Chapter 19 - Big Trouble
With the realization that there could a large army of living dead of enormous powers, Hermes and others at the secret headquarter almost had a collective heart attack. While they try to figure out what to do, an immediate lock-down was put on any dungeon expeditions. All familias in Orario were ordered to immediately provide information on missing and dead adventurers in the last 20 years.
On the 61st floor, the 2 teams have secured the perimeter and the Gullivers brothers were mostly healed. Bell and other team members were also treated. Allen checked on the dead opponents and confirmed that they all had magic stones. All 6 magic stones were collected to prevent the enemy from getting stronger.
After further consultation with Hermes, Freya and Takemikazuchi, the team agreed that the risks of staying in the deep levels were far too great. An immediate retreat was ordered to the Xenos traps because no one knew how many dead adventurers were 'recruited' into the army of the dead. Unfortunately, the prisoner refused to offer any useful information. Thus, a return to the surface is likely as the prisoner needs to be interrogated.
The tactical retreat back to the Xenos trap area was relatively quick. The 2 teams simply slashed and burned their way though any silly monsters that got in the way and exploded through the colosseums instead of carefully working through them. Thus, by 'late evening', the 2 teams reached the trap area. Bell and the team leaders told the Xenos about the situation. Lyd and Asterius commented that they have not seen any large groups of fighters in the deep levels, but they have not been in the deep levels since the war. Combining all their information, it appears that this army of the dead may have been assembled after the war ended. At that point, Fel showed up mysteriously and convinced the Xenos to move themselves up to the 1st floor during this living dead situation.
That night, Ais and Bell also had the first watch. With both of them boosted at level 7, their combined skills were still no match for Revis, who they believed is at least level 9 or perhaps level 10. Ais was clearly bothered about Revis, and Bell gave her a lap pillow while petting her head. This helped Ais relax and fall asleep. At the end of their watch, he carried Ais to her tent but could not fall asleep himself. Bell was so frustrated with himself being too weak to protect Ais and his friends.
The next morning, the final decision was made to return to the surface. When everyone reached the 1st floor, Wiene was there and gave Bell a hug even though a surprised Ais was next to him. Wiene told Bell that she is going to the Hestia home again, and that she has gotten a little stronger...