Chapter 160 [Event] [Enigma Red Dungeon] [21] Monarch



[43TH FLOOR]

"K-Kyaaaa!"

"W-What is that?!"

"Bruaaah! Cough! I can't-"

"Drink some water!"

The group's footsteps faltered as their ears caught the blood-curdling screams echoing through the desolate corridors of the 43rd floor. They hastened their pace, hearts pounding with a mixture of curiosity and dread, until they stumbled upon a macabre scene that would forever haunt their nightmares.

Spread out before them, like a tableau of horror, were the lifeless bodies of their fellow classmates. Each corpse bore the unmistakable signs of a violent demise, their once-vibrant faces etched with sheer terror. The group stood frozen in shock, their voices reduced to hushed whispers and gasps of disbelief.

"Step back now!" The command sliced through the silence, drawing their attention to the authoritative figure of Kleah Toyreas, their group overseer. Her beautiful fiery red hair seemed to mirror the intensity of her gaze as she assessed the gruesome sight before her.

Concerned for their safety, Kleah motioned for the others to keep their distance, protecting them from the nightmarish scene that lay ahead. She couldn't help but feel a deep discomfort, a knot forming in her stomach as she observed the tragic fate that had befallen their comrades.

"Professor." She raised a hand to her earpiece, desperately hoping for a response. But there was only eerie silence on the other end, confirming her worst fears. She was cut off from the guidance and protection of their teachers.

'Something happened... the exam is probably canceled.'

Kleah's mind raced, realizing that a deadly presence loomed in the dungeon. The peril they faced was undeniable, and her group, not particularly formidable, was still on the 43rd floor, only two days into the grueling ordeal.

'Maybe it's a stroke of luck for them.'

Her voice resonated with a mixture of determination and concern as she addressed her companions. "Listen to me. The exam is over. It's too dangerous to ascend further due to an imminent threat. I want all of you to descend to the 40th floor and inform the teachers." Even as she spoke, she couldn't shake the feeling that the instructors were already aware of the dire circumstances. After all, there were surveillance cameras throughout the dungeon.

"B-But Senior... what about you?" A girl's voice quivered with worry, expressing the thoughts that weighed heavily on their minds.

Kleah shook her head, a resolute glint in her eyes. "I must go ahead and warn the groups in advance. The enemy is clearly making their way up the floors, and I cannot stand idly by, knowing the danger they pose. If you meet any other groups, tell them the same instructions."

The group nodded, their trust in Kleah unwavering, and they began their descent, determined to relay the urgent message to their teachers and to get out of this place quickly.

Silence settled around Kleah as she turned her attention back to the lifeless bodies, their sight burning into her memory. With a heavy heart, she closed her leaf-green eyes, offering a prayer for their souls. "I'm sorry. May Lord Nihil grant you eternal peace in the realm of Eden."

****

The Triangular Continent stood as a testament to a rich tapestry of history and legends, shaped by countless battles and wars that had raged across its lands. This vast expanse was divided into three distinct countries, each with its own unique identity and significance.

First among them was the Celesta Kingdom, a realm where the Holy Garden flourished in all its divine splendor. The Kingdom held a special place in the hearts of its people, serving as a sanctuary of faith and reverence.

To the west lay the Arvatra Empire, a scarred land still bearing the remnants of its turbulent past. Once a relentless battleground during the never-ending Holy Wars, it had witnessed the ebb and flow of bloodshed, leaving an indelible mark on its soil.

Lastly, the Rhedorah Empire occupied the eastern reaches of the continent, its ancient foundations rooted in the very lair of dragons. Legends and tales of these majestic creatures permeated the land, adding an aura of mystique and awe to the empire.

However, nestled in the far eastern reaches of the Triangular Continent, a place of unparalleled sanctity and reverence stood resolute. It was known as Edenis Raphiel, the Floating Archipel, a holy land revered by all. Here, the last remaining treasure of Eden, the Monolithe of Eden, found its sanctuary. Guarded with unwavering vigilance, this sacred artifact held immense symbolic power, representing the hopes and beliefs of the world.

Within Edenis Raphiel, a magnificent tower soared towards the heavens, aptly named the Monarchical Tower. This towering structure served as the esteemed headquarters of the Monarch Alliance, an organization forged in the aftermath of the cataclysmic Third Great Holy War, which had transpired three centuries ago. Recognizing the need for unity and collective strength, nations from across the world joined forces, bringing together a consortium of extraordinary individuals, whose purpose was to intervene and safeguard against imminent threats of immense magnitude.

The formation of the Monarch Alliance had been a response to the devastating aftermath of the Third Great Holy War, orchestrated by the enigmatic Xenos Arvatra. The widespread destruction caused by this single individual had shaken the world to its core, leaving no room for complacency. In order to prevent a repetition of such calamity, the nations came together, embracing the concept of "peace" and forging an unbreakable bond through the Monarch Alliance. Their shared resolve was to protect and guide the future of their world, standing as a beacon of hope amidst the shadows of the past.

At the pinnacle of the towering Monarchical Tower, a circular chamber awaited, bathed in an ethereal glow. Dominating the room was a grand roundtable adorned with intricate engravings depicting the sacred imagery of the Holy Garden of Eden, the majestic Holy Tree of Eden, and the revered Monolithe of Eden. Positioned around this table were several ornate chairs, some unoccupied, while others were graced by the presence of their esteemed occupants.

A commanding voice echoed through the chamber, emanating from one of the occupied seats. "Are you all here?" inquired the figure projected before them, known as Aslan.

"Why have you summoned us, Aslan?" questioned another projection, seeking answers.

Silence filled the air as Aslan surveyed the gathering, his gaze sweeping across the thirteen seats. However, only five seats emitted a radiant glow, indicating the presence of the Monarchs.

"Show respect to your elders, young one," admonished an elderly gentleman seated amongst them.

The young girl named Myrcella redirected her attention to the old man, her hand waving with a cheerful smile. "I bid you farewell then," she said before her projection dissolved into thin air.

Now, only four remained.

"Are you content, Brutus?" inquired a woman, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"It is my fault, Brida. I still fail to comprehend why she and Emilia are involved. They are too young for this responsibility," Brutus replied, shaking his head in bewilderment.

"At least she honored our summons. Emilia and the others, on the other hand, are not so inclined," Brida remarked.

"You can't blame them. The call came out of nowhere," Brutus said.

"I called for this emergency meeting, yet only four have answered my call," Aslan expressed his disappointment. "Nevertheless, let it be. I have summoned you because the Enigma Dungeon in the Dorian Capital is under attack by unknown adversaries."

"And you believe the assistance of the Monarchs is required?" questioned Brutus.

"Yes," affirmed Aslan with a nod. "Ante-Eden or the Iris Project might be involved in this disturbance."

"A pity that Myrcella or Emilia did not join us," Brida sighed.

"Draven is already en route, but I deem it prudent to dispatch another Monarch as a precautionary measure," Aslan informed them.

"I see... then what of Brutus? Being a member of the Eden Council, he possesses greater knowledge of the Enigma Dungeon than the rest of us," suggested Brida in an obvious tone.

The Eden Council was a group of a few people that managed the Enigma Dungeon all over the world, and Brutus was the strongest among them. 

"Indeed, he is indirectly connected to this matter, as are both of you," Aslan acknowledged, glancing at Brida and the remaining man who had remained silent thus far. "Silas, your nephew, Edward, is currently inside the Dungeon," Aslan revealed.

A prolonged silence enveloped the chamber before Silas finally spoke. "Brutus is the more suitable choice," he declared without showing any hint or semblance of worry in his grey eyes, and his projection abruptly vanished.

"Why am I involved in this?" Brida inquired with a perplexed frown.

Aslan sighed, hearing Brida's question. "Your younger sister, Kleah, is...," he began, but before Aslan could elaborate, Brida's projection disappeared as well.

"Well, it seems the matter is resolved," Brutus chuckled, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement. Then he noticed Aslan's silence and spoke. "Something in your mind, Aslan?"

Aslan nodded as he looked up at Brutus. "The Holy Festival of Eden is approaching, but the peaceful years appear to be coming to an end."