The Glacier Witch, Kariadaea.
Its individual name is Elder Lich, a 3rd-grade monster, and a high-variant classified as a Named.
A special boss that only appears for a certain period, from 10 days to 5 days before the 7th floor closes.
'It was about a 10% chance, right?'
That's why I couldn't help but live as an atheist.
The condition for this monster to be summoned is pure luck.
But it's appearing now, with only 8 days left...?
'Should I say, "Why today, of all days, when tomorrow is still an option?" Or should I be grateful that it didn't appear three days later...?'
It's like a glass half-filled with water.
Both positive and negative perspectives are possible.
'...But fuck that.'
No matter how you look at it, it's a negative situation.
At least we avoided the worst.
We're only a day away from escaping the Eye of the Glacier.
We won't encounter the boss monster.
It spawns at the very bottom and slowly climbs up.
But the problem is...
"Everyone, snap out of it! Block these guys first!"
"...Be careful! They're stronger than ordinary skeletons!"
The skeleton army that started climbing the cliff as soon as the boss monster was summoned.
Even though the monsters aren't appearing from the front but from below, the pursuers will be able to easily break through the path we cleared.
'The distance will keep closing.'
I feel like my head is filled with cotton, even though I'm clearly awake.
Damn it, why is this happening now, of all times?
We don't even have a Hans among us?
Is there a Hans I'm not aware of? Not on our side, but on the pursuers' side?
That thought crossed my mind, and then...
Slap!
I slapped both my cheeks.
Not too hard, just enough to wake myself up.
'Lee Hansu, stop it.'
It's a kind of escapism.
Looking for Hans when I'm facing misfortune.
'Things just happened.'
That's how it's always been.
What about Lalkas's Maze?
When we encountered the Dragonslayer by chance, went through hell, and even lost a precious comrade.
Was Hans there?
What about the 1st-floor Crystal Cave when the Abyss Lord appeared?
It was a miracle that there wasn't a single Hans among the thousand explorers, but did things go smoothly?
Looking back, it was always like this.
When I faced truly shitty situations, Hans was never there.
As if the heavens were determined not to give me a scapegoat.
'...Then was Hans actually a lucky charm?'
That thought crossed my mind, but...
Well, I don't think so.
Anyway, thanks to that ridiculous thought, my head felt a bit clearer.
Heh.
Hans or whatever, what does it matter?
I just have to do my job.
That's all.
"Yandel! The members are panicking! We need your orders!"
Kaislan's voice brought me back to reality.
"Switch to breakthrough formation."
"Break through? You want to push through those monsters?"
"We can't just stand here and wait for them to catch up."
I gave Kaislan his orders and headed towards the front lines.
"Mister, don't overdo it."
"What? You're not going to stop me this time?"
"But... you have the same look in your eyes as you did back in the Crystal Cave..."
Hmm, I don't know. I didn't see myself in a mirror back then.
I hope the outcome is similar this time.
「Character has cast [Gigantification].」
I activated my default battle mode and raised my shield and hammer. But I'm not wearing any armor, just a thick fur coat over my bare skin.
'Wow, this is truly barbaric.'
The Barbarian Barbarian Mode.
"Yandel! We're ready to move!"
Kaislan reported that the formation was complete, and I looked at the skeletons blocking our path.
'Ah, I don't have to hold back anymore, right?'
Okay, at least this is a positive development.
Then let's go.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!!"
With the blessings of my ancestor god.
________________________
Thump! Thump!
I charge forward, my shield covering my entire upper body.
Crash!
I slam my shoulder into the shield, pushing the skeletons aside.
Ah, for reference, I'm the only one at the front.
The other melee attackers, including the warriors, are positioned at the flanks and rear, protecting us from attacks from those directions.
"Push them back!"
The members follow behind me, clearing the skeletons that try to slip past or climb the cliff walls.
"Aaaaargh!"
"Get lost, you bony bastards!"
"Ugh, ugh...!"
I hear groans mixed with battle cries.
It can't be helped.
The melee attackers are all wearing light armor or no armor at all.
Swish!
A rib bone pierces someone's skin and flies past me.
「Liard Ashid has cast the 5th-grade curse magic [Anti-Regeneration].」
The mages are constantly casting curse magic on our allies to prevent their wounds from worsening due to the reversed regeneration effect, but it's a temporary solution.
It only slows down the decay.
It doesn't heal the wounds.
Slash!
Every movement tears open the wounds, causing endless bleeding.
And the wounds fester and rot.
Even curse magic can't completely nullify natural regeneration. Most warriors have some regeneration essences, and they don't have zero magic resistance.
'Damn it, I should have kept my armor...'
One hour, two hours, three hours.
As time passes, the number of injured increases.
Even minor wounds become a liability, leading to more serious injuries.
Of course, if we had mana shields, we wouldn't be in this state.
But...
'That's like drinking seawater because you're thirsty.'
How can we maintain mana shields for everyone?
Our mana would be depleted in three hours—
Crash!
Damn it, I can't afford to be distracted.
Things are getting worse in the rear, but I'm also struggling.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!"
I'm pushing through the monsters, clearing a path for the expedition.
It's taking a toll on my stamina.
No, it's not even stamina that's the problem. If it weren't for [Primordial Cell] and [Soul Dive], my MP would have been depleted long ago, and [Gigantification] would have been deactivated.
'Damn it, I'm getting sloppy.'
I've also been injured.
I'm practically immune to physical attacks from these low-level monsters, but...
Skeletons don't just use physical attacks.
Their bone explosions deal cold damage, and even I can't completely ignore them at point-blank range.
"Yandel! That guy's here again!"
I hear a shout, and a giant skeleton appears.
It's taller than me, even with [Gigantification] active, but it's classified as a medium-sized monster.
There's a larger one.
Thump! Thump!
A giant skeleton climbs the cliff, its red eyes glowing in the darkness.
"B-below! That guy's coming up again!"
"Priests!"
The priests unleash a barrage of divine spells, forcing the giant skeleton to retreat.
[Groaaaaar!]
It roars in frustration and disappears back into the darkness.
Damn it, it'll be back in a few minutes, looking for another chance to attack.
Crack!
I smash the skull of the medium-sized skeleton in front of me with my hammer.
But there's no time to rest.
I push forward again, clearing a path.
"Heh heh heh..."
I can't help but laugh.
Not because I'm enjoying this, but because I'm afraid I'll lose my mind if I don't.
Clench!
My muscles scream in protest.
Crack!
My head throbs.
"Uwaaaaaaaaah!"
But my body keeps moving, repeating the same actions.
I focus on the positive.
'At least they haven't caught up to us yet.'
It's been four hours since the monster wave began.
We can't rely on the detection magic to gauge their distance anymore, but the pursuers haven't caught up.
It means they're also being cautious.
They're probably moving slowly, avoiding unnecessary combat.
'Unlike us, who are burning ourselves out...'
I'm willing to push myself to the limit, even if it means more injuries.
I have to buy time for the others.
Stagger!
I stumble, my legs giving out.
'Have I lost too much blood?'
Hmm, it seems so.
My body is like a leaky water bag.
Wounds that would have healed instantly are now gushing blood.
'This is dangerous...'
I have to make a decision.
Survival is about choosing the lesser evil.
"Marone, burn my wounds."
"...What, what did you say?"
"I need to stop the bleeding."
"S-stop the bleeding? What are you talking about...? How can you say that with a straight face?!"
The mage is horrified by my request.
She's worried about the burns festering and causing irreversible damage.
It's a valid concern.
But my wounds are already rotting, and...
"It'll heal once we reach the top."
We just have to survive until then.
"But... it might be too late by then! Even divine power might not be enough to heal it! You could be permanently disfigured..."
She's trying to cover her ass, just like a doctor warning you about the risks of surgery.
I ignore her.
"It's better than dying here."
"Okay, okay, I'll do it! But I don't understand! Why are you going this far...!"
She gives in and starts channeling a fire spell.
And...
"Heh heh heh..."
I laugh, trying to focus on the positive.
At least I'm not cold anymore.
________________________
One hour, two hours, three hours...
The agonizing journey continues, and I witness a new side of the expedition members.
Wow, I thought they were all weaklings...
But they're actually baby birds.
Tough baby birds.
"Hey, can you burn my wounds too?"
"I'd like to be frozen. It might hurt less."
The melee attackers, who had initially called me crazy for burning my wounds, are now following my lead.
Some are even more extreme.
"Hey, can you just cut this arm off?"
"...What?"
"I'm not stupid. This arm is already rotten beyond repair. Even priests can't fix this. I've lost all feeling in it anyway."
"But... even if it's like that, you should reconsider..."
"Haha, don't worry. There are plenty of one-armed explorers out there. They all have a story to tell. I'll be fine."
Even a barbarian would be speechless at that logic.
But maybe that's why...
We were able to reach the top.
「The Eye of the Glacier field effect has been lifted.」
The moment we had all been waiting for.
Thud!
The exhausted warriors collapse to the ground.
Their bodies are mangled and bruised, but their smiles are brighter than ever.
"We made it..."
"Damn it, damn it, damn it... We're alive, we're actually alive..."
"What are you all waiting for?! Mages! Dispel the curse! We need healing, now!"
The priests are ready to collapse from exhaustion, but they force themselves to channel their divine power.
"...You all did well. Truly."
"My arm... I'm sorry. I couldn't save it."
The priests apologize to the warriors.
"Haha, don't worry about it."
"I have one request."
The warriors chuckle and make a request.
"Just one prayer, that's all I ask."
"A prayer...?"
"For those who couldn't make it. For those who died protecting us."
"...Of course."
The priests kneel and pray.
The other members, regardless of their race or beliefs, follow suit.
Even the dwarves, the beastmen, the fairies, and even I.
"...May they rest in peace."
We pray for the fallen, asking for their souls to find peace.
________________________
Twenty-two survivors.
We lost three more members while escaping the Eye of the Glacier.
It was a harsh environment, even with our desperate measures.
'Matt Highbury.'
A paladin from the 4th Team.
'Pasible Eric Colson.'
A knight from the 5th Team.
He was Kaislan's subordinate and close friend for over 10 years.
"Kaislan..."
"Haha, don't make that face. He died a soldier's death. He wouldn't be too upset."
"...Not upset? How can you say that?"
"He died following you, not the royal family who abandoned us."
"...I see."
"I'm fine, so you should focus on your duties."
The short prayer ends, and we return to our tasks.
The priests continue healing the wounded.
The mages draw a new magic circle on the ground.
And I...
"Wait! We can't move yet!"
"It's fine, I can endure it. Heal the others first."
"What are you talking about?! You're the one who's in the worst shape!"
Well, if it was that bad, I wouldn't be able to stand here and talk.
I ignore the priest's protests and check on the expedition.
I haven't had time to do that until now.
"Akuraba."
I approach her first.
"How much food is left?"
"It's all gone."
"You all ate well, I see."
"...You forced us to eat, didn't you?"
She's being sarcastic, but I ignore her.
"Everyone did well."
I change the subject.
"Where do you think they are now?"
"Well... I'm curious about that too. They were relentless, so I doubt they've given up."
"I see..."
"I'll keep an eye on the Eye of the Glacier. You should get some rest. If you collapse, the expedition is over..."
"Alright..."
After talking to Akuraba, I let the priests finish healing me. Then I lie down near the entrance of the Eye of the Glacier.
"You worked hard... Mister."
It feels like a dream, the peaceful atmosphere compared to the hell we just went through.
Even the cold, hard ground feels comfortable.
But as always, the sweet respite doesn't last long.
"Yandel! They're here!"
Akuraba's shout jolts everyone awake.
They quickly form their ranks.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Boom!
Flares illuminate the darkness below, revealing twelve figures climbing the icy path.
They're in better shape than I expected.
They're maintaining their formation and moving steadily.
There are no visible injuries, and they don't seem to have lost any weight.
Unlike us, who are practically crawling back up.
'Well, that's to be expected.'
They didn't have to fight their way through hordes of skeletons.
I clench my jaw and look down at them.
They're also looking up at us.
With a single question in their eyes.
"...?"
They're wondering why we're not wearing any armor.
Heh.
The Dragonslayer, who's leading the group, whispers something to his comrades. Then he smiles, looking up at me.
He must be mocking us.
'They still don't understand the situation, do they?'
That's why I threw away my armor.
It was a calculated decision.
Here, field advantage is more important than equipment.
「Character has entered a special area.」
「Field Effect - Eye of the Glacier applied.」
Okay, the field effect starts from here.
Thud.
I take one step back, stopping at the boundary line.
And I smile, shouting down at them.
"Get ready to fight!"
It's their turn to suffer.
-x-X-x-
Dragon's Mountain Range.
The place where Noark's forces and the royal army were locked in a fierce battle, forming a long front line.
"Traitor! We have reports that the traitor who disappeared for a while has appeared on the western front!"
Eltora Terserion, the 3rd Corps Commander, frowned as he received the report from his subordinate.
"A traitor... I see. You're dismissed."
"Yes, sir!"
The subordinate thought the news of the traitor's reappearance had displeased his superior, but the real reason for Eltora's frown was different.
'The traitor has reappeared...'
Eltora wasn't a fool.
A few days ago, Noark's western forces were spotted moving north.
The most likely reason for their movement was to pursue the expedition force that was attempting to escape on their own.
'...Does that mean the pursuit is over?'
Eltora unconsciously clenched his fist.
'Father... No, what is the Marquis thinking?'
Right before entering the labyrinth with his troops, Eltora had received two secret orders from his father.
One was to ignore the expedition force's request for rescue.
And the other...
'If they somehow manage to survive and return, eliminate them quietly.'
He wasn't sure if he should be relieved or not, but Eltora didn't have to carry out the second order.
The expedition force had chosen a different path.
'Did they really all die...?'
It was a conflicting feeling.
He had played a role in abandoning them.
And he would be in trouble if they somehow managed to return.
But...
Thump!
He couldn't believe it.
Were they really dead?
Bjorn Yandel, who had even survived the Crystal Cave incident, would die like this?
"..."
Eltora closed his eyes and thought.
He tried to imagine what he would have done if he were the expedition leader.
'They fled north, not south towards their allies... to mislead the enemy.'
It wasn't a bad move.
They had avoided two powerful forces.
'Did he know and deliberately choose that path...?'
Well, he wasn't sure.
But even if they knew, the outcome wouldn't be different.
Heading north didn't seem like a viable escape route.
They were deep in enemy territory, with no hope of reinforcements.
The encirclement was closing in.
The members were exhausted.
What would he have done in that situation?
No, not him, but Bjorn Yandel... that man with his unwavering determination.
'...Ice Rock.'
That was the only option left, if they were determined to escape.
But...
'Even if they went there, they wouldn't survive.'
No matter how he imagined it, he couldn't see a hopeful future.
He wasn't underestimating Bjorn Yandel's abilities.
Ice Rock?
The Eye of the Glacier?
He would surely overcome those challenges.
Considering what he had done in the Crystal Cave, it was unthinkable that he would be defeated by such a trivial obstacle.
But he had chosen the wrong opponent.
'The Marquis wouldn't be unaware of this.'
Heading to Ice Rock.
It was a bold move, a desperate gamble.
But it was also a predictable one.
And his father, who always prepared for every possible outcome, would he have done nothing?
'Bjorn Yandel won't return alive.'
Eltora Terserion reached that conclusion.
Thump!
He ignored the pounding of his heart.
________________________
Our current formation is simple.
A narrow passage, barely wide enough for four people to walk side by side.
"Schuitz, are you sure this is alright?"
"I told you, didn't I? It's too narrow for everyone to move together."
I'm the only one at the front lines, blocking the enemy.
That's the answer I came up with.
The only way to ensure the survival of as many members as possible.
"Don't overdo it. We're right behind you."
"Yeah, I'm counting on you—"
"Bjorn Yandel!!"
The Dragonslayer's voice echoed through the passage, filled with killing intent.
"You thought you could escape?!"
He still doesn't seem to understand the situation.
But thankfully, not everyone is as naive as him.
"Regal Vagos, calm down."
One of the explorers stepped forward, blocking the Dragonslayer's path.
Crack.
Someone gritted their teeth.
I felt the same way.
"That bastard... he killed Naria..."
Milburn Naria, the troll summoner.
Whether she was an evil spirit or not, she died trying to help us.
And that bastard was the one who killed her.
"Is that you, Bjorn Yandel?"
The explorer who had stopped the Dragonslayer turned to face me.
'Is he the leader...?'
He acted so naturally, as if he were in charge.
The Dragonslayer was just standing there, silently watching.
"Yes, I'm Bjorn Yandel."
I decided to answer him.
I was curious too.
"And you are?"
He answered without hesitation.
"Manua Repeles."
A name that will be added to my kill list.
"I'll kill that bastard..."
No, it should be added to everyone's kill list.
Their eyes were filled with killing intent as they glared at the man.
But they didn't act recklessly.
"Manua Repeles... I've never heard of you."
"Well, that's to be expected. We're a secret weapon, after all."
That confirmed my suspicions.
I had a hunch when I saw their high-grade essences...
They're from the 8th-floor expedition team.
"So, what do you want?"
I asked, ready to add his name to my kill list.
He got straight to the point.
"I have a proposition for you."
"A proposition...?"
"As I said, we're a secret weapon. Even if we succeed in eliminating you all, it would be a huge loss if even one or two of us die."
"Get to the point."
He opened his palm.
"Five."
"...?"
"Just hand over five of your members. Then we'll be satisfied and return. Ah, it doesn't have to be you, Bjorn Yandel."
What the hell is he talking about?
I was speechless.
Sometimes, when you hear something so ridiculous, you don't even get angry.
"Isn't that a good deal? Just give us five, and you can all return alive."
"I think you're the one who should be making that offer. Give me five of your heads, including yours and Regal Vagos, and I'll let the rest go."
"You won't regret this?"
What a fool.
Alcohol is alcohol, no matter how bitter it tastes, and poison is poison, no matter how sweet it is.
"Your mother will be the one regretting it."
"...What?"
He seemed surprised by my blunt response.
He must not have heard such language in Noark, despite their reputation for being vulgar.
"She probably didn't know. That her son would grow up to be a coward who only talks big in front of the enemy."
"..."
"Or are you just scared and pissing yourself? It's hard to tell with all the stench coming from you."
"..."
"Why are you silent? Ah, could it be that you don't have a mother—"
"You bastard...!"
"Oh, you don't? I see. I understand. You must have had a rough childhood, not receiving proper education."
"..."
"All that hair loss... it must be from all the stress you endured—"
"...I'll kill you!!"
Damn it, why does he keep interrupting me?
I'm a bit offended, but I achieved my goal.
After all, the world works like this.
"Yeah, you won't."
"...!"
The one who gets agitated first loses.
________________________
"Repeles! Don't fall for his provocation! You're only playing into his hands..."
Regal Vagos tried to stop his agitated subordinate.
But...
Heh.
Will that work?
His bald head is already red with anger.
Tadat.
He charges at me, his fists clenched.
He's a Pugilist.
It's a rare class in the labyrinth.
It's decent in the early game, but there aren't any good core essences for it in the mid-game.
Well, it does have some good skills in the late game.
Like the one he just used.
「Manua Repeles has cast [Iron Fist].」
[Iron Fist], a skill obtainable from the 8th-floor rift.
Its effects are simple.
Flash!
A short-range teleport, covering about 4 meters.
And...
Crash!
An unavoidable knockback.
And...
「Deals fixed damage proportional to the caster's Strength and the target's Physical Resistance.」
True damage, dealing more damage the tougher the target.
This skill was the reason for our defeat in the previous battle.
I was hit a few times, and my mana shield shattered. I was pushed back, and our formation crumbled. And because I chose to dodge instead of blocking, I couldn't properly hold him down, which is one of the main roles of a tank.
But things are different now.
"...Ugh."
The impact makes my insides churn.
I don't have a mana shield, so I feel the full force of the blow.
But...
「Royta Mamender has cast [Emergency Regeneration].」
I'm healed instantly.
「Benjamin Orman has cast [Moonlight Sanctuary].」
A healing zone is also deployed between us.
Swoosh.
I look down at his fist, embedded in my stomach.
And I shout.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!"
He flinches at my sudden roar.
He raises his fists to block my hammer.
He's trying to create distance and use [Iron Fist] again.
That skill is good, with no cooldown, but it requires a certain distance to charge.
'You think I'll let you?'
I activate [Transcendence] and [Eye of the Storm].
I couldn't use this combo in the previous battle because our formation had crumbled, and too many enemies were swarming around me.
Whiiiiiish!
"...!"
He's pulled towards me by the whirlwind, his face contorted with surprise.
I swing my hammer.
But I don't land a clean hit.
He's a tank, after all.
「Manua Repeles has cast [Invulnerability].」
He crosses his arms above his head, blocking my hammer.
And as our brief exchange ends, the others join the fight.
「Ricky Aimond has cast [Thunderbolt Target].」
「Cale Elbad Jeneger has cast [Earth Spike].」
They unleash their skills.
Some of them pierce through my defenses, but I'm quickly healed by the priests.
「Ann Parbella has cast [Lightning Dash].」
A melee attacker dashes past me.
And...
「Ann Parbella has cast [Gather].」
She uses a skill to teleport two of her allies to her location.
「Puran Cullen has cast [Spirit Possession].」
「Marion Trider has cast [Dance of Chaos].」
It's like a raid party.
They must have decided that fighting on our side, even in enemy territory, is better than staying on the other side with the reversed regeneration effect active.
'They really underestimated us, didn't they?'
They think they can break through our defenses with just three people?
"Don't worry! We won't let them pass!"
I leave the raid party to my allies.
They won't die as long as they're in the healing zone, even if they're attacked from behind.
I doubt they'll even get a chance to attack me.
"Kill them! It's time for revenge!"
"We won't be defeated like last time!"
"Waaaaaaaah!"
The battle begins.
The enemies, including the bald guy, try to break through my defenses. The three who crossed the boundary line form a tight formation, their backs to each other, desperately trying to break through our lines.
Swaaaaaaaaaa!
The priests on the safe hilltop unleash a barrage of divine spells, healing and attacking simultaneously.
"Kill the priests first!"
The enemies try to target the priests, unleashing their skills...
Swaaaaaaaaaa!
But their attacks are intercepted and dissipate before they can reach the hilltop.
We set up a magic barrier as soon as we arrived.
We won't lose this fight as long as we protect the priests.
"A barrier...!"
The enemies realize their projectiles are useless and start looking for other options.
「Mike Roymers has cast [Slime Walk].」
「Leah Andes has cast [Flame Swim].」
They try to climb the cliff using their essences.
「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia has cast [Rapid Fire].」
But they're quickly stopped by our ranged attackers.
Time passes...
"...You insignificant ants!"
The battle is going in our favor, as expected.
The three who charged in are struggling against our superior numbers, and I'm holding my ground like a wall, preventing the others from crossing the boundary line.
"Damn it...!"
"Why won't that monster get tired?!"
"Kill him! Kill him, I said!"
The more desperate they become, the more aggressively they attack.
It's simple.
They're all injured.
They know this is their last chance.
"Don't hold back!"
"We'll be rewarded handsomely if we win this battle!"
Their attacks intensify as their injuries worsen.
The Dragonslayer, who's fighting alongside the bald guy, is no exception.
"Hey, let me ask you something."
"...?"
"I'm curious, when will that moment come? The moment when death can't save me?"
"...Crack."
He stops attacking and glares at me.
He seems to have reached his limit.
"You always forced me to sacrifice."
He mutters, his face contorted with determination.
And then he unleashes his ultimate skill.
「Regal Vagos has cast [Dragon Speech: Soul Silence].」
Oh, he's finally using it.
「Character's Soul Power is depleted.」
「[Gigantification] has been deactivated.」
My body shrinks rapidly.
The hammer and shield, which felt light as feathers, now weigh a ton.
「Character has entered a state of Soul Exhaustion.」
「All stats are temporarily reduced by 70%.」
The same state I experienced in Lalkas's Maze.
Ah, that brings back memories.
Back then, I thought it was the end—
"Cough! Hack! Cough...!"
What the hell?
Why is he coughing up blood?
Ah, did using Dragon Speech put a strain on his body?
He's like a bee that dies after stinging once.
"Regal Vagos! Are you alright?"
"I'm fine... Kill him... Heh heh heh..."
He staggers, but his eyes are filled with hatred as he glares at me.
「Character has cast [Soul Dive].」
「Soul Power is regenerated proportionally to the amount consumed.」
I feel a bit sorry for him.
「Soul Exhaustion has been lifted.」
It only takes one skill to recover.
-x-X-x-
Dragon Speech: Soul Silence.
A cheat-like skill that burns away all MP within range, leading to Soul Exhaustion.
However, it has a weakness.
As I heard from the Dragonkin elder, it can only burn away up to 40% of your maximum MP.
'That's probably why he was saving it until now.'
We had received healing from the priests after escaping the Eye of the Glacier, but MP recovery is a different story.
My MP was already over half depleted, and I had used a considerable amount fighting these guys, using [Gigantification] and spamming [Swing].
That's why I provoked him.
[I'm curious, when will that moment come? The moment when death can't save me?]
[...Crack.]
He was running out of MP.
Of course, I had [Soul Dive], but it has a cooldown. Once I used it, there would be no way to counter another Dragon Speech.
That's why I urged him to use it quickly.
And the result...
"Cough! Hack! Cough...!"
The Dragonslayer was incapacitated.
Hmm, he did struggle whenever he used Dragon Speech in Lalkas's Maze...
But I didn't expect him to be this weakened.
An unexpected gain.
「Character has cast [Soul Dive].」
「Soul Power is regenerated proportionally to the amount consumed.」
「Character has cast [Gigantification].」
On the other hand, I had recovered my depleted MP and was ready to fight again.
"H-how...?"
That dumbfounded expression is a bonus.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
I feel the energy of my ancestor god coursing through my veins.
「Manua Repeles has cast [Iron Fist].」
The bald guy's Iron Fist attack followed, but I just smiled and took the hit.
Hmm, they weren't affected by Soul Silence.
'Well, they would have formed a Bond beforehand if they were planning to use Dragon Speech.'
The Noark frontliners, including the bald guy, weren't affected by Soul Silence.
It seems like the backline was outside the range.
'Thankfully, our team was also outside the range.'
That's why I had sent the frontline back.
It was a secondary measure to block the raid party, but the main reason was to prevent them from being hit by Soul Silence.
'He probably thought he could end it all by taking me down. He must have calculated that the others would be in danger if I was incapacitated.'
That thought made me laugh.
It was ridiculous.
[...You always forced me to sacrifice.]
This is what he calls sacrifice?
If he was really willing to sacrifice, he should have gone all out.
But he was still holding back.
'Good thing he did.'
「Character has cast [Eye of the Storm].」
「The inherent ability of the skill is unlocked by the power of the Transcendent.」
I activated my grab skill and pulled the Dragonslayer towards me.
A strong wind swept through the passage, dragging him closer.
Crack!
I swung my hammer, shattering his left shoulder.
"Aaaaargh...!"
'Damn, I aimed for his head. He dodged.'
Well, there's always next time.
I blocked the bald guy, who was rushing to save the Dragonslayer.
No, it wasn't just him.
「Mike Roymers has cast [Ground Breaker].」
「Reduces damage received by allies within range by half, and takes the remaining damage instead.」
A mace warrior, close to a tank.
「Leah Andes has cast [Wave of Fire].」
「Temporarily increases all fire damage dealt, and gains additional effects when closer to the target.」
A rare close-range ability user.
These three were well-coordinated, working together to overwhelm me.
They must have practiced together often.
Now that the Dragonslayer was down, they were even more aggressive.
「Cale Elbad Jeneger has cast [Earth Spike].」
Ranged attacks from the backline were a bonus.
Their attacks pierced my defenses, tearing through my flesh and shattering my bones.
But...
「Royta Mamender has cast [Greater Heal].」
「Benjamin Orman has cast [Greater Heal].」
I was covered in buffs and received intensive healing from the priests.
「Kelver's Iron has cast the 4th-grade black magic [Mark of Evil].」
「Reduces all regeneration effects on the target.」
The black mage persistently cast curse magic, but it was useless.
「Benjamin Orman has cast [Moonlight Purification].」
「Removes all negative effects on the target.」
Cleansing was easier than cursing.
"Focus on defense!"
We maintained our defensive formation.
This wasn't a raid, it was a siege.
'They can't escape anyway.'
They were trapped.
The monsters were swarming behind them, and the boss monster was climbing up from below.
They would be overwhelmed if they retreated to the 7th floor.
They wouldn't even last a day with their limited food supply.
"Damn it, where did this monster come from...!"
The mace warrior, who had challenged me to a strength contest, was dumbfounded.
"He's pushing us back even with three of us attacking him!"
Ah, they were hoping to break through with just three people?
They were overconfident.
"Repeles! We have to retreat!"
The mace warrior pleaded with the bald guy, but he didn't listen.
"Where can we go?!"
"We have to break through! We can't stay here!"
He knew.
If they retreated, it was game over.
"We just have to kill this one guy!"
"The rest are nothing!"
Their only hope was to break through our defenses.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
But I wasn't going to let them.
_____________________________________
The battle continued.
And the tide, once turned, didn't shift back.
"...We can't hold on any longer!"
The raid party, who had tried to bypass me and attack the main force, retreated, rejoining their allies.
"What about Cullen?"
"Can't you see? He's dead!"
They had fought back to back, but one of them had fallen, and they couldn't hold on any longer.
'Good, that leaves 11...'
The enemy's numbers had dwindled.
On the other hand, we had no casualties.
The priests were focused on healing me, so even the injured members were mostly lightly wounded.
But...
'This is where it gets tricky.'
I doubled down on my vigilance.
They had realized it too.
That if this continued, they might all die here.
"...To think we would have to risk our lives in a place like this."
Humans are calculating creatures.
That's why, when faced with a life-or-death situation, they choose to give up.
Everything except survival.
'That's the most dangerous state to encounter in an enemy.'
It's like a boss monster's 'berserk' pattern.
Fighting with their lives on the line.
「Character's Soul Power is depleted.」
「[Gigantification] has been deactivated.」
My MP ran out, and my body shrank.
"Yandel, go back and rest for a moment."
Amelia immediately took my place on the right.
"Yes, we'll hold the line here."
Raviyen on the left.
"We'll take over your position."
Jun and Kaislan stepped forward from behind.
Okay, Kaislan might be a bit unreliable, but Jun should be able to hold the main tank position.
I decided to trust my comrades and retreated to the second line. I would be ready to jump back in if anything unexpected happened.
"That monster has retreated!"
"Now's our chance!"
The Noark explorers, seeing me retreat, charged forward with renewed vigor.
But their enthusiasm was short-lived.
「Jun Arsene has cast [Divine Release].」
Jun, with his buffs activated, was a monster tank himself.
And...
Kaislan, Raviyen, Amelia.
Whooosh!
If you get hit by them, you die.
"...Ugh!"
"Watch out!"
The best defense is a good offense.
Sharp counterattacks pierced through their gaps, preventing them from pushing forward aggressively.
And...
"Repeles, Ricky Aimond is down!"
Another point for us.
Our ranged attackers had finally won the DPS race, taking down one of their ranged damage dealers.
「Status Effect [Whisper of Immortality] activated.」
Unlike our fallen comrade, the enemy was resurrected as an undead due to the field effect.
"Push him back! Throw him off the cliff—"
"Aaaaaargh!"
The enemy ability user, now a Lich, indiscriminately cast spells at his former allies before being subdued and thrown off the cliff.
It was a shame we couldn't get another kill, but...
'Two black mages, one ability user, one Karui priest... That's all that's left of their ranged attackers.'
The fierce battle continued.
Kaislan was severely injured and retreated, but another tank immediately took his place.
"Huff... Huff... Huff..."
Sven Parab.
His anxious breathing was a bit unsettling, but he was a paladin.
He was our only main tank besides Jun and me.
Ah, there was also a change in the melee DPS line.
"Emily, come back!"
"..."
Amelia's MP was depleted, so she retreated, and Rick Jugsta, a warrior from the 3rd Team, took her place.
We utilized our numerical advantage in the narrow passage, pushing the enemy back.
But...
"Ugh!"
We couldn't avoid all casualties.
"Rick!"
A sharp rock spear pierced through his chest.
It was the same skill that had instantly killed Mite Million, the tank from the 2nd Team.
Rick Jugsta, who had replaced him, was also dead.
The field effect didn't activate this time, but...
"N-no! Rick...!"
James Kala, who was in the backline, rushed forward and embraced his friend's body.
I coldly spoke.
"...Kala, return to your position."
Now wasn't the time for mourning.
Thankfully, James Kala understood.
"Yes..."
He picked up his friend's body and retreated to the backline.
I couldn't say anything.
I just turned my gaze back to the battlefield.
Slash!
Another point for us.
"M-Mike is...!"
The mace warrior was down.
Raviyen had landed the killing blow, but she was injured in the process.
She wouldn't die, thanks to the priests, but it would take time for her to recover.
「Status Effect [Whisper of Immortality] activated.」
The fallen enemy was resurrected as an undead.
"Push him back! We have to push him back!"
But this time, they were smarter.
They retreated, pushing the undead towards us.
'Damn it...'
We had to work harder to take down the resurrected enemy.
'10 left... No, the Dragonslayer is incapacitated, so 9...'
Their numbers were steadily decreasing.
Our victory was drawing closer.
Their resources were also running low, just like our ranged attackers.
"C-curse magic! Hurry and cast a curse!"
The black mage's curse, which had been suppressing their regeneration, was dispelled. Their bodies began to rot.
The black mage, who had been focusing on countering the priests, had finally run out of mana.
'Good, this is it.'
I saw that Jun's buffs had worn off, and his tanking ability had decreased.
I retreated from the frontline and stepped forward.
"...Damn it, he's recovered already!"
My MP wasn't fully replenished yet, but it was enough to maintain [Gigantification].
[Soul Dive]'s cooldown would be over soon too.
'And most importantly, there's no need to deal damage anymore.'
It was like a dam breaking.
All I had to do was block the path and let the field effect take care of the rest.
"Push forward! Push forward, I said!"
They desperately tried to push their frontline beyond the field boundary, but I held my ground.
"The priests are running out of divine power!"
The priests' healing, which had been our lifeline, was gone.
But it didn't matter anymore.
They were exhausted too.
Their arms and legs were rotting, and their attacks were weakening.
I gritted my teeth and held my shield firm.
"Ugh...!"
I could feel their desperation.
They knew this was their last chance.
Thump!
My heart pounded.
But it wasn't excitement for the upcoming victory, but a premonition of danger.
"Aaaaargh!"
Suddenly, a scream came from behind us.
It shouldn't have happened.
"Y-Yandel!!"
Kaislan shouted, his voice filled with urgency.
"...Enemies! We have enemies behind us!"
A variable had appeared.
-x-X-x-
We abandoned the hope of being rescued.
We discarded our food, and our equipment as well.
Even after running like that, we had to watch helplessly as our comrade died.
Survival was all about that.
Giving up, and giving up again.
Deceiving yourself that it was the most rational choice in an unreasonable situation.
That's why we burned everything we had, using it as fuel to move forward.
But…
"…Enemies! New enemies have appeared!"
What else do we have to give up now?
Damn it, I already know the answer.
"Jun, I'll leave this place to you for a while."
I hurriedly handed over the baton and headed to the rear.
As soon as I turned around, I saw the enemy's ranged unit rushing towards us from the back.
The main force was following behind them.
"Mister…!"
"Erwen!"
"About fifteen of them! They're not knights, but they use Aura! Gerold is holding them off alone!"
Bentis Gerold.
The ability user from the 3rd Team.
The man with a sunny disposition and an overly optimistic outlook, whom everyone teased but loved.
"Thank you for letting me know. Quickly join the main force with Akuraba."
"…Be careful!"
When I reached the rear, he was lying on the ground, bleeding profusely.
Swaaaaaaaaaa!
The blood steamed as it made contact with the frigid air.
'So… another one is dead.'
If it weren't for him, more people would have been injured, even killed.
Thump—
My heart clenched, but this cruel reality didn't give me time to grieve.
Swoosh.
I looked up.
Fifteen enemies were standing over Gerold's body.
I was reminded of a conversation I had with the leader of Orculus in Noark.
[A human woman.]
[A red aura in the shape of a dagger.]
[All hallmarks of the Rose Knight Order.]
The Rose Knight Order.
The royal family's special forces unit, specializing in assassination, infiltration, and covert operations.
So, we finally meet.
Drip, drip, drip, drip—
A woman holding a blood-stained dagger stares at me.
She reminds me of Amelia when we first met.
Her eyes are devoid of emotion.
And…
"Viscount Bjorn Yandel, I presume."
Her voice is flat and emotionless.
"According to our intel, he has at least 2nd-grade sword defense. His combat power is two levels higher than ours, so proceed with caution."
As soon as her briefing ended, they assumed combat stances.
I felt a chill run down my spine.
I wasn't afraid of those who threatened to kill me without even knowing who I was.
But these were different.
They were professionals, trained for a single purpose: to kill.
Thump!
My heart pounded, sensing the upcoming battle.
But…
Clench—
So what?
"Did the Marquis send you?"
I asked, my body tense with anticipation.
But they didn't answer.
"….."
Geez, those eyes are scary.
They don't talk to their targets?
My faint hope of reasoning with them vanished.
But I had to know at least one thing.
"How did you know we were coming?"
"….."
"Answer me. I can't figure this out. Don't you feel sorry for us?"
The woman stared at me, her expression unchanged, and then spoke in a monotone.
"…We were ordered to wait here just in case. Even the Intelligence Department thought it was unlikely that you would actually come this far."
"Unlikely…"
I couldn't help but chuckle.
They had deployed a force this strong to prevent an unlikely scenario?
It felt like I was surrounded by walls, closing in on me.
"…The negotiation has failed."
The woman spoke, breaking the silence.
"Failed?"
"Those who are broken don't have that look in their eyes."
What? She was hoping I would give up?
I whined.
"That's strange. I'm pretty desperate right now."
"Then are you going to die here?"
"No, I'll fight until the end."
"I see... There are people like you. Those who don't seek death as an escape..."
Her expression changed for the first time.
It was subtle, but she seemed to feel a bit sorry for me.
Maybe I was wrong.
But even if I was right, it wouldn't change anything.
"It seems like we're done talking."
I said.
"….."
She didn't answer.
We both knew.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
There was no need for further conversation.
______________________
Vol-Herchan, the Aura Resistance essence.
It had allowed me to become a knight's worst nightmare, but it didn't make me invincible.
There's no such thing as invincibility in [Dungeon and Stone].
Slash, slash, stab!
Her daggers pierced my flesh, leaving behind countless minor wounds.
The priests had already run out of divine power, so I couldn't rely on healing.
And...
「Character has been poisoned by Royal Compound Poison.」
「Character's Physical stats are above 700.」
「Poison Resistance is above 100.」
「Poison effect is reduced by 70%.」
The poison on her daggers made the wounds tingle, the sensation spreading throughout my body.
It even had an anti-regeneration effect, preventing my wounds from healing.
The injuries kept accumulating.
Whoosh!
I swung my hammer, but it missed.
She dodged all my attacks, moving like a phantom.
She would climb the walls, perform somersaults in midair, and change direction abruptly, defying the laws of physics.
And whenever I showed the slightest opening, she would attack, her daggers slicing through my flesh.
The wounds weren't deep, but...
Slash, slash!
My movements became sluggish, and the number of injuries increased.
If the terrain was wider and all fifteen of them were attacking me at once, I would have been shredded to pieces by now.
"...Ugh!"
I stumbled, losing my balance.
She seized the opportunity and aimed for my neck.
'Now!'
I activated my trap card.
I stomped on the ground and swung my hammer upwards.
But...
'Damn it, just take the hit!'
She dodged again.
It's like fighting a machine, not a human.
This game is bullshit.
「Character has cast [Soul Dive].」
「Soul Power is regenerated proportionally to the amount consumed.」
I activated [Soul Dive], which was off cooldown, and replenished my MP.
And at that moment...
"We're here to help!"
Reinforcements arrived.
Raviyen and Amelia, who had been holding off the Noark explorers.
"What about the front lines?"
"They're holding them off at the boundary line."
So they're recovering.
They're waiting for us to weaken before attacking.
'Damn it, we're caught in the middle...'
I raised my shield, protecting my upper body.
Clang!
The dagger bounced off harmlessly.
But I don't feel the usual pain in my legs.
She would have attacked my lower body by now.
Why?
I realized the reason as I looked at the Rose Knights, who were keeping their distance.
'Ah, it's because of them.'
They were too busy watching Amelia and Raviyen to focus on me.
Right, melee attackers should fight melee attackers.
'Whew, at least I have some breathing room now.'
I shouted towards Akuraba, who was in the backline.
I was a tank, and also the expedition leader.
I had to do both.
"Akuraba, tell them to hold their position! Focus on recovering! We'll need their full strength soon!"
It pained me to give the Noark explorers time to recover...
But we didn't have a choice.
'What?'
But then I noticed something strange.
The Rose Knights didn't react to my shout. They weren't ignoring me, they looked like they couldn't hear me.
"Emily, is the voice control magic active?"
"Ah, the mages must have activated it."
"...The mages?"
What is she talking about?
Raviyen parried a dagger that was aiming for my shoulder and explained.
"They used levitation magic to escape when the attack started."
"Escape? There were enemies above us too?"
"Yes. Royta Mamender, the priest, was killed."
"I see..."
It seems like the bad news never ends.
So there were more enemies than we thought, and we even lost a priest...
'Nineteen left...'
The expedition had started with thirty members, and now we were down to nineteen.
Even if we survived, less than half of us would return.
Clench—
I felt a surge of anger.
We had given up so much.
We had abandoned our dreams of a bright future.
We had fought and bled for this miserable existence.
But why did the misfortune never end?
I wanted to scream and curse the heavens.
But...
"Uwaaaaaaaaah!"
I took a deep breath, calming myself down.
We couldn't afford to be consumed by anger.
At least not me.
"...Akuraba!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Don't worry about helping us. Focus on recovering. We'll need your full strength soon."
We only had one chance.
_______________________
"That's insane!"
"We'll all die if we follow his orders!"
No one objected anymore.
"...Alright, we'll do as you say."
Akuraba immediately followed my orders, and so did the other members.
Had I earned their trust?
I felt a sense of pride.
My efforts weren't in vain.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
The Rose Knights' attacks intensified as the support from the backline was cut off.
"Yandel is fighting over ten enemies alone! We have to help him!"
And then the Noark explorers, who had been recovering, joined the fight.
And we did one thing.
"Hold the line!!"
We endured.
The priests were out of divine power, and the ranged attackers were silent.
We were surrounded, but...
"Uwaaaaaaaaah!"
...we held our ground.
Noark and the Rose Knights were engaged in a silent standoff.
They were waiting for us to die.
'They think we're all going to die, and then they'll fight each other?'
Well, it's a good thing they're underestimating us.
It gave us an opportunity.
Rumble, rumble, rumble, rumble!
The ground shook, as if an earthquake had struck.
Swaaaaaaaaaa!
A white fog rose from the chasm, enveloping the area.
「Character has been exposed to [Frozen Faith].」
「The Bonding spell has been deactivated.」
Kariadaea, the Glacier Witch.
She had finally arrived.
"Damn it! Break through!"
The Noark explorers shouted in panic.
"...Eliminate them quickly."
The Rose Knights were also surprised, although they were much calmer.
I chuckled.
'I'm the only one who took the boss monster's arrival time into account.'
That's why they were so relaxed.
[Kyaaaaa!]
Thousands of skeletons emerged from the fog, their arms flailing.
And at the center of it all, the Elder Lich, Kariadaea, glared at us with her crimson eyes.
"Yandel! We're ready!"
The 'big thing' I had requested from the ranged attackers was ready.
So...
"Fire."
It was time to gamble.
「James Kala has cast [Piercing Light].」
「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia has cast [Elemental Fusion].」
「Titana Akuraba has used [No. 1911 Paveler's Broken Pocket Watch].」
「Bersil Gowland has cast the 3rd-grade attack magic [Flame of Retribution].」
「Mckelly Leyaders has cast the 3rd-grade attack magic [Judgment].」
「Liard Ashid has cast the 3rd-grade attack magic [Mana Beam]...」
Not just the ranged attackers, but anyone who had a ranged skill.
They unleashed everything they had.
Not at Noark.
Not at the Rose Knights.
Kaboom!
But at the Elder Lich.
「The Glacier Witch, Kariadaea's first Soul Vessel has been destroyed.」
We had enough firepower.
[Kyaaaaa!]
The Banshees shrieked in pain as they were pulled out of the fog.
And then...
Crack, crack, crack, crack!
The Elder Lich, her bones reassembled, looked at us and raised her hand.
「The Glacier Witch, Kariadaea has cast [Soul Extraction].」
[Soul Extraction].
The pattern she used in her second phase.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
"Phew..."
That was all I could do.
We had rolled the dice.
「All characters within range are stunned.」
I could only hope for the best.
-x-X-x-
The Elder Lich's active skill [Soul Extraction].
The effect of this skill is simple.
If it's a skill obtained from an essence, or a skill cast by an Elder Lich encountered in a normal field…
「Character is inflicted with [Stun].」
…it only inflicts Stun.
For reference, it's not an AoE skill, but a targeted one.
It can also be countered with Mental Power, Magic Resistance, and various other skills.
However…
「The Glacier Witch, Kariadaea, guides the extracted soul to the Vessel of Punishment.」
…the [Soul Extraction] cast by this monster is different.
In the game, there was no way to block this skill, except for staying out of its range…
And it doesn't just inflict Stun.
It creates a unique situation.
Like this.
Flash!
I open my eyes and find myself in the Crystal Cave.
And a man bathed in a faint purple light.
"Hey."
He asks, holding a goblin blood-stained hammer.
"Are you looking for a friend for the night?"
He's human.
In his early thirties, I presume.
A little over 180 centimeters tall, with a kind and gentle face.
'…His feet were big for his height.'
Anyway, so this is what he looked like.
His face had faded from my memory, but now I remember.
He smiles and introduces himself.
"Ah, I haven't introduced myself. My name is Hans."
Hans A.
The first Hans, the one who taught me how to survive in this world.
He had given me a hammer, a compass, a water bottle, shoes…
He had helped me evolve from a barbarian to a civilized person.
"So, why did you kill me?"
His expression contorts with rage, his eyes bloodshot.
Blood drips from his eyes.
But what am I supposed to say?
"I don't know. You must have deserved it."
"You could have forgiven me."
"Forgive…?"
"I have a daughter and a wife."
Right, that…
"I know."
How could I not?
I saw their picture in your bag.
A little girl, about three years old, and your wife, who looked younger than you.
But…
"Did you regret killing me when you saw that picture?"
I answer without hesitation.
"No."
It's the truth.
Why would I regret it?
"I would do it again."
"….."
"You weren't my first target, were you? Did those people not have families?"
Even if you weren't a looter, it wouldn't have changed anything.
Everyone has a family.
"Don't worry. You can live without parents. Your wife and daughter will be fine."
I'm living proof.
Crack!
There's no point in talking anymore.
I charge at him and smash his head with my Demon Crusher.
It's the barbarian way.
But then…
"…You've changed. You weren't like this before."
He speaks, his voice calm and serene, even though only his jaw remains.
"…Huh?"
That's creepy.
Was this part of [Soul Extraction]?
In the game, the characters I killed just attacked me.
This is a new development.
"What do you mean I've changed?"
He chuckles.
"You were trembling when you killed me."
"And?"
"Now you feel nothing."
"Aha!"
"You'll continue to be like this. You'll kill parents, children, even families. And you'll justify it, because they were your enemies."
He's cursing me.
I regret talking to him.
But at least I learned one thing.
"You know, don't you?"
He can read my mind.
"You're becoming a monster."
That's why he knows exactly where to strike.
"Of course, you've been able to deceive yourself so far. Because they were your enemies. You're not a monster yet."
Crack!
I smash his jaw with my hammer, but his voice doesn't stop.
[But.]
"Damn, he's persistent."
[What if they're not your enemies?]
[What if they're innocent people you have to kill to survive?]
[No, what if it's your companion, the one you swore to protect?]
[What then?]
I don't answer.
It's pointless.
This voice is coming from within me.
[You've already become a monster.]
To survive.
The doubts and anxieties I had been suppressing.
[No different from the monsters you've killed.]
"….."
[You're one of them now.]
He disappears into particles of light.
_________________________
My uncle was a piece of trash.
A gambling addict with no real job.
He would give me a generous allowance when he won, but when he lost, he would take it out on me, both verbally and physically.
But even a rock can teach you something.
That's what my uncle had taught me.
It wasn't something you would say to an eight-year-old who had just lost his father...
But if you have to roll the dice,
Roll them on a board you created, not on someone else's.
His words were deeply engraved in my mind and had helped me survive in this world.
Thud, thud.
I'm walking through the Crystal Cave.
It's not a real place.
It's a virtual space I was dragged into by [Soul Extraction].
'I didn't expect the Crystal Cave to be the background.'
The background was always different in the game.
The 2nd-floor Rocky Desert, the 4th-floor Sky Tower, the 6th-floor Great Ocean... sometimes it was even the royal palace.
Then what determines the background?
'Maybe it's the most memorable place.'
It's a plausible theory.
This is where I almost died from a trap, where I met Erwen, where I killed my first person.
And the Abyss Lord incident... I'll never forget that.
Thud.
I hear footsteps behind me and turn around.
Three familiar faces.
A bearded man with a shield.
A tall, blonde spearman.
And...
"K-hee, hee, hee, hee, hee, hee, hee!!!"
A woman in a priest's robe, her head half-crushed, laughing hysterically.
The (former) Elisa Half-Head Mode.
"Wow, it's been a while."
Unlike Hans A, they don't even try to talk to me.
They just attack.
And...
Crack, crack, crack!
They're all gone in ten seconds.
They're no different from goblins to me now.
They all die in one hit.
"Phew... how many are left?"
I try to count the number of enemies I've killed in the Crystal Cave, but I can't.
It's like trying to remember how many slices of bread you've eaten.
I've killed so many people as an explorer that I've lost count.
'...I used to remember.'
Hans A's words weigh heavily on my mind.
I didn't even remember his face until I saw him here.
Or rather, I had completely forgotten about him.
"Elisa... I remember her clearly..."
What was the spearman's name?
Taser Gun? Dyson? Something like that...
I flinch as I remember the bearded man's name.
"Hans Argo."
His Hans code was C.
"Damn it."
So I have to meet all the Hanses I've killed?
This is a nightmare.
'How many Hanses have I killed?'
Thankfully, it wasn't that many.
At least, not the ones I killed directly.
I had used Hans E, the one we met in the sewers while tracking Elisa, as a meat shield when a trap was triggered.
Erwen was the one who killed Hans J, the mage who betrayed us on Parune Island.
And the rest... I had only met them briefly.
Except for one.
"M-my n-name is H-hans K-krisen..."
Hans G, the evil spirit summoner I killed in the Doppelganger Forest.
Wow, he's here.
Maybe it's better to get this over with.
"W-why... why d-did you... k-kill m-me? W-we're f-fellow p-players..."
Hans G, who appeared with his 'soulmate', the fairy archer, is stuttering.
Is that the most memorable thing about him?
Well, it was a shocking experience.
"I didn't betray you! He was the one who exposed me as an evil spirit—!"
So what?
Crack, crack!
I don't let him finish his sentence.
I charge at him and crush his skull.
It's the barbarian way.
As I continue exploring the cave, more and more enemies appear, their forms based on my memories of those I've killed.
"You know why I became a looter! I had no choice!"
Zencia Nephryn, the player I killed in the Glacier Cave.
I didn't know back then.
That there would be players who started in Noark.
"I-it was a m-mistake! D-die! Die, I said!"
The three religious fanatics who attacked Team Misfits after being tricked by Elisa, the priestess of Karui.
I killed them in a cabin after we reunited.
That's when I realized...
The less human I became, the more human I could be in this world.
Crack, crack, crack!
Countless looters appeared, their resentment palpable.
The ones I met in the early game were easily dispatched, but the ones from the later stages were different.
Boom!
The Lighthouse Keeper of Orculus.
Whoosh!
The knight from Noark in the past.
"I was trying to help you!"
Pike Neldain, the traitor we executed during the expedition.
They weren't individually threatening, but their numbers were overwhelming.
It felt like the weight of my sins.
"Did I... really kill this many people...?"
Hundreds.
At least.
But...
"Well, at least it's good practice."
If I've killed this many, imagine how many Noark and the Rose Knights have killed.
I use their misfortune as fuel to keep moving.
Thud, thud.
Through the dark cave, with no destination in sight.
Endlessly.
______________________
「Final enemy defeated.」
「Character's [Stun] status effect is removed.」
「The Glacier Witch will punish you on behalf of the vengeful spirits.」
「A random penalty will be applied until the labyrinth closes.」
______________________
I open my eyes and find myself being dragged across the ground.
Someone is holding my legs, my back scraping against the cold, hard ice.
"Ugh...! Why is he so heavy, even without any armor?!"
Sven Parab's voice.
So you're the one dragging me.
'We're not in the Eye of the Glacier anymore... at least we made it halfway...'
I look around as I'm being dragged.
Strange things are happening.
"Ugh...!"
"Huff... Huff... Huff..."
The priests and mages are carrying the unconscious warriors on their backs.
I check my watch.
'About 15 minutes...'
That's how long I was unconscious.
"Parab, let me go."
"Huh? You're awake?"
"Yes."
I can't be a burden any longer.
I get up and order Sven Parab to carry someone else.
"Priest Orman! You've worked hard. I'll carry him from here. Please help the others. It'll be easier if you carry them together."
"Phew... I'm sorry. You must be tired too, Paladin Parab."
"Haha, it's nothing."
I pick up two unconscious explorers and carry them on my shoulders.
Then I approach Jun, who's being carried by Puta Rikerburn.
"Jun."
"...Ah, you're awake."
Jun looks up at me, his face filled with shame.
"Unfortunately, I've lost the use of my leg."
The random penalty you receive when you wake up from [Soul Extraction].
It's completely random.
You might just lose your sense of taste, or you might end up like this, a cripple.
The ones who are being carried are probably in a similar state.
"Yandel, are you alright?"
"I'm fine... for now. I don't feel any different."
"I'm glad you're safe."
"When did you wake up? I need a situation report."
"I was the fifth one."
"That's faster than I expected."
Jun smiles wryly.
"I didn't kill many priests during my time as an inquisitor. Most of them were ordinary people. It made things easier for me."
"I see..."
He doesn't seem to be looking for comfort, so I get straight to the point.
"Tell me what happened while I was unconscious."
"Priest Orman and Priest Eriabosti were the first to wake up. They were truly pure souls, untainted by sin."
Well, I don't know about that.
Priests don't usually land the killing blow.
'Even during the battle in the Eye of the Glacier, the others were the ones who finished off the enemies.'
"But they couldn't carry all of us, so they waited until enough people woke up to move."
"How long did it take?"
"Eleven minutes."
"Were there any others who were awake?"
"None from Noark or the Rose Knights, but we don't know what the situation is now."
Right...
That's good.
"You were right, Yandel. I tried attacking them, but it didn't work."
That's because they're invincible during the second phase.
Even Kariadaea doesn't attack them.
The boss fight resumes 30 minutes after [Soul Extraction] is cast.
Those who don't wake up by then will die.
Even if they died while unconscious.
'Erwen should be fine, but... what about Amelia?'
I'm worried, but I can only trust her.
I check on the other members, putting aside the issues I can't solve right now.
Three of them have serious penalties.
Jun, who can't walk.
James Kala, who's blind.
Didi, whose right hand has turned to stone.
I don't know what penalties the others will have, but that's the current situation.
Then...
'What about me?'
What penalty did I receive?
I check my body as I walk, and then I clench my jaw.
Crack...
Of all the penalties, why this one?
「Character's active skills are disabled.」
Is this the curse of the Hanses I encountered in the cave?
-x-X-x-
Active skills sealed.
It's one of the worst penalties, no need to elaborate.
Well, it's still better than being blind like James Kala.
'I'd rather have lost an arm like Didi...'
It was a penalty that significantly reduced my combat power, to the point where I thought losing an arm would have been more advantageous.
But it couldn't be helped.
That's the roll of the dice I got.
I could only hope that they got screwed over too.
'Besides... it's not that bad, except for my penalty.'
The [Soul Extraction] phase was quite tricky.
I had stumbled a bit, but I managed to regain my balance, so it seemed like I didn't lose any limbs.
It was especially difficult for mages and ability users. They were damage dealers, so they must have landed the final blow on many enemies. Now they had to fight alone, without their tanks.
But...
"How are you feeling? Any injuries?"
'Thankfully, they're all good people.'
"I-I don't know..."
Both priests were safe.
Erwen seemed a bit dazed.
Three out of the four mages had woken up, and only Akuraba was still unconscious among the ability users.
Did something happen inside?
I didn't pry.
I had to figure out their penalties first.
'Maybe the mages who spent a lot of time in the Mage Tower were more resistant to the mental attack.'
'Damn it.'
We were lucky, considering the circumstances.
We had been on the same expedition, but I didn't know anything about their past lives.
I continued testing the penalties, and then I sighed deeply.
Thud, thud.
My heavy footsteps echoed through the ice cave.
We were moving away from the entrance of the Eye of the Glacier, and then I felt a movement on my shoulder.
"Mister..."
"You're awake..."
I gently lowered Erwen to the ground, feeling a wave of relief.
'Eighth...'
Unfortunately, Erwen was also unlucky.
「Erwen Fornachi di Tersia's resource recovery is restricted.」
All resource recovery disabled.
In other words, she could only consume MP and Spirit Power, but couldn't replenish them.
"...Conserve your energy unless it's absolutely necessary."
"Y-yes... I'm sorry..."
"Don't apologize. It's not your fault. I'm just glad you're awake."
As time passed, the other members woke up one by one.
"I apologize for the burden. I can walk now."
Melend Kaislan had received a minor penalty.
"Ugh...! What the...?"
Raviyen touched her sword and flinched, as if she had been electrocuted. She had received a weapon restriction penalty.
"Um... why isn't anyone talking?"
Tsuon Iribun, the archer from the 5th Team, had lost his hearing.
And...
"That was... a horrible place."
Akuraba's face was pale with fear.
'Two left...'
Twenty-five minutes had passed since the [Soul Extraction] phase began, and only two members were still unconscious.
Amelia and Mckelly Leyaders, the mage from the 2nd Team.
"Please wake up..."
The team members looked at them with anxious expressions.
I was also worried.
'Why isn't she waking up...?'
She wasn't dead.
Her heart was still beating.
Thump, thump.
The tension was unbearable.
And then...
"Mckelly, there's only one minute left. Please wake up..."
One minute until the end of the [Soul Extraction] phase.
"Hmm..."
"...Emily!"
Amelia finally opened her eyes.
And...
"...Damn it."
The other one didn't.
________________________
Eighteen survivors.
But the number of those who could fight was much lower.
Many of us, including myself, had received significant penalties. Our combat power had been reduced by more than half.
But...
'What about them?'
Just like happiness is relative,
So is misfortune.
「The Glacier Witch, Kariadaea, gains new powers proportional to the number of souls absorbed.」
Thirty minutes had passed, and the second phase had ended.
How many of them had survived? And what penalties had they received?
'I hope they all died fighting the boss monster...'
Well, that's not going to happen.
Kariadaea doesn't chase her enemies outside the Eye of the Glacier.
They must have escaped by now.
'Dragonslayer... I wonder what happened to him.'
Maybe he's dead.
He was the one who killed the Dragonkin elder.
He had only won because he ambushed her. If they had fought in a normal situation, he would have lost.
Well, I'm being biased.
'Wait a minute...'
I suddenly freeze as I'm thinking about the Dragonslayer.
'Damn it, then Dwarkey must have appeared in his illusion too!'
I feel a surge of disgust.
And then I realize...
The people who appeared in my illusion... they were all precious to someone.
I open my eyes.
Crackle!
A warm fire.
A priest kneels before the flames, praying.
The other members stand in silence, their heads bowed.
It's a small comfort.
We have time to mourn our fallen comrade.
Crack, crack, crack!
The flames, fueled by the mages' magic, consume the flesh and bones.
The remaining bones are enchanted with Distortion magic and crushed into powder, stored in pouches.
A small comfort for the bereaved families.
"..."
The short funeral ends.
The fire dies down, and the warmth fades away.
It's time to face reality.
"...Yandel, what are we going to do now?"
Kaislan asks, and everyone looks at me.
My plan only covered up to this point.
Escape the Eye of the Glacier after waking up from [Soul Extraction].
I didn't give them any further instructions.
But...
"If we create enough distance, we might be able to survive until the labyrinth closes."
Kaislan's expression is grim, even as he suggests a hopeful plan.
He must have guessed my thoughts.
That's why he brought it up first.
To make it easier for me to speak.
"But Yandel, you know... even if we escape, it's a dead end."
"D-dead end? What do you mean? We're safe now, aren't we?"
One of the explorers asks, his voice trembling.
"You said we could survive until the labyrinth closes! What else is there to worry about?"
I'm sorry to break it to them, but we haven't crossed the final hurdle yet.
That's why I called it a 'gamble'.
"..."
Kaislan looks at me, and I smile wryly.
He's competent, but I can't leave this to him.
"We're not running. Or rather, we can't run."
My words stun the explorers.
Their eyes are filled with shock and confusion.
"...Why?"
The reason is simple.
"The enemies who attacked us from behind were the Rose Knights."
"You're saying we can't escape them?"
"No, that's not it."
"Then what do you mean...?"
They don't seem to understand, so I continue.
The royal family has a prepared excuse.
They'll say something happened to the main force, that they couldn't rescue us.
They'll pretend everything is fine.
And...
Our only hope is to play along.
"Play along? What do you mean?"
"If we pretend we don't know we've been abandoned, the royal family won't resort to extreme measures."
It's a cowardly plan, but it's all I have.
"But we can't use that method anymore."
"..."
"The moment the Rose Knights reported the incident, the royal family decided to eliminate us."
"...Maybe they'll try to negotiate with us to silence us."
Hmm, that's a possibility.
But...
"Do you really think so?"
There's no answer.
Someone asks another question.
"So what are we going to do? We have to escape this place if we don't want to die here."
It's Puta Rikerburn, the explorer from the Keallunus family.
I'm surprised, but also amused.
"I didn't expect you to say that. You were so pessimistic before."
"You dragged us all the way here. Do you think I'm going to give up after all that?"
"Don't be so sensitive. It was a compliment. And I never said we were giving up."
"Ah..."
He realizes his mistake, and I continue.
"Don't worry. I have a plan."
"A plan?"
"Yes. If no one survives, who will know what happened here?"
They might suspect us, but suspicion is different from evidence.
That's why...
"We're going to kill them all. Noark and the Rose Knights."
From now on, we have to cover the sky with our hands.
_______________________
Escape?
Or fight?
The decision was made quickly.
"I... I don't know what the right choice is."
"Haha, it's nothing new. It's always been like this."
"But he always made a decision."
"I trust Bjorn Yandel's judgment. That's my choice."
"I agree. It might seem cowardly, but it's easier for me to follow someone else's lead."
Once the expedition force reached a consensus, everything became clear.
We wandered through the cave, setting up detection magic and hunting monsters for food.
"This... actually tastes good."
Monster meat wasn't bad.
Well, some of them were inedible, but most were surprisingly palatable.
"I'd rather sell these byproducts. They're worth a fortune."
"It can't be helped. We have to travel light."
We reluctantly discarded the valuable byproducts we had obtained through Distortion magic.
We couldn't afford to carry extra weight when we had to carry our injured comrades.
Half a day later.
"Yandel! Yandel!"
Marone, the mage from the 5th Team, rushes towards me.
She only acts like this when...
"Did the detection magic activate?"
"Yes, yes...! It did!"
Her news could be categorized into three types.
First, the good news.
"It was the Rose Knights! Only seven of them!"
Their numbers had decreased significantly.
They must have suffered heavy casualties.
"How were they doing?"
"Well..."
Second, the ambiguous news.
"They all looked fine... maybe one of them was limping slightly?"
Unlike our expedition force, where a third of the members had received significant penalties, they seemed to have been lucky.
Well, we couldn't be sure yet.
"A-anyway, that's not the important part!"
And finally, the bad news.
The worst possible news.
"I-I don't know why, but... they're moving with Noark!"
Oil and water had mixed.
-x-X-x-