After saving the woman, rumors began to spread about Altleno, accusing him of being a heartless killer who felt no remorse for taking lives. Some villagers, fueled by fear and mistrust, joined a group secretly plotting to eliminate him, fearing what he could become if left unchecked. However, their true motives ran deeper—they were individuals who sought to dominate the village and use its resources as a stepping stone to greater power. If Altleno were removed, they could strengthen their hold over the town without resistance.

Meanwhile, other villagers remained supportive of Altleno. These loyal townsfolk informed him about the spreading rumors and offered him a path to gain acceptance:

"Altleno, you must complete the most dangerous quest. That's how you'll prove yourself," they said. They explained that this was the same trial Guiko had faced to earn their trust, a test to see if he would turn against them.

Upon hearing what the villagers thought of him, Altleno began to see them as selfish and ungrateful. Resentment crept into his thoughts, and he briefly entertained a dark plan—dragging monsters from the dungeon back to attack the townsfolk. However, he ultimately decided against it, unwilling to stoop to their level.

Determined to complete the quest and move past the villagers' distrust, Altleno prepared for his journey. On the day of his departure, the secretive group attempted to provoke him into leaving the town in disgrace, accusing him of being a danger. They hurled insults and threats, though their fear of him kept them from taking direct action. Most villagers ignored the scene entirely, while others silently wished Altleno luck as he walked away.

The labyrinth was as perilous as promised. Altleno encountered packs of kobolds, dangerous wolves, and corrosive slimes capable of dissolving anything they touched. Each step brought new challenges: intricate traps, hostile creatures, and an oppressive sense of dread. At one point, Altleno fell into a deep pit filled with human remains and the stench of decay. The grim sight only strengthened his resolve, and he climbed out, pressing deeper into the labyrinth.

Eventually, a sudden light shone ahead, cutting through the darkness. Intrigued, Altleno approached the source and discovered a strange humanoid being. The creature seemed to be trying to communicate with him, but its words were incomprehensible. Before he could fully grasp what was happening, the beasts lurking in the labyrinth vanished, leaving an eerie silence in their wake.

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As Altleno returned to the village with the evidence of his success—monster ears and strange parts he was tasked to collect—the villagers refused to fully accept him. The secretive group demanded that he take on an even more perilous mission: a journey to the Infernal Citadel, a location so dangerous they were certain it would mean his death.

One of the villagers from afar, noticed Altleno's growing anger and knew disaster would strike if something wasn't done. Approaching Altleno, he tried to calm him before things escalated. Meanwhile, some villagers who sympathized with Altleno's plight barged into the secretive group's hideout. There, they discovered plans not only to eliminate Altleno but to seize control of the village by using fear and manipulation.

Later that night, Altleno was visited by supportive villagers who begged him to forgive the behavior of the others and asked him to complete the new quest for the good of the village.

Far away, another story was unfolding...

Bow, a child born to the noble Mason family, hailed from the small town of Nyaba. Her family was beloved and respected, known for their generosity and wisdom. Bow grew up dreaming of becoming the strongest adventurer, defeating the Demon King, and saving the world.

But her idyllic life came to a devastating end when the Demon King's forces attacked Nyaba without warning. The town was razed, and its people slaughtered. Bow's family was among the casualties—she stumbled upon the lifeless bodies of her parents, vowing amidst her grief to avenge their deaths and destroy the Demon King.

Left to fend for herself, Bow endured a harsh life on the streets. She resorted to stealing food, not only to survive but also to feed the sick and homeless. Her selflessness and resilience did not go unnoticed. One day, a mysterious individual affiliated with the church took an interest in her.

The church was an ancient organization that once fought on the frontlines of the war against the Demon King. Though their influence had waned over the years, they were still revered as keepers of sacred knowledge and powerful techniques. Secretly, the church trained individuals not only in faith but also in combat, preparing for the day the Demon King would rise again.

Recognizing Bow's unique aura—a powerful healing energy—the church's recruiter offered her a place within their ranks. Hesitant but desperate to make a difference, Bow accepted.

Within the church, she found more than just shelter. She was introduced to others who shared her ideals and received training in both healing and martial arts. Initially, Bow struggled with the rigorous training, finding it far more demanding than anything she'd known. She was shocked to discover that beneath their kindness, the members of the church were ruthless in their training, preparing for a war they believed was inevitable.

One day, standing atop the church tower, Bow gazed out at the town and felt a flicker of hope. For the first time since the destruction of Nyaba, she believed she might have the power to make a meaningful impact on the world.

As fate would have it, Bow's path and Altleno's were destined to cross. Both had their reasons for heading to the Infernal Citadel, unaware of the trials—and the connection—they would soon share.