The morning sun was soft and golden, casting a warm glow across the platform.
Luceris boarded the train bound for Takumi, the next major city on her journey.
The location of the large-scale wasteland reclamation dungeon refreshed at random each year—and this time, fortune smiled upon her. Takumi was close enough that catching the first train was all it took.
Seated by the window, she listened quietly to the lively chatter around her. Excitement buzzed through the air.
Many passengers were clearly seasoned adventurers, their voices filled with confidence.
"Hey, did you hear? Apparently, a bunch of high-ranking leaders from top universities are coming to observe this dungeon!"
"Seriously? Don't they have better things to do?"
"Well, it's right before the entrance exams, isn't it? They're probably scouting for new talent."
"Still, doesn't that seem a little optimistic? The latest batch of career awakenings only happened two weeks ago. How many of those kids could've possibly hit level 30 already?"
"You're underestimating the Eastern continent. There are plenty of monsters out there."
"Exactly! Even if your talent's just average, with enough family backing, you can easily hire a few professionals to power-level you to 30 in two weeks."
"He was born! He really was born!"
"Oh, my tears… tears of poverty..."
Luceris smiled faintly, taking in the colorful tapestry of conversation. This dungeon event had clearly attracted attention from every corner of society—universities, private guilds, elite adventuring parties, even independent raiders.
It was a recruitment feast in disguise, with various factions hoping to spot talent before anyone else could claim them.
But a question lingered: If the dungeon had strict level restrictions, how could outsiders observe and evaluate what went on inside?
She didn't have to wonder long—someone else voiced the same thought, and the answer came through the crowd's ongoing chatter.
Apparently, the dungeon itself possessed a form of independent will—sentient in its own right. And because of that, special methods existed to communicate with it and observe its interior.
Luceris was genuinely impressed. A dungeon with a mind of its own…
She wore a black baseball cap pulled low, her hair tied up into a neat bun. A white tee and jeans, paired with simple white sneakers, completed her look—a classic school-girl style that radiated effortless vitality.
Though she sat quietly in a corner of the carriage, not trying to draw attention, she still drew countless glances.
Some were subtle. Others… not so much.
Luceris had always been naturally attractive, but ever since she'd synthesized her Dimensional Divine Equipment, she seemed to emit a subtle aura—an ethereal trace of otherworldly grace.
Just sitting there, she radiated a gentle, inviting charm.
After an hour and forty minutes, the train pulled into Takumi Station.
Luceris moved quickly, weaving through the crowd and exiting the station. Without hesitation, she hailed a rideshare straight to the city's dungeon center.
It was already packed when she arrived.
Adventurers from all over the region had gathered, forming a crowd that easily numbered in the tens of thousands. The streets around the square buzzed with excitement. Food stalls and merchants had lined up early, selling snacks and gear—turning the whole plaza into a miniature festival.
Some had come to compete. Many more had simply come to watch.
Since the event had been heavily publicized, the entire area had a carnival-like atmosphere.
Most adventurers preferred to form groups before entering the dungeon. Even though large-scale events didn't require pre-formed parties, it was always safer to fight alongside familiar faces.
Luceris had once been part of such a group.
But after becoming a girl…
That group no longer existed.
A quiet, wistful ache bloomed in her chest.
Now she stood alone, surrounded by strangers, watching the chaos unfold around her.
It reminded her of long-ago nights, sitting in front of a computer with friends, waiting for a raid boss to spawn—eagerly queueing up together, eyes locked on the screen.
The difference was, this time… she wasn't just playing the game.
She was in the game.
And even now, even in this body, she wouldn't give up that feeling—that sense of wonder, of romance, that only adventuring could bring.
"I'm a level 41 shield warrior—very sturdy! Looking for high DPS teammates!"
"Level 32 wood healer! Tons of healing, endless mana! Looking to party up!"
"Level 55 Wild King Shadow Assassin! Reliable escort services at unbeatable rates!"
"Twin sisters available! Great vocals, expert ventriloquism—we'll keep you entertained while you grind!"
"Marriage proposal! Marriage proposal!"
"..."
The square was chaotic, but cheerful. A blend of desperation and enthusiasm that only pre-dungeon hype could produce.
Although official matchmaking wasn't required, most players preferred teaming up beforehand. It offered some sense of control—and camaraderie.
And still…
Even in such a large crowd, Luceris stood out.
It wasn't that people avoided her.
Rather, a strange empty space had formed around her—a quiet bubble of admiration and hesitation.
People instinctively kept their distance. Not out of dislike, but from a subtle sense of awe, or maybe nervousness.
Some stood nearby, clearly itching to speak with her.
But they held back.
Until—
A voice broke through the noise.
"Hey, little sis! Want to form a team with us?"
Luceris turned to see a woman approaching confidently.
She looked to be around the same age as Leanne Vale, with tanned skin, an athletic build, and wild energy in her stride. Her ponytail bounced with each step, and her outfit leaned toward functional and bold.
"I'm Galen Skylar, level 47. My class is Berserker Shapeshifter—I transform into a sleek leopard when I fight."
Before Luceris could respond, a short-haired girl dashed up behind her. She wore a bear hairpin on her head and clutched a large shield.
"Sister Gal! I took my eyes off you for one second and you're already recruiting again!"
Guan Fei grinned. "The dungeon's dangerous, Cel. More teammates means more insurance."
"But you've already recruited, like… fifty people!"
The girl—Celene Sirra—pouted, clearly exasperated. But when she turned to look at Luceris, her expression shifted instantly.
Her cheeks flushed.
Eyes sparkled.
Luceris observed the pair, took a moment to decide, then smiled gently and extended her hand.
"I'm Luceris. Level 30. Class… archer."
She didn't mention her hidden class. No need to attract extra attention in such a public setting.
She was here for the adventure—not to put on a show.
"Level 30, huh?" Galen Skylar scratched her chin. Then she grinned. "That's a bit low—but you're adorable, so I'll protect you. Stick close to me once we're inside, yeah?"
Luceris chuckled softly. That sounded… strangely familiar.
Celene Sirra, watching the exchange, sighed dramatically and pressed her palms together.
"I'm sorry, Miss Luceris. Sister Gal's a bit… spontaneous. But don't worry—she's really strong. You'll be safe with us."
Luceris nodded with a smile, warmth rising in her chest.
For now, she wasn't alone.
And the dungeon doors were just about to open.