Chapter 213
The next morning.
After waking up, Nina first fed all the little ones until they were full, then ate something herself.
While eating, she asked Idir, “I have some food in my storage. Do you want some p>
She remembered that snakes could sometimes go a long time without eating after a single meal, so she wasn’t sure whether he was hungry.
Idir shook his head. “No need. You eat p>
Food should be saved for her. It didn’t matter to him.
Taking his answer at face value, Nina continued eating on her own.
With nothing else to do, she began reviewing everything about Yosan, trying to find a weakness.
As she thought it through, a question suddenly surfaced.
How did that old monster locate me so quickly and so precisely before?
Either he had people constantly tracking her… Or he had some special method to pinpoint her location.
If it were simple tracking, the Flame Beasts would have exposed them or shaken them off. So the second possibility seemed far more likely.
Could the curse on me also function as a tracking mark?
If that were the case… then her presence in the dungeon might already be exposed.
No matter what, she needed to get out as soon as possible.
Nina immediately turned to Idir.
“When do they usually open this stone door p>
They had to bring food at some point—but she didn’t know when.
If the door never opened, she would have to find another way out. Maybe she could try the teleportation devices from the system.
Idir thought for a moment. “Normally, once every six or seven days. They bring food then. Yesterday they brought some meat for Momo p>
He paused. “It’s been a while since they last brought food for me before that… so the next time should be soon p>
Time blurred in the dungeon. It was hard to keep track.
Nina nodded and contacted Odian and the others, explaining her concerns. She told them to stay cautious outside and remain nearby in case they needed to respond quickly.
Odian had already entered the city and reunited with Sal, Mino, and the others.
Just as she finished, Little Bun spoke up.
[Host, I’ve found a way to unlock the chains p>
A small interface popped up.
[Buy this cutter. I’ve modified it by integrating energy that counteracts the witch power. It should be able to sever the chains p>
Nina examined it—it looked like a cutting tool, almost like a specialized torch.
“Alright, I’ll buy it p>
After purchasing it, she asked another question.
“Can the teleportation devices in the system take us out of here p>
[In theory, yes. But both the dungeon and the city lord’s residence are covered in witch energy. Their energy fields may interfere with the device. We’ll need to test it p>
Nina thought for a moment and bought two teleporters as backup.
“Is there anything in the system that can completely block witch energy and curses?” she asked. “I suspect the curse on me lets that old monster track my location p>
[I can design a blocker based on your needs, but it will take some time. We only recently gathered enough data on this type of witch energy p>
Little Bun searched through the system.
[In the meantime, you can ask Shushu to help. His ability should be able to block it—just have him expand the range p>
Nina nodded. “Got it. Thanks, Little Bun p>
[You’re welcome. I’ll start working on the device now and update you when it’s ready p>
With that, Little Bun disappeared into the system to begin modifications.
Nina first tested one of the teleporters by sending out an object.
The result was disappointing. The item didn’t leave at all—it was repelled and bounced back, unable even to exit the dungeon.
She frowned.
Then how was I teleported in here? Does it require a formation?
Since the teleporters weren’t reliable for now, she would need another plan.
But first… She looked at Idir’s chains.
Let’s get him out of those restraints.
Nina took out the cutter and looked at Idir, “Let me try and see if I can cut through your chains p>
Idir’s pupils trembled slightly. “You mean that, little female? You can break these chains p>
His gaze dropped to the tool in her hand. “With… that p>
He found it hard to believe that something so small could sever chains reinforced with dark witchcraft.
“Yes.” Nina stepped closer. “I’ll try, but I can’t guarantee it’ll work p>
She didn’t dare make promises before seeing results.
Idir nodded. “Alright. But be careful. Don’t touch the chains directly—the witch energy on them is corrosive, and there are sharp barbs all over.” He paused. “Even if it doesn’t work, it’s fine p>
Nina moved closer and examined the chains carefully. Sure enough, they were covered in fine, jagged spikes—some already embedded deep into Idir’s flesh.
That old monster was truly vicious.
Every struggle would drive the spikes deeper, and with the corrosive energy layered on top… the pain must have been unbearable.
“Don’t move,” Nina said softly. “I’m starting p>
She activated the cutter and began working carefully, inch by inch, doing her best not to hurt him.
The little ones sat quietly nearby, watching without making a sound.
Idir’s eyes never left her. He could feel her care in every cautious movement.
One by one, the chains snapped.
It took time and effort, but eventually, every last link fell away.
Nina let out a breath, a smile breaking across her face. “It’s done. Try moving—see if you’re free now p>
She wasn’t sure whether breaking the chains had also neutralized the witch energy.
Idir shifted slightly.
Relief flooded through his body—light, unbound, free for the first time in who knew how long. With a sweep, he pushed the broken chains aside.
“Thank you,” he said quietly, his voice softer than before. “The restraints are gone p>
He looked at her, his eyes sparkling. “Once I recover a bit, I’ll take you all out of here p>
He truly hadn’t expected her to succeed.
Beside them, Momo puffed up proudly. See? I told you my mom is amazing!
Idir let out a low chuckle. “She really is p>
Nina took out a recovery pill and handed it to him. “This will help you regain your strength faster p>
Idir didn’t hesitate—he swallowed it immediately, warmth spreading through his body.
Just then, movement echoed from outside the stone door.
“Open it,” Gon ordered.
He had come to confirm whether Nina was truly inside the dungeon.
Nina’s expression sharpened. She lowered her voice. “Can you shrink now p>
There was no time to treat his injuries further—they had to leave first.
Idir instantly understood. He nodded and quickly reduced himself to a smaller, juvenile form.
His strength hadn’t fully returned. Fighting now would be unwise.
Nina scooped him up along with Momo and Linny, tucking them into her pocket. Then she gathered the rest of the little ones in her arms and pulled on an invisibility cloak.
The moment Idir was lifted, heat surged through him—her hands were so soft, so warm.
And when he was placed in her pocket, his entire body stiffened.
The fabric was thin. He could clearly feel her warmth… her scent.
He froze completely, not daring to move.
She had placed him… right against her.
Momo immediately shuffled to the far side of the pocket, turning his head away, refusing even to look at him. Linny stayed awkwardly in between.
Idir noticed none of it—his thoughts were entirely occupied by Nina.
Nina lowered her head and whispered to Shushu, “Use your ability. Hide everyone p>
Shushu nodded and activated his power, concealing them all.
Then Nina moved swiftly to the door, waiting.