The End Of Evil Part III
Aki's POV.
"Everyone!! Follow me!! We need to get out of here!!!"
" Raul...!? "
My body moved on it's own and followed his lead. Luckily, the monster's number stopped increasing and it gave us the opportunity to leave the room using the pit hole that they used to enter.
All of us jumped through the hole and made a run for it after reaching the platform below.
Except for the furious werewolf.
"Bete-san!! Let's hurry!" I heard Rakta yell at him.
"I know that!! Shit!!"
Seconds later, he came down with the other remaining members of our group. Cursing how those Evilus are just a bunch of cowards who can't fight anyone head on without relying on cheap tricks.
But they didn't gave us any time to rest as the Violas started spawning again in the path in front of us.
"Get outta the way IDIOTS!!!" Bete yelled as he rushed forward to slay the monsters while me and the others just watched him.
"Bete-san..." Lefiya muttered.
" What the hell...? I can't move... My body is trembling... My strength is leaving me... How did this happen...?? What are we supposed to do now...? CAPTAIN!! "
"What the fuck are YOU doing housecat!?"
I was pulled out of my thoughts by a voice. When I looked at the direction where it was coming, I saw a grey werewolf glaring at me.
"I thought you already graduated from being a weakling but it looks like I was wrong!! You are still the same little girl you were when I first met you!! Waiting for her knight in shining armor to come and save the day!! Leaving in a fantasy that will never EVER happen no matter how hard you wish for it!!"
Flashback
My name is Anakitty autumn. When I was still a kid and was living happily as a resident outside of Orario. I have a lots of things that I love but the thing that I love the most is the Heroic tales that my retired adventurer dad always reads for me after coming home every week.
It inspired me in a lot of way and led me to one day becoming an adventurer.
I became one of the Loki Familia regulars and started my journey under Riveria-san's wing. Her lectures were really hard but it was helpful in a lot of ways inside and outside the dungeon.
I was really thrilled when I got in here because I became a companion of the heroes that I admire.
Like that hero, I will fight alongside these heroes day in and day out. But after coming into realization. I can't read those stories that I loved anymore.
Because I understand now...
I dreamt of being a "Hero" that day.
And I couldn't be the "Hero" that I dreamt of.
Flashback End
He's right.
I'm not suited to be a first class adventurer. I've already experienced this numerous times and yet, I still crumble when someone I hold dear got hurt.
In the face of despair, my true self always comes out. The weak and crybaby me always takes over.
"You think your little rabbit will come and save the day!? DREAM ON!! YOU KNOW HOW MUCH HE HAD TO ENDURE FIGHTING THAT MINOTAUR THAT BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF US!! HE WILL NEVER ARRIVE TO SAVE YOU!! SO GET A GRIP!!!"
I tried to gather my courage and help Raul and the others heal the captain but even after using all the potions we have. The wound never closed and the blood was still coming out.
"Why!? I used a bunch of potions!!" Raul panicked and tried to find more potions but found nothing.
"A curse...!" I balled my fist in realization of how hopeless situation.
" Bell... If you were here... What will you do..? "
"A curse? But... From where and when!? If there'd been a weird spell, it would have gotten us too-"
"No Raul. The sword that women was using! it was definitely superior-grade. And probably cursed too!" I bit my tongue while trying to think of ways to stop his bleeding.
"We need to escape the labyrinth as soon as we can!"
" Escape? Am I really saying this? I don't know anything about this place. Is there even a way out? Valleta is level 5 and the red haired one is at least 6 or 7 at worst. And those endless flowers are at least level 4 each. And on the other hand, we have one level 6, one level 5, one level 4, two level 3 and one level 2 healer. We even have someone who's seriously wounded, there's a clear difference in strength and number. I need to think of something or Finn will die!! " I screamed mentally while trying to find a way out. It paralyzes me just thinking about it.
There is clearly no solution. I always tend to look at situations rationally. The situation, conditions and the power differential. I understand desperation before anyone else does. I've come to understand that we're doomed.
"What am I supposed to do...? I don't have captain's intuition, or Ais's wind, or Riveria-san's or Lefiya's wide arsenal of magic... Nothing..!! I don't have the power to reverse the situation...!!!"
"I can never be a hero...!! "
I cried and started to accept our fate and then.
"Oh ,FIIIIIIIINN!!!! WHERE ARE YOOOOOOOU? DON'T GO DYING BEFORE I FIND YOU! I DON'T WANT YOU KICKING THE BUCKET BEFORE I SLAUGHTER ALL YOUR LITTLE FOLLOWERS RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES!!!"
I remembered that moment the same time I heard Valleta's voice. The moment that was still fresh in the minds of everyone residing inside the Orario.
The fight against the giant minotaur and Bell.
He didn't used his fighting style that he honed not because he's too caught up in the battle, it was because it would make no difference.
In the face of an absolute power. No one can stand against it. But that doesn't mean defeating it is impossible.
Time after time, Bell showed this to us.
First, to the residents and adventurers at the Daedalus Street against his fight against the Silver Back. Second, when Riveria-san and the others witnessed his fight against the Irregular Minotaur and finally. His fight against that Xenos named Asterius.
As long as you have the resolve, determination and the will to not give up until the end. Everything is possible.
"Hey, everyone. Can you listen to my selfish request? I want to win so badly that I need to sacrifice captain..." I smiled as I looked at my friend's horrified face.
"What...!? We can't do that Aki-san!! He's captain! We can't let him die here or the Loki Familia will be done for!!!" Line screamed on top of her lungs.
"It's alright... I'm with her... I believe on our familia's next captain... I'm sure she won't leave us dead... rotting away in this dark place... Am I right? Aki?" The hero of the pallum race said weakly.
"Yes... I just need your trust everyone, even though it's absurd but in order to succeed. We need captain to be our bait for our plan to succeed."
As I discussed the plan that I came up with everyone, I also pointed out that in order for this to work, Raul needs to step up his game.
"Raul, I know how much of a scaredy cat you are but we believe in you... Don't waste the potential you have, you might not notice it but out of all of us here, you are the most reliable person. Much more than me. Just believe on yourself!" I held him by his shoulder while facing towards me as I looked at him in the eyes.
"You're a man aren't you...? If you can't do it even after all the shit that a girl you like told you... How can you call yourself a man? Get a grip..!" Bete said with a frustrated sigh.
"I-shut up... That last part was unnecessary but you're right Bete-san... How can I call myself a man if I let down a girl who went out of her way to say those things to me... Thanks... I'm on it but... Please don't tell Bell Cranel about this... I don't want to make an enemy out of him... H-He's a monster...!!" He said with a horrified face.
I sighed to myself one last time before executing the plan. Each of us went to our designated spots and left our leader in an open area. With no means to protect himself or escape.
Seconds later, we heard Valleta's footsteps slowly aproaching while humming maniacally.
"Oh!? What's his?? Did your merry followers finally abandoned you!?"
"Yeah... I ordered them to abandon me and prioritize their safety... I don't have much time left anyway, even if I make it out. I have a ninety percent chance of dying because of how much blood I've already lost... This is it for me, the end of my journey..."
Unknown Labyrinth. (Riveria's side)
Riveria's POV.
We've been walking down for almost two hours now. I've also established three magic circles before arriving at this new floor that we are currently exploring but.
"Nothing... There is still nothing but this eerie silence..." I commented.
"Yeah... I'm gettin' chills just by walking around this place... It's like a total different world than ours..." The dwarf added.
We continued our silent walk until we reached a huge two doors.
Gareth and I tried inspecting it but the eye in the middle of it suddenly glowed and the door soon opened.
I sent the twin sisters and Aiz to inspect the interior but they found nothing but a single small door and an empty room. I gave the rest a sign and all of us entered the room.
As soon as all of us are inside, the door behind us suddenly closed. Locking us completely inside the dark empty room.
I inspected the room myself and noticef a few things. The room's design were completely different than the other room we saw before. Skulls with snakes coming out of it's eyes and a statue of a creature I have never seen before were plastered all over the place.
And lastly, the floor's design.
I can tell at one glance that it was the One Eyed Black Dragon. The symbol of calamity, despair and destruction. The monster that's been terrorizing this world since the age of heroes. Even the most skilled and most powerful heroes are no match against.
" But it's weird that Aiz didn't notice this... Her grudge against that creature were unmatched..."
"Welcome, Loki Familia."
All of us present switched to our offensive stance when we heard a voice of an old man come out of the small door in front of us.
As he slowly came out, we noticed that he's somewhat familiar until Tiona pointed out who he is.
"AH! THE MAN IN THE PICTURE!!" She exclaimed in realization as he came into full view.
"Yeah, the man who made a deal with the sea god in Melen... The man that captain said we must capture a long with the executives of Evilus..." Tione said as she prepared to attack.
"Ah yes something like that happened... You said you were looking for me...? I'm glad however, I've certainly no interest in meeting you..." He said weakly. But ironically enough for all of us to hear loud and clear.
"At any rate, even meeting you like this costs me precious time, the will of our ancestors is grand. Indeed, there is never enough time... Even if we were to ever complete this one day, there is no guarantee that I will still be alive to bear witness to it's magnificence... This human body is a truly odious thing... Even if I had the longevity of elven's blood... Ah, a pity..."
"H-Hey now! Stay with us would ya!? No flying to tenkai or something!!" The younger amazon said.
"Yeah don't you dare say things like you are dying or something... The hell is wrong with you? What do you even want you creep!?" The older sister shouted.
I remain vigillant for a surprise attack or a trap but I still felt no pressence other than this man's ominous aura.
"I apologize for the late introduction..." The man continued as I didn't mind him, focusing slowly on inspecting the whole place.
"I'm Barca and I am tasked with luring you deeper into this abyss..."
The moment I heard him utter those words was the moment I also saw a red gem inside the dragon's eye on the floor. I panicked and shouted to my companions but...
"Everyone! Ju-" It was too late.
"You're too late!!" Barca's left eye glowed in unison with the red gem at the floor and in an instant, the floor opened wide and we fell down to the dark depths of this man made dungeon.
"AAAAAAHHHH!! WE'RE FAAAAALLIIIIING!!!" Tiona said innocently as while staring down at the almost bottomless hole.
I started chanting my ice magic as I slowly descend and casted it at the walls for it to serve as a temporary platform.
"Aiz! Please go!" I turned to her and she nodded to me.
She activated her Ariel magic and made a giant leap. She made it before the floor above completely close.
"I just hope that she's alright..." I whispered to myself.
"What do we do now Riveria? Your magic won't last very long because of our number. Well, it's not like we can destroy that door above and breakthrough either so I guess our only way is to continue doen huh...?" Gareth stated while rubbing his chin.
"You're right... I can't create a ladder of ice by myself because I would be too exhausted after it and besides, we don't know how deep this pit fall is... It's time! Everyone brace yourselves! Those who are level 3 and above, take care of the supporters and healers! Also don't mind me, I can do this... We're jumping down!"
We jumped down and as soon as we left the ice platform, it crumbled into small pieces.
It was a long fall but we soon reached the lower floor. I checked our members who were carrying lower level adventurers in their arms and sighed in relief as I found out that none of them sustained any injuries.
"Gareth, I leave the backline to you."
"Oy old hag, you're the one who's supposed to be at the backline not me! What if there's a bunch of enemies waiting for us ahead!? We can't have our mage tanking all of them, you're not "Silence", you are "Nine Hell"."
"I know that, you don't have to rub it on my face! But the reason I'm staying at the frontline is because Bete, Aiz nor Aki is present. We don't have someone who we can order to scout ahead very fast so our only option is to use my magic circle and detect anything suspicious... I know it's risky but it's not like I have any choice..." I said, irritated by his comment and comparison.
He didn't made another comment and just stayed at the back. Observing anything behind that might be a trap.
"Okay, let's go."
Aiz's side.
Aiz's POV.
I rushed to the man named Barca as soon as I got back to the previous floor at full speed.
"Open that door!!!" I shouted as I dashed straight towards him.
"I'm sorry but I cannot allow myself to be caught... Spirit of Wind..."
"HUH!?"
His eyes glowed just like earlier and immediately shut the door in front of us, preventing me from reaching him.
I was left frustrated. Not being able to help them left a bitter taste in my mouth but with all of that, I was left with no other choice than exploring this place myself.
" This place is really wide... " I said internally as I wander aimlessly at the labyrinth.
It was a long exploration for me as I saw countless empty rooms. I didn't try to investigate any of them since it doesn't look like there is anything special inside until I reached a room.
It is a room with a high technology. Various pipes and wires scattered around and aquarium looking things at the center of it.
" Just how long have they been building this place...? Even if they worked a hundred of years, it wouldn't be enough... Or maybe we've underestimated them since we all thought that Evilus was destroyed 5 years ago after the destruction of Astrea Familia and the only members left were the lower members... We also thought that the only one we have to watch out is the red-haired creature but we're wrong... Eh!? "
My thoughts were interrupted when I saw all of those weird looking things cracked open at the opposite side. An ominous presence then filled the room and the red-haired creature appeared.
"It's been a while... Aira."
" Wait... Don't tell me those jewel fetus came here...? "
"It's been a long time since I tasted that agony because of you... But who would have thought that what Enyō said were true? Drawn by the presence here like a Moth to a flame."
"Those fetus... They were here weren't they? Where are they now?" I said in panic as I remembered how that fetus instantly turned into a very powerful monster at the 18th floor.
"They are hidden within the labyrinth... Perhaps you'd like to find out for yourself. If you can." I saw her toss something and my eyes immediately followed it.
" That's Fortia Spear..!! "
"And I also cut up that Pallum holding that spear..."
"Wha-that-THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE! FINN WOULD NEVER LOSE!!" I screamed as I prepared to fight her with all I've got.
"There is no need to fear though because once I'm done with you, your friends are next on my list."
I channeled all of my strength to my legs and jumped forward to throw to her all sorts of combination attacks my body could remember but-
"Gnngh!!!"
"Hoh? You attacking me first? This is certainly new."
He easily met all of my blows and matched the strength I put into it without much thought. We continued this shortly until she knocked me back before speaking again.
"Ah!?" I said in surprise as I was sent flying.
"Aha, I see. If we keep up like this, I'll end up killing you easily. Your wind Aria, I want to see it. I wouldn't want you dying on me so easily." She said as she resumed her assault.
I clicked my tongue before triggering my magic.
I used it to dodge a powerful swing from her and was relieved that I managed so but when I saw the place that she slashed, I realized instantly that I won't be able to handle it.
"You...!!" I launched a counter attack but she dodged it right before I made any contact to her or her sword.
BANG
My wind enhanced attack crashed into the walls and made the room shake but we didn't mind it as we continued our fight.
"You humans. So affected by the death of your companions... Your emotions betray you. I win Aria..!!"
Riveria's Side.
Riveria's POV.
Our group was progressing to the Knossos at a slow pace. Constantly checking any signs of enemies but found nothing.
I've already established 2 magic circles while I had Lefiya make a small one. I was surprised at first when I saw her behind us but when I asked her why she's here, she said Finn forgot to assign her to either group and decided to come here since Alicia and Elfy are in the other group.
After walking further, a wall came into a view but something weird was written on it.
"Is this... A mural..?" I said as I examined the only white wall on this man made dungeon."
I looked further into it and notice the design. I gasped in realization and made a gesture for everyone to examin it.
"If I'm not mistaken, the one in the middle looks exactly like a Dragon to me and the six around it was probably a sacrifice... I've already seen this in the library back at the Alf forest. This dragon here is not the Black Dragon... It was-"
"Niddhog. Is the name of that Dragon."
We turned to the source of the mysterious voice and found a man or a god to be precise, Clad in a pitch black robe.
"Leviathan, Behemoth, and the One-Eyed Black Dragon... The mark of the three great quests. But before these three beasts terrorized this world, there was another... A grisly creature that plunged this world into the depths of despair..." His voice echoed through the silent hall.
"W-Who are you!?" Lefiya asked.
"I am called Thanatos. The last of the so called Evil Gods and guardian deity to the dregs you call Evilus."
Orario.
Astrea's POV.
Me, Loki, Hermes and Freya were walking down the main street as they finished their investigation and came to the conclusion that Dionysus was still alive and that he really is Enyo.
"For the time being, I'll ask Ouranus if he can contact the Xenos and have them help us." Hermes said with a smile.
"I don't think that's impossible but there is a high chance that they might not lend us a hand because Bell was not going to participate in the battle." Freya commented.
It was only that time that I remembered that I have to go back and check on him again. Even though I know that he'll be alright, someone still has to be there for him other than Amid when he wakes up.
"Sorry, I just remembered that I have to check up on Bell. I'll leave you guys and if you found any leads to where he is hiding. Contact me alright?"
I made my way towards the Dian Cecht Familia but as soon as I entered, Amid with a panicked look welcomed me.
"Goddess Astrea, I'm glad you are here but you're a little too late." She said with beads of sweat forming on her forehead.
"What happened to Bell?"
"He woke up earlier but before I could ask him if he's alright, he grabbed his regular clothes at the table before thanking me for taking care of him... I know where he is heading and I'm sorry I couldn't stop him..."
I patted her shoulders before lifting her head up.
"It's alright, thank you. I'll be following his lead and head to the Knossos. We will put an end to this."
A/N: Finally after a long time I've uploaded another chapter.
It's all thanks to my university moving the schedule of classes from september 8 to 20.
Now, I have a lot of free time because I've already finished the paperworks on my work before I resigned and my enrollment.
But even with that, I don't think I'll be able to write something already. I don't have that much inspiration for this fic.
That's all! Thanks for reading.