"A Monster Rex that can travel between floors?" Riveria's voice was sharp with disbelief. "This is something we have never heard of. Ever before. Not even from Zeus and Hera."
Loki leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. "Maybe... we did."
Damien's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
"The Behemoth and the Leviathan." Loki counted on her fingers. "Can they not also be considered Monster Rexes that could move between floors? Including the One-Eyed Black Dragon? They came out of the dungeon. They moved between floors. And they were as strong—if not stronger—than that serpent Damien fought." She paused. "So I say... what if they were also doing their jobs as Monster Rexes that protect the dungeon?"
Freya nodded slowly. "It would fit."
Finn leaned forward. "How so?"
"We do not know the circumstances that led to the One-Eyed Black Dragon coming out a thousand years ago." Freya's golden eyes were distant, thoughtful. "But the Behemoth and the Leviathan emerged during the time when Zeus and Hera reached Floor Sixty." She paused. "We did not connect the timing back then. They reached Floor Sixty and returned. Then, a few months later, the escape happened. They faced them. Then a year later, they reached Floor Seventy-One. A week after that, they were almost wiped out by him." She looked at Damien. "Does that not seem like he only showed up because they crossed to Floor Seventy?"
Damien rubbed his chin. "I suppose you might have a point." His expression darkened. "And that is kind of bad."
He stood and walked to the window.
"I have confirmation that the serpent was ranked seventh. If we assume there are only seven, that means we have only killed three of them. We have information on four." He turned back to the group. "Three are completely unknown to us. And I suppose we will only get to know them when we reach Floors Eighty and up. Perhaps Seventy-Five, too. I am not sure."
Finn crossed his arms. "It does not matter, anyway. Let us take it all one step at a time." He looked at Damien. "You said something about one of your dungeons. Riveria already filled me in on that. It is... quite shocking. But at this point, nothing you do surprises me."
Damien nodded. "Yeah. I had to keep it a secret for a while. I hope you understand."
"It is all right. We do not mind." Finn waved a hand. "It is your ability. I will not judge how you use it."
Loki snorted. "But you have to admit... a dungeon inside a dungeon? That is not something normal."
Damien shrugged. "Well, you have the original Shadow Monarch to thank for that. Apparently, it is a special place designed to make one stronger." He smiled. "And... well... it worked."
He walked back to the table.
"Back to the topic at hand, though. Yes, Finn. I need a party. To be more clear, a party to go in with me and clear Ashborn—the Shadow Monarch who gifted me my power—his last dungeon. All I know is that twelve strong enemies and their king await me inside."
"We will call it a mini expedition," Finn said. "Something small like that."
"Who do you want in?" Loki asked.
Damien began counting on his fingers. "Let us see... Ais. Riveria. Lefiya. Tiona and Tione. You and Gareth are a must." He looked at Freya. "I would also like to take Ottar with me from Freya's side. Perhaps him and the stupid one who tried to assassinate me before—Hogni."
He continued.
"Of course, Ryuu and the new members of my Familia will all join up. Except for Alcy. She will stay here." He paused. "With the rest of my shadow army."
Loki's eyes widened. "What? You are leaving your army here?"
"Yes. As I explained before, Vritra has reasons to believe the other two dragons will attack us sooner or later. I would like to leave the army, Alcy, and have you all prepare in case the worst happens." Damien's voice was steady. "We will try to clear the place as fast as possible, but there is no way out once we are in. So things could go wrong at any point." He looked at each of them. "Feel free to go all out. Those dragons are strong and dangerous. Luckily for us, Vritra can handle them."
Loki shook her head. "Sheesh. I do not feel comfortable seeing you go into battle with something dangerous without your army. Would that not mean you lose access to your strongest attack?"
Damien raised his hands. "Hey, hey. Trust me, okay? I am taking all the strong ones with me for that reason. Nothing bad will happen to us." He smiled. "If anything, I am more worried about you guys."
Finn stood. "So... when do we go?"
Damien met his eyes. "As soon as possible. So... tomorrow."
....
Later that day, after explaining the plan to the others, Damien found Vritra standing alone on the balcony of the Hearth Manor. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the city.
"Can I ask you a question?" Damien said.
Vritra turned to him with a smile. "Of course. I serve the lord. I will answer all your questions."
Damien leaned against the railing. "What is the relationship between Ashborn and the Lord of Light?"
Vritra's smile dropped.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
Damien watched her carefully. "Does Ashborn have a father?"
Vritra's face fell. She looked down at the ground, her expression heavy with sadness.
"Yes," she said quietly. "One that he loved dearly. But had to go against... for the sake of freedom."
Damien's eyes narrowed. "So you do know something."
Vritra sighed. She turned to face the setting sun.
"You want to know the relationship between them?" Her voice was soft. "The father and son, astrayed from each other due to a simple mistake?" She looked at him. "Are you sure?"
Damien met her gaze. "Yes. I am."
Vritra was silent for a long moment. Then she began to speak.
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