The black chain was a valuable artifact, so someone had to protect it, or so it seemed.

The girl in front of Kreyn did not resemble the formidable warrior that was the Remnant Guard; she was more like a disobedient child from the world of demons.

Moreover, unlike the red lizard or Vaarh with other Arakta Worms, this girl understood what Kreyn was saying.

'Is it because she is humanoid, or is there another reason?' He thought, looking at the girl. Despite her innocent appearance and silly expression, she could easily turn ordinary people who entered the caves into piles of ashes.

"Hey! Are you okay?"

Groza and Daren ran up. As soon as Kreyn grabbed the girl, the flaming spirits disappeared.

"Yeah, something like that." Kreyn nodded slightly as he stared at the girl. "It was you who summoned those spirits, right?"

"Ughum...!" She jerked her head as she couldn't speak properly because of Kreyn's hand squeezing her cheeks.

Kreyn let go of her, but didn't allow her to get up.

"I'm giving you one last chance. Who are you? Do you have a name?"

"Of course I have a name!" The girl exclaimed, pounding her fists on the ground. "My name is Elsie! I have a great name!"

A shadow fell over her as Kreyn towered over Elsie.

"Well, that's doubtful."

"What does that mean?!"

Elsie exclaimed as she tried to stand up, but Kreyn immediately kicked her in the shoulder, knocking her to the ground.

"What are you doing! You're human! You should be afraid of me!"

Kreyn clicked his tongue.

"Tsk. She's a complete novice. Alright, Elsie..." Kreyn leaned in. "Take me to your boss."

"Boss...?" Elsie tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

Tap.

He poked her shoulder with his sword, and she flinched.

"Okay, okay! I'll do whatever you want!"

Kreyn nodded. "Great. Groza, keep an eye on her."

"Ah? Why me?"

"Well..." Kreyn headed toward the black chain floating amid the stream of flames. "You two are alike."

Groza was puzzled. "You know I'm a human and she's a monster, right?"

"Of course. That's not what I'm talking about." Kreyn looked at them over his shoulder. "You're both women."

This statement angered both Elsie and Groza, but it was what he needed.

"Bastard... You're lucky we're on the same side!" Groza waved her fist.

"Yes! How can you say that about us?" Elsie exclaimed, putting her hands on her hips.

Groza raised an eyebrow. "Hey, shut up, shorty."

They continued to argue as Kreyn walked through the narrow passageway between the streams of flame, stopping right in front of the black chain.

The black chain emitted intense heat as the streams of flame tried to protect the Artifact, but Kreyn had gone too far to turn back.

'There might be repercussions, but what choice do I have? Turn around and walk away?'

He reached out and, despite his burnt skin, grabbed the black chain tightly.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

"Agh?"

Suddenly, the black chain began to tremble.

Kreyn's eyes widened as the streams of flame shot out in all directions.

BLAST!

The deafening explosion threw Kreyn aside as Groza immediately stopped arguing and rushed forward. She caught Kreyn in midair, crashing her back into the column.

The dust cloud rose along with wisps of dark smoke, temporarily hiding their figures.

Elsie smiled slyly, realizing that this was her chance to escape.

'Hah! Stupid humans! Clever Elsie will always find a way to escape!'

With her head held high, she moved forward when something suddenly pulled her from behind.

Daren grabbed her by the wings at the base and lifted her up, comically holding her like a chicken that couldn't calm down.

"Let me go! You freak!" Elsie exclaimed, waving her arms in all directions.

Daren shook his head.

'They're all the same. Better to work with the worms...'

At the same time, Groza and Kreyn came to their senses.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

Kreyn raised his hand, looking at the black chain.

"Yeah... The minor burns were definitely worth it."

[Chain of the Crimson Seal

Type: Tool

A chain born of flames under great pressure in the depths of a cave. Fire has long been its ally and main source of power. The chain is strong enough to shackle even a wild, powerful beast at the owner's will, stopping the enemy in its tracks and turning it into a pile of ashes.

Due to its nature, the chain is capable of absorbing flames and becoming stronger. It will not release the enemy from its seal as long as there is enough energy.]

The runes hovered in front of Kreyn as Groza also saw everything.

"This... Sounds good. It's not a weapon, but if you use this chain correctly, you can defeat even a very strong enemy!"

Kreyn nodded as he stood up.

"You're right, I already have a few ideas."

Step. Step. Step.

Daren approached from the side, still holding Elsie by the wings.

"What are we going to do with her?"

Kreyn smirked. "We'll visit her boss."

"Pffft!" Elsie snorted. "I'm not telling you anything. I've changed my mind. You treat me badly!"

Kreyn shrugged.

"Alright, then we'll cut off your wings."

Elsie's expression changed in an instant.

"No, no, no! It was just a joke! I'll help you!"

Kreyn turned to Groza. "You see? I'm a master negotiator!"

"Well, I can't argue with that, although I really want to."

...

As with the red lizard, Elsie led them through the Crimson Crystal Caverns via winding passages, descents, and ascents that they would never have found otherwise.

In the end, they reached the ruins, where dark red bricks formed pillars with a passage leading deep inside and a platform in the very center.

"Here," Elsie said, pointing to the platform.

"Hmm? But there's no one here." Groza looked around.

Kreyn grinned.

"Nah, we're already being watched, aren't we?"

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

With a tremor, a stream of flame burst from the platform as runes ran along the edges.

A tall silhouette emerged from the curtain of fire and soon towered above them.

It was a woman with smooth, purple skin, two amber eyes, and enchanting curves. Her red horns and wings were similar to Elsie's, but much larger, full of her power and majesty.

Groza and Daren flinched, sensing the overwhelming aura emanating from the woman, no, from the monster Malin had spoken of.

"Miss Merissa!" Elsie exclaimed, running up to the woman as she hid behind her. "They hurt me! Burn them! They're bad!"

However, Merissa ignored Elsie, staring at Kreyn.

"You entered my domain, took the Artifact, threatened Elsie, and dared to come here? What do you want?"

Kreyn stepped forward without fear, looking at the woman who was at least twice his size.

"How about we satisfy our greed?"

Merissa smirked, already knowing that this day would not be another boring one.

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