Reincarnated as a Princess's Pet: With Trash Stats, but SSS-Rank Skill

The group rushed at full speed through the castle corridors. Their steps were quick—almost a run—but careful enough to avoid being discovered.

Their footsteps made no sound. Max’s ring was active, creating an area that enveloped the entire group in absolute silence.

Abby led the way, turning at every corner without hesitation.

"Faster, please...!"

She didn’t look back.

"...we have to get there before something happens to my brother."

Dorian ran behind them, breathing heavily.

"...this is insane..."

He placed a hand over his chest.

"I’m still not recovered... I used too much magic... let’s slow down, please..."

Max didn’t even turn his head, but he answered anyway.

"Stop whining and keep running."

Moonlight let out a laugh.

"How weak you’ve become, Mr. Healer Elf."

Dorian frowned.

"I’m not as young as I look. There’s a reason I left my life as an adventurer."

Neros raised a hand.

"Wait a second."

The group slowed down instantly.

His gaze shifted toward a side corridor.

"...I hear footsteps—like steel boots—over there."

Faint metallic sounds echoed in the distance.

Sophie spoke in a low voice.

"According to Max... there shouldn’t be that many guards inside."

She adjusted her grip.

"It shouldn’t be that hard to avoid them."

Max shook his head slightly.

"That was before."

His eyes narrowed.

"If Dante already knows we’re coming for him..."

A pause.

"...then he definitely warned Lucifer."

The atmosphere tightened.

"...and now they might be searching the castle corridors for us."

Lamia moved at his side, gliding as if barely touching the ground.

"Then we must be careful."

Her eyes faintly glowed.

"If you need it... I can still use the mist."

Abby shook her head without stopping.

"That won’t be necessary."

She turned another corner.

"We’re not far."

Her voice grew firmer.

"We just need to cross the bridge that connects the towers. It’s a bit further ahead, down these corridors."

Lamia glanced at Max.

"...hey, kid."

He looked at her from the corner of his eye.

"What is it?"

"The vial of poison I gave you..."

She took a deep breath.

"Do you still have it?"

Max gestured with his thumb, pointing to the backpack on his back.

"It’s safely stored, waiting for the right moment."

His backpack gave a faint vibration.

"The only reason I haven’t used it yet is because we haven’t found the real Dante."

He looked at her for a second.

"Don’t worry, I won’t waste it."

Before Lamia could respond—

gruuooonk...

The sound broke the tension.

Moonlight froze. Slowly, she lowered her gaze to her stomach and held it with both hands, without stopping her movement.

"...I’m sooo hungry..."

Max sighed.

"Seriously? Right now?"

Moon frowned, offended.

"We’ve been fighting all day!"

She leaned slightly toward him while still running.

"You promised me an owlbear sandwich."

Max snorted.

"Of course I didn’t forget, but that’s when we get back to the city."

Moonlight nodded, satisfied.

"...fine."

And the group kept moving forward, getting closer and closer to the bridge.

***

The corridor suddenly opened, and the air changed.

In front of them stood the bridge.

Long and narrow, connecting both towers over the red lake churning far below.

And on the other side, four figures waited. Knights in dark armor, in position. Expecting the group’s arrival.

Abby stopped abruptly, extending an arm to halt the others.

"...we have to cross there, but there are guards."

She clenched her teeth.

"That’s the tower... Dante has to be there, with my brother."

She looked at the others.

"...what do we do?"

Neros stepped forward, calm and confident.

"Sophie."

She looked at him immediately.

"I want you to prepare more seals."

He drew his sword, the metal faintly gleaming.

"I’ll give you one minute to make as many as you can."

He smiled, confident.

"I’ll handle opening the path."

Max frowned.

"Are you sure?"

He adjusted his grip on his hammer.

"I can help you."

Neros shook his head, eyes still fixed on the bridge.

"If things get complicated..."

He pointed slightly at him.

"Throw the hammer."

He smiled faintly.

"But I don’t think that’ll be necessary."

His eyes gleamed.

"In one minute, my sister will cover me."

Sophie was already moving. Without hesitation, she opened her bag and began pulling out papers, ink bottles, brushes. Her hands moved fast and precise, loading her satchel with seals.

Neros didn’t wait any longer and charged forward—straight onto the bridge. Firm steps, building momentum.

The knights didn’t move. They simply tightened their formation. Swords forward. Waiting for the attack.

Neros accelerated. Halfway across the bridge, he leapt with great force. In midair, he unsheathed his sword—and brought it down.

And in that instant, he shouted:

"Little sis, now!"

Sophie threw two seals. One for enhancement, the other for propulsion.

The second struck the first, launching it faster—straight toward her brother.

The seal hit Neros in the back as he descended.

And—

BOOM.

The impact fell like a meteor. The bridge trembled. A cloud of dust rose, covering everything. Two knights were blasted to the sides—their bodies flew over the edge and fell straight into the red lake below.

The other two held their ground. Swords forward, blocking the blow.

Sparks flew. Metal clashed against metal.

Neros smiled. He slightly turned his head, glancing at the group.

"Take the chance!"

He pushed harder.

"Run!"

Sophie didn’t waste a second. Seals in hand.

"Go!"

She threw them—one for each member—granting them bursts of speed. The group shot forward, crossing the bridge.

But Sophie didn’t move. She stayed behind, throwing more seals toward her brother and the knights.

Another one struck Neros. His body grew heavier. The ground cracked beneath his feet. The knights strained their arms, trying to hold their ground.

But they couldn’t. They were pushed back—step by step—creating space for the group to pass.

Max ran past him, raising his thumb.

"Take care."

Abby passed as well, without slowing down.

She blew him a kiss and winked.

"Thanks, my knight!"

Neros let out a small laugh. His eyes shone brighter.

"...that helps."

He tightened his grip on the sword.

He looked at Sophie.

"I trust you."

She held his gaze, without hesitation.

"Me too."

The knights readjusted their stance. Firm and ready to fight.

Neros spun his sword, resting it over his shoulder.

And smiled.

"Come at me."