Chapter 238 I Think Io Has Already Explained This
Eighteen days have passed since the Stampede ended.
On this day, just 2 days before we dive into the dungeon to defeat the [Evil God], everyone from our clan, the "Wooden Sword Way," gathered at our workshop without missing a single person.
In the workshop, it wasn't just the clan members; Lucia was also there.
The members who were meeting Lucia for the first time looked at her with curiosity and excitement. I stood at the front of the workshop, glanced around at everyone, clapped my hands to get their attention, and spoke up.
"I think Io has already explained this, but in 2 days, we will dive into the dungeon to defeat the revived [Evil God]. This will probably be our last chance to enter the dungeon in its current form."
No unnecessary voices were raised.
After all, we were going to fight the [Evil God]. Even though they can be foolish, these guys are still part of Expert explorer. Everyone maintained a good level of tension.
"The [Evil God] is likely located in the deepest part of the dungeon. This means we will have to teleport to the 46th floor and then clear all the way down to the 50th floor."
"""......"""
I looked around at everyone and nodded.
It was a good tension. Each member was filled not just with nervousness, but also with fighting spirit. Saying "the world's crisis" makes it sound cliché, but unfortunately, it is the truth. Even these guys couldn't afford to mess around.
"Did everyone receive the heavy attribute weapons... 'Black Moon' that I handed out to each party? I believe you've been practicing with them, but if anyone is still struggling to use them, please speak up. Until we leave, I will personally teach you."
"""......"""
I checked with everyone who got the "Black Moon," but no one spoke up. It seemed like everyone had prepared well.
Alright, I nodded and continued the conversation.
"With our current strength, it shouldn't be too hard for us to conquer the [God's Remains Labyrinth]. However, there are concerns. I don't know about the [Evil God], but there's a chance she might attack us along the way. ...Right, the Chronosphere."
Space-Time God Chronosphere.
I couldn't believe that this guy, who disappeared since the day of the Stampede, would just sit back and watch us fight the [Evil God]. He would definitely attack us somewhere.
It could be during the battle with the [Evil God], or maybe even before we reach him... during our journey through the labyrinth.
"Chronosphere is a tough enemy. But with the 'Black Moon' I gave you, it should be an effective defense against his Space magic. Or it could even be a strong attack method..."
And then.
One person from the ≪Wood Sword Appreciation Club≫ raised their hand.
"Yes! Master!"
"What is it? Do you have a question?"
"Yes! Um, who exactly is this Chronosphere? I've heard about the secret organization Chronosphere behind the Stampede, but from what you're saying, it seems a bit different..."
"...Huh?"
I tilted my head.
"...Huh?"
"......"
I looked at Io as if to ask for clarification.
"...Huh?"
"......"
Io was turning away with all his might, as if refusing to answer the question.
"...Hey, Io, what did you explain?"
"...Ahem."
After clearing her throat, Io stood up and started talking to the clan members with a nonchalant expression.
"Let me explain. Chronosphere is the name of the leader who founded the secret organization Chronosphere――."
Io casually began to explain about Chronosphere, as if it was nothing new.
Once the explanation was over, he turned to me and said, "Now, continue the story."
".......Well, fine.... Um, so... anyway, even if Chronosphere attacks, we should be able to handle it. That said, be careful of surprise attacks. It's not like I should be telling you this now, but always keep your magical energy sense sharp in the labyrinth."
I paused my words and looked around the workshop again.
Although Io's forgetfulness had interrupted the conversation, it seemed the clan members were still tense.
Feeling reassured, I continued speaking.
"So, regarding the personnel who will actually explore the labyrinth to defeat the [Evil God], it will mainly be our members from the ≪Wooden Sword Way≫. However, we will receive maximum support in potions and supplies from the 4 families, and ten top members from the guild's scout team, 'Dark Crow,' will be dispatched as helpers. Additionally, Logan, Ail, Noah, Lucia, and Chloe are also scheduled to participate..."
"Master! Can I ask a question!?"
"......What is it?"
I replied, feeling a bad premonition as I looked at Calum, who had raised his hand energetically.
"I mostly understand the members, but who are Noah and Lucia? Also, weren't Mr. Logan and Ail supposed to be enemies? Is it really okay for them to act together?"
"...Io?"
"..."
Io quietly stood up, still avoiding my gaze.
"Seriously, what did you explain to them!?"
"...The bare minimum."
"That wasn't even the bare minimum! I didn't expect these guys to not even know about the Chronosphere!"
"...Aaron, remember. Not everyone in the world wants to know everything..."
"What are you talking about!?"
"Alright! Let's talk about Noah and Lucia, and Logan and Ail! I'll explain!"
Io gave a brief explanation about Noah and Lucia, as well as Logan and Ail!
The explanation was really minimal. For Noah, it was just, "He was part of the enemy's group but was betrayed by the Chronosphere and has various crimes, so he's being taken along as part of his punishment. By the way, he can't attack the Chronosphere." As for Lucia, it was simply, "That girl over there is Lady Lucia. She's important, so show her respect." Lucia puffed out her chest proudly with a smug look.
Then, about Logan and the others, it was explained, "They infiltrated the enemy's group to destroy an important facility. Ail, like Noah, can't attack the Chronosphere."
The explanation mostly ignored the background leading to the current situation, but it seemed that everyone, including Calum who asked the question, was somehow satisfied with the explanation given.
I sighed and wrapped up the conversation.
"Ugh, this is such a hassle... I've said everything I needed to, so I guess this is it... Well then, make sure to prepare for the exploration in 2 days! That's all, dismissed!"
Just as I was about to end the discussion...
"――WAIT A MINUTEEE!!!"
BAM――!!!
One of the girls from the Maiden group slammed her fist on the workbench in anger. Had her crazy gauge hit the limit?
Anyway, as everyone's attention turned to her, she shouted in a voice that was definitely not fitting for a maiden.
"MASTERRRR!!! YOU STILL HAVEN'T EXPLAINED THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGGG!!!"
"...Huh? I already explained everything, though?"
I seriously thought about what she called the most important thing, but I confirmed again that there was nothing more to say, and I shook my head.
However, it seemed the girl was not satisfied.
"DON'T MESS WITH MEEE!!! IT'S ABOUT THE RINGS THAT YOU AND BIG SISTER FIONA ARE WEARINGGG!!!"
"..."
At her words, I looked at my left hand. On my ring finger, there was a simple design ring.
Fiona had the same design mithril ring on her finger, and our rings each had different gemstones.
Mine had a small ruby, while Fiona's had a small black diamond. The reason for having different colored gemstones... well, it's a custom in the Empire. Since Necronia is close to the Empire, some people might know the meaning.
――Anyway.
I thought someone would say something if I wore the ring, but if no one said anything, I had no intention of explaining. I could easily predict it would get noisy.
That said, if someone asked, I wouldn't be able to back down without answering.
Besides, it's not something I need to hide.
"――Fiona."
"Yeah..."
I called out to Fiona.
Fiona stood up, her face slightly red, and turned to face our clan members beside me.
"Uh, you might have guessed, but... a few days ago, Fiona and I got married."
Right after that.
"""Gah!!"""
"N-No way, that's a lie...!!"
"T-This must be a bad dream...!!"
"M-My sister is marrying a pervert...!?"
"No way, no way, no way, no way, no way...!!"
The guys and girls, and for some reason Zara too, looked shocked like it was the end of the world.
And the girl who was shouting at me stared at Fiona with a dazed expression and whispered in a trembling voice.
"You got married...!! Sister...!! With someone other than me...!!"
Wait, what position do you have to say that...?
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