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Minimize the destruction of buildings! Avoid using magic skills as much as possible!

This aint no time to worry about that! The peoples lives should come first!

Even if lives are saved, theyll die in poverty if their property and assets are gone! Are you going to help them with that!?

The monsters that appeared within the Royal Capital seemed to be densely packed against Brooklyns Shield, driving the people southward with their sheer numbers. Meanwhile, Ealdred Crow and the Labyrinth Conquerors had commenced their monster purge within the city.

However, the Explorers, unaccustomed to urban warfare, struggled to avoid causing damage around them while fighting. Although they could handle the monsters themselves, collateral damage became a significant concern.

Ugh

In the midst of this chaos, Hannah, who had rushed out without waiting for Christia or Tsutomus instructions, wore a pained expression. Seeing Hannah now regretting her impulsive action, Diniel shot her a weary glance.

If you regret it that much, you should have refrained from doing it in the first place.

My body moved on its own, so I couldnt help it.

Is that brain in your head just for decoration?

Ugh shut up, shut up, shut up! I couldnt help myself!

Now, now, calm down.

Daryl, soothing Hannah as they headed towards the center of the Royal Capital, occasionally shot out <<Combat Cry>> and checked for any lurking monsters. Hannah, after taking a deep breath to compose herself, glanced ahead with determination in her eyes.

But you know If I said I was coming to the Royal Capital, Teach probably wouldnt have let me.

Probably.

Diniel, dont you think Teach has been acting strange? Hes too cold to others. No, its not just that. Hes kind of hard to understand, you know? In all my life, Ive never met anyone like him before.

Youd be better off not understanding him.

I guess I was stupid to expect a proper answer from you

Oh, so you KNOW that youre stupid.

As Hannah gnawed on her lip at Diniels blunt response, she turned to Daryl and Garm as if seeking help.

Daryl, Sir Garm has that thought ever crossed your minds before? Somethings off about him. I cant quite put my finger on it, but

I DO think hes at least a little bit peculiar, yes, Daryl, answering while minding how Garm would react, proceeded to continue speaking once he noticed there was not a stern gaze directed at him.

He seems to be ignoring everything as much as possible if its not related to the Gods Dungeon. I believe hes doing the same here getting rid of those unrelated to his sole interest. Conversely, for better or worse, those that have something to do with the Gods Dungeon get a positive reaction from him.

Thats it! Thats what I wanted to say!

But I dont think hes doing it because he enjoys it. After the Stampede last time, he looked genuinely sad seeing all those dead people

Daryl had joined Absolute Helix as a founding member through a recommendation by Garm, and during the Stampede, he had observed Tsutomu closely as the latter was his Clan leader. Thus, Daryl had definitely observed Tsutomus expression upon seeing the casualties.

I saw him too! Korinna spoke up in agreement, having been present at the scene then to nurse the injured. A truly cold-hearted person wouldnt react like that.

Youre not wrong, Miss Hannah Sir Tsutomu does seem a bit different and aloof to others. But hes a kind soul, even if he doesnt show it openly. Thats why Sir Garm remains loyal to him or at least thats what I think and I want to follow him, too.

W-Well, yeah, I think youre right. But Hannah seemed receptive to Daryls argument, but then her expression twisted in discomfort. After some grumbling as if struggling to find the right words, she suddenly lifted her head.

B-But maybe hes been dealing with me just out of obligation! Im dumb, and Ive caused a lot of trouble If he finds someone smarter who can be a better evasion-based Tank, I know hell get rid of me!

Hannah, prompted by Daryls words, finally articulated her deeply held concerns.

Living together in the Clan House, she had an idea of what Tsutomus true character was like. In her view, he was someone who would coldly discard those who were deemed unnecessary for conquering the Gods Dungeon. Sensing this instinctively, Hannah had started practicing the difficult art of Magic Fist to prove her worth beyond just being an evasion-based Tank.

But even after receiving praise from Melchor for mastering Magic Fist to some extent, Tsutomus reaction was lukewarm. Unlike Hannah, Tsutomu did not show his emotions openly and advised her to act as she pleased. His distant attitude only fueled Hannahs anxiety further. Then Leleias words became the final straw, fueling her insecurity and opposition toward Tsutomu.

While she resented Tsutomu for his uncaring attitude toward civilian life, that was but one of many triggers. Her anxiety had gone over the line and exploded, and as a result, she felt inspired to go out of her way to help others with reckless abandon.

Garm and Daryl, however, only exchanged puzzled glances in reaction to Hannahs outburst. Daryl, tilting his head slightly to catch every word Hannah said, listened intently, he wore a curious expression.

Uh, no, he wouldnt do that. Right, Sir Garm?

Tsutomu has always held you in high regard, Hannah. What are you so anxious about?

Huh!?

Seeing Hannah frozen in shock, Garm let out a sigh.

Hes not the kind of man to say it out loud, thats all. But if you grow complacent and stop putting in effort, well it might affect his progress down Gods Dungeon.

Does he really think about nothing but that Dungeon?

I wouldnt say I dont understand how you feel, Hannah. Ive known Tsutomu the longest, but he can be secretive sometimes. He does things I dont always understand, and that can cause some unease. But his actions are decisive; if you follow him, things wont go wrong Midway through his words, Garm seemed to realize something, his expression tinged with guilt. Of course, I do know that Tsutomu is ultimately a kind soul, as Daryl does. Otherwise, I wouldnt be following him.

Sounds pretty sus to me, Diniel suddenly said.

Im speaking the truth.

Now youre getting defensive.

Im speaking the truth!

As Garm and Diniel began to argue, Hannah watched them with eyes open wide. Daryl then gently patted Hannahs shoulder and offered her a reassuring smile.

Just apologize to him for coming here without permission. Im sure hell forgive you and you have my support, too. Hes not the way he is because he likes to be, and if he was going to get rid of you, he wouldnt have let us come along. Its going to be alright.

Yeah.

Itll be fine! Ill apologize too! Maybe hes still feeling guilty for that time he forgot to consider me a Healer well, if we push him there, youll get through the talk just fine! So dont worry about that for now, and focus on rescuing everyone!

Hahaha.

With Korinna proposing to manipulate the situation with rather dubious intentions, Daryl chuckled wryly and encouraged the nearly tearful Hannah. Then, after calming down Garm and Diniel, who were still arguing as they moved, they continued searching for remaining monsters and aiding the injured within the Royal Capital.

Now this is a problem Weiss, carrying Meena, whose limbs were crushed, muttered as he observed the gathering crowd near the Shield.

He had been aware, thanks to Christias report, that monsters had appeared within the Royal Capital, but he had not anticipated such a large gathering of civilians.

As Meena appeared to be a young human girl at a glance, it would be troublesome if the civilians were to spot her. However, either House Kantjelucia or Babenbergs Shield magic was essential to actually restrain Meena, and as such, Weiss had no choice but to go toward where the civilians were.

Weiss temporarily concealed Meena with his black robe and headed towards Christia, who was giving instructions from the air.

Weiss, is that

Someone from Orbis Church the smaller one. I captured her alive. The idea is to keep her restrained, but it wouldnt be a good look if the public saw her. Would we be better off killing her now?

No, the information she holds is valuable. You did well to capture her. Ill call Babenberg over here. Weiss, wait here until shes properly restrained.

All right.

Weiss, being fairly famous even before the emergence of the Gods Dungeon, was known by many in the Royal Capital. Despite the slight commotion among the civilians as they looked at him from a distance, Weiss remained expressionless.

Before long, the head of House Babenberg emerged from within the citys Shield and began erecting multiple layers of Shield magic around Meena, who was kept shrouded in the black robe. Master Babenbergs Shields, despite the drawback of them being connected to his sensory perception, could be imbued with various functions. Hence, coloring the Shield to conceal Meena was easily accomplished.

Youll need someone to keep her in check. Ill stay here and make sure she behaves.

Sorry. I appreciate that

Its fine. But if things get dicey outside, Ill kill her and come out to help. Surely you wouldnt mind that, Christia.

Right. Im counting on you.

Considering Master Babenbergs Shields had already been breached once by Meena, merely confining her inside was no longer an option. However, with Weiss abilities being advantageous against Meena, he could easily restrain her even if she woke up and became unruly. Thus, Weiss also decided to keep himself within the Shields perimeter to keep watch.

And If the situation INSIDE gets dicey, dont hesitate to kill her.

All right.

With that order by Christia, Weiss entered the Shields perimeter with Meena. Within the dark isolated space, wide enough for close quarters combat, the sounds from outside seemed muffled. Just before the Shield closed completely, Weiss lit up the darkness with a Lightning Magic Stone-fueled magic tool.

As soon as the Shield closed, plunging them into darkness akin to night, Meena, shrouded in a black robe, began to squirm.

Stop it. Dont hit me. Im not moving anymore, Meena promptly said as Weiss grabbed his war hammer and stood up, managing to get him to sit back down.

Meena proceeded to stick out just her face from the black robe as if to take in some air.

Cant believe I got caught like this.

Whats gonna happen to me now?

Everyone ignores me. I hate it.

Weiss, returning to his usual demeanor, placed his war hammer back on the ground, and Meena buried her face in the black robe. Without uttering a word in reaction to Meenas cries, Weiss remained seated.

The only sounds echoing within the Shields perimeter were Weiss inspections of his weapons, mainly his longsword and crossbow. Then, after a while, a deafening roar resounded from outside the Shield.

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ious Chapter Live Dungeon! >>