magic, he invoked "Body Enhancement," feeling a surge of power coursing through his veins. His strength and speed increased, matching those of his adversary. The creature lunged again, but Asriel was ready. He dodged its attacks with newfound agility, moving like a blur.

In a swift, calculated move, Asriel dashed forward and slashed at the creature's arm, drawing a deep gash. The humanoid howled in pain but retaliated with its other arm. Anticipating this, Asriel sliced through its second arm, leaving the creature defenseless. With a final, fluid motion, he leaped into the air and drove his dagger into the creature's head. The dark figure shuddered violently before collapsing into a heap, its form disintegrating into the dungeon floor.

Asriel scanned the surroundings for any additional threats. The hallway remained eerily silent, the only sound being the faint hum of residual magic. He retrieved the last magic stone and the finger claws of the creature, its faint glow illuminating his own glow of determined eyes one glowing brighter than the other. Each battle brought him closer to his goal, and he knew that greater challenges awaited him in the depths. With renewed resolve, Asriel pressed on, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead.

His pure blue eye glowing bright, He would demonstrate his determination, no matter what lay ahead for him.