As the crystal was handed to her, tremors began to resound throughout the complex, scaring the girls.

Adeline: W-what's going on?

Cynthia: I don't like this sound.

Atem: Don't worry, it is just the complex spitting out the leftovers.

Cynthia: Leftovers?

Tempest: The guys that were sleeping. It's spitting them out and closing the entrances.

...

Indeed, as they were talking, all those strong people that had been asleep, dreaming of exploring the dungeon, were being sent out. All over the world, the entrances began to light up all at once. From them, people began to appear. Everyone that had been inside was now forcefully sent out.

Some were happy, some were not. Those who had died in the last few days were out and alive in perfect health if not a little famished, those who were fighting or taking breaks were there as well and those that had betrayed their teammates were too.

To those who had been injured or killed, the feelings of being healthy and alive were enough for them to bawl like children. They were filled with the feelings of escaping a situation filled with despair to the point that hope had been lost. For those who had been adventuring normally, they were mostly surprised. They soon became angry as they noticed that their loot had disappeared.

The worst of the bunch were those who had betrayed their teams either by stealing some things and running away or directly harming them. They were facing their angry teammates and it was not going to end well for them.

The ones most concerned though were the guards who witnessed everything that was happening. Never before had so many people escaped the dungeon at once. Dozens of delvers were coming out at once... Something was definitely wrong. They had to report hurriedly.

...

Lera took the seed and brought it to her heart. Near-instantly, the crystal was absorbed inside of her. She bowed towards Shen and as she got up smiled brightly to him.

Stolen novel; please report.

Lera: Thank you.

Her honest words brought a slight upwards curve to his own lips and warmed his heart that had been quite freezing during all these.

Shen: It belonged to you.

Lera: For safekeeping it and for giving it back. I know what they mean to you guys. Atem and Tempest too, thanks guys.

Tempest: No problem.

Atem nodded with his usual fake smile.

Lera: I will have to make a trip to the wellspring once we exit.

Shen: I will take you there. But right now...

Tempest cracked his knuckles.

Tempest: I hope the door is there.

They walked back into the previous now-empty room and faced the new door. The design was, without a doubt, a bad omen. That being said, considering the one who probably made it, it wasn't unexpected.

Atem: This is a trap.

Shen: It sure is.

Tempest: So? Open it. I won't be fooled in being sealed twice.

Cynthia: Excuse-me, sealed? Atem, what does he mean?

Atem: ...Nothing to be concerned about, Cynthia.

Shen: I'll open it.

Shen went to open the door. However, as he tried to infuse the Magic into it, the opposite door that lead to the factory closed at once. The lights changed color to red and something exited the door slightly expanding itself, forcing them and the rest to make a slight retreat. Tempest and Atem had grapped one of the girls each as their reaction speed weren't enough to cope with this.

Fortunately, there were no dangers as it was just the painting of the evil spirit growing out of the door but remaining stuck into it.From its mouth filled with darkness, a voice they knew was heard. This was a recorded message inputted into the spirit.

???: How unexpected~ You managed to break my seal and find your way here? I'm so impressed! ... Not~ In any case, I can't really have you guys going around again, now can I? You would come after my head after what I did. Speaking of heads, how did you enjoy my presents~ Today is likely not one of your birthdays but we must have missed a few, so happy birthday!

???: Now then, unfortunately, this particular seal's requirement is that I give you explanations about it. The way out is simple. Feed the fresh heart of a loved one to the spirit here and the condition will be fulfilled, the spell dispelled. Then, who will die~ Atem? Tempest? Or you, Shen? I can't wait to know! Though I won't because i am not here! Ahahahah!

There was no longer any sounds. This was very unexpected and seemed crazy to Adeline. Everyone seemed to ponder on the words said by the evil spirit. Tempest had silently walked next to her. And as she turned around to see him, she saw him do something stupid.

He pushed his own hand straight inside his chest, creating a gaping hole and from the sound produced, attracted everyone's attention. Bleeding wildly, he was grinning as blood dripped down from his mouth too. He smiled as he said:

Tempest: I am the only one alone right now and, to be honest, I am tired...Don't waste this now.

He fished out his own heart from inside his chest and handed it to Adeline who received it without even noticing. Her gaze remained fixed on the hole in his chest. Then, he fell down to the ground, never to stand back up. Under the screams and tears, Shen walked to her and put a hand on her shoulders.

He was crying too, thought silently. The tears flowing from his eyes the only clue to his internal pain. He locked gaze with Adeline and told her:

Shen: Don't waste his sacrifice. Go.

She nodded absent-mindedly, she wasn't in her right mind. Did Tempest just suicide? Here? She tried to take a step towards the spirit only to falter. Shen caught her before she fell and helped her to the spirit. She fed it the heart.

Then, she blanked out.