The team, together with the rescued adventurers, started on their way back.
Aster, who fainted a short while earlier, was being carried on Tina's back while the rest of the girls were guarding everyone from the dangers of the forest and the monsters. However, the same as when they entered, the only time they encountered some monsters was when they were already near the edge of the forest.
After entering the plains, the three girls got a little bit busier. Wolves and slimes were now able to attack them, making their march forward a little harder!
Of course, they had no trouble handling small fries. It did delay them a little, but that's it.
About an hour later, they finally reached the exit. The adventurers came out one after the other, with the first one being Cassy to relay the news and the last being Liz, defending the back.
After everyone got out, another uproar ensued.
With the news of the kidnapping organization's base being destroyed on the second floor, again, another flood of adventurers began.
The ones who caused the situation, Aster and his party, simply went straight to the hospital instead. They needed someone to check on him to see what was wrong. Fortunately, Kali and Cassy were familiar with the hospital that Aster frequently visited, so Dr. Zellbrook saw to his needs as soon as he arrived.
Anxiety filled the air as the four girls waited patiently for good news.
---
Soon enough, Aster stirred with a groan. "Ugh..."
When he opened his eyes, the same familiar white ceiling welcomed him. "The hospital again?" He whispered in a flat tone.
"Star!"
"Aster!"
"Darling!"
As soon as his voice echoed, three figures stood up from beside the bed, looking at his face with worry. From farthest to closest: Tina, Cassy, and Kali. Liz was a short distance away, talking with Dr. Zell about something.
"Everyone... what happened? Did you successfully rescue the other adventurers?"
Aster could recall things about the kidnappers, but his memory was blurred. He couldn't remember what happened in the latter half after he burned the tent.
"..."
Aster felt a headache incoming.
Now, not only does he have to find a cure for his disease, but he also needs to be careful not to raise the level of his carved seal higher than his own! "But how does it even rise in level?"
"I guess you've been killing monsters with it? That must be the cause."
Hearing the doctor's guess made Aster recall the many instances where he killed monsters but didn't gain experience. To be more specific, it was when he killed the Dire Wolf from the first floor twice!
Other than that, he also started to use it to kill other monsters and even people. The experience that normally would've gone to him instead went straight to the Carved Seal itself!
With this new knowledge, it meant that he couldn't just use the carved seal to kill monsters anymore. If he did, and the seal's level rose higher than his own once more, then another takeover might occur.
"Well, that's the limit of my knowledge of the matter. If you want to know more, then you're in luck. I've already called an expert in that field."
"Someone knowledgeable... about this magic carved seal?" Aster tilted his head, confused.
*BAM!*
"...!"
Right at that moment, the door leading to Aster's room got blown inward, slamming against the doctor's back. The girls were surprised but quickly moved to a battle stance, facing the door with wariness.
"So this is the rumored... Hmm? I see. Curious."
But the girls didn't see anyone at the door. Instead, they heard an unfamiliar voice coming from behind them.
"Star!"
"...!"
"Ah! Get off of my darling, bitch...!"
As they turned around, they saw a beautiful woman already all over Aster, who was frozen in fear. After all, he didn't even notice when she arrived by his side! She just appeared there in a flash, as if she teleported in, or was a ghost that suddenly materialized!