The first rays of morning light filtered through the wooden shutters of my room, painting the walls in streaks of gold. The familiar scent of home—warm wood, fresh air, and a lingering hint of breakfast—greeted me as I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Today wasn't just another day. Today, Elise and I would dive into the dungeon fully equipped for the first time.No more training weights. No more worn-out practice weapons.It was time to put everything to the test.I pushed off my bed and stretched, feeling my muscles shift under my skin—firmer, stronger, sharper than they had been just a month ago. I had changed, whether I liked it or not.With a deep breath, I got up, grabbed my armor, and began my morning routine.The cold spsh of water against my face jolted me awake as I washed up, the fatigue from training still clinging to my bones but fading fast.

  My armors that Old Orm upgraded, though considered light, still carried weight. It was made of hardened leather with steel reinforcements covering my chest and shoulders, sturdy enough to take a hit but flexible enough for quick movement.

  I strapped it on, securing the buckles with practiced ease.My weapon—a sharp, well-banced battle axes—rested against the wall. I gripped its handle, feeling the familiar weight in my palm before slinging it over my back.Today would be a different one.Today, we weren't just diving in like reckless fools. We are ready.As I stepped out of my room, the sounds of my family filled the small house—the ctter of dishes, the ughter of my siblings, and the soft murmur of my parents talking.

  A normal morning. A peaceful moment before stepping into the dangers of the dungeon.I grabbed a piece of freshly baked bread from the kitchen, taking a bite as I passed through. The warm, slightly sweet taste melted on my tongue, a comforting reminder of home."Heading out already?" my mother asked, leaning against the kitchen doorway.I nodded, swallowing my bite. "Yeah. I'll be back ter."My father, sitting by the window, gnced up from his sharpening stone, where he was working on one of his old sickles for farming.

  "Watch yourself in there, Kael." His tone was firm, but there was a hint of something else. Worry? Pride? Maybe both.Aiden and Lyra—my ever-energetic twin siblings—ran up, tugging at my arm. "Py with us ter okay?" Lyra asked with big, hopeful eyes.I smirked. "If I'm not too tired."Aiden pouted. "You always say that!"I ruffled his hair and chuckled. "Hahaha then I'll try not to get tired."With that, I downed the rest of my water, slung my axe over my back, and stepped out into the morning light.Dragnir was alive with movement. The streets buzzed with merchants setting up their stalls, their voices mixing into a chaotic symphony of bartering and sales.

  The scent of freshly baked pastries, sizzling meats, and exotic spices filled the air, mingling with the familiar metallic tang from bcksmith shops.But today, something was different.As I approached the city center, I noticed a rge crowd gathering. People—adventurers, merchants, and civilians alike—had stopped to watch the growing spectacle near the Dungeon Diver Guild.I slowed my pace, listening to the excited murmurs around me."Another guild is attempting a record-breaking run in the Bck Labyrinth!" someone whispered."Silver Dragon Guild is going to push past Floor 55 and aim for Floor 60!" another voice added.That caught my attention. Not the Warlords? That was surprising. The Warlords had held the record for years, dominating the dungeon's challenges.

  But the Silver Dragon Guild stepping up meant they believed they had the strength to push further.I shifted my gaze toward the assembled warriors.They were intimidating.Polished armor gleamed under the sun, weapons sharpened to perfection, auras of confidence and raw power radiating off them like a force field. They weren't just experienced divers—they were elites.Then, another whisper caught my ear."I heard a new team is going to challenge the tenth floor today."I turned toward the smaller group standing a bit away from the elite guild members. They looked nervous yet determined, armed with new equipment but cking the seasoned presence of veterans.And that's when I saw her.Silver hair. Deep blue eyes. A presence that was both composed and commanding.She stood at the front of the group, staring directly at me.My breath hitched for a second. She looks familiar.

  Too familiar, I have this feeling that I know her for a long time.For a moment, my mind scrambled, searching through memories, trying to pce why this girl felt so recognizable.Then, like a fsh of lightning—Abigail's face crossed my mind.The resembnce was uncanny.

  But the color of the eyes and hair are different. So is the mannerism and the she handle her self, she is more of a Princess rather that a simple student from the academy.But before I could dwell on it further, a sudden elbow to my ribs jolted me from my thoughts."Hey, do you have a crush on her or something?" Elise teased, her tone light but amused. "I heard she's the top student from this year's academy graduates."I scoffed, rubbing my side. "No, I'm not. She just reminds me of someone I know."Elise arched an eyebrow. "Oh? Who?"I exhaled, shifting my axe on my shoulder. "A friend from the library. Abigail. Now that I think about it... I miss hanging out with her."That was true. I hadn't seen Abigail in a long time. Training, diving, and surviving had taken all my focus.I turned to Elise. "When I have time, I'll set up a meeting. You'd like her. She's a dungeon nerd—you can ask her anything about dungeons."Elise gave a casual shrug. "Alright, alright. Just set a proper date, okay? Not too sudden, just like before."I smirked. "Got it."With that, we turned and headed toward the dungeon entrance.Today was different.This time, we weren't diving in like unprepared fools.This time, we had our own weapons, our own armors, and the experience to back it up.