The atmosphere inside the Hall of Clan Origin became suffocating.

  An invisible pressure weighed heavily upon everyone present, pressing against their chests and stealing their breath.

  Rey’s aura dominated the entire hall.

  It was not merely power—it was authority.

  His voice echoed coldly through the chamber, filled with restrained fury.

  “You think that just because you are a noble from the Kingdom of Xylandra,” Rey said, his tone sharp, “you can oppress others as you please?”

  Duke Yuri trembled.

  Fear crept into his eyes as his lips quivered.

  “I— I’m sorry… please forgive me…” Yuri stammered. His legs nearly gave out, yet he forced himself to stand. “I did not mean it that way. You may… you may forget about this matter.”

  Rey turned his gaze.

  “And you.”

  His aura surged—this time directly toward Katarina.

  Even at Level 123, Katarina’s body shook violently. Her knees weakened under the crushing pressure.

  “You bully those weaker than you,” Rey said coldly. “Do you truly believe that Clan Origin lacks strong guardians?”

  Katarina’s pride shattered.

  She fell to her knees.

  “I— I apologize!” she cried. “I will restore everything to how it was! I will give compensation—”

  Before she could finish, another deep, commanding voice echoed through the hall.

  “Compensation?”

  The word carried contempt.

  “Do you think that after what you’ve done, you can simply offer compensation and walk away without punishment?”

  Katarina looked up, her face pale.

  “T-Then… what do you desire?”

  The second voice spoke again.

  “I want three Grand-tier potions, ten High-tier potions, and five thousand Gold Coins as compensation. And all five of you will offer a sincere apology to those you have harmed.”

  The voice belonged to Alex.

  Through his extraordinary intelligence—and with Floryn’s expertise in computers—he had modified the communication crystal. What was once a simple warning device had been transformed into something akin to a speaker, a communication tool resembling a smartphone.

  Katarina and her subordinates had no choice.

  They obeyed.

  Duke Yuri grimaced as he produced the costly payment. The price was steep—painfully so.

  Yet inside his heart, venom festered.

  You trash… just wait. Pray that you never enter the inter-nation Tournament. If you dare force your way in, I will make you pay tenfold.

  Nearby, King Hareth watched silently, shock evident on his face.

  He leaned toward Lucas and whispered, “That strength… does it come from a Player? Do you recognize Ace or Rockers?”

  Lucas shook his head.

  “No,” he whispered back.

  Yet inside Lucas’s mind, doubt lingered.

  Those voices… why do they sound so familiar?

  Evelyn soon approached, carrying the potions. She handed them to the five injured members of Clan Origin.

  But Vincent’s condition was dire.

  His body was scorched, his breathing shallow.

  Inside Evelyn’s heart, dread grew.

  Only Luna can heal Vincent…

  Suddenly, Vincent screamed in pain.

  The sight horrified everyone present. His body looked as if he had been burned alive.

  Footsteps echoed.

  Luna entered the hall, holding a Grand-tier potion Rey had entrusted to her.

  When Katarina saw Luna, she scoffed arrogantly.

  “You cannot heal him,” Katarina said dismissively. “He is permanently crippled. Only Priests from the Kingdom of Xylandra can heal wounds like that.”

  Duke Yuri quickly added, feigning generosity.

  “But it is fine. If you wish to heal your ally, we will assist you. It will help strengthen the relationship between Christope and Xylandra.”

  Luna did not respond.

  She knelt beside Vincent.

  She poured the Grand-tier potion over him and activated her Healing Skill simultaneously.

  A warm, radiant light enveloped Vincent’s body.

  Minutes passed.

  Then—

  His wounds closed.

  The burns faded.

  Vincent’s breathing steadied.

  He was restored.

  Though exhaustion remained, his life was no longer in danger.

  Evelyn quickly supported him and escorted him to a resting chamber.

  The hall fell silent.

  Shock painted every face.

  Katarina, Duke Yuri, and all those present were left speechless.

  Lucas stared at Luna in disbelief.

  Her beauty.

  Her healing power.

  Envy crept into his heart like poison.

  A clan like this… possessing an angel such as her…

  He clenched his fists.

  Only I am worthy of someone like Luna.

  Katarina broke the silence, her tone sharp.

  “You,” she said rudely. “Are you a Player as well?”

  Luna did not answer.

  She turned away, intending to leave.

  Katarina’s face darkened with anger.

  Before she could speak again—

  That terrifying aura surged once more.

  “What do you think you are doing?” the voice thundered. “Have you not learned from what happened earlier?”

  Katarina stiffened.

  Fear crawled up her spine.

  She fell silent.

  But deep within her heart, resentment burned.

  You will pay for this one day. I am merely Top 10 Rank Class S in Xylandra… your power is nothing compared to the three of them.

  Duke Edric stepped forward, raising his voice.

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  “Now you have seen it,” he said firmly. “Clan Origin is truly capable. They are worthy of clearing Floor Seven—and even defeating a Level 120 monster.”

  Duke Yuri and Katarina said nothing.

  King Hareth clapped his hands slowly.

  “Worthy,” he declared. “Clan Origin is indeed worthy of such strength. However… I have a question.”

  King Carlos nodded.

  “What is it?”

  Before King Hareth could continue, Lucas spoke up.

  “Previously,” Lucas said, “the Kingdom of Hyleos entered Floor Seven shortly before Clan Origin. We discovered a massive blue crystal there.”

  He paused, eyes sharp.

  “Did Clan Origin take it?”

  Inside the hidden chamber, Alex clicked his tongue.

  “Lucas really is annoying,” he muttered. “So, Rey?”

  Rey fell silent.

  They had taken the crystal discreetly—when Alex and the divisions returned to the clan. No one should know.

  His aura deepened.

  With a heavy, dominating voice, Rey replied through the crystal.

  “We did not find the crystal you speak of. We only retrieved parts of the Orc Warlord’s remains and equipment left behind by those who perished during the tragedy five years ago in Christope.”

  The hall froze.

  Everyone understood.

  That tragedy was a deep wound.

  Heroes had fallen.

  Lives lost on Floor Seven.

  King Hareth nodded slowly.

  “I see,” he said. “Then that is acceptable.”

  Duke Yuri turned toward King Hareth.

  “Is there something special about that crystal?”

  King Hareth smirked.

  “You nobles of Xylandra will never find it.”

  Katarina frowned.

  “What do you mean?”

  King Hareth smiled faintly.

  “That crystal can only be discovered by those below Level 90. My forces tested this repeatedly.”

  He continued calmly.

  “But they could not defeat the Level 119 Orc General. Thus, the crystal was left abandoned.”

  Duke Yuri’s mind raced.

  Strategies formed.

  “So,” he asked slowly, “what makes that crystal special? Is it more valuable than a Mana Stone?”

  The question lingered.

  And somewhere deep within the shadows—

  Rey’s eyes narrowed.

  With a faintly mocking tone, Duke Yuri spoke again, a smile curling at the edge of his lips.

  “Does the Kingdom of Hyleos lack sufficient funds,” he said leisurely, “that you would go as far as extracting the Crystal just to sell it to another nation?”

  King Harith’s patience finally snapped. His expression darkened, and his voice carried restrained anger as he replied,

  “You do not understand the matter at all. Inside that crystal… there is a woman—”

  Before King Harith could finish his sentence, Lucas abruptly interrupted him.

  “But you will never get the chance,” Lucas said confidently. “That path is extremely hidden, and only those who are chosen can ever find that location.”

  Inside Lucas’s heart, his thoughts churned violently.

  Why would this foolish king reveal such critical information? This will only complicate things. That woman inside the crystal… I want her. Her beauty is far too valuable to be left to others.

  Duke Yuri immediately grasped the meaning behind King Harith’s unfinished words. With Lucas cutting in halfway, Yuri became even more convinced that the woman sealed within the crystal was no ordinary being—possibly a powerful Player from decades ago, trapped within the Dungeon itself.

  After a brief pause, Edric spoke in a relaxed tone, his expression calm yet calculating.

  “Oh? So it will become a competition to search for a hidden treasure,” Edric said with a faint smile. “How interesting. It seems the Kingdom of Christope must also mobilize its strength.”

  Behind his composed demeanor, Edric’s mind worked relentlessly.

  If the power of Clan Aegis, Obsidian, and the Guilds are all deployed to search for a crystal they will never find… then Clan Origin’s chances of victory will only increase.

  Duke Yuri laughed softly and responded with a polite smile.

  “You must be joking. We are not interested in such a trivial treasure. Therefore, the Kingdom of Hyleos and Christope may compete among themselves.”

  However, Edric was far too perceptive to be fooled. He knew Yuri was lying. The Rosenveil family was the true power standing behind the Arden family. They had no need to act directly. All they needed was to give orders to the Arden family, let them complete the task, and quietly reap the rewards afterward.

  At that moment, King Carlos laughed heartily.

  “Hahahaha! I am quite interested in that crystal as well.”

  Edric returned the smile smoothly.

  “Of course, Your Majesty. You may mobilize the Guild forces to search for it.”

  Then Edric turned his gaze toward Willson.

  “Willson, does Clan Origin have a place for us to rest? I am quite exhausted.”

  What Edric said was part of Alex’s plan. Alex had already anticipated that the situation might escalate further. If tensions rose too high, Edric was instructed to intervene and redirect the atmosphere, cooling things down before it exploded into open hostility.

  Willson immediately understood and politely invited all guests to move to another hall to enjoy the feast prepared for them.

  Despite the heavy tension lingering in the air, Edric’s presence gradually eased the situation. His calm authority and refined manner were effective in stabilizing the atmosphere, preventing further confrontation.

  After some time, all the guests departed from Clan Origin.

  The Rosenveil family left for the Arden residence to discuss undisclosed matters. As for the delegation from Hyleos, accommodations had already been arranged for them by King Carlos.

  After such an overwhelming chain of events, the following day arrived.

  Rey and the others gathered inside a special chamber—one that only high-ranking members and select individuals were permitted to enter. Emily was among them.

  Rey spoke first, his tone serious.

  “Emily’s secret must be protected at all costs,” he said firmly. “If this information leaks, it will cause absolute chaos.”

  Alex nodded in agreement.

  “I will control the intelligence network. Nothing about this will reach the public.”

  Despite their confidence, both Rey and Alex were deeply worried. The movements of the Kingdom of Hyleos were unpredictable, and the Rosenveil nobles were especially troublesome. There was a strong possibility that they would manipulate the Arden family to spark an internal conflict—using them as a fuse to ignite a war that would destroy Clan Origin from within.

  Rey continued, his voice heavy.

  “After this incident, Clan Origin will be watched far more closely.”

  Alex stepped forward and added,

  “That’s why I’ve already prepared several plans. This is to improve the overall quality of members in every division.”

  Alex stood up, unfolded a large sheet of parchment, and placed it onto a massive board. His eyes were sharp as he spoke.

  “I’ve revised the plan. Tristan and Eris will lead Divisions 1 through 5 to focus on leveling. Once all members reach Level 50 and above, you may withdraw.”

  Then Alex turned his gaze toward Willson.

  “Willson, you will lead Divisions 6 through 15 alongside Vincent, Evelyn, and Drax. I expect rapid level progression from your teams.”

  Next, Alex pointed toward Floryn, Luna, Melvin, and Elysa.

  “You will follow me to lead Divisions 16 through 20. This will allow us to increase our levels as quickly as possible. All of this is to ensure we are not left behind when the Tournament begins.”

  Finally, Alex looked directly at Rey.

  “Rey… are you going to do that?”

  The room fell silent.

  Everyone turned their attention to Rey, who had closed his eyes. After a brief moment, he opened them and spoke calmly.

  “I will enter Floor 6 with Emily,” Rey said. “So all of you must raise your levels as fast as possible.”

  Shock spread across the room.

  Rey was going alone—bringing only Emily with him.

  Elysa felt a sharp pang of jealousy at Rey’s declaration, her emotions flickering uncontrollably.

  Sensing the tension, Rey spoke again.

  “I know this feels too early,” he said honestly. “But my level can no longer increase just by fighting monsters on Floor 7.”

  He looked at each of them in turn.

  “So I hope you all understand my situation.”

  The weight of his words lingered heavily in the chamber.

  They all understood.

  Rey observed the reactions of Elysa, Melvin, and Luna—three familiar figures who stood quietly, their expressions noticeably lacking their usual brightness. There was no need for words. Rey could see it clearly in their eyes.

  They were his earliest companions.

  The first party members who had trusted him, followed him, and fought beside him when Clan Origin was still nothing more than a fragile name.

  And yet, this decision… was necessary.

  Rey knew this was a long-term plan—not just for himself, but for them as well. With Alex and Floryn, both of whom deeply understood the mechanics and hidden logic of this world’s system, guiding them, Rey firmly believed that Elysa, Melvin, and Luna’s growth would far exceed even his own early expectations.

  This was not abandonment.

  It was preparation.

  After the meeting concluded, the others gradually left the chamber. Soon, only Rey and Alex remained inside the silent room.

  Alex crossed his arms, studying Rey carefully, before speaking.

  “Rey,” Alex said, his voice low. “Didn’t you notice?”

  Rey looked at him.

  “Notice what?”

  Alex let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing his temple.

  “Didn’t you realize that all three of them… have feelings for you?”

  Rey froze.

  For a moment, he said nothing. Then he exhaled slowly, the weight in his chest finally surfacing.

  “I noticed,” Rey replied quietly. “But I need time to think, Alex. We’re still trapped in this world. We don’t even know if we can return to Earth… or not.”

  Alex’s expression hardened.

  “Rey, I strongly suggest you talk to them—one by one. If you don’t make things clear, this will come back to bite us later.”

  He paused, then added seriously,

  “And honestly… I’m worried. If I’m leading their teams while their emotions are unsettled, they might lose focus.”

  Rey fell silent.

  After a long moment, he nodded.

  “Alright. I’ll meet them… one by one.”

  Alex relaxed slightly, but his gaze soon sharpened again.

  “And about Floor 6,” Alex continued. “Do you think there’s any clue there related to Emily’s memories?”

  Rey’s tone turned serious.

  “I don’t know, Alex. But we have to try.”

  Alex sighed deeply.

  “I understand. But remember this, Rey—we’ve raised Clan Origin’s name together. You’re my friend. Are you really sure… that we shouldn’t enter together?”

  Rey turned toward him.

  “Alex, I need you to train the three of them. If I bring them to Floor 6 now, it could be fatal.”

  Alex was silent.

  He scratched his head roughly.

  “Argh… this is giving me a headache.”

  Then, with a resigned breath, he nodded.

  “Fine. We’ll stick to the plan. But you have to promise me one thing.”

  Rey looked at him.

  “Come back alive.”

  Rey smiled faintly.

  “That’s a given. I’ll make sure all valuable information reaches you.”

  The tension between them finally broke.

  They laughed softly and began talking—about their lives back on Earth, about moments that now felt impossibly distant. Eventually, they parted ways.

  As Rey walked alone through the quiet corridors, a thought surfaced in his mind.

  Elysa… should I meet her first?

  The answer came sooner than expected.

  As Rey wandered into the garden, bathed in pale moonlight, he spotted Elysa standing beneath the blooming flowers. The moon was full, glowing softly above her as she gazed upward, lost in thought.

  Rey approached quietly.

  From behind, he gently covered her eyes.

  “Who am I?” he asked playfully.

  Elysa smiled instantly.

  “Rey! Why are you covering my eyes?”

  Rey removed his hands and laughed.

  “Hahaha, I just wanted to tease you.”

  Then he tilted his head slightly.

  “So, Elysa… why are you here?”

  Elysa hesitated.

  Then she clenched her fists, gathering her courage.

  “Rey,” she asked softly, “am I… not beautiful?”

  Rey was taken aback.

  “You’re beautiful,” he said immediately. “Why would you ask something like that?”

  Elysa lowered her gaze, her cheeks flushing.

  “Ever since Emily appeared… I feel like you rarely want to spend time with us anymore.”

  Rey fell silent.

  The sound of the night breeze filled the gap between them.

  Finally, he spoke.

  “I didn’t invite you to Floor 6,” Rey said carefully, “because I’m afraid the same incident will happen again. I want Alex and Floryn to train the three of you so you can grow rapidly.”

  He looked at her sincerely.

  “After that… I want to stand together with all of you and win the Clan Tournament that will be held soon.”

  Elysa stopped breathing for a moment.

  She understood.

  Still, she gathered her courage once more.

  “Rey…” she whispered. “If Emily is truly your wife in the future… can I not be your wife as well?”

  Rey’s heart pounded violently.

  He smiled gently and replied,

  “Elysa… I won’t reject your feelings.

  But I want you to choose me later—not because of today’s circumstances, not because of sympathy, but because your heart truly wants me.”

  Elysa covered her face, overwhelmed with embarrassment.

  Rey continued softly,

  “However, we must handle Clan Origin’s matters first. And we must restore Emily’s memories. Didn’t you see Eris’s expression… when her own sister failed to recognize her?”

  Elysa nodded behind her hands.

  “Yes… I noticed Lady Eris was very sad. So I’ll do my best to help you, Rey.”

  Rey stepped forward and hugged her.

  Elysa froze, utterly shocked. Her face burned red at the sudden intimacy.

  Rey leaned closer and whispered,

  “So… you have to wait for me.”

  Startled, Elysa pushed him away and ran toward her room.

  Rey stood there, stunned. He had never expected such strength from someone so gentle.

  He lifted his gaze to the glowing moon above and thought quietly—

  Am I… worthy of them?