Chapter 180

Chapter 181: Not Dating —— Artemis

As the magic stone, which served as the life core of Andarius shattered, the proof of its existence in this world was rapidly vanishing.

And the death of Andarius also symbolized the end of this mission.

Where the calamity scorpion once existed, a dark silver spear was deeply embedded in the rock layer, surrounded by a deep pit dozens of meters wide, still emitting wisps of smoke.

“The force that can break fate and redeem the goddess from the hands of ancient monsters… it’s purely ‘power.’ ”

A delighted deity witnessed that power and sighed with heartfelt admiration.

Hermes narrowed his eyes.

Looking at the backs of Artemis and Asfi rushing forward, he muttered softly.

That power had been completely imprinted in his heart, becoming one of the many breathtaking scenes he had seen while traveling through the lower realms.

Intoxicating and mesmerizing.

“We won…”

Beside Hermes, Lulune murmured like she was dreaming.

“That’s right, we won…”

Seeing her dazed state, Hermes couldn’t help but chuckle slightly before tapping her head.

“What are you spacing out for? Go offer blessings and cheers to the heroes who defeated the ancient monster!”

After speaking, he took a step ahead.

“Huh? Oh, oh!!”

Responding absentmindedly, Lulune belatedly followed after realizing.

On the other side,

Izay, having exhausted all his strength after throwing that spear, fell from the air. Staggering two steps, he collapsed on the ground.

The side effects of magic, combined with the wounds he had previously sustained, caused him immense pain throughout his body, leaving him unable to get up.

Artemis quickly came to his side, looking worriedly at him.

“Izay… how are you doing?”

The goddess approached Izay, squatted down, and cradled him in her arms, asking with concern.

“Nothing serious… just feeling sore all over and mentally exhausted. Let me rest a bit and I’ll be fine…”

Izay mumbled indistinctly, his voice weak.

However, seeing him like this somewhat reassured Artemis.

If there were no major issues, that would be good.

Next to them, Asfi looked at the two with an odd expression.

Although she had felt this way before…

Now it was confirmed.

There was definitely something suspicious about the relationship between these two people.

She had always heard Lord Hermes say that Artemis was the chaste goddess, absolutely against relationships in the heavens, and someone who wouldn’t get close to the opposite sex!

But now…

Asfi glanced at the two who were intimately embraced together.

Not getting close to the opposite sex?

Asfi: “???”

No words were needed; three question marks were enough to express the thoughts of this omnipotent being perfectly.

Meanwhile, outside the Ersos Ruins.

The feint team composed of two factions was still entangled in battle with the monsters.

But the next moment, with a “boom,” a monster preparing to attack suddenly stopped its motion, instantly turning to dust and disappearing before everyone’s eyes, without even leaving behind a magic stone.

It seemed to trigger some kind of chain reaction, as one monster after another disappeared, leaving everyone stunned.

“What is… going on here?”

Falga, the tiger-man, was the first to realize what happened, but he was still confused.

Though everyone was confused now, no one answered his question.

Letsha and Lanti exchanged glances amidst their astonishment, both seemingly thinking the same thing.

“It should be… that the scorpion has been defeated.”

“Yeah! Definitely! After all, with Lady Artemis around, there’s no way anything would go wrong, not to mention that annoying Izay.”

Though extremely reluctant, Lanti had to humbly admit.

Their current statuses had reversed drastically; Izay could easily have his way with her now.

So when they met earlier, she was unusually well-behaved and didn’t argue with Izay like she used to.

Afraid of retaliation.

It wasn’t baseless speculation; Izay would really do such things.

Upon hearing their conversation, the surrounding people’s expressions of shock turned into joy.

“So… does that mean…”

“This mission is complete!!”

“OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH———”

The adventurers who were just in combat immediately gathered in small groups, sharing their joy with comrades they were close to.

Fortunately, though some were injured during this mission, no one died.

With the aid of Kadianne’s highly effective healing potions, or even panacea, injuries could be fully restored, making it a perfect success.

Meanwhile, in Orario, within the Dungeon.

Finn, commanding his faction partners to defend against the wave of monsters, suddenly raised an eyebrow, sensing something unusual about the monsters.

Those monsters that were originally glowing with madness, desperately trying to rush to the surface, suddenly stopped all at once.

In the blink of an eye, countless monsters were killed by the frontline adventurers resisting their assault.

And the very next second, having lost that crazed look, the monsters seemed to realize the foolishness of their actions, letting out mournful cries echoing through the dungeon before fleeing en masse.

“Is it over?”

“It seems so…”

“What’s this? Suddenly appearing and then running back, did they play tricks on us?”

Numerous adventurers complained, clearly annoyed.

But it was just talk.

What could they possibly do?

Would they go back into the dungeon to die?

There were plenty of deep-level monsters earlier; it wouldn’t be wise.

“Something feels fishy about this whole situation…”

Beside the blonde girl with golden eyes, the mountain breeze-colored fairy held a staff in one hand and a longsword in the other, wearing a serious expression.

“Miss Ais, what do you think?”

“I…?”

Caught off guard by Refia’s words, Ais turned around, only to see Riviria approaching with a strange expression.

“Refia.”

“Hmm?”

“I feel like there might be an issue…”

“Hmm???”

Ais’ words filled Refia with confusion. Just as she was about to ask again,

“Refia? What’s with your swordsmanship?”

A voice as cold as winter reached her ears (in Refia’s opinion), freezing the little fairy stiff.

“Ri-Rivilia-sama… this, that… I…”

It’s over!

She had practiced swordsmanship with monsters in the dungeon too often recently. When she saw so many monsters rushing towards her, especially near her, she instinctively…

“Eeeeee~ I didn’t notice, Refia, you’ve been practicing swordsmanship?”

“I didn’t know either, Refia~”

Noticing the situation, Tiona and Tione joined in enthusiastically.

“I think you need to explain this to me.”

With a subtle expression, Mama-san said softly, sending Refia into despair.

“Yes.”

Like a fish losing its dream, Refia’s delicate pointed ears drooped.

Ais watched this scene, her lips moving slightly.

Maybe… the situation isn’t that severe?

Rivilia wouldn’t have that expression when angry.

Based on experience, Ais wanted to comfort Refia, but the latter seemed not to hear much.

“Hehehe… they’re as lively as ever, aren’t they?”

“Yeah.”

Watching their interaction nearby, Gress couldn’t help but laugh, and Finn also chuckled shaking his head.

Though the unrest in the dungeon was full of doubts, for factions like Loki Familia, it was just a small episode in life. Everyone seemed not to care much about it.

The only ones who needed to worry were him, the captain, and Loki, who would deal with the guild personnel later.

Sigh…

How to put it?

Adult problems?

“Alright, let’s tidy up our equipment. Everyone, let’s go home!”