Author note:
Hi folks, do you miss me? ;)
Here's the last chapter of vol 1. Any thought on how I should title the volume?
Please tell me if you find any mistake.
Last but not least, thank you for staying with me so far. Be assured I read all of your comments even though I didn't reply. m(__)m
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“You seem want to say something?”
“Eh? Ah… Err, Miss Alveria…”
“Yes?”
“... Is this really okay?”
“Hmm?”
“Master Arz is your childhood friend, right?”
Had been expecting she would ask, I smiled. “He is more than a childhood friend. He is a family,” I replied.
“... Then?”
“Crystela, if you have to choose between your home country and your family, and sacrifice the other, which one will you choose?”
“That’s difficult… Probably family?”
“For me, the country is above everything else. I will sacrifice even my father and mother if I have to, and I know they will do the same.”
“That’s… sounds harsh…”
“Crystela, we can live in peace like now, pursuing whatever dream we have, is all thanks to the country maintaining the public order. If the country is in chaos, think, how many death will occur? How many people will kill each other for food? No one is going to stop the strong to prey the weak, to rob their valuables or rape their women. Children will have to live on the street and women will have to sell their bodies in brothels. How many do you think can survive such lives?”
“…”
“[[Alishine Kingdom]] isn’t perfect, but it’s existence is the reason our family and friends can live like now. We can’t let chaos to fall upon the kingdom. And out of all, war is the worst cause. That is why we have to prevent war to happen at all cost.” I paused and took a look at my subordinate. The beautiful blonde seemed trying hard to digest my words. “I’m sorry, it sounds like I’m preaching you,” I said with another smile.
“Not at all, Miss Alveria. It’s refreshing to hear from your perspective, I never thought that far…”
I nodded. “Just keep in mind, I’m not doing this because I like it, neither does Master Maa’. It is because we have to. As long as we can keep our alliance with [[Dragora]], [[Quwwat]] will have to think twice before starting the war. This incident is unfortunate, but hopefully we can maintain the status quo and prevent the war with this.”
“Yes, I understand, Miss,” she replied, giving an understanding nod.
Feeling glad I could explain what in my mind, I leant on the wall and closed my eyes. And once again, a silence casted upon the empty first room. It had been like this for hours since Master Maa’ and the rest went deeper inside. Once in awhile, an adventurers or two would return to resupply at our merchant affiliates outside and gave us a nod, but other than that the room was really empty except for me and Crystela.
It didn’t mean there was no sound at all, though, the merchants were there standing by just outside the cave entrance after all. Still, time was alway felt slower when you were waiting and it couldn’t be helped that boredom began to haunt me. Fortunately, Crystela was here to accompany me.
Besides, I couldn’t really complain since staying here was my own choice. Because seeing my Arz being torn into pieces had been a traumatizing experience for me, I had opted to stay. I had thought my heart wouldn’t be ready if I had to see a similar scene again anytime soon.
At least I had asked Master Maa’ to try negotiating one more time, with a softer approach this time. Arz was smart, he should understand why we were doing this, although sometimes he could be very stubborn. Anyway, I did hope the negotiation would go well.
“It’s been awhile, do you think they have reached the heart chamber now?” the defender beside me broke the silence.
“Hmm, I don’t know how deep it is now. Last time I was here there were only ten or so rooms, they should have reached it long time ago. I don’t know if they can pass the door in their first try, though,” I chuckled, remembering my first time went in.
“Oh, that door. We had to search the dungeon all over again to get the slabs. There were about thirty rooms, if I remember correctly, but we only managed to reach the last room at our first three attempts. I’m sure it has grown a lot by now.”
“Eh? Only the first three? That’s surprising.”
“Because a troublesome trap has appeared after that,” she laughed. “A portal that will separate party members into different rooms, but entering is necessary to get the slabs.”
I knitted my brows with that explanation, “Sounds annoying.”
“Very. But we have figur-”
“AAAAAAAAHHHHHhhh…”
“What is that?!”
Both me and Crystela were alerted by the scream and quickly looked for the source. At outside, we saw hell. Countless big ants were covering the whole settlement, they were attacking and dragging people to underground. The present adventurers tried to fight back, but they were easily outnumbered.
“Gi-ants? Crystela!”
“Right behind you,
*SLAM!*
Her shield caused a small quake and stunned the nearby monsters. Using the chance, I dashed to slash the ants and rescue the nearest man.
“Thank y- Waaaah!”
I threw him to Crystela with two or three gi-ants still attached to, she should be able to handle that much. I then rushed towards the next victim before other gi-ants recovered and crawled all over me.
As we repeated the process, it was getting hard for Crystela because the number she had to protect was increasing and the insect monsters were now focusing on her. She even had been using her flame gauntlet, shooting fire again and again to repel the approaching gi-ants.
“They’re too many,” she yelled.
“I know,” I yelled back.
At this rate, we would only be cornered. Thus, I activated one of the ring on my left fingers, which had been imbued with basic
“We need to secure the
“Transfer… what?”
“Follow me!”
“You heard her, don’t be left behind!” Crystela told the others.
I cut open our path and led our group through the sea of ants. Regretfully, I had to ignore the many screams asking for help in our way. My plan was to secure and send the non-combatants via the
“Halt!” I ordered, when I sensed something was wrong with the ground in front of us.
And my hunch was right, it crumbled, opening a deep and wide pit. We would have fallen if we hadn’t stopped. Unfortunately, there was no time to examine the situation, as small arrows were already released upon us. Although I managed to repel all that were coming my way, and so did Crystela, but that was not the case for the others. Several died and the rest were injured.
Behind us, the insects had closed the path. Not as a crowd, but in an orderly line formation. From our sides and across the pit, the gi-ants also lining up in a formation and we practically being sandwiched in the middle.
“Wheere do think you are going, traitorss?!”
Turning to the voice, among the enemies across the pit I saw a naked woman. Or rather, naked half-woman. Her lower part was of an ant, and her head wore something like crown. Beside her were smaller half-ant half-man creatures, although they featured less human face, that holding bows with arrows nocked aimed at us. I realized the half-ant half-man creatures were also among the army in our sides and behind, each was either holding a spear or a bow.
“Is that… the queen?” Crystela asked. “It’s the first time I see a queen gi-ant, so that’s how they looks?”
“No,” I replied. “It isn’t an ordinary queen. It is smart enough to talk, so, a demon. Usually they are hidden in far underground and very hard to be reached. For showing itself this close, it saves us a lot of troubles with these gi-ants,” I deducted.
“Yes,” she nodded understandingly.
I strengthened my legs and jumped over the pit. Sensing the danger, the demon queen moved backwards while the gi-ants army closing in between. I then activated another ring, which caused a blinding light, and used the short moment they were caught unguarded to jump over the crowd, pursuing the queen.
It welcomed me with a thrust using a short spear, which I easily evaded and countered, cutting its arm from elbow and below in the process. A spray of acid from the queen’s ant part’s abdomen however forced me to miss my next slash, allowing it to distant itself with only a shallow cut. The gi-ants underlings tried to mob me, but I didn’t give them a chance. Activating my enchanted boots, I burst forward with a horizontal slash and severed its human part’s belly.
Lying on the grass, clear fluid flowed out from both severed parts. Fear was reflected in its eyes. The expression was so human-like and almost made me pitied the demon. Almost. I pointed my sword and threatened, “Call back your gi-ant army if you value your own life!”
“Traitorousss bitccch,” it said. “Kill me!”
Being called traitor this traitor that, moreover a bitch, it really annoyed me. All my previous pity was gone. Observing the dying demon, it occurred to me that the reason it had a naked human-like body was probably to seduce my Arz and my vexation increased. Surely Arz wouldn’t mind if I killed the bitch, the thing was guilty for killing innocents adventurers and merchants anyway and his gi-ants could have another queen. Thus, I raised my sword.
“Miss, look out!”
With the warning I ducked and Crystela’s big shield flew over my head, smashing a lot of winged gi-ants flying my way, before returning to its owner in a parabolic course. It was then I realized a number of winged gi-ants filling the sky. One of the half-ant half-man creature with spear, this one had wings on its back, led the swarm swooping at me.
I swung my sword towards them, sending a wind that slashed the group in the mid-air. Meanwhile, in those split seconds I was distracted, a portal opened under the queen and it escaped before my eyes. “No!” I exclaimed, trying to stop it, but only managed to stab a solid ground.
“Miss Alveria,” Crystela came to my side. “Sorry, I failed to protect the merchants. The gi-ants dug a tunnel below us and attacked from there while I was busy repelling the arrows. When the surrounding ants charged as well, I really lost it,” she apologized, in obvious upset tone.
“It can’t be helped with that numbers and even a diversion tactic,” I sighed. “I was hoping I can use the queen to make the gi-ants withdraw. Not only I failed, I let it escaped as well. I’m sorry too,” I said.
Our hands and legs didn’t stop as we talked, killing the gi-ants until none of them dared to approach. I took the break to look around, the settlement was really messed up and it seemed the gi-ants were finally retreating.
“... I don’t sense any living people. Do you?”
Crystela shook her head, “Me neither. Should we search the area thoroughly?”
“... No, they are most likely retreating now because there are no longer survivors besides us.”
Accompanied by a gloomy silence, we calculated the damages. The base might be able to be rebuilt, but the dead people were forever lost. It was a big blow for us no matter what, and especially for me who failed to prevent this to happen.
“... Say, Miss, do you think Master Arz is behind the attack?” Crystela broke the silence.
Thinking for a moment, I answered, “I do hope not.” Because if he did, the negotiation had to have gone wrong.
I started to regret my decision of not coming with Master Maa’ and the rest. Not only because I had confidence I could persuade Arz if I came, but now that I had thought it over, my reason for staying seemed selfish and showed I didn’t have a trust in him.
I shook my head.
(No, my Arz isn’t someone who would deliberately step on insects, less over kill innocent people. Why do I keep doubting him?)
“... Let’s check the others,” I finally said.
“In that case, tie this to your wrist first,” Crystela said while taking out a long ribbon and handing one of the tips.
“What for?” I asked, taking the ribbon tip nevertheless.
While tying the other tip on her own wrist, she answered, “Remember the annoying portal trap I told you? With this, we won’t be sent into separate rooms.”
“Ah, okay.”
I complied and tied the ribbon as I had been told. Once I did, we returned and re-entered the dungeon with our arms being linked by the ribbon. An idea to have Arz and me walked side by side like this somehow made me smile. We would need to try it later.
The dungeon inner part was nothing like I had remembered and had grown into a maze. Despite the changes, all we need to do was following the ice trails. In addition, Crystela had mapped out most of level one’s passages and rooms. That was why, even though sometimes we accidentally stepped on the portal trap, we always managed to find the right path again soon.
Every room we passed was either completely frozen or brutally ravaged. Either way, I met no living dungeon creatures, nor sensed any of their presence. Unconsciously, I tried to link what I was seeing with the attack outside. It was but a speculation, though, until I could confirm with the person himself.
In occasions, we would meet small groups of adventurers. However, they were all had separated themselves from the Master Maa’s main group to instead loot the dead creatures. They couldn’t answer our question of what had happened.
Until we arrived at a crossroad. Steps of people hurriedly approaching were heard from behind the turn of one of the passages. Not long after, Tsalja and her companies appeared, but their condition looked strange as if they were running from something. They stopped in surprise when they realized there were people blocking their way.
“Tsalja!” I called.
It took a moment for her to recognize. “Miss Alveria? Thank goodness,” Tsalja sighed in relief and walked closer with the others.
“What happens?” I asked, realizing each one of them looked back nervously several times. It seemed it wasn’t just imagination, they really had been running from something.
“A humanoid frog, Miss,” she replied.
“Frog? For you to be like this, is it very strong?” Crystela asked.
A man I don’t recognize laughed to her question. “Strong? I’m sure I can kill it three times in a minute normally,” he said. “Ah sorry, I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Yun, from [[Ramil Republic]], a C-rank who works under Executive Ugi the Swift.”
I threw a questioning gaze to Tsalja, who then explained. “We’re having mana leaks, Miss. Our mana is so low that we couldn’t properly fight. And whenever he frog inhaled, we became weaker. It seems it could suck on mana. Regrettably, the people you see here are the only remained of our main group, the others are dead.”
My heart sank with what I heard, more death. Moreover, main group being annihilated meant most of the adventurers who had entered had lost their lives. Even if the negotiation went well and we brought Arz, the guild members wouldn’t accept it without a compensation with this many death. That was, assuming they would accept at all.
“What about Master Maa’?” I asked.
“He’s somewhere in the deeper part of the dungeon, with the Dungeon Mast- Hey! You okay Linia?!”
While Tsalja was explaining, Sister Linia collapsed and she caught her. With the help from the twins Gora and Gara, she lay her down. By then, it became apparent for me their sweating were too much and their breaths were heavy, telling me how dire their situation had been.
“I still have a mana potion,” I said, taking the only mana potion bottle from my belt and offering it. Crystela followed my example, giving her own mana recovery potions.
“Thanks, it really helps. We’ve used up all our stocks,” Tsalja said. She then poured it through Linia’s lips and distributed the rest.
“... I’m sorry, I have become a burden again,” Linia said weakly when she finally reopened her eyes.
“Don’t worry, you aren’t a burden. Just take a rest for now,” I replied softly with a smile.
“We fought with Dungeon Master Arz and his golem troops in the level’s last room,” Gora took an initiative to restarted the story of what had happened. My heart beat fast at the word fought, but let him continued.
“After that, Executive Maa’ called him and they were negotiating. Dungeon Master Arz agreed with a condition that only Executive Maa’ was allowed to enter his heart chamber,” the swordsman added. My hope raised and I relaxed a bit. If Arz had agreed, everything should be fine. Master Maa’ had said he knew a way so Arz wouldn’t die even after we took the dungeon heart.
“You let him go alone?” Crystela inquired.
“Master said he would be fine, and there’s no need to doubt it,” Tsalja answered.
Crystela nodded in agreement. “True,” she said.
“We waited, but there’s no sign of Executive Maa’ returning, so we decided to go down to the next level,” this time Gara told their story. “It was then when we realized the abnormal condition among mages and healers, a mana shortage symptom. Because it got worse over time and level two seemed to be a more complex maze than level one, we temporarily retreated to the last room to recover,” the archer explained.
“The symptom didn’t ease even though we had a long rest. It was getting worse, and it seemed to affect the non-magic users too. Then suddenly a big frog leapt on me, snatched the core of golem boss from my pocket, and jumped away,” Tsalja grimaced.
“The frog you said pursuing you?” I asked.
“Yes. Well, no, not yet. It was still just a big frog by the time. Some people tried to catch it, but the only thing returned was the humanoid frog. I suspect it had eaten the core due to its rock-like skin looks. We fought, but ended up the monster slaughtering us.”
“ROOOAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRR!”
A loud sound from where Tsalja and the others had come shook the entire cave and made everyone flinched. We looked at the direction for a while, expecting something disastrous would appear, but nothing showed up.
“It doesn’t sound like a frog for me…,” Crystela commented.
“... I will check it out,” I told.
“I’m coming too,” Yun said.
I looked at the spearman, evaluating him. “Can you fight?” I asked.
“Not in my best condition, but I’m still in a better shape than the mage and the priestess. Don’t worry, you can always leave me behind if the situation turns worse, but I won’t be able to face my fallen brothers if I keep running without being useful,” he replied.
I nodded in acknowledgement. Turning to the blonde defender, I said, “Crystela, you can still fight, can’t you? Stay here with the others. If we don’t return, I will leave it to your judgement.”
“Yes.”
Thereafter, with our weapons ready, I went deeper together with Yun. We walked cautiously, opening our eyes and ears as wide as possible so we wouldn't be surprised by any unexpected. There was nothing out of ordinary in our way, though, not until reached the last room.
The stone pedestal and the door was still the same as what I remembered, although the room itself seemed bigger. There were marks of battle everywhere: a lot of explosions, judging from the perforated floor and wall; a barricade made of earth spikes; ice remnants and cut here and there. Battle between mages were always flashy, indeed.
“I don’t see any frog,” I said. “None of the dead bodies either, the dungeon must have absorbed them,” I muttered.
(You know, it will be a lot less complicated if you just let the bodies around, Arz.)
“Over there was from where Dungeon Master Arz and his minions attacked,” Yun pointed the farther side of the room, near the stairway to the lower level. “Executive Maa’ then froze them, before calling the dungeon master to negotiate.”
I nodded. “With the ice remnants still around, at least we know Master Maa’ is alive. Yun, let’s go back, there is nothing here,” I said.
Thus, we followed the passage where we came from and returned to where the Jowsar-Star members were waiting. Gora who was on lookout noticed first and called the rest.
“So what’s the roar before, Miss? Did you find the source? Is it the frog?” Crystela threw a lot of questions at once.
I shook my head, “Nothing but marks of previous battle. Whatever that was must have long gone.” Taking a pause, I look at each of them before continuing. “Listen. Our base outside has been leveled by hundreds, maybe thousands of gi-ants.”
Except for Yun, the others weren’t so surprised, although they were all wearing the same restless expression. Crystela had to have told them while I had been investigating the last room.
“Both the frog and gi-ants attacks may or may not ordered by Arz. I’ll go deeper to find out the truth,” I declared.
“In that case-”
“You will all return to our base in [Jowsar] and wait for me there. Crystela, make sure they arrive safely, will you? ” I cut before Yun could finish.
“But-”
“Look at you, you aren’t in condition to help me, Yun. Go with the rest, you can return after you recover,” once again I cut the spearman who was out of breath from the short trip. Turning to the dark haired mage, I said, “Tsalja, I will permit the usage of
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“... Are you sure?” she hesitated.
I chuckled, “What? You want to
“If you say so…,” she finally agreed.
“Will you be okay to go alone? If the situation turns worse, you may have to fight Master Arz,” Crystela asked.
“If that happens, my master will take care of the situation. You don’t think he will lose, do you?” Tsalja retorted.
“I will fight if I have to, I have told you this before,” I smiled. “Anyway, I’m still hoping everything will be settled through the negotiation.”
By the time, something hanging on Gara’s shoulder aside from his quiver picked my interest. “Gara, what is that?” I pointed.
“Hmm? This?” he put it forward. “I picked it from the golems, but I think they’re the same with what the monkeys used to kill Prince Sorok,” he said.
“Let me see it,” I asked.
Receiving the weapon, I made a quick check and recognized the parts similar with my own’s gun. I then tried to aim at a rock hanging on the ceilings and pulled the trigger.
*BANG!*
I missed, although it hit another rock beside the one I aimed to, which then fell and crash the floor.
“Oh!” Gara exclaimed. “Good aim, Miss.”
“I was targeting the other one,” I said the truth while handing the weapon back. “The recoil was stronger than I expected.”
“But I think it isn’t too hard to master, if even monkeys and golems can use them,” Gara replied excitedly and took it from my hand. “At least easier than handling a bow.”
“True,” I agreed.
“Too bad. I’ve picked more of the weapons and their ammunitions that I thought still in good shape, but lost them when we fought the frog. Do you think I can have someone to make the bullets at our base?”
“Don’t raise your hope, this Arz fellow has abnormally high precision in magic,” Tsalja replied. “What are you collecting them for, anyway?”
“Can’t you see it’s value, Tsalja? For example, as long I can aim it right, I should be able to kill the frog using this weapon. Unlike my arrows, the bullets doesn’t need to be imbued with mana to be able to penetrate a rock.”
“Maybe. But you can always make new arrows by yourself, so your bow is more valuable.”
“Yeah. Still, Master Arz is such a genius, inventing a weapon like this. I hope we can return into a friendly relation once again.”
Yun snorted. “I don’t understand your sentimental. Anyway, we need to go,” he reminded.
“I will be back once I send them to the base, Miss,” Crystela said.
“Make sure the mana leak has stopped before that. Take care.”
And so they left. After their backs disappeared behind a turn, I too walked away from the place. Climbing down to level two, I soon found an unpassable passage due to the strong wind blowing from the front. I thought, there had to be something at the end of the passage if I wasn’t allowed to go that way. And thus I activated a
It was good to have versatile equipments. To begin with, I wouldn’t have been able to rise my adventurer-rank this fast without them. It was all thanks to my family’s support, I suppose.
Following the path, making a choice everytime I met a crossroad, and using the
I then hastened my steps. There were nothing unusual along the way other than what I already saw. Every door had been wide open, most likely by Tsalja’s master, and in less than an hour I could reach the stairway to the next level.
However, this new level was different than any previous ones. There was a vast forest before me, and a dim lights from the ceilings high above. Although it was still a cave, it gave a completely different aura. Thinking back, I had heard about a dungeon with a similar scenery before, in far west within the elven forest. But that dungeon had been conquered by the Dungeon Hunter long time ago, and none of the dungeons within [[Holy Malvice Empire]] had a forest like this, as far as I knew.
Deciding to continue, I stepped forward and entered the forest. Yet, unlike the safe level two, the forest had a lot of traps laid on and therefore I had to walk cautiously. And then, once again I found a trace of battle. A lot of explosions and ices, just like in the level one’s last room, so it was probably Arz and Master Maa’ again.
My heart sank. The fight meant, for whatever the reason, the negotiation had failed. And I could only imagined one result from their fight, which left a sour taste in my mouth.
(Even though I told Master Maa’ not to being forceful… Haaa… Hold on, as long the dungeon heart isn’t destroyed or taken, Arz should still alive, right? If I can persuade Master Maa’…)
Lingering to the small hope, I hurriedly continued. I began to run, still with caution to the traps. Although the traps number didn’t decrease, the trace of battle stopped at one point. When I was closer to the end of the forest, however, once again I had to stop with the extravagant view in front of my eyes.
(White… It is white everywhere. The battle here seems fiercer than any before. Uh, I need to hurry.)
Thus, I ran again and soon reached the end of the room. No passage, it was another room instead, and the scenery changed one more time. There was a small hill in the middle of the room, probably a volcano judging from the rising smoke, and wha seemed to be snows around the volcano. And, again, a lot of battle marks.
Since my boots let out a steam when I stepped on the ground, I didn’t dare to waste too much time here. I activated the enchanced boots, which gave me a burst of speed, and crossed the room as fast as possible.
After the volcano, it came another room. Smaller, with a familiar throne at the end side of the room.
“Welcome to my chamber, Alveria Dhardaughter Lucent.”
“Arz! You are still alive!” I replied happily to the man sitting on the throne and rushed forward. “I saw many traces of battles, I thought… Hmm. Where is Master Maa’?” I asked while looking around, as I didn’t see the senior Executive.
“... What’re you coming here for?”
After a delay, instead of answering, he was asking a question. His stare and expression showed no hint of smile like his usual, which made me realized our situation was very serious. Arz had almost never called me by my full name, after all. Of course, I should have realized it sooner with all the battle marks all the way here.
(If they fought, and Arz is sitting there now, it means… it can’t be, Arz won? …It’s hard to believe. Did he kill Master Maa’?)
“I’m asking you, what’re you here for, Alveria Dhardaughter Lucent? You’re not deaf, are you?” Arz said, with a tone that implying an impatience and annoyance.
Taking a deep breath, I answered, “First, I’m really sorry for what have happened, even though you aren’t guilty.” I bowed to show my sincere.
“However,” I continued, after straightening my posture. “I’m sure you too understand the weight of this situation. That’s why, please come with me, Arz.”
“... To imperial court?”
I nodded.
Sighing, he said, “You’ve seen the battle traces, so you already know my answer, don’t you?”
“... I don’t know what happened for the two of you to fight. But in case he hasn’t told you, we will give our best to protect you until the verdic-”
“Yes, yes, I heard that. And my answer is no. If you’ve nothing else, you can leave now.”
“... May I hear your reason?”
“I don’t want to be a sacrifice, as simple as that.”
“Arz, the country is at stake. And didn’t you agree to come before?”
“I change my mind.”
I lost at words, the situation had turned out of my expectation. Not only Arz had defeated Master Maa’, he also flatly rejected the proposal. Perhaps I should try a different approach.
“... Can you reconsider? For my sake…,” I said, giving the sweetest smile I could muster.
The bore expression became dumbfounded. He couldn’t reply for a moment. “... You want me to sacrifice myself for you… who abandoned me at the first chance?” he finally said in disbelive.
I sighed. “I didn’t abandon you, I would never do that,” I said, walking closer. “The country needs you, Arz. The fate of millions people of [[Alishine]] is depending on you. And I will be with you until the end,” I convinced.
“... Let say we manage to prevent the war, then what? You’ll throw me again whenever the country is threatened? Forget it, I don’t want to.”
“Not going to happen. It was my fault, but it won’t happen again. We will face anything together from now on,” I said, reaching out my hand.
He didn’t take it, the man in front of me was battling against himself. Thus, I took another step, grabbed his hand, and sat down next to him. “What is it? What makes you hesitate?” I asked softly, raising his face and looking at his eyes.
“... Alv,” he muttered. “I realized I don’t want to die. If the court decide to execute me, I’ll probably fight back. At the time, what will you do?” he asked.
“...”
“... You can’t answer?”
“At the time, I will die with you,” I decided.
“I see… Can’t we have another solution? I mean, look at me. I defeated Maa’, one of the strongest mages in the continent. I’ve an army of monsters and demons at my disposal. Can’t you consider me as a war potential instead of executing me?”
“... True. But we want to prevent the war, remember? I know, why don’t we meet my father, he may have a solution.”
“... It’s okay. I already have a solution.”
“You have?”
“It’s all because of the country, right? If I destroyed the countr-”
“ARZ!!” I exclaimed before I know. “What are you saying?! It isn’t funny even as a joke!”
“... Come to think of it, Maa’ called my sentient monsters as demons. Won’t that make me, whom they answer to, a demon lord? Maybe I should become a real demon lord and aim to destroy the world, huh?”
I was dumbfounded by his unexpected words. “Are you mad...?”
“Probably,” he smiled. An eerie smile. And stood up. Looking at a distance, he said, “That’s right, I let some pests alive, I should kill them before they leave too far.”
(Crystela!?)
“You are crazy, I will stop you,” I told, resolving myself if it turned into a fight as I standing up. Arz seemed to be out of his mind.
“Why don’t you join me, Alv? Together we’ll rule the world! Not only this continent, but the whole world!” he said, putting his hand on my shoulder.
I brushed off his hand and took a step back. “Who are you...? You aren’t my Arz.”
“Don’t speak nonsense, I’m Arz the Demon Lord and your lover. If I united the world, there’s no need to sacrifice anyone anymore, and we can live happily ever after. It’s the ideal ending, don’t you think?”
“What kind of madness is this, Arz? How many blood do you think will be spilled for that?”
“It’s for the greater good, isn’t that your family’s motto? And isn’t that what the empire aiming for from the start?”
Once again I was at lost of words. “Crazy…,” was all I could say.
“Fine, if you don’t want to join my cause, then I’ll get rid you like the rest!
As he finished his words, I sensed mana under my feet and jumped aside. Just in time to avoid emerging earth spikes. He wanted to kill me!
“Not bad!” he praised.
He continued to shoot fireballs in addition to the earth spikes, forcing me to put a distance. Although I was in shock, I managed to avoid all the attacks.
(Are you really going to kill me, Arz?)
Unsheathing my sword and closing our gap, I pointed my sword just several centimeters away from his face. “Stop! I don’t want to kill you!”
“You can’t stop me with that level of resolution, Hero Alveria,” he grinned fearlessly. He then grabbed the blade in front of him, which of course caused his hand to bleed, and put his other hand in front with the palm facing me.
At the same time a fireball was shot from the palm, I made a side step to evade and cut his grabbing hand, followed by a diagonal slash from his shoulder to chest. Blood bursted out, and he fell to his knee. I watch the unfolding scene with a racing heart.
“Good job,” he said weakly. “This is better than a public execution.”
And then he smiled to me. I realized, he was having me cut him on purpose!
“Arz… Why…?” I rushed to hold his body and sat him down on the throne. “W- we need to treat your wound…”
“Alv…”
“Where could it be… I know I still have some…”
“Alv…”
“Here it is…”
“ALV!” Arz held my cheeks to face him. “Listen. You’ve avenged the [[Dragora]]’s prince and put a justice to the demon lord who has slaughter your guildsmen. Something that even Maa’ the White Blizzard has failed to do. You’re Alveria, the Hero. Moreover, you’re a noble born. Your words will have more weight and they should listen to whatever you’ll say.”
“I…,” I couldn’t find a word and became speechless with the turn of event.
“Hey, don’t cry…,” he wiped my tears, which I didn’t know had dropped. “Good girl, now take my dungeon heart and do what you must,” he said, pointing to the big dark-red crystal on the wall above his throne.
“Arz… I’m sorry…,” I whispered.
He patted my head and I rested myself in his embrace while holding his free hand. I didn’t care if his blood soaked my clothes, we stayed in that position for a while. His hand stopped caressing my head at a point and his body went colder.
“Arz…,” I called.
I didn’t get a reaction, and thus I raised my head. Arz had his eyes closed, his pale face was smiling in satisfaction. His pulse had gone. My Arz had left me. I couldn’t hold my tears that flooded down.
“Arz… What did I become strong for…?”
Still, I couldn’t be weak, or Arz’s sacrifice and everyone else’s would be in vain. I forced myself to get up. After making a goodbye kiss to my love, I scrapped the dark-red crystal heart out of the wall, fighting the desire to left it alone so my Arz could revive. The country was at stake, and I had to do what had to be done.
I brought both Arz’s lifeless body and the dungeon heart back to the surface.
------------
“What is this supposed to mean, Guildmaster?!”
“Calm down, Executive Alveria.”
“How can I? Arz, Master Maa’, and more than a hundred members and affiliates died, for what?!”
“I understand your feeling, and it’s exactly why you’ve to calm.”
“Why?! It isn’t that long since we learned Prince Sorok’s death, and we already said we will bring the one responsible. Why does [[Dragora]] suddenly invade us?! It doesn’t make sense!”
“It’s not sudden, we believe it’s been planned all along.”
“... Planned? How…? Unless, the prince’s death is also part of the plan…?”
“Yes, we believe so. For [[Dragora]] declaring a war as soon as they received the news and have [[Quwwat]] and [[Azraq]] declaring their support not long after can only mean they’re together in this. To bring justice to [[Alishine]] that murdered the Second Prince of [[Dragora]], is the pretext they’re using. They sacrifice their own prince to justify the war.”
My eyes widened. “I can’t believe this. What about [[Ruum]]? Are they going to help? Please don’t tell me they have become enemy too.”
“No, they haven’t. But they’ve closed their borders, so we’re on our own.”
I dropped myself on the chair behind me and rubbed my forehead. It was throbbing hard with all bad news.
“We’ve underestimated King Vorg of [[Quwwat]] diplomacy skill, and now we’re paying the price,” Master Dava continued. “Fortunately, there’re no sign of the imperial army making a move so far. Let’s hope they would stay neutral until the end.”
“Please wait, Guildmaster, there is something I don’t understand,” Crystela who was standing on my side said. “It was all started by the prince didn’t follow the dungeon rules. If he did, or if we could notify Dungeon Master Arz beforehand, he wouldn’t die, would he? And all these schemes wouldn’t have worked.”
“No. They must’ve put the prince’s character into consideration, and most likely prepared a backup plan to dispose him and still blame our dungeon.”
After a moment of silence in the room, Master Dava spoke again. “If there’s no more question, I’ll continue with your assignment. Please look at this map,” he said while taking out a map from a drawer and unfolding it on the table in front of him.
http%3a%2f%2fimg.photobucket.com%2falbums%2f1003%2fZ...world2.jpg [http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Zzzzz/dungeon-world2.jpg]
“[[Dragora]]’s army has crossed the northern borders unattended, while [[Quwwat]]’s is engaging our own at the western borders. Our scouts reported [[Azraq]]’s would join [[Quwwat]]’s soon.”
“Before you continue any further, Guildmaster, how come we didn’t realize [[Dragora]]’s army movement any sooner?” I asked.
“We realized. Or to be precise, we’re the one who asked them to prepare their army, in case we really going to war with [[Quwwat]]. It just never occurred to us they would be a part of enemies.”
“I see. They really got us,” I sighed.
“Right. Now look here,” Master Dava marked several parts on the map.
http%3a%2f%2fimg.photobucket.com%2falbums%2f1003%2fZ...%2520War.jpg [http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Zzzzz/Civil%20War.jpg]
“[[Alishine]] main army has departed to reinforce the western borders and face both [[Quwwat]] and [[Azraq]]. In the meantime, we Fantastica will stall [[Dragora]] as long as possible as per General Dhar’s order, and prevent the main army from being pinched,” Master Dava explained.
“Just us against the whole [[Dragora]]’s army?” I knitted my brows. “What is esteemed father thinking?”
“It can’t be helped since we lack manpower to simultaneously face three kingdoms. The reserve troops is being mobilized from the entire kingdom and we even recruiting civilians as we speak, but they need more time.
“Now,” he took a pause. “I know you’re still tired, but please take your team right away to sort out and joined the other Executives, at the plain north of [Firzoa].”
“Understood,” I replied. “But before that, can I make a personal request?”
“What’s up?”
“Arz body,” I pointed to my back. “Can you send someone trustworthy to give him a proper cave burial in his family’s tomb? It should be in near [Rahziel],” I requested.
“No problem. Consider it’s done,” the red haired guildmaster winked and threw his charming smile. I wondered what was that wink for. “It’s truly regrettable we lost so many war potential just before it started,” he added.
“Guildmaster,” Tsalja stepped forward.
“Yes?”
“I mayn’t be able to fill the hole my master left, but I’ll do my best to make him proud.”
Nodding, the handsome elder said, “I know you will.”
After making a bow to Master Dava and resigning back into the line, she said, “I’ll take us all to [Firzoa] now, once we’re out of the barrier perimeters.”
I nodded. “We will be leaving,” I told Master Dava.
“Alright, stay healthy and be careful. I hope we can finally have a dinner together after the war,” he winked again.
I grumbled. He always found a chance to tease me, even though he should know I had just lost someone dear to me. Without anymore delay, I turned around and walked towards the door followed by the others. However, sound of steps approaching in hurry were heard from outside.
“Guildmaster, urgent ne-”
*BOOOM!!*
The man’s voice was covered, and the building was shaking as the impact. With a sign from Master Dava, I opened the door and had the messenger entered.
“Guildmaster, urgent news!”
“What is it?”
*BOOOM!!*
The second loud sound shook the building one more time.
“Enemies! A large number of enemies suddenly appeared out of thin air just outside our barrier.”
Master Dava’s face tightened. “
“That’s…”
*BOOOM!!*
“Guildmaster, urgent news!” the second messenger came in. “The south wall is under enemy’s attack. It’s only a matter of time until the barrier is breached.”
“How many? Who lead them?”
“Yes. We estimate around two thousand men. From their flags, it’s General Palu the Stronghammer and General Ethoria the Lightning who lead them.”
“Two-”
*BOOOM!!*
“Executive Alveria, change of plan. Help me defend our headquarter,” Master Dava said, and a wind suddenly blew through. He had vanished from the room.
“You heard him,” I said to the rest while unsheathing my sword. “Let’s go.”
I activated my enchanted boots, ignoring the loud sound that exploded once again, and ran ahead towards the south. From afar, I saw smoke rising to the sky. It seemed our wall had been breached.
And thus, began the first civil war of [[Holy Malvice Empire]]. I hadn’t know yet at the time, that the flame of war would spread and dragged the whole continent into chaos. Because of the involvement of dungeons in this war, the future generations would refer it as… The Dungeon War.