The Imprisoned Fallen Ones (Part 2)

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

Thud! Thud-thud!

Footsteps sounded from further down the corridor.

Riko looked up and saw the tall Saundin slowly approaching from down the passage.

"Symmetrical, humanoid Fallen Ones; asymmetrical Fallen Ones that no longer resemble humans at all—they are actually the same. Both are creatures transformed from humans blessed by the abyss. They simply do not look as perfect as Fallen Ones that retain their intelligence."

At this point, Saundin's tone rose. "But those less perfect ones are likewise unaffected by the Ascension Curse, which means they also have the potential to evolve into perfection!"

Riko took a handkerchief from her pocket and wiped the vomit from the corner of her mouth, once again realizing just how deranged he was.

Fallen Ones had once been Explorers. Even if they had become Fallen Ones during their ascent, lost their human forms, and even forgotten everything, they still deserved respect. They should not have been imprisoned here as Saundin's test subjects.

Yet Riko understood even more clearly that Saundin would not listen no matter how she tried to persuade him. More importantly, she needed to find a way to free Mithras from his control.

But before either Riko or Mithras could speak, Saundin clapped his hands, and figures with square patterns on their helmet visors emerged.

Riko immediately went on guard.

However, they did not attack Riko or Mithras. Instead, they spread evenly along the oval ring corridor and pulled the corresponding levers installed on the walls.

Buzz!

Massive, flexible Black-Gold Mechanical Claws extended from the walls beneath the ring corridor and reached down below.

"Awooo!"

"Gah!"

One asymmetrical, inhuman Fallen One after another was seized and lifted into the air by the mechanical claws.

Strangely, throughout the process, those workers had their backs turned and could not see below