Author: Resn	Original Source: Kakuyomu
Translator: Nomad	English Source: Re:Library
Editor(s): Silva

Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

«The event quest has been updated»
«The final Raid Boss of the Submerged City of R’lyeh: Battle to banish the Great Old One Cthulhu has been unleashed»

◇◇◇

When they returned to the first floor of the Submerged City of R’lyeh, they noticed that its appearance had changed greatly.

All of the places that had been flooded and waterlogged were gone, and the sea surface was more than twenty meters lower, and it kept moving like a lowering tide. But to be more precise, it was the city that was rising.

Crim and the rest, who had returned from the lowest floor, sat down on one of the rooftops to rest, having no choice but to look at the enormous rivers running across the sky, coalescing into a cocoon of water.

“So that’s where Cthulhu rests now.”
“Yes… That cocoon of water is the barrier impeding his conscience from tainting the world, but with his shackles gone, he’ll break out any moment now.”

The silver-haired girl, previously known as Cluh-Luh and now referred to as Lulu by everyone, was quickly taken in by the Doppelgangers, who gathered around her. Upon hearing Crim’s comment, she nodded, her expression filled with concern.

“I see… so there’s nothing we can do to avoid it. Alright, come back to the surface.”

Sorleon was giving out orders through a call to the players who had gone to check on the cocoon of water. He had accompanied Lulu to the surface as well, taking her hand like a knight protecting a princess the whole way. From what he was saying, it seemed the investigation had not yielded a positive result.

There was also a counter ticking down the time until the cocoon would break, showing there were about nine hours left. That aligned with nine in the morning on the final day of the event.

“Just to make plain… art thou certain it lieth within thy power to seal him away?”
“Yes, I’ll fulfill my duty, even if it costs me my life.”
“Hmm, even at such a cost…” Crim frowned hearing the girl’s desolate but courageous response. “Is that truly thy desire?”

“…”

She did not reply, instead giving a complex smile, gently patting the head of one of the two Doppelgangers sitting on her lap. Her determination was solid, with a strong mind, despite her frail appearance. But Crim and a few others had caught her gaze wavering for an instant.

I swear, these GMs have the worst taste ever.

It was common for most gamers, with a few exceptions, to always aim for the best possible happy ending. When a cute and fragile girl was involved, that desire intensified, as they hoped to ensure a bright future for her.

This was evident in the players nearby, who immediately started acting differently when the announcement about the new raid boss was made. Crim glanced at the announcement herself…

«Final Raid Boss of the Submerged City of R’lyeh: Battle to banish the Great Old One Cthulhu»

«Final Raid Boss of the Submerged City of R’lyeh»

Battle to Banish the Great Old One Cthulhu
Objective	Fight the Great Old One Cthulhu as he roams the top floor of R’lyeh, weakening his health to aid the Chosen Child.
Event Outcome	If Cthulhu still has high HP: The Chosen Child perishes after the sealing ritual. If Cthulhu is weakened: The Chosen Child returns to her slumber after the sealing ritual. If Cthulhu is defeated: A different future may unfold.
Warning	Your opponent is an evil god of incomprehensible power. Do everything in your power to seal him away once more!

In other words, they could simply ignore that fight and the event would be cleared all the same. The only difference would be the fate of the girl sitting in front of them.

Cthulhu would be sealed away regardless of how much or how little the players fought, so he would not regain his full power even if R’lyeh was resurfaced. Except that…

“So… once the ritual is complete, wilt thou slumber once more?”
“Yes, that’s my duty, and my own desire. Except that…”
“What is it?”

The girl hesitated for a bit, but Crim urged her to continue, and she spoke her true thoughts.

“It’s just… I can’t help but feel sad that the next time I wake up, no one I know will be around anymore.” She said that with a saddened voice, and Crim clenched her fists.

…It wasn’t stated outright, and it was going to be a difficult task, but technically, the game’s systems had to allow for it. However, Crim also had to prepare herself for the possibility that her efforts might not be enough, leading to a challenging situation. Still, her racing thoughts would not stop.

“It’ll be alright, sister.”

As Crim mulled over her thoughts, she felt a small hand grasp hers. It was Rouge, looking up at her with complete trust.

“You already did it before when you rescued me. So I know it’ll work out. You’re the strongest sister in the world.”
“…I see.”

Hearing those words and seeing Rouge’s slightly embarrassed smile, Crim’s mind was made up.

“Thanks, Rouge. I’ll go then.”
“Yes, good luck, sister.”

It was a strange feeling, but somehow, that smile and those words made Crim feel like she could accomplish anything.

“Everyone, please hear what I have to say!”

In the background, the cocoon of water containing Cthulhu shimmered ominously.

Crim stood at the edge of the rooftop where she and the others were, ensuring she was visible and audible to everyone below. She raised her voice to capture their attention, and as she was already well-known among the group, they all turned to listen.

  
		    For Manga Readers:
  		  
		    If you have read the manga, we highly recommend to start reading the web novel from the beginning, as certain events in the manga happen very differently than in the web novel. Additionally, certain chapters in the web novel are very important to the plot have not yet been adapted in the manga.

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