The skeleton's destination and purpose remained a mystery, but one thing was certain — he sensed no malice.
The skeleton's mention of the Guild piqued his curiosity. What harm could there be in following along?
With my strength comparable to Level 7, could a mere Level 4 really defeat me in one blow? Even if they could, I'd simply retreat to Orario.
Besides, it's not particularly risky. The Gods of the lower world can't use their divine powers, and even Orario's strongest only reaches Level 7. As long as I avoid extraordinarily powerful beings like the Corrupted Spirit, I can always escape if needed.
Fine, I'll see where this leads.
"Adam Carter, what's your choice?"
"A wise decision." The skeleton, seemingly pleased at avoiding further discussion, appeared satisfied with his choice.
After this brief praise, it fell silent and turned toward the Dungeon's depths.
"Huh?" Adam paused, then called out, "Hey, weren't we supposed to be leaving? Why are we going deeper?"
"No questions. Just follow." The skeleton didn't look back as it quickened its pace.
"Tch." Adam clicked his tongue softly.
Despite his annoyance at its cryptic behavior, he followed.
Under its guidance, they descended through winding passages until the skeleton stopped at a wall in the armory.
"Hey, if you've brought me here without good reason, I'm going to lose it." Though his words were harsh, Adam still detected no danger.
He was merely testing its reaction.
"Hmph, just watch quietly." The skeleton's irritation was evident in its tone.
Before Adam could retort, it pressed its skeletal palm against the wall. Streams of light emerged, forming intricate patterns.
"Oh, your magic? Impressive." Adam observed carefully, attempting to analyze and replicate the magic circle.
Unfortunately, the patterns contained numerous Hieroglyphs, and without expertise in that field, he couldn't decipher them.
The wall shed its dust as it extended outward, revealing a passage three meters long and two meters wide. It stretched endlessly, twisting upward until its end vanished from sight.
"Could this lead straight to the surface? No — it must lead to the Guild."
The skeleton had deliberately descended at least fifteen floors. If the surface was their destination, ascending from the tenth floor would have been more practical.
The skeleton offered an unusual response, "This is indeed a secret passage. As you deduced, it leads to the Guild."
"Well, aren't you capable?"
"Naturally." The skeleton turned to face him with a challenging tone. "I've revealed its destination, but do you dare follow?"
"Drop the cheap provocation. I already agreed to come with you, and I won't back out — at least while you show no ill intent." Adam frowned and strode ahead.
"Hmph." The skeleton released a light snort.
Somehow, it was giving off distinct tsundere vibes.
Hiss- Could a skeleton even possess tsundere charm points? Absolutely not.
After walking through the passage for about half an hour, they emerged into a vast space. The surroundings were dim, illuminated only by scattered candles.
This must be underground, Adam thought. The direction of the airflow told him everything.
At this point, he wondered if he'd made a wrong decision.
This looked exactly like a villain's lair!
"This way." The skeleton, now acting as a butler, guided him to meet the place's master.
Without a word, he followed.
They passed through another small door into an even more spacious area.
The environment remained identical — still underground — as if the owner were playing some architectural nesting game. But one thing differed: in this dim space stood an especially bright corner.
There, a towering throne of pure gold gleamed in the candlelight, dazzling against the darkness. And upon this throne sat a person!
An elderly man in his twilight years!
"Welcome, Adam Carter." He spoke in a hoarse voice as Adam looked up at him, "First meeting, child of the lower world. I am Ouranos."
"Lord Ouranos?" Adam's brows furrowed slightly.
Honestly, he preferred to avoid contact with these Gods. Their superior status and endless schemes made it too easy for them to ensnare others. He had always kept his distance.
But he never expected one would actively seek him out.
"Indeed, this old one is the Sky God, the true founder and controller of the Guild. Don't be nervous — this old one has no intention of making things difficult for you." After declaring his position, Ouranos tried to put him at ease.
He seemed intent on showing his benevolent side.
"You jest, your existence far surpasses mine." Adam offered a slight bow, his words a courteous show of respect to the deity.
"Huahaha, hahaha!" Ouranos's hoarse laughter boomed through the chamber, but after a few moments, he began coughing violently.
The skeleton appeared at his side, "My Lord, you're getting too excited."
"Yes." Fels, the skeleton, obediently stood aside awaiting orders.
"So, may I ask why Lord Ouranos has summoned me?" Adam asked, curious about being sought out.
Though his Adventurer registration was on file, he hadn't shown any special qualities then. He couldn't understand why Ouranos had targeted him.
"Well, I actually have a favor to ask of you."
"I'm sorry, but I refuse."
Even a God's request met with Adam's flat rejection.
"Well, Lord God, though you might think nothing of it, I was previously harmed by your Familia member, this Fels here. I apologize, but I really cannot accept your request." Adam spread his hands, expressing his grievance.
"Is this true, Fels?"
"Yes, it is." Fels stated matter-of-factly, "Earlier, to test his abilities, I did indeed lure a monster feast. But I was hiding nearby the whole time. Even if he couldn't handle it, I had ways to save him."
"Hey, that's not the point!" Adam's anger flared, "There were so many injured people, yet you still lured monsters!"
"That was just to test you." Fels persisted with this excuse.
"Enough, stop there." Ouranos halted their argument and addressed the still-angry man, "I ordered Fels to test you, so I should be the one to apologize."
"No, about the apology—"
"If we don't clear this up with an apology, we can't move forward." Ouranos raised his right hand, a tiny magic circle appearing at his fingertip, "This Falna shall serve as my compensation."
"Yes, just like Hestia, just like that person, I too shall grant you my blessing."
A beam of light shot from Ouranos's fingertip. Moving at incredible speed, it instantly merged into Adam's brow.
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