After leaving the A rank party, I aim for the deep part of the labyrinth with my former students
We escaped from the “Aion Ruins Labyrinth” and hurriedly made preparations in Troana before heading west along the highway.
Thanks to my status as a Count of the Labyrinth and the emergency situation, we were able to secure trained giant lizards—Raptors—through the Adventurers’ Guild.
These trained monsters have more stamina and pulling power than horses, so if we encounter no trouble along the road, we should reach the Finis area within a few days.
"It has been five days since the incident. For now, Finis remains in a temporary state of calm. However, monsters are still roaming freely within the city, and the lockdown has not been lifted."
A report from Sho-san could be heard through the [Tablet] Rain was holding.
The automated broadcast from a surviving “Stationary GoPro-kun” showed the collapsed cityscape and monsters strutting down the main street as if it were their own. The devastation in the residential district—where our base is located—was clearly visible.
The most heavily damaged area was the central district where the Adventurers’ Guild used to stand.
After all, the “tower” that had been buried in the great underground hollow had erupted to the surface.
Moreover, its size was incomparable—even larger than the one in the “Old Royal Capital, Jo-Koco.”
The tower we climbed while chasing Marina and the others was more than doubled in scale.
"Thanks to the brave resistance and guidance of adventurers, rescue and evacuation operations are still underway. In response to a call by Benwood, the Master of the Finis Adventurers’ Guild, A-rank parties such as ‘Carmine,’ ‘Grantsbrow,’ and ‘Skoldia,’ along with ‘Misty’ and ‘Palmarta,’ have rushed to provide aid."
From the information coming through the stream, it seems the worst may have been avoided.
Then again, the worst may still be to come.
As far as I know, the tower that contains the “Achromatic Darkness,” which gives the deepest access to the “Colorless Darkness,” has fallen into their hands—a grave matter.
If what that man calling himself "Papa" said is true, then summoning the "God of Ankelias," one of the “Eldritch Immortals,” is only a matter of time.
We still don’t know what such a being would bring to this world, but given the nature of the “Cullers,” it’s unlikely to end well for us.
In the end, that man never shared anything concrete.
"We need to hurry."
"Yeah. Everyone’s doing their best, after all."
Rain took her eyes off the [Tablet] and nodded at me.
It felt wrong for us to be absent from Finis during this emergency—especially since that place is essentially our beloved mobile base. To see it treated so recklessly…
While I gritted my teeth, Silk, who was sitting in the driver's seat, turned back to speak.
"Our destination is the forest near Lake Ordan, right?"
"Yeah. Benwood should have set up an evacuation camp there. We’ll get a handle on the situation first, then head into Finis."
Evacuees from Finis were reportedly staying at the camp near Lake Ordan, in nearby cities, or on islands like Salmutaria and Vilmuren, which quickly responded to the disaster by offering refuge.
"I wonder if Tac and Rune are safe…"
"Probably."
I gently touched the shoulder of a worried-looking Jamie to comfort her.
I knew it was a hopeful guess, but it wasn’t entirely baseless.
Niberune is a seasoned adventurer who’s traversed other worlds. While we were apart, she was with Jamie’s younger brother Tac. I believe they navigated the chaos well on that fateful day.
"Mailbird incoming!"
Nene, who had been keeping watch beside Silk, approached from the back with a Mailbird that had just descended from the sky.
When I opened the message, it was scribbled in Benwood’s bold handwriting.
It was a reply to the Mailbird we’d sent from Troana to inform them of our safety, but it also included some new updates.
"Jamie, it looks like Tac is safe. He evacuated with his fiancée."
"Thank goodness. What about Rune?"
Jamie asked with relief, and I hesitated briefly.
"She apparently helped with the civilian evacuation, but she’s not at the camp. It says Benwood asked acquaintances like ‘Skoldia’ and ‘Carmine’ to search for her."
"No way…!"
"She might be at another camp, or possibly stranded in Finis. Either way, we’ll gather more information at the evacuation site."
I might have come off as cold.
But Niberune, the youngest member of our party "Clover," is a tough girl.
She crossed the "King’s Mausoleum in the Valley of Death" with us, reached the innermost depths of the “Achromatic Darkness,” and journeyed beyond the “Abyss Gate.” She’s a capable adventurer.
Even if she got left behind or chose to stay—Niberune is still alive. I’m sure of it.
"Excuse me, Sensei, may I suggest something?"
"What is it, Silk?"
"I have an idea… How about we do a live stream right now?"
Silk glanced at my Magic Bag as she spoke.
"That’s rare—you making such a suggestion."
"I just thought it’s something Marina would say. Besides, we’re already back in Welmeria. If we broadcast our return, it might bring relief to people."
"I see your point."
What Silk said made sense.
We’re an A-rank party based in Finis, and I hold the title of “Hero,” officially recognized by the Kingdom of Welmeria.
Given the chaos, just knowing we’re safe and heading to help might bring reassurance to those who are anxious or panicking.
"That might be a good idea. Everyone okay with it?"
"Yeah. No problem."
"I’m good too!"
"Just let me take a deep breath first… Okay, I’m ready."
After hearing everyone’s responses, Silk, seated in the driver’s seat, gave me a nod as well.
The fact that Marina isn’t here with us is truly painful… but we can always stream again once we rescue her.
“Alright, let’s begin. ‘Start stream.’”
From my hand, the “GoPro-kun” gently floated into the air and began drifting slowly through the cabin.
“Hello, this is Yuke from ‘Clover.’”
“I’m Rain.”
“Nene here!”
“I’m… Jamie.”
With Jamie sounding a bit stiff, the “GoPro-kun” floated over to the front where Silk sat at the reins.
“Silk speaking.”
Each of us directed our best smiles at “GoPro-kun.”
“After hearing the emergency news from Finis, we’re rushing there as fast as we can. I’m sorry it’s taken us this long to respond.”
“Right now, we’re about halfway between Troana and Finis. Is everyone in town okay?”
Rain, who doesn’t usually talk much during streams, did her best to speak clearly, though haltingly. Perhaps Marina’s absence made her feel the need to step up.
“We’ve heard that many parties have already arrived to help with relief efforts. We, ‘Clover,’ will be joining you soon to do what we must. Please wait just a little longer.”
Silk’s calm and elegant voice came through the stream via “GoPro-kun.”
“We’ve loaded up relief supplies and are on our way to the evacuation camp! Please hang in there!”
“Of course, after that, we’re taking Finis back. That place is our home.”
“GoPro-kun” turned its lens toward Nene, then Jamie.
To share the message of our party, “Clover,” with everyone.
“We will absolutely reclaim our Finis. Things may be hard right now, but please wait for us. Together, we’ll overcome this labyrinth disaster!”
As I spoke the closing words, “GoPro-kun” focused on me and my companions.
If this stream could light even a small spark of courage and hope in the hearts of those watching… With that wish in mind, I ended the live broadcast.
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