The next morning, Rey woke up in his room to an unusual noise.

  Laughter echoed from the direction of his kitchen—loud, lively, and full of warmth. It was the kind of sound that didn’t belong to an empty residence. Slightly confused, Rey pushed himself up from the bed, rubbed his eyes, and walked out of his room.

  The moment he stepped into the kitchen, he froze.

  Elysa and Emily were there.

  The two of them stood side by side, busily cooking. Steam rose from the pan, the aroma of familiar food filling the air. They were smiling, laughing, chatting casually—as if they had known each other for years. Their movements were natural, synchronized, comfortable.

  Rey blinked.

  For a moment, he wondered if he was still dreaming.

  He stepped into the kitchen and asked, his voice carrying genuine confusion,

  “How did you two get into my room?”

  Elysa flinched in surprise, then smiled awkwardly and turned toward Emily. Emily met her gaze, smiled back, then looked at Rey calmly.

  “I already made a second key earlier,” Emily said. “So we came in and saw you sleeping. Then we planned to make breakfast for you.”

  Rey chuckled softly, but inside his heart, questions exploded.

  How did Emily make a second key? I’ve been the only one holding the key this whole time.

  He didn’t voice his doubt.

  Instead, he pulled a chair and sat down. Elysa soon placed the food on the table, and the three of them ate together. The moment Rey took his first bite, his hand froze.

  His eyes widened.

  This taste—

  It was food from Earth.

  Authentic. Familiar. Painfully nostalgic.

  As he chewed, memories surfaced—late nights, convenience stores, small food stalls, meals he used to buy outside when he was still living on Earth. Rey rarely cooked back then.

  Slowly, he looked at Elysa and asked,

  “Elysa, did you ever work at a food shop when you were on Earth?”

  Elysa froze, visibly startled.

  “How did you know?” she asked.

  Rey smiled.

  “Oh… so you were the cook at the shop beside the supermarket, right in front of that apartment building?”

  Elysa was even more shocked now. She paused, thinking for a moment, then said,

  “That’s right, Rey. Did you live nearby?”

  Rey laughed lightly, shaking his head in disbelief.

  “I used to buy food from that shop all the time. That’s why I recognize this taste. The signature menu—special fried rice.”

  Elysa lowered her head, smiling shyly.

  Emily then spoke cheerfully,

  “The dishes you like were all taught to me by Elysa. If Melvin were here, we could also eat delicious biscuits. Melvin is really good at making biscuits.”

  Rey stiffened slightly.

  Then he asked,

  “What do you mean? Melvin has cooked and given us food before?”

  Emily paused, then her face lit up as memories surfaced.

  “Yes. That time, we all ate together. It was very fun.”

  Rey fell silent.

  Something clicked—but not in a comforting way.

  Inside his heart, unease spread.

  So Emily… and all of us… have met somewhere before. But why can’t I remember it at all?

  Just then, there was a knock on Rey’s door.

  Emily went to open it.

  Standing outside were Alex, Floryn, Melvin, and Luna. When they saw the three of them eating together, Alex raised his eyebrows and laughed.

  “Wow, that looks good. Can we join?”

  Rey invited them in without hesitation. Soon, the table was crowded, laughter filling the room. The atmosphere was lively, noisy, warm—almost like a family breakfast.

  After they finished eating and Rey finished preparing himself, he turned to Alex.

  “Alex, I want to discuss something.”

  They went into Rey’s bedroom. Once the door closed, Rey spoke seriously.

  “Alex, I’m curious about Emily’s memories. She said we once sat together and were very close. But until now, I can’t recall any such event. How could she, someone from this world, be with us? Meanwhile, the rest of us only met after arriving in this world.”

  Alex fell silent, thinking deeply.

  Then he said,

  “Rey… did Emily ever switch bodies before? I mean, when the four of you gathered, was Emily inhabiting someone else’s body and stayed with you?”

  Rey shook his head immediately.

  “That’s impossible. Emily said Melvin made delicious cookies at that time. But before this, Melvin has never made cookies and given them to us.”

  Alex frowned and stepped out, calling for Melvin.

  Melvin entered the room.

  Rey looked at him and asked,

  “Melvin, can I ask you something?”

  Melvin was slightly surprised.

  “Of course. What is it, Rey?”

  Rey asked directly,

  “Are you good at making cookies?”

  Melvin nodded.

  “Yes.”

  Rey continued,

  “Oh… then after you were transferred to this world, did you ever make them?”

  Melvin shook his head.

  “Not yet. Do you want some?”

  Rey took a deep breath.

  “Actually…”

  He explained everything—Emily’s memories, the shared meals, the cookies.

  Melvin’s expression changed completely.

  “That’s strange. I really haven’t made cookies for anyone here.”

  Rey fell silent for a moment, then spoke again, his voice heavy.

  “I think… it’s possible that her memories were manipulated by someone.”

  Alex’s eyes widened. He nodded slowly in agreement.

  But Melvin felt something was off.

  “Rey,” Melvin said carefully, “if her memories were manipulated… do you remember when Lord Edric tried to expel Emily? Both of you felt a gentle yet powerful aura, didn’t you?”

  Rey froze.

  Alex’s eyes sharpened.

  “Rey… was that aura protecting Emily while she was trapped inside the crystal?”

  Rey exhaled slowly.

  “At first, I didn’t understand that aura. But the more I think about it… it feels very similar to someone I know.”

  Alex and Melvin were visibly shocked.

  Rey looked up and said,

  “Melvin, can you call Elysa and Luna?”

  Melvin nodded and left. Soon, Elysa and Luna entered the room.

  Rey asked the three girls to release their auras.

  The moment they did, Rey’s eyes widened.

  “Melvin… your aura…”

  Alex suddenly realized something.

  “Rey, wait,” Alex said quickly. “I’ll set up a barrier inside your room.”

  Using a barrier modified together with Floryn, Alex sealed the room completely. Once finished, he turned back to Rey.

  “Rey… is that aura the same as Melvin’s?”

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Rey sat down slowly.

  “There are similarities,” he admitted. “But that aura was far stronger. At that time, I could feel that its level far surpassed mine.”

  Silence fell upon the room.

  After a while, Alex asked,

  “Melvin… do you really have no memories of anything before arriving in this world?”

  Melvin shook his head.

  “When Elysa and I were playing the VRMMO, our vision suddenly turned white. Then we were transferred to the Beginner City. I have no memory of ever meeting Emily.”

  They all remained silent.

  After some time, Luna finally spoke.

  “Rey… are you sure that aura is the same as Melvin’s?”

  Rey rubbed his temple, feeling dizzy.

  “I’m not sure. But I can feel a resemblance.”

  Alex stood up.

  “We need to invite Lord Edric.”

  They moved to the high council chamber. Floryn was tasked with gathering all the executives. She set up a barrier within the room.

  Not long after, Duke Edric arrived at Clan Origin and rushed into the prepared chamber.

  When he saw Rey, he asked seriously,

  “Rey, is there a problem? You called me so urgently.”

  Rey met his gaze.

  “We need your help.”

  Edric nodded without hesitation.

  “Very well. Don’t hold back. Tell me what problem Clan Origin is facing.”

  Rey turned to Melvin.

  “Melvin, release your aura.”

  The moment Melvin did, Edric’s eyes widened in shock.

  He looked at Rey, his expression grave.

  Inside his heart, a single thought echoed—

  This aura… it’s the same as that time.

  Willson and the other senior members of Clan Origin soon joined the discussion chamber. The atmosphere, which had already been tense, grew heavier as they sensed something was wrong.

  Willson was the first to speak.

  “Rey, what exactly happened?”

  Rey took a deep breath and began explaining everything—from Emily’s fragmented memories, the strange familiarity between them, Melvin’s aura, the crystal, and the mysterious protection that had once surrounded her.

  As the story unfolded, shock spread across the faces of everyone present.

  Before anyone could speak, Emily suddenly burst into laughter.

  “Hahahaha… it really was Melvin,” she said brightly. “He was the one who saved me from them.”

  The room froze.

  Rey’s eyes widened in disbelief. Even Melvin himself was stunned, staring at Emily as if he had just heard something impossible.

  Rey quickly asked,

  “What do you mean, Emily?”

  Before Emily could continue, she suddenly clutched her head. Pain surged through her expression as she staggered. Her breathing became erratic, her body trembling as old trauma resurfaced.

  Eris rushed forward and pulled her younger sister into a tight embrace, holding her firmly.

  “It’s okay… you don’t have to force it,” Eris whispered.

  After a while, Emily’s breathing slowly calmed. When she finally spoke again, her voice was softer, heavier.

  “I’m sorry… I don’t remember everything clearly,” Emily said. “But the one who saved me back then was Melvin. The four of us were running together. Before they attacked, Melvin created some kind of protection so I wouldn’t get hurt.”

  Silence fell upon the room.

  Rey said nothing. Alex pressed his fingers to his temple, thinking intensely. The others were completely confused by Emily’s words.

  Who are ‘they’?

  That question echoed silently in everyone’s mind.

  Suddenly, Alex lifted his head.

  “Rey,” he said sharply, “that Frost Dragon said something before, didn’t it? It said it had a master.”

  The entire room went silent at Alex’s words.

  They all remembered that moment clearly.

  Rey slowly spoke,

  “So what you’re saying is… their master was the one who attacked the four of them? But when did that even happen? We only just met Emily recently.”

  Alex frowned, unable to answer.

  Then Floryn spoke calmly, cutting through the confusion.

  “Space and time.”

  She leaned closer to Rey and Alex, lowering her voice.

  “Don’t you remember? When we first logged into the game, there was information about the power of space and time. What if Emily is a user of that power?”

  Alex’s eyes widened.

  “So… you’re saying Emily is from the future?”

  Floryn shook her head slightly.

  “I’m confused too. But from what you told us—Emily was declared dead in a dungeon five years ago. When we found her, she was inside a crystal. And she said that crystal wasn’t a prison, but a defense.”

  Rey frowned.

  “But that monster said they were the ones who sealed Emily after seeing her special power.”

  Alex groaned, running a hand through his hair.

  “Argh… my head hurts. There are too many unanswered questions.”

  Rey exhaled slowly.

  “At this point, the only way forward is to go deeper into the dungeon and find answers.”

  Alex fell silent, then nodded reluctantly.

  “Rey… how about entering Floor 6 after the tournament?”

  Rey looked at him calmly.

  “Alex, my level can’t increase efficiently anymore if I keep fighting monsters on Floor 7.”

  Alex sighed in resignation.

  “Alright… alright. But both of you have to be careful.”

  Eris then looked at Rey, worry in her eyes.

  “Rey… did something happen to Emily?”

  Rey nodded slightly.

  “After gathering several clues, the three of us believe that Emily’s memories don’t originate from this timeline. This is also connected to the Frost Dragon and its master. But we still can’t be sure if this theory is correct.”

  He looked at everyone in the room, his gaze firm.

  “So I hope that during training, all of you give one hundred percent focus.”

  Then he turned to Alex.

  “Alex and I have made a decision. I will enter Floor 6 to level up and gather information about that floor. After the Clan Tournament ends, we’ll prepare to enter Floor 6 properly and investigate Emily’s case.”

  Everyone nodded in understanding.

  Edric then spoke, his tone steady and authoritative.

  “Rey, the Hartz Family will also participate in clearing Floor 6. But for now, your main focus should be the Clan Tournament. I’ve received news that there will be some changes.”

  Alex looked shocked.

  “What do you mean? I haven’t received any information about that.”

  Edric replied calmly,

  “That’s expected. This is because the nation of Xylandra has interfered. More specifically, the Rosenveil Family has requested the Continental Alliance to slightly alter the rules.”

  Rey and Alex were both stunned.

  Rey asked,

  “The Continental Alliance?”

  Edric nodded.

  “Yes. It’s natural that you don’t know about it. Only a handful of people are aware of its existence. Even King Carlos himself doesn’t know about the Continental Alliance.”

  He paused before continuing,

  “They are extremely hidden. Every rule across nations—even entire continents—is under their control.”

  Rey frowned.

  “So… does this alliance consist of powerful nations from across the continent?”

  Edric sighed deeply.

  “I’m not sure. What I do know is that even the Rosenveil Family is only a minor member. I don’t know who truly stands behind the Continental Alliance.”

  Rey fell silent.

  This world is far more complex than I imagined, he thought.

  There are even entities controlling entire continents… could that be the ‘master’ the monster spoke of?

  Rey asked again,

  “Do you know how powerful the Continental Alliance is?”

  Edric replied gravely,

  “Like I said, I’m not certain. But my father once told me a story. Fifty years ago, a noble family from the Southern Continent angered the Continental Alliance. Their entire family was annihilated.”

  Rey’s breath caught slightly.

  A force capable of erasing a noble family—without resistance from any major nation.

  The weight of that reality settled heavily in his chest.

  Willson then asked,

  “So… are we continuing with the original plan?”

  Rey answered firmly,

  “Yes. The original plan will proceed. In two days, your team will enter the dungeon for training. I’ll enter Floor 6 with Emily. But remember, Willson—only up to Floor 8.”

  Willson nodded in understanding.

  Soon after, the meeting ended. Everyone left the room one by one, until only Rey, Alex, and Edric remained.

  Edric broke the silence.

  “Rey, Melvin’s aura is extremely similar to the one from before. What does all of this mean?”

  Rey explained everything once more—the events inside the dungeon, Emily’s memories, and how she believed Melvin was the one who created the crystal protection.

  Edric’s eyes widened.

  “You’re saying the dungeon was created by powerful entities? That it wasn’t naturally formed?”

  Rey nodded seriously.

  “That’s correct. The monster said that they are searching for something.”

  Edric asked again,

  “Then… does this have something to do with Emily?”

  Alex suddenly spoke.

  “Rey, I just thought of something. What if Emily’s memories were sealed by them?”

  Rey turned sharply to Alex, his expression darkening.

  “That would be troublesome. We don’t even know who they are. If your guess is correct… why would they do something like that?”

  The room fell silent once more.

  Edric broke the silence.

  “I need to tell you a great secret.”

  Rey and Alex both stiffened.

  Edric continued, his tone grave.

  “In the past—at the very beginning of history, when Players first entered this world—it was an enormous upheaval. At that time, the Continental Alliance had not yet been established.”

  His eyes sharpened as he looked at the two of them.

  “Back then, a great war occurred. Those Players challenged the dungeon and advanced as deep as Floor 3. But none of them returned. The people of this world recorded history, stating that those Players perished inside the dungeon. This history is known only to nobles who hold the title of Duke. Immediately after that incident, the Continental Alliance was formed.”

  Rey’s breath caught.

  “So… Players really did reach deeper floors?” he asked quietly.

  Edric nodded.

  Rey’s thoughts raced.

  Did those Players truly die…?

  Alex cut in sharply,

  “The mysteries inside the dungeon are too many, Rey. Are you really sure about entering Floor 6 with only two people?”

  Rey fell into deep thought. After a long pause, he said slowly,

  “I’m not confident I can protect everyone if something major happens, Alex.”

  Alex stepped closer, his voice firm but reassuring.

  “Rey, we need to unite our strength. Trust me. You, me, Floryn, and the three of them—we can support you.”

  Rey clenched his fists.

  He was under immense pressure.

  He didn’t want the tragedy of the past to repeat itself.

  Alex continued,

  “We’ll enter Floor 6 after Willson’s team and Tristan’s team finish their training. By then, Clan Origin will have enough people to hold the territory.”

  Then Alex added,

  “We’ll go in with only seven people. Fewer members means a lower chance of monsters detecting our presence. What do you think, Rey?”

  Rey remained silent for a long moment.

  Then, finally, he nodded.

  Alex stood up immediately.

  “Alright. If that’s the case, I’ll reorganize the strategy. The team I previously led will be split into two groups.”

  Edric spoke again, his brows furrowed.

  “You’re certain you want to enter Floor 6 before the tournament?”

  Rey replied calmly,

  “Don’t worry, Edric. For now, I’m only gathering crucial information and raising my level as needed. Clearing Floor 6 itself will be done after the Clan Tournament.”

  Edric understood. He nodded.

  Soon, the meeting ended.

  They parted ways.

  Rey walked toward Melvin’s residence, his mind heavy.

  Could Melvin really possess that kind of power?

  Suddenly, a voice he had not heard in a long time echoed in his mind.

  “Host, every candidate selected by the system possesses their own advantages. At present, their potential is sealed. Their true power will be unlocked once the Candidate Title changes.”

  Rey stopped walking.

  He was stunned.

  “System… so there really is potential for Melvin and the others to grow that strong?” he asked.

  “Yes,” the system replied.

  Rey hesitated, then asked again,

  “Then do you know why Emily is so certain that Melvin created that crystal protection?”

  The system paused.

  “Loading.”

  After a moment, it spoke again.

  “The system requires an update to identify the cause.”

  Then it continued,

  “However, what the system does know is this: the power of the Candidates is extremely special. Currently, only Luna has awakened. Emily is suffering from memory loss, so she does not know how to activate her skill. As for the remaining two Candidates, Host must unlock their power.”

  Rey swallowed.

  “I want to ask something,” he said. “You once told me about the existence of powerful entities. Are they the ones who created the dungeon?”

  The system fell silent.

  Rey’s frustration boiled over.

  Then the system replied,

  “This matter is extremely difficult. Host is not permitted to know it at this time.”

  Rey clenched his teeth.

  “If not now, then when, System? I already know part of the truth. You just need to tell me.”

  The system remained silent.

  After a pause, it offered a hint.

  “To resolve Emily’s situation, Host must activate Melvin’s hidden power.”

  Rey’s eyes widened.

  “What do you mean?”

  The system answered calmly,

  “Host only needs to trust the system. Once Candidate Melvin is able to use his Special Skill, Host will understand the truth.”

  Rey said nothing.

  He stood there, trapped in his dilemma—between what he knew, what was being hidden from him, and the growing realization that the answers he sought lay not in the dungeon alone, but within the people beside him.

  And perhaps… within Melvin himself.