Golden Dungeon, Second Floor.
Before all the Rose Knights had even begun to explore the first floor of the Golden Dungeon, Isavel had already arrived on the second floor.
With her LV99 strength, the entire Golden Dungeon was essentially under her control.
Upon reaching the second floor, she transformed completely.
The Saintess of the Oracle, once filled with a cold and solemn aura, now appeared as a fallen, suffering adventurer, her clothes tattered and worn.
Raising her hand, she manipulated the nearby soil structure with ease, turning it into a massive boulder that crushed her right leg.
Before the Rose Knights entered the dungeon, she had already sensed their arrogance.
Underestimating the enemy—this was a grave mistake.
Countless lives had been lost proving this truth, yet unfortunately, these Rose Knights were still too young to truly grasp it.
Therefore, this Saintess had no choice but to act personally to teach them that lesson.
Not far off, footsteps approached. Disguised as an adventurer, Isavel twisted her face in pain, clutching her right leg and shouting:
“Help… is anyone there? Please help me…”
After her desperate cries, the footsteps clearly quickened. Soon, Leanna’s squad appeared before her.
Scanning the surroundings, Leanna gripped the hilt of her sword and asked, “Who are you?”
“W-wa… water…”
Isavel’s voice was hoarse, as if she had been trapped here for days. Aelia and Leanna exchanged glances before bringing a water pouch to her side, helping her drink.
After gulping down several mouthfuls, Isavel paused to catch her breath, then began to explain her background and plight.
“I—I’m an adventurer who came to mine gold, but I encountered the Goldstone Spider. In the chaos, I got separated from my team. They don’t know where I am, and I haven’t been found…”
Joina sneered quietly, “See? I told you the adventurers here are weak.”
Leanna shot Joina a sharp look. Stepping forward, she didn’t easily believe Isavel’s words and asked:
“Do you have any identification?”
“Identification?”
“Something to prove who you are.”
So cautious?
Thinking quickly, Isavel lowered her eyes, biting her lip as tears welled up. She sobbed softly:
“They were all in my bag, but I lost it while fleeing. The gold I was mining is gone too…”
“If you don’t trust me, just rescue me. I can return alone.”
She lifted her head, looking at Leanna with tear-filled, pitiful eyes.
Leanna couldn’t withstand such a gaze and quickly turned her head away, refusing to meet her eyes.
But behind her, Aelia and Meilin felt a pang of sympathy and began to urge Leanna to help Isavel.
Joina and Selis felt the same. Joina, especially, came to the huge boulder pinning Isavel’s right leg and patted it, saying:
“Don’t overthink it, Captain. How could she be a monster? Monsters aren’t this clever. We should hurry and move this stone. Otherwise, her leg might have to be amputated.”
“…Alright.”
All four squad members wanted to help Isavel, and Leanna could no longer stop them. She followed Joina forward and used magic to lift the boulder.
A bit cautious, but not excessively so.
Silently murmuring to herself, Isavel immediately expressed her gratitude once freed.
Meilin crouched down and took out a Healing Potion, applying it to Isavel’s injured leg.
It must be said, the Empire’s Healing Potions for the Rose Knights were nearly top-tier.
Using just half a bottle, Isavel’s leg gradually regained feeling.
Though still unable to run, she could at least walk normally.
Gratefully, Isavel thanked them again.
Feeling the genuine goodwill from the rescued adventurer, Meilin smiled the brightest.
“What brings you here? I’m somewhat familiar with the first three floors. If you want, I can guide you.”
Joina asked, “Do you know where the monsters gather?”
“Where monsters gather? You mean their nest? We usually avoid such places—they’re too dangerous. Are you planning to hunt them?”
“Of course.”
“Wow! You’re really impressive! Even the most famous adventurers here don’t dare fight monsters.”
Isavel was always generous with her emotional praise.
As expected, after her simple compliment, each member of Leanna’s squad straightened their backs with pride.
Sigh, so young, so easily played.
Then Isavel hugged herself tightly, lowered her head, biting her lip, her voice trembling with sobs and regret:
“It’s so good… if only I had your strength, I wouldn’t have panicked when I first saw the Goldstone Spider. My teammates might still be alive…”
Smack—
A heavy slap landed squarely on her shoulder. Joina grinned, shaking her weapon as she said:
“Don’t dwell on it. Take us to where the monsters are—we’ll avenge your teammates!”
“Yeah! I believe you can do it!”
Isavel nodded firmly, wiping the tears from her eyes and regaining her composure. Aelia, seemingly worried, stepped forward and took her hand.
Having been saved by Saintess Selis before, Aelia understood all too well the helplessness of watching your comrades die right before you.
But now, she was grateful that she had found courage back then.
Otherwise, she would be far more desperate than this adventurer before her.
Each member of the five-person squad had their own thoughts, but their goal was unprecedentedly united—to storm the monster’s nest and avenge this adventurer.
The monster’s nest was some distance away. Along the way, they encountered two or three monsters.
The weakness of these beasts made their overflowing confidence swell even more.
Monsters? Hmph. Mere playthings.
Halfway through, Isavel couldn’t go on and suggested they rest for a while. Leanna agreed.
They found a clean spot, formed a circle, and started cooking the food they brought, preparing lunch.
Isavel eagerly helped.
The warm meat broth was shared among them. After a sip, Isavel sat cross-legged on the ground, propping her cheeks with her hands, asking with innocent charm:
“By the way, I still don’t know why you came to this dungeon.”
“We’re from the Order of Knights. This dungeon is just our trial.”
Joina answered.
Joina enjoyed chatting with Isavel because every time she saw this native adventurer’s shocked and incredulous expressions, it filled the emptiness inside her.
A soul broken by Saintess Isavel had found solace.
Put simply, she was putting on a show in front of the adventurer.
“Oh, I see. That explains why you’re stronger than ordinary adventurers. Walking with you just now, I didn’t get a single chance to strike.”
“We’re definitely stronger than… What? What chance to strike?”
“Of course, I mean a chance to strike you.”
Isavel rested her chin on her hands, her smile as sweet as ever, but Joina, quietly watching her, suddenly felt a chill run down her spine—a ghostly, life-draining fear numbing her limbs.
She tried to stand up abruptly but her legs buckled and she fell back down. The bowl in her hands shattered with a loud crash.
Supporting herself halfway, she pointed at the still-smiling adventurer in front of her, her teeth chattering uncontrollably:
“What… what have you done to us?!”
Her head felt heavy, her vision blurred. No matter how foolish she had been, she now realized this adventurer was definitely no good!