Chapter 18

When I turned back, I saw Atlas, and my eyes widened in surprise. "W-what the heck are you doing in this place?" It was against protocol for him to be in this dungeon at this time. Oh man, it was all I could do to find some semblance of calm.

"I really ought to inquire about this... what are you doing in this location?" His features were pale, and he gave off the impression of being anxious. There must be something hidden in this room that is causing him concern.

I pulled my shoulders back and tightened my grip on the stone that I was holding in my hand. "You advised me to look around the castle," I said.

"It's a dungeon that I urged you to avoid, not the castle." He gave me a pointed look.

I bit my lip and peered into his worried eyes as I tried to stifle the sigh. "I had an interest in discovering more about this location."

While he was nodding his head, he rubbed his temple. "It is not abnormal. Girls are constantly drawn to things that are difficult to understand."

"Pardon?" I ga