In a lone passage inside the labyrinth, a herd of monsters parade through.

They are on the hunt for intruders.

However, they do not know that their enemies are closer than they think...

**

It had been one hour since the Five Saviors were split up. Kris and Eliza, trying to regroup with their companions as soon as possible, started searching at a quick pace but time and again, the numerous monsters hindered their efforts to advance.

With limited options, the two stranded heroes had been stealthy moving through passages while evading hordes of evil creatures on the hunt.

"...Shit, there's so many of them. We must be nearing the Abyss King's tomb." (Kris)

Kris cursed the monsters as they walked past their location. Normally, these monsters would have fallen prey to the hero's sword, but there were too many for just Kris and Eliza to handle themselves.

“...What makes you say that?”(Eliza)

“...It’s just a hunch, but they’re probably reinforcing the defenses around their master’s resting place. These are his servants, after all. They will protect him at all cost.” (Kris)

Hearing Kris’s explanation, Eliza nodded in agreement.

Once the monsters moved on to the next corridor, Kris and Eliza left their hiding place and continued down the path the monsters just came from.

“How much longer do you think it’ll be until we regroup with everyone else?” (Eliza)

Eliza asked Kris with a worried face. Kris shook his head as he answered.

“I honestly don’t know. Unfortunately, this tracker doesn’t give us an accurate route to follow. All we can do is hope they’re doing the same thing and we can meet up with each other.” (Kris)

When they exited the passage, another intersection awaited them. Kris checked his tracker for his lost companions’ whereabouts. According to the device, they were to the right of the pair's present location.

With no alternatives, Kris and Eliza chose the right passage.

They continued in silence for awhile. Kris glanced at Eliza who walked next to him. She was trying to hide her anxiety, but from the expression on her face, it was clear she was uneasy.

Kris wanted to comfort her, but he found himself unable to find the right words.

Damn, I’ve never been good in these situations. I just don’t know what to say.

Kris sighed as he felt his powerlessness to improve the mood.

“...Kris?” (Eliza)

Eliza called out to Kris in a low voice.

“Yes, Eliza?” (Kris)

“Do you think maybe...we’re the two this time?” (Eliza)

“‘Two’? What do you mean by that?” (Kris)

“I mean...we might be the two Saviors that don’t survive.” (Eliza)

“.....” (Kris)

As soon as Kris realized what Eliza was talking about, he was at a loss for words.

It seemed what Eliza had been worrying about for some time was the fact that two Saviors perished during the first quest to slay the Abyss King 200 years ago.

The Human Savior Belial...and the Demi-human Savior Cassio.

She must be afraid she and I would follow that pattern and become the next two Saviors who would die in this labyrinth. I should’ve known...I keep forgetting she can be like a child at times despite her age. Hell, I’m not that much older that I can criticize her.

Kris was unsure of what to say at first, but then he figured he should say what was on his mind.

“...You know, something similiar crossed my mind when we got separated.” (Kris)

When Kris gave his reply, Eliza looked at him in shock. However, Kris kept talking before Eliza could respond.

“However, I realized that won’t happen again. Do you know why?” (Kris)

Eliza shook her head. Kris immediately put his hand on her head and ruffled her hair as he told her his resolve.

“Because I won’t let that happen. I was given this strength for a reason, and I will use it to keep everyone safe. All of us have the power to stay alive and defeat the Abyss King together. I have faith in you as well, Eliza. So you don’t have to worry anymore.” (Kris)

I feel kind of embarrassed saying this, but it’s the only way to restore her confidence in herself… I guess it also goes for me as well.

Kris endured his suffering ego so that Eliza could have some peace of mind.

Eliza stared into Kris’s eyes, then she smiled brightly and vigorously nodded her head before responding.

“Right! You can count on me Kris!” (Eliza)

Hearing Eliza’s energetic response, Kris was assured she had returned to her usual self.

As the duo were about to turn the corner into another corridor, they heard a ferocious cry resonate from behind them.

Knowing all too well what that noise signified, Kris and Eliza didn’t bother looking back and immediately started running at full speed down the passage.

What started chasing the two heroes… was another horde of monsters. Although they were no match for Kris and Eliza in terms of speed, their sheer force of numbers would mean instant death for either of them should they break their pace or stumble.

Kris and Eliza reached the end of the passage and a large hall awaited them.

Pillars that supported the ceiling were aligned in two rows that reached both ends of the hall. Instead of the usual light crystals that illuminated the passages, blazing torches were attached to each of the pillars.

If this were another time, I’d have loved to have a feast in this place with my friends.

Kris had an interesting thought as he and Eliza ran to the exit. Unfortunately, they did not have the luxury to admire the grand hall. Their only concern was to stay alive.

Midway through the hall, Kris and Eliza heard another sound originating farther down their current path. Realizing what that means, they slowed to a halt and looked toward the exit.

Another group of monsters emerged from the the entryway and advanced. Kris and Eliza turned around in order to run in the other direction, but the previous monster horde stampeded into the hall.

Kris and Eliza formed a defensive stance with their backs to each other. Eliza faced the horde that came at them from the front while Kris confronted the horde behind them. There was no other way out. Their only choice was to fight off as many as they could and escape when an opening appeared.

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“Eliza! We don’t need to kill all of them! Just look for an opportunity to run and take it!” (Kris)

“Understood!” (Eliza)

Kris gave out orders as he unsheathed his twin swords from his back. Eliza shouted her confirmation while equipping her short sword.

The two heroes braced themselves as the two hordes converged on them.

Kris started hacking away at any monsters that came near. Arms, legs, heads, and anything else was severed from their bodies. Since these creatures are not technically alive, there was not a single drop of blood that covered the ground.

A wolf-like monster tried attacking from the side. Kris brought his sword up and jabbed at the wolf’s head. The sword easily penetrated its skull and the monster died instantly. Before it could dissolve away, Kris swung the sword and the wolf’s body collided with a small bear-looking creature. The monster was blown away and the wolf dissipated soon after.

Without taking a rest, Kris immediately slashed another monster that looked like a praying mantis. The attack split the monster in half and it fell to the ground while turning into black mist. An identical monster attacked with its sharp pincer. Kris blocked with one sword and stabbed its head with the other.

This pattern continued for a long time with seemingly no end to the stream of deadly creatures.

This isn’t looking good!

Kris was getting worried about their current situation. No matter how many monsters he killed, another would take its place before he could react.

Kris took a quick glance at Eliza, but her condition was not that much different than his. Although she evaded attacks and killed monsters with ease, sweat had already begun to collect on her forehead and the stress of the fight could be seen on her face.

They’re not very smart, but there’s no way we can kill all of these. I’ve got to think of something fast or we’re both doomed!

Kris struck down yet another monster as his brain was working to find a solution to their current predicament. Unfortunately, he couldn’t come up with anything.

Suddenly, Kris had an idea. An extremely risky and downright dangerous idea, but Kris couldn’t think of any other way.

I still haven’t used “that” so it should work!

Remembering something important, Kris yelled to Eliza.

“Eliza!” (Kris)

“What!?” (Eliza)

“I’m sorry!” (Kris)

“What do you-wha!!?” (Eliza)

Just as Eliza was about to reply, Kris grabbed the collar of her leather armor and flung her to an empty part of the hall. She landed on her back, but otherwise she was okay.

The monsters were dumbfounded by Kris’s actions, but he didn’t give them the chance to react before making his move.

After returning both swords to their scabbards, Kris concentrated what magic power he had into his right hand and raised it above his head. His fist glowed with a green light that grew in intensity until it was brighter than the torches lighting the room.

I’ve only got one shot!

Even though he had a low affinity for magic, he had just enough mana to launch a single explosive attack. However, draining all of his mana would leave him exhausted for an extended period of time.

Despite the danger of its after-effect, Kris decided it was his only choice.

Finally, all of his mana was collected into his right hand and with a loud yell -

“HAAAAAAHHHH!” (Kris)

- Kris punched his fist into the ground. The mana from his hand exploded in a massive shockwave that spread out in all directions. The results were devastating.

All monsters in the front immediately turned into mist. Those that weren’t killed instantly were blown away towards the walls and pillars. As soon as they collided, even more black mist was dispersed.

When the dust cleared, all that remained was a large crater with Kris kneeling at the center of it. With no stamina left, it took all of his willpower to keep from collapsing.

Kris spotted Eliza as she looked around with a bewildered expression.

“...Kris?...Wha...Wha” (Eliza)

Apparently, she wanted to ask Kris what that attack was, but couldn’t form coherent words due to the shock. Kris knew what she wanted to say so he answered her while panting heavily.

“Sorry Eliza...*pant*...I didn’t want you...*pant*...to be caught up in the shockwave.” (Kris)

“You could have warned me ahead of time!” (Eliza)

“*pant*...I didn’t have…*pant*...time to tell you.” (Kris)

“But still! What was that attack just now!? How come you never used it before!? Have you always had it!? Where did you-” (Eliza)

Eliza started barraging Kris with questions about the origins of his attack. Kris couldn’t keep up with her and chuckled as he struggled to control his breathing.

It happened just as he started to get up.

The eerie sound of stone breaking came from Kris’s feet. His face immediately paled and he put whatever strength he had left to move his legs.

However, it was too late.

With a deafening final crack, the floor beneath Kris gave way and he fell into the pitch black hole that had appeared underneath him.

Eliza approached the pit with a blank expression.

“...Kris?...Kris?” (Eliza)

Once she reached the edge of the hole, Eliza collapsed to her knees and peered into the darkness while timidly calling Kris’s name.

*drip* *drip* *drip*

Tears began to fall steadily from her eyes onto the floor. She squeezed both hands against her chest like she had a deep pain in her heart. Her head hung down as she continued sobbing.

Finally, Eliza brought her face up and she cried out into the abyss.

“KRIIISSS!!!” (Eliza)

Her pained cry echoed throughout the hall and reached the deepest parts of the pit below...