ALL NOVEL
Chapter 379: Genesis Labyrinth
According to the reconnaissance report, enemies like the Sacraments weren't confirmed outside the labyrinth.
Also, it's said that infiltration from underground areas like the sewers is impossible.
The "membrane" of the labyrinth has firmly eroded even underground.
It seems all possible entry routes were completely blocked.
We divided ourselves into those who would wait outside the Royal Capital with the subjugation army and those who wouldn't.
The waiting army outside is numerous.
This is something organized by Cattleya.
And so the elite warriors selected from the subjugation army would head into the Royal Capital.
Naturally, the Heroes are among them.
While the sorting was being done, I once brought Loqierra to the outer membrane of the labyrinth.
[The Royal Capital is eerily quiet out here.]
It seems most of the Royal Capital's residents outside the labyrinth have escaped.
Even the few remaining have been evacuated outside the capital under the guidance of the extermination army.
Loqierra looks up at the towering labyrinth.
[So far, there's no sign of this thing being a trap. Well, it's supposed to disappear if the one who summoned it exits the labyrinth, so at least, I don't think Vysis had come out. As for the Divine Servants I'm not quite sure. It seems unlikely that the Divine Servants would willingly let themselves be led outside, sacrificing the advantage they have of fighting within the labyrinth Moreover-]
"Deliberately not being inside right from the start to launch a surprise attack"
We had considered this pattern as well but
[From the scale of this labyrinth I think it probably has enhancement seals up to this outer membrane. I just felt the activation feedback just now after all. As for outside the membrane, I don't feel that feedback.]
In other words, their buffs are only applied inside the membrane.
In that case, there's no extra benefit to coming outside huh.
[So, what do you think?]
Loqierra has been pressing her palm against the outer membrane since earlier.
[Unn, as expected, it seems like even Vysis couldn't tamper with Conceptual Magic like this. It hasn't been manipulated. It's definitely a labyrinth that follows the rules I know.]
Thanks to Loqierra, there are many predictions ahead that we can drop.
The fewer "what ifs" we have, the better.
Returning to the entrance to the labyrinth
[It looks like everyone's here.]
The members of the raid party have assembled.
There's only one entrance to the labyrinth.
Loqierra's earlier judgment confirms this.
The entrance is semi-elliptical in shape, and not having any ostentatious decorations, one can describe it as a simple entranceway.
There's an open space beyond it, slightly larger than a 6-tatami studio.
The entrance and the open space are separated by a thin, semi-transparent membrane.
According to Loqierra, that thin membrane can be passed through normally.
However
[I'll keep it brief. Only one person at a time can pass through that entrance.]
Based on the information I have from Loqierra, I explained to them.
[Once you pass through that translucent membrane, you will be teleported one by one into the labyrinth.]
The teleportation destination is apparently random.
However, the closer in order you are with each other, the higher the probability of one being near them.
In other words It would be much easier to meet up with those who are before or after you.
The tricky part here is that "higher probability" part.
Even though it's higher, it's still a "probability", making that rule not absolute. There are cases where the people before or after you are teleported far away instead.
"This is originally a mechanism designed to obscure who encounters whom during training. If Deities who want to cooperate with each other enter in close order, it becomes easier for them to meet up and increase their winning percentage. On the other hand, if your order is too far from someone, it allows you to lower the encounter rate with incompatible opponents. However, keep in mind that that isn't absolute. It's just a matter of probability. Reality couldn't always be manipulated to suit one's convenience That opacity, designed to simulate such reality, was considered crucial in training."
Loqierra explained so.
Competitive training that incorporates chance encounters.
Hence
"In this labyrinth, the range of sound is quite narrow."
In other words, only nearby sounds can be heard.
This is because the walls in the labyrinth absorb the echoes.
We have made use of sound balls when fighting the Thirteen Cavalries, using them to make others know one's position and as some sort of signal.
However, this method doesn't work in the Genesis Labyrinth.
Unless you're in close proximity, you can't tell who is where
This is why there are so many "encounters".
That's why this was considered as "interesting training" in Heaven.
"Also, there's a limit on the people that can enter."
There's a limit to the number of people who can enter the labyrinth, apparently being around 50 to 100 people.
"That said, the person who activates the Genesis Labyrinth, along with those disabled Sacraments and the Divine Servants who have been here since before the labyrinth was activated, aren't subject to that number limit. The limit is only for those who are "new" and are entering from the outside."
However, this limit is also uncertain- it's random.
There are times where it would be more than 100, sometimes going as low as allowing only 50 people.
This is apparently different each time the Genesis Labyrinth is summoned.
Hence, the majority of troops had to wait outside the Royal Capital.
Those who weren't suited for solo combat were also to be removed as much as possible.
Sorting using that basis, the members gathered here as raid members are
Seras Ashrain.
Eve Speed.
Munin.
Sogou Ayaka.
Their identities still hidden in the Fly Knight outfit, the Takao Sisters.
Ikusaba Asagi.
Gio Shadowblade.
Armia Plum Lynx.
Qir Meiru.
Roa.
Nyantan Kikeepat.
Holy Kingdom of Neia's current commander, Machia Renaufia.
Neia's Holy Knight, Esmeralda Nidis.
Leader of the current Black Dragon Knights, Gus Dornfedt.
From one of the Three Imperial Households, Ord Family, Chester Ord.
As for the other members, selected volunteers from the Neia's Holy Knights.
Selected volunteers from the Black Dragon Knights.
Selected volunteers from the Brilliant Squadron.
Selected volunteers from the Magic Knights.
Selected volunteers from the Alion Army.
Selected volunteers from the Faraway Country the Kurosagas are also part of those chosen.
And then Me, Pigimaru and Loqierra.
Inside the labyrinth, it seems other than the Divine Servants, there are also Sacraments released.
If there are many Sacraments, a vital key to our victory is how to avoid exhausting our main force.
Vysis must also be aware of things like MP depletion, making battles exhaust us.
The number of us here is also to avoid being overwhelmed by the enemys numbers.
Of course, there are other reasons why the raid members are decided like that
In any case, as for how we can reach Vysis in a "battle-ready state"
It's with my Abnormal State Skill that can potentially kill the Divine Servants with minimal MP consumption.
Its most desirable for me to handle the Divine Servants and preserve the main force.
By the way, the Black Dragon Knights wont be bringing their dragons.
It's because the interior of a labyrinth isn't suited for flying.
Even if they brought their dragons, they wouldn't be able to take advantage of their strengths.
Moreover, theres also the issue of number limits.
A slot would be consumed by a dragon.
It's also for this reason that Gratora and the Harpies will stay behind.
Nyaki and Liese, as well as Banewolf, will also remain due to combat capabilities.
Additionally, Slei will stay behind this time.
Furthermore Fugi from the Kurosaga will stay outside. (T/N: I just realized that Fugi could also be translated as Hugi, making her and Munin's name based on Odin's ravens, Huginn and Muninn.)
This was decided after discussions.
Other than that, many of the Heroes volunteered to participate.
However, under Sogou's request, I denied them.
Her goal is to protect her classmates.
No It's now more like protecting the "classmates she should protect".
In any case-
For this reason, other than Sogou Ayaka, the Takao sisters, and Ikusaba Asagi, all other Heroes will remain.
For this raid, we must factor in "death".
It's possible well run into Divine Servants right after we enter the labyrinth.
We prioritize letting Sogou act without hesitation this time.
Besides, considering combat capabilities, most of the Heroes would find difficulty after entering the labyrinth.
We want to avoid having Sogou tripped up by unskillful teammates.
However, the Takao Sisters were included in the invasion team.
Even Sogou didn't object to the participation of the S-class and A-class Takao sisters.
[After entering the labyrinth, most of you should prioritize regrouping with our allies. However, Sogou and those two can move independently to achieve our objectives as you see fit.]
Sogou nods.
The "two" I mentioned the Takao Sisters in their Fly Knight outfit also nod in agreement.
Instructions have already been given to the Fly King Squadron members.
Everyone is to prioritize regrouping with Munin.
Next, aim to regroup with Loqierra and Pigimaru.
These two have combat limitations for this decisive battle.
However, Pigimaru significantly broadens our tactical options, and Loqierra has valuable knowledge against the Deities.
Seras, Eve, and I will prioritize regrouping with these three.
This especially goes with Munin, who is crucial for the battle against Vysis.
Losing Munin is to be avoided at all costs.
For this reason, I've also asked Sogou and the Takao sisters to be mindful of regrouping with Munin.
[Also]
I look at Ikusaba Asagi.
[Yes?]
[Prioritize regrouping with Ikusaba Asagi as well.]
Among those who have low solo combat ability, she's also among them.
I've heard that Asagi delivered the finishing blow to the Third Oath.
However.
"Even though I should've gained a ton of EXP and leveled up a lot, my stats didn't increase at all. Like, seriously? Isn't this a bug that warrants an apology gift? I was thinking about where to file a complaint when I received the notification that I acquired the skill <Queen Bee>. That was the punchline of it all!"
"This brought Asagi-chan to a near-certain understanding", Asagi cheerfully said before continuing.
"In other words, from now on, I need to become the Queen Bee that commands powerful soldier bees That's the current game I'm playing now."
Asagi's Unique Skill.
A power that can even bring down Gods.
Describing it that way isn't an exaggeration.
Additionally, she has special Buff Skills for allies.
[Thanks, Mimori-kun You're so kind~~]
Sogou wanted Asagi to stay behind as well.
However, Asagi completely refuted her by bringing up her past rampages.
Well, I've always intended to include Asagi in the raid team from the start.
[]
To be honest
As far as this guy is concerned, the "guarantees" doesn't go beyond the realm of estimates.
However-
There's this out-of-place feeling I remember feeling from Ikusaba Asagi.
If I follow that feeling
Wouldn't she move towards killing Vysis?
An intent she isn't conscious about A subconscious thought.
In a way, there's no better foundation for my trust.
However, if even this out-of-place feeling I had was part of her act
I suppose I'll admit defeat to your acting skills, Ikusaba Asagi.
[If you encounter the Divine Servants, except for Sogou Ayaka and Seras Ashrain, avoid solo combat as much as possible. If solo combat can't be avoided, exert as much strength as you can in that situation.]
The air tensed slightly at the mention of Divine Servants.
Only Loqierra and Nyantan have actually seen them
But everyone senses that the three Divine Servants are clearly monsters.
Encountering the Divine Servants.
Just that is entirely a matter of luck.
As for Vysis herself, I'm not certain but
"I think she'll definitely send out the Divine Servants here."
That was Loqierra's analysis.
We had already discussed this matter before.
"Why did Vysis prepare the Genesis Labyrinth? I don't think its just to stall for time."
"To crush us individually huh."
"Yes. Vysis might be thinking your group's strength lies in your teamwork. In other words Vysis analyzes that "it would be troublesome to let them fight together in the same place". Well, your trump cards are actually hard to utilize alone, right?"
"True."
"Annoyingly, Vysis has thought this through. Its effective in severing our strengths."
"So, to maximize that effect, she would let the Divine Servants wander the labyrinth, aiming for accidental encounters huh."
"Exactly. She wants to prevent us from regrouping and deplete the key factors we needed for our "decisive blow"."
"That said if we wait outside for the labyrinths time limit to expire the Sacred Eye might be destroyed before the time runs out."
Incidentally
"Waiting outside for the gate to appear and launching a total attack when Vysis or the Divine Servants come out"
Such a tactic is also possible.
However, using that tactic would mean the fall of Azziz
In other words, we would be waiting for the complete annihilation of those defending the Sacred Eye.
Therefore, we avoided this tactic.
As for why it's simply because I personally dislike it.
"And so, we need to dive into the enemy's base while being mindful of the time. D*mn it In that sense, having us divided using the Genesis Labyrinth is a logical move"
"That sh*tty Goddess may seem clueless, but she's got some nasty cunning."
"By using that labyrinth, she can significantly increase the chances of picking off our forces individually D*mn it With the change in situation, such tactics are possible huh"
Remembering the conversation I had with Loqierra, I continued speaking with the raid members.
[From an aerial view with the Black Dragon, it seems the labyrinth's center is the Royal Castle- more precisely, near the King's Chamber. Once you regroup and judge that your forces and preparations are sufficient, aim for that spot.]
"The endpoint is set at the labyrinth's center."
This was already explained by Loqierra on the way.
[Although they had been eroded by the labyrinth, the existing buildings remain inside. So even though it's a labyrinth, you shouldn't get too lost.]
The streets and buildings serve as guides to the castle.
Maps of the Royal Capital have been distributed to everyone.
After all, this labyrinth focuses on "accidental encounters".
Loqierra also said this:
"Due to Vysis's influence, the Genesis Labyrinth might have a somewhat time-consuming structure, but fundamentally, it can't become an overly complex maze- it isn't able to. Some Gods have also found this puzzling. Why call it a "labyrinth," then? There's a very intelligent God, having the second greatest intellect in Heaven, named Thesis-sama She analyzed that this labyrinth might actually be one that "befuddles one's thoughts" A labyrinth for the mind."
Would the one we encounter be an enemy or an ally?
Who should be taken down, when, and what's the best way to do it?
What is the intent of the person who activated the Genesis Labyrinth?
What kind of "will" was infused into it?
Perhaps, it's a labyrinth designed to make one think about these questions while progressing.
However, this time, we participants are taking a cooperative approach.
It's easier for our minds than when a labyrinth like this is used while we're "competing" with other participants.
[Our ultimate goal is to eliminate Vysis, but as a preliminary step, you should prioritize surviving and regrouping with others For us to create the right "situation".]
Yes.
To create a situation where we can use the Forbidden Curse on Vysis.
Even with the Genesis Labyrinth in place, this objective doesn't change.
Listening to my words, the elite soldiers from various countries began to don their own Fly King outfits, the same style I used to wear, and Fly Knight outfits.
[Umm!]
It was Sogou who raised her hand.
[If we find people from the Royal Capital trapped inside the labyrinth]
[Each of you should make your own decision on how to deal with them.]
I responded immediately.
[However, you should be aware that not everyone will be an ally. Among them might be sh*tty nobles who think they'll be spared if they side with Vysis, or members of Vysis' cult who believes in her bullsh*t. Consider the existence of such people among those you meet.]
[I understand.]
Swallowing her words, Sogou stepped back.
Demoralizing Sogou here would definitely be a bad move.
But in this battle, I can't allow her or anyone to say things like "saving everyone".
I'm sorry, Sogou.
This is where I draw the line.
[Now, regarding the order of entering the labyrinth]
<Author's Notes>
I planned to have the next chapter updated on May 17th (Friday), around 9:00 pm, but I'm sorry I've been a little busy lately, so I can't reliably say I'll be able to post it then, so please consider this as a temporary update schedule.