“What did he say?!” Robin shouted. “Collaborate with the demons? He crazy or what?”

“I think he meant it,” Benjamin exclaimed as well. “How could he be so stupid?”

“How dare you?” Elder Joe tried to take back the scepter but failed. It was even difficult for her to stand still without support. “How dare you secretly meeting the evil demons? How dare you betray our sacred duty and defy Freya’s will?”

“Cut your cliches, old girl,” Zooney smirked. “Don’t you see the warriors are fed up with the destiny? I mean, what kind of life is it? Living in this catacomb and doing dirty works while the upper world enjoy the sunlight? If Freya does exist, tell her to come here and make some changes to the injustice!”

His words ignited the crowd. Wild applause of agreement mounted.

“How could you violate the sanctity of Freya?” Elder Joe looked like she would pass out any time.

“I’m in charge now. I want my boys out of here! Think again before you try to stop me.” A cruel gleam flashing into his eyes, Zooney whistled.

Those three figures jumped out of the shadows and launched toward that fragile old woman.

“Now!” Benjamin shouted. Robin leapt out with a sweep, tripping over two of them. Benjamin threw himself on the other one and got him face down on the ground.

Zooney wanted to attack but Elder Joe cast a strong spell with her last reserves of strength. Zooney staggered after being hit, but he didn’t fell down.

“Stop! Litsent! I brought message!” Benjamin yelled, addressing to everyone. “A disaster will soon befall our world! I hate what Zooney said but we do need to escape as soon as possible!”

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Zooney snapped, “Watch it, you little--”

“What disaster, my boy?” Elder Joe asked, breathing with difficulty. “Do you mean the mass attacks of the demons?”

“No, much worse!” Benjamin answered anxiously. “I don’t know exactly what’s gonna happen, but all the warriors will be wiped out if we stay here!”

“Who, Ben, who wants to wipe us out?” Robin pursued.

“The, er, the people from the upper world.”

“What did I say, hah?” Zooney sneered. “You can always think worst of the bastards.”

“I can’t believe it...” Elder Joe said, one hand pressed to her chest. “Freya will not give up on us...”

“But why should they want to get rid of us?” Robin questioned. “After we have done so much for them...”

“I have no idea,” Benjamin sighed with sorrows.

“I don’t know about you guys, but I gonna have a word with the demons,” after saying this, Zooney turned around.

But Benjamin called to him, “Don’t tell me you actually believe the demons. You think they gonna chuck away half of the world to traitors like you? After you have slaughtered dozens of their people?”

Anger twisted Zooney’s face. “You know nothing, little rat! The demons have the power to take us out! And after that, I, along with my army, will kill them all. The upper world belongs to us.”

Zooney left with his gang. Only several warriors stayed. They looked up to Elder Joe for further instructions.

“We must go now,” Benjamin urged.

“Benjamin, Robin, good boys,” Elder Joe said firmly. “I’m afraid I can no longer guide and protect you. You are on your own now. You must take the others out. This is the last task I give you. Please, you must stay alive and save the others.”

“Why don’t you leave with us?” Robin asked.

But Elder Joe shook her head. “I was sent to Laminia by Freya herself. It is my destiny to serve as the guard to the end of my life.”

“But--” Robin wanted to say something more but was stopped by a gentle squeeze from Benjamin.

“She’s got her mission,” Benjamin whispered. “And we’ve got ours.”

They both hugged their beloved leader before descending the mountain. They met Dorky, Scar, Belle and a few other warriors on the plain.

When they looked back, Elder Joe was standing on the mountain like a dignified statue.

“Do you think we can find the exit of the world?” Robin asked, worried. “We got to break through various obstacles before we reach there.”

“Trust me, buddy. We will meet our victories.” Benjamin took a deep breathe. “Just like we always do.”

Therefore, the squad of the last Laminia warriors marched into the darkness, setting out for a new adventure with unyielding resolution.