Dualities | Solo levelling X Tbate

Uto Fell Down A Well

"So, what do you guys have planned for the week?" Claire inquired, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity, the walls of the disciplinary committee office enclosing their conversation.

"Curtis, Arthur, and I have a dungeon dive trip coming up," she announced, Arthur's memory instantly recalling Professor Glory mentioning the event. Caera, intrigued, posed a question. "Which dungeon are you going to?" she inquired.

"It's called Widow's Crypt," Claire replied, her words causing a noticeable change in Caera's demeanor. The color drained from her face, and a subtle unease settled in her eyes. Concerned, Claire leaned in closer. "Hey, are you okay?" she murmured, her voice laced with genuine worry. Caera quickly composed herself, pushing past her discomfort.

"Well, anyway, Caera and I need to head out for our shift," Arthur interjected, breaking the momentary tension. Caera nodded in agreement, silently following suit. "See you later," they murmured in unison, bidding farewell as they exited the room, leaving Claire behind, confused by Caera's unexpected reaction.

"What is it?" Arthur questioned, now that they were out of earshot. Caera's expression revealed her worry as she spoke, her words carrying a hint of apprehension. "Draneeve informed me that a retainer is going to visit that dungeon," she confessed, causing Arthur's eyes to widen in surprise.

"First off, who's Draneeve, and why would a retainer come to Dicathein?" Arthur questioned, his confusion evident. Caera took a moment to explain, her voice tinged with concern. "Draneeve is a spy I report to, but recently, the high sovereign has grown increasingly oppressive, mainly because Alacryan camps have been vanishing without a trace," she revealed, providing context for their conversation.

"It's alright, I'll take care of him," Arthur responded, his tone seemingly unaffected by the gravity of the situation. However, Caera's plea intensified, her voice filled with urgency. "This isn't just any retainer, Arthur. It's Retainer Uto, and he's nearly as strong as a Scythe," she implored, hoping to convey the seriousness of the encounter. Despite her efforts, Arthur merely chuckled, patting her navy hair gently, causing her to pout and huff in frustration.

Caera let out a tired sigh, feeling a sense of defeat wash over her. "It's like banging my head against a brick wall," she lamented, her voice laden with exhaustion. Arthur, however, seemed unfazed by her frustration, responding with a witty remark. "That's the spirit," he mused, a hint of amusement in his tone. He then made a request, breaking the brief moment of banter. "Go inform the director that I'll be taking the night off," he instructed. Caera, mustering what little energy she had left, waved her hand wearily. "Sure," she agreed, bidding farewell as they parted ways, each heading in their own direction.

"Regis, we're going on a field trip," Arthur called out mentally, his voice carrying an ominous yet excited tone.

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"This thing is gross," Regis stated, his scarlet claws smeared with blood as he stood over the lifeless body of a Hades Serpent. Blood stained his hair and horns, evidence of the battle that had taken place. With a swift motion, he had torn apart one of the serpent's heads, incinerating the other with destruction.

"Stop complaining," Arthur retorted, unfazed by the gory scene. He approached the shimmering blue portal before them, ready to proceed. As he stepped through, a chilling presence immediately bore down on his shoulders, sending a shiver down his spine.

"What's wrong, little lamb? Lost?" a malicious voice chuckled, its tone dripping with malevolence. Arthur looked up to see a lanky man, wrapped in bandages and wearing a black hood. The small glimpses of his face revealed a visage that was far from handsome.