C-Rank Dungeon Boss – The Minotaur’s Wrath

The heavy stone door groaned open, revealing a vast circular chamber with torches burning in eerie green flames. The air was thick with the scent of blood and rust.

BOOM… BOOM…

A massive figure stepped into the torchlight.

Standing nearly four meters tall, the Minotaur had a body of pure muscle, covered in scarred black fur. Its red eyes glowed with fury, and in its massive hands, it wielded a gigantic double-headed battle axe.

The entire squad instinctively took battle stances.

Nether: (“This thing isn’t just strong—it’s a monster.”)

The Minotaur snorted, its breath steaming the cold air. Then—

BOOM!

It charged.

---

Ivan’s POV – A Mage’s Strategy

The moment the Minotaur charged, Ivan reacted first.

"Multi-Cast: Ice Spear!"

Three sharp ice spears formed and shot toward the beast’s legs, aiming to slow it down.

But—

CLANG!

With one swing of its axe, the Minotaur shattered all three spears.

Ivan cursed. ("It’s faster than I thought.")

"Wind Burst!"

A shockwave pushed him back, avoiding the Minotaur’s charge by inches.

It skidded to a stop, then turned, eyes locked onto him.

("Great. Now it’s focused on me.")

---

Rean’s POV – Silent Execution

While the Minotaur was distracted by Ivan, Rean moved in from the shadows.

He dashed low and fast, his daggers glowing faintly with aura.

("Weak spot... The tendons.")

With one swift motion—

SHING!

His daggers slashed toward the Minotaur’s ankles.

But—

THUNK!

A sudden back kick sent Rean flying across the chamber, crashing into a pillar.

"Ugh… damn, that hurt…"

(“This thing reacts too fast!”)

---

Arther’s POV – Pure Strength

Seeing Rean sent flying, Arther growled.

"Alright, my turn!"

He charged head-on, gripping his greatsword with both hands.

The Minotaur roared and swung its axe—

CLASH!

Arther blocked the attack, but the sheer force pushed him back, leaving deep grooves in the ground.

He grinned. "Not bad. Now, let me show you my power!"

With a battle cry, he swung his greatsword with all his strength—

BOOM!

The impact forced the Minotaur back, its feet skidding on the stone floor.

But it wasn’t enough to cut through its thick hide.

---

Sylpiette’s POV – An Archer’s Precision

From the backline, Sylpiette’s bow was already drawn.

Her green eyes locked onto the Minotaur’s chest, searching for an opening.

("I need to hit something vital.")

She exhaled slowly.

"Bow Aura – Piercing Shot."

She released the arrow—

FWOOOSH!

The glowing projectile ripped through the air, aiming straight for the Minotaur’s right eye.

But at the last second—

The Minotaur tilted its head, and the arrow grazed its horn instead.

Sylpiette clicked her tongue. "Damn it… it saw that coming."

---

Nether’s POV – A New Power Awakens

Watching the battle unfold, Nether’s mind raced.

("Everyone’s attacks are barely affecting it. At this rate…")

Suddenly—

The world flickered.

A strange vision flashed before his eyes.

— The Minotaur’s axe swung down.

— Ivan dodged left, barely missing the blade.

— Rean tried to counterattack but got slammed into a wall.

— Sylpiette fired another arrow, but the Minotaur deflected it.

("What… is this?")

6 seconds into the future.

It ended as quickly as it came.

Nether gasped, sweat forming on his brow.

("I saw the future… just 6 seconds ahead?")

The Minotaur roared, raising its axe to swing at Ivan.

Nether’s eyes widened.

("I already know where it’s going to strike!")

"IVAN, DODGE RIGHT!"

Ivan, confused but trusting his brother, moved right instead of left.

WHAM!

The axe crashed down, but it missed Ivan completely.

"Rean, don’t attack now!"

Rean, about to strike, hesitated. The Minotaur swung its tail, narrowly missing him.

Rean’s eyes widened. "You—how did you—?"

Nether smirked. "Just follow my lead!"

For the first time in the fight, they had the upper hand.

( To Be Continued… )

C-Rank Dungeon Boss – The Minotaur’s Wrath (Final Part)

The Minotaur’s lifeless body lay still on the cold stone floor, its massive frame still radiating lingering heat from battle.

But even though the battle was over, tension still filled the air.

---

Ivansia’s POV – Observing Nether’s Power

Ivansia had been watching carefully.

Nether’s movements—his calls—were too precise.

("It was like he knew what would happen before it did.")

She had seen many skilled warriors and even trained alongside powerful mages, but this was something different.

Predicting the Minotaur’s movements? Timing every attack perfectly?

Ivansia's sharp blue eyes narrowed slightly as she stepped forward, dusting off her academy uniform.

Ivan turned to her, smirking. "So? What do you think of our victory?"

Ivansia crossed her arms, speaking in her usual elegant yet cold tone. "Impressive, but I’d rather not call it a victory when one of your teammates is clearly hiding something."

Ivan raised an eyebrow. "You mean Nether?"

She simply gave a knowing look.

Ivan chuckled, adjusting his coat. "Yeah, he’s always been like that. Never one to show all his cards."

Ivansia glanced at Nether, who was grinning like a fool while Arther and Rean celebrated loudly.

("I’ll figure you out, Nether.")

---

Darius’s POV – Feeling the Difference

Darius clenched his fists.

He had fought well—his swordsmanship was sharp, his techniques precise—but he had barely kept up.

Watching Nether command the battle, Ivan unleash devastating magic, Rean maneuver like a shadow, and even Arther strike with sheer power, made him feel... behind.

("Am I not strong enough?")

He exhaled sharply. No, that wasn’t it.

He was strong—but he needed to be stronger.

His goal was not just to keep up with them.

It was to surpass them.

("Next time, I’ll be the one leading the charge.")

---

Celestine’s POV – A Mage’s Perspective

Celestine adjusted her glasses, her silver hair swaying slightly.

("Ivan’s control over multiple elements is fascinating.")

She had expected no less from him, given his magical affinity, but what intrigued her more was how calmly he fought.

("Even when the Minotaur was enraged, Ivan never lost focus.")

She smiled to herself. "I guess that’s why he’s ranked first."

Then her eyes flickered toward Nether.

("And you… just what are you hiding?")

---

Alistair’s POV – A Shadow in the Crowd

Alistair stood at the edge of the battlefield, silently watching.

Unlike the others, he hadn’t fought much—he had been observing.

And what he saw confirmed his suspicions.

Nether.

That boy was different.

Six seconds may not seem like much, but in a battle, even one second is life or death.

Alistair adjusted his black gloves.

("This academy just got a lot more interesting.")

---

Sylpiette’s POV – A Different Kind of Victory

Sylpiette twirled an arrow in her hand, staring at the pierced forehead of the Minotaur.

It had been her shot that delivered the final blow.

She smirked.

("Not bad, huh?")

She looked at Nether, who was still stuffing food from his pocket into his mouth.

For some reason, she found herself smiling.

Then, realizing she was smiling at him, she instantly frowned, her expression turning cold again.

("Tch. Idiot.")

---

Nether’s POV – Looking Ahead

Nether stretched his arms, feeling exhausted yet accomplished.

His Future Sight had been a game-changer, but he could tell—

("This power alone won’t be enough in the future.")

The next challenges would be harder.

Stronger enemies.

More dangerous situations.

And he needed to get stronger.

As they approached the treasure chest, the academy instructors arrived to congratulate them.

But Nether’s mind was already thinking ahead.

-------

As the carriage moved down the well-paved roads leading away from the Academy, a comfortable silence settled between us. The teasing had died down—mostly because Nether was sulking in the corner, while Sylpiette continued to poke fun at him.

I glanced outside the carriage window, watching the Academy slowly disappear from view. Four years had passed since we first arrived there—four years of training, battles, and bonds that had shaped us into the people we were today.

Now, we were heading home. But for some reason, it didn’t feel like an ending.

It felt like the beginning of something bigger.

---

Rean’s POV

I leaned back against my seat, arms crossed, observing my brothers as they interacted.

Nether was grumbling under his breath, obviously still embarrassed about his relationship being exposed. Sylpiette, of course, looked way too satisfied with his reaction.

Meanwhile, Ivan and Ivansia were having their own quiet conversation, both of them too composed for my liking.

Arther, on the other hand, was sleeping like a log, snoring lightly with his arms folded.

I shook my head.

Even after all these years, our group hadn’t changed much.

Sure, we had grown stronger, smarter, and more skilled, but at the end of the day, we were still the same quintuplets who fought, bickered, and stood by each other no matter what.

I let out a small chuckle.

"Home, huh?" I muttered to myself.

It had been so long since we’d been back that I had almost forgotten what it felt like.

---

Arther’s POV

I woke up midway through the journey, stretching my arms and yawning loudly.

Arther: "Man, I slept good! Are we home yet?"

Rean rolled his eyes.

Rean: "No, Arther. We still have a few hours left."

I groaned and slumped back into my seat.

Arther: "Ughhh, I wanna fight something. Sitting around is boring."

Ivansia: (smirking) "You could always spar with Nether. He seems like he has a lot of built-up frustration."

Nether: (glaring at her) "I’d rather jump out of this moving carriage."

I grinned.

Arther: "Aw, come on, Nether. A quick spar wouldn’t hurt, right?"

Sylpiette: (crossing her arms) "No fighting inside the carriage. If you want to fight, wait until we get back."

I sighed dramatically.

Arther: "Fine, fine."

I glanced at Ivan, who was deep in thought, looking out the window.

Arther: "Yo, Ivan. What’s on your mind?"

He turned to me, looking thoughtful.

Ivan: "I was just thinking… now that we’ve graduated, what comes next?"

That question made everyone pause.

Graduation had been our goal for years. But now that it was over… what was next?

---

Nether’s POV

I leaned back, thinking about Ivan’s question.

After four years of training, studying, and fighting, we were finally recognized as Hunters and warriors.

But what was next?

Returning home? Finding work as Hunters? Maybe even joining an elite faction or guild?

Nether: "…I don’t know."

Everyone went quiet, lost in their own thoughts.

And then, suddenly, the carriage slowed down.

The driver’s voice called out:

"We’ve arrived at your destination."

We all turned our heads toward the window.

And there it was—our family estate.

After all this time, we were finally back.

But something about it felt… different.

As if this was just the beginning of a much larger story.

-----

A Warm Welcome & A Teasing Nightmare

After the long journey, we were finally home. The moment we stepped out of the carriage, the smell of home-cooked meals filled the air, and the warm glow of our small yet welcoming house stood before us.

Mother’s excited voice echoed as she rushed toward us, her arms open wide.

"My children! You’re finally back!"

Before we could react, she pulled us all into a crushing hug, even Sylpiette and Ivansia, who stiffened for a moment before awkwardly patting Mother’s back.

Father stood behind, arms crossed with his usual composed smile, but his eyes were undeniably warm.

And then there was Elise.

The moment our little sister peeked out from behind Father’s leg, her wide golden eyes flickered between us. She had grown taller, but she still looked as adorable as ever.

She hesitated—then suddenly sprinted forward, latching onto my leg.

"Big brothers!"

All four of us immediately softened, kneeling down to scoop her up.

Rean: "You’ve grown so much, Elise!"

Arther: "Heh! Still our little princess, though!"

Elise: "I missed you all so much!"

Then, her eyes landed on Sylpiette and Ivansia.

Elise: "Who are they?"

Sylpiette gave a small, soft smile.

Sylpiette: "I’m Sylpiette. Nice to meet you."

Elise: (grinning) "You're really pretty! Are you my big brother’s wife?"

The room fell into silence for a split second—

Then chaos erupted.

Nether: "ELISE?! WHAT?!"

Ivan & Arther burst into laughter.

Rean smirked. "Well, I mean, she’s not wrong."

Sylpiette froze for a second, then smirked, her face turning slightly red.

Elise turned to Ivansia. "And you?"

Ivansia, much calmer, gracefully smiled and patted Elise’s head.

Ivansia: "I’m Ivansia. And yes, I am with your brother."

Nether: (chokes on air) "WAIT. BOYFRIEND?! IVAN, WHAT THE HELL?!"

Ivan just smirked smugly, while Mother clapped her hands in excitement.

Mother: "Oh my! Two of my sons in love?! This is wonderful!"

Father just chuckled, while Elise beamed in excitement.

Elise: "So I have two new big sisters?! This is amazing!"

Meanwhile, I buried my face in my hands.

Nether: "I swear, my own family is my biggest enemy!"

Sylpiette leaned closer, whispering teasingly.

Sylpiette: "I mean… I wouldn’t mind that title."

I choked on air again.

Ivan: (grinning) "He’s doomed."

---

Dinner & The Talk

After the endless teasing, we finally sat down for dinner. Mother had prepared all of our favorite dishes, and Sylpiette and Ivansia were happily eating alongside us, much to Mother’s delight.

It wasn’t long before Father spoke up.

Father: "So, Ivan, I hear you have some news to share."

Ivan straightened up, clearing his throat.

Ivan: "Yes. Ivansia and I are together now."

Mother clapped her hands in excitement.

Mother: "Oh, my son, finding love! I knew you would! Tell me, tell me—how did it happen?"

Ivan: (grinning) "Well, during the farewell party, she said, ‘The moon is beautiful tonight.’ And I didn’t get it at first, but then—"

Nether: (interrupting) "WAIT. Hold up. Back up. She used that line? And you actually understood it?!"

Ivan smirked.

Ivan: "Not at first. But when I realized… well, let’s just say I made sure to give her a proper answer."

Arther: "Ohhh, and what was that answer?"

Ivan: (grinning smugly) "A kiss."

Rean: (whistles) "Smooth."

Mother squealed in excitement, and Father nodded in approval. Elise, however, blinked in confusion.

Elise: "Wait… then, does that mean Sylpiette and Nether also kissed?"

I almost dropped my fork.

Nether: "WHY IS THIS ABOUT ME NOW?!"

Ivan: (grinning) "Oh, come on, we all know what happened on the rooftop."

Mother gasped. "Nether?! Is that true?!"

I wanted to die.

Sylpiette, still eating like it wasn’t a big deal, glanced at me with a teasing smile.

Sylpiette: "What? Cat got your tongue?"

Nether: "I—IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK—"

Rean: (chuckling) "So you did kiss her."

Arther: (grinning) "Oh, he’s red. He’s really red."

Mother grabbed Sylpiette’s hands.

Mother: "I knew it! Oh, my dear, welcome to the family!"

Sylpiette: (smirking) "Thank you, Mother."

I gasped.

Nether: "YOU’RE JUST GOING ALONG WITH THIS?!"

Sylpiette simply winked.

And then Ivansia smirked, nudging Sylpiette.

Ivansia: "Now we can both tease our boyfriends together."

Sylpiette chuckled. "Sounds fun."

I looked at Ivan in horror.

Nether: "Ivan… we’re doomed."

Ivan: (sighs, but grins) "Yeah. But honestly? Not a bad way to go."

And that’s how my own family betrayed me again.

---

To Be Continued...