Reincarnated as Twins: And Then, I Was the Only One Abandoned - ☆13 Into the Depths of Darkness ②

☆13 Into the Depths of Darkness ② 

Beyond the information desk, there was nothing but darkness stretching on for a while. 

I could feel the presence and growling of beasts gradually drawing closer. 

As Elysia illuminated the surroundings with her mana, I saw plants growing naturally along the walls and ground. I found it strange that vegetation could thrive in a place where even sunlight couldn’t reach. Sensing my curiosity, Elysia smiled and explained. 

“They must be using the mana seeping from deeper within as a source of nourishment. This place must have its own independently evolved ecosystem. It’s different from the surface.” 

Listening to her words, I scanned the area around us. 

In the darkness, Elysia’s mana light reflected off the plants’ leaves and stems. It created an almost fantastical scene. As we continued forward, a vast space opened up before us. 

The moment we stepped into it, the presence of beasts became even more intense. 

Numerous red eyes floated in the darkness. They were staring intently at us. 

Judging by their height, they were clearly massive creatures. 

There was a cold intelligence lurking behind those eyes—something beyond mere wild beasts. 

As I cautiously took another step, their forms became gradually visible. 

Their massive bodies were as black as the surrounding darkness. They blended into it seamlessly. From around their mouths, something like steam rose into the air. It was as if the heat from the depths of the earth itself was escaping through them. 

Their heavy breathing echoed through the space. It was making the very air tremble. 

“…Are these… Hellhounds?” 

Tension seeped into Elysia’s voice. 

“It would seem so. And judging by their numbers, this must be their territory. Even a single stray Hellhound is an extreme threat. Facing a whole pack like this……… our only option is to retreat before they get too close.” 

Gald stepped forward as if to shield Elysia. 

His sharp gaze analyzed the situation with a calm, calculating air. 

Hellhounds. 

They were dangerous, giant demonic hounds that lived deep within caves, feeding on mana. 

Their bodies were covered in jet-black fur. And their eyes glowed a fiery red. 

Flames flickered across their massive frames. It made them appear as if they were manifestations of hellfire itself. 

These creatures attacked while wreathed in flames. Their claws and fangs had the power to incinerate anything they touched. 

By the way, the difference between a magical beast and a feral beast is that magical beasts consume mana and wield it freely. Whereas feral beasts are just like Earth’s lions or tigers—strong but lacking magic. 

“Wait. I have something I want to try.” 

Saying this, Elysia looked at the ring on her right-hand ring finger. She began chanting something. 

Her voice was low, yet resonated with unwavering strength. 

Then— 

BOOOOOM!!! 

With a deafening roar, a massive shadow appeared above Elysia. 

The mana rising from her body flowed into the colossal figure, as if being absorbed. 

As it took in more mana, the shadow gradually gained a distinct form. 

The Flame Giant—Agni. 

His entire body was engulfed in roaring flames. It resembled a living volcano. 

His eyes burned bright red, distorting the air around him with sheer heat. 

The rapid mana consumption was taking its toll—Elysia’s exhaustion was evident as she gave her command. 

“Agni, annihilate that Hellhound pack.” 

“…Understood.” 

Agni unleashed his full power. And his flames blazed even fiercer. 

The scorching waves of heat rippled through the air. It seared the ground beneath him. 

Agni stepped forward, closing in on the Hellhounds. 

Then, he swung down his massive flaming sword. 

A surge of fire and a powerful slash crashed into the Hellhound pack. 

Agni’s flames allowed no counterattack—one after another, the Hellhounds were engulfed in fire. They vanished before they could even let out dying cries. 

The acrid scent of burning flesh filled the air. And the temperature around us rose even further. 

Despite his towering size, Agni’s movements were graceful, almost like a dance. Yet every action carried overwhelming destructive force. 

He continued to wipe out the Hellhound pack effortlessly. He was truly living up to the name of the Flame Giant. 

As the last of the magical beasts was incinerated, Agni’s form disappeared almost simultaneously. 

Elysia had exhausted her mana and could no longer sustain his manifestation. 

She collapsed to her knees, hands on the ground, gasping for breath. 

“…This is my limit. I can only summon him for a few minutes…?” 

She bit her lip in frustration. It was as if she was vexed by her own lack of power.

“No, that was an incredible display of power… Truly magnificent. I wonder how many creatures in existence could withstand those flames for even a few minutes…” 

Gald stood frozen in place. His expression was one of utter disbelief at what he had just witnessed. 

“Now that the threat has passed, let’s take a short rest here.” 

Gald took a blanket from his backpack, spread it on the ground, and gently laid Elysia down on it. 

Still…….. that was seriously amazing. 

I can’t believe someone like me was acknowledged by a power like that. 

Sitting around doing nothing felt boring. So while Elysia recovered, I decided to explore the vast space we had found. 

I tried the mana illumination technique Elysia had taught me. I cast light at my feet as I started walking. 

The cave was pitch dark. But clusters of naturally glowing plants were scattered throughout. They created a scene that looked almost like another world—mystical and surreal. 

Then, out of nowhere, I heard a faint whimpering sound. 

Following the noise, I came across a trembling pair of red eyes. 

It was a small puppy, curled up and shaking in fear. 

A Hellhound pup? 

Damn, it’s adorable. 

Is this really going to grow into one of those monstrous beasts? 

Before I realized it, I had already picked the little creature up. 

It was light and warm. Its red eyes were staring up at me. 

There was fear and anxiety in those eyes, but also… something undeniably cute.