"Survivors found here!"
"What, come right now!"
"Hey, are you okay? Answer me!"
"Uh...ah..."
In Rivera Town, where the crystal light shines, a smaller team that operates separately from the main team of the [Ganesha Familia] is currently conducting rescue operations in the destroyed safe zone.
The team members quickly went to search for survivors, found the wounded buried under the rubble and began to treat them.
Among them, they found several tortured corpses.
"It's too, too tragic..."
Each body lay in a pool of blood and was completely disfigured beyond recognition.
It was almost like being killed out of personal grudge.
I couldn't help but cover my mouth with my hands.
He could not have known that the people whose lives were taken away were all members of the [Ikelos Familia].
Suddenly, his eyes were drawn to the cliff scenery that he could see from now on, and a monster appeared in the middle of the prairie leading to the central tree on the 19th floor.
I can't see clearly from a distance, but they should be Cerberus and One-Horned Rabbit.
The wonderful combination made a gesture of looking around, and then ran eastward along a straight line.
what is that?
Just when he was confused, he saw groups of black shadows appearing from the roots of the central tree. They spread across the sky, filled the earth, and headed towards the safe area.
"Not good..."
His expression immediately froze.
"Not good...not good, not good, not good!"
"Hey, what's wrong?!"
"Run away...run away quickly!"
"what are you saying?"
"Hurry up and run away! Find the captain and the others quickly. Now is not the time to tame monsters!!!"
Seeing that his companion was in a semi-crazy state, other members of the group came to ask for details, but he was sweating profusely and shouted almost tearing his throat: "An abnormal state has occurred - the monsters are about to attack the city again!! !”
————
This is the large forest on the east side of the floor.
Several adventurers from the [Ganesha Familia] are working together to suppress the half-man, half-snake that is struggling crazily.
"Come on, hold it down!"
"Okay, work harder!"
"How many more are there?!"
The battle with the talking monsters is about to come to an end with the subjugation team having the upper hand.
Except for a few, many of the enemies disappeared deep into the forest.
The expedition team is gradually depriving the enemy of its fighting power who refuses to obey. Although the monsters were not tamed at all, and there were still fights in some places, but they were only a few. There were only two or three that had not yet been captured. The nearby area was full of corpses or dust piles of forest monsters, and the scene was extremely tragic.
"But that singing bird..."
"Seems like he's been avoiding hurting people."
Members of the [Ganesha Familia] group looked up and saw the singing bird sitting on the branches of the trees.
There were several monsters that resisted tenaciously, and it was one of them. Now that it couldn't kill it and was outnumbered, its wings were twisted and its ugly appearance painted red showed an exhausted look.
The battle is finally coming to an end.
Looking around the battlefield where the situation remained stable, the regiment leader Shakti breathed a sigh of relief. If it weren't for the need to tame monsters, it wouldn't be a hard fight, but the monsters obviously held back.
...Forget it, don’t think about it.
The matter is not over yet, we need to divide our troops to chase another group of monsters.
Just as she was about to give instructions, she was attracted by the sound of brushing away the grass beside her and the approaching breath.
Turned.
Cerberus and... one-horned rabbit?
The two monsters seemed to have no intention of fighting, but just passed by him.
However, the next second——
The sky (roof) was blocked, the floor began to vibrate, and the constant heavy roar made her have a bad premonition.
After seeing everything clearly, he was so shocked by what he saw that he opened his mouth.
Lizardmen, gargoyles, singing birds, human spiders, one-horned rabbits, goblins, shadow demons, draconians... countless monsters surrounded them.
Eyes radiating scarlet light, a ferocious face with fangs exposed, and an angry growl that could hardly be suppressed.
Monsters whose strength far exceeded that of ordinary adventurers gathered together and surrounded them with hatred and anger.
"Is this...the monster army?"
Shakti groaned.
The strength of these monsters is almost the same as that of first-level adventurers, and is much stronger than myself. In addition, some of them were diverted to chase other monsters, making their manpower even more scarce.
It looks like it's going to be a tough fight.
While she was moaning secretly, the leading lizard man opened his yellow-orange eyes and roared, "Give me back, bring my companion back!!!"
"——!"
Shakti's breath caught.
She hadn't felt this way in a long time.
A strong smell of death.
Surrounded by an army of monsters, she was directly faced with a death line that was thicker and more intense than any she had ever experienced before.
————
On the way to the surface, Guros asked angrily and puzzled: "Hey, Xiaolin, why don't you let me follow you to save my companions!?"
"Huh? Don't you trust Reed?"
"No! I just think that guy is too weak. If he is caught like other compatriots, wouldn't we still have to rescue him?"
"...Worry is just worry. Why do you say it so awkwardly? Are you arrogant?"
Xiao Lin's complaints made the thin-skinned gargoyle glare at him in shame and anger, especially when the other companions following him also expressed their agreement with Xiao Lin's point of view, and became even more angry.
"don’t worry."
Xiao Lin explained: "We separated most of our companions just because we were afraid that it would have problems, right? And we have to rescue other captured companions, so we can't waste any more time."
"But……!"
"And I still trust the steady Reed more than you, Guros."
"What did you say?!"
The roar of Guros spread throughout the upper level, scaring the weak monsters to flee.
In fact, Reed is better at controlling his emotions and will not kill the adventurers.
So far, the [Heretics] have been tolerated by the major families because the adventurers have not suffered large casualties, and the expedition team is composed of [Ganesha Familia] from the same camp as them.
If huge casualties were accidentally caused and the situation was serious, the two major families in the city would not be able to sit idly by.
Let’s not mention the [Freya Familia] for now, but the [Loki Familia] is eyeing them. If they were to die, to put it bluntly, the [heretics] would probably be wiped out.
so--
"Our purpose is simple, quickly rescue our captured compatriots, and then return to the Labyrinth of Daedalus as quickly as possible! Do you understand!"
"...I know!"
Grosz cut.
Then it continued flying.
Their wishes, or long-cherished wishes, can no longer be realized. As humans say, [heretics] are indeed monsters and will not be tolerated.
Now they have deeply realized this, so now they only plan to find their companions, and then return to the dungeon and never interact with humans again!
But if you are blocked like this...
"Here we go, exit!"
"So fast?!"
"Because I took a shortcut."
Xiaolin's words interrupted Guros' thoughts.
They did not take the main road of the dungeon and climb up level by level, but used the key to quickly reach the surface in the [Daedalus] maze.
Therefore, the location that appeared was not the entrance to the dungeon, but Daedalus, the labyrinth street.
If it weren't for the fact that some doors require the blood of Daedalus, the Dix, to open, they would be moving forward faster than before.
Just arrived on the surface.
It was a moonlit night with few stars, and the surroundings were silent, with no lights or people. But despite this, the [Heretics] bathed in the moonlight also showed moved expressions.
In order to live on the surface and fly freely under the sky, they have made great efforts and sacrifices over the years, but in the end they still cannot touch the high sky.
Thinking of this, they were extremely sad.
"Let's go, Guros."
"I see."
Just then, a flash of light flew over.
——!
A flash of light appeared from the edge of his vision, and a spear with a golden tip landed in front of Xiao Lin from the sky like a lightning strike.
this is……
"It really makes me wait."
Xiaolin did hear the voice whispering in the distance.
Slowly turn your head and look at the top of the building.
The first thing that caught his eye was the blonde swordswoman with golden eyes holding a sharp sword. Then came the elven royal family who burst into view, the dwarves carrying battle axes on their shoulders, the Amazon sisters carrying double swords and double blades, and the werewolves wearing metal boots.
"Yeah, Xiao Lin."
Finally, there was the little human who threw a spear and greeted him with a smile on his face.
Standing there looking down at them were the city's strongest adventurers.
Sword Girl Ais, Nine Demon Girl Riveria, Heavy Jaggeris, Severed Diona, Angry Snake Dione, Fierce Wolf Burt, Brave Finn!
They are stronger than ever.
After the expedition (level 59), the abilities of all cadres entered LV6!
Now they are completely on par with the other clan of the two giants. They are the frontline clan of Labyrinth City and the largest faction in the city.
——[Loki Familia]!
Strange, too fast.
This is Labyrinth Street [Daedalus Road]. Even if we rush there after hearing the commotion, the time interval is too short.
The best evidence is that no adventurers have arrived here except them.
Could it be said that he has been seen through?
No wonder they didn't rush to the dungeon against Ouranos' will. Did they think of this a long time ago and come to wait in advance?
Xiao Lin's [eyes] stared at the little human warrior who was still looking down at him leisurely, and he could detect the whole thing from his unobstructed expression.
Tiona looked at Xiaolin and the groups of monsters below. She did not feel afraid or worried, but said strangely: "To be honest, I still don't understand why Xiaolin wants to help the monsters."
"...I don't understand either."
Thionne echoed her sister.
Adventurers and monsters are inherently antagonistic, and this situation has lasted for thousands of years. Therefore, even if the monsters can talk, they will never show mercy when fighting occurs.
"Burt, you know what?"
"Haha? Who knows that kind of thing?! Also, don't ask me this kind of question!"
"It's obvious that Bert cares about Xiao Lin."
"I'm not, I didn't! Stop talking nonsense!"
The werewolf Bert roared angrily, while glaring at Xiao Lin below, and cursed for some reason:
"--idiot!"
Apparently he didn't understand why.
Grace touched her chin and said, "But no matter what, we just need to catch those monsters, right?"
"I don't know what Loki is thinking, but this will allow Xiao Lin to join the Familia, right? Finn." Riveria also confirmed to her leader beside her.
"Ah, that's right."
The leader of the Loki Familia nodded in affirmation.
This was his decision. I thought it would go to the point of overcoming all opinions, but I didn’t expect that when I made my proposal, it was approved by everyone.
Xiaolin...
This man has been recognized by the family members, not only for his strength and wisdom, but also for his character and his own qualities. He is an extremely rare potential stock.
It's impossible not to be moved.
Tiona geared up and said impatiently: "Then, I will first..."
"I go."
The one who interrupted her was the swordswoman with blond hair and golden eyes.
Then, without giving her companions a chance to refuse, she jumped off the building first and rushed towards the only human in the monster army.
"Ais? Wait...Ais?!"
"Is she too anxious?"
"After all, it's Ace."
"It won't be a problem."
"...To be honest, I'm not sure either."
The family members' questions gave the group leader Finn a little headache, but since his thumb didn't hurt, it shouldn't be a big problem.
After all, there is no hostility between them, and it is not a life-or-death situation.
and……
When Ais rushed over, Xiao Lin said to Gros at his feet: "Go, spread out and save your compatriots. Remember! You must not harm humans!"
"I see."
Guros expressed his headache at Xiaolin's tireless instructions, and then looked up to the sky and roared.
"Hooooooooooh!!!"
Afterwards, the [Heretics] dispersed and entered the town.
Upon seeing this, Finn ordered the members: "First, attack with the vanguard such as Tione as the center, and try to avoid using magic to avoid causing damage to the urban area. The rearguard magisters induce evacuation while protecting the residents, and use their Safety is the top priority. Riveria prepares a barrier. Go ahead and capture them alive."
"Understood!" xN
After receiving the instructions, everyone immediately took action.
Then on the battlefield, only Finn, Aisi and Xiaolin were left.
When the blond-haired swordswoman with golden eyes slowly came to Xiao Lin, a dark cloud happened to cover the moon in the sky. However, this does not affect their sight.
After a brief silence.
Sword Girl drew out the thin sword from her waist, pointed it at the chest of the man in front of her, and asked, "Why do you do this, Xiaolin?"
She remembered the question Xiao Lin had asked before.
——What exactly is a monster that is intelligent and able to communicate?
It must be because of this reason.
But she didn't understand Xiaolin's reason for doing this.
Monsters and humans are naturally opposed to each other, and the rift between the two is a gap that cannot be bridged, but he was too reckless and didn't care about himself in doing so!
Just like her, because she is a famous swordswoman, she is constrained by many things.
Why……
Why did Xiaolin do this?
"Because I'm from another world."
"……Eh?"
The sudden answer stunned the swordswoman who was filled with doubts.
Kobayashi, who could see through Aiz's inner thoughts through [eyes], naturally told her the reason.
"Because I am a person from another world, I do not understand the thousand-year grudges between monsters and humans. Because I am a person from another world, the boundaries of judging [people (intelligent)] are extremely blurred. Because I am a [person from another world], That’s why I don’t care about my reputation so much. That’s all.”
"People from another world..."
Ais opened her mouth slightly.
She was already dorky, but now she looks even more dorky because of her incomprehensibility.
"Haha, don't worry about that." Xiao Lin smiled and said, "Miss Ais, you just need to understand that you and I have to fight because of our respective positions."
"……I see."
The Sword Lady listened to the advice and stopped thinking.
She had already made up her mind. After defeating Xiao Lin, she would ask for the reasons after she returned home.
In this way, they saw their own beliefs in each other's eyes.
Kobayashi assumed a fighting stance.
After a brief silence, the two shouted in unison:
"——Awaken!" X2
Two green whirlwinds suddenly rose in the hidden streets.
This chapter reminds me of the monster siege that DNF would start every weekend. That was my lost youth.
(End of chapter)