No one's POV

Evilus: For our dreeeeeam—!

Another one of Thanatos's followers blew themselves up, shaking the passage with more explosions.

Inside Knossos. The twelfth floor. The three-sided battle among Loki Familia, the Xenos, and the Evilus raged on.

It was a melee in a passage the size of a room in the Dungeon. Under Riveria's command, the elves sang as beads of sweat scattered and they fired off magic. The intelligent monsters desperately pushed their battered bodies, rampaging with the aid of the black-robed mage.

The Evilus' Remnants and the richly colored monsters tried to crush both forces at once. The followers of the God of Death charged with beastly howls as the violas' feelers and the vargs' fangs danced without restraint.

The sheer number of enemies encircling them was more than enough to make the elves, including Alicia, uneasy. A raiding unit that normally used Concurrent Casting to attack with long- distance hit-and-runs couldn't unleash its true strength in a giant free-for-all with no real way to move around. That was what happened when they stripped the Fairy Force of its advantage of high-speed combat.

Taking wounds to her cheeks and arms as she endured the fierce attacks of the Evils, Alicia was struggling to breathe.

Alicia:—! Don't get close to me, you heretical monsters!

Rei: Kuh?!

She swung around, lashing out at the siren that had unintentionally drifted close to her in the shock wave from the explosion. The Xenos fell to the ground, its beautiful golden feathers severed.

Alicia: Repulsive! Know some shame! Trying to pass yourself off with the words of people!

Rei:—Gh...!

Alicia: Do not...deceive us!

The siren's face warped in sadness, stung by the high-minded elf's sharp rebuttal.

Loki Familia was attacking the Evilus, of course, and striking back at any Xenos that approached them. The lizardman and troll had no intention of attacking, trying to defend themselves as best they could.

But even as both sides recognized this as the intent of the Evilus, even in this precarious situation, the adventurers refused to join hands with the monsters. It was a profound testament to the relations between monsters and people.

As the God of Death chuckled, watching the scene unfold from his seat beyond the board, he grinned at the predetermined performance he'd arranged.

Riveria: Kuh—?!

Sonia: Lady Riveria?!

Amid a melee that didn't allow time for predictions, Riveria was exposed to the intense suicide attacks conducted by the Evilus' Remnants.

They turned themselves into weapons, blowing themselves up in an attempt to stop the artillery fire of the city's strongest mage. With them weaving in close by using the chaos of the brawl to their advantage, their sacrificial attacks forced Riveria to stop Concurrent Casting. They didn't even balk at engulfing their allies in their attacks, creating an absurd chain of explosions.

Fels: They intend to take care of us by any means possible, huh?!

More detonations went off, violas' giant bodies collapsed, and elves screamed. Fels's black robes trembled as the battlefield turned to pure chaos. A huge free-for-all among the three forces mashed up together in the enclosed space. And as if to announce their death sentences, a door slammed open.

Revis: This is where you were—pest.

PoH: Kuku. Finally the frenzy has begun!

Riveria:—?!

There was crimson hair, the color of blood. And the second was pitch black with black robe and the aura of a Reaper. Deep amid the battle, Riveria shuddered, recognizing the enemies eyes that locked onto her.

It was PoH and Revis. They'd finished healing their wound and missing arm and leg, raising their ominous, cursed weapon now that they had reached the feast that Thanatos had prepared for them. Visible unease lit Riveria's face. Now that they no longer had a path to retreat, total destruction was inevitable.

Revis: Die.

Revis didn't give Riveria an opportunity to respond. Cocking one of her twin blades behind her back, she threw it with inhuman strength. The wind roared and a dull clap of thunder boomed as Revis's blade split the air. The violas and vargs in its path exploded into fragments of meat like burst balloons. The indiscriminate attack sent the heads and arms of Evilus flying like toys.

A spray of blood rained down in its wake as the blade cut through the battlefield, rushing full speed toward Riveria. But before it could reach her—a single elf was destined to become its prey first.

Riveria:—Alicia!

There was only enough time for Riveria to call her name. As she knocked away one of the remnants, Alicia looked up and immediately froze as the assassin's missile approached her at sonic speed. The pitch-black cursed sword reflected in her eyes, silently, mercilessly handing down her death sentence. It was going to crush her head without even allowing her enough time to let out a dying scream.

Rei: Guh. Aaa—

Alicia:—Huh?

Right before it hit, a golden wing spread across Alicia's field of vision, moving into the path of the cursed sword. The siren had crossed her arms and wings, absorbing the impact of the blow.

It pierced her folded wings, burrowing all the way into her right shoulder. The siren put all her strength and awareness into her torso muscles, keeping the sword from tunneling through her body any farther.

Lido: Rei?!

Yelped the lizardman, along with the other Xenos, as the siren was knocked back, tumbling into Alicia, who was right behind her.

Alicia:...Why?

Alicia had landed hard on her back. Sluggishly pushing herself up to a sitting position on the floor, she barely managed to whisper that much. The siren lay powerlessly on her chest, shoulder and face stained crimson. Her long lashes quivering, she opened her eyes and smiled.

Rei: Your hair is prettier than my wings. I just thought that...I didn't want it...to get dirty.

Alicia:—Wha...?!

Rei: I had a dream...that if you could ever...somehow forgive me...I wanted to be friends with you...

Alicia's face cracked as she looked down at the siren whose breathing was ragged even as she flashed a peaceful smile on her face. The elf could no longer control the whirlwind of emotions that appeared on her face: an infant on the brink of tears, an enraged fairy, a lost child who didn't know where to go. There was no proof. No evidence. No plan. No sincerity or logic to convince those who despised monsters.

There was earnest love—one-sided, but it was a precious philia. Friendship. This was a monster: a noble being, starved for affection, who put herself on the line and willingly threw away her own life for the sake of others.

Was this a beast?

If it was, then what would that make Alicia, the one who wouldn't lend that noble woman an ear and swung a sword at her instead? Did it make her a far more depraved monster?

This shocking revelation summoned a storm of emotions that overflowed from her heart. Her value system was shattered at its core: The idea of monsters as a symbol of absolute evil was gone. Alicia's eyes darted around. She was unable to hold the siren's body close, even as she looked down at her chest, where death was approaching the being by the second.

Loki Familia's elves saw that, too, and Riveria's face warped, displaying the agony in her heart as she stood still in shock. The Xenos were on the verge of tears as they watched the actions of their comrade.

PoH: Aah... That's not fun. Friendship between monster and elf. Makes me puke.

Revis: Missed, huh...? Well, whatever.

PoH groans while Revis commented, watching their drama play out without a trace of emotion.

Revis: We'll just hunt down those defective monsters, too.

PoH: And we still need some payback after what you did to us on the 18th floor.

They swung their weapons, signaling the tragedy about to begin. The real monster was the man and woman who had been given free rein over the whole of the battlefield. A moment of silence fell as everyone, even the monsters, stopped moving, sensing the icy chill and intense bloodlust of the overwhelmingly powerful creature.

The elves paled, the Xenos recoiled, and even the Evilus gulped.

Riveria moved faster than anyone else to resist, beginning to sing a spell. Fels's robe quivered as if to say I can't die yet when the mage moved to break the deadlock. And PoH and Levis coldly narrowed their eyes, ready to kick off the ground.

Finn: Sorry, but I've no interest in watching a tragedy.

Bam! A door slammed open on the opposite side from the one through which Revis had entered the room. A hero with billowing golden hair stood at the entrance to the large passage.

Finn: Especially not after seeing the real-life epic of a hero.

It was Finn, holding out the key in his right hand and his long spear in his left.

Riveria: Finn!

Riveria shrieked upon spinning around and recognizing him and the other members of their familia. Her jade eyes filled with light. The high elf had never given up hope or lost faith in her old friend. On the other hand, Revis kicked the ground with a sharpened gaze, leaping out to cut Riveria's neck before she could resist.

Gareth: Like I'll let ya!

Revis:—Gh!

She was stopped by the battle-ax of a dwarf flying in at a right angle from behind Finn. Gareth had dashed to the scene upon being summoned by Finn at the main base, and he crossed blades with Revis now.

Upon impact, a massive shock wave rippled out, causing the air to tremble as the dwarf warrior clashed head-on with the creature who'd defeated both the Sword Princess and Braver. Revis scoffed as Elgarm grinned ferociously.

Finn: Everyone, support Alicia and the others. Secure a path for retreat!

Finn barked his orders as he dashed. When Revis relied on speed over power to swipe at Gareth, Finn butted in from the side with his Fortia Spear, challenging her even though he'd been cut down once before. He weakened the momentum behind Revis's sword, supporting Gareth through teamwork.

Finn and Gareth: Riveria!

They called for the high elf, seizing the advantage in this fight.

Riveria: Heh!!

Revis: Tch...Three Level Sixes!

Wielding her long staff, Riveria joined the front lines with Finn and Gareth, adding to the raging battle. The teamwork among Loki Familia's three leaders was divine, assaulting Revis from three different sides to create a storm of continuous attacks. The Xenos, who'd been swept aside in the flow of events, were filled with awe.

Even though she was a mage, Riveria was keeping up in speed and working in perfect unison with the prum and dwarf in close-range combat. She'd always had more skills and tact than anyone else, working with Finn to nip Levis's counterattacks in the bud while Gareth's top-tier strength made up for their lack of power.

These three had fought together longer than any other team. That was the reason they were called the strongest fighting force in Loki Familia. However...

PoH: Oi Oi! It'll be bad if you forgotten about me, Braver.

Finn: Guh...!

Although the three of them managed to handle Revis, there is still the Grim Reaper whom they had to deal with. But still, they were no match for Revis if the three of them didn't work together. Thankfully...

???: Sorry for keeping you all waiting, Xenos...!

Xenos and Fels...!

Another door from a different direction had opened up from the place where the Xenos first entered.

Lemia: But it took us some time for finding you all...!

Lemia Santacru: Level 6
Strength: D 559
Endurance: E 410
Agility: C 609
Dexterity: A 870
Magic: S 960
Mage: E
Abnormal Resistance: F
Magic Resistance: G
Magic Amplification: G
Mad Enchantment: G

Magic:
• Ancient Cosmos:
—A very powerful Nature Magic that allows the caster to use any kind of magic as long as it is within the forces of nature. In other words... the 5 element of nature like lightning,wind, fire, water, and earth. As long as the users can imagine what kind of elemental spells in his or her mind, she can use any type of spell.
Chant: I am the one who knows the end and the founder of genesis. Return thyself to the cycle of providence. The 5 elements to elements, and sever the link between images and truth. Now all creation shall perish here, at the distant ends of the void. (Say the spell name on your mind)
• Breath of the Night Queen:
— A super Wind Magic that can be used as an attack, barrier and enchantment as long as the users wished for. If it's and attacked, it will create a powerful AOE tornado that gust away everything in its path. When used as barrier, it will create a Storm Wall of tornado around the caster and the surrounding people. If used as an enchantment, then the user and the designated people will be surrounded by with a veil of green aura.
Chant: Spirit of the Wind, what I desired is the fury of nature. Display your might before my opponent that knows no fear. Heed my words and menifest your power to trample everything. 
• Purification:
— Capable of healing external wounds that can be healed naturally, while also reattached broken plants.
Chant: Let this divine power be as satisfying nourishment, giving one who has lost their strength, the strength rise again.

Skills:
Magic Amplification: It allows the users to amplify everyone's Magic alongside their Mind as long as they are within the magic circle.
Mad Enchantment: Increases the users strength greatly along with their Mind.

It was Lemia Santacru, also known as Mage of Falling Leaves. She was one of the greatest Mage in the world before she retired as an adventurer after the fall of the Zeus and Hera Familia 15 years ago. Now she live a quite live at Azbaya while also training new generation. She was accompanied by 9 other people. Finn, Riveria, and Gareth recognize them. It was the New Astrea Familia that was the top Familia at Azbaya and Solingen. Then alongside them were...

Fia: Lido... Fels...!

Lett: Are you all alright?!

Aruru: Meep Meep!

Helga: Woof!

Wiene: Everyone...!

5 other separate Xenos that had entered the Labyrinth after being split at the surface. The 5 of them were guided by Bell and Haruhime and they managed to met up with Lemia and with the help of Wiene's long sense of eye and ears, they were able to search for the other Xenos.

Lido: Fia, Lett, Aruru, Helga!

Fels: Wiene!

Lido and Fels screamed with joy.

Lemia: And we brought in the big one.

A rumbling howl filled the air.

Loki Familia: —

Revis and PoH: ?!

The Loki Familia and the two creatures—each stopped what they were doing on the battlefield and immediately turned toward it.

Narfi: What...was that...?

The combatants of Loki Familia had come to a sudden halt. Then...thud...thud...

The heavy, threatening echoes and shuddering earth heralded the arrival of a newcomer. No one needed to see it to know those were footsteps. They were approaching, steadily, from behind the wall that the vouivre had broken through on its arrival. Every set of eyes focused on the wall, still shrouded in smoke.

All other sounds disappeared from the battlefield. Moments later... A shadow appeared in the smoke, crushing rubble underfoot as its form took shape.

Arcus:—What the...?

One of the adventurers whispered. It had skin so black it could have been born from the deepest, darkest bowels of the Dungeon. Over two meders tall with muscles built like boulders, it was equipped with adventurer's armor. A nigh-indestructible breastplate, shoulder armor, gauntlets, waist plates, and greaves. The full set of plate armor couldn't cover the entire body and almost resembled light armor on its massive frame. Holding an enormous Labrys aloft with one hand, the new arrival had another massive ax strapped to its shoulder armor. Each weapon's blades were dyed red with the blood of its victims.

Both of the horns on its head were crimson. The sight called to mind the words raging bull. A creature absent from the Guild's files and unfamiliar even to Loki Familia an "unknown" monster stood before them. The two creatures immediately tense for the first time.

Asterius:...

Huff, huff. The monster rotated its thick neck in their direction, and its ragged breathing sounded in their ears. The instant it saw the two creatures and the fallen monsters—it roared with all its might.

Asterius: oOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

A dreadnought Howl obliterated the silence. A Howl, far stronger than normal. A monster's intimidating song that bound living creatures with primitive fear. Those unworthy to meet the challenge were immediately rendered motionless.

Lido: Asterius!

—the roar restrained its victims.

Lemia: Asterius! The one with the black Poncho!

The monster charged. The rocketing, massive black shadow's immediately followed Lemia's order and charged towards PoH.

PoH: Huh?!

Just as when PoH was about to beheaded Riveria who were battling with Revis alongside Finn and Gareth, Asterius intercepted the attacked charging along head first. It shock all the three Familia leaders alongside the other Loki Familia.

Sonia: That Minotaur...

Cynthia: It just protected Lady Riveria...?

Lemia: Sumella, Susora, support Asterius with me! The rest of you, gather the remaining Xenos and prepare for an escape!

Astrea Familia: Right!

Hearing that the Astrea Familia were at the side of the Xenos, Fels breath out a relief sigh. This Familia must be the aide they were supposed to gain after entering Knossos. And they couldn't come at a better time. The battle between the black minotaur and PoH was intense. PoH attacked at full strength, mate chopper and axe combining into their own melody.

Asterius: AAH!

It was a series of unrelenting, merciless strikes. The monster stopped trying to defend itself and went on the attack. PoH charged to meet it, their blades clashing with incredible force.

Mate Chopper crossed ax. There were no sparks in the air, only deafening wind. The currents pounding against the unyielding minotaur were far more powerful than normal, allowing PoH's darkness technique to land three strikes in the time it took for him opponent to swing once. Just when PoH was about to tap in to more darkness power, Lemia intercepted them with her staff challenging the so called Grim Reaper that she had heard from Sora. The two Amazons... Sumella and Susora, two Level 5 warrior joined in making a chained of continues attack on all 4 side on PoH.

Lemia: I am the one who knows the end and the founder of genesis. Return thyself to the cycle of providence. The 5 elements to elements, and sever the link between images and truth.

PoH: Tch...!

Meanwhile...

Mejila: Are you alright...?

Raquelta: Please leave this to us...

Balda: Heal up and prepare for a counter attack.

Lido: Y-yeah... Thanks...

Mejila, Raquelta and Balda. A pallum, a human, and a half-dwarf, three Level 3 fighters aided the injured Xenos while also lending them a hand for them to stand at their injured bodies.

Narfi: They're helping the armed monster...?

Arcus: Is this for real?!

The oncoming Loki Familia that had come to rescue the Fairy Force were stunned when they saw adventurers saving monsters.

Milo and Melo: Now clear a path...!

While twin pallum aided the Loki Familia in assisting to deal with the plant eating monster Violas. And those twin Level 4 pallum had quick wits that is comparable to Finn in quick glance which caught the surprises of the Loki Familia. Their teamwork was relentless and perfectly coordinated taking down multiple Violas in a blink of an eye holding a retractable spear.

Sonia: Their fast...!

Cynthia...And also perfect teamwork.

Then pure green like magic circle had appeared under the Loki Familia and the Xenos's foot. They all sensed a magic wave and looked towards a blonde woman holding a staff while singing and soothing the heart of the adventurers.

Bella: Shining Terraria...!

It was all it took before their injuries were healed in a moment. The Fairy Forces's lost Mind and the Xenos's injured bodies were immediately healed in a blink of an eye. Bella Lafuma and also Lemia's personal assistant. A level 5 healer whom is famous all over Azbaya and Solingen. On the other hand... Thanks to Lemia and the Astrea Familia's intervention, Finn, Riveria and Gareth can focus their fight on Revis.

Riveria:—Harbinger of the end, white snow!

Revis:—Rg?!

Revis's shoulders trembled as Riveria decisively started Concurrent Casting while attacking with her staff. As the creature acted cautiously, wary of the blast that had stolen her arm, Gareth stepped in, seizing the advantage.

Gareth: Yer full o' openings!

Revis: Guh?!

His battle-ax swung up, hitting the side of her cursed sword, just barely managing to block it. Revis's body was knocked back in an arc as her sword shattered, landing some distance away from them. Riveria cut off her spell mid-chant. By drawing the attention of their enemy to her chants, Finn and Gareth had attacked. Their original plan to ambush a decoy.

Gareth: It's my first time doin' it with a creature, but...it's certainly dangerous. That woman is full of energy!

Finn: That's what I told you, isn't it? Fighting her head-on's not a good plan.

Gareth's tone was rougher than usual—perhaps because it was the first time in a long while that the three of them were fighting together. Finn responded with a complaint reminiscent of old times. Riveria finally got her taste of relief since this battle had started.

Riveria: Sorry...Finn, Gareth. Thanks for the help.

Gareth: It ain't over yet! Did ye forget?! The adventure lasts until you make it back!

Finn: Yeah, don't get sloppy on me, Riveria.

Riveria let herself smile as the others glared at Revis without letting their guard down. Her face quickly tensed, matching theirs.

Finn: Narfi, we'll be the rear guard! Fight alongside the Astrea Familia, then go back down the path we came on!

The other Loki familia members had moved in from the surroundings in a surprise attack to rescue the Fairy Force. Breaking through the Evilus who'd clumped together in panic, they had returned to that path with the elves in tow. And thanks to the Astrea Familia quick wits, they were able to finished off the remaining enemies.

At the same time, Asterius had used his charged using the opening that Lemia, Sumella and Susora had created for him and blow PoH away quite a few distances and the Grim Reaper landed next to Revis.

Susora: Sora told us about this Reaper, but man! I never expected to be that strong!

Sumella: He's able to keep up even with 3 first class adventurer and one Level 7 Xenos.

PoH: Whoa... Whoa...! Why the rush? We're just getting started.

Revis: You think we'll let them go that easily, pallum?

The two creature's eyes burned as they swayed, trying to stand.

Without words, they proclaimed their intent to exterminate them all, unleashing an overwhelming bloodlust. Even with Finn, Gareth, Riveria, Lemia, Sumella, Susora, and Asterius teaming up together, they were still fighting on the Evilus' home base. Even if they somehow managed to hold off PoH and Revis, the others would be crushed by the Evilus, who held an advantage in their numbers.

And on their side, Riveria was exhausted, so she would be the first to run out of stamina. Without their teamwork, that would be the end. They were not a match for Revis and PoH individually. It would be a defeat in detail. Finn responded to PoH and Revis's statement.

Finn: Sorry, but we've got no intention of fighting you straight-up.

He didn't rise to her challenge, raising his voice the moment Rakuta and the elves had all been evacuated.

Finn: Lemia! Lefiya—do it!

Lemia: Still acting like a hotshot after all this time? You haven't changed, Braver!

Lemia smirk fearlessly at Finn while also finishing her chant. The next instant, a magic circle spread from their feet.

PoH and Revis: —

PoH and Revis froze as the jade circle expanded through the large passage, past where they'd been standing. From inside the path that Finn's and Lemia's group had entered, a golden-haired elf had been left behind. It was Lefiya.

Lefiya: Ahhhh, why, whyy, whyyyy?! Why am I feeling like this?!—

Wielding Forest's Teardrop in both hands, she unleashed a tremendous magical light.

Lefiya:—Because of Mister Sora, my body is burning!

Enthralled by Sora's battle with the juggernaut, Lefiya felt as though her heart and body were burning. Just like Finn, Lefiya had been fascinated by the swordsman's adventure, and it renewed her determination. She converted the strength of her thoughts into a heightened magical power. The blast had been on standby with the use of her Summon Burst. It had reached critical mass while Finn's group had stalled for time—the magic of the city's strongest mage.

The monsters took notice of the source of magic power overflowing like a cup brimming with water, but it was too late.

Lefiya: I can do it, too!!

Unleashing her white-hot feelings, she turned her body into a blazing inferno to save her comrades, giving birth to an unprecedented firepower. It was an extermination blast that could pass through walls, stealing her master's thunder. Having led Finn all the way there, the elf had bided her time, waiting to drop her own supersize support.

Lefiya: Rea Laevateinn!!

At the same time when Lefiya unleashed her spell, Lemia had finished casting her nature elemental magic. A magic that allows the users to envision the magic that she wanted to used. And knowing what she wanted, she decided to use the same fire annihilation magic the same as Lefiya.

Lemia: Inferno!!

A pillar of hellfire shot up from the floor, rising to the ceiling.

Violas: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO?!

A hellish inferno emerged. In an instant, the web of passages was overwhelmed by the columns of flame, which blasted everything inside its field of magic with a blistering heat wave. The first to rise were the screams of the vibrantly colored monsters, followed by the fearful cries of the Evils. Though the Xenos weren't targeted by this attack, they screeched, enveloped by the aftermath and dashing away from it.

PoH and Revis: Tch—?!

PoH and Revis covered their face with their arms, retreating at an inhuman speed as the inferno shot up at them. Finn didn't miss a beat, immediately realizing the Evilus had fallen into complete chaos as he barked out his orders.

Finn: Retreat! Full speed! Get out of here!

Just as they had arranged it beforehand, the familia members in the rescue squad moved in perfect concert. Riveria and Gareth departed in haste, darting one after the other to their escape route down the path where Lefiya was waiting.

Alicia: C-Captain...I...

Finn:...

At the entrance to the path, Alicia was the last to leave, looking up at Finn with a full range of emotions on her face. Hauled there by the others, including Narfi, she felt her legs give out as she sat down on the ground.

Alicia was holding on to and couldn't let go of a siren at death's door whose shoulder was pierced by the cursed sword, covered in blood, just like she was. Alicia tried to say something, but nothing would come out.

Upon seeing her troubled expression, Finn understood everything. And with that, he spoke.

Finn: Carry this monster, too!

Narfi: !

For a few moments, Narfi and the others were stunned, struggling to move, but they eventually pulled it together to obey his order. As they supported the inhuman body with wings instead of arms, they lifted it out like they would have a human. After reaching the escape path, the members of the Fairy Force supported them. Alicia was among those helping.

Fels: Finn Deimne...!

Fels witnessed the scene of the humans carrying out one of the Xenos and saw the pallum looking back at them and gesturing with his jaw.

Lemia: What are you standing there in daze for, mage?!

Fels: ?!

Fels turned towards Lemia and the other Astrea Familia whom were aiding Wiene and the others. Even Asterius were egging them to follow. That gesture sent a jolt down the mage, who froze in place before finally calling out in a voice filled with faith.

Fels: Lido, follow Astrea and Loki Familia!

Lido: Got it!

The monsters went along, rushing down the labyrinth drowning in the remaining vestiges of fire, and escaped out of the large passage, charging at full speed as the cries of the Evilus' Remnants continued to ring out behind them.

Revis:As if we'd let you get away...

PoH: The Showtime is just beginning!

Inside the large passage-turned-crimson-hellscape, PoH and Revis stared at the backs of the adventurers and Xenos disappearing beyond the rampaging fire, about to mercilessly hound them down.

Ein: Don't chase them.

PoH: Huh?

Revis: !

A masked figure appeared from behind them, putting the brakes on their plan. It was wearing a hooded purple robe and metal gloves on both hands. It was another creature that Finn's team was aware of—the one called Ein.

PoH: Don't chase them?

Revis: Is there any purpose in letting them escape from here?

Ein:...

PoH: You had one job. And you can't even get that right?

Revis: Why is that 'one' still alive?

PoH and Revis spat with animosity and annoyance, baring their fangs like an untamable wild animal and ratcheting up their bloodlust to full.

Revis: If all you can do is get in our way...We should just kill you. What do you think of that?

PoH: Oooooo...! I agree...! Besides... we were never really comrades from the beginning!

PoH and Revis suggested cruelly to the fellow creature. It fanned the flames with its robe and responded:

Ein: This is Enyo's and what 'That Person' order.

PoH and Revis: !!

Their eyes snapped open wide. In the words of the gods, the city destroyer. And the identity of 'That Person''s words. The being behind everything. There was a short silence. Upon staring at the masked creature, They scoffed and turned away.

Revis: You tell Enyo that if this plan fails...I'm coming to kill you.

PoH: Her words is my command! But if you try anything to interfere with us again, I'll slaughter you.

And with that, PoH and Revis left, moving with their back to the large passage and the remnants who still hadn't quelled the chaos. The masked creature watched her disappear into the darkness, casting a glance down the path that Loki Familia, Astrea Familia and the Xenos had taken before melting into the darkness without leaving any trace behind.

Finn: They aren't following us...

Finn murmured in the rear guard as he looked over his shoulder. Though they were faced with intermittent attacks from the remnants of the Evilus and their monsters, his biggest fear, PoH and Revis, never made it to the scene. Finn was suspicious, but nevertheless, he dashed out of Knossos along with the other familia members. Opening the door to the connecting passage and breaking through the wall of the labyrinth, they arrived at the twelfth floor of the Dungeon.

Finn: They...probably won't be coming. Seems like we finally shook them, eh?

Gareth: Yes...

As they moved from the area connecting to the passage to Knossos, leaving a fair distance between them, Finn finally took a breather with his comrades. They stopped in a room shrouded in fog.

But many of the familia members didn't let their guard down—namely because the heretical monsters had come to the same place, concerned about their comrade that Loki Familia had carried with them.

Finn: Everyone, lower your arms.

Gareth: Finn...

The familia members had separated themselves from the monsters, glaring across the room at them, and in between them were the Astrea Familia who were siding with the monster, when Finn raised his hand and gave an order. While Gareth murmured, marveling, the pallum moved toward the high elf.

Finn: Riveria, you have the medicine?

Riveria: Yes...

Finn: Use it.

Riveria:...Is that okay?

Finn: Yeah. It's fine.

While Lefiya and the others were dumbstruck by the exchange that only Lemia and Gareth could understand, Riveria looked into his clear blue eyes and nodded, kneeling beside the siren who'd been laid on her back. From her breast pocket, she took out the medicine—a magic item for dealing with cursed weapons that Amid had made. Finn had requested it beforehand in preparation for the surprise attack on Knossos. She used it on the siren who'd been pierced by the cursed sword, which had afflicted her with a curse that prevented the wound from healing.

A murmur rose among the familia members. The Astrea Familia didn't show any particular reactions. The Xenos stiffened. By the siren's side, Alicia was stunned when Riveria used recovery magic, conducting a full healing. This action was equivalent to Finn ordering them to not fight the Xenos.

Fels: Finn Deimne, you...

Fels murmured in amazement. Finn walked over to the mage leading the Xenos. However, his path was blocked by a wooden staff.

Finn: Ease off, Lemia. I would like to negotiate with those Unorthodox monsters. No harm shall be done to them, I promise.

Lemia: You expect me to believe you, Braver?

Lemia looked onto his eyes trying to discern Finn's intention. Finn stare back holding his long spear and looking out at Lemia with a clear gaze. Then Lemia slowly lower her staff and the Astrea Familia open a path for Finn. Loki Familia and the Xenos were paralyzed. Lefiya's eyes opened wide, Rakuta gulped, and Alicia spun around in surprise.

Lemia, Riveria and Gareth were the only three watching Finn's actions in silence.

Fels: Negotiate? You of all people, Braver...? That's more than a little hard to believe...

Fels was bewildered by the unexpected proposal but didn't lower their guard. Now that they had the Astrea Familia alongside Asterius on their side, their fighting power had increases that if they want, they could win against Loki Familia. The black-robed mage knew enough about Finn's ambition to understand just how strong his resolve could be. Fels made clear their suspicions that there might be something hidden in this suggestion to catch the Xenos unaware.

Finn: It's simple, really. I've decided I want to use you.

Fels: Use us...?

Finn: For the assault on Knossos.

That made everyone gulp.

Finn: Now that we have our hands on a key, we're going to embark on a campaign to clear Knossos in the not-too-distant future and drag the Guild, who wishes for peace in Orario, into this mess.

Fels:...

Finn: When that happens, I want you all to participate in the attack. Under the strictest secrecy, of course.

They still didn't have a full grasp of that hellish labyrinth or nearly enough manpower to clear it out. Which was why they needed to borrow the aid of the monsters. As Finn explained this plan, Fels maintained their silence.

Fels:...Braver, I don't know your real intentions. Put bluntly, we thought you were one of the only ones who would never consider a deal. I'm sorry, but I can't trust you—

Finn: It's already been shown that the armed monsters won't attack people. At least, I've come to that conclusion. I've also confirmed that the Evilus are clearly our mutual enemy.

Finn interrupted Fels mid-sentence.

Finn: And above all...there are people in my familia who can't point their swords at you.

A handful of the elves twitched, including Alicia, which Finn noted out of the corner of his eye. There was no longer any way to sweep the existence of self-aware monsters under the carpet. Even if Finn exterminated them here and now, the knowledge of them would spread through the familia from someone present who'd seen them.

Even so, exterminating the Xenos would proof to be difficult with the Astrea Familia alongside the Black Minotaur which had the capacity of a Level 7. In which case, he would change course and use them as much as he could. And that was the choice Finn had come to just a little while prior.

Fels: If...and when it comes out that we're connected...that you had dealings with us, you know your reputation will plunge. That would be the end of your ambition to reinvigorate your race. You must know that, right?

People would talk. And eventually, ruin would befall Finn—just as Sora Yatagami had experienced. That was Fels's point.

Finn: Then, after losing everything, I'll come back as a hero again. This time, not an artificial one. Yeah. Maybe I'll be an unprecedented leader who reconciles with the monsters...or something like that.

Finn responded nonchalantly, half sarcastically, shrugging with an annoyingly shameless grin.

Fels stiffened.

Lefiya and the others stared openmouthed.

The Xenos's eyes tensed.

The Astrea Familia winced.

Gareth's shoulders trembled as he started to chuckle, and Riveria clutched her head as if suppressing a coming headache, but even she couldn't help breaking into a smile.

Finn's expression was clear and untroubled, like someone who'd broken free of all ties, but then he quickly assumed a serious look. Finn continued.

Finn: With the potential destruction of Orario impending...I'm casting aside my personal feelings and my hatred toward monsters.

He was prioritizing the fate of the city. As Fels maintained their silence, Finn added.

Finn: Don't misunderstand me. This deal is a one-time thing, for the duration of a joint battle. I've no intention of trying to get along after that. And I'm not signing up to help you achieve your goal. If you appear before me again after the battle, I might annihilate you, depending on the situation.

His expression was cool. The Xenos sensed that the adventurers were looking at them differently. Finn's eyes were only on Fels.

Fels:...Let me ask one thing. What changed you, Braver?

Finn's face softened.

Fels: I regained my childlike mind. That's all there is to it. I stopped fixating on the idea that there's only one possible answer.

Fels stopped trying to probe for his true intentions upon seeing another shift in Braver's expression and turned around to acknowledge a nod from the lizardman—representative for all the Xenos.

Fels: Very well, Braver. We'll make a deal with you. Not that we have much of a choice in the first place.

Finn responded with a nod. Then he turned himself towards Lemia alongside the other Astrea Familia.

Finn: Of course this request is also directed towards you all, Astrea Familia.

Lemia: Your still thinking that we were on the same side, Braver.

Finn: To be completely honest, it took me by surprise to see you again, Lemia. I would have never thought that the Familia of Justice would be aiding monsters. You do realized the consequences when people were to find out.

Unlike Finn whom just made a deal with the Xenos, the Astrea Familia had already decided to aid them. If Finn were to say his words, he meant that he might as well told the entire Orario that the Astrea Familia is back but was helping monster. However Lemia doubt that after hearing Finn's proclamation about wanting the Xenos for help.

Lemia: Don't lump us with you. Unlike you, we owed Sora a huge debt. And we'll gladly cooperate with monster if that boy decides to even if it means rebelling against the world. So you can go ahead and tell the entire Orario if you want to. It will not hinder us at all.

Hearing this, the Loki Familia tensed up. Lefiya couldn't believe what she was hearing. Riveria and Gareth's face turned stern at that. While the Xenos had a glimpse of Hope that their dream of reconciliation with human would be possible.

Finn: Still as feisty as ever, Lemia. You haven't change. So about my offer on joining this assault?

Lemia: Of course, we'll join. However, with conditions of course. If you can't cooperate with that, then we'll gladly leave this place and went back to Azbaya.

Finn: And what's your condition Lemia?

Lemia: Setting the minor details aside, we Astrea Familia only have one main request: your complete support of Sora Yatagami if that boy ever befall to danger.

Finn: ?!

Finn, Riveria, and Gareth were taken aback by this.

Lemia: Don't look at me as if I were insane. We are completely serious. Of course we are not asking you to help him fulfill his dream in reconciliation with the Xenos. However, if he were to face something that will led to his destruction, you will use your entire Familia to make sure he doesn't.

Lemia said stating her final words. The entire Astrea Familia stood beside her telling the Loki Familia that they will support Lemia's decision to the end. Lemia knew that Sora would never involve anyone in something extremely so dangerous that even first-tier adventurer could do. Still, Lemia had made her decision to rush headlong into battle if it was for Sora. This also applies to the Astrea Familia. Finn could sensed that from a mile away.

Finn: Let me ask one thing. Why go that far for him?

Lemia: Because... He is the People's Light of Hope. And I already told you, if it's for him, we'll gladly face the whole world if we have to.

Finn smile.

Finn: Very well.

Lemia: Then we have an agreement.

Finn and Lemia shook hands and Finn cleared the way. The Astrea Familia, Fels and the Xenos cut past Loki Familia and their lowered weapons. The troll lifted the siren, whose wounds had closed, struggling for a moment on what to do before sluggishly lowering its head in thanks. The siren faintly opened her eyes, smiling at Alicia. As she stood up, Alicia's eyes were wavering. Then they vanished into the depths of the mist-shrouded labyrinth.

Finn:...In the near future, I'm going to formally report on this incident to the familia. Until then, the events of this day stay among us. Obviously, it should never leak outside our faction.

Finn instructed in the middle of a silent room. Upon receiving orders to return to the surface once the wounded were treated, the familia members stiffly started to move out. There were some who seemed anxious, others looking like something was lodged in their throat, and still others who seemed to be deep in thought. There was a range of expressions, but there was no one who could fully accept his judgment— because Finn himself had voiced his valid misgivings before.

But upon seeing the monster protect Alicia, several people were starting to have a change of heart.

Gareth:...Will this be all right, Finn?

Finn: If I had to pick between good or bad, well, this is bad. But there's no helping this outcome. We can't erase the memory of the intelligent monsters from the others, and it'll be a waste to exterminate them. If we can make use of the strength of that red juggernaut and black minotaur, that right there is more than enough compensation.

Gareth had questioned Finn away from the other familia members. Finn indicated that he'd already made the necessary calculations as he shrugged with almost too much flexibility.

Finn: The problem is whether our team will hesitate to attack other monsters... We have to find a way to nip this in the bud. Especially Alicia. She'll require careful consideration. Riveria, you should stay with her for a while.

Riveria: I don't mind, but...

Gareth: That's not what I mean...Like you said, Ouranos might just put a leash on you, now that he and his lackeys have got a firm grasp on your weakness. You really okay with that?

Gareth asked Riveria, who'd made a difficult face at Finn for approaching this situation from a completely different attitude than hers. In between two of Loki's most immeasurable, unknowable followers, Finn appeared carefree as he said.

Finn: Ah, that's what you meant. I'll burn that bridge when I reach it. Like I said, if I lose my fame, I'll start again from scratch.

Gareth: Is your head on straight?

Finn: Yeah. I'll be a hero who surpasses divine will...I was thinking that might actually be the fastest route to my goal.

Gareth had opened his eyes wide, but upon hearing Finn's confident response, he softened them to a fatherly gaze with a smile. After answering Gareth, Finn looked to Riveria.

Finn: Sorry for worrying you.

Riveria: That's all right. It's good to have this kind of problem from time to time.

Finn had no choice but to smile wryly when the high elf fired back light sarcasm, making no attempt to accept his apology. Riveria met his eyes again.

Riveria: Finn, one question. What changed your mind?...Was it Sora Yatagami again?

Finn was visibly surprised.

Finn: How did you know?

Riveria: That's what you said. If things were to occur, it would be because of that Light of Hope. Because if it's not, you would never agree to Lemia's request.

Finn:...Now that you mention it, yeah.

If anything was going to provoke Irregulars, it would be him, Finn had said before the fight began, in front of everyone. That adventurer had far exceeded Finn's expectations, enough to redetermine him.

Riveria: Sheesh. We've been with you for so long, but it was always him to be the one to move you...I'm so jealous of Sora.

Gareth: Ga-ha-ha-ha, he's a pallum who does as he pleases. There's no helping him.

Their comments took the form of reproach and complaints. But Finn felt bashful and awkward upon seeing Riveria's smile despite her verbal prod, and Gareth's teasing tone added to it.

It was as if his friends had seen him get childishly enraptured by a heroic epic for the first time ever. It was comparable to that sort of embarrassment.

However, the high elf and dwarf seemed to welcome the change in the pallum. Closing his eyes and clearing his throat, Finn forcibly switched gears.

Finn: It will probably take some time to reach an understanding with the members of the familia.

Riveria: It seems that way. Even if we can't get them to understand, we have to give them a clear explanation.

Gareth: Mm-hmm. If not, we won't be able to line up an attack on Knossos.

The three of them spoke as they watched the other familia members from a small distance away. Finn had discarded his doubt and gone with his principles, but the others had not come to a clean decision, as he'd been unable to until recently. The depth of the antagonism between people and monsters was still following them around.

Finn: Starting with Bete, the voices of opposition will get louder, but—

Finn cut himself off there, raising his head.

Finn: First things first...how do we explain this to Aiz?

Riveria and Gareth:...

Riveria and Gareth both fell silent. Finn quietly took a deep breath, thinking about his greatest concern.

To start with the end, it would turn out that their anxiety was misplaced. Because even before Finn closed his deal with the heretical monsters, the dark side of the girl had run out of places to go.

A/N: Okay folks. That marks the end of the Xenos Arc in Sword Oratoria. Only two more arcs left. Knossos War and Spirit War Arc. But for now, I'll leave this book for awhile and focus on the rest. As always, I hope you enjoy this chapter and thank you for reading.