Chapter 379 - Genesis Labyrinth
Chapter 379 - Genesis Labyrinth
According to the reconnaissance report, enemies like the Sacraments weren’t confirmed outside the labyrinth.
Also, it’s said that infiltration from underground areas like the sewers is impossible.
The “membrane” of the labyrinth has firmly eroded even underground.
It seems all possible entry routes were completely blocked.
We divided ourselves into those who would wait outside the Royal Capital with the subjugation army and those who wouldn’t.
The waiting army outside is numerous.
This is something organized by Cattleya.
And so——— the elite warriors selected from the subjugation army would head into the Royal Capital.
Naturally, the Heroes are among them.
While the sorting was being done, I once brought Loqierra to the outer membrane of the labyrinth.
[The Royal Capital is eerily quiet out here.]
According to Loqierra, that thin membrane can be passed through normally.
However————
[I’ll keep it brief. Only one person at a time can pass through that entrance.]
Based on the information I have from Loqierra, I explained to them.
[Once you pass through that translucent membrane, you will be teleported one by one into the labyrinth.]
The teleportation destination is apparently random.
However, the closer in order you are with each other, the higher the probability of one being near them.
In other words——— It would be much easier to meet up with those who are before or after you.
The tricky part here is that “higher probability” part.
Even though it’s higher, it’s still a “probability”, making that rule not absolute. There are cases where the people before or after you are teleported far away instead.
“This is originally a mechanism designed to obscure who encounters whom during training. If Deities who want to cooperate with each other enter in close order, it becomes easier for them to meet up and increase their winning percentage. On the other hand, if your order is too far from someone, it allows you to lower the encounter rate with incompatible opponents. However, keep in mind that that isn’t absolute. It’s just a matter of probability. Reality couldn’t always be manipulated to suit one’s convenience…… That opacity, designed to simulate such reality, was considered crucial in training.”
Munin.
Sogou Ayaka.
Their identities still hidden in the Fly Knight outfit, the Takao Sisters.
Ikusaba Asagi.
Gio Shadowblade.
Armia Plum Lynx.
Qir Meiru.
Roa.
Nyantan Kikeepat.
Holy Kingdom of Neia’s current commander, Machia Renaufia.
Neia’s Holy Knight, Esmeralda Nidis.
It’s also for this reason that Gratora and the Harpies will stay behind.
Nyaki and Liese, as well as Banewolf, will also remain due to combat capabilities.
Additionally, Slei will stay behind this time.
Furthermore———– Fugi from the Kurosaga will stay outside.
(T/N: I just realized that Fugi could also be translated as Hugi, making her and Munin’s name based on Odin’s ravens, Huginn and Muninn.)
This was decided after discussions.
Other than that, many of the Heroes volunteered to participate.
However, under Sogou’s request, I denied them.
Her goal is to protect her classmates.
No…… It’s now more like protecting the “classmates she should protect”.
In any case———-
For this reason, other than Sogou Ayaka, the Takao sisters, and Ikusaba Asagi, all other Heroes will remain.
Everyone is to prioritize regrouping with Munin.
Next, aim to regroup with Loqierra and Pigimaru.
These two have combat limitations for this decisive battle.
However, Pigimaru significantly broadens our tactical options, and Loqierra has valuable knowledge against the Deities.
Seras, Eve, and I will prioritize regrouping with these three.
This especially goes with Munin, who is crucial for the battle against Vysis.
Losing Munin is to be avoided at all costs.
For this reason, I’ve also asked Sogou and the Takao sisters to be mindful of regrouping with Munin.
[Also……]
I look at Ikusaba Asagi.
[Yes?]
[Prioritize regrouping with Ikusaba Asagi as well.]
Among those who have low solo combat ability, she’s also among them.
I’ve heard that Asagi delivered the finishing blow to the Third Oath.
However…….
“Even though I should’ve gained a ton of EXP and leveled up a lot, my stats didn’t increase at all. Like, seriously? Isn’t this a bug that warrants an apology gift? I was thinking about where to file a complaint when I received the notification that I acquired the skill <Queen Bee>. That was the punchline of it all!”
“This brought Asagi-chan to a near-certain understanding”, Asagi cheerfully said before continuing.
“In other words, from now on, I need to become the Queen Bee that commands powerful soldier bees———– That’s the current game I’m playing now.”
Asagi’s Unique Skill.
A power that can even bring down Gods.
Describing it that way isn’t an exaggeration.
Additionally, she has special Buff Skills for allies.
[Thanks, Mimori-kun♪ You’re so kind~~]
Sogou wanted Asagi to stay behind as well.
However, Asagi completely refuted her by bringing up her past rampages.
……Well, I’ve always intended to include Asagi in the raid team from the start.
[…………………]
To be honest……
As far as this guy is concerned, the “guarantees” doesn’t go beyond the realm of estimates.
However———-
There’s this out-of-place feeling I remember feeling from Ikusaba Asagi.
If I follow that feeling……
Wouldn’t she move towards killing Vysis?
What is the intent of the person who activated the Genesis Labyrinth?
What kind of “will” was infused into it?
Perhaps, it’s a labyrinth designed to make one think about these questions while progressing.
However, this time, we participants are taking a cooperative approach.
It’s easier for our minds than when a labyrinth like this is used while we’re “competing” with other participants.
[Our ultimate goal is to eliminate Vysis, but as a preliminary step, you should prioritize surviving…… and regrouping with others——— For us to create the right “situation”.]
Yes.
To create a situation where we can use the Forbidden Curse on Vysis.
Even with the Genesis Labyrinth in place, this objective doesn’t change.
Listening to my words, the elite soldiers from various countries began to don their own Fly King outfits, the same style I used to wear, and Fly Knight outfits.
[Umm!]
It was Sogou who raised her hand.
[If we find people from the Royal Capital trapped inside the labyrinth———]
[Each of you should make your own decision on how to deal with them.]
I responded immediately.
[However, you should be aware that not everyone will be an ally. Among them might be sh*tty nobles who think they’ll be spared if they side with Vysis, or members of Vysis’ cult who believes in her bullsh*t. Consider the existence of such people among those you meet.]
[……I…… understand.]
Swallowing her words, Sogou stepped back.
Demoralizing Sogou here would definitely be a bad move.
But in this battle, I can’t allow her or anyone to say things like “saving everyone”.
……I’m sorry, Sogou.
This is where I draw the line.
[Now, regarding the order of entering the labyrinth————]
<Author’s Notes>
I planned to have the next chapter updated on May 17th (Friday), around 9:00 pm, but I’m sorry…… I’ve been a little busy lately, so I can’t reliably say I’ll be able to post it then, so please consider this as a temporary update schedule.