Chapter 262 Physical God Realm
"I might have figured out what the [Evil God] is aiming for."
Lucia said.
"What lies beyond this door is the Physical God Realm."
"Physical God Realm?"
Isn't it a labyrinth? Is it really a God Realm? A place where Gods are said to exist?
As we tilted our heads in confusion, Lucia explained.
"The Physical God Realm originally exists only in a virtual reality space, but it has been 'recreated' in the real world using the 'Terraformer' function. However, since the connection to the [God Realm] is currently offline, most of that function should be unusable."
Even though it's a [God Realm], the [God Realm] functions can't be used?
So it's just a shell? But what good is that?
It seemed Lucia understood our questions. She answered.
"[Evil God] created the physical God Realm for several reasons. But for us, 3 are important. First, the structure is simple, and it requires fewer resources for 'reproduction.' Second, we can use the [God Realm Defense Mechanism]. Third, with the ≪Great Transition≫, we can focus the resources from initializing the dungeon into the [God Realm Defense Mechanism]."
"...What is the [God Realm Defense Mechanism]?"
"The [God Realm Defense Mechanism] can 'reproduce' everything the administrator thinks is necessary to remove intruders from the physical God Realm, regardless of the dungeon's settings."
"What do you mean by 'everything'?"
"Everything that can be 'reproduced' with the function of a 'Terraformer.' Right now, while [God Realm] is offline, all the information needed for 'reproduction' is recorded in 'Terrafomer007' itself."
"Oh, so... monsters and heroes from the Age of Gods, right?"
"Yeah. And also, reproduction relics and such."
"How many are there?"
"...Most of the resources in the dungeon are consumed by the construction of Space and the environment. Already, resources equivalent to several dungeon floors have been collected, and if only on monsters... the number would be at least beyond a stampede. You should think of it as almost limitless."
"I see..."
I sighed.
As a trap, it is very simple and clear.
In short, [Evil God] is trying to crush us with overwhelming numbers. And those numbers are practically endless.
The only way to deal with this is to defeat the [Evil God], the master of the labyrinth. Lucia said,
"But there must be a limit to how many can come out at once."
──But if they respawn immediately, that's not comforting at all.
To be honest, it would have been easier if she used surprise attacks or clever tricks. In this case, dealing with overwhelming numbers can only be handled head-on, which makes it difficult.
We need to defeat the [Evil God] as quickly as possible while scattering the weak monsters.
If we take too long, we'll get worn out and crushed. And Fiona will be taken over by the [Evil God]...
However, the monsters that appear might not just be weaklings...
Of course, there's no option to return to the surface here. If we leave the [Evil Gods] unchecked, we don't know what she'll do, and giving her time will only make things worse. It's cruel to expect Fiona to live in fear of being taken by the [Evil God], and it's impossible. I won't allow it.
So even though I know there's a trap ahead, we have no choice but to move forward.
After the ≪Great Transition≫, I don't know what will happen in the labyrinth, but there might not be another chance to defeat the [Evil Gods].
"......"
I stood in front of the gate for a while, thinking──then I turned to my companions, who were looking at me as if waiting for my decision.
And I said,
"'Dark Crow' and Chloe, you two stay here."
* * *
I judged that it would be dangerous for 'Dark Crow' and Chloe, who have low combat abilities, to go any further.
Even if I took them along, I wouldn't be able to protect them.
"...I'm sorry, but we understand our own lack of strength. If that's Lord of Extreme Sword's decision, we have no objections."
The leader of 'Dark Crow' nodded, looking regretful.
It seemed that no one in their group disagreed with their leader's decision.
"I'm sorry. But you've helped us a lot. Without 'Dark Crow', we wouldn't have been able to clear the dungeon this quickly. ──Thank you."
I bowed my head to them.
"Thank you!" "Thank you very much!" "You really helped us!" "Leave the rest to us!"
The members of the ≪Wooden Sword Way≫ expressed their gratitude one after another.
"Lord of Extreme Sword...!! Everyone...!!"
The leader of 'Dark Crow' looked moved, tears in his eyes, and shook his head with a smile.
"I'm glad we could be of help. ──We will pray for your success on the surface."
However, even if 'Dark Crow' was satisfied, Chloe was not.
"W-wait! I still haven't met Sir Jilva!!"
Chloe had followed the Extermination Team to meet Jilva. I acknowledged that. But, the Chronosphere hadn't shown up until now, and it was clear that it would be dangerous from here on.
It was a bit harsh, but I said it anyway.
"Don't you get it? From here on, you'll just be a burden. Even if you get into danger, we don't have the luxury to save you anymore."
"I don't mind! If something happens, you can just leave me behind!"
Chloe desperately pleaded.
Why does she want to meet Chronosphere so badly?
I heard that Mr. Jilva is her lifesaver, but...
"If you meet Chronosphere, you won't have time to talk. The moment I see him, I'll just cut him down."
I have no interest in what those [Evil Gods] are thinking anymore. So if I meet him, I'll just slash him.
Besides, there won't be any time for conversation.
"Even so, I'm going! Even if I have to fight Chronosphere-sama... I can definitely be of help!!"
Chloe looked straight at me from behind her glasses. Her eyes were not murky like they were rotten—what!?
They were clear and filled with determination. This witch can have such a gaze... She's not just looking for new material, right?
...
It seems she really has no intention of backing down at all.
"...You really will die, you know?"
"Don't make fun of me!! I came here fully prepared!!"
So she's ready to die.
...I'm not ready for that, and I don't plan to die. Accepting death and not struggling at the last moment is probably not a good idea.
So I can't agree with Chloe's resolve...
"Aaron, I'm asking you too."
Stepping forward and bowing his head was Ail.
"If Chloe ends up dying, that's her responsibility. No one needs to protect her, and no one will blame her if she dies. But because of that, can you take her with you out of respect for her resolve?"
"Mr, Ail..."
"Ail..."
Chloe and Logan called Ail's name.
We don't understand why Ail is supporting Chloe, but it seems like the two of them have some idea.
I let out a deep sigh.
"Fine. Do whatever you want."
"Ah, thank you so much!"
If she's okay with dying like that, then it's not my place to interfere. If the others are going to protect Chloe and put everyone in danger, then they should be able to choose to abandon her. I want to believe that.
"Alright, Lucia, Noah, please teleport 'Dark Crow' to the surface."
"Okay, got it."
"Sure thing."
And then, with the two of their teleportation magic, 'Dark Crow' was sent back to the surface.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)