The Skeleton Soldier Failed to Defend the Dungeon

"..."

I came back to life. The darkness in my vision faded, and the thick smoke of the signal flares and the blood-red full moon were gone. The dozens of beasts that had surrounded me vanished as well.

Massive cave walls separated me from the rest of the world. I glanced around—the surroundings were silent and still. Rena lay asleep on a blanket, just as she always did.

So, I'm here again.

My bones clattered as I moved once more. My armor and sword were intact. I wasn't surprised because I'd grown used to this looping world.

How many times now? Seven? Eight?

I died at the hands of the hero. I died three times in a row to the hunters with the hammer and crossbow. I died to a troll. I died to the man in the Blue Armor. I melted to death in the flame. And lastly, I was killed by the T&T officers serving Purson.

And here I was again.

It felt long this time.

My last life had been relatively long. Not only long, but eventful. I had roamed dungeons without rest. The number of bandits and human adventurers I dealt with easily exceeded double digits. I had even ventured into Erast and participated in a tournament hosted by the lord.

There had been no danger. Everything had gone smoothly. I had grown quickly and steadily by handling each task as it came. All thanks to the Slime. Or rather, the perfect backup provided by T&T. But I couldn't risk getting involved with them again.