In a frozen forest, an intense battle was taking place. Several people were facing huge wolves. Around the battlefield, blood splashed everywhere, everywhere you looked, you could see torn bodies missing some parts. In this horrible scenario, a young blond boy was fighting a wolf that could be considered bigger and much more ferocious than the others.

Its speed was incomparable, and its teeth were like metal, its jaws, when closed, would never open. However, the young man couldn't be considered normal either. His body was wrapped in blue flames, and his eyes shone brightly as he faced the wolf.

Both the wolf and the boy had numerous bruises all over their bodies. As the wolf started to run towards the boy, the boy also began to run towards the wolf. In his hand was a simple stick, but just like the boy's body, the stick also emanated blue flames that shone brightly.

Jumping at the boy with its mouth open, the wolf left the boy no choice but to block the wolf's bite with his arm. As soon as the wolf locked its jaws on the boy's arm, the boy took this chance and struck the stick on the wolf's head. When the wolf let go of the boy's arm, it realized that it had killed the boss on the third floor.

With the wolf's body lying on the ground, the boy looked around. All the other wolves, upon seeing their leader had died, started to run into the forest. However, even this sight was not as welcoming when compared to the numerous bodies strewn around the place.

"Let's go back to the 1st floor, tomorrow, when we are rested, we will leave for the 4th floor"

Said the boy, receiving nods from all his classmates. After that, they all moved to the second floor, where they decided to rest for the next day. While the boy was leaning against a tree, footsteps could be heard coming from behind him, drawing his attention.

"What do you want now, Baji? I don't have much energy to listen to your complaints"

Said the boy, his voice filled with exhaustion. In response, a voice came from behind the boy, answering his question.

"You know what I want, Shinji"

Said Baji as he approached Shinji. Hearing Baji's words, Shinji let out a short sigh. He knew what Baji wanted; after all, this was not the first time they had this conversation. Since that day, many things had changed, but one thing remained the same inside Baji: the hatred he felt for Makoto. Shinji was sure that Makoto possessed some ability of mind control.

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After all, if it weren't for this, it would be impossible for Saemi to choose Makoto over him. Shinji was better in everything—better looking, stronger, and richer. Besides, Shinji was officially recognized as a hero; it was impossible for him to lose to someone like Makoto.

"I told you before, let's not rush. We will lose many people if we continue recklessly. The second floor has already taken a toll on us"

Said Shinji, his expression serious. Hearing his words, Baji's expression became even angrier.

"That bastard Makoto! I'm sure he knew about the second floor and still decided to keep quiet. When I see him, I will make him pay for everything he did to me"

Said Baji, gritting his teeth. It's not like Shinji didn't understand Baji's point of view. After all, it was only due to a slip of someone not paying attention that they had fallen into this hellish situation.

"I know how you feel, but we can't risk losing more people for no reason"

Said Shinji, turning to Baji. Seeing Shinji's determined eyes, Baji knew that Shinji would not change his mind. Still, how could he let that coward get away with it, especially after being caught off guard in his last fight?.

(Yes, and impossible that I could have lost to someone like him. Surely he must have used some trick. After all, I am one of the chosen. Unlike him, I am special. In our next fight, I will show him the difference in our strength so he will never overlook me again. Just wait, Makoto. The next time we meet, I will make it the last)

Baji thought, a maniacal smile appearing on his face.

***

"Atchim"

As I walked through the forest with the girls, I suddenly felt a huge urge to sneeze.

"Someone is probably talking about you"

Fujiwara said after approaching me with a smile on her face.

"I don't believe in superstitions"

I said while looking at Fujiwara. Hearing my words, Fujiwara let out a laugh and started to walk away again.

"If you say so"

As soon as Fujiwara walked away, I started to scan the surroundings again. As we moved through the forest, I managed to notice some signatures of monsters, but we easily avoided them. Still, we hadn't found the Goblins we came to hunt. Glasy, as always, was inside my shadow, making it easier to move around. While these thoughts were going through my head, a voice caught my attention.

"So... what will be our next objective?"

The person in question was Aoi-sensei, who was looking at me with curious eyes. Hearing her words, I decided it was a good time to tell him what we would do from now on.

"At the moment, let's concentrate on going to the capital of Arclight"

I said while looking at the girls. Hearing my words, they all nodded their heads. With a definite goal, we continued walking through the forest for a few more minutes. Finally, just when I was thinking that there were no Goblins in that forest, a little further on, I felt several familiar readings.

"Guys, we found our prey"

I said as I looked at the girls with a smile on my face.