Revis was now pressed against the wall in a defensive stance. Her right hand still tightly gripped the massive black sword, dimly glowing with a cursed aura, while her left arm slowly regenerated. Despite her severe injuries, a defiant smirk remained on her face, as though mocking Shirou to make his move.
Shirou stood firm, Monohoshi Zao still in his hand. Though he had just managed to wound Revis, he was keenly aware of the vast gap in their strength. His fingers tightened around the hilt of the long nodachi, his mind racing to find a way to finish off his cornered opponent without giving her a chance to counter.
"What are you waiting for, huh?" Revis taunted loudly, her eyes glinting with provocation. "Come on, strike me before my arm heals!" Her challenge was accompanied by a small, contemptuous laugh.
Shirou prepared to attack, channeling the last of his energy. But before he could leap forward, a loud rumble shook the room. Shirou's eyes widened as the Adamantium wall behind Revis suddenly shattered, smashed apart by something massive and terrifying.
A monstrous creature emerged from the rubble. It was a towering, bull-like beast over ten meters tall, with the upper body of a woman grotesquely fused onto its back. Its proportions were unnatural, as if crafted by a warped and unholy hand.
"What is this...?" Shirou muttered, recognizing the creature. His thoughts flashed back to their battle against the corrupted spirit on the 59th floor with the Loki Familia. "It looks similar... but it's different. Is this also one of Evilus' creations?"
Revis agilely dodged the monster's charge, landing on the opposite side of the room. Her expression soured as she watched the rampaging creature. "Idiots! Who decided to release it now?" she grumbled in frustration.
Shirou quickly assessed the new threat and decided to forgo his confrontation with Revis. Dissipating Monohoshi Zao back into prana, he sprinted toward Aiz, who was still wounded in the corner of the room. "Aiz, hang on. I'm getting you to safety," he said, crouching to check her injuries.
Revis, frustrated by the interruption, glanced at the monster with a scornful expression. "Looks like our duel will have to wait, Shirou Emiya," she said, retreating into the shadows beyond the shattered wall. "But I promise, we'll settle this later." With that, she disappeared into the darkness, leaving Shirou and Aiz alone with the rampaging beast.
The monster roared with a deafening cry, then charged forward with heavy, earth-shaking steps. Shirou knew there was no time to waste. He carefully scooped Aiz into his arms, carrying her princess-style, his arms steady despite the chaos around them.
"Hold on tight, Aiz," Shirou whispered as he ran, narrowly dodging the monster's massive legs stomping down near them. One of its stomps obliterated the floor just meters away, sending debris and dust flying.
Aiz slowly opened her eyes, catching a glimpse of Shirou's focused expression. Despite her weakened state, she felt a deep sense of safety in his arms. "Shirou..." she murmured softly before closing her eyes again, this time in peace.
Shirou dashed through the narrow corridors, holding Aiz with utmost care. His breathing was steady, even as the situation grew dire. The bull-like monster behind them kept advancing, its massive form crashing through walls and smashing obstacles in its path with brute force.
Every heavy step the creature took sent tremors through the ground, and its chilling voice echoed through the corridors. The female torso fused atop the bull body laughed maniacally, speaking in a haunting tone. "Where do you think you're going, Aria? Your fate lies here!" The words reverberated, intensifying the dread in the air.
Hearing the name "Aria," Aiz suddenly gripped Shirou tightly, her fingers clutching his shirt with what little strength she had left. Her body trembled as she struggled to maintain her composure.
Shirou glanced down at Aiz, his eyes softening despite the peril surrounding them. With his left hand, he gently stroked her long blonde hair, offering a calming touch. "Don't worry," he said, his voice deep but soothing. "I'll get you out of here safely. Trust me."
Aiz, initially tense, slowly began to relax. Her grip on Shirou's clothes loosened slightly, and her breathing steadied. "I trust you, Shirou," she whispered faintly, almost inaudibly.
Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor from the opposite direction. Members of the Loki Familia began to emerge from various paths, guided by the wind signal Aiz had released earlier. Tiona, Tione, Lefiya, Bete, Gareth, and several others appeared, some badly injured and supported by their companions. Among them, Filvis of the Dionysus Familia walked beside Lefiya, helping guide the group.
When Lefiya spotted Aiz injured in Shirou's arms, her face turned pale with panic. She quickly pulled a potion bottle from the bag of a nearby supporter. "Lay Aiz down here!" she cried. Shirou complied, carefully placing Aiz on the ground.
Lefiya knelt beside Aiz, pouring the potion onto her wounds and gently applying it to her skin. Filvis stood behind Lefiya, watching anxiously. Gradually, Aiz's injuries began to heal. Fortunately, the wounds were not inflicted directly by Revis' cursed sword, allowing the potion to take effect successfully.
Gareth approached Shirou, clapping a massive hand on his shoulder. "Thank you, Shirou. You've saved Aiz's life. Do you know where Finn is?" he asked with a serious tone.
Shirou looked at Gareth and nodded. "Finn is badly injured and cursed, but Raul and the others have already taken him to the upper floors. They're working to get him out of Knossos as quickly as possible." Gareth let out a heavy sigh, relief flickering in his eyes. "Good... at least he's in safe hands."
The rumbling grew louder behind them, accompanied by deafening crashes as the corrupted spirit demolished wall after wall to make its way toward them. The towering monster drew closer, its mere presence an overwhelming threat to everyone in its path.
Gareth, one of the leaders of the Loki Familia, immediately took control of the situation. His face was calm despite the urgency. "We don't have much time. Listen closely to my instructions," he said loudly, ensuring everyone could hear him.
"Tiona, Tione, you're with me," Gareth continued. "We'll face that creature and stop it here. Bete, Lefiya, you're in charge of guiding the others out of Knossos and finding anyone who's lost. Leave no one behind."
Tiona clenched her fist with enthusiasm. "Alright, let's take down that big monster!" she said with a wide grin. Tione nodded in agreement, though her expression was more serious. "We can't let this thing reach the people outside," she added.
Bete snorted in irritation, though not because he opposed the task. "I'll leave the monster to you, Gareth. I'll make sure the others get out safely," he said, glancing at Lefiya. Lefiya, though visibly nervous, nodded firmly. "I'll use magic to help us navigate the way out," she said with determined resolve.
Gareth then turned his gaze to Shirou, who stood catching his breath after everything he had been through. "You've done so much during this expedition, Shirou. If you want to rest, we'll understand," Gareth said in a gentler tone.
Shirou hesitated for a moment, feeling the exhaustion in his body. His magical energy was nearly depleted, but he couldn't abandon his responsibilities. Taking a mana potion from one of the bags, Shirou quickly drank it, feeling a small amount of energy return. With a determined look, he responded, "I'll join the fight against the corrupted spirit. You'll need all the help you can get."
Gareth gave a small smile, as if he had expected that answer. "I thought as much, young one. You're remarkable," he said, patting Shirou on the shoulder.
Aiz, who had been lying weakly before, suddenly began to rise. Holding her sword, she spoke with a resolute tone, "I'm coming too. I can't just sit by while you fight that creature." In her heart, Aiz wanted to remain by Shirou's side, her hero.
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Gareth slowly shook his head. "Aiz, you're not fully recovered. If you push yourself, you'll only be a burden. You need to rest," Gareth said firmly.
"But I can fight," Aiz insisted, her gaze filled with determination. "I won't be a burden." She gripped her sword tightly, proving her resolve.
Gareth sighed heavily before finally saying, "Alright, you can help, but you won't be fighting the corrupted spirit. You'll go with Lefiya and Bete to guide the others out and find anyone still lost."
Aiz paused for a moment, disappointed that she wasn't allowed to fight alongside Shirou. However, she nodded slowly, accepting the instructions. "Alright, I'll protect them," she said at last, even though she longed to stay by Shirou's side.
The members of the Loki Familia moved swiftly to carry out their respective tasks. Tiona and Tione readied their weapons, spinning the massive blades in their hands, while Bete, with a serious expression, began ushering the weaker members to the rear. Gareth stood firmly at the front of the group, giving final directions calmly. The corrupted spirit's roar continued to echo through the corridors, shaking the labyrinth's walls.
"Aria... Aria...!!" The corrupted spirit's haunting voice rang out, a mix of sorrow and fury. "Give it back... GIVE IT BACK!!"
Filvis remained steadfast beside Lefiya, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. Lefiya, though nervous, stayed focused as she guided her injured companions to retreat.
Suddenly, the sound of two pairs of hurried footsteps echoed from another corridor. Raul and Aki emerged from the shadows, their faces showing relief and determination as they reunited with the Loki Familia.
"Raul! Aki!" Shirou called out, recognizing them immediately. He approached the two, and Raul raised his thumbs with a broad smile.
"Mission accomplished!" Raul announced. "We managed to get Finn to Dian Cecht Familia. They're treating him now."
Aki added, her voice calmer but filled with confidence, "We also brought a few healers from Dian Cecht Familia. They're waiting at the Knossos entrance, ready to treat anyone injured or poisoned."
Gareth, hearing the news, nodded in satisfaction. "You've done an excellent job. But I'm curious—how did you get back here so quickly?"
Raul grinned, holding up a spherical key in his hand. "Thanks to Shirou! With this key, we found the fastest route to the exit and back without getting lost."
Aki smiled softly, adding, "Without this key, we'd probably still be wandering around. Thank you, Shirou."
Shirou nodded modestly, then realized he could create more keys. "Wait a moment," he said, projecting several new copies of the spherical key. He handed them to Bete, Aiz, and Lefiya, who were in the group retreating.
Bete snorted, though there was a hint of appreciation in his tone. "Hmph, at least this is useful. Let's get out of this place already."
Aiz accepted the key thoughtfully, looking at Shirou for a moment before softly saying, "Thank you. I'll make good use of it."
Lefiya held the key tightly, giving Shirou a gentle smile. "You always think of others, don't you? I'll make sure to keep everyone safe until we're out," she promised.
Seeing everyone's determination, Shirou felt relieved but remained vigilant, hearing the approaching sound of the monster behind them. With the plan clearly laid out, they all prepared to carry out their respective tasks.
Gareth turned decisively, fixing his gaze on Aki with eyes full of confidence. "Aki, go with Bete's group. Use that key to guide them to the quickest way out of Knossos. Ensure everyone, especially the injured, makes it safely to the healers at the entrance," he commanded with authoritative resolve.
Aki nodded firmly, gripping the spherical key Shirou had given her. "Understood, Gareth. I won't let you down," she replied before quickly joining Bete, Lefiya, and the others preparing to retreat.
Raul, standing beside Gareth, hesitated briefly but then gathered his courage and stepped forward. "Gareth, allow me to stay and help fight the corrupted spirit," he said, his voice trembling slightly but filled with determination.
Gareth paused, his eyes studying Raul with deep consideration. The offer was unexpected, given Raul's reputation for being hesitant and lacking confidence. Finally, Gareth nodded with a small smile. "Alright, Raul. If you're certain, I won't turn down your help. But remember, you stay behind us and act as support. Don't be reckless."
Raul's spirit ignited upon hearing Gareth's approval. "Thank you, Gareth. I won't disappoint you," he said resolutely.
Witnessing Raul's bravery, Narvi and Cruz, two other Level 4 members of the Loki Familia, stepped forward. "We want to help too, Gareth," said Narvi, tightening her grip on her weapon. Cruz nodded in agreement, his face showing the same determination. "Yes, let us join the fight against the corrupted spirit. We don't want to just stand by and watch."
Gareth chuckled briefly, a satisfied smile on his face. "Alright, the two of you can join. But like Raul, you'll be acting as supporters. No one takes any rash actions without orders. Understood?"
"Understood!" the three replied in unison, their voices firm despite a hint of nervousness.
Gareth, Raul, Narvi, Cruz, Shirou, Tiona, and Tione prepared to face the corrupted spirit that was steadily approaching. From the distance, the monster's roars grew louder, and the adamantite walls trembled from its blows and stomps.
The two groups finally split, each with equally critical missions—one group retreating to lead the injured to safety, and the other standing firm to confront the terrifying threat ahead.
***
Aki led the way swiftly, the spherical key in her hand helping her unlock previously sealed doors. She glanced back occasionally to ensure the injured members were being safely carried by supporters and healthier members. "We're almost at the stairs leading up. Be careful and watch your step," Aki said, pointing ahead.
The group finally reached a towering staircase. They paused briefly to ensure everyone was ready. With great caution, they began ascending, assisting the injured to maintain their balance.
Midway up, Bete suddenly stopped, sniffing the air around him. His expression changed instantly, shifting to one of irritation. "I smell something very familiar," he muttered grumpily.
Aiz, walking nearby, turned to him with curiosity. "Could it be the scent of our lost comrades?" she asked, her tone filled with concern.
Bete groaned, rolling his eyes. "Who else could it be? This weak scent is too distinctive to miss."
Hearing their exchange, Aki quickly issued instructions. "Leave it to us to get the injured to the upper levels. Aiz, Bete, you two should go find those missing members before anything happens to them."
Lefiya, standing near Aki, looked nervous but eventually spoke up. "We'll make sure they stay safe... so don't worry," she said, glancing at Filvis, who stood resolutely by her side.
Filvis gave a brief nod and added in a calm voice, "We'll ensure they reach the entrance safely. You focus on your mission."
Aiz looked at Lefiya and Filvis for a moment before giving a faint smile. "Alright, be careful on your way," she said softly before turning toward the floor where Bete had detected the scent.
Bete growled under his breath and said flatly, "Let's hurry before I regret sniffing this out." Without waiting, he followed the scent, while Aki and her group continued their ascent with the injured.
Aiz kept up with Bete's brisk pace, understanding that despite his gruff demeanor, Bete was genuinely concerned about their lost comrades. She chose to keep that thought to herself, respecting his way of showing care without soft words.
As they moved through the corridors, carnivorous Violas suddenly emerged from the dark corners, their roots entangling the walls and attempting to ambush them. One of the plants screeched, snapping its sharp jaws toward them.
Bete reacted quickly, delivering a powerful kick that shattered the plant into pieces. "Disgusting weeds," he muttered irritably. Meanwhile, Aiz swung her sword, summoning the power of wind to destroy another plant, scattering its petals like shards.
After clearing the Violas, Aiz slowed her steps, her face pale and her breathing labored—a sign that she hadn't fully recovered from the previous battle.
Noticing her condition, Bete stopped and turned with a scowl. "If you're still hurt, you shouldn't have come, Aiz! You're just slowing us down," he snapped.
Aiz shook her head weakly, even though her body trembled. "I can still fight," she said firmly, her gaze resolute despite her evident exhaustion.
Bete clicked his tongue in frustration but didn't argue further. Instead, he resumed following the scent trail.
After several minutes, they arrived at a massive Orichalcum door. Bete paused, smirking as he glanced at it. "Shirou really is handy," he said, pulling out the spherical key from his pocket. Activating the key, he directed it at the door's mechanism, and slowly, the Orichalcum door began to open, revealing what lay beyond.
Behind the door stood a group of Loki Familia members, their expressions nervous and alert as they prepared for a potential enemy attack. Their tension eased as they recognized the figures who entered.
At the front stood Linne, her round glasses dusty, a large supporter's bag slung over her back. Beside her, Stark leaned on his spear, visibly exhausted. Rooney, a small demi-human with mouse-like ears, looked anxious, while Cynthia, an Elf girl, appeared pale with dark circles under her eyes.
"Aiz! Bete!" Linne called out in relief, wiping her glasses with a dirty sleeve. Her face brightened at the sight of the two fighters, though her relief quickly turned to tension again as Bete scowled and growled.
"What's wrong with you guys?! Too weak to make it here on your own?! How do you expect to survive like this?!" Bete shouted, pointing at them one by one.
Linne, instead of being intimidated, smiled faintly. She knew that beneath Bete's yelling and scowling lay genuine concern. "Sorry, Bete," she replied, adjusting her glasses calmly despite his outburst.
Bete crossed his arms and let out a rough sigh. "Weaklings, hurry up and follow me. Let's get out of here before more monsters show up." His voice remained harsh, but there was a hint of relief underneath.
Aiz glanced at Linne and approached her. In a gentle voice, she whispered, "I think I understand now why you like Bete."
Linne's face turned bright red. She lowered her head in embarrassment, trying to hide her flushed expression as she adjusted the straps of her supporter's bag. "Aiz... you didn't have to say that," she murmured, making Cynthia, who overheard, smile softly.
Bete, already walking ahead, turned back and barked, "Move it! I'm not carrying anyone who faints on the way!" Though his tone was gruff, everyone knew it was his way of ensuring they stayed close.
The group began moving, following Aiz and Bete as they led the way out of the dark corridor toward the stairs leading to the upper levels.