Chapter 273

Chapter 273

Zone. In other words, the depth of a dungeon indicates how challenging it is.

Dungeons of the same Zone and depth are roughly of the same difficulty level.

Put differently, advancing just one step deeper greatly increases the dungeons risk factor.

Whew.

After breaking through all the dungeons on the shortest route from the 6th to the 7th Zone,

I gazed anew at the 7th Zone spread out beyond the darkness.

The latter half of the dungeon, namely the 6th to 10th Zones, also known as the Deep Dark Realm, is immensely larger and tougher than the previous Zones.

The 6th Zone was the weakest of them, so I managed to carve out a path, but rescuing operations in the 7th Zone tomorrow wont be as easy as today.

At least the good thing is that [Wolfs Den] is nearby.

The Wolfs Den is at the beginning of the 7th Zone.

I should be able to quickly defeat it and get out swiftly. Thats if everything goes as planned.

Alright, everyone worked hard today!

Base camp.

It was time to end todays free exploration and return.

Lets head back, clean up, and rest!Điscover new chapters at novelhall.com

I encouraged the party members, drained from clearing several dungeons today.

Well have to work hard again tomorrow, so they need to rest well tonight.

The tired party members, one by one, entered the teleport gate, stretching and yawning.

Lilly, who looked a bit sulky, and Godhand, who seemed particularly exhausted, disappeared into the gate. Once the other party members had all returned,

Verdandi.

I turned to look at Verdandi, who had been seeing us off.

Thanks for your continuous support all this time.

Verdandi gave a gentle smile. Every time I saw her, her tear-like markings made it hard to tell whether she was smiling or crying.

Dont mention it. Im doing this to save my comrades.

Indeed. Right now, Verdandi was helping us merely to rescue her party.

But the fact remains that she actively assisted us in our dungeon explorations over the past few weeks.

I believe weve formed a fairly cooperative and good relationship.

I know its not much of a repayment for all your help, but...

I took out a dagger from my belongings and handed it to Verdandi.

Take it.

Huh? Whats this

Upon seeing it, Verdandis eyes widened in surprise.

Its a Blink Dagger, an SSR-grade weapon that I got from the last loot box.

After much contemplation, I decided to give it to Verdandi.

Shes the only dagger user among us, and if tomorrows battle gets intense, having this dagger as her secret weapon might be beneficial.

Its a Blink Dagger. You know how to use it, right?

Oh my, such a valuable item!

Verdandi recognized what it was and seemed surprised, but she graciously accepted it with both hands.

Thank you so much, Ash. Ill use it well.

No big deal. Its just a token of appreciation since youve been so helpful to us. Dont feel obliged.

I then took out a small pouch from my belongings and handed it over.

Oh, and these are Sunflower Seeds. I managed to get some more.

Wow! Im truly grateful!

She seemed to appreciate the Sunflower Seeds more than the SSR-grade dagger.

Watching Verdandi happily pocket the seeds, I grew curious.

I had never seen her eat the sunflower seeds she so adored. Was she saving them for later, only to occasionally indulge?

Suddenly, an image flashed across my mind: Verdandi, sneakily hiding in a corner, nibbling on a sunflower seed one by one. I quickly shook my head, dismissing the thought. Shed eat them when she wanted to.

"See you tomorrow!"

As I waved and positioned myself in front of the teleportation gate, Verdandi unexpectedly stretched out her hand.

"Huh?"

Did she want more? There were no more sunflower seeds left.

Seeing my confusion, Verdandi fidgeted awkwardly with her fingers. "You taught me when we first met, right? When humans greet each other, they... shake hands."

"Oh..."

Suppressing a smile, I shook Verdandis hand and said, "Sure. Once again, looking forward to our continued friendship, Verdandi."

"Haha. Yes. Take care and see you tomorrow."

After an awkward wave, she hesitated before releasing my hand.

I gave a final nod before diving into the teleportation gate.

Flash-!

***

"..."

A faint blush appeared on Salomes cheeks as she thought of him.

"Im... interested in him. Hes overthrown Orlop, Celendion, and now even Lunared. That man..."

...

"Its definitely not a coincidence at this point. Its fate. Theres something about that human man."

Moments later, Salomes eyes sparkled as she pleaded, much like a child.

"So, can you arrange a one-on-one meeting between me and that Ash guy? Please? Can you?"

...And what would you do when you meet? Seduce him?

"Hehe! Obviously! Is there anything else a succubus should be doing?"

Salomes initially innocent laughter morphed, casting an eerie shadow over her face.

"Ill trap him deep in a dream, turning his mind to mush. Once I understand how he couldve done all these things, Ill kill him."

...

"Then the King will shower me with affection. Salome! Youve eased my worries! As expected, youre the prettiest and the smartest! Oh, how I long to hear his praise."

Verdandi, with clenched teeth, listened intently, her eyes trembling slightly.

...And if I refuse your proposal?

"Refuse?"

A cruel smile touched the corners of Salomes mouth.

"Do you think you can refuse?"

Tch...

"Will you abandon your precious comrades with whom youve been wading through this hell? Ive watched you and your allies tirelessly explore for over a century. Do you think I dont know of your loyalty to them?"

Indeed. To Verdandi, her comrades who had been with her in this hell for a century were more precious than anyone.

However...

...

Verdandi tightly gripped the Blink Dagger in her hand. Her gaze also drifted to the sunflower seeds planted in the flower bed.

Ashs kind face, who had promised to help without hesitation, flashed before her eyes.

Salome chuckled at Verdandis reaction.

"Do you perhaps have feelings for that human?"

...

"What a funny story, noble elf."

With each word, Salome bent one of her long fingers.

"Youre wandering here in search of a beacon to save your homeland. And why are you searching for that beacon? Isnt it because your country is being pushed back in the war against humans?"

...!

"Moreover, hasnt your nation already been destroyed by humans, and your race barely survives as their slaves? And even in such a situation, you want to side with humans? Ha, you truly are a fool."

With trembling hands, Verdandi clenched her teeth and spat out.

"Thats why... were searching for the Holy Grail, arent we?"

"Hmm?"

If we find the Holy Grail, we can revive the World Tree, activate ancient magic, and resurrect our kingdom...!

Salome covered her mouth and chuckled.

"In the process, wont you inevitably become enemies with humans?"

...

"In any case, humans are your enemies. And they are also my enemies."

Salome drew a slender knife and gently ran it across her long neck.

"Im offering to kill your enemies on your behalf. Shouldnt you be more than grateful?"

...

After a long silence, Verdandi asked with difficulty.

...If I hand over Ash.

"Hmm?"

That means youll safely return my comrades?

"Of course. Naturally."

Salome assured.

"The only way to save your comrades, your kin, is this."

...

"The enemy of an enemy is a friend, right? In the face of our common foe, humans, we are allies, elf."

Slowly extending her hand forward, Salome offered Verdandi a handshake.

Verdandi stared blankly at the beautiful hand of the Unholy Legion Commander.

She recalled the handshake she had shared with the human commander who was helping her just a short while ago.

"How about it?"

With a beautiful and fatally alluring smile,

Salome whispered,

"Will you form an alliance with me?"