"Well, that was quick"


    I muttered under my breath as the dungeon trembled around me. Reacting swiftly, I hastily connected my mana to the carefully ced markers scattered throughout thebyrinthine depths.


    The n was set in motion; the core of the dungeon, the primary source of power for the monstrous inhabitants, was now severed.


    With the core disabled, chaos was imminent.


    Although the monsters within the dungeon were distinct entities, their life force predominantly stemmed from the core.


    The abrupt loss of this energy supply meant that most of them had a mere day or two to survive. The looming threat of impending demise drove them into a frenzied state, pushing them to go on a rampage in an attempt to replenish their dwindling life force.


    The urgency of their situation meant that the monsters spared no time, indiscriminately attacking anything in their line of sight.


    The most unsettling aspect was their selective targeting – they focused solely on non-monstrous entities.


    This peculiar behavior resulted in what some referred to as a dungeon outflow, a cataclysmic eventmonly known as a dungeon break.


    Suddenly, a resounding ring reverberated through every nook and cranny of the dungeon, emanating from themunication stones and crystals strategically ced throughout its vast expanse.


    "[Warning!] [Warning!] [Warning!]"


    The urgent message red, cutting through the ambient sounds of the dungeon.


    "[Please leave the dungeon immediately]


    [I repeat please leave the dungeon immediately, all students leave the dungeon immediately]"


    "Huh? What''s going on?"


    "I don''t know"


    The voice of the professor resonated through all themunication stones, a sense of urgencycing every word.


    The students, caught off guard by the unexpected rm, reacted with a mix of panic and confusion.


    The immediate realization that something was terribly wrong sent shockwaves through the underground corridors.


    "Hey man watch out!"


    "Huh?""


    "Aghh!!"


    Just like that those two students died from a frenzied Kobold.


    In the ensuing chaos, the once-adventurous environment transformed into a scene of frenzied activity.


    Students either bolted in a panicked dash or stood frozen, their expressions reflecting sheer bewilderment.


    The air was thick with an air of uncertainty as everyone grappled toprehend the gravity of the situation.


    Even the supposed safety zones within the dungeon would soon be precarious, as the destruction of the dungeon core hinted at an imminent breakdown of protective barriers.


    The once-secured areas, which had provided a semnce of safety, were now at risk of being breached.


    After all everything here relied upon its core.


    Jumping agilely to evade the lunges of three hound wolves, I found refuge behind a sizable stone, stealing a moment to assess the unfolding chaos on the floor I upied.


    The atmosphere was charged with tension as students grappled with the sudden onught.


    Some fought valiantly, showcasing theirbat prowess, while others sprinted desperately toward the exits in a bid for survival.


    The gravity of the situation became clear to me as I remembered the crucial error the academy had made during this exam.


    The decision to deactivate the celestial magic, which seamlessly linked the lower floors to the outside world, had proven to be a colossal mistake.


    Turning the once-thriving examination into a perilous struggle for survival.


    ''Just like in the novel most students here would surely die''


    My attention was drawn to a distant point where an abundance of mana seemed to coalesce.


    Squinting my eyes, I discerned shes of white light.


    "Looks like Tristan''s already doing his part"


    Despite the overwhelming odds and the impossibility of saving everyone, Tristan stood resolute.


    His selflessness shone through as he valiantly faced the relentless wave of monsters, pushing back against the onught.


    In the midst of chaos, he exemplified the qualities of a true hero—unwavering courage, sacrifice, and a determination to protect others, even at the risk of personal peril.


    ''You truly are a hero with or without the sword''


    Themunication crystal nestled in my pocket began to emit a soft glow, catching my attention. Without hesitation, I swiftly retrieved it and epted the iing call.


    "Master, the kid is with us"


    "Good. Tell him to do his part" "What about the blood wyvern?"


    "It''s currently on a rampage. Sasha is busy luring it to the marker right now. We''re just waiting for your signal"


    "Tell Sasha to stop it from moving for a few seconds. I''m about to open the portals. Also, don''t forget to protect the kid. I''m pretty sure all the professors outside will go after him immediately."


    "Yes, master"


    Cutting off the call, I took onest look at the onught of monsters stampeding, killing everything in sight.


    Some were even mid-ranking bosses who reveled in tormenting and ying with every human they encountered.


    Even in the midst of their rampage, it seemed their sadistic nature didn''t vanish.


    As expected, they were making their way towards the stairs.


    Those on the first floor might have already faced against the professors.


    Looks like a lot were dying every second.


    But worry not….


    there might be a lot of you here, but I won''t let you all go to waste by bing useless clumps of meat.


    sping my hands together, I began to pray. Dark energy gathered around me as my eyes started glowing purple.


    Haha~ truly, I missed this feeling.


    [Oh dear—mother, please do forgive these lostmbs of yours and embrace them in your loving grace]


    As I prayed, hands as pale as snow descended from the shadows and grabbed every corpse, they could get their hands on, chomping and tearing away everything with the tiny mouths at their centers.


    [In the hushed embrace of the dark''s dim glow,


    I whisper to shadows that softly flow.


    Beneath the doll of the star-strewn dome,


    A sinister prayer for escape, I intone.


    Oh, elusive child of the hidden abyss,


    Grant me passage through the veils amiss.


    In the tapestry of shadows, let me weave,


    A path to freedom, a chance to leave.


    Now set my path a free.]


    As the words of my sister''s prayer echoed in the eerie silence, a chant known only to those devoted to the shadows, dark spots manifested all around the dungeon.


    Like ink spilled across a canvas, they covered the exits and any potential holes of escape.


    The atmosphere became charged with a palpable malevolence, and a twisted smile yed upon my lips as I foresaw the imminent arrival of death.


    ''But couldn''t sis make her prayer a bit shorter? even mom and dad''s were quite short''


    Anyways...


    Now all the monsters here will be free.


    ''See you soon mother''


    ….


    "Agh, what the hell is going on?" Liam staggered as the ground shook beneath his feet.


    "S-senior, we should get out of here immediately," Katia said with a nervous voice, her eyes wide with fear.


    Suddenly, warnings red from the professors, and the loud screams and roars of various monsters echoed from all directions.


    "The monsters are going on a rampage!"


    "Help!!"


    "Fuck, what''s going on?"


    "Let''s get the hell out of here!"


    Screams and cries from random students echoed in the surroundings as they frantically made their escape.


    The once serene atmosphere of the academy now echoed with chaos, with students running in disarray, desperately seeking safety from the unleashed mayhem.


    "Get down!" said Tristan as he swiftly shed at the Troll, which was on all fours, attempting to pounce at Katia.


    Tristan scanned the distance and noticed an uing herd of monsters making their way towards students, ranging from low-ranking to high-ranking. Though Tristan could probably handle them individually, facing such a multitude, especially with panicked students in the surroundings, would be impossible without causing coteral damage.


    "We need to get out of here. Miss Katia, Mr. Liam, please take care of Senior," Tristan urged.


    "Hey punk, where are you going?" Evadne eximed in annoyance, her eyes locking onto Tristan''s face filled with conviction to help others.


    "I''m going to help other students as best as I can."


    "Huh? Stop being stupid ande with us! You can''t save all of them!"


    "I''ll save what I can," Tristan said with a bitter smile as he nced at Evadne.


    "Fucking idiot!" Evadne could only stomp the hard ground as Liam and Katia carried her on their shoulders.


    Even though each stomp was painful, the realization of her utter uselessness in the current situation intensified the pain for Evadne.


    Even if they all gathered together, fighting this many monsters all at once would be impossible.


    As Evadne, Katia, and Liam made their escape, pale hands suddenly emerged from the shadows, grabbing onto any corpses within reach.


    "Shit, what is it now?"


    "W-what are those…?"


    "Ignore it, just run," Evadne advised. Although she didn''t understand what was happening, she knew for sure that being curious right now wouldn''t help them in their current situation.


    ''Where the fuck are the professors?''


    …..


    I wonder when they''ll return....?


    Adrian told me to sit still, but…


    There''s nothing wrong with exploring, right?


    Since most of the professors and officials are currently away or too busy with the exams,


    I''m sure almost no one is in the halls right now.


    And Analise is currently away buying groceries for dinner tonight, so a little exploration shouldn''t be too bad, right....?


    I decided to use my spirit''s blessing to make my face unrecognizable.


    Only those of high magical and spiritual sensitivity should be the ones able to recognize me, let alone notice my appearance.


    Making my way out of Lucian Hall, I headed towards the back garden, which was filled to the brim with exotic flowers unique to each country around the continent.


    There were even some nts that had their own unique small ecosystems around them, and some were even covered in snow.


    As I strolled through the vibrant garden, the colors and scents were mesmerizing.


    The peaceful atmosphere and the delicate beauty of each flower created a haven of tranquility.


    It felt like a secret paradise hidden away from the bustling corridors of the academy.


    But...


    ''Cecilia, can you take me up to the roof?''


    ''Yes.''


    ''Thank you.''


    Although I wanted to enjoy the flowers looking at them without someone by my side felt lonely for some reason.


    As Cecilia, with her gigantic serpent-like body, carried me on her head, a cascade of thoughts filled my mind as I gazed at the bustlingmercial district in the distance.


    Even right now, it was as busy as ever.


    ''If only I...''


    ''Louise…''


    ''Nn....? what is it, Cecilia?''


    ''You look down for some reason. Is something bothering you?''


    ''Ah… no, it''s nothing. It''s just that...''


    ''That?''


    ''Uhm… just random thoughts about what might have happened if I didn''t do what I didst time. I wondered if my current situation would be any different now...''


    ''You know it wasn''t your fault, Louise…''


    ''I know, but it''s still a fact that I was the one who followed Lady Schwi there, so I''m also slightly at fault.''


    If someone were to see me now, would they try to arrest me right away?


    Would they attack me?


    Would they call me a monster or murderer?


    I wondered how those people who looked at me with kindness, awe, anticipation, inspiration and respect will look at me now.


    I wonder what their eyes will reflect in front of me.


    "Hehe, but don''t worry, Cecilia. It''s just a thought, honestly. Even though my situation is unfavorable right now, it''s honestly not too bad. It allowed me to confirm things at least, and Adrian already promised to help me anyway, so everything should be fine soon, hehe" I said to her, attempting to dismiss my lingering thoughts. Even now, they still bothered me.


    But as expected, despite saying all that, Cecilia still cast a somewhat worried look at me. It seemed she noticed the sadness hidden in my voice.


    I guess Cecilia knows me too well not to see through my lies.


    Even if it''s the truth that everything around me right now bothers me, it''s also a fact that I''m a bit grateful for it.


    After all, I got closer to Adrian through it...


    And I also made a couple of genuine friends along the way.


    Suddenly, the ground shook, and a faint noise of a loud explosion echoed in the distance.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Louise, stay close to me."


    Cecilia suddenly wrapped her gigantic body around me, shielding me from any potential danger. In her transparent form, I could easily see through her.


    Suddenly.


    HSSS....!!!


    Cecilia opened her fangs as her fiery body heated up, mes immediately surrounding us.


    As she made a warning call to the blonde-haireddy right next to us.


    Long pointy ears....


    there was only one race in this world who had that type of ears, an elf?


    Right in front of me, ady elf stood, her ck dress oozing out darkness as it seemed to stitch onto her skin, outlining her sensual body.


    Her red eyes met mine through the white mask she was wearing, and suddenly, the rune-like lights in the mask changed to that of a smile.


    "Huhu, I didn''t expect to meet a human here."


    Her voice sent shivers down my spine.


    Even though elves were known to be mortals, second closest to nature alongside dragons, the feeling and aura emanating from the masked elf in front of me were anything but that.


    It was something more sinister, something more evil.


    Even the spirits around me seemed to try to hide from thisdy, only Tn and Cecilia were the only ones who stood by my side.


    ''Don''t stare at her Louise''


    Warned Tn who was half manifested on my right.


    "But looking at your blonde hair and pink eyes, it seems I can''t harm you. Even though there are probably other blondies and pink-eyed people around here, I can''t be too careful, can I...? fufu"


    "I guess it was true that father liked it blonde I knew It was a good thing to take over this body hehehe"


    She suddenly mumbled things I couldn''t understand.


    "Anyway, see you soon, pretty girl" she said as she threw something at me, a glowing orb?


    "Get down, Louise!" shouted Cecilia as she fully manifested herself, covering me entirely.


    Meanwhile, Tn was making his way towards the orb, his huge gori-like rock body sping the tiny orb in his hands as he clutched it down.


    "Close your eyes master!!!"


    Boom….!


    Tn''s cries were thest thing I heard as everything turned bright, and a loud explosion rang in my ears.


    …..


    In the ever-busymercial district of Estelle Academy, people were engrossed in their daily activities when suddenly, the ground shook beneath their feet.


    A loud explosion echoed in the distance, catching everyone''s attention.


    As if a sinister omen, hundreds of ck dots filled the skies, the streets, and even the ground underneath.


    ck miasma oozed out of the ck portals, and suddenly, horrendous roars reverberated as monsters proceeded to emerge.


    The once serene atmosphere turned into chaos, and panic spread like wildfire through the bustling district.


    Amidst the turmoil, Analise instinctively let go of the basket she was holding, her eyes widening with shock as a horde of goblins materialized before her.


    Their grotesque smiles sent a chill down her spine, and she quickly realized the perilous situation unfolding.