"—So, the reason you can't leave yet is because you want to find the Holy Sword?"
"Yes, Miss Daraia. I may never have another chance to get the sword."
Arthur already explained to Daraia how he got his powers and where they can find the Holy Sword.
Daraia looked at everyone.
"All of you don't look surprised at all what he just told me. Telling someone you're Promethius' successor isn't the kind of news you reveal over some light chatter. I'm guessing all of you already know."
"That's right. We want to help Arthur get to the 99th floor so that he can get the Holy Sword," said Shirley as she linked arms with Arthur, "He can't do this alone."
"Shirley's right. I won't do everything on my own anymore. I'll rely on my comrades. If there's a hurdle that I must overcome to reach the holy sword then they'll fight with me."
"Goddess Melis… To think a hero would be born in our empire again…" Daraia muttered in disbelief.
"Big brother was already so cool! Now he's even cooler!" Anais hugged Arthur from the other side.
Daraia cleared her throat.
"I see now why all of you have survived for so long in this dungeon. You had a hero looking out for you. To be honest, we expected that more than half of you would be dead by now," Daraia looked back at Arthur, "You mentioned that you have a plan for getting out of the dungeon. What did you mean by that?"
"My cousin, Arnold, told us that there's a device capable of transporting us all home."
"Hmm, Duke Berkley's first born son... Where is he now?"
"We parted ways on the second floor so I'm not sure. He had his own reasons for being here as well."
"Hmm…"
"He said that the device is on the 50th world. We're currently on the 49th floor so we're close by. But…"
"But?"
"We can't stop once we arrive on that floor. The Holy Sword is on the 99th floor."
"Ah, right. You did say that… Hmm…"
"I think that we should build a base on the 50th floor. Half of us will stay on that world while the other half will follow me. We'll backtrack once we have the holy sword and then leave the dungeon."
"But we'll have to be smart on who we choose to accompany you."
"Wait, does that mean you'll help us?" Arthur asked expectantly.
"I would become everyone's enemy if I let the next Hero die by the hands of some monsters in this dungeon. My primary goal is to look after you but I will fight alongside you if the situation calls for it."
"Thank you! I was really worried that you won't help us even after I showed you who I am."
"While it's important to keep you safe, it's equally as important to get the holy sword. Who knows if we'll have enough time to gather a second party of explorers to find the holy sword. The empire might drop the bomb on the dungeon as soon as we leave."
Arthur frowned.
"We can't let that happen."
"Yeah. You guys still want to go into the relic tomb near here, right?"
"Yes."
"Let's wait for everyone in the search party to get here first. We can cover more ground and collect more treasures if there's more of us. Truth be told, we're also short on extra weapons. We used most of our repair kits already so we don't have many backups left."
Going to the 99th floor means getting through all the monsters up until that floor. From what Evelyn knows, the 70s floors and up are the most dangerous floors for any dungeon. There's no telling what kind of things they'll be up against.
They have to be ready.
"We're glad to have you on board, Miss Daraia."
"Just remember me when you become a war hero one day!" Daraia hit Arthur's shoulder as she laughed.
◇◇◇
The rest of the rescue party arrived an hour later.
There was no time to explain everything so everyone was getting ready to tackle the relic tomb. Arthur and Daraia were selecting members while the others were packing supplies and other necessities for the team.
Evelyn stood under a tree while pulling out grass as she watched them work.
She felt useless.
Normally they'd go to her for guidance but everyone was now relying on Arthur.
They follow his every order without hesitation.
They trust him with their lives. While Evelyn envies him, she has to admit that she also trusts him with her life.
Still, she feels a bit bitter that she can't be there for anyone.
"Eve," Madilith came up to Evelyn, "They picked me and Anais as the backup mages of the party. I'll be working alongside A rankers!"
"That sounds great, Madi. But are you sure you want to go?"
"I know Anais is far stronger and better than me but I want to fight too! Arthur has done so much for us so I'm glad I'm fighting for him this time. At least I can contribute more to the group this way."
"I see. Just be careful, okay?"
"Un! Wait, did Arthur not choose you yet?"
"Unfortunately, no." Evelyn smiled wryly.
"But you're a magic swordsman! You can contribute even more than I can! I'll go talk to Arthur and make him understand."
"No, Madi. I volunteered to protect our base and its supplies. Arthur is merely respecting that wish. It's not that he thinks I'm incompetent."
Evelyn might not be as strong as Arthur, Shirley or Hofir but she's still recognized by the Academy as a 4th star knight.
While she'd make a competent addition to the team, she'd rather protect her allies than fight. There's enough fighters already.
Besides the experienced adventurers, Flora—who is probably on Arthur's level—is also part of the team going into the relic tomb.
Someone like her—who's not only strong but a mercenary as well—should prove useful to them. There was no reason to add Evelyn.
"They'll be fine."
"But… I can't do my best if you're not by my side…" Madilith fidgeted, "I-I know I'm annoying but you've been such a good friend that I feel like I can do anything if you're by my side. Remember my first year? I was so weird that I couldn't make friends. No one shared my interests—which are books of all things."
She scratched her cheek.
"Madi, everyone needs to stand on their own two feet some day. We've been friends for seven years and I've seen you grow up all this time. You don't need someone to carry you on their shoulders because your legs are strong enough to walk on their own."
"But…"
"I'm sorry, Madi. I won't go with you. Everyone needs me here." Evelyn put her hands on Madilith's shoulders, "Seeing you walk on your own will make me very happy. Don't think that it's necessary to impress your team. Show them that you can also be someone they can rely on."
A determined expression appeared on Madilith's face. She huffed with pumped fists.
"R-Right! I can do this!"
"Good." Evelyn smiled.
"—This isn't a field trip. Act serious." Flora's voice came from beside Evelyn.
"Eh!?"
'I didn't even sense her…'
"Miss Flora." Madilith turned to Flora, "It's great to be working with you~! I'll protect your back!"
"I can protect myself. You should focus on doing the same thing since your back will be defenseless. What rank are you anyway?"
"I can cast 3rd rank spells and I'm a Four Star Mage!"
"How many spells is your limit?"
"Uhm, why is that important?" Madilith asked in confusion.
"I want you to understand what role you've been assigned to. You're not one of the main attack mages. Don't act like one once we go into that relic tomb. You're a backup, act like it. Parties have a status quo they follow, always—every member has their role and should stick to it. You'll place people's lives in danger if you don't follow it."
Flora walked away without waiting for a response from Madilith.
Madilith's cheeks puffed up, "She's mean! I thought that we can become friends but I was clearly mistaken!"
Evelyn smiled wryly.
"I'm sure she meant well. I mean, she's not wrong, Madi. You have to accept your role in the party."
"Nn, I know."
Arthur's voice resounded, "Get ready to move out!"
"I'll see you soon, Evie!" Madilith pulled Evelyn into a hug.
"Yes, be careful."
Madilith soon ran towards the team who had already begun to move.
'It's time I get back to my duties. What time was I supposed to be on patrol again?'
◇◇◇
Madilith Tambery is from a humble baron family that rules a territory that belongs to the Ayried House.
She spent most of her childhood surrounded by only servants and her family. That was the case up until she turned 10.
Her love of books was probably because of her mother who loved books as much as her. Her mother loved reading so much that she became an author.
Madilith aspired to be the same as her mother. Or at least that was a case up until a few years ago.
Her parents discovered her talent for magic early on in her childhood which is why they put her in a magic school. She went on to attend Ardark Academy afterwards.
Her personal life back then felt fulfilled even if she didn't have friends. That was before she met Evelyn.
Did Madilith change because she met Evelyn? She thinks she did. How else would she have been able to make more friends? She even started her own book club back in fourth year where she made many likeminded friends.
Madilith thought back then that she was missing something, though. She had friends, dreams, an academic career.
What else was she missing?
Love.
That was what she was missing.
But how could someone like her get a lover? Luckily enough for her, she didn't even have to initiate at all because that special someone came looking for her.
Arnold von Berkley.
As incredulous as it seems, she fell for him. Others warned her that he treats his lovers like "sex holes" or "dolls". He especially likes to prey on timid girls like Madilith. This led people to believe that he likes girls of that type.
The two of them began seeing each other shortly after Madilith started her fifth year.
Arnold was different from what she heard. He knew all the right moves to make, all the right things to say. But doesn't every other playboy? Well, even if it was just him acting like he liked Madilith to get under her skirt, she felt loved for the first time in her life.
Her heart raced when he kissed her and hugged her. The good memories are all that mattered to her.
Sadly, the two split up. It was Madilith's decision, as surprising as that might seem. As expected, Arnold didn't care at all. In fact, the next day he was prancing around the academy with his arm around the shoulder of a seventh year senior.
Madilith was angry about this but she decided not to focus on it too much.
She had to focus all her attention on academy work. She missed his kisses, his hugs, his sweet-nothings, those violent thrusts when the two are behind closed doors… but she knew that she couldn't sacrifice her future for love.
She still loves him. But she can only look at him from a distance now. He moved on, which wasn't that surprising.
Maybe he'll accept her again once she graduates then she'll be able to show him how much she missed him.
Her panties were soaked at just the thought of him entering her again.
"Soon" she told herself time and time again.
Keeping up this cute act—that she had grown out of already—will turn out to be worth it if he accepts her again…
**
"—It looks like we're almost there." The Guild Master's voice came from upfront.
They were traversing through a tunnel system. The relic tomb was further inside from what the recon team told them a few days ago when they scanned the tunnels.
Arthur and Daraia were walking in front of the group. Shirley and Hofir were right behind them. There were about 20 adventurers in the team, other than Daraia. Anais and Madilith were following three of the party's main magicians(the two adventurers who they encountered on the surface before Daraia arrived and another person).
Sabrina was in the middle of this formation along with the two other priests. The mages were in the middle as well. The vanguards included shield-bearers and close combatants who took up the front and back of the group.
Madilith tried talking to the mages but they always ignore her. Even Anais—a natural airheaded extrovert—couldn't get a word out of them.
Is this what people call the "Magician's Ego"? Maybe they're full of themselves and think they're better than everyone else. Well, considering the fact that all three of them are wearing a Tower Robe from a Magic Tower, that might be the case.
Madilith had heard that Tower Mages have huge egos even if they suck at magic. Being part of one of the Magic Towers is a privilege given the rich history and the fact that all of them wouldn't have existed if not for the innovations of the first Archmage.
'I hope I don't end up like that when I enroll in the graduate program at the Second Magic Tower.'
"Psst," Anais whispered in Madilith's ear, "Keep your staff up. Don't make it obvious by looking but the three in front of us are glaring at us."
Anais pointed even though she told Madilith to be subtle.
"R-Right." Madilith gripped her staff. She had been walking with the tip facing the ground.
She likes casting earth spells so keeping the staff's crystal close to the ground is more convenient as she'll be able to respond to danger quicker.
Madilith could heard three harrumphs in front.
"Hey, did you bring enough food?" asked Anais, "We might be in here for a while. Big brother wants us to look this place up and down so that we don't miss anything."
"Hmm, let me check," Madilith infused mana into her magic bag, allowing her to sense the items inside, "I have about three days' worth of food. Uhm, how long do you think 'a while' is going to be?"
"It could be a week at least, Madi. But don't worry! I'll share my food with you if you run out! Just remember to ration to make it last longer, okay?"
"Thank you, Anais. I'm such a dummy for not bringing more. It's just that I didn't want to take much from our food supply."
"You shouldn't worry about that! Eve will make sure everyone gets enough food. She told me that if the food runs out then she'll lead a new hunting group, along with Professor Castacia, to hunt for more food."
"Ah, yes. Evie is very reliable. She'll make sure everyone is taken care of."
"Yup, yup. That's why she'll make such a good wife one day. Can you believe how many first years confessed to her this year alone? Kyahaha! So many of them want a mommy figure~"
"Mommy figure…?"
Madilith tilted her head.
"You know, boys who want nurturing women who can take care of them and make them feel special! Eve is all that and a lot more!"
"I suppose you aren't wrong…"
"—Can the two of you keep it down?" Flora appeared in the middle of the two like ghost.
"Kyaah!? D-Don't sneak up on me like that!" Anais yelled at Flora.
"Tch, annoying brat. Can't take anything seriously." Flora walked faster.
"Hey, hey. Why are you so grumpy all the time, Flora?" Anais caught up to Flora using wind magic. She was levitating using two manifested gales of wind under her feet.
"I'm not grumpy. I just want everyone to focus." Flora harrumphed.
"But you're more serious than before we entered. You were even partying with the guys last night, laughing like an idiot at everything~ You were such a loose woman~"
"Last night was different. We didn't have to look over our shoulders every time a branch was stepped on. But now we're in enemy territory. Everything that moves is an enemy." Flora unsheathed her sword with lightning speed and pointed the tip at Anais, "How do I know you're not a creature that can shapeshift?"
"Eek." Anais put up her hands.
"Please calm down, Miss Flora," Arthur's voice came from the front, "There's nothing threatening nearby yet."
"Oh, right," Flora sheathed the sword, "I forgot that you have that monstrous Hero Sense now. I was just being cautious."
"I appreciate your seriousness. Can you please come back to your assigned spot in the formation? I'll need you by my side when a fight breaks out so please join me in the front."
"I can fight on my own. I don't need to follow your rules." Flora harrumphed.
Arthur merely sighed and shrugged. He probably knew she'd give an answer like that.
Well, she's definitely strong enough to defend herself. As of now she's considered Arthur's equal when it comes to raw strength alone.
Madilith hasn't seen Flora in combat yet, though.
'She and Arnold seemed to be well acquainted.'
The two of them even chased Castacia out of the king's reception room to be alone. What were they talking about? Why did they need to be alone?
Madilith wanted to know. Is Flora another one of Arnold's lovers?
She couldn't imagine someone like Flora allowing a man to pin her down on a bed.
Maybe she is the dominant one in the relationship(assuming there is one)?
No. Madilith can't imagine Arnold allowing his woman to be the dominant one.
"What are you looking at, Glasses?" Flora asked roughly while still facing forward.
Madilith was the only one who wore glasses so Flora was talking to her.
"N-Nothing."
"Then quit staring at me. You're distracting me with that glare of yours."
Madilith laughed awkwardly.
'Was I really staring that hard…?'
"—We're here." Madilith could hear Daraia's voice.
"Is this some kind of ancient civilization…?" one of the adventurers asked.
"This has to be Elven architecture," another muttered.
Madilith got curious so she moved past everyone to get to the front of the party.
"Wow…"
She was expecting a ruin with collapsed buildings but what she saw was nothing like she had imagined. While it was certainly dark due to the lack of sunlight, gigantic crystals that grew out of the ceiling of the massive cave shone its light on the dead city.
Can this even be called a dead city?
"It seems this place has been abandoned for quite a while." Daraia said, "This place was probably built underground thousands of years ago. It's definitely an elven capital."
"H-How could those idiots who lived here abandon a place like this…? Living behind these walls would be the ultimate defense against invaders. Not to mention the location, making it inaccessible for large armies to infiltrate."
The adventurer who just spoke looked dumbfounded.
In front of their eyes was a beautiful gargantuan metropolis. It stretched far into the depths of the massive cave, even where the light of the crystals couldn't touch.
There was a bridge and several towers that were connected to the city and the cliff they were walking alongside of. It seems the previous inhabitants used to leave this tomb often and didn't just live and die down here.
Why else would there be a path across the darkness below?
It truly is stupid to just abandon your city like this. What could possibly have scared or motivated the inhabitants to leave?
'The Kaather Kingdom is nothing compared to this…'
The Kaather Kingdom—or better known as the Dwarven Kingdom—is one of the most technologically advanced nations on Diacree continent, at least according to current historic records.
They introduced innovations like battleships to the rest of the world, changing modern day combat forever.
Before its invention, people would go to war over the simplest things: greed, famine, fear and so on.
The main decider in who wins a war was who had the strongest army. This made it easy for military powers to overwhelm other nations with their numbers and special individuals like the Great Nobles and the Testaments.
The Empire and the Theocracy has remained the strongest nations for this very reason. Due to this, other nations fell victim to these giants.
A certain Emperor even declared a certain religion a threat to the empire's people. It was a small religion that gained a lot of followers in another nation.
The emperor considered religion, other than theirs, a threat to humanity. The religion he wanted to erase completely had different ideals than he considered normal.
He destroyed the nation overnight. Anyone suspected of practicing the religion was eradicated.
The emperor was eventually executed by his people for his lies and evil deeds.
The damage was already done, though.
The emperor caused people—even the Empire's vassal nations—to fear the military powers, rather than motivate them to create alliances to create unity.
The Dwarven People were aware of this fear and wanted to do something to make all nations equal in war.
Thus, battleships were born. What was once merely a supply air ship to transport goods from the Kaather Kingdom to other nations became a weapon of mass destruction that ironically created peace amongst the nations.
No dwarven kingdom could replicate the masterpiece of a city in front of their eyes. Imagine the innovations that they were capable of when their city was still brimming with life?
The group were just about to cross the bridge before a voice called out to them.
"—Travelers… Doest thou have a death wish?" a croaking voice asked from beneath the shadows where the crystal light couldn't reach.
"A being capable of speech," Flora unsheathed her sword, "That's never a good sign."
"Hold on, girl." Daraia stepped forward after telling Flora to lower her weapon, "I don't like it when someone talks to me while hiding themselves."
"Ah, but I do not wish to scare you. This one is also awfully ashamed of his appearance."
Daraia looked at Shirley, "You can see him clearly, right? What is he?"
"He looks human but…" Shirley squinted her eyes, "…He has like six arms and four legs. He also has wings."
"An insectiman, hm?" Daraia looked back at the person.
An insectiman is simply a humanoid that has the features of an insect. Typically because of an experiment gone wrong or illegal breeding practices.
Magic or curses can also cause this bizarre transformation.
"Show yourself."
"Very well. As thou is so interested in this one's form, this one shall comply."
A human-like thing showed itself when it was touched by crystal light. It had a long face with big fly-like eyes and a big insect-like stomach sack behind it. Its wings resembled bee wings.
"What brought thine here to this grave?" The insectiman asked. The fangs in his mouth moved with every word he spoke.
By the way, the only reason Madilith could tell it was male was due to its deep voice.
"Grave? What do you mean by that?"
"All those who lived here perished under the might of the Blight King. The very nation he felled became his resting place."