The conference room was silent. No one was foolish enough to question Magnus' words. He may have looked like an old man of advanced years, but that was just an appearance. In reality, he was a killing machine.
A subtle smile appeared on Verdi's face and that of a few others. Of course, this was a blatant mockery of the fifth, ninth, and tenth places, which went unpunished.
" Since I don't hear objections, let's get to the substance. "
A hologram of a city in ruins appeared in the center of the conference table. As far as the eye could see, rubble from the destruction of buildings lay everywhere.
From beneath the rubble protruded the dismembered and crushed remains of people who had failed to escape the disaster.
The ground was decorated with deep, several-meter-wide craters from the interior of which columns of fire reaching the sky were escaping.
People who managed by some miracle to survive were immediately turned into charred remains or suffocated by burning sulfur in their lungs. They didn't have the slightest chance of survival.
Destruction and destruction in its purest form. It couldn't be better described than a sudden fit of rage and anger.
Suddenly, the image moved away, showing the Italians enveloped in fire. Although it seemed absurd, the world map showed a red area surrounded by something like a barrier.
The former capital of pizza had become nothing more than ruins and conflagration.
" If somebody hasn't figured it out yet, this is a live broadcast from Italy ... "
" Probably, as you can guess, the country ceased to exist within an hour. As a temporary measure, I sent a sealing team to the site to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring countries. For now, the public knows nothing about it, I don't want to spread unnecessary panic. "
There was silence in the room. The atmosphere became so thick that one could cut it with a knife. Suddenly, the animosity the hunters had for each other disappeared. In moments of crisis, they could put aside their disagreements and act together to save the planet. After all, it is so far from their home and the only place where they can live.
" Simultaneously with the destruction of the Vilas, eight gates leading to dungeons appeared in the world. Due to the concentration of mana they contain, we have given them the second highest level of danger. "
" I sent scouting groups to three of them. Each of them gave the same report. You have the details on the tablets. "
Curious, Lily glanced over Max's shoulder grimly. The report was short, but the information in it didn't sound encouraging.
/ 21.04.2024
XXX
Dungeon - working name Hell.
Open type of Dungeon
There is no other way to describe it than Hell, shrouded in legends. Immediately after crossing the gate, we were greeted by a blast of hot air and the pungent smell of burning. The air temperature far exceeded the commonly accepted standards for high-medium rank hunters.
Personnel marked with a high-low rank were forced to leave the dungeon immediately. Upon initial examination, they were found to have multiple burns to their internal organs.
The environment is a veritable nightmare. Raging flames can be found everywhere. They are most likely fueled by mana inside the dungeon, but this hasn't been confirmed.
Under a thick layer of ashes, we managed to find burnt earth. Digging it out turned out to be a mistake. It increased the temperature inside. The ash acted as a thermal insulation layer. It shouldn't be removed under any circumstances.
The sky is covered with a thick and impenetrable layer of suffocating smoke. Every now and then, you can see glimpses of balls of light in it, which we recognize as the sun.
We sent three drones into the interior, but each was devoured by a closer, unidentified monster. All we heard was the hum of wings and a shrill screech.
Due to the lack of information, it was impossible to classify the monsters.
It is worth paying special attention to the rivers of lava. They are ubiquitous and numerous. One staff member reportedly saw a sea serpent taking a bath in one of them. I didn't confirm this information, as my intuition warned me not to go near them.
Due to the lack of sufficient information, it was impossible to classify the monsters. Potential threat - Sea Serpent.
Heading three hundred meters into the depths, we encountered the first group of monsters. These were the ogres of Hell. Due to the obstacles exceeding our capabilities, we decided to retreat.
We encountered similar resistance when heading east and west north from the dungeon gate. Further exploration proved impossible.
Conclusions
The environment inside the dungeon is extremely unpleasant for humans. It is recommended that only hunters above the rank of high-high be allowed to enter.
Equipment with significant resistance to high temperatures seems to be necessary to complete the expedition. The presence of users with a strong knowledge of the element of fire or ice is welcome.
Confirmed numerous presence of monsters wielding the fire element.
End of Report /.
Magnus rested his elbows on the table and intertwined his fingers together. A moment later, he placed his chin on them.
" And now, I invite you to meet the perpetrator of all the confusion. "
The hologram blinked several times, changing the image every second. Moments later, a tall, humanoid figure stood in the middle of the table. In its four hands, it held four different swords made from fire. Each flame took on a different shape and color.
The dark blue one resembled a katana, the sapphire one, a traditional one-handed sword used in medieval Europe, the white one corresponded to a Roman gladius, and the gray one presented a Claymore-style sword.
However, the strangest thing about the figure wasn't its hands but three faces placed around the creature's head. Each face represents a different emotion.
" Do you still remember Azazel? "
Magnus' gaze was fixed on Arthur and Samantha, who was standing behind him.
The man felt his legs soften. Suddenly, Arthur went pale, and an invisible lump formed in his throat, blocking any words like a dam standing in the middle of an agitated river.
Not only had his home been destroyed, but the man who should be lying and rotting in a dungeon... might be alive. It was the fulfillment of his worst nightmares. He could already feel the breath of the grim reaper on his neck.
Suddenly, as if by the touch of a magic wand, the people present at the meeting remembered the demon's existence.
" Are we talking about this Azazel? The one who made a pact with Ramiel? "
The question asked by the third-ranked person went unanswered for a long moment.
" Yes. "
Magnus' words echoed around the room several times, like an echo in a long and unfathomable cave.
" This is pointless. We have already confirmed his death. Together with it, the pact binding them should cease to exist. " The fourth most powerful hunter made his presence known.
" It's true. I personally checked the trace of his mana. The last particles I found were floating in front of the destroyed gate. " The woman ranked seventh put her legs through her.
" What if Ramiel is alive? " Max's words caused some people present at the meeting to have faster heartbeats.
" We know very well how pacts work. If Ramiel didn't want it, Azazel would never have raged in Italy. Eleven months have passed since his alleged death. I doubt that the demon has been in hiding for that long. "
" Let's not jump to hasty conclusions. The chances that he will be alive are very small. I wish with all my heart... that... that Ramiel was here with me... but we were the ones who saw what he was fighting against... Even with Azazel's help, he had no chance to survive... "
Samantha's lower lip trembled, and her left hand tightened on her right hand. The woman felt the ground crumbling under her feet.
If Ramiel survived... it was over. There was no chance of continuing to live. The man wouldn't rest until he repaid her for the harm he had suffered.
" Huh? Somehow, I don't want to believe that." Samantha quickly found comfort... right Arthur? "
" You know... you know I loved him... you're terrible... " Samantha's eyes glazed over, and a few lonely tears left a trace on her cheek. The woman was an excellent actress... after all, she had learned from Ramiel. With her performance, she bought almost the entire audience.
" Max ... leave your personal thoughts for later. There will be no second warning. It applies to everyone. "
Samantha's performance didn't buy Magnus. However, he had more important things than settling the dispute between Max and the woman.
" As Max mentioned, logical arguments indicate that Ramiel may still be alive. This makes finding him a top priority right after clearing the dungeons. "
" Myself, Max, and Arthur's team will go to Italy to stop Azazel. Three, to you belong Korea, four, France, five you take Canada, seven Poland, eight Gibraltar, nine United States. On the ground, you will receive support from the hunters you gathered earlier. I don't think I need to explain to you what will happen if any of my assigned people disappear under unexplained circumstances. "
All of them, like one organism, responded with a single nod.
" Verdia, you will investigate the dungeon where Ramiel prevailed. From what the reconnaissance team says, he appeared in Argentina. Let your staff wait outside on standby. You will get people from the association on site for exploration. "
The woman shot her knuckles out, straightening up in her chair in the process. Light flashes of almost identical color appeared between her chestnut hair for a split second.
" Special guidelines? "
" You are going on a rescue mission or to recognize the potential forces of whatever killed Ramiel. If you are pinned down, don't hesitate to sacrifice the men I have assigned. They are prepared for this. You, or Ramiel, are far more valuable than they are, remember that. In case of major problems, retreat and wait for me to arrive on the scene. "
A cold glint appeared in Verdi's eyes. The idea of sacrificing people for the greater good didn't appeal to her. But she couldn't argue with Magnus' arguments.
Even the weakest of the people gathered here were worth more than thousands of high-ranking hunters. The disparity in strength is huge.
In fact, they were the pillars without which humanity would have become extinct long ago, like the dinosaurs.
" That's it. You have one hour to assemble at the airport. "
Lily waited patiently until everyone had left the conference room. She wanted to leave as soon as possible and hole up in the safety of her villa but thought it might be a bit rude if she left before all those hunters. She had already made trouble with Arthur.
On her way out, Verdia stopped by her former friend's sister. Her slender hand rested on Lily's delicate shoulder. A pleasant shiver ran through the woman's body, giving her subtle shivers.
" Hey, you don't have to be afraid of me. I don't bite. If you don't believe me, ask this alcoholic. "
Lily felt charmed and, at the same time, confused by the smile and friendliness Verdia bestowed on her.
" No, it's not that... It's just... I'm afraid you might accidentally kill me... "
" Pf Haha." Max's muffled snort could be heard from afar. The man was in no hurry to leave the room. He didn't like wading through the crowd.
Verdia smiled roguishly under her breath.
It wouldn't hurt to tease a little.
" Huh? I see you're just as direct as your brother... "
Embarrassment crept onto Lily's face.
Did I just offend her? Why are the strong ones so difficult to handle...
" Not that... I didn't... "
Verdia couldn't stand laughing out loud. Seeing how Lily took her words seriously, she could no longer hold back the stultifying amusement.
" You don't have to be afraid. I would never hurt such a charming and beautiful little sister. "
"O.o " - Lily
" We are sisters? "
The woman's mind had just scored a successful 180-degree turnaround. Lily had enough attractions for one day. First, she was terrorized by Arthur, and now, some stranger called her "sister." What's next? A demon from Hell who will swear allegiance to her?
" Of course we will! Every beautiful woman is my sister... "
Slap
" What ?!!! " Lily squealed as if burned, feeling someone's hand slap her shapely buttocks. It was both strange and pleasurable.
" What - are you making me ... "
" HAHAHAHAHA, I'm just teasing you... don't take it personally. I only taste in men... "
Verdia bit her lower lip, leaning over Lily's ear.
" But for you... I can make an exception... you are terribly similar to your brother. His, unfortunately, failed to seduce... but you..."
A hot breath sent an electrifying shiver through the woman's body.
Lily felt confused. To Verda's delight, her face blushed.
Sister Ramiel took a deep breath to calm herself. Since she was, as almost everyone said, the second Ramiel, how could she let someone torment her like that?
Her right hand immediately found its way to the woman's neck, and her left hand went to her shapely and well-trained buttocks and squeezed them. Her hand slid slowly down her long neck, stopping at her breast. Her fingers nimbly squeezed the nipple, forcing Verdie to squeal softly.
" You... "
Lily jumped back as if scalded, seeing lightning shooting between the woman's hair.
" Are you sure your name isn't Ramiel? "
" Do I look like Ramiel to you? "
" ... " - Magnus, Max.
" You can feel special. There are only three people in the world who have done what you did... or two, it depends... "
Verdia walked up to Lily, sensuously moving her hips. With a crackle of lightning, a piece of red plastic resembling a credit card appeared in her hand.
" Call me when this is all over. "
Pushing back her hair, Verdia once again leaned over Lily's ear. Teasing the woman was her new favorite pastime.
" You don't have to be afraid. It's not what you think... It's just that this sister wants to help you and offer a little support in the dangerous world of hunters. "
With these words, Verdia took a confident step towards the exit of the conference room.
" Wait... why are you doing this? "
" Do I have to have a special reason to help this fool's sister? "
Verdia paused, sniffling for a moment.
" Sigh... Listen, I know that the relationship between the two of you has been strained... The images of the Ramiel I know and the one you know can be dramatically different... But I couldn't look him in the eye on the other side if I didn't help you and something happened to you... He didn't deserve what happened to him…
The corners of Verdi's mouth dropped, forming a sad smile. It expressed more emotion than a thousand words. A trained eye could even be tempted to see the hidden emotions towards the other person.
" I owe him too much... and he meant too much to me... for me to leave his family alone... So be a good sister...and accept a helping hand. "