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The Dark Extra: Awakening of SSS-Skill Demon Emperor Legacy-Chapter 94: Milenia Decision on Dungeon Exploration
Chapter 94: Milenia Decision on Dungeon Exploration
Agares was pushed back after being struck by Aoi’s magical claw attack.
He didn’t block it using his saber skill—he simply slashed through the attack and relied on basic sword techniques for defense.
From this, the man discovered two important things about Aoi’s progress.
First, Aoi’s Mana capacity had increased, along with her attributes. That meant she didn’t tire as easily as before.
Second, Aoi had become familiar with her attack pattern. She realized she only had one offensive skill—Fox Nature Claw.
But if she could fully master it, it wouldn’t be surprising if she unlocked new ones in time.
And lastly, Agares noticed how Aoi’s movements and attack patterns had become familiar. He wasn’t observing them to find gaps to win—but to find her weak spots and help cover them with his own strength.
In the end, the two of them would always be a small team working together.
"How are you feeling, Aoi?" asked Agares.
Aoi smiled. She felt that today’s sparring was beyond her expectations. Even so, training with Agares had drained her stamina.
Before she could even take a step toward him, Aoi fell down onto the grass, panting heavily. She was exhausted.
Agares knelt down, thrusting Shadepiercer into the ground as he caught his breath. He wasn’t as tired as Aoi—he could still keep going as usual.
He returned Shadepiercer to his inventory, then walked forward and crouched beside Aoi, who now lay flat on the ground, eyes closed, completely relaxed.
"Let’s take a break."
"Yes, let’s rest," Agares replied.
He patted his magic pouch and pulled out a handful of fresh berries. He placed them on the grass beside Aoi, and she immediately began munching on them with delight.
Not just berries—Agares also pulled out a bottle of water from the pouch. He uncapped it and took a slow drink. It was cold and refreshing.
"Are we going to continue training?"
"No. Let’s call it a day."
As Agares and Aoi rested, soft footsteps approached from behind them. Agares instinctively turned and saw it was Milenia.
She had woken up and was carrying a tray with three glasses—two medium-sized and one small.
"You both must be thirsty. Here, take these."
"How did you know we were training out here?" asked Agares.
Milenia smiled and turned to meet his gaze. She had heard the sounds of combat coming from the backyard.
When she asked one of the maids to confirm, she found out that Agares and Aoi were out here training.
"I heard you two sparring. Of course, I had to bring something refreshing to drink," she said.
Aoi quickly got up and took the small glass, which was filled with a stamina recovery drink with a grape flavor—not wine.
Agares smiled and took one of the glasses, sipping it slowly. Milenia sat down on the ground with them, kneeling as she curiously listened to their training details. Aoi had a lot to say.
Milenia and Agares smiled as they listened to Aoi’s stories. Then, Milenia leaned against Agares’s shoulder—something that clearly surprised him.
"Aoi’s progress is truly impressive," Milenia said.
"Yeah. She’s a talented fox. It’s no wonder she’s already mastered her attack skill so quickly," said Agares.
"What’s your next plan?"
Agares fell silent. He glanced sideways, noticing Milenia still looking ahead, watching Aoi perform battle stances like a proper Kitsune. Every now and then, Milenia chuckled at Aoi’s antics.
’Is it okay to leave her alone? Or... should I just take her with me to the dungeon?’ thought Agares.
"I’ll probably return into the dungeon soon—maybe tomorrow or the day after."
"I see. Then I’ll wait here."
"Don’t you want to come with us?" asked Agares.
Aoi nodded in agreement, clearing her throat. If Milenia joined them in the dungeon, their combined strength would multiply several times over.
Milenia’s first reaction was shock.
She hadn’t expected Agares to invite her to explore the dungeon with him. That was a clear sign that he trusted her—especially her judgment.
Even so, she still carried trauma from the dungeon. Every time she saw its damp, dark, cold walls, memories of her fallen party members would come rushing back.
She didn’t want to feel that. Most of all, she didn’t want to lose someone important to her ever again. She wanted Agares to stay alive and safe.
"Come with us, Milenia," Aoi coaxed.
"I don’t know... It’s been three years since I last explored a dungeon. I’m afraid I’ll only slow you down," Milenia replied.
"You’ll slow us down? Don’t worry—Agares is with us," Aoi said, pointing at her master.
Agares gave a faint smile, then turned until his eyes met Milenia’s. His gaze had changed lately—especially since spending the past week with her.
Milenia had come to prefer this current look in his eyes over the cold, emotionless one he had when they first met.
"Yes. I’ll protect you."
"So, what do you think?" Agares asked.
Milenia went quiet for a moment. Taking a deep breath, she finally began to open up about her situation.
She did want to go back to adventuring in the dungeon, but the trauma and grief from losing her party still haunted her deeply. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm
Agares nodded. Healing outer wounds was easy—but healing emotional scars and trauma was something else. It required more than help from others—it demanded personal resolve.
"I don’t know what happened to you, but the only way to overcome that trauma is to face it head-on."
"If your trauma is tied to a floor boss, then you need to fight that boss—and believe that it’s beatable."
"If your mind can accept that a boss monster can be defeated, your fear and trauma will lose their grip on you."
Milenia nodded, agreeing with his reasoning. But still, just the thought of stepping into the dungeon corridors filled her with dread.
"Thank you... but I don’t think I’ll go with you," she replied softly.
Agares furrowed his brow and narrowed his eyes. He felt responsible for helping her overcome her trauma. He didn’t want Milenia to be trapped in sorrow and guilt any longer.
"No. You will come with me."
"But I already said I—"
WHOOSH!
Agares summoned Shadepiercer and swung it to the side as he stood. The blade stopped just at Milenia’s neck, startling her.
"I already told you."
He pulled the sword back and stabbed its tip into the ground. Milenia’s pupils dilated like a startled cat’s, her full attention now locked on Agares.
"I will help you deal with your trauma. And for your safety—I’ll handle that, too."
"I’ll protect Milenia as well!" Aoi chimed in, raising her paw.
He turned and smiled, correcting himself with a more serious gaze directed at Milenia.
"That’s right. I and Aoi will protect you!"
"How?" asked Agares.
Milenia stood frozen, heart pounding, hands trembling.
She was completely stunned, unable to speak, overwhelmed by the sight of Agares trying to take on her trauma all by himself.
For the first time in her life, Milenia had met a man like Agares. A man like him was what every woman dreamed of.
Milenia wanted to spend her entire life with Agares—for him and beside him.
She smiled through teary eyes, "Of course."
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