“Oh? This is a surprise.” Alice tilted her head.

It was rare for Katsu to actually seek her. But when he did, it was usually something important.

Alice crossed her legs, relaxing on the comfort of her sofa.

“What brought you here today?”

“I need a favor.” As per usual, Katsu wasn’t very good at being specific.

A smirk formed across the face of Alice. She was intrigued.

“A favor? What kind of favor?”

For once, the independent Katsu was asking for help.

“You’re a skilled mage. I was wondering if you could cast a certain spell for me.”

He was more than capable of casting magic on his own, but only the simple kind. For the spell he wanted, someone much more skilled had to cast it.

“Hmmm. Let’s see…. Should I?” Alice pressed her finger up on her chin. Of course, she was only toying with him. She had a thing for jokes.

Katsu, on the other hand, liked to get to the point.

“Please. Save your jokes. If possible, I’d like this done soon.”

A tiresome breath flew for the mouth of Alice.

“Alright, alright. I’ll cast a spell for you. But…” One eye opened, she asked a question from sheer curiosity, “If you don’t mind answering. What brought on this sudden request. It's not like you.”

Katsu sat quietly. It wasn’t as if he didn’t want to answer. Rather, he didn’t know how to. He didn’t have a real motive.

“I….I don't know. I suppose– it’s because there’s someone I want to help.”

Alice grinned smugly.

“A lover, perhaps?. I had no idea you had a love interest.”

“Not even close. It’s someone I just met. Something about her…it reminds me of myself.”

At least, how he once was.

Alice stood up from her seat, speaking in a teasing manner.

“Okay. In exchange for casting this spell, I want you to fill me in on all the juicy details.”

_____________

(Day Of The Test)

An uneasy look in her eyes, Amaya stopped before the dungeon entrance.

A dark cave where nothing inside could be seen.

‘So…this is a dungeon.’

There wasn’t anything to be afraid of just yet, but she could feel nervousness taking over.

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Would this dungeon be simple? Or would there be monsters like those Gnolls back in the tunnel system. This was quite some time ago, yet, she still remembered everything.

Two people died right in front of her eyes.

It all replayed in her head, she could still see the floor covered in blood.

Katsu’s voice snapped her out of thought.

“Are you doing okay?”

“Y-Yeah. It’s just…this is my first dungeon. Just a little scared. Like…What’s in there?”

“Ah. I see now.” Katsu was prepared for this, “Here. Take this.”

From his bag, he took out a purple pill, then placed it in Amaya's palm.

She wasn’t one for taking random pills, so she stared down at it in suspicion.

“I’m fine. I don't really need a chill pill.”

Katsu kept insisting.

“Trust me, this will help. It’s embedded with a spell that will increase your stats for an hour.”

Which should be enough time for her to clear the dungeon.

“Well..” she continued to stare down at the pill in her palm.

If it would enhance her abilities for a short while, then she would be alright with it.

“Fine. I guess I’ll take it.” Amaya tossed the pill in her mouth and swallowed it with a gulp, “Alrighty. So, do we head in now?”

Katsu nodded, “I’m right behind you.”

“Cool. Let’s do this.”

As Amaya began to walk into the cave, a hand shoved her further in.

Bmp.

“Ah! What the heck!” She turned around and was shocked.

There, a barrier was blocking the entrance now. And Katsu was standing right outside. His posture said it all, he had no intention of coming with.

“I’m sorry, Amaya. I lied.”

“Katsu. What is this?”

“It’s a barrier I casted. It will keep you inside, until you defeat all monsters."

This was the real test. It was to determine Amaya’s solo ability in a dungeon.

Amaya froze up. This couldn’t be real. He had to be joking.

Alone, she wasn’t capable of clearing a dungeon.

“Come on, Katsu…Stop joking…”

She could feel a serious cold gaze from underneath his helmet.

“Amaya. Can you remember a time where I ever told a joke?”

“…I'll die in there.” Amaya breathed.

She was just terrified at the thought of being alone.

“Maybe. But if you survive, you’ll come out of it stronger.”

“....You’re crazy. Were you planning this from the beginning?”

“Please. I’m not an evil mastermind. This is only a simple test.” Katsu leaned against a boulder, relaxing his back. “Now. You should get going. Remember, This barrier only comes down if you die, or if you succeed.”

Ba-dump!

Amaya’s heart sank into her stomach. Her own party-member had put her in a dangerous situation. A situation that could possibly end with her dying.

‘I didn’t think he was this kind of person. I can’t believe I trusted him. What’s the whole point of this? Does he want me dead?’

She thought and thought, but it didn’t change the reality.

There was nowhere to run. There was no other choice than to play along and hope for the best.

With her fist clenched and her gaze down, Amaya walked further into the cave..

“I swear. If I die… I’m sooo going to haunt you.”

To her luck, the save didn't seem to be completeley dark. There were small crystals along the wall which gave off light. It was dim, but it was better than being in total darkness.