"Our Lady of Perpetual Selfishless Vivvily. I truly beg for your mercy and atones us of our sins during our time in the land of living. Guide our souls to the promise land-"

Mateo can clearly hear the sorrowful prayers of Sophia and she's in the verge of crying.

But something is wrong. Her voice is echoing in the surroundings.

"-and please help our loved ones on dealing with our unfortunate ends and give them the peace of min-"

"Sophia." Mateo softly said as for some reason, his body lacks strenght to move and try to reach Sophia.

Sophia is crying. Mateo opened his eyes only to be shocked that despite clearly having a still functioning eyes, he can only see complete darkness.

"I'm truly grateful to the life you give-"

Mateo use his little strenght to crawl and follows the sound of Sophia's prayer. He touch something with a texture of cloth unlike the rough and solid floor.

"EKKKKKK!!! OH GODDESS AHHHHH!!" Sophia scream.

"Sophia!"

"M-Mateo? I-Is that you?!" Sophia paniclt asked.

"Of course! Is my voice not enough as a identification?"

"Who knows! Maybe you're a monster that mimics voices!"

"Geez... Just cast a illuminate spell please. This darkness is starting to make me nervous.

"O-ok."

A little light starts to appear then its brightness becomes stronger until it makes a big portion of the surroundings visible.

Mateo first see Sophia with a floating bright orb on her palm. He can see that Sophia is happy to see him.

Mateo slowly move and sit, then he observe his surrounding, only to see Beltrand, Shirna and Claustrine still unconcious and laying on the ground.

But Mateo is glad as whatever happened earlier. That something manages to bring all of them alive with their equipments intact.

"Ughhhh... W-what happened?"

Claustrine starts to wake-up and she's also feel the weakness of her body.

"Are we dead?" Beltrand said as he also starts getting back to his conciousness.

"Gladly we're not dead...yet." Mateo said.

Meanwhile, Shirna just quietly wake up.

"Mateo, is that you?" Claustrine asked.

"Yeah. Are you alright?"

"Ughhh... Yes. Just slightly disoriented. But where are we anyway?" Claustrine asked as she slowly crawl towards Mateo and Sophia. Bertrand and Shirna follows her.

"I don't know to be honest. But..." Mateo observes the surroundings again only to see walls and ceiling of stone and dirt.

"I think we're in some sort of cave."

"Cave? But how? Ouch.. my head." Beltrand asked.

"Who knows, maybe we're in the legendary Layer 9 or something." Mateo's non-chalant response.

Beltrand just sigh as he can see Mateo's point.

"But how we even got in this place anyway?" Sophia asked.

Shirna finally come back to his senses after calibrating his mind for seconds.

"Guys I think I have an idea." Shirna softly said.

"Drop it." -Mateo.

"When we almost get killed by the Apex Stalker, it's just a half a second but I saw a magic circle instantly appears beneath us then here we are."

Claustrine face palmed after hearing Shirna's explanation.

"So we pretty much teleported in some unknown location? Great, we're now in an uncharted location. We don't even know if we still in the Reverse tower to begin with." Claustrine's opinion.

"B-But... To think a Teleportation spell really exist." Sophia's awe as she imagined the posibilities.

"How about our supplies?" Beltrand asked.

"I think we already consumed 3 days worth of our 7 days supplies for Reverse tower." Claustrine calculated.

"Geez. Ok its official, we need to tighten our belts in order to survive. I just wish this unknown cave have drinkable water." Beltrand said.

"What we should do now?" Shirna asked.

"Let's prepare ourselves first and regain our energy. Then we going to explore this cave." Mateo's command.

While they're eating a very small portion of their supplies. They notices that they're in a cave chamber with only 1 way out. After regaining energy, Mateo talks to Claustrine.

"Claustrine. Manipulate a small portion of stone and carve a marker on this area. Be careful to not make a cave-in."

"This is our starting point?"

"Yup. It's expected that we're in some sort of cave system with possible crossing paths so we need to mark our location. If we ended in a dead end, we can just backtrack our route so if that happens. Remove the marks."

"Ok. I think I understand your thinking about this. So what's the distance between marks?"

"I believe 15 meters is good. Just make the mark sizable enough that its visible, safe and didn't drain your mana. Also, make the mark looks like an arrow pointing on the direction we going through."

"Okay."

"Ok guys let's move."

Grand Ecstasy embarks to a new journey with no idea on the things they going to encounter.

~~~~~~°~~~~~~

The dynamic of Grand Ecstasy is Beltrand and Shirna is in the front holding a magic lamp, Sophia and Claustrine in the middle where Claustrine quickly manipulates a wall of stone to make a mark everytime they reach 15 meters and Mateo is in the backside prepared on whatever is going to attack them in the behind.

The size of the cave pathway changes as they explore. Sometimes the size is wide enough that they can move freely while sometimes its narrow that they can only walk in straight formation.

For Grand Ecstasy's luck. Ponds of freshwater created by dripping water from the ceiling are available and they can easily refill their containers. But they also encounter numerous dead ends that make them backtracks and go in another path several times.

Grand Ecstasy sees that the cave they exploring are different. The cave they explore based on how they map it, is more like roots of a plant with numerous branching paths with small chambers scattered everywhere.

As Grand Ecstasy continue their exploration, Beltrand notices something far beyond them.

"Guys, I think there's a person laying on the ground." Beltrand's words as he points the object of interest.

Hearing Beltrand, the party quickly go to the thing that Beltrand saw only to feel sad to see a skeleton with some of its parts scattered everywhere.

"I think he's one of the missing adventurers." Shirna said.

"That's the only answer considering how we got in this situation." Mateo said.

Beltrand finishes his investigation and talk with everyone.

"I believe where not in danger."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Despite some of the bones being scattered. There's no damage on its clothes nor intense damage on the bones except from a broken left leg. He didn't die after an encounter with a dangerous monster. It's more likely he succumb from an injury caused by an accident." Beltrand explained.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

"But why the bones looks so disturbed and scattered?" Shirna asked.

"I think theres non-dangerous scavenger monster that lives in this cave. Those thing might be the cause of the disoriented appearance of the skeleton." Beltrand continues his explanation.

"But we still need to be cautious on other hazards like critters that can poison us." Mateo added, everyone nods in agreement.

Beltrand search the body and picks something. He gives it to Mateo who quickly understand what Beltrand wants.

In Mateo's hand is a small piece of gold plate with the engraved logo of the Adventurers guild. She flips the card and see who is the unfortunate adventurer.

Name: Fil Tyren

Age: 34

Branch: City of Natunia

Sophia insist of giving a prayer for the dead first and then they proceed to continue the travel in the uncharted cave system.

~~~~~°~~~~~

20 days after Grand Ecstasy's departure to the Adventurer's Guild. Rumors about the Reverse Tower now found its way to the City of Natunia. But because of the nature of rumors and the lack of reliable information. Adventurers are divisive on what's really going on.

"Maybe they just decide to stay longer inside the tower?"

"I agree. Besides the useless monsters, Reverse Tower have very valuable loots. It's not really a stretch to think about it."

"But there's rumors that some adventurers are already missing for a month now."

"Those adventurer are probably already eaten. My merchant friend said that monsters inside the Reverse Tower are starting to act agressive for some reason."

Emma just watch the adventurers talks about the rumors and feels sad. She knows a little about the rumors of Reverse Tower but she still didn't tell a word about it to Grand Ecstasy. Emma feels guilty as she think what might happen to the party and should say a word about the rumor to them.

But because of her job as a Guild Receptionist, she's scared of the consequences if she tried to stop a party on getting a quest especially if that quest is comissioned by both Nobility and Academia. Emma doesn't want to be kicked to her job for 2 years.

Emma gives a sigh and wishes for the safety of Grand Ecstasy.

"W-wait! Is that?!"

The guild suddenly goes into ruckus. The reason is easily gets clear when a tall good looking man with gray long hair tied in ponytail, wearing a elaborated deep scarlet coat with black lines walks in. On the back of the coat is a family insignia of a wolf holding a sword on its mouth. The man brings with him a black sword sheathed in a black scabbard engraved with gold linings.

"What he's doing here?" One of the man said. Intimidated on the pressence of the man.

"He's really so handsome!" One of the women mage screams.

"Calm your hormones girl. He's already married."

"Tsk! A nobility." One of the man said with annoyance.

"Shh... Shut it. What if he heard you."

"Who is he?" One of the young adventurer asked.

"Are you for real?! Do you really don't know Gilmore?"

The man goes to the counter and look to Emma with seriousness.

"Is the guild master present?"

"Yes. He's inside doing some measure about the rumors."

"Thanks."

The man walks and opens the door of the Guild Master's office.

"You're so lucky to have a chance to talk with him." Emma's fellow Guild Receptionist asked.

But Emma just smiles. As she's more concerned that the rumors might be so serious that Gilmore Vandril also get involved.

Inside of the Office. Gilmore and Hilgurd are sitting in the elaborate chairs, facing each other.

"I recieved the letter. What's happening?" Gilmore asked.

"You should have a slight idea when they talk about it outside."

"The only thing I knew is there's something happening in the Reverse Tower and that's enough for me to get involved."

Gilmore fix his sitting position.

"But more information is also good so tell me what happened."

Hilgurd makes a deep sigh. He starts to lit up a cigar.

"It's started several weeks ago. Numerous adventurers is rumored to be dissappeared inside the deeper layers of Reverse Tower. Estimate number of missing adventurers is 24."

"It's started as a rumor?"

"Yeah. But the truth slowly gets clear when guilds from different towns and cities involving us starts to collaborate. It confirms that the missing adventurers last appearance is when they got a mission related to Reverse Tower and all of them are Gold Ranked adventurers. The most concrete evidence is when one adventurer from Town of Gardenfall returns and franticly tells how her friends suddenly dissappears."

Gilmore's face suddenly become more serious as Hildurg tells more about the incident.

"And more problem appears when the guards of Reverse Tower calls for state of emergency. Their reports said that numerous Apex Jhulzihar beasts appears from Layers 6 to 8 with new Apex types also recorded. The deeper layers is now in constant turf war between the apexes and access to the deeper layers are now closed."

"That's insanity. Since the discovery of Layers 6 to 8. There's only 1 Apex can exist in the deeper layers. And did you just say that even Layer 8 also have Apex beast?"

"Yes."

"And what kind of peculiarity can evolved and become an Apex on that gray wasteland?

"It's a surprise and so sudden that everyone have no idea how it happened."

Gilmore makes a deep sigh.

"Now I understand why you suddenly call me." Gilmore just stares to a stressed Hildurg

"Actually. Those are also reasons but not the real reason why I suddenly call you."

"What do you mean?"

Hildurg takes a puff on his cigar and spouts the smoke slowly.

"I want you to find Grand Ecstasy."

"Grand Ecstasy?"

"They're a promising bunch of adventurers and hardworking younglings. They leave several days ago and they're currently in the reverse tower. I'm concerned that something might happened."

"They must be good that you're genuinely concerned about their safety."

Hildurg smiles.

"Yes."

Gilmore also smiles as he is happy to see that the Guild Master is still the same as he knows from years ago.

"Ok then. Just leave this task to me."

"I appreciate your cooperation. But I also want to add another mission. I guess you already know what I mean."

Gilmore quickly understood what Hildurg is implying. The atmosphere suddenly gets tense.

"Yes. With all of these unfortunate events. Maybe its time for the Reverse Tower to reveal its secrets."

Hildurg extinguish his cigar on the ash trey.

"Well then. Gilmore, You have two mission: The rescue or... retrieval of Grand Ecstasy and Investigate the Reverse Tower. I wish you good luck and may the Gods bless your journey."

Gilmore stand up and gives his respect to Hildurg before heading out. The adventurers just watch with awe and intensity as there's an implication Gilmore heading out with a serious expression on his face.

"To think that a Platinum adventurer is going to get involved." One of the Silver Adventurer.

"The rumor must be true then."

"I wish I can see him in action!" One of the female adventurer daydreams.

"Reach Gold rank first." Her friend said.

"Speaking of Gold Rank. Isn't Grand Ecstasy take a Reverse Tower mission?" An Iron ranked adventurer loudly said. The guild is fallen into silence as they realized the weight of Gilmore's appearance.

"I wish they're fine." Emma sadly said.

As Gilmore is going to exit the guild. Wanderer enters. Graham looks to Gilmore with shocked as he recognize the Platinum adventurer. Gilmore just replies with a soft smile before heading out completely.

"W-wait... Is that..." Monica also surprised.

"Yes, he's Gilmore." Graham answered.

As for Gilmore. He's going to go to the Reverse Tower as soon as possible in order to complete the two missions. One is given to him and another is a mission for himself.

~~~~~°~~~~~

Name: Tehur Felyp

Age: 23

Branch: Coven town

Name: Lissa Appleseed

Age: 22

Branch: Coven town

Name: David Talfir

Age: 34

Branch: Fern City

Name: Leo Castellia

Age: 39

Branch: City of Natunia

Mateo is in sorrowful expression as he read four Gold adventurer tags that they got from four dead adventurers. The party are currently resting and preparing food.

"Shirna. Give me the portable soup." Sophia asked as she was cooking a soup.

Shirna gives a brown and leathery like object. Sophia drops it on the pot.

"Bertrand. The dried fish."

Bertrand gives an already chopped dried fish. Sophia puts it on the boiling pot.

Claustrine already chopped some potatoes and carrots and place it near Sophia so she can put it later.

Sophia continues to seasoned the soup and once she's satisfied on the taste, Sophia rest for a bit.

"How much remaining supplies we have?" Sophia asked.

"Enough to last for only 2 days. We're going to starve ourselves if we still didn'f find the exit." Beltrand answered while he polishing his equipment.

"Maybe we should just salvage some of the food they have." Shirna said. Bertrand and Sophia looks at him with a dissappointed look as they know what he's implying.

"What? I mean they don't have any use for those supplies anyway."

"Bold for you to assume that their Dimensional bags still have something inside. Maybe anything except food." Claustrine said.

"Well, we didn't look at those bags." Shirna continues.

"Claustrine is right, and even if those bags have food on them. I can't stomach to think that we disrespect the dead." Sophia said with sad expression.

"And also there's no way for us to open those bags now that their owners are dead." Beltrand added.

"But look at our situation. I just suggesting it in survivalist's point of view."

But instead of words. Shirna just recieves a deeper dissappointed look from Sophia and Beltrand.

"Sorry." Shirna apologize. Realizing that what he said is distasteful.

Hearing his friends talk about the fallen. Mateo looks to the gold name tags on his hand. The way they found the owner of the tags still lingers in his mind.

First is a Swordsman Tehur and Mage Lissa that they found in one of the chambers. The two's skeletal remains are embracing each other. The scavengers might not found their bodies due to a huge hole in the ground seperating the chamber and the road. Probably the hole was created by Lissa with his last remaining strenght to give themselves an final peaceful rest.

Next is David. Grand Ecstasy found his remains in one of the branching roads. Scavengers completely ravage his remains but there's one thing that puts Mateo in unease. In David's skull, a small crossbow arrow is embeded on his side.

And the most recent. Gerald. Where they finally found the elusive scavengers.

"What is that smell!" Sophia screams. The party tries their best to block their nose.

As they walk, the smell becomes stronger and stronger until they saw something.

From a distance. The party can clearly see what looks like bunch of black furred animals moving erraticly in a single spot. Then the animals notices Grand Ecstasy's pressence and they face the direction where the party is. The moment Mateo and his friends saw the face of the creatures makes them nervous.

The creatures is half a meter long. From what makes sense to them, the unknown creature looks like bats but with enlarged nose and ears, the eyes are completely non-existent.

The creature crawls with 4 limbs with its 2 front limbs are in equal lenght on its main body partnered by very long fingers. Mixed with its jet black fur, the creatures appearance disturbs Grand Ecstasy.

But for the Grand Ecstasy's luck. The creatures are scavengers and when they see the party, all of them scattered everywhere revealing a decomposing and mauled body.

Sophia pukes due to the smell and scenery.

"What the hell are those things?" Shirna asked.

"We better not know and it's good that those thing are not predators." Claustrine reponded then she stops herself on throwing up.

"I see..." Mateo just only said when he saw a small dagger on Gerald's throat. Similar to other daggers in the ground.

Bertrand notices a shining thing near the corpse and when he takes a closer look, its a Gold adventurer tag. Bertrand picks the tag and asked Claustrine to cast a minor water spell to wash the tag.

"Should I burn the body?" Claustrine's sugggestion.

"Don't. Making huge fire might be dangerous for us." Mateo answered.

So Grand Ecstasy just make a short prayer before leaving the body. As they walk, they can hear the scavengers screech as they returned feasting on the body.

The discovery of the creature makes Mateo nervous. As if those creature are evolved on that way, there's a posibility that the caverns they exploring are far more deeper to the ground from what he expected. Far more deeper than the Reverse Tower itself.

And the corpses of other adventurers makes him worried on how the caverns might affect them. Makes him more glad that his bonus preparations are in good use. But he's still conflicted if its right to use them.

.

.

.

.

With no way on telling the time as they can't see the day/night cycle unlike Layers 6 to 8 which follow the real life time. Grand Ecstasy just relied on their body clock to tell the amount of days they're trapped inside the huge complex caverns. And their estimate is they already stayed there for 13 days.

And the morale is slowly getting lower as their supplies are slowly disappears and the silence and engulfing darkness of the caverns starts to corrupt their psyche.