Transcending Paragon (New)

Can anyone help outline events in Arifureta?

I have hard time remembering everything. If you could help me then that would be awesome.

Also, I'm considering the second world to Death Mage who doesn't want fourth time. But I am still not sure. Maybe bleach? Naruto? Not sure.

Feel free to suggest. I've already written up to chapter 12. Sooook yeah.

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The day came, the student stood at the entrance of the Great Orcus Labyrinth. Everyone wore their equipment and weapons with a range of emotions lingering in their face from excitement and anxiety. Of course they felt at ease since Meld will be guiding them. 

However, Caelum knew things would turn for the worse soon. He had decided to use Hajime since his ability to create vehicles would be useful. He doubts Hajime will reach Yue before he does since he is stronger than Hajime. 

Though, he keeps reminding himself not to get arrogant. Caelum adjusted his outfit that consists of a heavily armored ensemble with a dark, menacing aesthetic. 

He wears a black hooded cloak with a crimson-red inner lining that flows dramatically behind them, enhancing their imposing presence. The hood is pointed, covering the face entirely in shadow, giving an air of mystery and intimidation.

The upper body is clad in segmented black armor reinforced with spiked pauldrons on the shoulders, giving a brutal and warlike appearance. 

Beneath the armor, chainmail is visible, providing additional protection without sacrificing mobility. Thick belts and straps secure the armor, adorned with various rings, chains, and pouches, indicating a battle-hardened warrior who carries necessary tools and weapons.

The arms are covered in black gauntlets with layered plating, featuring intricate engravings and claw-like finger designs, emphasizing a lethal, executioner-like motif.

The legs are encased in similarly segmented black armor, reinforced with additional plating on the knees and shins, ensuring durability and strength in battle. The boots are armored as well, featuring pointed toes and a sturdy design for both combat and intimidation. In his hand, he wield a Broadsword with simple design and handle. 

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Caelum selected weapons provided by the kingdom which were simple greatswords and had the Miséricode pretending it was part of the weapon that the kingdom provided. Though, the technique that Shizuku taught him was more for Katana but Caelum was able to easily adjust and incorporate what works. 

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He glanced over to Shizuku seeing her in a rather simple attire. To be fair, she focuses more on quick maneuver rather than direct attack. 

"You ready?" Shizuku asked clearly hiding that she was scared and Caelum nodded. 

"Yes, don't worry if things go sound, I'll be sure to protect you." He widely grinned and Shizuku blushed hard and tried escaping.

"I-If that is the case then I'll be going." Shizuku left while Caelum chuckled then sense killing intent turned to see Daisuke still bitter at what happened. He smugly smiled at him that only made the bastard angrier. 

Caelum adjusted his broadsword at his waist, knowing that sheathing it on his back would only hinder his movements in the confined dungeon. With their weapons ready, the group descended into the depths of the Great Orcus Labyrinth. 

The deeper they went, the more oppressive the air became. The dungeon walls were jagged, damp, and suffocatingly narrow, resembling a pitch-black cave that could easily instill fear in those unaccustomed to such conditions. A stale, metallic scent lingered in the air, a silent reminder of the countless battles that had been fought here. 

Meld's voice cut through the tension. 

"Everyone, stay sharp. This isn't a place to play around. Observe your surroundings. Dungeons are not some game." 

Despite his warning, many students still held onto their naive optimism, their delusions of heroism making them blind to the true danger lurking ahead. 

As they pressed forward, a sudden rustling echoed through the cavern, followed by the unmistakable sound of claws scraping against stone. 

Something was coming. 

"Get ready!" Meld barked as a massive Dire Wolf lunged from the darkness, its fangs bared, eyes gleaming with predatory hunger. 

The students scrambled into action, forming a defensive line as they clumsily engaged the beast. The vanguard attempted to hold their ground, but the creature was swift, darting through their ranks with frightening agility. A few of the students wavered, barely managing to keep up. 

Caelum observed the battle with calm detachment. The students with magical roles were hastily casting spells while the frontline struggled to contain the enemy. Their movements were sloppy—more fueled by panic than technique. 

Then, another Dire Wolf broke past the front guard, barreling straight toward him. 

With measured ease, Caelum unsheathed his broadsword, the steel glinting ominously in the dim torchlight. He wielded the weapon with an effortless grace, using its weight and reach to control the battlefield. 

Rather than meeting the beast head-on, he sidestepped, using precise footwork to redirect its momentum. His movements were sharp, deliberate—rooted in real-life, historical swordsmanship rather than the flashy, exaggerated techniques so often seen in fantasy. 

The Dire Wolf snarled, twisting mid-air to correct its attack. 

Caelum disengaged his dominant hand, switching his grip as he drew the Miséricode—a weapon designed for quick, efficient kills. 

He did not waste unnecessary movements. 

With a single step forward, he thrust the narrow blade into the creature's throat, exploiting the natural weak point just beneath its jaw. The wolf let out a strangled yelp before collapsing, lifeless. 

Clean. Efficient. Precise. 

Caelum barely spared the corpse a glance before turning his attention back to the battlefield. 

A few minutes later, they had successfully cleared the floor and continued their descent into the dungeon. 

Meld took the opportunity to offer guidance, particularly on how to properly handle killing monsters. Many of the students were still reckless, wasting energy on excessive movements or outright destroying valuable materials in the process. 

"Look at how Caelum fights," Meld instructed, gesturing toward the battlefield. 

"He doesn't rely on flashy techniques. Every strike is deliberate, every motion efficient. That's how you should fight—preserving stamina while maximizing effectiveness." 

He pointed to the mangled corpses of monsters left behind by the other students—burned, crushed, or hacked apart beyond recognition. 

"Look at this mess. You're wasting precious materials. If this were a real expedition, you'd be throwing away money and resources. Learn to control your attacks." 

Daisuke clicked his tongue in irritation, his scowl deepening as he watched Caelum calmly wipe the blood from his blade, unfazed by the lecture. 

But Caelum paid him no mind. His focus remained on his weapon, meticulously cleaning it with a cloth. Blood caused rust, and he had no intention of letting his sword weaken due to poor maintenance. 

He found it almost amusing how fantasy stories often overlooked these practical aspects of adventuring. A neglected weapon was as good as broken. 

Once satisfied, he smoothly sheathed his sword and continued forward with the others, ready for whatever lay ahead.

They eventually arrived at the 20th floor, where tension ran high. Caelum knew that if Daisuke followed the same path as in the story, things would soon take a turn for the worse. Yet, he chose to let fate run its course—not just for Hajime's sake, but for the growth of everyone involved. 

Just as expected, the floor beneath them suddenly glowed, intricate magic circles appearing beneath their feet. 

"Teleportation trap!" Meld shouted in alarm, but before anyone could react, their bodies were engulfed in blinding light. 

In an instant, they found themselves on the 65th floor. A deep, guttural growl reverberated through the cavernous hall, shaking the very ground beneath them. 

A massive, bull-like monster stood before them—The Behemoth. 

Its crimson eyes burned with primal fury, jagged obsidian horns crackling with energy. Its thick, jet-black hide looked impenetrable, and with each stomp, the stone floor cracked beneath its hooves. 

"Retreat! Everyone, get back!" Meld commanded, his voice sharp with urgency. 

The students scrambled, fear gripping them as the monstrous beast let out a deafening roar. But amid the chaos, Hajime didn't run. He clenched his fists, determination flashing in his eyes as he quickly formulated a plan. 

"If we hold it off for just a moment, everyone can escape!" Hajime said. 

Caelum smirked. "Then let's do it. My job should help me find its weak spots and slow it down." 

Shizuku's eyes widened in shock. "No! Don't! It's too dangerous!" She reached out, fear evident in her voice. 

Caelum clicked his tongue before grabbing her by the wrist and pulling her in for a kiss. 

The world seemed to freeze. 

The students gasped, and even Shizuku's mind went blank as their lips briefly met. By the time their lips parted, her face was a deep shade of crimson. 

"There. I'll survive and come back to you. Now go!" Caelum said with a confident grin before turning and sprinting towards the Behemoth. 

Shizuku stood frozen, touching her lips as her heart pounded in her chest. 

With no time to waste, Caelum pulled the [Moonlight Greatsword] from his inventory, the massive blade glowing with an ethereal silver radiance. Fortunately, everyone was too panicked to notice the weapon's sudden appearance. 

"I don't know how long I can hold it!" Hajime shouted, slamming his hands against the ground as transmutation magic surged outward. 

"Just hold it as long as you can!" Caelum called back. 

The battlefield became a warzone. 

The Behemoth let out a bellowing roar, thrashing against the stone that encased its hooves. But Caelum was already in motion, dashing toward its side, his eyes locked onto its movements, breathing, and posture. 

He lunged forward, swinging his greatsword in a brutal arc—the impact sent a shockwave rippling through the cavern. Sparks flew as the blade scraped against the Behemoth's thick hide, leaving a faint gash. 

It wasn't enough. 

With a furious snort, the Behemoth twisted its head, its horns crackling with energy before unleashing a devastating crimson beam. 

"Move!" Hajime shouted. 

Caelum barely dodged in time, the heat singing his cloak as the beam carved through the dungeon walls. He didn't let up—using the momentum of his dodge, he spun and delivered a powerful downward slash at the beast's leg. 

The greatsword cleaved into the flesh, this time cutting deep. 

The Behemoth roared in pain, rearing back onto its hind legs before slamming down with a force that caused the ground to tremble. 

Then—the ground cracked. 

A deep rumble echoed through the cavern as the stone beneath them collapsed. 

Caelum and Hajime barely had time to react before they plummeted into the abyss. 

The last thing Caelum heard was Shizuku screaming his name before darkness swallowed him whole. 

When everyone had escaped, Shizuku clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms. Despair swirled in her chest as she feared for Caelum's safety. Her hand unconsciously touched her lips—the lingering warmth of his kiss still fresh in her memory. 

"You have to come back… I don't know what I'll do if you don't." 

Her gaze lifted toward the dim, cavernous ceiling, her mind drifting back to when she had first met Caelum. 

Back then, he hadn't seemed particularly impressive or noteworthy—just another student among many. But there had been something in his eyes, a drive that set him apart. And somehow, whenever she was with him, she felt both free and safe. 

She turned her attention to Kaori, who trembled beside her, staring at the gaping abyss where Hajime and Caelum had fallen. Silent tears ran down Kaori's face as she refused to look away, as if hoping Hajime would miraculously climb back up. 

Shizuku wrapped an arm around Kaori, offering quiet support. But as she comforted her friend, her eyes darkened with fury when they landed on Daisuke. 

The tension in the air was suffocating. 

Meld whirled on Daisuke, his expression thunderous. 

"You bastard! Do you even realize what you've done?!" he roared, his voice echoing through the cavern. 

Daisuke stepped back, panic flashing across his face. 

"I—I didn't mean for them to fall! I swear! It was an accident!" 

"An accident?! You activated the teleportation trap!" one of the knights snapped, his hand instinctively gripping the hilt of his sword. 

"You put all of us in danger!" 

"You abandoned your own allies and nearly got everyone else killed!" another student spat. 

Daisuke clenched his teeth, his eyes darting around for support. But no one defended him. 

"It was their own fault for staying behind!" he protested. 

"I was just trying to help everyone escape!" 

Meld's eyes burned with fury.

"If you wanted to help, you would have followed orders instead of acting like a selfish coward!" 

Daisuke flinched, his face paling. 

Meld took a deep breath, his voice turning cold and sharp as a blade. 

"If this were a real battlefield, you'd already be dead for what you just did." 

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. 

Daisuke's hands trembled. 

"I—I didn't mean to—" 

"Save it." Meld turned away, disgust evident in his posture.

"From now on, you follow orders. If you ever pull something like this again, I'll make sure you don't get the chance to regret it." 

Shizuku didn't look away. She wanted him to see the hatred in her eyes. 

'Caelum… Hajime… please survive.'