Forge and Steel

"Such a headache."

Pyrion's dissatisfied mutter echoed through the 24th floor of the dungeon.

Hours had passed since he finished clearing the dragons on the 58th floor, and now he was rushing toward the 18th floor to meet the rest of his familia.

"It seems I still need to train my endurance more." With an annoying headache, Pyrion complained internally that his stamina still needed improvement.

Of course, if another adventurer heard his complaint and understood his situation, they would probably insult him. After all, adventurers capable of traversing the deeper floors of the dungeon without rest for five days could be counted on one hand. This immense endurance of Pyrion's was largely due to his race.

As a tall human, his stamina was much greater than that of other adventurers. Additionally, he possessed a powerful recovery ability.

Pyrion sighed deeply as his footsteps echoed through the stone corridor. Although his stamina and recovery abilities surpassed most, the effects of five days of intense battles and exhaustion were becoming evident. He felt the weight of each strike and every spell cast; the small wounds accumulated throughout the expedition manifested as a sharp fatigue he couldn't ignore.

After all, even an abnormal Level 6 adventurer like him couldn't remain unscathed for long in the deeper layers.

"Ugh... better meet up with the dwarves on the 18th floor, take a short break in the middle floors, and then go back to the deeper levels." Even with all the fatigue, Pyrion was determined to continue without returning home.

Having decided on his next course of action, Pyrion quickened his pace, nearing the exit of the 24th floor. However...

DRAG

Suddenly, his feet dug into the ground, halting his run.

"This..." he murmured. In an instant, a bad feeling took over his body, and a sharp chill froze him in place.

For an adventurer of his level, bad feelings were something to be taken very seriously. The powerful sense of danger lingering around him made Pyrion's body tense up completely, putting him on full alert.

Pyrion scanned his surroundings with his senses at their peak. He heard no strange sounds and saw no unusual movements in the shadows, but the feeling of danger persisted, clinging to his skin like a cold layer. The dungeon, silent, seemed to be holding its breath.

"So, what could it be...?" he murmured, as his hand slid toward the hilt of his sword. Despite his exhaustion, his body reacted instinctively, ready to face any threat.

The source of the danger quickly manifested; soon, a powerful figure emerged at the edge of his vision. Through the dense vegetation, Pyrion could barely make out the silhouette, but he immediately recognized that it was someone much taller than him, with imposing musculature.

The figure's footsteps grew louder and heavier as it approached, making Pyrion's bad feeling intensify.

With slow and calm steps, the figure moved toward the exit of the thick vegetation, allowing Pyrion to get a clearer view of it.

"Hey... really... what are the chances?" Having a full view of the emerging figure, Pyrion immediately recognized it. A cold sweat covered his forehead, and with trembling lips and a bitter smile, he murmured quietly, still not believing what he was seeing.

"And ladies and gentlemen, a wild Zald has come to visit." With a sarcastic remark, Pyrion tried to hide his nervousness while gripping the Claymore sword hanging at his waist.

The imposing red-haired figure stopped a few meters away from him, watching him with an evaluative look and a satisfied smile.

"Well, looks like I'm lucky today. A big appetizer has been delivered right to my door," Zald said with a carnivorous grin, eyeing Pyrion from head to toe as if he were a juicy prey.

"OH MY GOD! But if it isn't the great Zald, the legend of the Zeus familia, one of the greatest heroes in history. I also heard rumors that they call you the most handsome man in the whole Zeus familia, and let me tell you, I agree with them!" Without breaking his combat stance, Pyrion threw a flattering smile and, without an ounce of shame, praised the giant.

"Oh, you're going to make me blush, your compliments are really pleasant." With a happy smile, Zald moved his arm and pulled out the massive sword from his back.

"Thank you very much for your recognition, though I'd be much happier if you put your sword away again." With a nervous smile, Pyrion tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword.

"That can't happen. After all, as a qualified villain, I unfortunately have to kill you here." Shaking his head with a look of pity, Zald slightly raised his sword.

"Oh, then that's a shame. Looks like we'll have to fight to the death." With the same expression as Zald, Pyrion unsheathed his sword, a gleaming Claymore, and pointed it directly at the giant.

"HA HA! Young warrior, prove your worth and kill me, or lose and become my lunch!" With a loud laugh, Zald raised his enormous sword and, with a heroic demeanor, took his battle stance.

"Then I'll be rude, Mr. Zald." Leaving behind his previous nervous smile, Pyrion's face showed absolute calm. Raising his weapon, he prepared to strike.

And in the next second...

BAMM

"This..." Zald's face, which had previously become fierce and ready for battle, suddenly changed to one of confusion. His opponent, who seemed prepared for a death match, suddenly turned around and fled at full speed.

"Heh, what an dishonest boy," Zald said with an amused smile, taking his running stance and, with great force, propelled himself at full speed.

BAMM

...

23rd Floor

"Only your mother thinks I'd actually fight you." With a mocking smile, Pyrion ran at full speed toward the 18th floor of the dungeon.

How could Pyrion actually dare to fight Zald in his current state? That would simply be suicide. Even at his best, he doubted he could win against that monster. With his battered body, he would only end up as a snack for that guy.

The moment he encountered Zald, he had already decided to run. However, to lower the giant's guard, he still decided to put on a little show to buy time and escape.

BAMM

"Young warrior, your dirty tactics have truly disappointed me!"

Running at full speed through the 23rd floor, a loud rumble was heard as Zald once again took off, getting dangerously close to Pyrion.

"Mr. Zald, let me tell you, I normally eat a lot of junk food, so I doubt I'd taste good!" Looking back, Pyrion saw Zald getting closer with an impotent smile on his face.

BAMM

"HA HA, no problem! I'm not picky about food." With a loud laugh, Zald struck the ground once more, taking another powerful leap, getting even closer to Pyrion.

"COME ON, YOUNGSTER! Where's your adventurer spirit?"

"I'm not an adventurer, I'm a blacksmith!" Without blushing at all, Pyrion casually discarded his adventurer pride.

BAMM

Looking back at Zald getting closer and closer, Pyrion felt a headache. Originally, he thought that with the giant's size, his speed would be slower than his.

But who would've thought that the monster would convert his strength into speed, making him get closer and closer.

"Hey Mr. Zald, don't you think it's unethical to stalk young ones in the dungeon? That's not the behavior of a qualified hero." Taking his sword again, Pyrion realized that escaping from Zald would be complicated, so he prepared to change tactics.

"HA HA, you talk a lot, kid." With a smile, Zald was not affected by Pyrion's taunts and kept propelling himself forward, getting even closer.

"Mom said I talk too much when I'm nervous."

Pyrion gritted his teeth as he felt Zald getting closer, his footsteps rumbling like thunder and the distance closing in.

"Enough running," Pyrion thought, halting for a moment. With a quick turn, his hand slid toward the hilt of his Claymore. He wouldn't be able to run much longer, and it was time to act.

BAMM

Another hit on the ground. Zald didn't seem to tire, but Pyrion didn't have that kind of time. The giant's massive figure kept advancing relentlessly, and he had to act now.

"Hey Zald, catch!"

Pyrion's shout rang through the air before Zald could react. A bright flash caught his attention, and he saw the young adventurer throwing a large amount of small marbles at him.

Seeing the marbles coming, his sharp senses immediately warned him of the danger, and with a quick movement, Zald raised his sword and used it to shield his body.

BOOOOMM

The explosion echoed with a deafening roar, shaking the 23rd floor of the dungeon. The marbles glowed intensely like little fireballs before exploding in a violent detonation.

Feeling a tingling in his hands, Zald had no time to worry about any possible damage from the explosion, as another strong wave of danger assaulted his senses.

Raising his sword again, Zald held it firmly, ready to take the next blow.

And he didn't have to wait long, as instantly, a figure crossed through the smoke and dust created by the explosion.

ZING!

The powerful edge of the sword cut through the air at high speed, aiming directly at Zald's face. The giant's confident smile vanished instantly as he saw the attack approach. With impressive speed, Zald raised his sword to block the strike.

*CLASH!*

Zald's eyes widened in surprise as he felt the immense force of the thrust. His arms instantly went numb, and a dull pain coursed through his body, telling him that the young adventurer in front of him was not someone to be underestimated. The strength of Pyrion's sword.

The clash echoed through the dungeon, and Zald was forced to take a step back, feeling the pressure of the sword against his own weapon. However, he quickly recovered. With a frustrated growl, Zald's eyes sharpened as he raised his sword again, preparing to launch a fierce counterattack.

But then, a strange emptiness appeared in his vision. He quickly looked around, only to realize that the young adventurer had disappeared.

"What...?" Zald furrowed his brow, searching for the young man through the thick dust still floating in the air. With his keen vision, he managed to spot a figure running at high speed toward the 22nd floor. Zald's expression quickly changed, and a growl of anger escaped his lips.

"Heh, that's two times now, kid," he murmured, gritting his teeth, feeling a wave of irritation at being mocked twice in the same day.

*BAM!*

The ground trembled again as Zald propelled his massive body forward. A new roar of rage rumbled through the dungeon as Zald charged to chase Pyrion.

...

**22nd Floor**

"Hey, kid! Tell me your name and which familia you're from!" Zald roared, his steps thundering through the 22nd floor as he rapidly closed in on Pyrion. The giant had caught up with the young adventurer once again, but this time, to his frustration, they had reached the next level of the dungeon.

Pyrion didn't stop for a second, his breath short and sweat running down his forehead. He looked back with a mocking smile, showing no signs of wanting to face him head-on. As his eyes scanned the surroundings, he quickly thought about how to dodge him again.

"I don't think it's wise to do that, Zald-san," Pyrion replied calmly, though his tone had a hint of amusement. "It gives me the chills to think of you showing up at my house at night while I'm sleeping..." As he spoke, his eyes moved quickly, searching for any exit or place where he could gain some distance.

Zald, amused by the young man's attitude, let out a loud laugh. "HA HA! Do you really think I'm that kind of person, brat?" His laughter echoed through the dungeon corridor, bouncing off the stone walls, as his massive figure continued to approach dangerously.

"Forget it. Anyway, if I don't tell you, you'll find out eventually... my name is Pyrion, Captain of the Hephaistos Familia." Thinking that the other side could easily find out anyway, Pyrion didn't shout in response.

"HA HA, looks like there are still qualified people in Orario," Zald responded with a laugh full of joy and a touch of relief, continuing to close the distance with firm steps.

Pyrion didn't reply, his eyes focused ahead as he searched for new opportunities to escape the fearsome adventurer.

It wasn't long before Pyrion's eyes lit up slightly as he noticed a long corridor flanked by two large stone mountains. The place seemed like a natural trap, but if he used the geography to his advantage, he might be able to deceive Zald.

A cunning smile appeared on Pyrion's face. A plan quickly took shape in his mind. If all went well, he might be able to leave Zald behind completely. But first, he would need to make sure the giant didn't realize what he was planning until it was too late.

"Hey, Zald, do you know about magic swords?" Pyrion asked, slightly turning to look at the giant while maintaining his speed.

"¿magic swords?"