Chapter 182 A Silver Lining

Chapter 182 A Silver Lining

"Now that they have left, it's time to begin the main announcement."

Conrad's voice boomed in the ears of the remaining nine students who remained in the open field.

Rey and his eight other classmates looked attentively at the man before them; waiting for what he desired to say.

Even though it seemed like he was paying rapt attention, Rey's thoughts had still not left the boy called Adrien Chase.

Flashes of the same scene—where he turned back and smiled at him—kept appearing in his head.

Frustration dug deep into his chest, but he could do nothing but remain in his position.

He could do nothing at all.

"... Having an Expedition into the Royal Dungeon very soon."

The words from Conrad woke him from his reverie.

'A-ah...!'

"I know most of you are anxious and worried. I don't blame you, considering what happened the last time." As Conrad said this, he appeared a little uncomfortable.

Valuable Knights and Mages had died, so it wasn't an easy thing for the United Human Alliance to suggest returning to the Dungeon.

However, it had to be done.

"The Ecosystem has been changed, and the Monsters inside are running rampant. If we don't take care of it soon, it could lead to a catastrophe."

Rey knew exactly what he was talking about, as he had read about it in more than one or two books since he began learning of this new world.

'Monster Evolution!'

When Monsters of a certain kind consumed other Monsters in other kinds—specifically their Monster Cores—they grew unnaturally stronger and developed special characteristics.

The level of change, and it's overall quality, depended on compatibility.

'I was considering checking out how far the Hobgoblins could go, but my plans were cut short by that Dragon...'

"It is possible for Monsters to go through Evolution if they consume Cores from other kinds of Monsters, which is why we are constantly grateful that the Dungeon Floors are designed in such a way that prevents Monsters from various Floors from mixing with one another."

But now, thanks to the Dragon, all of that had changed.

'Lower Floor Monsters will rise to the surface, and the stronger Monsters will consume the weaker ones, leading to more Evolution.'

If the situation wasn't curbed quickly, there was a chance that an Invincible Monster could be born.

'It is trite that Monsters have weaknesses. But, if a Monster evolves by consuming several other creatures that compensate for that weakness, it becomes an ultimate being.'

In essence... unstoppable!

Rey could feel his heart race as he heard Conrad explain more about the situation.

"I know it is a mere token, but please accept our gifts.'

Rey looked at the bunch and expected them—or, at least, Adonis—to gracefully decline.

"Thank you for the reward. We will gratefully accept it."

As the Hero bowed slightly, he flashed his signature smile of sheer purity.

'Adonis, you bastard!' Rey nearly cried, and he didn't even really know the reason why.

'Aren't you supposed to be heroic and reject those benefits?'

Rey knew he was being unfair in his thoughts, but he didn't stop. Adonis probably already knew that the Alliance could afford to give such gifts as incentives to their saviors.

Plus, as a Hero representing the Otherworlders, he knew better than to simply be a doormat and get used.

Since the very first day, he shrewdly ensured that his classmates enjoyed the best luxuries while paying their dues to the Alliance.

In essence, Adonis had a balanced stance.

'Still... if I knew it was going to be like this, I would have just taken my share!'

How was it fair that he did talk the heavy lifting and his classmates reaped the rewards?

Was he being greedy? Yes!

Did he care? No!

As Rey was having these thoughts, Adonis' calm and gentle voice suddenly echoed out and stopped him in his tracks.

"I would like to suggest a little adjustment to the allocation; if you do not mind."

Conrad shook his head and gave Adonis the stage to continue.

"I would like all nine of us who remained to take nine percent of the rewards, while the remaining one percent should go to the families of those who died in battle."

As Adonis said this, Rey's heart instantly melted and all his selfish thoughts turned to dust.

'That's fair... I guess.'

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[A/N]

Thanks for reading!

The Arc is coming to an end soon. I know I said this before, but I mean it.

Just trying to conclude this entire event.