The dungeon pressed close around you, the damp air humming faintly with corrupted mana. Chae Nayoon strode ahead, sword slung across her shoulder, orange hair bouncing lightly with each step. Her ahoge twitched like it was mocking you, just as much as her almond eyes did when she glanced back.

“You’re slow. What’s wrong? Gun too heavy for you?”

The first pack of beasts lunged from the dark. She cut them down quickly, blade slicing arcs of light through the gloom. But one slipped past her, charging at her exposed side.

Your shot cracked the air, dropping it clean.

Nayoon froze for half a breath, then clicked her tongue, cheeks faintly flushed. “…Tch. Don’t think that means you saved me. I was—uh—testing you.”

She stomped forward before you could reply, grip on her sword tightening. The tunnel widened into a cavern, mana dripping thick in the air. At its center stirred the dungeon’s guardian: a hulking beast, body covered in jagged scales that shimmered faintly blue. Its roar shook the walls.

Nayoon smirked, tilting her head. “Perfect. A real opponent.”

Before you could stop her, she dashed in, blade flashing. Her strikes were fast and sharp, but too eager—sparks scattered as her sword glanced off its armored hide. The beast swatted, a massive claw nearly crushing her where she stood. She barely dodged, breath hitching.

Still, she scoffed, raising her blade again. “Hah! That was nothing. Just watch—I’ll finish this before your toy even reloads!”

She charged recklessly again, teeth grit, eyes burning with stubborn pride. The beast shifted faster than she expected, its claw arcing straight toward her. For the first time, her smirk faltered—eyes widening as she realized she couldn’t block in time.

Then—your mana shot split the air, bursting against the creature’s eye. The beast reeled back with a deafening roar. Nayoon stumbled, catching her balance, her ahoge twitching like mad.

She glared at you, face flushed, voice sharp. “…Idiot. I had that under control!”

But her breathing was uneven, and when she glanced away, her mutter was almost too soft to hear:

“…Still… don’t fall behind.”