"Awakened abilities?"
Intrigued, Kerry, dressed in a white lab coat, turned her gaze toward Gabriel and Hifumi, standing ahead.
"Yes, exactly," Charles responded loudly, his eyes burning as he stared at Hifumi and Gabriel.
"These two women brought back from the surface by Lord Mark have awakened extraordinary abilities. One can nullify the presence of Devourer Beasts within her range, while the other can perform spatial transfers."
"It must be these abilities that allowed them to survive in such a hellish environment."
"And all of this is true," Charles continued, pointing to 4063, who cowered beside him.
"This Dustman, who accompanied Lord Mark underground, witnessed everything firsthand. Guided by the Light and Shadow Lord, he confessed everything in His presence."
"These two women are undoubtedly the hope bestowed upon humanity by the Light and Shadow Lord. They will usher in a new era of opportunity for us."
"For his contribution, this Dustman has been granted Upper-Class status by the Light and Shadow Lord."
Looking almost defiantly at Mark, Charles cast a glance at the stunned Morgan.
"So, Lord Mark, can you hand over these two Holy Mothers granted to us by the Light and Shadow Lord?"
"They will bring new hope to the Lighthouse and all humanity."
Gabriel's face twisted with annoyance as she glanced at the endlessly chattering Charles.
Satisfied by the glowing mission completion panel in front of her, Gabriel nodded.
"Good. The main quest is finally complete. Now, let a professional player like me develop some side quests."
She grinned, turning to stretch her neck and wrists. Lowering her stance, Gabriel adopted a charging posture.
Charles, noticing her small movements, chuckled disdainfully, eyeing her petite frame.
Two Light Clerics, a man and a woman, stepped forward to block Victor, but their attention remained on Mark above.
"Hmph!"
Suddenly, a whirlwind blew past them. With a crisp sound, Gabriel lowered her raised right leg between the two Clerics.
Bang!
A thunderous impact echoed as Charles slammed against the iron door behind him, coughing up blood as he slid to the ground.
"Master Charles!" the female Cleric shrieked. She and 4063 rushed to his aid, while the male Cleric turned, enraged, toward the retreating Gabriel.
His massive fist swung toward her back, accompanied by a powerful whooshing sound. Gabriel, however, smiled at the space in front of her, ignoring the attack.
"Hiroshi, you're here. All done on your end?"
"The task you called me for is complete. You owe me some good food," she teased.
"Of course. This time, I'll treat you to something amazing."
A flash of white light heralded the arrival of Hiroshi and Kuroneko.
Gabriel beamed at Hiroshi, who ruffled her cowlick playfully. In his other hand, he held a pink energy orb, which he pressed against the incoming fist.
Boom!
A deafening explosion erupted as the male Cleric's body was flung backward, slamming into the three figures at the door. A sickening sound akin to a watermelon bursting echoed as a blood mist sprayed across the floor.
Casually shaking his hand, Hiroshi smiled as he handed the pink orb to Gabriel, who examined it curiously.
"I found this while adjusting energy flows in Kizaru's world. It's a pink, dragon-like creature. When I and Kuroneko checked it out, it transformed into a lecherous child and lunged at her."
"I slapped it to death, leaving behind this ability-filled orb. It has some dragon traits, so I kept it. Do you want it?"
"Really?"
Gabriel's eyes lit up.
"This has a great texture. I can use it to make a toilet brush. I accidentally broke Vignette's the other day."
"Do as you like," Hiroshi replied nonchalantly.
He waved toward Mark at the high table, grinning.
"Yo, newbie. Here I am."
"This apocalypse sure has its share of disgusting villains. After getting used to killing them in Kizaru's world, taking care of this one was no trouble. I hope I didn't cause you any problems."
"Hiroshi… sir," Mark stammered, rushing down to meet him.
"Weren't you saving the world elsewhere? How are you here now?"
"Simple," Hiroshi shrugged. "We finished things over there."
Scanning the wary crowd, Hiroshi sighed, turning to Hifumi, who clung to Kuroneko.
"Kuroneko, there's a little girl with a terminal illness. Can you help her?"
Holding Kuroneko's arm, Hifumi pleaded. She no longer trusted the Upper-Class to treat the girl properly.
"Relax, Hifumi," Kuroneko said softly, hugging her trembling friend. Anger flashed in her eyes as she turned to Mark and the surrounding crowd.
"Hiroshi, leave this to me."
Watching Kuroneko and Hifumi walk away, Hiroshi's smile faded. His expression grew solemn as he turned to Gabriel.
"Gabriel, tell me everything."
Gabriel nodded, recounting the events at the Lighthouse.
Listening intently, Hiroshi's face darkened. He glanced at the stunned elder and the angry middle-aged man beside him before sweeping his gaze over the entire Lighthouse.
"So this is how humanity survives in an apocalypse."
"In such a state, how are they any different from mere shells?"