The news spread even before dawn.
When we went down to the inn's hall, I noticed that some adventurers were already watching us differently. There were no loud comments, no provocations. Just that kind of silence that appears when everyone knows something big is about to happen.
A Rank S dungeon was not a common rumor.
It was ancient history.
We didn't go straight to the guild. First, we gathered the group in our largest room. Preparation needed to begin internally, before any formal registration.
I placed the map of the Abyss of Eryndor on the table.
"From now on, it's not about isolated strength. It's about absolute function."
Liriel sat in front of me.
"Clear distribution, then."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna placed her hands on the table, analyzing the layout of the region.
"The first floors will probably be common traps. A test of endurance."
"I agree," Vespera said. "The problem starts when the dungeon alters its structure."
Lyannis tilted her head slightly.
"We need to establish fixed regrouping points. In case the environment changes."
Elara crossed her arms.
"And alternative nonverbal signals. If the acoustics change, commands may fail."
I observed each of them while they spoke.
It wasn't anxiety.
It was technical focus.
"Liriel," I began, "you maintain the primary front line until we identify the creature pattern."
She nodded without hesitation.
"Rai'kanna, mobile flank. If the structure changes, you'll be responsible for rapid spatial reading."
"Understood."
"Vespera, environmental control. Not just offensive magic. I want constant analysis of the energy flow."
She agreed.
"Lyannis, adaptive support. Priority on group stability. If there is illusion or mental alteration, you intervene."
"Yes."
"Elara, elevated coverage whenever possible. If there is no height available, take the intermediate line."
She smiled slightly.
"No wasting arrows."
I didn't need to designate my role.
They already knew.
I was the breaking point.
Wherever necessary.
Silence settled for a few seconds.
Then Liriel spoke.
"Takumi."
"Yes."
"You can't take everything on yourself."
I held her gaze.
"I won't."
She held my gaze for another moment, evaluating the sincerity.
It wasn't only strategic concern.
It was personal.
"If there's forced separation," Rai'kanna added, "what's the priority?"
"Remain in minimum pairs. Never an isolated individual."
Vespera adjusted the map.
"History of unstable dungeons indicates gradual psychological alteration. We need to maintain frequent communication."
Lyannis completed.
"Emotional verification at each time interval."
We weren't just planning combat.
We were planning endurance.
After the internal meeting, we went to the guild to formalize the details.
This time, the hall was truly attentive.
When we crossed the space to the counter, I felt the weight of the stares. Not as negative pressure. But as collective expectation.
The receptionist was already waiting for us.
"The expedition registration is ready."
She slid the document forward.
Abyss of Eryndor — Main Expedition: Crimson Eclipse Group.
I signed.
Without hesitation.
A small murmur passed through the hall.
It wasn't exaggerated.
But it was enough to show that the news was confirmed.
As we moved away from the counter, a familiar voice appeared behind me.
"So you finally accepted something worthy."
I turned.
Scarlet was leaning against one of the columns, arms crossed, her expression provocative as always.
"It took you long enough," she continued. "I thought you'd just keep solving village problems."
"Every mission has its value," I replied.
She smiled.
"Yes. But some define names."
Rai'kanna observed Scarlet calmly.
"Do you have any advice?"
Scarlet uncrossed her arms and stepped closer.
"The Abyss doesn't test only strength. It forces quick choices. And quick choices reveal priorities."
"Priorities?" Lyannis asked.
Scarlet looked directly at me.
"If at some point you have to choose between advancing or retreating, think about what you want to protect. Not what you want to prove."
She turned before I could answer.
"Oh, and don't die. The guild would become boring."
She left with the same provocative lightness as always.
We remained silent for a few seconds.
"She's not wrong," Vespera commented.
She wasn't.
We returned to the inn at the beginning of the afternoon.
The rest of the day was dedicated to practical adjustments.
Equipment review.
Blade reinforcement.
Enchantment checks.
Nothing dramatic.
Nothing exaggerated.
Just precision.
At one point, while adjusting my weapon, I noticed Liriel beside me.
"You're calm."
"Yes."
"Even though it's Rank S."
I thought before answering.
"If we keep thinking about the classification, we fail before entering."
She nodded slightly.
"Do you trust us?"
I looked at the group in the room.
Rai'kanna testing the balance of her blade.
Vespera adjusting discreet runes.
Lyannis reorganizing supplies.
Elara checking the tension of her bow.
"Completely," I replied.
And it was true.
It wasn't confidence based on hope.
It was built.
Floor by floor.
Mission by mission.
When night fell, we decided not to discuss strategy anymore.
Everything was already clear.
We sat together for a few minutes in comfortable silence.
There was no nervousness.
Only controlled anticipation.
I observed each of them and realized something that perhaps wouldn't be visible to others.
We weren't just strong.
We were stable.
Stability would be what allowed us to cross something that had defeated so many before.
Before going up to rest, I spoke one last time.
"We enter together. We leave together."
Elara smiled.
"Always."
I went up to the room and spent a few moments looking at the ceiling.
The Abyss of Eryndor wasn't just a dungeon.
It was a turning point.
If we completed it, there would be no more questioning our position.
If we failed, the name that was beginning to solidify would disappear.
I closed my eyes.
There was no doubt.
There was no hesitation.
The preparation was done.
Now all that remained was to enter.
And when we entered, it wouldn't be to test limits.
It would be to surpass them.