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The fourth floor was really different from the previous ones. The walls were made of a black polished material, like obsidian, making it seem like they were walking through an invisible maze in outer space.

There were also no issues with wearing regular equipment from that floor onwards. Just like Belial had said, there were no traps that dismantled equipment or made armor rust, allowing everyone to use the equipment they were the most comfortable with.

“Is it true that Rouge is a cute girl just like you Crim? I’ll never forgive anyone who would make someone like that cry!”
“…Well, she’s a bit messed up in the head, but don’t mind her, that just means she’ll be fighting with everything she has.”
“O-Okay…”

Nord Glacier was their strongest ally guild. Since Sorleon, Reinhard, and Cheval were indisposed, the second-in-command, Ernesta, and their aide, Lueger, were there meeting Crim. But Ernesta’s determination to defend all cute girls was a bit overwhelming.

Crim did not feel too confident seeing that, but at least Ernesta’s determination was clear, so Crim tried to be optimistic about it. There was one more person they had asked for help who was present.

“Shao, thou hast my gratitude for coming as well.”
“Don’t mention it. I’ve already been paid, so I’ll just do my part.”
“But was it truly enough? That barely covered the expenses of doing this…”

Lua Cheia had also hired Lan Canglong to help them, but the price they asked for was less than half of what Crim had expected. While that was unusual for them, Crim appreciated it and paid them. But she was still curious about it.

“That’s alright… To be honest, I think it’s about time we try to improve our public image, and this is the perfect opportunity to gain a few brownie points. Thank you for inviting us.”

Saying that, he went back to join the rest of his guild, but…

“…That’s what he says, but my brother was actually tearing up a little watching the video. I really don’t understand why he refuses to be honest…”
“Ah…ahahah…I see…”

Mei, Shao’s little sister, whispered that to Crim, who just laughed awkwardly hearing that.

There were other players that had agreed to continue helping, lined up in the area just in front of the stairs. A few of them had also headed out to scout the areas ahead, showing how many were ready to help until the end. All of them watched as Crim walked in front of them and bowed.

“…I canst not express how grateful I am. We reached here so swiftly, thanks to all thine aid.” Closing her eyes, she tried to keep her thumping heart in check as she thanked them. “I vow to repay this favor. I’ll do anything in return, it’s the least I can do.”

The moment she said that in a burst of emotion…

“Huh, anything?!”
“Ah… I meant anything reasonable!! I obviously won’t do anything that could be a bannable offense!! Got it?!!”

That was a terrible slip of the tongue. As Crim desperately tried to correct herself, the players replied, “Got it!” but their excitement showed no signs of calming down.

“…Truly? Did it truly enter thine skulls?”
“It’s your fault for saying something like that, idiot.”
“Hrngh… I got carried away…”

Crim was quickly regretting saying that, seeing how everyone was reacting.

“I want Crim and Rouge to wear maid uniforms and serve me for a whole day!”
“Freya too?! Why?!!!”

Crim let out a harrowing shout, receiving a blow from an unexpected direction.

◇◇◇

The enemies on the fourth floor were mostly medium to large defensive devices. All of them were more powerful than the named monsters in the previous floors, but spurred by Crim’s claim of rewarding them, the players bulldozed through without losing hope, quickly opening the way.

“Da’at, is this the right direction?!”
“Yes, I can feel them really close!”

Suzaku was in the lead together with Lua Cheia, and he asked Da’at Criferd who was behind him about where to go.

“We just have to…!”
“Keep going…!”
“And find them…!”

Crim, Lycoris, Hinagiku, and the two Doppelgangers who had already gotten used to fighting alongside the rest, broke through the door. Behind it, they found what looked like a boss arena, large enough for all the other players to enter and be able to move around with ease.

But unlike the clean and polished look of the previous areas, this one was consumed by plants and roots. That was obviously the work of Belial, who had turned that area into her home.

There was also an old pile of scrap, belonging to a large mechanical golem that had once been the boss of that room, and sitting on the remains was Belial.

“…What a surprise. I didn’t think you’d get here so fast. It’s a bit too fast, in fact. I’m shocked.” Belial sounded genuinely taken aback as she said that.

“…Big…sis..?”
“Yes, I’m here now… Good job hanging in there until now.”

Seeing that small figure in front of them, Crim said that, trying to reassure her, but she probably could not see Crim and the rest. After all, her frail body was bound to a chair, and a black blindfold was wrapped around her head.

“…I am also shocked by thy depravity.”
“Huh, really? But isn’t she cute like that?”
“Not at all… I don’t even know how to react seeing someone who looks like me in such a state.”
“Eheheh. Then preparing her like that was worth it.”

Belial sounded ecstatic as she said that, and Crim could not help but brand Belial a sadistic b̲i̲t̲c̲h̲ in her mind. That reaction seemed to be exactly what Belial had been looking for, as she then turned to run a finger up Rouge’s cheek.

Feeling that, Rouge’s body twitched. She was currently wearing a black dress, with a leather choker, and her wrists and ankles tied with chains, creating a rather problematic scene.

“And don’t think this is just for show. She’s been a rather misbehaved little lady…”

Belial snapped her fingers, and Rouge’s body jerked up to stand. But that action felt robotic, like it was against her will, so Crim Examined the items on the girl’s body, and saw…

There were many other restraining items on Rouge that Crim could only shake her head, before holding her scythe ready.

“Now go, show them your power.”
“No…no…”
“I didn’t order you to talk, do it.”

A moment later, all the items binding her began to glow, forcing her to release mana and create blades of blood all around her. That made the whole room seem way more ominous, but Crim stepped forward, holding out her hand which was adorned by a ring.

“Rouge, listen up. Everyone joined to help, they all wanted to see you safe.”
“Ah…”
“I’m never going to abandon you, I’ll save you no matter what… So just hang in there, trust your big sis for a bit longer, okay?”

Crim spoke softly to her, and Rouge nodded shortly after.

“Good.”

Crim smiled seeing that, and then turned to face Belial. Her kind gaze quickly turned menacing, her eyes burning red with anger.

“Belial…”
“…What do you want?”
“Watch closely, for I grant thee the honor of witnessing this for the first time.”

With her eyes locked on Belial, Crim began to chant. For the first time, Belial’s composure wavered, her expression showing a hint of agitation.

“…Ragnarok Weapon!!”

The ring Crim was wearing, Shape Shifter TPH-R, turned into a grip, and then the frame of an enormous blade grew from it before becoming solid.

Once complete, the crimson blade began to glow brightly in the middle, giving it an orange gradient, which easily cut through the floor that was polished to a mirror finish.

That was the result of maxing out the combined Skills of Abyss Magic and Hemomancy. That terrifying sight had been unleashed together with all of Crim’s pent up anger…

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