Kairiki

Level 19: Déjà Vu

6 DAYS LATER

[The sun was setting as Hydro, Francinilson, Suho, and Mei descended deeper into the S-Rank dungeon. The atmosphere was heavy with the remnants of battles fought and won, but now, it was calm-eerily so. They had cleared the dungeon with ease, thanks to Hydro's overwhelming power. Yet, a sense of unease began to creep into their hearts as they ventured further.]

[The corridor was long and winding, the walls lined with ancient inscriptions that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light. The air was thick with a musty scent, a reminder of the countless years this place had been sealed away from the world. Their footsteps echoed through the empty halls, the only sound breaking the silence that had settled over them.]

[Francinilson, always the one to break the tension, glanced over at Hydro, who was leading the group with steady confidence. He had been quiet, almost pensive, ever since they entered this place. Francinilson couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind.]

FRANCINILSON: So, Hydro,

[he began, his voice casual but curious,]

FRANCINILSON: how do you feel about being the leader of the guild?

[Hydro didn't answer immediately. His gaze was fixed ahead, his mind seemingly elsewhere. It wasn't until they reached a fork in the path that he stopped and turned to face Francinilson.]

HYDRO: Not that much, honestly,

[he admitted, a small frown tugging at the corners of his mouth.]

HYDRO: I'm thinking it's good, but... being this popular across the entire globe? It's kind of bugging me.

[He shrugged as if trying to shake off the feeling, but it was clear the weight of his newfound fame was something he was still grappling with. Francinilson nodded in understanding, his usual laid-back demeanor softening.]

FRANCINILSON: It makes sense. Being in the spotlight like that can be a lot to handle. But you've been doing a great job so far.

[Hydro offered a small smile in return, appreciating the support but still feeling the burden of his role. As they continued walking, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, their spirits lifting as they shared stories and jokes. But there was still an underlying tension, a sense of something looming ahead that none of them could quite shake.]

[The silence stretched between them for a few minutes before Suho, the youngest of the group, spoke up. His voice was hesitant, almost shy, as he looked up at Hydro with wide, admiring eyes.]

SUHO: Hyungnim,

[he began, using the respectful term for an older brother,]

SUHO: how can I become stronger like you?

[Hydro glanced over at him, surprised by the question. Suho had always been eager to learn, but there was something in his tone now, a quiet determination that hadn't been there before. Hydro considered his answer carefully, not wanting to give false hope.]

HYDRO: I don't know, Suho,

[he said slowly, choosing his words with care.]

[It takes time, a lot of training... but it's more than just physical strength. It's about your mindset, your will to keep going even when things get tough.]