Ethan wiped the blood off his face with the back of his hand.

His breathing was still heavy, but his steps were firm. Just to make sure the monster was truly dead, he pulled back his sword and slammed it down a few more times on the Spider Queen's corpse.

BOOOM!BOOOM!

Each strike sent a dull echo through the cave until the creature's head and body were nothing but crushed remains. Only then did he finally sheath his sword and turn toward the exit.

The dungeon air was cold and damp, carrying the faint metallic smell of blood. As Ethan walked toward the entrance, a faint light appeared ahead.

The fresh air and warm light has a rejuvenating effect.

He squinted and picked up his pace. Just as he was about to step out, a loud, piercing shriek hit his ears.

"Ahhhhhh!"

It was Miranda's voice.

His instincts screamed. Without hesitation, Ethan's body moved swiftly with a panic.

He dashed forward like a flash, his aura exploding outward as the wind roared around him. The rocks and dust along his path were blown away as he sprinted, tearing through the air.

But as soon as he stopped, his body stiffened, and his momentum nearly made him stumble.

His eyes widened.

Right in front of him, Miranda's chubby cheeks were being pulled and stretched by a red-haired woman.

"Father, help!" Miranda cried, her little arms waving helplessly. "This aunty is pulling my cheeks!"

For a moment, Ethan stood frozen, completely speechless.

He swallowed hard, blinking twice to make sure what he was seeing was real. The woman holding Miranda's face was none other than Countess Rina.

She was stunning and almost unreal. Her fiery red hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her crimson eyes glimmered like polished rubies.

Her figure was voluptuous yet perfectly balanced, the kind of body that drew eyes without trying. Every movement she made seemed deliberate, graceful, and full of quiet power.

Apparently, she had come to help with her personal guards after hearing about the dungeon break. When she found out Ethan had entered alone, she decided to wait. During that time, she met Ray and Miranda, and like a doting aunt, she couldn't resist Miranda's soft cheeks.

Ethan let out a small chuckle and walked closer. He ruffled both Ray's and Miranda's hair gently, his expression softening.

"You two have worked well," he said, his tone proud. "Especially you, Ray. You did a great job."

Ray's face lit up with a shy smile. He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "I just did what I needed to do, Father. Nothing praise-worthy."

Ethan couldn't help but grin, clicking his tongue lightly. "Just look at this brat acting all modest now," he said, amused at his son's confidence hidden under that calm tone.

As the warm moment settled, Countess Rina finally turned toward Ethan. Her eyes, deep and alluring, swept over him from head to toe. Her lips curved into a slow smile. Ethan swore he saw her bite her lower lip for the briefest second, and he blinked in disbelief.

'No… no, I must be imagining things,' he thought, clearing his throat.

"So, you are Baron Ethan," Rina said, her voice smooth yet firm. "And truly, as people say, you look like the finest specimen of human art crafted by the gods themselves." She extended her hand, the gesture poised and confident.

Ethan smiled faintly and replied, "You flatter me, my Lady. Though, if I may say, the rumors I heard about your beauty didn't even come close to reality."

Instead of taking her hand for a simple shake, he bent slightly and gave a small bow, his hand gently brushing over hers in a respectful salute.

For a moment, their eyes met. Neither spoke, but in that silence, both observed the other.

The calm strength in Ethan's posture and the dignified elegance in Rina's gaze seemed to clash with one another.

Finally, she smiled again, breaking the silence. "So, tell me, Baron Ethan. Since you are here and very much alive, I assume you've taken care of the boss monster?"

Ethan straightened up, his tone composed. "Yes. I've taken it down. The dungeon is almost cleared now. I'd suggest you send your people to clean up and seal whatever's left."

Rina nodded thoughtfully, glancing at the entrance behind him. "Fair enough," she said, her tone cool but with a hint of admiration.

"You've done a remarkable job, Sir Ethan. Not many could clear a dungeon alone, especially one that had broken."

Ethan gave a small smile, brushing some dirt from his sleeve. "Sometimes, it's better to handle things personally," he said simply.

Rina's gaze lingered on him for a second longer before she turned to issue orders to her guards.

As the soldiers moved out to secure the area, Ethan looked back at Ray and Miranda, who were chatting quietly beside the knights. A faint smile tugged at his lips.

...

The sound of footsteps echoed through the dungeon tunnel as a group of mercenaries entered, torches held high. The faint flickering light revealed shattered rocks, scorched ground, and traces of violent battle that covered the walls and floor.

At the front walked Joel and Han, leading the team deeper inside until they reached the main chamber.

When their eyes fell on what lay before them, everyone froze.

"Woah!" one of the mercenaries gasped, his voice filled with disbelief. "What a huge carcass…"

The enormous body of the Spider Queen lay sprawled across the stone floor. Its many legs were severed, its once intimidating figure now nothing but a wreck of dark flesh that had been slammed brutally.

The air carried a heavy metallic stench, and the ground was still damp with blood. The creature's head was missing at first glance.

But a moment later,they saw the pieces of flesh and from the neck,its twitching body gave off faint steam as it decomposed.

"Could it really be an advanced-rank monster?" another murmured, stepping closer in awe.

Joel crouched down, observing the size of the wounds and the depth of the impact marks across the walls. "No," he muttered. "This… this has to be C-rank."

"What? Are you saying Baron Ethan defeated a master-rank monster?" someone else stammered, voice trembling with disbelief.

"That can't be right," another argued. "I think it's peak advanced-rank. There's no way one man could kill a master-rank alone."

Han, who had been silent, turned around sharply. His tone carried a mix of irritation and authority. "I think it's better if you all focus on your job rather than spouting nonsense," he said firmly. "Collect the remains, check the chamber for cores, and mark any unsteady ground. Move!"

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