Leveling From Hell

The sun had already reached its zenith, slowly sliding toward the west. Golden rays pierced through the inn's windows, scattering fractured light across the wooden floor.

Seraphina was still asleep. Her long white hair spilled across Arzael's chest like a silk blanket, covering almost her entire petite frame. Her breathing was steady, lips slightly parted as her shoulders rose and fell gently. Even in her sleep, she unconsciously clung, as if unwilling to part from the warmth she had sought throughout the night.

Arzael remained still. His blood-red eyes half-closed, staring at the ceiling with a calm that only he could muster. Though his mind was heavy with fatigue, he let her rest. The rhythm of Seraphina's breathing drew him into a rare, fleeting peace.

But there was someone impatient.

At the edge of the bed, Puff hopped restlessly, her tail flicking and her small furry ears twitching. "It's almost afternoon," she muttered to herself, her voice full of impatience. "And they're still asleep… I guess I have to do something."

The little creature glanced around dramatically before leaping onto the vanity. With her tiny paws, she pushed a heavy metal cup. The sound was ear-piercing—

CLANG!

Seraphina jolted awake, startled. She gasped and sat upright, her hair falling across her face. Arzael moved slowly beneath her, frowning slightly.

"Hm? What happened?" Arzael's voice was hoarse, his eyes scanning the room.

Puff held her belly while giggling, her paws covering her mouth. "You were sleeping all cuddled up! Like husband and wife!"

Seraphina froze immediately. Her eyes widened, her face turning bright red. She hiccuped uncontrollably. "Hikh—!"

Arzael glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "Seraphina? Are you alright?"

"Hikh… I'm fine—hikh!"

Without hesitation, Arzael grabbed a water jug from the table. He poured it into a clay cup and handed it to her. "Drink. Slowly."

She took it, still hiccuping, but Arzael's steady hands and calm voice eased her embarrassment. Puff, of course, couldn't resist.

"Sorry, Seraphina," Puff said, "I was just joking."

She pouted, then quickly changed the subject. "Oh! Boss! I'm hungry! I've been waiting for you two to wake up, you know!"

Arzael exhaled deeply. "Alright. Let's go out."

As they stepped outside, the city of Valiant was bustling with afternoon activity. Sunlight reflected off the towering glass spires, each surface breaking the light into sparkling rainbows. Blue-and-gold banners fluttered in the wind, the emblem of the Alliance dancing with it.

Merchants shouted as they sold their goods, children ran between stalls, and the distant hammering of blacksmiths echoed faintly from narrow alleys. The capital was always alive, but in the afternoon, it shone with unmatched brilliance.

Arzael carried Puff easily in one hand while Seraphina walked beside him, her steps graceful yet cautious. Her white hair drew attention, but her concern was the crowd. Every brush of shoulders could be dangerous: the black fire clinging to her skin could harm anyone she touched.

She pulled her cloak tightly, keeping distance. But Arzael noticed her unease. His red eyes met hers.

"Don't worry," he said simply.

Seraphina glanced briefly at him, silent, then gave a small nod.

Oblivious to the tension, Puff suddenly shouted right into Arzael's ear. "Boss! Let's eat at our usual place!"

"Don't shout near my ear," Arzael muttered, massaging his temple.

He looked at Seraphina. "Do you agree?"

She only nodded softly.

The eatery was on the quieter edge of the city, tucked between two crystal towers. Its wooden beams and moss-covered roof stood out amidst the glass buildings, but that was what made it comfortable. Few came, and even fewer stayed. For Arzael, Seraphina, and Puff, it was a safe haven.

The bell above the door jingled as they entered. Warm scents of roasted meat and herbs welcomed them.

Behind the counter, an elderly dwarf waved. Her silver hair, braided, swayed. "Welcome~ Oh, it's you kids again. Please, come in~"

They sat at a corner wooden table. Puff immediately climbed onto a chair, raising her paws.

"Nana, one mountain herb soup, one mountain honey ice cream, and Valiant's special bread as usual!" She glanced mischievously at her friends. "What about you?"

Arzael's voice was flat. "Minotaur meat."

Seraphina's voice was soft. "Sea dragon tail."

"All right, coming right up," the dwarf replied, hurrying along.

Arzael rested his chin, looking at Puff. "Your body is the smallest, but you eat the most."

Puff puffed out her chest proudly. "I'm not an ordinary rabbit, boss! There's no way I could eat this much if I were normal! Even though I can't help much now, once my memory comes back, I'll definitely be able to help you!" She ended with a cheeky grin.

Arzael only murmured. "I hope it won't take long."

Soon, their meals arrived. Puff's eyes sparkled, and she devoured hers with gusto. "Finally!!"

While they ate, the dwarf leaned on her cane. "By the way, kids… have you heard about the Hero Association carriage tickets? They're being sold in the city center, you know."

Arzael raised an eyebrow. "Tickets? What's special about them?"

"Official from the Hero Association," the dwarf replied cheerfully. "The carriages will be guarded by Valiant soldiers. Safe, fast, and honorable."

"Must be expensive," Arzael said flatly.

The dwarf chuckled and walked away.

Arzael lowered his gaze. Aunt Neria… how are you now? The old servant who had been his only warmth in the palace, her image still haunted him.

Then another thought struck him. Crimson Edge. When the Ruler rose in his second form, the sword had been thrown, lost in the chaos. Arzael clenched his fists. 'With the new summoning power I just gained, I will defeat that Ruler… and I will reclaim my Crimson Edge.'

After paying, they returned to the bustling streets. The sun sank lower, casting the glass towers in blazing orange light.

Arzael turned to Seraphina. "You better return to the inn. Puff and I will buy the tickets. The city center is crowded, I don't want anyone else touching you."

Seraphina's eyes met his briefly before nodding. "Understood."

Her white cloak fluttered as she walked away. Arzael and Puff continued toward the square.

The heart of Valiant was vast and bustling, stretching far beyond what the eye could take in. It took almost half an hour to push through the dense throngs of merchants calling out their wares, weary travelers navigating the crowds, and children laughing and darting between stalls in playful chaos.

The marble-paved square gleamed under the sun, with a colossal statue in the center depicting hands of various races clasped tightly together, a proud symbol of the Alliance's enduring unity and harmony. Surrounding it were vibrant marketplaces overflowing with goods, colorful banners fluttering in the wind, and vigilant guards in polished, gleaming armor who moved among the citizens with practiced precision, ensuring both safety and order amidst the lively chaos.

"There it is!" Puff pointed excitedly.

They joined the line, but only disappointment awaited.

"Sold out," said the booth guard. "All gone!"

Puff slumped onto Arzael's shoulder. "Boss… the tickets are gone…"

Arzael's face remained impassive. "What can we do?" He turned away.

Suddenly, a commotion. Guards in golden armor parted the crowd. A young girl emerged, her golden hair glinting in the last rays of the sun, her sapphire eyes sharp yet cold.

Princess Chitara.

Her gaze somehow locked onto Arzael immediately.

"Boss! Wait!" Puff tugged at Arzael's cheek.

He stopped, frowning.

The elf princess approached. Her steps were firm, her posture stiff. She crossed her arms, tilting her chin aside, as if unwilling to meet his eyes directly.

"Do you… need that ticket?" Her voice was firm, almost cold.

Arzael blinked. "Yes?"

Without another word, she extended a shimmering ticket between her fingers. "Here." She didn't look at him, turning her face stubbornly away.

"Oh? But I need two tickets."

Chitara paused. Her eyes widened briefly, then she quickly reached into her bag. "Eh—I mean…" She pulled out another one, handing both to him.

The crowd was silent. An elf princess giving tickets to a stranger?

Arzael considered it, then grabbed a pouch of coins. "Thank you. This is your pay—."

But she quickly brushed it off, almost abruptly. "I gave you these tickets not because I care! I just… felt pity."

Without giving him a chance to respond, she turned sharply, walking away with her guards.

Arzael watched her back, his expression unreadable. Puff squinted. "Boss… that princess is so weird."

"At least we got the tickets without paying," Arzael said. "Lucky us."

People around could only murmur in envy.

As the sun fully set, the city was illuminated by lantern light. Streets glowed warm yellow, shadows flickering between the stones.

Arzael and Puff returned to the inn. The scent of old books and candle wax welcomed them. Seraphina was sitting at the table, her pale fingers turning the pages of a thick spellbook, the light highlighting her calm face.

"Hello, Seraphina! We're back~" Puff jumped from Arzael's shoulder onto the table, almost knocking over a candle.

She closed the book gently. "Did you manage to get the tickets?" Her voice was flat, calm.

"Of course!" Puff grinned widely. She began to recount their journey in an exaggerated, animated manner, from the guards to Princess Chitara's awkwardness.

Arzael simply leaned against the wall, eyes narrowing, deep in thought. In his heart, the weight of the upcoming exam felt heavier, pressing on him like an invisible shackle. Less than two weeks remained before the Hero Association Academy exam… the thought alone sent a ripple of tension through him.

His hand clenched into a fist. Soon, the road ahead would test him once again, demanding everything he had learned and more.