----
While Lucian mulled over his lack of additional points, the others began to move again which started to widen the gap between them and Lucian's position. If he waited any longer, then he would lose sight of their route. After all, Lucian recalled something Cezar mentioned earlier.
'When he scanned the upcoming path, he said it was a straightaway, but only for now. That means it can either branch into multiple routes or it could even bend and twist in varying directions, ultimately becoming a maze,' Lucian thought.
Although his perception and instincts weren't bad, Lucian didn't believe it was enough to transverse the uncertainties of the future. He would still need to rely upon them for guidance in some cases. After all, he found out the other dangers due to unusual premonitions.
Hence, Lucian rushed behind the others, keeping a thorough note of the routes taken. Since it was their first excursion, he wasn't sure whether or not the return to the Echelon Lounge was instant, or required them to return to the floor's gate.
If it was the latter, then placing subtle markers was a tremendous help in reducing the difficulty of escape.
Soon enough, Lucian caught up to the others but it was only possible because they had stopped moving altogether. Located before them was a forked path, more specifically, there were three paths.
And, the introduction of these paths produced ambivalence about how to proceed.
"Which path do you believe we should take?" Elaine questioned, taking a step forth to assess the differences between the paths. Although it was impossible to discern with a naked eye, as long as one's perception was strong enough, it wouldn't be difficult to perceive something hidden under the veil of normality.
"All of them," Cezar answered, gazing straight into the middle path. A light blue ripple of energy pulsated in his eyes as they sharpened with a vigorous power. Deep within the middle path, he could "see" a dense yet masked energy signature. Naturally, this meant the strongest monster of this floor was located down there.
However, that wasn't the only thing he sensed.
"There is a restriction down that pathway. More precisely, there are two, and they each burrow and connect into the left and rightmost walls," Cezar revealed.
"In other words, each of the pathways could be linked together?" Matthias inquired, glancing between the three paths. Though he couldn't see what Cezar was referring to, he could sense it.
Meanwhile, Lucian observed the paths quietly, making his presence sparse in the process. During that time, he didn't understand why, but an odd sensation engulfed his mind, disappearing moments later.
'What was that?' Lucian wondered. Since it was too short to pinpoint, Lucian couldn't ascertain the exact location of the feeling. However, he did understand that it came from before him. 'Danger? But if I feel that, surely the others do as well.'
Quietly, Lucian panned his gaze over to the others.
"Yes, but not quite. They are connected, but only through the restriction. Their infrastructure isn't connected in the slightest," Cezar answered, squatting before the entrances with a pensive expression.
"Mmm, if that's the case, then we can assume the restriction requires each room to be cleared to gain entry to the middle room. How do you suppose we split up the team for highest efficiency?" Matthias countered but at the same time, he revealed a complex expression.
"I have a suggestion!" Priscilla voiced, gaining the attention of the others. But, what Ragna, Lucian, and Blair didn't realize was her unsettling smile directed towards the others. Those who were familiar with Priscilla understood the meaning behind that smile.
'Oh, she's up to no good again,' Cezar inwardly frowned but intended to hear out Priscilla nonetheless.
"The solution is simple; divide the numbers evenly with four of you on standby. Two of us will venture down the outer paths and clear the monsters. This way, you'll be able to enter the boss room once we finish off our target," Priscilla stated, leaving the others to mull over her plans.
"It's not a bad idea, but the question is how do you wish to move forward?" Matthias asked, sparing Priscilla an intrigued smile.
"Well, the Knolls aren't particularly hard opponents, so we should be fine if I and another go while Ragna and Blair deal with the other side," Priscilla answered.
Before responding, Matthias glanced towards Blair and Ragna.
"I've no issue," Ragna shrugged with his deep voice.
"If you need me to do so, I'll do it willingly," Blair answered, a tinge of blush appearing on her cheeks.
In response, Matthias nodded. "Very well, Priscilla, you'll take Lucian with you and handle the left path."
"W-what?! No way, that's not happening. I was expecting you or Cezar. We'll be able to clear it in an instant!" Priscilla protested.
Unfortunately, once his mind was made up, Matthias wasn't one to be swayed by spirited refutes or just mere words for that matter.
"While that may be true, it's not up for debate. Just accomplish what I've tasked you with. You could say that these forked paths have given birth to veering fates," Matthias responded with a faint smile.
At first, Priscilla was enraged, but when she noticed Matthias's faint smile, she began to see this from a different point of view as well. Clearly, there was a secret message conveyed by his smile. Yet, they forgot one important factor—Lucian's willingness, or in this case, unwillingness.
"Why must I go? What if I don't wish to venture to that place?" Lucian retorted.
Matthias chuckled lightly at his response, a heavy pressure seeping from his body, "In this team, I don't think it'll be best to defy the orders given. Know your place and act accordingly."
The pressure Matthias released bore down on Lucian, restricting his movement and even the ability to talk. For the first time, Matthias was resorting to physical coercion. Even the others were surprised. After all, this was something not typically done.
"Isn't that a tad extreme Matthias?" Cezar said while stepping between Lucian and Matthias, canceling a portion of the pressure in the process.
"I've told you earlier. I intend to reach the Alpha Echelon rather quickly. Doubts will only hinder my progress and I have allowed no time for that," Matthias rebutted. "Unless, do you wish to be overtaken by me?"
"Tch, whatever," Cezar scoffed. He then turned towards Lucian, "Just get it over with quickly so you don't have to deal with this."
"Nn…" Lucian gave a strained nod, prompting Matthias to dissolve the pressure.
Without another word of protest, Lucian ventured with Priscilla down the left path. Meanwhile, Ragna and Blair took the right path, leaving Matthias, Cezar, Elaine, and Elliot in the middle.
This lineup was odd. In fact, this was their optimal battle team for taking out strong monsters with the least amount of numbers!
Thus, Elaine noticed something with their composition.
"Don't tell me...do you intend to enter the boss room as soon as possible?"
"As I said before, see it as these forked paths leading to veering fates," Matthias responded nonchalantly.
At the same time, Cezar looked at him with a frown, "You've noticed it...haven't you?"
"Yes, I have. You have left quite a bit of useful information out of that briefing. For example, the fact that only entry of the adjacent path is needed to gain access to the main room."
"Tch...what have you done?" Cezar groaned, shaking his head in frustration. There was a reason he didn't disclose this information. It was related directly to Priscilla; a girl raised with a twisted mindset.
"I've only done the inevitable, so stop worrying about it. Instead, let's just get this over with. Since this place is a tool of fate, it's up to your own hands to decide how you move forward. These things done to you are inconsequential."
…
Not long after they left, Lucian found himself in an unfavorable situation—alone with the madwoman known as Priscilla.
"Why does it seem as if you have the attitude?! Remember, you're not stuck with me; I'm stuck with you! Tch, disgusting freak."
All Lucian could do was groan in response. He could feel it, there was an inbound headache!