"Oh no, oh no, oh no…!"
I was running within the dungeon, shouting like that.
Chasing after me was an A-rank monster, the Headless Mule without a head but with flames on its body.
On this floor, there were numerous Headless Mules wandering around without heads, so I had been moving carefully to avoid being spotted. But I was finally found.
That's why I was running with all my might, but honestly, it seemed like they were about to catch up.
"Ah."
When I muttered that, I was killed by a body blow.
◆
"Huh…"
I grasped that time had rewound, but a different scene was unfolding this time.
Right now, I was about to leave the room where the treasure chest was located.
In the past, each time I died, I would return just before being attacked by the Armored Bear Bugbear that I first encountered.
It seems that the respawn point has been updated.
Well, it's honestly a relief not to have to face the Armored Bear Bugbear every time I die, as it was really discouraging.
However, I still need to conquer this new floor to be able to progress further. I'm sure new challenges are waiting for me.
◆
About the 520th attempt.
Despite being killed many times by the Headless Mule, I was diligently exploring this floor and had learned a few things.
First, I couldn't find any stairs leading to the upper or lower floors.
Instead, what I found were—
"A teleportation circle, huh…"
In front of me was a geometric pattern on the floor.
It was likely a teleportation circle that would send me to a different place if I stepped on it.
"There's a teleportation circle here too."
There wasn't just one teleportation circle.
"In total, there are three teleportation circles."
To proceed, I would need to step on one of these three teleportation circles, but I had no idea which one was the correct choice. There's no need to worry, though. If I pick the wrong one, I'll just die and respawn.
So, I stepped on the teleportation circle in front of me without hesitation.
I was transported to a straight path.
So, I continued forward.
Then, something that didn't quite fit in a dungeon was there.
"A girl…?"
Although, it's not just that there was a girl there.
The girl was asleep, and she was surrounded by a barrier that seemed to prevent her from leaving. Moreover, something like chains was wrapped around her body.
"Beautiful…"
I couldn't help but murmur.
The girl had a refined face and fair skin, and she was exceptionally beautiful compared to any other girls I had seen so far.
The girl was wearing a dress with prominent white lace.
Unconsciously, I reached out my hand.
A tinkling sound, like breaking glass, resounded.
"Ah."
I involuntarily took a half-step back, surprised that the barrier had broken so easily.
As the barrier shattered, she moved her body with a sudden jerk.
Moreover, she slowly opened her eyelids.
"Oh, you're the one who woke me up."
Her voice was somehow familiar.
Oh, right.
The shadow that had given me the skill "Save & Reset" just before I was attacked by the Armored Bear Bugbear had a voice like this.
"Did you give me the skill?"
"Yes, that's right."
She confirmed.
"…Who are you?"
"I'm Agetha Tsubaki, the sealed former hero. And your name?"
The sealed former hero? What's that? I thought while answering her question.
"I'm Kiska."
"Kiska. That's a nice name."
Saying this, she observed me as if taking a look around.
"Hey, could you crouch down a little?"
"Huh?"
I didn't understand her intentions, but I followed her request.
"Hmm."
I opened my eyes wide.
Before I knew it, she had pressed her lips against mine.
"Hey, what do you think you're doing?"
I said as I gently pulled her away.
"I thought it was a way to say thank you. Was it not?"
She tilted her head slightly.
Beyond whether it was right or wrong, I just couldn't fathom the meaning behind it.
"What do you want?"
"Nothing, really… Oh, right. You want to get out of the dungeon, don't you?"
"Well, yes, but…"
"Great, then follow me. I'll get you out."
Saying this, she started walking ahead.
Honestly, her presence was somewhat eerie, but if it meant I could finally get out, it was like a dream come true.
So, I decided to trust her.