Welcome to the Innocent World

The dimly lit chamber was eerily silent except for the sound of goblins growling, their weapons clanging on ground as they advanced toward me.

Ten pairs of red eyes locked on me with not so good intent. My hand tightened around the rusted sword, the rough handle digging into my palm.

"Alright, no aura," I muttered under my breath, trying to steady myself. "Just good old-fashioned fighting. Piece of cake."

Behind me, Nebula leaned casually against the wall, her arms crossed and a smirk playing on her lips. "You've got this, my prince!" she cheered, her tone dripping with amusement.

"Stop calling me that. Will you?" I snapped, sparing her a quick glare.

"But you're so heroic," she teased, clasping her hands.@@novelbin@@

"Sure, I'm a hero fighting goblins without powers while someone stands there doing nothing!"

She laughed lightly, ignoring my frustration. "Consider it your chance to impress me."

I sighed and turned back to the goblins, who didn't seem interested in giving me time to strategize. One of them snarled, rushing forward with a jagged axe.

The axe came down in an arc, but I sidestepped at the last second, slashing my sword in exchange. The blade connected with its weapon, sparks flying as the clash reverberated through the air.

Another goblin lunged at me from the side. I ducked, spinning around to slash at its exposed back. My movements were sturdy—without aura, I couldn't rely on my usual precision and speed. Still, muscle memory from countless battles kicked in, and I managed to kill off the next two Goblins.

"Keep going, Zero! You're doing great!" Nebula's voice rang out.

"Could you, I don't know, help?!" I shouted as I exchange another blow.

The goblins seemed endless, each one more vicious than the last. I swung my sword in a wide arc, forcing three of them to step back. One of them darted forward again, its claws aiming for my chest. I twisted away, bringing the blade down, cutting its arm.

A particularly large goblin growled and charged at me, swinging a hammer with enough force to shatter stone. I barely managed to leap out of the way, rolling to my feet and slashing at its legs. It stumbled, and I took the opportunity to drive the sword, around its neck, chopping it off.

Nebula clapped her hands. "So graceful! So strong! Truly my prince!" Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire

"Can you save the commentary for later?!" I grunted, slashing at another goblin.

One by one, they fell, but not without leaving me breathless. My muscles ached, and sweat dripped down my face. Finally, as the last goblin crumpled to the ground, I stood in the center of the carnage, panting heavily.

"Phew…" I wiped my forehead, lowering the sword.

Nebula was beside me in an instant, her face alight with admiration. "My prince saved me!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around my neck.

"Oi, don't—"

Before I could stop her, she kissed my cheek, holding me close. Her lips lingered just long enough to make me feel awkward.

"Alright, that's enough," I said, prying her off gently.

She pouted. "So cold. You could at least say thank you for the support."

"Support?" I echoed, raising an eyebrow.

"Cheering you on is emotional support!"

"Yeah, sure. Let's just move on," I muttered, walking ahead.

We continued down the corridor, the sword still in my hand. Nebula, of course, was relentless in her teasing.

"You know," she began, her tone playful, "you're even more handsome when you're fighting."

I sighed. "And you're even more annoying when you're not."

She laughed, unfazed. "Oh, don't be like that. You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Enjoying what? The life-threatening danger or the continuous flirting?"

"Both, obviously," she said, her grin widening.

I shook my head, too tired to argue.

"Great. Now I'm a walking romance novel character," I said dryly.

Eventually, we reached another door. This one was larger, its surface covered in strange carvings. I pushed it open cautiously, only to freeze at the sight inside.

Hundreds of goblins filled the room, their eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. They snarled in unison, weapons clanging as they moved toward us.

"Nope," I said immediately, slamming the door shut. "Wrong door. Bye."

Nebula burst into laughter, doubling over as tears streamed down her face.

"Why are you laughing?!" I demanded, backing away from the door as the goblins began pounding on it.

"That was priceless!" she gasped, clutching her sides. "You looked so serious for a second!"

"Yeah, well, those things are about to break through," I pointed out.

*THUD*

The door burst open, and the goblins stormed out, their guttural screams echoing through the corridor.

"Run!" I shouted, grabbing Nebula's wrist and taking off.

"You know, this is kind of fun," she said, keeping pace with ease.

"Fun?!" I shot her an incredulous look. "We're running for our lives!"

"It's like an adventure! Don't you feel alive?"

"No, I feel like I'm going to die," I retorted, dodging a trap that sprung from the floor.

The labyrinth was a nightmare, every turn presenting new dangers. Spiked walls closed in, arrows shot out of hidden crevices, and pits opened beneath our feet. I was constantly on edge, pushing myself to the limit to avoid certain death.

Nebula, on the other hand, seemed to be having the time of her life.

"My Dad has gotten so creative," she said, hopping over a swinging blade. "It used to be little different and boring earlier."

"Creative?! He needs to chill down." I panted, barely managing to avoid a collapsing floor tile.

She glanced at me, her smile mischievous. "You're out of breath already, my prince?"

"What do you expect?!" I snapped, gasping for air.

"Don't worry, my love," she said, her tone mockingly sweet. "I'm here for you."

"Yeah, and that's why you haven't done a single thing to help!"

She pouted dramatically. "Oh, Zero. Asking your bride to fight for you is so rude."

"Bride....?" I nearly stumbled, catching myself just in time. "You're insane..more like truly witch.."

"Flattery will get you everywhere," she teased.

"Talking is pointless," I muttered, focusing on navigating the maze.

---

Eventually, we reached a black door, its surface smooth and unmarked. An ominous energy emanated from it, sending a chill down my spine.

"This feels… different," I said, my hand hovering over the handle.

Nebula tilted her head, smiling. "Ready for whatever's inside?"

"Not really," I admitted, pushing the door open.

The room beyond was fully white, the air thick with an oppressive aura. Two figures stood in the center, their silhouettes sharp and menacing.

These weren't goblins. Their presence radiated malice, a suffocating evil that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

"Yo," I said casually, stepping forward. "Nice to meet you."

The figures didn't respond, their glowing eyes fixed on me.