Chapter 456

Chapter 463: Izay, His Offer Was Just Too Good (Please Subscribe!)

One morning, bathed in sunlight.

In the labyrinth city that was welcoming spring, the chill of winter’s dawn slowly dissipated, replaced entirely by warmth. Only a gentle comfort lingered in the air.

Seated side by side at the entrance of an empty warehouse belonging to the guild branch, watching the sunrise, Izay and Fels briefly discussed when they would visit Mary.

If possible, they hoped all their companions could be present.

But this was clearly wishful thinking on Izay’s part.

“Recently, there seems to be another ‘comrade’ appearing in the lower depths. They’ve already caused quite a stir unconsciously. To prevent further disturbances, Reed (the lizardman) and the others have entered the lower levels to find them.”

Fels’ tone carried regret and a touch of helplessness.

He and the heretics were still comrades, though some didn’t fully trust him. Still, when it came to matters like searching for companions, they did inform him.

Thus, there were very few ‘companions’ left in the lower layers.

Apart from Mary the mermaid who couldn’t leave Water Riddle City, only the tree dragon guarding the twenty-fourth floor and those winged races like Refia unsuited for the deeper terrain remained.

And a few weaker heretics.

Most capable fighters had followed Reed into the depths.

It was unavoidable.

After all, any ‘comrade’ born directly in the lower depths must possess power rivaling a second-tier adventurer.

Being bold, even reaching the level of a first-tier adventurer wasn’t impossible.

With such strength, their range of activity was naturally vast.

To locate this new comrade faster, mobilizing most hands was necessary.

“In that case, it doesn’t matter. Let’s handle what we can first. We’ll wait for Reed and the others later,” Izay said after hearing Fels out.

Izay roughly guessed what had happened.

(This is Cow Sister being reborn…)

Beier’s inexplicable connection with bull-type monsters.

The Minotaur she solo-farmed when she reached Level 2 returned after several months.

If Izay remembered correctly, when Cow Sister reincarnated as a heretic, her race seemed to be a variant of the deep-level monster Black Rhino.

Starting at Level 5.

After prolonged training in the depths, her initial appearance reached Level 7, the strongest heretic, without question.

Part of which owed to a certain boar-man’s efforts…

“Hmm, then I’ll try to gather everyone who stayed behind. But Izay, you might need to make two trips. Transferring between the middle and lower layers is too difficult, and we also have the tree dragon’s size to consider.”

Fels added a sentence.

The tree dragon’s massive form suited only the Great Tree Maze area. Because it was inconvenient to move, the tree dragon was chosen as the guardian of the Great Tree Maze ‘comrades.’

Having the tree dragon enter Water Riddle City would strain it.

Izay understood this point; separating them was also to avoid exposure, which made sense.

After discussing future arrangements, Fels hurriedly bid farewell.

He wanted to share this good news with Uranus and the heretics first.

An eight-hundred-year-old sage rarely got excited.

Watching the figure in black robes disappear into the forest, Izay mused.

“The curse as a side effect of immortality… fundamentally, it’s a kind of ‘negative status,’ right…?”

If so, could he say something about it?

—Shocking! An ancient sage over eight hundred years old turns out to be (???)

“Once, I heard rumors that the sage was a perpetually grumpy loli… wonder if it’s true~?”

Izay felt he suddenly had a bold idea. (Mist)

Far away, having already distanced himself somewhat, Fels shivered all over.

He seemed to have sensed a wave of cold dread just now, chilling his spine.

Though he currently lacked much of a spine…

…

Not lingering too long at the warehouse, Izay quickly returned to Meron and went to the gathering place of the Familial Group.

Loki and the others had already gathered the spoils of their days in Meron—souvenirs and unique trophies alike.

Everyone was eager to return to Orario.

Laurel and his team, who had come to assist, honorably took on the task of carrying bags and luggage while escorting the deities Njord and Kali.

These two deities were among the main culprits of the incident and needed to go through procedures at the Guild Headquarters in Orario; they couldn’t be let go.

As for the warriors of Tylscula, they were confined and sent back to their ship, guarded by guild staff.

A decision regarding Kali would likely determine their freedom.

“You little brat, confess. Why did you, who usually keep to yourself, come to Meron? Who told you that Tione and Tiona would be here with me!? Was it Ishtar? If you’re honest, maybe I’ll put in a good word for you with Uranus?”

On the way back, Loki approached the bound Kali with a haughty tone.

“I won’t tell thee~”

“This brat…”

“Ask nicely! You wouldn’t get me to spill the beans even if you knew. Know that and still choose not to talk!”

“Tread (love) my horse (you), you’re a prisoner now! Have some self-awareness, will you!?”

But Kali remained unmoved. “This is one thing I cannot disclose. It took great effort to reach this point.”

Seeing the young goddess turn her head again, Loki’s forehead began to twitch with veins.

Loki knew well enough that the person collaborating with this shorty was Ishtar.

That much was obvious.

But she wanted more—details, strategies, words exchanged. Loki wanted all these insider details from Kali!

Unfortunately, the latter was utterly unyielding, which infuriated Loki.

“The gods refusing to divulge information leaves Loki powerless,” someone remarked from the group nearby.

“It’s natural. There may be contractual restrictions or something. Personally, I think Loki is wasting her time.”

Izay crossed his arms behind his head and gave his opinion.

If there truly were contract restrictions, Kali’s silence made perfect sense.

It was probably why Ishtar sold her out so easily.

“Actually, whether she talks or not doesn’t matter.” Finn turned around and smiled. “After this incident, we can confirm that Ishtar is a suspect. Moreover, other clues are surfacing. Now it’s just a matter of searching.”

The leader of the dwarf race referred to the other exits connecting to the dungeon.

In the near future, barring unforeseen circumstances, the Loki Familia would conduct a thorough search of the entire labyrinth city.

“At that time, Izay, it’s up to you~?”

“Can I request a leave?”

“I’ll let you and the girls form your own team.”

“Please assign this task to me!!!”

Finn… offered conditions Izay couldn’t refuse.

Others: “…”