The black outer shell shattered, and the crimson Supernova burst into the sky with a blinding light, like a nuclear explosion.
In an instant, the steel fleet was torn apart by the force field.
Amidst the wreckage of the warship, the unresponsive Iron Pirate King Level sank helplessly.
In the distance, the few people who were thrown back by the aftershocks looked at the battlefield in shock.
The black and red light finally dissipated, and now, in the turbulent sea, not a single intact warship remained.
In other words, that's right...
"I won!"
On the burning sea, a blood-red demon laughed maniacally.
But before he could mutate, a ferocious Iron Fist struck Vane squarely on the head.
"[Sarkaz curse!] Do you want to kill us!?"
Vera grabbed Vane by the neck and shook him violently, her face contorted with rage.
"What's the team chat for? Couldn't you have said something before you used your ultimate skill?!"
"Quack! Isn't the boss here?"
Vane, feeling guilty, turned his head away.
The power of the [Supernova] is indeed very strong, but it also has a fatal flaw.
Due to its extremely unstable nature, it will automatically trigger shortly after leaving Vane's control.
Yes, a powerful move capable of covering a small city has a range of only a few dozen meters.
This is no big deal for Vane, who possesses Immortal Body, but it's not so good for his teammates.
Vera was deeply moved at that moment.
"Stop changing the subject! You mentioned using a new move back in the mine... Did you even intend to use it in that environment!?"
The thought of almost being buried in the mine made Vera tighten her grip even more.
"I'm going to die! I'm going to die! Aren't I useless? Where is the judge? I demand a heavy sentence!"
"That's enough, second brother. We'll settle the score with him later."
Gregor stepped in to smooth things over.
As always, he used his Holy Shield to protect Vera during the attack.
Just like Vane said, you can always trust the boss.
"Although I'm a little curious about how [this move was originally meant for the boss] came about..."
Gregor looked at Vane, whose body shrank smaller and smaller in silence.
"But there are more important things to do now, let's find the Magic Stone first."
"I'll go right now!"
Watching Vane dive into the sea, Gregor shook his head and began the salvage operation in cooperation with Gorth.
It's worth mentioning that Gorth was in a worse mood than Vera.
After the battle, he immediately examined the shadowy space and found that many items were indeed damaged.
On the battlefield, although most of the warships were sunk, some were preserved intact under the control of a few individuals.
Unfortunately, most of these supplies Destruction in Vane's attack.
Even with the possibility of repairing it with the Wandering Soul Core, Gorth was heartbroken and couldn't breathe, and surprisingly, he didn't plead for Vane.
After crushing another magic crystal, Gorth's strength was restored.
For the first time, Gorth felt strained trying to pack so much stuff into the shadows.
Previously, storage only required consuming magic power when loading, but as more and more resources were added, Gorth also felt the pressure inside.
After sharing these concerns with the two, Vera pondered for a moment and said:
"It seems the expansion of the Shadow World requires you to consume your magic power. Didn't you feel this before?"
"Unnoticed."
Gorth shook his head; that was precisely what puzzled him.
"Perhaps the Magic Stone replenished your energy," Gregor suggested.
"Because the Magic Stone was previously stored in the shadow, it bore the cost of expanding the Shadow World."
Gorth stood there, stunned.
That's certainly possible, since the Magic Stone wasn't brought out this time for safety reasons.
Contemplating this possibility, the shadows that had submerged beneath the sea also brought out the mech of the Iron Pirate King Level.
"She looks perfectly fine..."
Vera frowned; aside from a few scratches, the boss in front of her seemed to be unharmed.
Given the previous example of the Cave Ice Worm, Vera couldn't help but suspect that the other party might also be feigning death.
Vera signaled to the two with her eyes that they should prepare for battle, and then began the resurrection work.
No response...
The group immediately attacked the steel pirate, but without the support of its shield, the machine shattered instantly.
"No... it seems to really be dead."
Seeing that the more they dismantled it, the more it crumbled, so the group stopped.
"What happened? If she's really dead, why can't she be resurrected?" Gregor asked Vera.
The latter gazed silently at the lord's corpse, seemingly sensing something.
Because... it is not life.
"What?"
Vera looked up, her expression somewhat puzzled.
"It's not alive anymore. Maybe it used to be, but now it's just an empty shell, not even worthy of being called a mechanical life form."
"It... is not the real pirate leader, at least not the one who was modified."
After listening to Vera's story, Gregor and his companion exchanged bewildered glances.
"Not the real one? How do you know, second brother?"
"I can't quite explain it, it's like... it told me."
Vera's vague explanation worried the two men. Had her life in Kazdel ultimately affected her mental state?
"It's alright, don't worry if you can't be resurrected."
Gorth collected the remains of the Iron Pirate King Level.
"Since it's a machine, it can be repaired. Perhaps we can even study its mechanism to obtain the shield technology."
"Hmm, we don't know how much time has passed in the Dungeon. Perhaps this thing is a clone created by aliens?"
Gregor offered words of comfort, and Vera rubbed her temples, no longer dwelling on it.
"That makes sense..." she said, looking out at the sea.
"Where's the fourth brother? Hasn't he come out yet?"
[Vane: We're still looking! You have no idea how vast this sea is!]
Having received a reply, I felt relieved and decided to continue exploring.
However, as time passed, the four eventually met in silence.
Whether on a deserted island or in the dark depths of the sea, there was no trace of the Magic Stone.
However, the group did not leave empty-handed.
In the very center of the ocean, the four discovered two teleportation portals.
"Without the Magic Stone, do we have to find the corresponding boss?"
Gorth's tone was low, all the joy of this achievement vanished.
"And that purple door, is it the path to the fourth village? Should we go there?"
Uncharacteristically, Vane didn't respond, and looked at Gregor with Vera.
Now is the time for the leader to make a decision.
In the game, different Magic Stones do indeed correspond to different bosses.
Gregor had anticipated this trip; he never thought collecting the Magic Stone would be easy.
So, shall we continue?
Gregor lowered his head and began to weigh the pros and cons.
Assuming the Magic Stone truly corresponds to those bosses, then even proceeding to the next level will not achieve the goal.
Secondly, the Dungeons are not like those in the game.
It doesn't refresh, and the boss won't stay in the room obediently; the entire space feels more like a real world.
This time it's a fleet of steel warships, but what if it's an alien map? Would they be fighting the entire UFO army?
Gregor raised his head and looked at the lords who were waiting quietly to the side.
Perhaps they can seek more assistance.
"Let's go back; we need to prepare more."
Gregor made the decision, and no one objected.
When it comes to the safety of his brothers, Gregor has always been the most cautious.
Clean up the battlefield, gather resources, and smuggle the lords into the shadows one by one.
The four arrived at the bottom of the sea and touched the white portal.
When the scene of the House of Vitality came into view again, the four of them breathed a sigh of relief.
"So... let's summarize."
Gregor invited the three of them to sit at the four corners of the guest table.
"First of all... Third brother, are the bosses still there?"
"Yes, I am." Gorth nodded, sensing the shadow.
"Well, their sizes don't fit in the main hall, so they'll have to be stored with you."
"No problem, my Black Forest is big enough to hold them, and the environment of Ursus is perfect for the Cave Ice Worms to unleash their abilities."
Gregor glanced at Vera and the other woman, who nodded.
They naturally had no objections; Gorth, with his pet follower buff, was undoubtedly the best candidate to lead the Behemoth.
"Please also help with the refresh of Magic Crystal Ore and Pure Gold resources."
Gregor mentioned the two giant crabs, Gorth nodded, beginning to think about the most efficient way to farm them.
Besides those two guys, he has much more to do.
Mineral regeneration, crop cultivation, technological research... Even though the magic topics were entrusted to the Doctor, the remaining work was still a huge undertaking for him.
"Secondly... second brother, it's up to you to maintain the connection with the Doctor." Gregor looked at Vera.
"Was the compensation from last time enough? Let them give us a figure, and multiply it by several times."
"No, too many gifts would seem like they have ulterior motives."
Vera rejected the offer; having integrated into mercenary life, she had learned some of the rules.
Unless she intends to control the Babel Tower, this action is highly likely to incite internal conflict, even if she doesn't.
"Okay, you can decide."
Gregor decided to trust Vera's judgment, but while he could slow down financial support, he could still provide it in other areas.
"Then we'll provide the medication; you can control the quantity yourself."
"Learn."
The Red Potion was replenished during several Dungeon trips, but to say that they were completely self-sufficient was still a pipe dream.
Regarding this supply, Vera decided to wait for the Medical Department's research briefing.
"Finally... Fourth Brother, how much do you Daichi know about this land?"
Gregor's final question was somewhat unexpected, and Vane raised an eyebrow:
"Boss, which aspect are you referring to?"
Gregor's fingers tapped lightly on the table.
"Is there... a strong individual who can fight alongside us?"
Vera and Gorth, who were pondering their future plans, suddenly looked up and said to Vane:
"Boss, you want to recruit people?"
"Hmm, the Dungeon is becoming more and more unfamiliar."
Gregor rested his head on his hands, his voice low:
"Although it's still within our control for now, the unknown risks are still too great."
"Who exactly is the enemy that the King Snow Ape speaks of? Who brought these lords from different civilizations to the Dungeon? And who built the Dungeon itself?"
"Was our time travel an accident? If it was premeditated, what was the mastermind behind it all?"
Gregor bombarded the paladin with questions, making no attempt to hide his unease despite his seemingly strong and confident Paladin in the eyes of outsiders.
"The forces within the Dungeon have united; we can't afford to fall behind."
Gregor looked at Vane, his voice serious.
"If Ifrit can go to the Dungeon, then the number of people is no longer a limit."
"We need more, stronger, and more trustworthy partners."
"..." x3
The three men stared at Gregor in silence, each with a different expression.
"That's a bit unexpected. I thought the second son would bring up this topic first."
Vane scratched his head, looking somewhat troubled.
"But boss, are you really sure? It's not that I'm against you."
"In a way... as long as this is done, the two worlds will inevitably be connected."
"Is this really okay? To change the fate of this Daichi like this?"
Do you like this kind of fate?
Gregor straightened up, the cross-shaped starlight faintly gleaming.
"Whether you describe it or we see it, this Daichi is filled with tragedy."
"Perhaps the scriptwriters only saw it as a story, but there's no doubt... what lies before us now is a real world."
"I didn't treat this like a game either..."
Sensing that Gregor was implying something, Vane gave an awkward smile.
"So, boss, you can't stand it? I know, any normal person would feel uncomfortable seeing small animals being abused, and it's perfectly normal to want to help."
"I can think of quite a few companions like you mentioned. The Witch King of Leithanien was a good helper. Although he is dead, his afterimage is still striking Demons in the Warp Space."
"To resurrect him and take control of him is naturally our duty..."
"That's not called a companion."
Gregor interrupted Vane, who remained silent for a moment before speaking again, his voice filled with helplessness:
"Okay, okay, I know. I just don't want to put them in the same position as you."
"After all... no one is closer to us than us, is there?"
"Of course, no one is more important than you."
Gregor spoke calmly, as if stating something common knowledge that everyone knows.
Vane laughed.
"OK~ I'll take care of the personnel selection, boss, you can rest assured!"
"Okay, please."
Gregor stood up; it was probably morning now, and he should return to the wilderness.
"Boss."
Vera called out to Gregor.
Do you hate this world?
"... No."
Gregor turned around, and Gorth followed suit with a question.
"Do you hate the people in this world?"
"No, not at all."
There were no more questions, but all three waited for Gregor's answer.
Undoubtedly, all four of them have changed somewhat from their original appearance.
Vera acquiesced, Gorth was anxious, Vane didn't care.
But Gregor brought it up.
So they turned to their leader, who was in charge of the brothers, for answers.
Why?
Having found our way home, what reason do we have to stay and help this Daichi?
Am I being dramatic?
That's so pretentious.
But they need someone to give them that reason.
"At first, I thought I was going to stay here forever."
Gregor looked around; the original layout of the House of Vitality in the game was now filled with traces of their lives.
"At that time, I just wanted to protect you all, and at the same time, find a way home."
"But now, I've discovered that we're all very strong, and my plans to go home are settled."
"But even so, we may have to stay here for a long time."
"I must do something during this long period of time, right?"
Gregor spoke quietly, seemingly to no one in particular.
"Now I don't have to study anymore, I don't have to worry about my future job, and even the games I used for entertainment are gone."
"The Dungeon takes time to refresh, so what can I do during that time?"
"There are plenty of ways to kill time, from traveling and eating to having fun."
Vane calmly gave his answer, and Gregor shook his head.
"I can't let that go."
"When I saw those awful things online before, I wanted to reach through the internet cable and beat those bastards up, but I don't have Red Hot Chili Pepper, and the law doesn't allow me to do that."
"Things are different now... I'm not in the same world anymore. Now I can destroy a Stand with one punch, but I still feel very frustrated."
Gregor raised his hand, his gaze darting between his clenched fists.
"It's like this Daichi is provoking me; it always presents me with all sorts of suffering, and I just can't seem to solve them properly."
"I've considered turning a blind eye, but there are just too many..."
Gregor recalled what he had seen and heard during his trip.
Whether in the wilderness or in the city, all the stories seem to be drawn to tragic scripts.
"Everything I've learned tells me this is wrong, but this isn't our world at all."
"You've encountered this before, and we've already encountered so many since we arrived. How many are there across the entire Daichi?"
Vera and Gorth remained silent.
They had all thought about this question, but after thinking about it, they dared not continue to think about it.
Now, Gregor has brought it to light.
"This Daichi is provoking us, polluting our eyes with that garbage script!"
"But I dare not close my eyes, because if I close them I can hear laughter, someone is laughing at me!"
Laugh at?
Everyone who knew Gregor knew of that terrifying power; who could laugh at it? Who dared to laugh at it?
The three of them already knew who to choose, and remained silent.
Who can truly understand their own heart?
Only myself.
"Since we need to use the power of this Daichi to repair the Star Gate, it wouldn't hurt for us to lend some of our power as well."
Vera stood up, her face expressionless.
Don't expect me to care; I can only say I'll do what I can.
"That's already very good; at least you had the courage to go with them."
Gorth stood up, his tone filled with longing:
"I don't have that confidence, so... I want to leave the future to them."
"There's nothing we can do even if the second brother wants to do that; Kazdel has to start from scratch."
Vane simply lay down on the table and let out a big yawn.
"You're all talking so seriously, but aren't you just doing the same old thing? I don't understand what you're all so hung up on..."
The three silently shifted their gazes, and Vane didn't bother to expose them.
"So, boss, are you ready to rape your destiny?"
"... Can't you speak properly?"
The cross-shaped beam curved downwards, and Gregor clenched his fists menacingly.
"Alright, alright, to put it another way, boss, are you prepared to defy fate?"
"I just... don't want to give in to it."
Propping his head up with one hand, Vane said in a serious tone.
"Oh, sir, that will require quite a bit of effort."
"I..."
"So, to share the burden, how about you bring the person back first, boss?"
Vane interrupted the response, winking at Gregor.
"They've been out in the cold wind all night in the wilderness—how can you let them spend the night outside like that?"
"... I'm leaving."
Gregor disappeared, Vane looked at the two remaining.
"Don't you have anyone you'd like to bring? I can vet them!"
Gorth disappeared in silence, and Vera gave him the middle finger before she vanished.
The once bustling Vitality Hall was now empty except for one person, Vane sighed.
"To do good deeds on this Daichi, one needs power."
He stood up, stretched, Vane vanished in a flash of light.
"But unfortunately, we... are the largest violent group on this Daichi."