Chapter 6

Chapter 6

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[Translator Kie]

[Proofreader Demon God]

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Even though they suffered defeat, Verns punitive expedition had reached the heart of the dungeon. The terrible outcome of their annihilation had overshadowed their achievement, but the record of reaching the heart of the Primordial core could only be found in history books written a century ago.

Moreover, most dungeons were restored to their former state just two months after a failed conquest. Some faster dungeons even recovered in 2 to 3 weeks. Since they had shed blood, the proponents of the conquest were in favor of giving it their all before the Primordial core was restored.

On the other hand, although Verns punitive expedition was one of the empires most powerful forces, failing to conquer the dungeon led the opponents of the conquest to suggest giving up without further casualties.

Under normal circumstances, Phaemore would advocate in favor. However, this time was different.

Verns punitive expedition had reached the end of the dungeon, where the boss resided. And they perished. According to the final testimony, including Vern, 43 individuals survived.

Conversations were exchanged, emphasizing that no reinforcements were necessary.

There were two scenarios. They either infiltrated into the boss room without defeating some monsters along the way, considering the subsequent reinforcements might suffer from the monsters, or it was a situation where no reinforcements were needed.

Most likely, it was the latter scenario. The absence of reinforcements signified that 43 individuals were deemed sufficient, indicating they were generally unharmed.

That means all those unharmed 43 individuals were annihilated by the boss.

In reality, up to this point, anyone could deduce. This is why the pro side advocated for the re-conquest of the hub. The state of the boss fighting against the unharmed 43 individuals couldnt have been good. An unrecovered dungeon and a boss in a dilapidated state. Isnt this an unparalleled opportunity?

And Phaemore was fully aware of this logical reasoning behind this twist.

However, if that ancient monster, the boss of the ancient hub, didnt sustain major injuries?

If it wasnt in a dilapidated state?

If it didnt cause significant harm to the elite 43?

Then, how many would it take to bring it down? 100? 200? Are there enough individuals comparable to Verns punitive expedition across the entire continent?

Of course, this, too, is speculation. Theres a high probability of being wrong, and theres no concrete evidence besides the intuition derived from numerous punitive expeditions. But.

Its weird from the start, isnt it?

Exhaling a faint sigh, Phaemore leaned back in the chair. The chair wasnt designed for comfort, and the polished gem decorations on it pierced Phaemores back. Yet, it was disregarded. Despite the discomfort and the piercing gazes from some nobles and investors due to the awkward posture, it was disregarded.

Everyone from the pro-side naturally assumed. They firmly believed that 74 elite soldiers had sufficiently conquered the ancient hub. They didnt doubt that the 43 survivors had narrowly lost the battle against the boss.

Of course, they would think that way. Even though it was the formidable The Seven Great Evil Dungeons, the failure of Verns punitive expedition of 74 was almost paradoxical. Each member who followed Vern in this punitive expedition was a top-tier fighter.

They were stronger than 7,400 ordinary members of punitive expeditions. Thats why they didnt even consider the possibility of losing initially. They selected the worst among The Seven Great Evil Dungeons because they were convinced it was an assured victory.

But they lost, didnt they?

Why doesnt anyone even consider the hypothesis that the ancient monster residing in the hub is overwhelmingly powerful?

Theyre all insane. If they leave it like this, the edge of the aristocracys blade will turn towards them. Theyve closed their eyes and ears to survive. Without considering the future where even the second expedition fails miserably, theyre being brainwashed into believing that they just need to take one more step in the heated atmosphere.

The more they think, the more they get absorbed in their own hypotheses.

Even if we attempt again, conquering the Primordial Core is impossible.

The thoughts that had been churning in the mind spilled out beyond the threshold of mere contemplation.

It was clearly a soliloquy. Yet, a sudden silence fell upon the chamber. All eyes were fixed on Phaemore.This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.

The eerie moments atmosphere stiffened everyone.

For Vern and his companions, there was decisively one thing lacking.

With a mad grin, the man twirled his finger. His eyes held something incomprehensible, something that embedded itself in the mind, haunting it relentlessly.

What Vern lacked, Niphrim possesses.

As he finished speaking, a surprised and mocking laughter echoed through the chamber. The scholar of the Third Eye, concluding his speech, stretched his arms wide. Faint footsteps were heard from beyond the entrance. All eyes, except the scholars, turned towards the source of the sound.

Soon after, the footsteps ceased at the threshold of the chamber. Niphrim, the owner of the steps, leaned against the door in a casual manner. His gaze into the chamber was chilling. Blonde with clear eyes and an unassuming figure, he seemed ordinary at first glance, but an eerie aura set him apart from the ordinary.

As he swept his long bangs aside, scars covering half his face became visible. Niphrim, after scanning everyone in the chamber, slowly spoke. A grim voice escaped through his grim lips.

I was talking about myself, wasnt I?

As always, no answer came.

Such anxious faces all around. Why so tense? Did I hit a nerve? Have I been spreading slander? Haha. What, was I saying something about being defective, about how I cant do what Vernswa couldnt do?

Some contorted expressions were the entirety of the returning response.

Ha, it seems like I struck a chord with these rotting faces unable to maintain composure.

Wheres all the noise you were making? Well, alright. If you wont talk, Ill do the talking for you. Fine, Ive heard the overall explanation, so Ill give you the gist. You all will die soon.

There was no need to delve into detailed explanations.

The question of what they did wrong to deserve death was utterly meaningless. They had committed a grave crime, and that was the only concern.

Exactly a week from now, execution for the common crime. Its the decree passed by Her Highness, who you all so adore, so its up to you to decide if mercy is possible among yourselves.

The point was simple.

Well, you never really had a choice.

Merely brushing aside the remnants was insufficient to cover the stigma of the heroes deaths and the loss of the masterpiece. The Empire intended to sever the thick roots, cutting even the top brass of the Dungeon Raid Union.

Since they were aware of the superiors intentions, there was no need for them to debate the re-expedition to the Primordial Core. They had shifted from worrying about the Dungeon Expeditions goal of challenging the Ancient Hub to worrying about their own fate.

As if ghosts had passed, an absolute silence settled in the chamber. It was a different kind of silence from before, as if time had stopped entirely, not even a faint breath could be heard. Only Niphrim continued to smile amidst the suspended time, breathing as if alive.

Well, thats how it is.

As if erasing the previous madness, he smiled with pure innocence.

Ill take care of it myself, so shut up and beg on your knees.

Beneath the innocent smile, a whisper of grace echoed.

Please, grant us salvation.

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[Translator Kie]

[Proofreader Demon God]

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