No one's POV

As they made their way towards the dungeon, a swarm of monsters started to attack the party. Sora gave the order to ignore them and only get rid of the ones that got in their way.

Sora: Avoid combat as much as possible! Just repelling them is enough! Our destination is the 18th floor!

Astraea Familia: Roger!

Sora: Riveria, Asuna! Please conserve your strength and mind as much as possible! We need you both to be at full strength later on!

Riveria: On it!

Asuna: Right!

Sora: Gareth, can I leave the rear to you!

Gareth: You got it, youngster!

Everyone just follows their team leaders as Sora gave order after order. Sora conclude they would fight in the 18th floor, as it was spacious and monsters didn't spawn, which left everyone surprised.

Neze: He really is a monster...!

Lyra: Sora is only 10 years old, but it feels like he's as mature as Finn...!

Kaguya: The word talent is not good enough to describe him. He truly is a Hero.

Alise: That's why he's wonderful...

Aiz continue to follows Sora's order while also watching him fight from the rear. She felt a sense of deja vu by the way he's fighting and continue to stare at him.

Sora: Is something wrong, Sword Princess?

Aiz: Your fighting style reminded me of Big Bro. Have we met before?

Sora:...

Sora didn't say anything for a few second. The other might not seen it, but Sora's hair is currently shadowing his eyes. He clearly felt his emotion building up. But he shrugged it off and looked at her with a stoic face.

Sora: I'm sorry. But this is our first time meeting. But you do look familiar as well though...

Aiz: Oh I see...

Her voice was a bit sad. As she look down for a second. And Sora who was looking at her looked a bit conflicted. She was desperate to find someone, and it was none other than her Big Brother. But the person standing in front of her was younger by 6 years. So she just shrugged it off and started running towards the swarm of monster leaving Sora alone.

Sora:...

(Timeskip)

Finally arriving to the 18th Floor, the slaying group was surprised by the view, as all the trees were burning and the sky was gone.

Ryuu: Wha-

Alise: What's this?

Ryuu: Is this really floor 18th? Is this the beautiful paradise we all used to love...?

Alise: The trees are burning. The greenery and the skies are gone.

Lyra: Are we really in a Dungeon? I've never seen a scene like this.

Aiz: It's hot... I can't breath...!

Asuna: Sora... This is...

Sora: Yeah, this is the same as floor 58. It's just like 'The Dragon Crucible'.

Everyone looked completely shocked, even Riveria and Gareth couldn't hold their surprise looked and Sora explain about the 58th floor. The Zeus and Hera Familia, which used to rule from the peak of the dungeon city, which set the record for the deepest floor reached named this region. 'The Dragons Crucible'. 'Valgang Dragon', Several hundred meters from the 52nd floor. They fire blast from the 58th floor from the base of the crucible. And now, the 18th floor looks exactly the same. They had the ground exploding. Creating vertical holes.

Riveria: It must be the Nightmare. It's trying to destroy the stone wall to advance from lower floor.

Sora: Only our Familia that were able to step into the Dragon Crucible. I take it that the Loki and Freya Familia haven't...?

Gareth: Yeah...

Lyra: Are you saying that this is the hell we expect to see on floor 52?! You must be joking. I've never seen anything like this.

Alise: Now we know that at least it's as strong as monster on floor 50! I'm afraid it's going to burn me to ashes despite my name being 'Scarlet Harnel'!

Sora: No time for useless chatters. All units, prepare for battle! The Nightmare hasn't arrived yet! Take this opportunity to get-

???: Don't even try.

After getting rid of a group of monsters they started to get ready to slay the Nightmare they were interrupted by Alfia. Other than Sora, they all froze at the spot. Alfia was at the Dungeon just like Sora predicted she would. She managed to slip past the dome of ice and guards and head inside the Dungeon without anyone realizing it.

Alfia: This is what it looks like when the end of the Age of Gods begin. It's irritating, filthy, and cruel... fit for the apocalypse. Let the noises fade to bring back silence. Do not seek for the purpose of resisting.

Asuna: Alfia sensei...!

Ryuu: Alfia of Silence...!

Neze: No way... How did you get here?!

Kaguya: How on earth did she get past the guards?!

Alfia: I have no obligation to answer questions. However... I'm curious to know you aren't surprised? Is it you, brat...?

Sora: Yeah, I could feel it. You were at the Dungeon, Mother...

Alfia: Of course you would notice.

Sora:That's just shows that no matter what the world may think about you. It won't changed the fact, that I will and always be your son.

Alfia: Will you please stop it. For the last time, I am not your Mother and you are not my son.

Sora;...

Alfia said those words and it made everyone other than Sora disgusted. Even when the whole world hates her, there is one single boy that continues to love her even when she doesn't want his love. Even when Alfia said those words, she could feel a sting of pain in her heart, as if it was hurt to say it.

Sora:I would continue to call you Mother. No matter how much you detest it. No matter what, it won't stop me from loving you. I still believe that you have another reason for doing this...

Alfia:...

Sora: No matter what... I will and always will be your son... And you will always be my Mother...

Alfia could only clinch her hand tightly. That just shows how much Sora's words struct her deeply into her heart. She was doing this horrible thing, but this boy standing on front of her continue to love her despite what she had done. Alfia just weaved a heavy sigh before speaking up.

Alfia: Either way, it doesn't matter. The Nightmare is to show up soon...

Alfia quickly changed the subject. Anymore of this, could make her heart shattered completely as she could burst into crying. Even though she already prepare herself for this, it still hurts her, that this boy standing in front of her, was her opponent.

Alfia: Do not speak, do not move, and do not cry. Be the slave of silence, and I shall keep you alive.

Everyone: ?!?!

Alfia: There's no need for destruction or lamentation. No one has to taste the bitterness of loss and despair. I grant you mercy if you are to remain silent, until the era ends with the collapsing of Babel-

Sora: No, Mother!!

Everyone: ?!?!

Sora quickly interrupted her and saw that he was smiling.

Sora: Have you forgot what I've said? No matter what... I never go back on my words. That is and always will be the way of the Hero that I have chosen. And I promise myself to protect this city, even when you're trying to destroy it. So don't think that we'd agree with your direction and obey!

Everyone:...

Alfia:...

Sora made a declaration, and he continue to stick through them. Everyone was stun by his words. The Astraea Familia couldn't help but smile at the boy. Even Riveria, Gareth, Asuna and Aiz bodies were shaking now. They felt their heart well up with courage. This boy standing here, continues to walk, no matter how harsh it is, and will pull everyone forwards as well. Then truly, "The Flashing Strike" Sora Yatagami was more Hero than anyone.

Sora: Or is anyone of you gonna abandon the hopes and dreams that the people waiting above them go to waste?

Asuna: No way...

Asuna went first as she stood beside her boyfriend.

Sora: We're here to take victory! The Howl and the Song of Victory is in arms reach, so we just need to reach for it. There is always a light in the end of the tunnel, and we just have to reach for them!

Alise: Yeah, that's right...

Ryuu: That's right...

Astraea Familia: That's right...!

Gareth: I like your spirit youngster! It's what it takes to defeat her!

Riveria: We may all lear from him. We should exasperate her by keeping these noises last longer, and overthrow silence.

Aiz: Yeah... I'll stop her. Finn, and the others are trying their best. We won't lose.

Everyone's heart was well ignite by a spark of lightning. One by one, they all prepared their weapons. Gone by the grief and hopelessness. There was only brilliant burning spirit.

Alfia: Hmph!

Alfia smirk at them. she clearly achieved one of her goals. And that is, Sora. Hoping that he would be the one to lead the future generation Heroes. Hoping that Sora will received strong allies and comrade in the future. And bring hope to the world. Alfia who was seeing this right in front of her eyes, and she couldn't be more proud of him.

Alfia: I guess that foolishness of yours will never change, brat. You always have been the one who unites both Zeus and Hera Familia. Very well. In that case- you may all vanish. I shall permit one last roaring of your pride and melody of your heartbeat. And since I'm against you two brats, I'm taking the glove off.

Alfia's voice started becoming serious. She's clearly not holding back anymore, since her opponent is Sora and Asuna. And not only that, they were supported by Riveria, Gareth, Aiz and the whole Astraea Familia. So she couldn't afford to let her guard down for even a second.

Sora: Everyone prepare for battle!

Asuna: Alfia sensei... We will defeat you...

Alfia: Bring it, both of you!

Both Sora and Asuna disappeared from the group as they speed blitzed towards Alfia, bringing their sword out in reverse grip and both Sora and Asuna appeared on both sides and did a punch that send massive shockwaves behind them, but Alfia caught both of their attacks easily.

Alfia: Now show me what you both are capable of!

Sora: Come on! Let's teach her a lesson, Asuna!

Sora said while turning to lis Lightning form. The same form that he used to fought Zald.

Asuna: Yeah!

Asuna said while quickly activating her Stacia. And the three of them broke the clash and started fighting with Sora and Asuna on the attacks leaving Alfia on the defense.

Alfia: Gospel...!

One word was all she said in respond and both Sora and Asuna were sent flying into the air.

Sora and Asuna: Gah!!

Alfia: Come!

Even when both Sora and Asuna were sent flying away, their momentum didn't stop as they kick the ceiling of the dungeon and they launched themselves towards Alfia  sending wave after wave of attacks.

Both Sora and Asuna were showing perfect teamwork and coordination. They clearly knew what each other were thinking without uttering a single voice. It clearly shows just how much Sora and Asuna trust each others and everyone else could only watched in awe as they prepare themselves when they saw an opening.

Alfia: Rugio!!

Asuna: Uggh...!!

Asuna was sent flying by a reverberating sound that just exploded. But Sora was moving faster than the speed of sound that he was able to dodge the attack. A spell strong enough to destroy a person sense. Sora who managed to barely dodge it thanks to his speed, rushes in and started trading blows with Alfia.

Both were moving faster that even first class adventurers having trouble to see. And Alfia noticed Asuna coming from the rear and she jumped out of the way as both Sora and Asuna continue to rush towards her with their barrage of attacks.

Alfia You two really are impressive...

Lyra: Those two, what remarkable teamwork!!

Ryuu: Yes, they are in complete sync!!

Kaguya: Indeed! It's like they were reading each others thought.

Riveria: Its not the time to be impress! The moment you all saw an opening, rushes in! I'll start chanting!!

Gareth: We will provide support!

Sora rushes in and wrapped both Kanshou and Bakuya in lightning and speed blitzed once again but Alfia only said one word.

Alfia: Ataraxia!!

It was Alfia's enchantment magic that protects her with a barrier of sound. She protected herself as Sora hits here with an onslaught of lightning speed attacks, before sending her flying with a powerful elbow on her stomach, but Alfia just landed on her feat unharmed by Sora's attack.

Lyra: This is crazy!

Neze: No matter how many times they attacks, there's still no damage in her body!

Both Sora and Asuna quickly step back as Riveria, Gareth and Aiz rushes in.

Riveria: Wynn Fimbulvetr!!

Aiz: Tempest!!

Gareth: HAAAAAAAAA!!!!

Riveria sent a massive blast of ice towards Alfia, with Gareth and Aiz coming from both sides. Gareth with his giant axe and Aiz with her accumulated wind power. But Alfia just stood still and cast her spell once again and both Greath and Aiz were sent flying, and Riveria's magic was nullified.

Alfia: Too slow. The rest of you can't even leave a scratch on me without these two brats helping you.

Even the Astraea Familia attacking from all side they couldn't inflict any damage on her. And both Sora and Asuna once again rushes in to weaken her and make an opening for the rest to attack. But Alfia's movement started getting more aggressive as both Sora and Asuna could no longer land an attack.

Sora: Asuna, blitzed!!

Asuna: Right!

With unyielding amount of speed, both Sora and Asuna started blitzing around Alfia, in blue and pink streaks of energy, attacking her from all side, not giving her a chance to defend herself. And both Sora and Asuna thrust their swords from both side.

Alfia: Gospel.

One word was all she said and both Sora and Asuna were sent flying once again, and Alfia rushes in towards Sora and managed to disarm one of Sora's sword and it was Bakuya.

Alfia: Let me borriw that.

Sora: Gah!!

Alfia: Now feel the taste of your own technique, brat!

Suddenly, with the same speed as Sora, Alfia's hand started move faster than the naked eye could see and sent to what it looks like a flash of strikes and Sora's body was cut from every side.

Sora: GAAAAHHH!!!!!!!

Sora was sent flying with multiple cuts on his body. Yes, he was hit by his own technique, his "Flashing Strike " and Alfia rushes towards Asuna with blinding speed as well. And replicate Asuna's Mother's Roasrio and sent Asuna flying as well.

Asuna: GYAAAAAAA!!!!

Alfia: Now the rest of you.

Alfia slashes horizontally and Gareth quickly jumped in front of the whole Astraea Familia and brought his shield, but he was sent flying by Alfia's attack, which she replicates from Zald's strike. Just like Sora told them at the meeting, Alfia had the ability called Extreme Speed and Copying. She was able to move in a speed would had been faster than the speed of a Juggernaut born on the 70th floor. Alfia was able to copy physical attributes. And they couldn't help but tremble at the thought.

Ryuu: A demon of talent...!

Kaguya: You monster...!

Alfia: Now what will the rest of you do? Both of your trump card were defeated.

They all saw that Sora and Asuna were on the ground with multiple cuts on their bodies. Being hit by one of their own moves and Riveria rushed to their side to heal their wounds.

Riveria: Stand still both of you.

Sora raised his hand to call back his blade and Alfia was forced to let go.

Alfia: You can take it back, brat. Wielding a sword isn't my thing anyway.

Aiz: My heart is pounding... I've never felt so scared of a person until now.

The battle continues, no matter how much spell, no matter how many times they attacked, they were all instantly blown away and all their spells were instantly nullified. Physical attacks and even magic don't work against Alfia.

Sora: Lightning Tiger!!

Asuna: Aqueous Geyser!!

Both Sora and Asuna was at the front while the rest were supporting them from the rear. Just like Sora and Asuna told, that Alfia's magic nullifying was actually enchantment magic, that surrounds her with a barrier of sound. Even when she looks fine, Alfia was exhausted from the inside. As long as they could continue to force her to use her spell, she would eventually have a mind down and their victory was assured.

Alfia: Gospel.

Both Sora and Asuna were once again blown away by a wall of sound. and their sense started to get distraught. Both Sora and Asuna were bleeding from all side, and their bodies had multiple cuts after being hit by their own attacks.

Alise: Are you alright?!

Sora: Ugh...

That's all he could respond.

Gareth: At this rate we'll soon have no armor to protect ourselves...!

Riveria: She's not allowing us a quick moment to defend or attack... And there's not much tome left! What should we do-?!

Suddenly, the ground started erupting even more. A huge shock as an attack from beneath appeared, that stops everyone in their tracks. The ground itself is gone. And a huge hole appeared in the middle of the floor.

Sora: So it has arrived!!

Alfia: So the fire has been brought.

That could only mean one thing. The Nightmare has arrived. And they all could hear a certain voice from the top of the cliff.

Erebus: Let those cries resonate throughout the Dungeon- this is a big birthday party!

Sora and Ryuu: ?!?!

It was Erebus, the Demon Lord.

Erebus: The rise of evil. The manifestation of malevolence. The origin of darkness. I am to carry out my duty right here, right now. I'm here to bring apocalypse.

A huge roar could be heard. A huge black dragon that looked like a winged snake has spawned. It was estimated to be Level 7 or higher. And everyone there looked completely and utterly shocked as the monster that they were trying to stop finally appeared right in front of them.

Everyone: ?!?!?!

The battle rages on. The adventurer now have to fought the monster Nightmare