Just after nightfall, the Five Saviors have made their camp a few hundred meters away from the labyrinth’s entrance and are enjoying a rest after having dinner.

Although the mood is tense, everyone is trying their best to keep their emotions in check.

Even so, some are better at it than others…

*****

"That was delicious!" (Eliza)

“Not only are you good with swords, but also making fine cuisine as well. I guess I can’t stop being surprised by you.” (Liliana)

“Kris, how can you be so good at cooking?” (Gale)

Kris felt embarrassed by all of praise he was getting for his cooking skills.

“Well, I do have a friend back in my hometown who is an excellent chef himself. I guess I just picked up some of his skills. We’re also required to live on our own when we turn 15 so it comes in handy.” (Kris)

“I might just have to learn a few things from you as well. My wife would be pretty happy if I could feed myself.” (Gale)

“I didn’t know you were married, Gale.” (Liliana)

“Yep! She’s a sweet gal. It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years already.” (Gale)

Gale stuck out his chest and made a proud stance.

“Speaking of marriage, your wife back home must also be proud, Kris.” (Liliana)

“Actually, I still haven’t married yet. I’ve been too focused on training for anything like that.” (Kris)

“Careful what you say, Kris. I might just have to make you mine when we return.” (Liliana)

“Please don’t joke like that, Liliana. I’m worn out enough as it is.” (Kris)

“Whoever said I was joking? By the way, I’ve told you before that I’d prefer if you would call me Lily." (Lily)

“Okay… Lily.” (Kris)

Liliana made a pleasant smile after hearing her request was accepted.

I can never tell when she’s being playful or serious. I don’t have enough experience with Elves to know the truth.

Kris sighed as he gave up on trying to guess her intentions.

“Gotcha!” (-)

“Woah!” (Kris)

Before he knew it, Eliza had snuck around behind him before jumping onto his back. It wasn’t enough to push him down, but he was genuinely surprised.

Eliza hugged him from behind and rested her chin on his shoulder, while also sniffing his neck. As a result, Kris experienced a pleasant feeling as something soft pressed against his back.

“Mmmmm… you always have the most wonderful scent, Kris! I’ve never smelled anything like this!” (Eliza)

Seriously, this girl has no concept of public decency! I’ve lost track of how many times she’s pulled stunts like this in front of others.

Kris retorted inside his head as the White Wolf girl wrapped her arms around his chest as if denying him the opportunity to escape.

“Be careful, Eliza. *lick* Hey! I said before not to lick me!” (Kris)

“But I really want to~! I can’t help myself!” (Eliza)

Well, I do own a couple of hunting dogs back home, and I’ve always been good with animals, but… shouldn’t you have some pride as the representative of Demi-humans? Moreover, this doesn’t exactly fit the image of a proud wolf I’ve had before meeting her...

Kris thought of voicing his criticism, but ultimately decided to let her do as she pleased until she was satisfied.

We don’t know what we’ll have to face inside the labyrinth tomorrow. If this’ll keep her calm, I can’t exactly tell her no. I just hope this doesn’t become a common thing… for my sake at least.

However, Kris was saved by an unexpected intervention.

“Eliza dear~, I think you’ve bothered Kris long enough.” (Lily)

“Awww, just a little longer please~.” (Eliza)

“That won’t do. It's time for bed. We have to be ready for tomorrow.” (Lily)

“But-” (Eliza)

“I said that’s enough.” (Lily)

“Ow ow ow ow! Please stop Lily! That hurts~!” (Eliza)

Eliza’s complaint was interrupted when Lily grabbed hold of one of her wolf ears, making her making the young woman cry out in pain.

Since Kris was distracted by the odd scene of the Elf mage scolding a teary-eyed Eliza, he didn’t notice the eyes of a certain individual watching him from afar…

*****

“Hahhhh… I guess I was kidding myself if I thought I could go to sleep so easily.” (Kris)

Due to their current surroundings, Kris was having a hard time falling asleep. He got up from his sleeping bag and looked at his companions. All that could be heard was the silent sound of breathing… well, there was also the sound of someone snoring heavily, but that’s not important.

Looks like I’m the only one who’s still restless. Well, I can’t tell if Sylvia is asleep from this angle, but I’m sure she is.

The person in question was sleeping near the far edge of their campsite while facing away from the group.

In the end, Kris decided to go for a walk in order to clear his head.

After walking for a few minutes, Kris came upon a cliff overlooking part of the Midnight Forest a few meters from camp. Above him, there was a full moon out and it was casting its light down onto the trees below, causing their leaves to flicker whenever a strong wind passed through. Along with the moon, several stars twinkled in the night sky, creating a very beautiful landscape, .

"Despite what all the rumors and warnings would have you believe, this country can be very lovely." (Kris)

Kris smiled as he enjoyed the scenery in front of him. Then he turned around to greet the visitor who had been watching him from the nearby bushes.

“How are you feeling Sylvia? Did you come to enjoy the view as well? Or is there something else on your mind?” (Kris)

The recipient of his questions, Sylvia, was startled from being found out despite her best efforts to hide her presence.

“.....” (Sylvia)

Staying silent, Sylvia walked over to Kris and stood next to him, gazing at the surface below.

Silence resumed between them. A cool breeze passed through the forest, shaking the trees and rustling their leaves.

“... I’ve...been wondering..” (Sylvia)

With a quiet voice that was barely audible, Sylvia broke the silence. She turned her head towards Kris.

“...I can sense something from you...something familiar...it reminds me of home.” (Sylvia)

Puzzled by her sudden statement, Kris could only tilt his head in confusion as he didn’t know what to say.

“...Are you by chance...related to the Drake?” (Sylvia)

Although his face showed surprise at first, Kris immediately chuckled as he turned to look at her.

“I should have known that was what you had been thinking about all this time. A Drake’s senses are as good as the rumors say.” (Kris)

Kris then turned his body to face her and told the truth.

“Yes, my father is a Drake.” (Kris)

Even though her face remained expressionless, her eyes widened. Sylvia was surprised to hear her prediction was correct.

“...How is that possible? Most Drake never leave Astern.” (Sylvia)

“He was the Drake ambassador for Valeria at the time. He was visiting the villages that surround the capital when he met my mother. They fell in love and after he retired, he moved to the countryside where they were married. Sometime later, I was born.” (Kris)

Of course, this is the short version, but there’s no need to recite my parents’ entire love story right now.

Kris felt he gave a satisfactory answer, but Sylvia furrowed her eyebrows as if bothered about something.

“...If your father is a Drake, then shouldn’t you also be a Drake?” (Sylvia)

So that’s what she’s confused about. Most people would be once they knew my lineage.

“You’re not the only one who was baffled. I don’t know the answer myself, and neither do my parents. I don’t have any of the physical traits that a Drake has. The only ability I inherited from my father was his immense strength. Other than that, I’m just a normal Human.” (Kris)

Well, I’m not exactly a “normal Human”, either. I’m something else entirely.

Kris could only sigh at the mystery of his existence. Sylvia then asked Kris while looking directly into his eyes.

“...Don’t you feel angry that you didn’t gain the same dragon powers that we Drake possess? You could have been the most powerful warrior you country has ever had.” (Sylvia)

...She’s not wrong. Technically, I’m what people call a ‘taboo’ child.

While interspecies relationships aren’t illegal, mixed-race couples are generally frowned upon due to the complications that arise when having children. Although it is rare, there is a chance the offspring will carry conflicting genes from each parent that can hinder them in the future.

Due to Kris having a Drake father, he was born without the ability to use magic, and in addition, having a Human mother prevented him from inheriting a large enough mana capacity to utilize the technique of dragon body transformation like his father.

Kris could not immediately answer Sylvia’s question, so he inclined his head to look at the moon above them. Without breaking his gaze from the sky, he gave his reply.

“...No, I don’t feel anger, or any other negative emotions like that. I don’t really think of what I could’ve been if I had different parents. That would be an insult to my mother and father who raised me well despite my physical limitations. As long as I can protect what I care about most, I’m already fortunate enough. Of course, I do have a desire to be stronger, but I'd rather gain strength with my own hands than wish that I had been blessed with power from birth. Though, that's just my opinion.” (Kris)

Kris continued to gaze at the full moon. Sylvia only stared at him silently, as if expecting more.

“Besides…” (Kris)

Kris looked away from the moon and stared directly at Sylvia. His mouth curved into a fearless smile.

“Who’s to say I’m not already the most powerful warrior this world has ever seen.” (Kris)

Sylvia’s eyebrows rose from astonishment at Kris’s bold proclamation.

Then, for the first time since he met her more than two months ago, Sylvia laughed. Then she gave him a big smile. Under the moonlight that shined on them, Sylvia’s beautiful smile entranced Kris for a moment.

Quickly recovering, Kris gave her a questioning gaze.

“What’s so funny?” (Kris)

“...Nothing.” (Sylvia)

With that familiar reply, she walked back towards the campsite with a smile still spread over her face.

“...What a strange girl. Well, I should also head back. Tomorrow’s going to be a rough day, I can tell.” (Kris)

Kris followed shortly after Sylvia and returned to his bed, where he finally drifted off into sleep.

And so the peaceful night came to end…

*****

With the coming of the sun brings the dawn of a new day. The five heroes gathered outside the entrance to the labyrinth, waiting to set foot into an unknown environment.

Kris called for everyone’s attention.

“Alright everyone. This is what we’ve been preparing for. There’s nothing to fear. We have already studied as much as we can about this labyrinth before we came here. If you see anything you don’t know, ask Lily for guidance. She has the most knowledge about this place.” (Kris)

Lily and everyone else nodded.

“Also, do not break formation unless I give the order. From what we know, there is no map of this place because it constantly changes. We can’t have someone getting lost by themselves. In the worst case scenario, form two groups and scatter. Once you’re free from danger, use the trackers that you’ve all been given. These will also let us know if you’re alright.” (Kris)

Kris was referring to the special tools hanging around their necks. Similar in appearance to an average compass, they’ve been imbued with a special magic spell that tracks the whereabouts of its siblings. It could also show the condition of its designated user whether they’re wearing it or not. Green means their life is not in danger, yellow means they may be wounded or are in a bad situation, and red means they are close to death. If it displays a black color, the wearer has died.

“Finally, take extra precaution once we reach the Abyss King’s tomb. We don’t know what new abilities he may possess after reviving for a second time. Do not use any reckless tactics. Even if the situation looks dire, don’t forget we’re a team. As long as we fight together, he doesn’t stand a chance.” (Kris)

With their blood pumping from Kris’s words, the Five Saviors, including Sylvia show determined expressions.

Seeing his comrades ready to conquer the labyrinth, a fearless smile spreads across his face.

“Let’s go! Follow me!” (Kris)

With his shout as the signal, the Five Saviors rush into the labyrinth.