After steadily defeating waves of monsters, Tetra and I finally arrived at an open space.

However, aside from the entrance, there were no other visible paths.

It seemed we’d reached a dead end.

This realization gave rise to a question in my mind.

“This is strange. The path to this point was straightforward, and we didn’t miss any branching routes.”

Was there a hidden mechanism here, similar to the one that divided our group into three pairs earlier? If so, there might be something concealed in this area.

Scanning the room, my eyes were drawn to an object mounted on the far wall.

What stood there was a massive stone sculpture of a dog’s head.

Even though it was clearly artificial, its sharp eyes and enormous fangs gave it an air of ferocity.

“How strange… It almost feels alive,” Tetra murmured, staring at it intently.

“Yeah, it’s really lifelike.”

It seemed Tetra shared my impression. The craftsmanship of the sculpture was undeniably impressive.

“But still, that’s all it is, right?”

While its quality was remarkable, I couldn’t see how it would help us move forward.

Shaking off my fixation on the statue, I decided to refocus on searching for clues.

“Tetra, let’s split up and examine this room thoroughly. We might find something useful.”

“Understood.”

With that, Tetra and I began exploring the area separately in search of answers.

Meanwhile: Flare and Elle

“Flare, one is heading your way!”

“Got it! Leave it to me!”

Flare and Elle were locked in fierce combat with a horde of monsters, including orcs.

Initially, Elle had been concerned about partnering with someone unfamiliar, expecting coordination to be a challenge. However, those worries quickly proved unfounded.

Flare’s skill was overwhelming. Her strength alone seemed enough to dispatch the monsters, as she effortlessly felled one after another.

Due to the narrow passageways, Elle held back from using magic, relying instead on his swordsmanship. Though adept, his primary role was to distract enemies rather than defeat them.

Another crucial factor in their success was their ability to communicate effectively, even as strangers. Both understood their roles and worked together seamlessly.

“This is… the last one!”

While Elle was lost in thought, Flare cleaved the final monster in two. Watching it dissolve into a magic stone, Elle let out a sigh of relief.

“Thank you, Flare. I left most of the work to you, and I’m sorry for that.”

“No need to apologize! You being here was a huge help! This was a victory for both of us!”

“Flare… Yes, you’re right.”

Elle could tell that Flare truly meant her words, and he felt a deep sense of gratitude for her kindness.

Her thoughts then turned to the others.

Ike and Tetra’s pair was unlikely to face any significant issues, given their compatibility and abilities. Even against formidable monsters, they would manage.

However, Lycia and Sheena’s situation was less clear.

It wasn’t a matter of doubting their skills. Rather, Lycia, a healer, and Sheena, whose strength lay in exploiting openings, weren’t an ideal combination for fighting hordes of monsters in confined spaces.

Furthermore, their relationship was… complicated. While they might appear to get along, they often bickered the moment they were together.

Would they be able to cooperate effectively under these circumstances? That uncertainty lingered in Elle’s mind.

“Let’s move forward, Elle!”

“Oh… Yes, I’m coming.”

Flare’s voice snapped Elle out of his thoughts, and he hurried to follow her.

She chose to trust in Lycia and Sheena, believing they could overcome any challenges they faced.

Later, Flare and Elle also found themselves in a dead-end space, staring at the same massive stone dog’s head.

Meanwhile: Lycia and Sheena

“This… is unbelievable,” Sheena muttered, her eyes wide in disbelief.

The scene before her was astonishing.

Lycia stood amidst what seemed like an endless number of defeated monsters.

To understand how things had come to this, Sheena recalled the events that had led them here…