The Kingdom of Christope was thrown into chaos by a single piece of news.
The Seventh Floor had been conquered.
At first, disbelief spread through the streets. Then, as people gathered around the massive public status boards—the ones that recorded the names of clans who had cleared dungeon floors—silence fell.
And then—
A name appeared.
CLAN ORIGIN
The letters shone brightly, displayed larger than any other name.
For a moment, the entire kingdom stood frozen.
Then the cheers erupted.
A thunderous roar echoed across Christope—through cities, villages, and border territories alike. Adventurers raised their weapons, civilians shouted in joy, and merchants laughed in disbelief.
With the Seventh Floor cleared, Christope officially advanced into the ranks of higher-tier nations.
This single achievement elevated the kingdom’s status on the continental stage.
Royal Palace of Christope
Inside the royal residence, the royal family gathered in haste.
When the news was confirmed, joy spread across their faces.
“The Seventh Floor…” one of the princes muttered in awe.
“To think it was actually cleared.”
The King nodded slowly, his expression filled with pride.
“This achievement greatly enhances the reputation of our kingdom,” he said.
“Clan Origin has brought glory to Christope.”
He rose from his throne.
“We will prepare a grand reward,” the King declared.
“One worthy of their contribution.”
Adventurer Guild — Clan Aegis & Clan Obsidian
Not everyone shared the same joy.
Within the Guild hall, Victor slammed his fist into the table.
“Damn it!”
The leaders of Clan Aegis and Clan Obsidian stood beside him, their expressions dark and twisted with frustration.
“How is that possible…?” one of them muttered.
“They were supposed to fall.”
Victor clenched his teeth so hard they nearly cracked.
“Clan Origin…” he growled.
“You should have been destroyed.”
Arden Family Territory
A violent aura erupted, shaking the massive hall.
Helberg dropped to his knees instantly, his body trembling uncontrollably.
A heavy, oppressive voice echoed from above.
“Helberg.”
Each syllable carried overwhelming pressure.
“You were given one chance.”
Helberg lowered his head, cold sweat dripping down his face.
“The Clan Tournament,” the voice continued.
“Erase Clan Origin.”
Helberg swallowed hard.
“Y–Yes… Head of the Family,” he replied shakily.
“I will not fail.”
Beginner City — Dungeon Entrance
Rey emerged riding a warhorse.
The same horse Alex had left behind for him.
Tied behind the saddle, dragged openly across the stone road, was the head of a monster—massive, frozen, and unmistakably terrifying.
The head of a Level 124 Frost Dragon.
The streets fell silent.
People stopped walking. Conversations died mid-sentence.
Every eye turned toward Rey.
Shock rippled through the crowd.
“That… that’s a high-level monster!”
“Isn’t there a guild law—anyone who kills such a monster and brings back proof gets a massive reward?”
“Who is that guy…?”
Rey ignored the murmurs and continued riding forward.
Straight toward Clan Origin.
Clan Origin Territory
When Rey arrived, his steps slowed.
The sight before him made his chest tighten.
Buildings lay shattered. Black smoke rose from scorched ruins. Wounded members were everywhere—some bandaged, some barely conscious.
The territory was in chaos.
Rey’s fists clenched.
Anger surged violently within him.
The Arden Family…
This is your doing.
A voice suddenly called out behind him.
“Rey… you’re finally back. And safe.”
Before he could react, someone hugged him tightly.
Rey turned his head.
It was Elysa.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she held onto him, her grip trembling.
Rey blinked, then smiled faintly.
“Hey… didn’t I tell you?” he said gently.
“I said I’d be fine.”
Elysa looked up at him, her eyes red and glistening with tears.
For a brief moment, Rey’s heart skipped.
She’s… really beautiful this close, he thought.
Then—
“Elysa… you’ve gotten pretty bold.”
The voice snapped Elysa back to reality.
She gasped softly and quickly released Rey.
Melvin and Luna arrived soon after.
It was obvious—they had been waiting anxiously for him.
Relief flashed across Melvin’s face, mixed with lingering worry. Luna, however, immediately raised her staff and cast a healing spell.
Moments passed.
Luna’s expression changed.
“…This is strange.”
Rey tilted his head slightly.
“What is it?”
Luna frowned.
“Your exterior looks fine,” she said slowly.
“But your internal condition is terrible. You need treatment immediately.”
Rey sighed.
“I… I used too many potions.”
Luna didn’t hesitate.
“Come with me,” she said firmly.
“I’ll treat you first.”
Before Rey could argue—
“Rey! You’re alive!” Alex’s voice rang out.
Alex rushed forward, relief written clearly on his face.
“Thank goodness!”
Rey smiled weakly.
“Alex… how’s the Clan?”
Alex’s expression turned serious.
“Don’t worry about that,” he replied.
“Willson and the others are handling everything. I was more worried about you.”
Luna cut in sharply.
“Rey, you must be treated right now.”
Alex froze.
“What? You’re injured? Luna—how bad is it?”
Rey waved his hand weakly.
“Hey, Alex… don’t worry. I’m fine.”
“No,” Luna said firmly.
“Your internal injuries are severe. We can’t delay.”
After hearing Luna’s words, Alex immediately nodded.
“Go,” he said.
“Luna, treat him immediately.”
Rey tried to refuse at first, but under their combined pressure, he finally gave in.
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Before entering the treatment room, Rey handed something to Alex.
It was the Frost Dragon’s head.
Alex burst out laughing.
“Hahahaha! You damn monster—so you’re finally dead!”
Rey smiled faintly.
“Keep it for now,” he said.
“When I’m out… we’ll claim what we’ve wanted all this time.”
Treatment Room
Time passed.
Luna and several assistants worked tirelessly, pouring their mana into Rey’s treatment. Sweat formed on Luna’s forehead, exhaustion clear on her face.
“Take a break,” Rey said weakly.
“You look exhausted.”
Luna shook her head.
“No. Not yet.”
Outside the room, Elysa and Melvin waited nervously.
Elysa’s thoughts were in turmoil—embarrassment from earlier mixed with deep worry after Luna had said Rey’s internal condition was severe.
Melvin was silent, his mind equally conflicted.
Elysa did well… he thought.
Could I… do the same?
Noticing his silence, Elysa spoke softly.
“Melvin… are you okay?”
Melvin forced a smile.
“I’m fine,” he replied.
“Really.”
But his eyes told a different story.
The Next Day
The door finally opened.
Rey stepped out, supported by Luna.
Though pale, he looked far better than before.
Luna, however, looked utterly drained.
Rey turned to her.
“You should rest now.”
Before she could respond, Elysa and Melvin rushed forward.
Seeing Rey standing, relief flooded their faces.
“You need to rest,” Elysa said quickly.
“Yes,” Melvin added at the same time.
“Go to my room and rest.”
They both froze.
Realizing what they had just said—
They had offered their rooms simultaneously.
An awkward silence fell.
Rey looked at them, then smiled.
“You guys…” he said softly.
“You really are very worried about me, aren’t you?”
The tension eased slightly—but the feelings behind it remained.
Both of them stood frozen for a moment, their faces burning with embarrassment.
Only then did they truly notice Luna’s condition.
Her steps were unsteady.
Dark circles shadowed her eyes.
Even standing upright seemed to take effort.
Elysa and Melvin immediately turned their attention to her.
“Luna… are you alright?” Elysa asked anxiously.
Luna smiled weakly and shook her head.
“I’m fine,” she said calmly.
“I’m just exhausted. I used too much MP during the treatment.”
Melvin frowned in concern.
“In that case,” he said firmly,
“Rey and Luna should rest in my room.”
Everyone looked at him.
“My room has extra beds,” Melvin continued.
“I can keep an eye on both of you.”
Before Rey could respond, Elysa quickly added,
“Yes… I’ll stay in Melvin’s room too,” she said.
“I’ll help take care of both of you.”
Rey opened his mouth, about to object—
But Melvin cut him off immediately.
“Rey,” he said seriously,
“don’t reject our kindness this time.”
Rey paused.
Then he sighed softly and nodded.
“…Alright.”
With that, the four of them moved to Melvin’s room.
Rey and Luna lay down to rest, their bodies finally relaxing.
Melvin and Elysa stayed by their sides, taking turns watching over them.
For a full day, neither of them left.
Next day,
A knock echoed against the door.
Knock. Knock.
Elysa quickly stood up and went to open it.
Standing outside was Alex.
Behind him were Willson, Tristan, Drax, Eris, Vincent, and Evelyn.
They had all come to check on Rey.
Alex stepped into the room and immediately spotted his friend lying on the bed.
His relief was obvious.
“Rey,” Alex said,
“you’re awake now? How are you feeling?”
Rey lifted himself slightly and replied calmly,
“I’m feeling much better now.
So… any developments?”
Alex’s expression turned serious.
“Willson and I are demanding compensation from the Arden Family,” he said,
“for the attack they carried out earlier.”
Then his expression softened, a hint of satisfaction appearing.
“Also, the process for your promotion to Duke has begun,” Alex continued.
“I’ve already sent the official letter to the Royal Family requesting approval, but—”
Rey frowned slightly.
“But what?” he asked.
Alex hesitated.
“They requested your presence at the conference,” he said carefully.
“And… they want to see your strength.”
A cold, mocking smile appeared on Rey’s face.
“So now they want me to attend?” he said.
“I’ll present the monster’s head without using even a shred of my power.”
He narrowed his eyes.
“That monster is proof of my strength.”
Alex stared at him—then burst out laughing.
“Hahahahaha!”
“Well said, Rey!”
He clenched his fist.
“I’ll accompany you to the conference,” Alex added.
“I’ve got a little issue with Helberg myself.”
A dangerous smile crossed his face.
“I’ll give him a surprise.”
Rey looked at Alex and smiled.
The two of them exchanged a glance—then laughed together.
It was as if only they understood the plan they were about to execute.
A plan meant to humiliate the Arden Family.
And Helberg.
Suddenly, Eris spoke up.
“Alex… should we really tell Rey about that matter now?”
Willson and the others lowered their heads slightly, their expressions uneasy.
Rey noticed immediately.
He looked at Alex.
“What’s wrong?” Rey asked calmly.
“What is it, Alex?”
Alex hesitated.
Rey had only just recovered.
“…It’s about Emily,” Alex finally said.
“The crystal trapping her… it can’t be destroyed.”
Rey’s eyes widened.
“What?”
“So… there really is no way?”
Alex walked forward and sat in front of Rey, meeting his gaze.
“There is one way,” he said slowly.
“But it would require Clan Origin to pay a very high price.”
Rey looked around.
Everyone in the room looked drained.
“Tell me,” Rey said firmly.
“What’s the problem?”
Alex straightened.
“After analyzing the crystal,” he explained,
“we concluded that only a Mage above Level 90 can destroy it.”
He continued,
“To be precise, the Mage must be capable of using high-tier magic.”
Alex clenched his fists.
“That alone makes it extremely difficult to find a suitable candidate.”
Rey inhaled sharply.
“Is there really no one like that in Christope?” he asked.
Alex looked exhausted.
“There is,” he admitted.
“But that person is the head of the Hartz Family.”
Rey blinked.
“…The Hartz Family?”
Alex nodded.
“He specializes in fire-type magic.”
Rey felt confused.
If such a person existed, then this problem should have been simple.
“So… what’s the issue?” Rey asked.
Alex hesitated before answering.
“The problem is money,” he said quietly.
“After the recent attack, repairing our buildings and treating our members consumed a massive amount of funds.”
He took a deep breath.
“And asking for help from the Hartz Family—one of the Duke Families of Christope—will cost even more.”
Rey looked shocked.
“The Hartz Family… they’re also a Duke Family?”
Alex nodded.
“That’s right,” he said.
“I already contacted them.”
Alex swallowed.
“They’re asking for one high-tier Mana Stone.”
He paused.
“Worth one thousand gold coins.”
The room fell silent.
“Our finances are extremely tight right now,” Alex added.
Then—
Rey laughed.
“Hahahaha,” he said casually.
“One Mana Stone? That’s not a big deal.”
Everyone froze.
Rey reached into his inventory.
Then—
Three high-tier Mana Stones appeared in his hand.
He handed them to Alex.
“One will be used to request the Hartz Family’s assistance,” Rey said calmly.
“Keep the other two for managing the clan.”
Alex stared at the Mana Stones in disbelief.
“…You’re really pulling these out like it’s nothing,” he muttered.
Then he laughed in relief.
Rey tilted his head.
“But still,” Rey said,
“one Mana Stone seems cheap compared to the strength the Hartz Family will mobilize.”
Alex smiled knowingly.
“Of course you wouldn’t know,” he said.
“The Hartz Family is a rival faction to the Arden Family.”
Alex continued,
“That’s why they’ve been supporting Clan Origin since the very beginning.”
Rey’s eyes widened.
“So that’s how it is…”
“No one told me about this.”
Alex laughed loudly.
“Hahahahaha!”
“Of course not.”
He shook his head.
“I know you well enough,” Alex said.
“You hate politics.”
“That’s why I handled everything myself.”
Rey scratched his head awkwardly.
Inside his heart, his thoughts turned to one person.
Emily…
She’s one of the candidates.
I have to save her.
After a moment of silence, Rey spoke again.
“Alex… when will the conference with the Royal Family take place?” he asked.
“And when will the Hartz Family arrive at the clan?”
Alex crossed his arms, his expression turning serious.
“As for the Hartz Family,” he replied,
“I’ll go negotiate with them this afternoon. If everything goes well, they might agree to come tomorrow.”
Then his face darkened slightly.
“As for the conference… it will be held three days from now.”
The air grew heavier.
“The most troublesome part,” Alex continued,
“is that every noble family will attend.”
He paused.
“That includes the Arden Family… and the Hartz Family as well.”
Rey narrowed his eyes.
“And Helberg?” he asked calmly.
Alex nodded.
“Most likely,” he said,
“Helberg will be the representative of the Arden Family.”
Rey understood immediately.
Then he asked a question that made everyone freeze.
“So, Alex… are you planning to form an alliance with the Hartz Family?”
The room fell silent.
Everyone looked at Rey and Alex in shock.
The Hartz Family was known as one of the hardest noble families to negotiate with.
Cold. Calculative. Proud.
Yet there was already something strange about this situation.
They had agreed to solve Emily’s problem—for just one high-tier Mana Stone.
Alex suddenly burst into laughter.
“Hahahahaha!”
“You really are my best friend,” he said cheerfully.
Then his eyes sharpened.
“Just like you thought,” Alex continued,
“I’m planning to form an alliance with the Hartz Family.”
He clenched his fist.
“Once you officially obtain the title of Duke, Clan Origin will no longer be something the Arden Family can touch.”
Rey smiled faintly—but his expression soon turned serious.
“However,” Rey said,
“for the Clan Tournament that will be held in a few months…”
He looked straight at Alex.
“I’m sure the Arden Family will give everything they have to crush Clan Origin.”
Alex sighed deeply.
“You’re right,” he admitted.
“I’ve already anticipated that.”
His gaze hardened.
“We’ll need thorough preparations for the upcoming tournament.”
With that, Alex told Rey and Luna to continue resting.
The others still had urgent matters to handle.
Willson and Alex would be meeting the head of the Hartz Family that very day—to discuss Emily’s situation and the potential alliance.
Rey slowly opened his eyes.
His body felt much better now.
Only a slight fatigue remained—his stamina hadn’t fully recovered yet.
He turned his head.
Melvin was asleep beside Luna, leaning against the wall, clearly exhausted.
Rey looked around.
“…Elysa?” he murmured.
She wasn’t in the room.
Just then, Rey heard faint sounds coming from outside.
The gentle clinking of utensils.
He quietly got up and followed the sound.
In the kitchen area, Elysa was standing by the stove.
She was cooking.
A warm, fragrant aroma filled the air.
She was making soup.
For Rey.
For Luna.
“Hey, Elysa,” Rey said softly.
“Why aren’t you sleeping?”
Elysa jumped in surprise.
“Eh—!?”
The container in her hands almost slipped—
But Rey reacted instantly and caught it midair.
“Careful,” he said.
He dipped a spoon into the soup and tasted it.
Then his eyes widened slightly.
“…It’s good,” he said honestly.
“I miss food from Earth.”
He looked at her.
“You’re good at cooking, Elysa.”
Elysa’s face immediately turned red.
She shyly handed Rey a bowl.
Rey poured the soup and began eating while chatting with her.
Their conversation drifted naturally—about the past, about their early days in the game.
From that, Rey learned something new.
Elysa and Luna were the same age as him.
Melvin was one year older.
Time passed quietly.
Then, Elysa hesitated.
“Rey…” she said softly.
“Umm… there’s something I want to ask you.”
Rey finished eating and smiled.
“Sure,” he said.
“Go ahead.”
Elysa clasped her hands nervously.
“If… if I want to…”
Rey tilted his head.
“You want to what?”
Elysa stepped closer.
Then she leaned in and whispered softly near his ear.
“I want you to train me… will you?”
Rey froze for a second.
He stared at her, surprised.
“…That’s all?” he asked.
Elysa nodded shyly.
Rey chuckled lightly.
“Oh, that’s fine,” he said.
“Once everything is settled, the four of us will enter the dungeon again and train like before.”
Elysa smiled brightly—
Yet something about her smile looked slightly awkward.
Rey noticed—but he didn’t ask.
After they finished, Elysa took the bowls to wash them.
Rey tried to stop her.
“You don’t have to— I’m the one who ate.”
But Elysa shook her head stubbornly.
“It’s okay.”
She insisted.
After that, Elysa told Rey to go rest and sleep.
Rey complied.
Once Rey left, Elysa stood alone in the kitchen.
Her face burned red.
Her heart was pounding.
I… I couldn’t say it.
She clenched her fists lightly.
I wasn’t brave enough to be honest.
That night—
Elysa let go of her chance to confess her true feelings to Rey.
The next morning.
Rey and the three girls prepared themselves and headed toward the main hall.
Inside, Alex and the other executives were already present.
Alex turned and smiled when he saw Rey.
“Finally,” Alex said.
“You’re back.”
Rey grinned.
“I can’t wait to get moving,” he replied.
“But—did the Hartz Family accept?”
Before Alex could answer—
The doors of the hall suddenly opened.
Heavy footsteps echoed.
Willson walked in, followed by a group of people wearing the same crimson uniforms.
On their chests—
The emblem of a Duke Family.
“The Hartz Family…”
They had arrived.
Rey’s eyes immediately locked onto the man standing at the front.
His presence was overwhelming.
Level 97…
A Mage nearing Level 100.
Then Willson introduced him.
“Head of the Hartz Family—Edric Hartz.”
A Level 97 Mage.
Behind him stood another figure.
A knight clad in elegant armor.
Her presence was sharp.
Her name—
Floryn.
A Mage, Level 65.
A player wearing red mage armor lined with gold.
Her black hair was neatly tied, her appearance strikingly beautiful.
Rey’s heart skipped.
He knew her.
Very well.
Rey turned to look at Alex.
Alex stood frozen.
His face had gone pale.
He hadn’t expected this.
Floryn—
His lover.
She was in the Beginner City.
And worse—
She had been recruited as a knight by the Hartz Family.
Floryn’s eyes met Alex’s.
Cold.
Sharp.
Filled with misunderstanding.
Alex panicked.
He rushed over to Rey and whispered urgently.
“Hey… I didn’t know she was in the game too!”
“I thought she wasn’t playing VRMMO back then—that’s why I told her I was going to your house!”
Rey slapped his own forehead.
He looked at Alex with clear annoyance.
Alex felt his chest tighten.
The person he wanted to protect the most—
Now stood before him as a noble knight.
Not on his side.
A misunderstanding with Floryn would drag both Rey and Alex into serious trouble.
Rey stepped forward.
“Welcome to Clan Origin,” Rey said calmly.
“We welcome our esteemed guests from the Hartz Family.”
Edric Hartz looked at Rey seriously.
Floryn, however—
Her sharp gaze never left Alex.
This meeting—
Would shake the entire Beginner City.
And even the nation of Christope itself.
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