Labyrinth City Orario, Dungeon Floor 60
Standing atop a small wall, the dark wizard gazed at the trio's backs as they walked away.
"Master... Is it okay to let them go?"
Kneeling on one knee, a death knight descended from his bone dragon, voicing his doubts.
To him, that trio seemed as defenseless against the powerful army as insects waiting to be stepped on at their leisure. Allowing them to leave like this was something he couldn't comprehend.
"Fool, even if we joined forces, we can't win..."
The wizard, on the other hand, didn't share the same view. Despite having nearly 10,000 skeleton soldiers, 5,000 zombies, 1,800 ghouls, 5 skeleton dragons, and 5 death knights, he trembled because even if his army multiplied by ten, he knew they wouldn't stand a chance against the trio.
More importantly, he wouldn't be a match for the male in the group.
His crown was evidence of that; the male was a devouring beast, and though he couldn't understand why his energy seemed so weak, the wizard believed it to be a facade to confuse their enemies. There was no way that beast was truly weak, especially with its dazzling aura blinding everything around it.
A complete nightmare beast, especially with that sword it wielded.
Its energy was the nemesis for all of them; one swing of that sword, and his undead army would turn to dust.
That's why none of them dared to stop the invaders' retreat.
For him, the beast leaving was a relief, as he wouldn't have to face it and consequently disappear.
"Master..."
The death knight was surprised by this. He could see that even though the trio was a bit stronger than him, with his army and master, defeating them would be easy.
"Inferior creature, you must learn not to be swayed by appearances. Don't forget why we were created."
Without looking at him, the wizard focused all his attention on the invaders, fearing that the beast might return and massacre the entire army.
After all, that's what they were created for, to stop the beast, even if only for a moment.
A beast even their creator feared.
Fortunately for them, the beast withdrew peacefully. Although he didn't know why, the wizard didn't think that creature was afraid, no...
There must be something deeper, something he hadn't seen, something that stopped it from acting.
Otherwise, their fate would be sealed in stone once that beast decided to move.
"Forgive me, master... It won't happen again."
Assenting, the death knight remembered why he was created.
"Don't lower your guard..."
"Yes, master..."
The army didn't budge an inch; they maintained their defensive stance, ready to face a defensive battle, a battle where they staked everything to win a few minutes for their creator.
---
(This is not good... This is not good at all)
Biting his nails, Yuki sighed deeply. What he had just witnessed turned his understanding of this world upside down.
That army alone could massacre all living beings in the world, and no one could stop it. Even if everyone in the world united, they would still be powerless against that army.
The question is... Why is that army waiting on the 60th floor?
Why not go up and destroy all living beings, just like monsters do?
What's stopping them?
(The gods... They must know something)
Indeed, what kept those monsters in their caves was the divine power of the Gods.
There are many Gods in the world, their power ranking at level 5. The simple army Yuki saw would be destroyed once it left the dungeon by them.
(But, it's not right... If the Gods know about these things, why do they keep their power sealed?)
The world was literally in danger, and for the Gods to adhere to the rule of not releasing their divine power was foolish. The world hung by a thread, and they did nothing.
Yet, even though Yuki was angry, the Gods were tied. The world wasn't strong enough to bear the divine power of many gods at once. A level 2 world like this would be destroyed when the gods unleashed their power.
The world is like a glass of water; if there's too much water in the glass, it will spill over.
That's how the world works. With one or two gods releasing their power, the world could endure it. But with a dozen or even hundreds releasing their power, the world would shatter.
That's why in this world, Gods were forbidden to use their Arcanum.
To save the world, they descended, blessing the living beings to fight against monsters.
And as children of the world, they wouldn't be rejected.
But here's the problem: adventurers aren't strong enough to face the Dungeon threat.
(Darn it... This world is not safe at all)
Thinking about all this, Yuki cursed inwardly. Despite having hundreds of Gods wandering around, the world was still in danger.
Now Yuki understood why Ouranos is the only one without his power sealed; he is responsible for the 'Prayer.'
Ouranos is the one keeping those things locked away.
If it weren't for Ouranos, the world would have gone to hell a long time ago.
And if Yuki's thoughts are correct, there must be something even more terrifying below than that army.
And maybe a monster with the power of a High Tectonic might not be rare at all.
(But... But...)
Biting his lip, Yuki's mind raced. After all, he couldn't leave his girlfriends in this world, just as he couldn't stay. The Dungeon is a ticking time bomb about to explode.
And if he stays, the results are more than clear...
However, something within him prevented him from leaving.
He couldn't leave; the crown on his head began to spin. Although his brain told him to run, the World that spoke through his crown told him the opposite.
'You can, please... You are the only one who can save me.'
These words were more than enough for the flame inside Yuki to burn brightly.
He couldn't be a coward now; no... He didn't want to be a coward.
(To heck with logic! Destiny can't stop me! I am the Time Emperor! I create my own choices! No matter the future, I have 'time' on my side)
With these thoughts, the crown on his head stopped spinning. The weight on his shoulders increased, but he was also happy to bear it.
(There's much to do... I have to grow, and above all, I have to prepare my team)
The fight would be tough, but he wouldn't be alone. There was a whole team of Heroes waiting, a city full of Gods, and an army within his shadow ready to emerge.
That's why...
"We're in for a tough fight... We have to become stronger."
Taking Inori's hand, as well as Kurumi's, Yuki smiled.
He didn't know what would happen; the future is uncertain and changes every second. But no matter what happens, he won't fall here.
There are many worlds to explore, several women waiting for him, and above all, he hasn't led the Uchiha Clan back to its former glory.
If he died now, he wouldn't have the face to see his mother in the world of the dead.
"Ara~ Why such enthusiasm? Though I like it, fufufu."
Bringing a hand to her mouth, Kurumi chuckled, supporting his determination.
"Yes, I will become strong."
Inori, too, caught the infectious enthusiasm. She spoke, "I'm not pregnant yet; I can't allow my husband to die."
It was the same for Mana; she still had a duty to fulfill, ensuring the birth of a new humanity. She would do everything possible to achieve it.
"I am the sword of the master; I will be strong for the master," declared Est, shedding her elemental Waffe form and embracing Yuki. She could feel Yuki's anxiety and fighting spirit, but no matter what, she would be with him until the contract ended.
"Hahaha, well... We'll become stronger."
With three girls around him, Yuki laughed happily. This was the best; to heck with whether it's a tough battle or if he dies in it. What matters is enjoying the present, the wonders of the world, especially when surrounded by these beautiful women. Yuki had no complaints.
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TN: Bro just remembered he has plot armor 😆