It had been an indeterminate amount of time since Ace had entered the dungeon. With the help of Dark Elder Drake Darklin, Ace had been honing his new magic abilities, utilizing his dark elemental affinity that Olivia had previously confirmed.

"You're learning quickly when it comes to mana manipulation," Darklin said.

"Thanks to you," Ace replied. He cancelled out the mana flowing through his hand loosening his grip.

Darklin looked at the corpses of the monsters they had recently killed. He noticed that Ace had not yet skinned one of them for food.

"It's best to prepare dinner. These corpses will soon turn into mana particles," Darklin suggested.

He looked at the bodies of the giant boars they had taken down. Ace had nicknamed them "Mana Boars" due to their use of magic that came from their tusks. They had special markings that flowed from their horns and glowed when they used their magic abilities. But most importantly, their existence was convenient for Ace, as their taste was that of a normal boar.

"Yeah, you're right. I'll start on it now. Watch for any enemies," Ace said.

"Will do," Darklin replied.

Ace skinned one of the boars, taking out its organs and throwing them away, ensuring that he only kept the edible parts intact. As he turned his attention to the other corpses and the organs he had thrown away, he saw that their remains had inconveniently converted into particles of mana, floating toward one of the dungeon's mana crystals attached to the walls. Ace realized now how late he was to skinning the boars, leaving only one for himself and Darklin.

"Hopefully just this one is enough," Ace said.

"Indeed, you haven't had a meal in a while," Darklin replied.

After separating the cuts of meat, both Ace and Darklin helped themselves to cooking their preferred parts over the fire. Luckily, there was a spring of water nearby. The spring was enchanted, granting those who drank from it the feeling of their fatigue washing away much more effectively and temporarily increasing Ace's regeneration.

After filling his bottle, Ace sat down and stared at the ceiling.

"How long has it been since I dropped here?" he wondered, staring at the magic crystal as it glowed brightly in the dark.

"I don't know. I've lost count," Darklin replied.

Ace let out a sigh.

"Being alive is a miracle in itself. The next miracle is trying to find Luna and the other heroes' whereabouts," Ace said.

"You mentioned Luna, right? Will we be joining them once you find them?" Darklin asked.

"We'll see. Luna's smart, so she'll know what to do once we find her. That's the only thing I can believe in. We may have to travel to the other kingdoms just to find her." Ace replied.

"Then it will be a long journey," Darklin said.

"After that, it will be Vumor," Ace added.

After finishing his meal, he stood up and picked up the giant sword he had looted from the minotaur, waiting for the small dragon to hop on his shoulders as they ventured deeper into the dungeon.

"Ace, I would like to ask, is our goal to leave the dungeon as soon as possible?" Darklin inquired.

"We'll see. There should be something good at the end of the dungeon, if cliches are a thing here. Usually, there's something rewarding at the end of dungeons like these," Ace replied.

"Indeed. Artes was the one who placed me here, so I'm sure he has prepared something that can turn the tides," Darklin added.

"That makes it even more important to complete this dungeon as soon as we can," Ace stated.

As they ventured deeper into the dungeon, they noticed there were no signs of monsters in their vicinity. As they walked further, the dark soil they walked on slowly transitioned to a marble flooring, and they finally reached a staircase.

"This is good, I haven't seen a staircase in so long," Ace said with relief.

"We've spent much time here honing your magic. Keep your guard up, there have been too many enemies that have surprised us lately," Darklin warned.

"Thanks for reminding me. We'll approach the floor with caution and adapt to whatever situation we're in," Ace acknowledged.

Ace activated his Dragon Sight ability, trying to see if any enemies were lying beneath the floor underneath. It is an ability obtained through his transformed Dragon Blood, giving him the ability to see the heat signatures of his opponents.

"Nothing is waiting for us down there," Ace said frantically looking around for any monsters.

"I will be ready to provide cover if needed," Darklin reassured.

"Alright... going in," Ace summoned a dark flame with his palm, preparing to blast away his enemies if something ambushed him.

The stairs spiraled down as they made their way to the bottom. Whilst still on guard, Darklin also activated his Dragon Sight, but still saw no enemies near them.

"That's strange... is there nothing at all?" Ace says with confusion in his voice.

"Slow your footsteps. I would not want to deal with a Gloomwing Bat again," Darklin warned.

"Don't remind me," Ace held an annoyed expression. "Still, there's usually something wandering the floor."

After a few minutes of walking down, Ace returned to a familiar sight. A marble bridge stood before him. At the very center was a warp point device, a way out for Ace and Darklin.

"This is..." Ace ran towards the center and confirmed the device.

"What is it, Ace?" Darklin asked.

"A warp device. In other words, our ticket out of this dungeon," Ace pointed at the stone tablet as it glowed the moment it noticed a presence within the room.

The tablet glowed, revealing that Ace was currently on the 50th floor. The moment he reached out to almost activate the tablet, he stopped himself in the process.

"What is wrong? Is the plan now to return to the surface?" Darklin asked.

"We have the chance... we can leave right now if we choose to do so but where would we stay? If I reveal myself to the King, I'll surely be used as a pawn again if I'm caught. Though its worth risking our lives til the end." Ace looked towards the other side of the bridge, staring at the staircase.

"The rewards of the dungeon are quite beneficial for Vumor, whether it be relics or perhaps power, even knowledge will play a role for survival," Darklin commented.

"...I can't go look for Luna unprepared."

"So you choose to continue your path here?" Darklin asked.

"Best to do so, I can't back out now just because our exit is right there." Ace responded.

Knowing Ace had many reasons, Darklin answered their current objective.

"And so we continue."

Although Ace had spent an unknown amount of time within the dungeon, he had already grown accustomed to his new way of living. It would be a hassle to simply return to the surface to find a place to rest, rather than camping out within the dungeon.

Leaving the warp device, Ace looked back at the tablet. He knew that staying in the dungeon was the safest option for him. There were too many potential outcomes that would work against him if things didn't go his way.

Walking through the dungeon, they had their usual encounters with many enemies and obstacles along the way, with some areas already looted by a group before Ace. Of course, they knew that it was the previous Hero group who trained here in preparation for the war.

Reflecting upon his time within the dungeon, he knew he wouldn't have survived without Darklin's help. He looked at the dragon and wondered.

"If they were bothered to loot these areas, why would one of them block the entry point towards you?" Ace asked.

"I do find such a decision strange. You are not from this world, correct? My stone could've saved time for the collection of Dragonstones required to teleport home. I assume it is easier to get the stones than to retrieve the Light Stone from Vumor," Darklin replied.

"Well, I didn't know anything about this Light Stone until now. But, yes, if it weren't for them, I would be dead without your help. It's strange they didn't grab your stone, huh?" Ace continued.

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"Perhaps it was fate that you would be the one to fall and harness my power. But I wonder... why?" Darklin held a curious tone.

"So would you be willing to grant anyone your power?" Ace asked.

"Would depend on those around me. Otherwise, well... I might've been used as a power source or be used to summon more heroes. Humans are knowledgeable in utilising our stones for their own personal reasons."

"Are you still considered alive if that's the case."

Darklin went quiet.

"...My remaining lifeforce would cease to exist. That's why I'm glad someone like you had fell down."

"Merely a coincidence."

"Perhaps. But nevertheless, we can now work towards our goals." Darklin acknowledged.

"True. You've been a great help these past few days. I truly owe you my life."

"It is fine. Though I still wonder Vumor wishes to kill you."

"We'll find out eventually. But we can't do it alone."

"I will follow your every decision. Afterall I am powerless as of right now." Darklin reminded him.

"Though, I can tell you've been gaining some levels. Maybe you can reach what you were at your peak."

"Eventually. But that will take years. It is best to find others to aid us soon. We better find this Luna if you hold her in high regard."

"It's our only shot. Knowing her, she would've survived somehow. She'll always make the most logical decisions for herself and the others to survive. That's why I'm naive enough to know she's out there now," Ace said, his voice filled with hope.

Despite his hopes of optimism, Ace was saddened by the fact that he hadn't seen her for so long. He attempted to reach out to his inventory to grab his wallet, but then he realized that his wallet was never there in the first place, wanting to look at the photo of him and Luna.

"Is something wrong?" Darklin asked, noticing Ace's expression.

"Oh, I thought I brought something with me. I didn't expect to be in this for so long that I have forgotten to bring it for such a strange situation," Ace replied.

The dragon noticed his pessimism and gave Ace some encouraging words.

"We're almost at the end of the dungeon. Once we are out, we can spend time to recover this thing you are missing," Darklin said.

"Don't worry. Basing my knowledge of the King, he must've thrown my stuff out by now. That's what he did with the dead Heroes before me," Ace said, his voice filled with bitterness.

"I see. Then we'll find this Luna person. Perhaps that would be a better motivator," Darklin said.

"Haha, you're right." Ace stood up adjusting his equipment. "Why don't we finish this dungeon as quick as we can then."

"Of course."

Having a small glimmer of hope in his eyes, he uses this desire to remind himself that he has to survive no matter what, especially now with the expectation to find Luna again. He wants to see her again, and make sure she's safe and well.

'I do think that there's more missing to Ace's story... Surely there is more that was summoned with him.' Darklin held this thought as he looked back at Ace's fall.

----------------------------------------

Tensions were high throughout the dorm building. There was barely any smiles amongst the crowd of students who sat idly by the table. There was some chatter here and there but everyone had looked serious and anxious as they talked about their future.

A knock broke the quiet chatter as Alan was the first to stand up to tend to the door.

"Ancel... why are you here at this time?" Then, the sudden realization hit Alan, knowing why Ancel was at their door. "Wait... does that mean..."

"By your reaction, it seems you already know why I'm here. I'm sure everyone has heard the rumors of war coming our way. Unfortunately, that's true. The King has given orders for you to cease your training in the Dungeons and to participate in the war. Both Cromor and Alinia have attacked us early today, and starting tomorrow afternoon, you will be mobilized to secure defensive positions near the border," Ancel explained.

"Does that mean... we're finally being dispatched...?" Alan asked, his voice filled with dread.

"Indeed. Make sure you're ready by the afternoon, gear up and prepare whatever you need. We'll explain more details tomorrow..." Ancel left, giving a sympathetic look to the class.

After he left, Alan turned around to notice the expressions on everyone's face. Everyone looked dejected, contemplating their chances of survival. They knew that any of them could die, with Ace's death still leaving a stigma in the class's memory. One of the girls began having a panic attack, breathing heavily, as Lucia and Vella, the healers of the group, rushed to aid her.

"Emilia...?! Come on, we'll be okay," Vella said, trying to reassure her.

"This might help. [Heart of Bravery]," Lucia chanted one of her supportive light spells which protect against mind-affecting spells and increase the confidence of its target for a certain amount of time.

After receiving the spell, Emilia gradually started breathing normally. The girls rushed to cheer her up whilst Freya and Aria watched from a distance.

"Honestly, I knew of the situation beforehand," Freya said.

The two of them kept to themselves, knowing that their conversation would only cause more anxiety towards their class. Freya was much more comfortable speaking to Aria regarding the bad news that would come to their class.

"If you knew, why did you keep it to yourself until now?" Aria asked.

"Because the same thing would happen just now, except the only difference is that everyone's concerns would start earlier. I didn't want to break everyone's spirits until later... more like I didn't have it in me," Freya admitted, feeling guilty for not speaking up sooner.

While everyone looked distressed about the future that awaited them, Alan began to bring everyone's attention by banging his shield with his sword that he summoned just then.

"Everyone, calm down! I know we're going to a huge battle soon, but we have to remember, we won't survive with this kind of attitude. If we're going to survive, we have to watch each other's backs, make sure we cover for each other," Alan shouted, trying to rally the group.

"I... don't know... we did that back in the dungeon and Ace was an example of that failure," Mia spoke up, still haunted by the memories of their failure.

"Even still... we can't waste his sacrifice. That's why we have to follow the formations he devised, he made them so that it can increase our survivability," Alan said, determined to honor his friend's memory.

"The memories of us failing to that enemy, it still haunts me, Alan. It's not as easy as working together," Ryu added, still struggling with the trauma of their past failure.

"Sigh I guess I'll go and help mediate the situation," Freya said before leaving Aria on her own.

She walked forward, joining the conversation.

"Like Alan said, we should calm down. We're stronger than we were before. If we faced a similar enemy, I can guarantee I can shoot them down before anyone has to sacrifice themselves. Otherwise, if you guys are determined, you can also do the same. Clouding our judgement, doubting the situation, we can't survive with a mentality like that, because you'll believe that it will happen. If we continue with such thoughts, we'll actually lose and die. That's why we'll choose to win," Freya said, trying to instill confidence in the group.

Alan was in awe. Freya's speech had motivated everyone and cast their thoughts of negativity towards a thought of survival.

"Yeah... she's right," Ryu said.

"Hehe, I feel like I can win against anyone with that motivating speech," Hilda added.

Everyone began chattering with brimming morale.

Aria looked at her class from a distance, smiling and capturing the moment of positivity in her mind. However, deep down, she knew that someone had to make the next sacrificial play, and if such an event happened, Aria would have to be the one to prevent it, no matter what.

'I want to protect this atmosphere, whatever it takes,' Aria thought to herself. She decided to go for a walk for the last time, knowing this would be the final time she could clear her mind in the kingdom.

Vella noticed Aria, who kept her distance from the group, and saw her walk outside while everyone began chatting about the uncertain future. After making sure Emilia was fine, she chased after her.

Eventually, she caught up with Aria and noticed that someone was running just to catch up with her.

"Vella...? Is something wrong?"

"Ugh... you walk too fast! I was just checking up on you."

"I'm just taking a walk for the last time, it might be the only time I can relax like this."

"Oh... sorry, you know I'm always worried about you. It's like you're too accepting of the situation now."

"It was going to happen sooner or later. Dungeon or not, the sooner we fight in the war, the sooner we can go home, right?"

Aria said the sentence as if it meant nothing to her, despite talking in a normal tone, Vella saw no life in her eyes, as if she was a walking corpse, a sight she saw when they had first met.

"Aria... stop that...! Please stop that attitude of yours!" Vella shouted.

Shocked by the sudden outburst from her, Aria could only drop her mouth open the moment Vella shouted. Aria moved closer to her, wondering what was wrong.

"What do you mean?"

"Come on...! After Ace's death, I know it's understandable that you've changed... but...! The way you reverted back to that old self of yours! I don't like it at all...! I miss the Aria we love! The one who would lovingly tag along with us, the one that was graceful in everything she did! The one who would yearn for the love of her crush. Yet...! Look at you now! It's as if you're going to die at any moment, aren't you?! Answer me!"

Aria could only stare at her friend, trying to come up with a response but gave up. It's not that she had become heartless, but she simply didn't know how to react to Vella's concerns.

"I see... but if I stayed the same, I would be weak. That's why I'm like the way you see me now," Aria said.

"I don't like this at all...! Why did you have to revert back to this side of yours?! Aria... that look of yours... it's like you're asking for death, aren't you?! If something happens to us, you're going to repeat what Ace did, right...?!" Vella's tone had shifted to anger.

Aria stayed quiet, letting Vella vent out her distress. Slowly, she went up and formed a hug, wrapping her arms around Vella, who was shocked by the sudden action.

"Back then, you were the one that made me open up to everyone. Even after Ace's death, you'd always care for my well-being. If there's anything you want to vent about me, do it. Remind me why I should survive, how I can better protect everyone, even better than how Ace did it," Aria said.

"Sniff You idiot...! I just didn't like how distant you seemed lately... I don't want to lose another friend. What broke me... is how suddenly calm you became. I know what you're thinking Aria!"

"I know. You have every right to be angry with me. But my only reason for living is for you guys to live. You have to understand that," Aria said in a motherly tone. However, Vella was bothered by the way she answered and retaliated.

"Aria, shut up...! We're going to survive together no matter what! So please... can you promise me to not be so willing to give your life away? I just want you to value yourself more when we fight in the war," Vella said.

"I can do that," Aria gently unwrapped her arms and looked at Vella straight in the eye. "Promise."

"Really...? Are you sure...?"

"I'll prioritize my life over the soldiers protecting us. Don't worry, I'm not planning on dying yet," Aria said with a gentle smile, but it didn't match her eyes at all. Yet, Vella didn't notice this as she had focused on her voice and tone alone.

Aria's words had calmed Vella down as she went for a hug, not paying attention to the dejected girl's eyes.

"As long as we stick together, we'll survive," Vella said.

"Mm, as long as we stick together," Aria responded.

With Vella's arms wrapped around Aria's body, Aria could only stare blankly into space until she noticed another classmate come by to check on them.

"Come on, let's go back. We have to rest early tomorrow," Aria said.

"Okay, but what about your walk?" Vella asked.

"Hmm... I'll stay just a little bit out here but I'll return shortly after." Aria said.

"Alright, I'll give you some time alone. I'll head back now."

Aria gave a small wave as Vella rushed back into the building.

"I heard the conversation." The classmate was none other than Freya who had crossed her arms.

"...Are you going to nag me on why I should live too?" Aria asked.

"Maybe, but let's have a talk. You and me."

Aria followed Freya to the garden bench as they both sat down. Freya had paid close attention to Aria's expression letting out a sigh.

"That look, Vella is right it really does remind me of the day we first met you."

"You don't like me this way?"

"I can't imagine you staying the same after Ace. You really tore away that persona you built up for him."

"That attitude won't survive in this world."

"That cold and bitter tone. I don't dislike it but I have just as much concern as Vella."

"I don't plan on dying so stop wasting time worrying about me." Aria's tone had slowly shifted to concern.

"Yeah, yeah, you got that cool girl vibe now." Freya stood up from her seat. "If you plan on dying. You're making Ace's sacrifice meaningless. Don't forget that." Freya held her arm pointing directly at Aria.

Aria went quiet as she watched Freya go back inside the building.

"...She's right." Aria let out a sigh.