Chapter 0

Thousand-year-old delicate blue ice crystals, resembling the fangs of ancient colossal ice dragons, hung menacingly from the cave ceiling.

The cold wind echoing from the depths was akin to the sighs of souls imprisoned for thousands of years, transforming into a terrifying wail as it reverberated through the cavern.

“It’s too spooky…”

The small figure of the young archer Lewi fidgeted with her quiver, her trembling voice breaking the silence.

Her agile fingers grazed the fletching of her arrows, seeking comfort, clearly evident in her nervous movements.

Agreement flickered in the eyes of the other adventurers, their gazes reflecting growing unease.

“If you regret the five hundred gold coins, feel free to turn back.”

Their client, the blonde wizard Ryanadel of the Magic Tower, smoothed the edges of his neatly tailored robes with a gentle smile.

True to his reputation as the chief researcher of the Golden Magic Tower, his voice carried the calm assurance of an intellectual.

At his words, the adventurers’ eyes gleamed with renewed greed, reinvigorating their determination.

Considering that ten gold coins could sustain an average family for a year, five hundred was indeed a fortune that would secure their futures.

“I would like to emphasize again,” Ryanadel continued as he drew his crystal staff.

“Our goal is the Frost Ether crystal found rarely in the lower levels of this dungeon. Once we reach the lower level, the dwarf-made mineral detector will locate it quickly. All I ask is that you focus on guarding me.”

The team nodded resolutely, their eyes already envisioning golden futures.

“Then let’s proceed.”

…

“Ha ha! We’ve finally found it!”

Upon reaching the entrance to the lower levels, Ryanadel cried out in delight upon discovering the crystal.

His shout of joy revived the weary faces of the adventurers, worn thin by the harsh cold and hunger.

During the week longer than the initially estimated fortnight, they had battled countless monsters while enduring extreme cold conditions.

Soon, they would return victorious with significant rewards awaiting them.

“Kal, you said you’ll return to your hometown after completing this mission, right?”

“Yes, I have a girlfriend waiting for me. I’m planning to propose!”

Young warrior Kal’s voice was filled with excitement and expectation.

“Wow, that’s great! You have to invite me to the wedding. How about you, Lewi?”

“I…,” Lewi bashfully brushed her hair aside as she spoke.

“I’m going to the academy. I came on this mission to gather funds for tuition…”

“Huh? You have archery skills. Why do you need to go to the academy?”

“Of course!” Lewi’s eyes sparkled.

“It’s because… His Royal Highness, the Third Prince attends the Hetshet Empire Academy! If I showcase my archery skills and tell him about this adventure…”

Her face flushed red.

“Already, I’m so nervous… I can’t wait for the entrance exam next year…”

“Aha ha…” Ron, the veteran adventurer with streaks of gray in his dark hair, smiled awkwardly.

“The Third Prince is renowned for his looks and good character. With your skills, he’ll certainly notice you.”

Even amidst their cheerful conversation, Ryanadel carefully extracted the Frost Ether crystal.

His mind was already formulating plans for the most prestigious thesis in the Magic Tower using this valuable research material.

But then, the entire cave began to tremble subtly. The ice crystals clinked together and the chill intensified.

“Keeeeyaaa!”

The sharp roar reverberated throughout the area.

Cold winds swirled along the cave walls.

“Mr. Ryanadel… This sound…”

Ryanadel quickly dispersed mana, scanning the direction from where the sound came.

Pallor drained his face.

“It’s a Crystal Basilisk… This is bad.”

“Crystal Basilisk? The S-Rank monster that dwells in the lower levels?”

Fear and despair like icy currents crawled down the adventurers’ spines as the prospect of death loomed heavily on their worn faces.

“Yes, no doubt about it,” Ryanadel murmured as he channeled his magical power.

“I don’t know why it ventured this high, but it completely blocks our way back.”

“Can’t we just wait for it to leave?” Lewi’s voice trembled.

“The creature has already detected us,” Ryanadel’s expression darkened.

“With our current state, riddled with minor injuries, I don’t think it would pass up such an easy prey.”

Even under optimal conditions, against the Crystal Basilisk, this party of three A-Rank adventurers, three B-Rank adventurers, and Ryanadel with A-Rank prowess, had no guarantee of victory.

Let alone in their current weakened state, the outcome was predictable.

Just as the shadow of death loomed over them, Kal suddenly asked.

“By any chance, does anyone have some leftover alcohol?”

“What? Drink alcohol in this situation?” Ron’s disbelief was evident.

“Kal, snap out of it,” another adventurer sighed.

“While the Crystal Basilisk may be an S-Rank monster, it’s one of the more manageable within the S-Rank tier…”

“Kal, please…” Lewi pleaded tremulously.

But Kal’s gaze was unusually resolute.

“No! I wasn’t suggesting we drink it. I was thinking, why don’t we head to the lower levels? If we offer alcohol there, a flower protects us, right?”

“Seraphina Bloom…”

Ryanadel fell deep in thought.

His crystal staff faintly resonated with magical energy.

“Mr. Ryanadel, surely you don’t believe such rumors?” Ron raised his voice.

“Seraphina Bloom is nothing more than ‘the King of Insects’! The insect monsters under its dominion alone number over hundreds, forming a dragon-level monstrosity. A reckless gamble here would only worsen our chances against the Crystal Basilisk!”

“Not true!” Kal fiercely countered.

“Haven’t there been tales of brave knights and holy maidens receiving its aid? That’s why they named it Seraphina Bloom after the saint!”

“What about the destruction of the second knight’s detachment in the Kingdom of Genesis? Have you forgotten that?”

“The knights foolishly attempted to capture Seraphina Bloom without regard,” Kal’s eyes shone with conviction.

“Survived adventurers have claimed that offering alcohol not only yields a safe rest space with healing magic but also provides S-Rank monster escorts!”

“Nonsense,” Ron shook his head.

“Perhaps everyone experienced some sort of hallucination? And even if we descend, we’re unlikely to immediately encounter the King of Insects. Lower levels are said to be teeming with S-Rank monsters much like goblins. We’d simply perish down there.”

Their chaotic argument was interrupted by the Crystal Basilisk’s roar, seemingly losing its patience.

“Kyeeeek!”

“Damn it! It’s coming!” Ryanadel made a decision.

“Let’s head to the lower levels! Quick, Run!”

“Shit!”

Despite his cursing, Rodrick followed the group into the deeper levels, aware that leaving the party would result in an even quicker demise.

Entering the lower depths, the icy hues deepened, gradually transforming into a dark blue reminiscent of the abyssal ocean.

Within this, shadowy silhouettes danced mysteriously.

Amidst the darkness so profound it could swallow light itself, the adventurers advanced in absolute silence, suppressing even their breathing.

“This is the lower level…” Lewi whispered fearfully.

“Come on, Mr. Ryanadel…” Kal urged.

“We’ve come this far, let’s not die to another beast before meeting Seraphina Bloom!”

Upon reaching the lower levels, several pathways emerged.

However, one corridor emitted a faint but unmistakable mystical fragrance, undoubtedly belonging to Seraphina Bloom, the insect king.

Ryanadel led the way, holding a beer and a bottle of wine in each hand.

His crystal staff faintly glowed as it sensed the mana currents.

The subtle fragrance grew stronger and more intense, reminiscent of celestial fruits, creating an almost divine path.

This contrasted sharply with the unsettling sounds of countless insects crawling, emanating from the end of the passage.

The group remained silent, only their footsteps and the rustle of clothes against the ice breaking the quiet.

Ignoring the approaching sounds and intoxicated by the fragrance, they finally reached a vast underground chamber.

The entire floor of the cavern was covered in tiny red flowers that emitted a gentle light akin to moonlight.

Countless insect-like monsters danced and moved above them.

Especially striking were the red butterfly creatures with three pairs of wings, dancing like flames.

The massive ice wasp, with stingers as thick as a human arm, commanded an intimidating presence.

The metallic spider, defying gravity as it floated in the air, exuded an enigmatic aura.

Though never seen before, these creatures possessed an overwhelming presence that eclipsed the Crystal Basilisk encountered earlier.

And at the center, dominating the scene, stood a magnificent yet eerie floral entity.

Its red petal, resembling fresh blood, and jet-black stem extended far above human height, exuding an authoritative aura akin to a queen.

Fortunately, Kal’s words rang true; none of the local creatures exhibited any hostility.

With extreme caution, Ryanadel approached the flower, careful not to crush any of the smaller blooms beneath.

“Here, I bring you beer and wine,” his voice trembled slightly.

“To escape from the sudden appearance of a Crystal Basilisk at the lower levels, we’ve come here. Would it be alright if we rest here for a bit?”

Though he normally wouldn’t expect a monster to understand language, for some reason, he felt confident this… creature might comprehend.

As Ryanadel finished speaking, black roots emerged from the ground, enveloped and crushed the bottles, and began absorbing the alcohol.

The organic movement of the roots sent shivers down the spines of the adventurers.

As Seraphina Bloom absorbed the alcohol, it swayed joyfully, dispersing pollen into the air.

“Kyaa!”

Lewi flinched, expecting an attack, but the pollen instead emitted a warm sensation that began healing their wounds.

“Wha…?”

Rodrick stared at his arms in shock.

“Hey, my wounds are healing!”

“Me too!”

“Uncle Rodrick, look.” Kal smiled triumphantly.

“Such a beautiful and kind flower being called the King of Insects is unfair. From now on, let’s call it Seraphina Bloom or the Holy Flower.”

“That… That’s right…” Rodrick nodded sheepishly.

“I was mistaken, it seems.”

*

As the humans breathed sighs of relief and began chatting, from the depths of the enormous flower monster, an inaudible sound echoed.

“Two stars with two people and three stars with three… Oh ho, there are even two with four stars. Not a bad group, to come prepared with such fine alcohol. I should remember this, once I master the polymorph spell, I must certainly inquire about the kind of alcohol they’ve brought.”