A blinding white flash filled the dungeon.

  As it faded, the fractured altar vanished into dust. Standing in the aftermath were Kazuki and Kairyuuha, kneeling where the boss once stood. The others—Mei, Thora, Yuno, Kael, Reiya, Aika, and Lumina—rushed toward them.

  > “Kazuki! Kairyuuha!” Reiya shouted, her sword drawn.

  Thora, tense, scanned the room. “They’re not responding. Are they breathing?”

  Kael’s tone turned serious. “Their mana’s stable… just no response.”

  Yuno frowned. “They look like statues.”

  Mei stomped forward. “HEY! Wake up or I’m slapping both of you!”

  Silence.

  Then—

  > Haaaah.

  Hhnnn.

  Their breathing returned. The boys blinked.

  “Sorry,” Kazuki muttered.

  “Just… processing,” Kairyuuha added.

  Mei’s glare sharpened. “You had us WORRIED!”

  She swung both fists straight down at them.

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  > BOOM!!

  Kazuki and Kairyuuha dodged just in time.

  The floor beneath them shattered like glass.

  Aika blinked. “They dodged Mei’s full-power double smash?”

  Thora whistled. “That would’ve made pancakes outta their skulls.”

  Kael shrugged. “Figures. They come back stronger every time.”

  Lumina watched quietly, her golden eyes narrowed. “Their energy… shifted.”

  Reiya lowered her sword. “Let’s report the drops and grab food. We’ll talk later.”

  ---

  Scene Shift: Astrean Guild Hall

  The group turned in the dungeon core, relic fragments, and boss-class materials.

  > “Wait… you cleared the Arkhanthar dungeon?!” the receptionist gasped.

  They received:

  A massive gold reward

  Stat-enhancing potions

  Titles and Guild points

  And a fine dining voucher

  Kazuki’s and Mei’s ranks rose by one. Lumina was formally added to the guild records.

  ---

  Scene Shift: Fancy Restaurant

  They dined beneath glowing chandeliers.

  “Best meat I’ve ever had,” Thora grinned, stacking plates.

  Kael raised his wineglass mockingly. “To broken dungeons and near-death miracles.”

  Aika rolled her eyes. “And to the two idiots who blacked out mid-victory.”

  Kairyuuha smirked. “You’re welcome.”

  Kazuki smiled faintly. “Next time, no blackouts.”

  Reiya leaned back, sword resting beside her. “Let’s not jinx it.”

  ---

  Scene Shift: The Alley

  While walking home through cobbled streets, a faint sound caught their ears—

  A muffled cry. A scuffle. It came from a nearby alley.

  They turned quickly.

  Inside the alley, five thugs surrounded a young girl, about 12. One gripped her hair. Another reached for her bag.

  > “Give it here, brat!”

  “No!” the girl shouted, clutching the bag tighter.

  Mei charged in. CRACK! One thug flew back from a spinning kick.

  Thora followed, grabbing one by the neck and slamming him into the wall.

  Kairyuuha raised a hand—a black pulse crushed another into unconsciousness.

  Kazuki darted past, disabling the fourth with surgical strikes.

  The last tried to run.

  Yuno stepped behind him.

  > “Bad idea.”

  Smash. The man dropped.

  Kael approached the girl, whose violet eyes shimmered in the dark.

  > “You okay?”

  She nodded nervously. “T-Thank you…”

  Reiya sheathed her sword. “What’s your name?”

  “…Faye.”

  Aika crouched beside her. “Where are your parents?”

  Faye’s voice grew quiet.

  > “Adventurers. They died. I was sold to those men. They bought me.”

  The group exchanged glances.

  Lumina stepped forward, warm light in her eyes. “You’re safe now.”

  Yuno said calmly, “You’re not going back there.”

  Faye blinked. “But… would I be a burden?”

  Kairyuuha glanced at Kazuki.

  Kazuki chuckled. “You’re already family.”

  Kairyuuha sighed. “And our team grows again.”

  Mei laughed. “We do have a mansion.”

  They all laughed.

  The night air felt a little warmer.

  ---

  One more soul.

  One more spark of hope in the rising storm.

  And as the stars watched overhead, they walked home.

  Together.