In Ariel's name, they had "borrowed" the Record of Exploring the Teleportation Labyrinth.
The book was in hand.
But as Cui Ciyou had said, they had no time to waste.
Late that night, in their temporary lodgings at the Ranoa University of Magic.
"No. I absolutely refuse."
"I'm going too..."
Alice's voice left no room for argument. She slammed her palm onto the table, making the teacups rattle.
Anger and bewilderment burned in her crimson eyes as she stared fiercely at Cui Ciyou.
"So what if it's the Begaritt Continent? So what if it's an S-Rank labyrinth? Do you think I'm so weak now that I'll only hold you back?!"
Sylphy said nothing, but her tightly pressed lips and the equally stubborn gaze she fixed on Cui Ciyou made her position clear.
Cui Ciyou calmly met their gazes, his voice steady.
"Alice, this isn't about holding me back."
He paused, then shared what he knew. "The lowest-ranked of the Seven Great Powers—North God Kalman the Third. There's a very strong chance we'll face him on this trip to the Begaritt Continent."
"One of the Great Powers..."
"That's right." Cui Ciyou swept his gaze over them. "Between King-level fighters and the Great Powers lies a gulf that's almost impossible to cross."
"Ghislaine is a Sword King, and Alice, your strength is on par with a Sword King's too. There's no question about either of your abilities. But..."
"What about me, then?"
Elinalise lounged against the sofa.
She raised a hand, a faintly teasing smile on her face. "I may not be strong, but I have to go with you."
"I don't want to go looking for men again."
"All right. You can come with me."
Cui Ciyou looked at Elinalise.
Elinalise's constitution was unusual. Because of her curse, he had to