Izroth briefly examined the two items before placing them into his inventory.

Some were a bit disappointed that they did not get a chance to see what was in the black box Izroth obtained; however, they expected as much given the circumstances. After all, not one of them had yet to open their treasure chest.

​​

The moment the items disappeared, Guide appeared in front of the group. But, by now, the group had already become used to his sudden appearance.

"Congratulations on your success, everyone. I must admit, I could not believe my eyes when I saw that you were all still alive and well. My, I am sure you can imagine my surprise." Guide stated as he bowed gracefully.

"Ha? You were expecting us to fail, weren't you? What happened to you being our biggest ally?" Colorful Nimbus remarked.

"Ah, that fact remains unchanged. However, surely you can understand my perspective. Between a few ants and a dragon—who do you think would emerge victorious?" Guide stated nonchalantly.

"Ants?! You-!" Colorful Nimbus scowled, but he was quickly stopped by Niflheim.

"Whatever your view may be, it is irrelevant since we have conquered this crusade. Now, is there a way out of here?" Niflheim asked in a distant tone.

He was just as put off by Guide's response as Colorful Nimbus; however, they still needed to know how to leave the waiting room. And, it was most likely Guide who possessed the solution.

Not to mention, as much as it pained Niflheim to admit, he understood Guide's outlook. Even during her fight against Izroth, Tal'Nis had not moved a single step. If she had chosen to display her full strength without control, then they may not have necessarily walked away as the victors.

Nevertheless, Niflheim still found Guide's words a bit harsh regardless of understanding his perspective.

"Why, of course." Guide snapped his fingers as a portal appeared next to him.

The portal gave off strong pulses of mana as the space around it became distorted.

"It has been my utmost pleasure to act as a guide for all of you. Although I doubt our paths will ever cross again, I wish you the best on your journey." Guide said in a courteous manner.

Niflheim turned towards the party and asked, "Is there anything else anyone needs to take care of before we depart?"

After a couple of seconds of no response, Niflheim took everyone's silence as confirmation that they were ready to leave the crusade.

"Then, I'll be going first. Colorful Nimbus, you'll follow right after me. Izroth—can I trouble you to bring up the rear?" Niflheim asked.

"Leave it to me," Izroth replied in a carefree manner.

Even though the crusade was over, Niflheim was uncertain what awaited them on the other side of the portal. After all, the last time they were outside, the situation at the Rosentarus border was not looking too good. And, while they were not directly next to the border, there was always the possibility that Tempest and their allies decided to advance into the Rosentarus forest. If that happened, they could be teleported right in the center of the enemy's camp!

Of course, the possibility of this happening was not too high. It was just Niflheim's way of exercising some caution. And, more importantly, he still did not trust Guide.

Niflheim stepped into the portal and vanished from the waiting room.

Colorful Nimbus entered after him, followed by Sacred Blade, and Gram.

After the other left, Morrighan faced Izroth and said, "I have not forgotten the contents of our wager, Palace Master Izroth. However, I still require some of the material in your possession. I hope that you are willing to make a trade. Of course, I am willing to pay a more than fair price. We can discuss the specifics once we arrive outside."

Once she finished speaking, Morrighan walked into the portal. Now, there was just Izroth and Guide left in the waiting room.

'Given the way that everything has been progressing as of late, the attack on the Night Lord's Crypt should be taking place sometime this week. Right now, I have to lay low until I recover from my Soul Weakness as well as the backlash of my Compressed Lightning Movements and the Dragon Force. Though it's a shame I was unable to keep that level of Authority.'

Not too long after Izroth's final attack against Tal'Nis, his Authority with the Immortal Persona the Dragon Lord of the Abyss dropped back to Mid Level. In addition, the Dragon Lord of the Abyss went into a deep slumber and would be out of commission for several days as a result of pushing itself to grant Izroth the temporary Authority he received.

'Although it has a troublesome temperament, without its help, the chances of my success would have fallen at least threefold. I suppose I should repay them in kind.'

Izroth made his way over to the portal. However, just as he was about to step through, he heard Guide's voice enter into his ears.

"Lady Tal'Nis has told me to relay a message to you." Guide's voice sounded.

Izroth halted his steps without turning around.

'A message?'

"Oh? And, what message might that be?" Izroth asked.

"In the near future, you will be contacted by a certain someone from the Divine Realm who will offer you the world using sweet words and promises. Whatever you do, you must not accept this person. For their sweet words are poison and their promises hollow." Guide informed.

'Someone from the Divine Realm?'

"Why didn't she tell me this herself?" Izroth inquired.

It was not that long ago the two of them spoke. So, why did she have Guide relay the message to him instead of just telling him back at the platform?

"There are many eyes constantly on Lady Tal'Nis; however, I am different. I am neither alive nor dead. I exist on this plane, but only within the confines of this area. You can just think of it as bending the rules a little." Guide explained.

He then continued, "If you do not trust me, there is nothing I can do. Regardless, I assure you, my words come from Lady Tal'Nis herself. Whether or not you choose to follow her advice is solely up to you. I have accomplished my task and delivered the message."

Guide snapped his fingers as he vanished into a strong gust of wind.

'How troublesome.'

First, Izroth learned that there was someone in the Divine Realm who placed a restriction on him. Now, he was being told that someone else had their eyes on him?

Izroth did not enjoy being secretly manipulated by anyone—even if that someone was a divine being.

'One day, I will find out who in the Divine Realm is targetting me. When that day arrives... they will have no choice but to answer for their transgressions.'

Izroth advanced onward into the portal, leaving behind an empty waiting room as the portal faded away.

...

Several hours ago...

Reilei's breathing was unsteady as she held onto her injured left arm. She was fatigued with a body covered in wounds. And, it looked as if she had already gone well past her limit.

"Is this as far as I can go?" Reilei thought to herself as her gaze met with the Failed Kitsune's.

Grrrrrr...!

The Failed Kitsune released a low intimidating growl as its pure white fur was now riddled with patches of blood.

Name: Polkentin's Failed Kitsune(Epic Boss)

Level: ???

HP: ???(68.52%)

After realizing that trying to escape was futile, Reilei decided to confront the Failed Kitsune. However, even after giving her best efforts, she was unable to overcome the fierce beast and had been backed into a corner.

In the end, the Failed Kitsune was an epic boss whose level clearly exceeded Reilei. The fact that she was able to reduce its HP by more than 30% alone could already be viewed as an extraordinary feat. But, Reilei did not see it this way.

Reilei clenched her right fist as her hand slightly trembled. A look of frustration could be seen on her face and within her eyes. However, after she took a deep breath and exhaled, that frustration transformed into determination.

"No... I made a choice—never again will I allow those I care for to suffer. Be it this world or the real world... Never again will I allow myself experience that feeling of helplessness again. I can not give up now!" Reilei internalized as her breathing stabilized.

At the same time, Ayanellia, who stood at a safe distance while using her magic to support Reilei, had a worried expression on her face.

Woooosh!

Suddenly, the kitsune's fifth tail lit up as an aura of lightning formed beneath its paws and it shot forward at incredible speeds!

Reilei prepared herself to face the kitsune's charge. Although she was determined, her movements were still hindered by the effects of the kitsune's skills. Therefore, she had to choose her moment carefully.

15 meters...

10 meters...

5 meters...!

When the kitsune reached within five meters of Reilei, she was ready to make her move. However, just before she did so, out of nowhere, a powerful wave of mana swept over the battlefield.

"Halt!" This single word echoed with great power as the unrelenting mana wave crashed into the kitsune, forcing its movements to grind to a halt!

Reilei blinked a few times as a look of confusion found its way onto her face. What was going on? Where did that sudden voice come from and why did the kitsune listen to it?

"Helping to suppress that monster stampede required more time than I anticipated." A woman said to herself as she emerged from the forest.

She had slightly pointed ears that gave away her identity as a member of the Trephasia race. The person who emerged from the forest was none other than Luna!

"Someone is still fighting? But... Is it just her? Did the rest of her party already perish?" Luna internalized.