"A family gathering?"
"That's about right. Just consider it as me taking a day off. Can you handle that?"
Kazdel, the location of Camelot Palace.
Time had already been updated, and the Magic Stone was related to the possibility of returning home. After discussion, Vera and the others decided to embark on the Dungeon expedition once again.
Although the Teekaz were relatively well-behaved, Vera was still somewhat worried since Camelot had only recently been rebuilt.
"Of course, no problem, but is one day enough?"
The Babel Tower operators certainly wouldn't refuse; if it weren't for the Bad Guy leaving with Logos and the others, they should have offered to see him off.
"That's enough. If I'm quick, I'll be back before dinner."
Before dinner... Is your hometown close to Kazdel?
Although everyone already knew that Vera was not from Kazdel, they were still quite curious about where she came from.
Wis'adel, standing to the side, curled his lip in disapproval.
"That's enough. A subject should keep a proper distance; they're not a babysitter."
She was aware of some of the possibilities, but for some subtle personal reasons, she didn't intend to let others know about anything related to Vera.
And... you've invaded our private space!
Wis'adel turned to Vera:
"Do you need any help? Even if I can't help, those old guys are still somewhat useful."
"In a sense, you should call them your ancestors..." Vera tapped the head in front of her.
"Never mind, the Teekaz can stay here. I have other options."
A hint of regret flickered in Wis'adel's eyes after Vera rejected him.
Knowing that Vera most likely wouldn't take her along, she and some Teekaz had already discussed it, intending to find out who the boss's family was...
Hearing their conversation, everyone's expressions were somewhat strange.
Need Teekaz's help? This "family gathering" doesn't seem to be going too well.
Without much explanation, Vera dismissed the crowd and began preparations for her departure.
Vera closed her eyes, communicating with the Hall of All Souls, and at the same time confirming with the group once again.
[Vera: Are you guys ready?]
[Gregor: Almost done.]
On the streets of Leithanien and Vissheim, Gregor responded silently.
Still thinking, idealist?
The call of the mace brought Gregor back to his senses, and he continued:
"Are these trivial family matters causing you so much distress? Why don't you just ask them directly?"
The fervor surrounding the return of Iberia also affected Leithanien; Gregor's unusual behavior was so obvious that he didn't hide it when questioned by several people.
"After all, everyone has their own privacy. The current situation in Iberia is still unclear, and I can't just beat him up every time."
Gregor gave the answer: being called "boss" by Vera and the others, he did indeed have the awareness to fulfill his responsibilities as the leader.
However, he also worried that overly direct interference would affect the relationship between the brothers.
Especially now that group chats are becoming increasingly infrequent...
A soft hum sounded, Gregor turned his head in confusion.
"What's wrong?"
"It's nothing." Jian's fleeting smile vanished. "I just didn't expect you to have such a [childish] concern."
"... It sounds like you have a solution?"
"Since we are both martial artists, you should understand that the sword in your hand is sometimes more honest than words or actions."
Does this mean I should fight with the fourth brother?
A question mark rose above Gregor's head.
But the fourth brother never resisted. Although he mostly had something to hide, the constant gang beatings actually made them feel a little embarrassed...
Wait a minute, was this also something the fourth brother expected?
Gregor suddenly became wary, and Ebenholz, who didn't recognize Vane, narrowed his eyes and said:
"Although I don't know that Vane, if you're not mistaken, that guy is the King of Iberia, right?"
"Even if you have a very good relationship, isn't it a bit too much to beat up a King-level player?"
"Really? I think it's quite normal."
Ifrit, who knew Vane, tilted her head.
"It would be rather strange if we didn't fight when we met."
"... Just who is this King of Iberia?! Nobody likes getting beaten up, right?"
Ebenholz felt somewhat ashamed by Ifrit's assessment; even the king felt this way, and his impression of Iberia began to feel strange.
"Kreide, you must never become that kind of person."
Ebenholz warned his younger brother, and Little White Sheep, who was quite interested in these gossips, tensed up his ears nervously.
"Okay, okay."
While everyone else was busy gossiping, Ceobe had his mind on something else entirely.
"Boss, boss, can't Ceobe come along for the new hunt?"
Gregor rubbed his honey-scented head.
"The enemy this time is still too dangerous. Ceobe, eat your fill and grow strong. We'll talk about it later."
"Ceobe needs to eat more so he can hunt with the boss after he gets stronger!"
Compared to Ceobe's enthusiasm, Ifrit was somewhat discouraged.
"Are we going to have to stay in the lobby for so long again?"
She was the only Terra native who had ever seen the Dungeon, yet she didn't clamor to go to that dangerous place.
However, if she doesn't go, the four people who are worried about her safety will often arrange for her to stay in the Vitality Hall.
Although Camelot is also an option now...
But during Camelot's days, she was always surrounded by a group of strange creatures who looked a lot like the fat man; they seemed to be Flame Demon?
Ifrit disliked the Flame Demon and wasn't used to their overly cautious treatment of her, as if she were some fragile object...
The Ten Percent Off was used for promotional entertainment in the newly built square in Camelot, and many Sarkaz looked forward to the new program every day, so she felt embarrassed to monopolize it.
Ifrit glanced at Ebenholz and the others beside her.
She doesn't dislike everyone, but does she really want to play Ludo all day long?
"Then let's stay outside and play this time."
Ifrit looked up, and Gregor picked her up and let her sit astride his shoulders.
"You're not a prisoner, go ahead and play if you want. Jian will protect you."
Ifrit's eyes lit up, Gregor looked to the side, crossing his arms.
"You'll babysit for me for a day? Sure, but remember you owe me a sparring match."
"I didn't ask..."
"Ah! Ceobe wants some too!"
The weight of the suspension on Gregor's back caused Ifrit, who was sitting on his shoulder, to instinctively grab his head as he was shaken.
"Don't suddenly hang up on me! Ugh... don't pull my tail!!!"
"Oh? Sorry... Ceobe was pulling your shoulder!"
"Wait! Ifrit, let go of my hand first, the hood, the hood is about to fall off!"
The three were in complete disarray, while Mace stood by and watched with his hands folded. Kreide smiled kindly, and as for Ebenholz—
"These guys are such a hassle, and the thought that one of them is my current guardian makes it even worse..."
After a flurry of activity, Gregor, having finished giving his instructions, disappeared into the alleyway, while Jian led the group back to the street.
"... So, what do you plan to do next?"
Since it was her first time taking care of the child alone, she decided to ask for his opinion.
"It's not just about reading books."
"Have a meal!"
"Concert."
"I'll listen to everyone."
Mace: "..."
She was starting to regret taking on the task.
"Let's do it one at a time." Jian decided to take everyone to eat first.
Remembering something, Ebenholz looked warily at Ceobe.
"By the way, teacher, do you have enough money on you?"
"..."
"Teacher?" Ebenholz immediately sensed something was wrong.
"It's alright, I have a way." Jian stretched his shoulders and walked into the alley.
"I remember some scum would spawn in the alleys of Leithanien before, so I went to find them..."
"It hasn't come to that yet! It's too pathetic for the Cavaliers champion to be robbing thugs!"
The Ebenholz gripped the mace tightly, while the latter showed impatience.
"Tch... Aren't you Count Urtica? Think of something."
Ebenholz: "..."
He's already starting to miss Gregor.
"Um, I still have some change on me."
Kreide held out his hand, and the few coins scattered around made everyone turn their heads away, unable to bear looking at him.
"... Keep it for yourself."
Ebenholz ruffled his younger brother's head, and Kreide caught a glimpse of the flute peeking out from his older brother's chest.
"Brother, your music is great! We can perform on the street together and earn money!"
"I don't feel it's much better than the previous plan..."
Ebenholz slumped his shoulders, utterly exhausted. Was the esteemed Earl destined to be reduced to street performance?
"Besides, you don't have any instruments, so in the end you'll have to rely on me, won't you?"
"What? This won't work, that won't work? I think the original plan was pretty good."
Ifrit walked in the direction the mace had gone, the flames on its horns growing ever brighter.
"Watch me burn them to ashes!"
"Don't do anything reckless!"
Exhausted, Ebenholz suddenly remembered another troublesome fellow and cautiously turned around.
Behind them, Ceobe, who hadn't made a sound, squatted in front of a poster, tilting his head to observe:
[A music extravaganza is coming soon! Auditions are open, and amazing prizes await!]
"Hmm... Little White, Little White, what do the words on it mean?"
Kreide, nicknamed "Little White," stepped forward:
"Hmm... The prize for first place: a generous cash prize and a beautiful cello that can be used as a staff."
Ebenholz stepped forward quickly.
"Second Place: Blacksteel Worldwide's fully intelligent high-tech fishing rod."
Jian stopped walking towards the alley.
"Third place: Recommendation for a music festival competition, and a free meal voucher for a famous restaurant in Vissheim."
Ifrit's eyes were sharp, Ceobe shifted into a hunting stance.
The staff member who was lying on the table was startled awake by a chill. He looked up and saw five shadows looming over him.
"We want to sign up!"
You're too late.
"Perhaps you're too early? There's no need to be in such a hurry."
Inside the Vitality Hall, Gregor greeted Vera.
"... Yes, I've developed a habit from working like this lately." Vera rubbed her temples.
"Where are Ifrit and the others?"
"He's staying outside. Jian, keep an eye on him." Gregor pulled off his hood and added:
"There wasn't enough time, so I didn't invite Daikū and Daichi this time."
The Ashen Fire Dragon entrusted her children to her care, and although Reshiram and the others didn't dislike fighting, Gregor always felt somewhat indebted.
Vera didn't mind. Apart from being able to fly, the two Fire Dragons' damage output overlapped with Gregor's, so there was no need to bring them along.
"Where's the third brother?"
He said it would be ready soon.
Ursus, the Black Forest.
Although he rarely appears, Gorth still felt it was necessary to inform everyone.
"Do we need to tell everyone?"
"No need, just keep it to yourself."
Eno looked puzzled. "Just three people? Do you need to notify everyone?"
"But... um!"
Sasha covered her friend's mouth and then excused herself.
"Then let's go finish Alina's homework first, you can continue chatting."
The two little ones walked away, and occasionally Eno's voice could be heard calling out, "Why are you stopping me?"
"... Are they still afraid of me?" Gorth looked at Alina with a puzzled expression.
Alina doesn't know.
After staring at the deer for a while, Gorth didn't pursue the matter further. He took out a small black ball from the shadows and handed it to the deer.
"This is?"
Alina took it; it was cool to the touch and had a slightly bouncy texture.
"Keep it with you; it can protect you."
Gorth briefly explained the function of the black ball to Alina, recalling the Shadow Wolf within Alina shadow.
The Venom Armor Pro that doesn't require possession and comes with a built-in early warning and counterattack function.
When attacked, it pulls the host back into the shadows and immediately releases a signal; it doesn't need to ask who the signal is for.
"Aren't you being overly cautious?"
After placing the ball properly, Alina said helplessly:
"The forest is already very safe. The way you're being so cautious makes it seem like I might be in danger at any moment."
That's precisely because you might be in danger...
Before Gorth could refute, Alina asked:
"Would you like me to prepare dinner for your trip?"
Gorth subconsciously wanted to agree, but then remembered something and shook his head.
"No, I have experiments to do when I get back, and I can't keep Kashena waiting."
"... Ms. Kashena?"
Thinking of Kashena, who disappeared after that day, Alina asked in confusion:
"Didn't she leave?"
"No, I'm helping out as my lab assistant now," Gorth remarked.
"Speaking of which, I have to thank you and Talulah. Ms. Kashena's knowledge is indeed very extensive; she even has expertise in mechanical processing."
"... Have you been spending all this time with Ms. Kashena?"
Unaware of Alina's forced smile, Gorth nodded.
"Yes, the Workshop is quite far from the village, so it's normal that you didn't see it."
"What about food and lodging...?"
"The Workshop has rooms, and as for food... I can easily prepare simple meals."
"..."
An eerie silence fell. Gorth turned his head in confusion, but because of his height, he couldn't see Alina's lowered face.
"Then I'll be going now?"
"Tutor."
"Um?"
"Ms. Kashena is a guest, so it would be better to have a private room in the village, wouldn't it?"
"Forehead..."
"And what about the daily meals? Why don't I prepare them for you two? With your abilities, you can travel very quickly... right?"
"Actually, it doesn't have to be that complicated..."
Let's... go together.
A cold wind blew by, making Alina's voice sound somewhat distorted, and for some reason, Gorth felt a little uneasy.
"Okay, okay."
Leaving with questions, Gorth returned to the Vitality Hall and immediately saw Vane kneeling on the ground.
Vane: "..."
Gorth: "..."
You've been discovered?
Just as Gorth hesitated about whether he should kneel down beside her, Vera spoke up:
"You've really made something of yourself, fourth brother."
"King of Iberia? Broadcast Worldwide?"
"Are you planning to cosplay as the Emperor? All set for the Great Expedition?"
"... Would you believe me if I said I was recommended?"
Vane chuckled, while Vera on the sofa seemed lost in thought.
"Third brother."
"Exist!"
"Why are you shouting so loudly?" Vera looked at Gorth in confusion.
The latter was relieved that bones don't sweat, explaining:
"It's been a long time since I've been down into the Dungeon, I'm a little nervous."
"Really? You swear on your Steam account."
"Let's change the subject."
More certain that the two demonic orbs were hiding something from her, Vera was about to press for answers when Vane sighed.
"Why don't you just beat me up?"
"... Fine, you wouldn't do anything so underhanded."
Shaking her head, Vera still helped Vane up.
"I'm pretty much the same myself, so I'm not really in a position to criticize you. As long as you're not doing anything shady behind the scenes, it's fine."
Having been on guard beforehand, the two did not show any unusual behavior this time.
[Gorth: Weren't we exposed?]
[Vane: Not yet, why don't you tell me?]
[Gorth: You haven't finished yet!?]
[Vane: How could I finish without their help? Didn't we agree to work together?!]
[Gorth: Damn it! Who gave you permission to use the server-wide chat?!]
While the two were locked in a fierce battle on the channel, Gregor returned with his newly opened beverage.
"It's over?"
"Hmm, what's this time?"
"Coconut juice, add a little shield, you can use it."
Gregor handed over the coconut juice, and Vera didn't refuse. Gorth, having finished arguing with Vane, also handed over the small black ball.
"Here you go. The armor you're wearing isn't very protective; this will be much more effective."
"That's thoughtful of you."
Vera took it as well; the black sphere diffused into liquid, enveloping the armor, undulating like waves before disappearing again.
After briefly explaining its function, Gorth looked towards the Nursery.
"Is it the fourth brother's turn to get the talent this time?"
Upon hearing this, Vane's face fell.
"It's already out."
"... It seems the situation isn't good?"
Gorth was somewhat puzzled. Apart from the various immune talents that were the usual, the only difference among the group was the random talent that the Fantastic Flower could produce.
But are there really any weak talents among them?
Vane remained silent, then threw a punch, unleashing a wave of crimson energy that created a gust of wind.
After pondering for a long time, Gorth suddenly realized:
"A chop to the neck?"
[Hand Blade Talent: Hand chop attacks consume energy to release a ki blast.]
Yeah, no wonder you have that expression.
Gorth patted Vane on the shoulder in a comforting gesture.
In a game, this talent is indeed impressive, but in reality, given that everyone has mastered energy manipulation, the Hand Blade Talent is hardly useful, and can only be described as better than nothing.
"I should have waited for you to open it," Vane sighed.
Although I knew my luck was off when I opened the Bloodline Heir Blind Box and got Ulpianus, even a non-lucky person can't help but dream of being a lucky person.
"Look on the bright side, let's get rid of this bad luck first. Maybe the loot from this Dungeon will be quite plentiful?"
"I hope so..."
Fully prepared, the four stretched their bodies.
"Do we not need to bring the Boss this time?"
"Their resource production capacity exceeds their combat strength, so let's keep them in the camp. Besides, I have a bad feeling about the Dungeon," Gorth said worriedly.
"The difficulty is increasing each time. What if the Dungeon is alive? Will our act of bringing the boss out of the Dungeon be considered a provocation?"
"So what if it provokes us? Are we afraid of it?" Vane remained confident.
"As long as we're together, there's nothing we can't overcome."
"That's the first thing you've said that makes sense."
Patting Vane on the shoulder, Gregor led the way to the portal.
Are you ready?
Vera stepped alongside him. "No need for a grand opening; Camelot has plenty of work to do."
"I've already become a corporate slave."
Vane grabbed his shoulders, then they clashed fists and palms.
"Alright! Watch me speed through the Dungeon!"
"Better safe than sorry," Gorth concluded.
"Why be so cautious?" Vane stepped forward and was the first to enter the vortex.
"They're gone!"
The three followed closely behind, and one by one their figures disappeared, leaving only a vortex slowly spinning in the hall.
Gorth opened his eyes, and the green woodland and moss-covered stone bricks helped him recognize his location.
[First Layer: Forest Map]
"A familiar face..."
Gorth breathed a sigh of relief; given his past experiences, he was relieved that he hadn't been attacked as soon as he came out.
The forest map... We've already defeated the Christmas Tree boss, so only those two are left, right?
"Boss, who do you think the boss is this time?"
"..."
There was no response. Gorth clenched his fists, and the shadows continued to spread beneath his feet.
"Boss?"
Looking around, there was only one person in the initial room. I opened the group chat, but there was still no response.
"The third brother?"
[Second Floor: Underground Castle]
The environment was dim, with dark gray stone bricks, and the faint candlelight could only provide illumination for one or two meters.
Gregor looked around in confusion; he was alone again...
[Third Layer: Volcano Map]
Hot lava seeped from the floor, and the scorching air made Vera's mouth dry.
The Venom Armor transformed the armor, completely encasing Vera to adapt to the environment and also to conceal her gloomy face.
[Fourth Layer: Underwater Ruins]
Enveloped in icy seawater, within the cramped stone chamber, Vampire created whirlpools as bubbles rose from the water, draining it dry.
"We've been separated!" x4
All four of them realized this at the same time.
"We must clear the customs as soon as possible!" x4
The four of them began their actions simultaneously.
Forests, castles, volcanoes, ruins...
Each of the four used their own methods to rush towards the passage at top speed.
However, the passage that used to lead quickly to the monster's room seemed extremely long, until the four of them stopped at the end.
Forest Map --
Dense forests stand on both sides, and at the end of the open road in the middle stands a huge sacrificial triangular tower.
Flames burned quietly atop the tower, and in the dim light, the figure with his back to Gorth slowly turned around.
Underground Castle--
The strange stone statue raised its long axe, and the extinguished torches on both sides of the passage continued to burn at the end.
As the stone chamber expanded, numerous skeletons, pierced by various traps, slowly rose to their feet.
At the end of the red carpet, the skeletons on the throne creaked.
Volcano Map --
The scorching heat subsided, and although the lava had already reached above their ankles, the light and flames grew fainter the further they went.
Huge, towering black tombstones stood like a forest, their tops disappearing into the Void, the runes on their summits like open eyes staring at the intruders.
Underwater ruins--
The Otherworldly Vortex could no longer keep up with the speed of the seawater rushing in; in the silent deep sea, the shadow of a colossal creature gradually approached.
Like radar or the low moan of a whale, it shook off the dust from the ruins.
Flesh and machine were roughly mixed together, and sticky tentacles lifted the top of the ruins, allowing eyes that were indistinguishable as flesh or glass to stare at the tiny creature below.
First floor --
Forest Envoy V/S Goblin Priest
Second layer --
King of the Otherworldly Island V/S Skeleton King
Third layer --
King of All Souls V/S Anubis
Fourth floor --
Fifth Firstborn V/S Abyssal Diver
"[Vampire's profanity!] He's definitely targeting me!"
From a static state to a high-speed train-like acceleration, the Abyssal Diver opened its massive maw, and shadows instantly enveloped the entire ruins.
With a stomp, Vane caused the shattered ruins to suck in the seawater along with him.
[What if the Dungeon is alive?]
The enemy's tentacles and beam of light slammed down together, Vane retaliated by shouting:
"You're so petty!!!"
Boom--!!!