As Finn and the others departed, only Ottar and his group remained behind.
While there were still a significant number of people, the crowd had thinned considerably, and most importantly, Riveria, the Nine Hell, was no longer present. Without her, the situation had become much less dangerous, especially when it came to dealing with magic.
Although Ottar was still a formidable presence, the masked figure didn't fear him. Seizing this rare opportunity, the masked figure began gathering magic power. This was the reason she was most pleased that Riveria had left—the strongest mage in Orario would have sensed her magic immediately. Without Riveria, her surprise attack could proceed as planned.
"Obliterate all foes, Holy Staff of the God, Supreme God's Staff!"
The masked figure unleashed her most powerful spell, Supreme God's Staff, a lightning-based magic with explosive force.
Boom!
In the next second, terrifying bolts of lightning shattered the sealed dungeon passageway.
"Damn it!"
"Someone's sabotaging us!"
"Who are you?!"
"Curse it all!"
In a swift moment, the masked figure's plan succeeded. The sealed passageway to the dungeon was now breached, and in an instant, a mass of monsters surged out like a flood released from a dam.
There were goblins, minotaurs, and even powerful monsters from the deeper levels. Among them were enhanced species, standing out in significant numbers.
Boom!
Ottar raised his greatsword and, with a single swing, tore through the monsters charging at him.
Allen and the Four Flames Warriors rushed forward as well, battling the flood of creatures. If these monsters broke through, Orario would become a monster-infested nightmare.
Having achieved her goal, the masked figure prepared to leave.
"Who are you?"
Boom!
Ottar hurled his greatsword, driving it into the ground right in front of her, halting her escape.
He stared her down. Covered in a dark cloak and wearing a mask, the figure gave away no information about her identity. She had come well-prepared.
"The ultimate weapon of Orario?"
"Who are you?"
"This isn't something you need to know."
"Are you a remnant of the Evilus?"
"You can think whatever you want."
After all, those trying to destroy Orario and cause chaos throughout its streets in the past had mostly been remnants of the Evilus. Although the Evilus had been eradicated years ago, at the cost of many adventurers' lives, fragments of their influence still remained.
Now, with the dungeon in turmoil and hordes of monsters swarming out, it was easy to suspect the involvement of the Evilus.
The cloak the masked figure wore wasn't ordinary either. It was a special garment crafted by Dionysus himself, using a mix of monster materials and magical disguises. It was nearly impossible for anyone—even the gods—to see through its enchantments.
Thud... Thud... Thud...
At that moment, Finn and the others returned, their faces growing pale as they witnessed the swarming monsters.
"This is worse than the Monster Festival... and by the looks of it, there are more creatures still waiting to break through below."
"Riveria!"
"I can't, Finn. If I release magic here, I'll take everyone with me. Besides, Babel Tower can't take much more."
"Damn it."
Finn gripped his twin spears and charged into the fray. He moved with terrifying speed and precision, cutting down every monster in his path like a whirlwind.
The others followed suit, joining the battle. The monsters were already too close; retreating was not an option.
"Orario will be destroyed, and this world will return to chaos."
Leaving behind these chilling words, the masked figure disappeared. Her task was complete, and the rest no longer concerned her.
Though Ottar seethed with anger, there was nothing he could do now. The monster surge had become unstoppable, and even he was trapped in the thick of battle. The creatures weren't strong individually, but their sheer numbers overwhelmed even someone of his caliber. He had to slay them one by one, his sword never stopping.
As for magic, only smaller-scale spells could be used here. Large-scale magic risked damaging Babel Tower, and if it collapsed, nothing would stop the monsters from pouring out of the dungeon without restraint.
"Finn, this isn't working. There are too many of them. We need to retreat for now."
"Understood, Riveria."
Finn fought his way over to Riveria, clearing the surrounding monsters to give her space.
"Herald of the End, snow eternal. At the twilight hour, rise the tempest winds!"
"Sealed light, frozen earth!"
"Whirling snows, triple winter—thy name is Alf!"
"Rejoice—Fimbulwinter!"
Whoosh!
In an instant, an overwhelming wave of cold swept across the battlefield, freezing every monster in its path.
Although Ottar and the others were affected by the attack, their immense strength protected them. Only a light frost clung to their bodies.
In a matter of moments, the horde of monsters had been transformed into a field of ice sculptures. The adventurers took the opportunity to pull back, retreating from Babel Tower. Fighting inside had forced them to hold back, and they had been at risk of being buried by the monstrous tide.
Roar!
Hiss!
Snarl!
Soon, the frozen monsters began to break free from the ice, resuming their relentless charge from the dungeon.
Outside, the gathered forces were ready. Loki Familia, Freya Familia, and other adventurers stationed to defend the area were poised for battle.
As the monsters poured out, every warrior rushed forward to engage them, launching into a fierce fight.
Though they managed to resist the onslaught for a time, it was clear that defeat was inevitable.
The monsters were endless, while the adventurers had limits. As time passed, their stamina would drain, their magic would deplete, and their spirits would be pushed to the brink. That's when death would come for them.
Each fallen adventurer would increase the burden on those who remained, leading to a chain reaction of collapse. When it began, the seemingly impenetrable defense would shatter in an instant.
At that critical moment, two figures appeared in the distance.
"August..."
"Stay sharp."
"Understood."
Ais drew her Desperate. In this situation, Gram was too cumbersome. Her slender rapier, made for speed, would be her best choice here.
In the blink of an eye, the Sword Princess darted forward, her rapier slicing through the monsters with deadly precision, cutting them down like a reaper's scythe.
***
Hello! If you enjoyed this project, you're going to love our other Danmachi project:
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[Is It Wrong to Abuse Cartoon Tropes in a Dungeon?]
What happens when someone gets the chance to wield Cartoon Tropes in a world of swords and magic?
Madness! Absolute madness!
With the body of a certain blue cat, join Altair as he brings chaos to the dungeon of swords and sorcery!
...
"I may not have magic... but have you ever been shot by a shotgun that can curve over a kilometer?"
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Don't hesitate to check it out and start reading today!