Chapter 98

Their relief spread to the others. All but Nick, who continued to glare at Argus. Argus calmly moved his lips. He made no sound, but Nick could tell what he was saying. Good job. You’ve become a fine adventurer. “I can’t now…! I wanted to help you become an S-rank adventurer!” Nick shouted. He reached out to grab Argus, but it was too late. Unable to keep it together any longer, Argus’s body crumbled. “He probably couldn’t maintain his body physically or spiritually. He gave everything he had to buy us this time,” Marde said mournfully. Nick snapped at her, not bothering to hide his irritation. “Since you seem to know everything, why don’t you tell us what’s going on?” “…Of course. I’ll share everything I know. But first, we need to survive,” Marde said. “It sounds like you think we’re gonna die if we don’t get out of here.” “You will. Heat and mana are erupting out of that crack. The shell is about to explode.” “You’re kidding… Actually, you’re not, are you?” Nick was surprised at first, but then he realized that the hot wind was growing stronger. He was already having difficulty breathing. It was obvious that the shell could explode at any time. “Fortunately, this will likely delay the demon god’s resurrection by a few months to a year. It would be a waste for you all to die here after being given this chance at survival.” “…So it’s not over yet,” Nick said. “The demon god’s body has already manifested enough that it will automatically heal. We delayed the resurrection as much as possible, but the process cannot be stopped. The demon god’s manifestation in this world is inevitable… Alice.” “Yes, ma’am,” Alice said, picking up Nick and Zem and tossing them over her shoulders. Tiana wiped away her tears and gathered Bellocchio’s corpse in her robe. Fifs staggered to his feet and used Doppelgänger to carry himself and Leon. “I’ll guard the rear. You all watch the front,” Karan said. “All right, everyone! Retreat!” Diamond commanded, and they all raced back up the labyrinth. Shortly afterward, an explosion rocked Labyrinth City.