The rescue operation had been plagued by one mishap after another, but thanks to Venti and Zhongli turning things around, at least no one had been killed or injured so far. There had only been a slight change in the number of people able to take part.
Bedlam, Peter, and Invis-Man would never believe just how hard-won their escape from death had been today. Under ordinary circumstances, the three buddies would already have gone off to meet God together, hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder.
"Zhongli, baby~"
Deadpool spotted the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's consultant, who had put a "Golden Bell Shield" around everyone, from a distance. Delighted, he pitched his voice high and hurried over to give him a loving hug.
But halfway through his jaunty approach, a deep, resonant voice reached his ears:
"Solid as a..."
Before Zhongli could finish with "rock," Deadpool slammed on the brakes, planting his left foot on his right to stop himself.
"No, no, no! Darling Little Li, stop right there! Your stone pillars are way too hard. I don't have a third little buddy for you to smash."
Standing nearby, Bedlam, Peter, and Invis-Man suddenly felt as though something that should never have entered their ears had slipped inside:
!!!
"Ehe, I'm Venti, the best bard in the world. Hello, everyone! Yoo-hoo, old man, you came too? What a surprise!"
Venti emerged from the grove, with Invis-Man and Kaeya close behind him.
"It's you! The cross-dressing guy from the Angel's Share!"
Deadpool covered his mouth, almost shrieking.
"Pfft."
Kaeya couldn't help laughing at Deadpool's description of Venti. Even Zhongli's normally placid eyes showed a faint ripple of amusement.
Venti looked at Deadpool with a thoroughly exasperated, displeased expression:
"Wait, hold on a second! What are you talking about? What do you mean,