S2 - Chapter 16
Into the Abyss
That night, Kasumi found herself completely enthralled with her new cat, her giggles filling the dimly lit room as it playfully pounced at her hands. Though the creature wasn't quite a normal cat, it still seemed to enjoy playing in its own strange ways, almost as if it had intelligence far beyond what a typical pet should have. Its eyes gleamed in the lantern’s soft glow, and its red fur, almost the shade of blood, rippled with every graceful movement.
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Unfortunately for Kasumi, she had forgotten to close her door all the way, leaving it slightly open. This small mistake allowed Fae, who was making her way upstairs to her own room, to overhear the commotion. Curious about the noises, she gently pushed the door open and stepped inside.
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"Miss Kasumi? What is going on here?" Fae asked with a small curious smile, her gaze checking out the room.
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Startled by the sudden intrusion, Kasumi froze in place like a child caught red-handed. In a hurried panic, she attempted to shove something under her bed, visibly struggling to keep whatever it was hidden.
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"O-Oh! H-Hello, Miss Fae!" Kasumi stammered, awkwardly shifting her posture as she sat on the floor beside her bed, arms folded behind her back in an awkward attempt to appear normal. "H-How are you doing today?"
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Fae narrowed her eyes slightly, easily seeing through Kasumi’s poor attempt at deception. Fae crossed her arms, giving Kasumi a knowing look.
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"Show me what it is…" she said in a calm, patient voice as she stepped fully into the room, standing directly in front of Kasumi. She extended one hand expectantly, while the other rested on her hip.
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Kasumi's ears drooped in defeat. Letting out a small sigh, she prepared to reveal her secret, but before she could move, another voice called out from the doorway.
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"Miss Fae? Miss Kasumi? Is everything alright here?" Luna stood at the entrance, holding a basket of neatly folded clothing, her eyes shifting between the two of them with curiosity.
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Before Kasumi could respond, her secret quite literally revealed itself. From beneath the bed, the cat darted out in a blur and leapt effortlessly onto Luna’s basket of clothing, perching atop the fabric as if it had always belonged there.
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"I see your cat has taken a liking to me, Miss Kasumi," Luna remarked, a small, amused smile forming as she gently scratched the cat’s head.
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Kasumi’s face burned with panic, and Fae let out a small gasp, her hands placed on her hips as she turned her back to Kasumi.
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"Luna! You knew about this cat? Why didn’t you tell me?" Fae asked, now wearing a slight pout on her face.
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Luna chuckled softly. "I apologize, Miss Fae. I was originally going to tell you this morning, but after the cat seemed to take a liking to me, I didn’t want it to go."
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Fae sighed again, shaking her head. "I don’t think it needs to leave. I didn’t even know there was a cat until now!" She leaned forward slightly, trying to get a better look at it now that it was lounging on the laundry.
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"Don’t overstimulate him! He gets agitated if you’re too active with him," Kasumi warned quickly.
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Fae, however, ignored the caution and slowly reached out to pet the cat. To her mild surprise, he didn’t react negatively at all. Instead, he simply allowed her to stroke his fur, content with the attention he was getting.
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"He seems perfectly fine with me," Fae noted. "Although… he does look a bit different from most cats." She tilted her head, inspecting him more closely. "Have you named him yet?"
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Kasumi hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. "I haven’t… yet. I’m thinking of a name for him."
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Fae sighed once more, though this time there was more amusement than exasperation in her tone. "Come up with a name for him soon. I’ll let Miss Akame know we have a guest in your room."
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Kasumi’s ears immediately shot up in alarm, her eyes widening in terror.
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"PLEASE DON’T LET MISS AKAME KILL HIM!" she blurted out dramatically, practically throwing herself forward grabbing at Fae’s legs.
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Luna and Fae both stared at her in brief shock before bursting into laughter.
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"Miss Akame is not going to kill him… I don’t think she would ever do that to a cute animal… I think," Fae said, as she removed Kasumi’s arms from her legs.
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"Promise?" Kasumi’s ears drooped again as she gave Fae the most pitiful, innocent expression she could.
Fae again let out another sigh, though this time it was clearly one of surrender. "I’ll make sure Akame doesn’t do anything to him. Just come up with a name soon." She then nodded toward Luna, signaling that it was time for them to leave. "When I come back tomorrow morning, please have a name for him."
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With that, Luna gently removed the cat from her basket, setting him down before stepping out of the room. The door clicked shut behind them, leaving Kasumi alone in her bedroom.
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The cat, as if sensing what had just transpired, calmly walked back toward Kasumi before sitting directly in front of her, tilting its head slightly. Its piercing red eyes locked onto hers, as though it, too, was expecting something.
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"You also want to be named today… don’t you?" Kasumi murmured, resting her chin on the top of her palm, deep in thought.
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She studied him carefully, taking in every detail. His vibrant red fur, his nearly crimson eyes, the strange ways he moved… There was something striking about him, something regal yet ominous.
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"Vermillion?" she tested out loud. "No… that's too long…" She tapped her fingers against the floor, then suddenly perked up. "Wait! That’s perfect—Vermi!"
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The name was a shortened version of Vermillion, fitting him perfectly. His eyes weren’t just crimson, but a deeper, richer shade of red, much like the color the name described.
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Kasumi leaned forward onto all fours, her face close to his as she scratched the back of his neck. "What do you think, huh, Vermi?" she asked eagerly, her tail swaying with excitement.
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The cat let out a soft, contented meow as he leaned into her touch, seemingly approving of the name.
"Vermi it is!" Kasumi beamed, her enthusiasm clear.
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Vermi, however, didn’t seem particularly concerned with the decision. Instead, he simply curled up next to her, basking in the warmth of her body, fully expecting more attention.
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With a final happy sigh, Kasumi stood up, snuffed out the flames of her lanterns, and nestled into bed. Vermi hopped up beside her, making himself comfortable at her side. The rhythmic sound of his soft breathing soon filled the room, lulling Kasumi into a peaceful slumber.
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The following morning the expedition’s departure finally arrived and the guild hall was livelier than ever. The scent of freshly prepared food filled the air as Luna, Scarlet, and Azure worked tirelessly to lay out a grand breakfast for the entire guild. The dining table was covered with plates of eggs, meats, roasted vegetables, sweet rolls, and an assortment of fruits. The sounds of conversation and clinking dishes filled the space as the guild members gathered to eat together before the journey began.
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Despite nearly everyone already being awake and seated, two particular individuals had yet to make an appearance. Yuzuki descended the staircase, moving at a steady pace, her casual clothing draped loosely over her body. However, there was something unusual on her back, wrapped in a bedsheet like a cocoon.
Akiko, who had been in the middle of chewing on a piece of bread, stopped mid-bite and stared in confusion. “Yuzuki… what is on your back?”
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The rest of the members turned their attention toward Yuzuki, their curiosity piqued.
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Yuzuki blinked, pausing for a moment before glancing over her shoulder at the bundle on her back. A smile crossed her lips as she gently tugged at the sheets, revealing brown and orange hair and the barely visible sleeping face of Suzuran.
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“She wanted to eat but was too tired from last night. So, I brought her downstairs.” Yuzuki casually explained as if carrying another human being on her back was a normal occurrence. “She’s wrapped in the bedsheet because she’s not uh… wearing anything.”
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A few giggles could be heard around the room, but Yuzuki paid them no mind as she approached the dining table. She pulled a chair out with her foot before turning to everyone.
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“Can you all close your eyes for a moment?” She asked, with a somewhat pleading look.
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Everyone exchanged amused glances before obliging, closing their eyes without question. With that, Yuzuki carefully unwrapped Suzuran from the bedsheet and placed her onto the chair, wrapping her up in the sheet as if she had a towel on.
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“There you go, now wake up so you can eat,” Yuzuki said, kissing her on the cheek and taking the seat beside her.
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With the permission to open their eyes again, the guild resumed their meals. Suzuran, however, remained slouched in her chair, eyes still fighting to open, looking as if she would fall over at any moment.
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Breakfast continued as everyone filled their plates with the vast assortment of food. Akiko and Nila, in particular, piled their plates so high that it was a wonder they could still see over them.
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After about thirty minutes, as everyone nearly finished their meals, Hana stood from her seat. “Ember, Kurohime, Akame, when you three are finished, come to my shop. Your weapons are ready. I also found out something unique about each of them.”
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With that, Hana made her way outside to prepare for those three to retrieve their weapons. As the rest of the members slowly made their way back to what they needed to do for the morning.
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Meanwhile, Yuzuki was still attempting to feed Suzuran, who was barely responsive. Every now and then, Suzuran would try to adjust her nonexistent clothing, only for Yuzuki to grab her hands and redirect them toward the food instead, making sure that she wasn’t going to disrobe herself in front of everyone.
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After several failed attempts at staying asleep, Suzuran finally gave in and started to eat at a much more normal pace. However, just as she was finishing her last bite of sweet bread, she suddenly paused, blinking in confusion.
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“Love… why am I naked at the dining table?” she asked, her voice still thick with sleep.
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Yuzuki froze mid-drink, slowly lowering her cup as she gave Suzuran a concerned look. “You… don’t remember telling me you were hungry and wanted to eat?”
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Suzuran stared at her blankly for a few seconds before, without warning, she burst into laughter.
Still chewing on the last bit of her bread, she nearly choked, quickly reaching for her drink to wash it down.
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“What’s so funny? Didn’t you want breakfast?!” Yuzuki demanded, placing her hands firmly on Suzuran’s shoulders, forcing her to face her properly.
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Suzuran leaned forward with a playful grin. “I was hungry for you,” she whispered seductively, quickly nibbling on Yuzuki’s ear.
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Yuzuki’s face turned a deep shade of red as realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. “O-Oh… well, I clearly… misunderstood.” She shifted in her seat, visibly flustered by the revelation that she had entirely misinterpreted Suzuran’s intentions.
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Suzuran chuckled before reaching up to lift Yuzuki’s chin with her fingers, pulling her in for a slow kiss. “Don’t worry,” she murmured, her voice now awake and smooth. “I’m still hungry for you.” Pulling away with a teasing and seductive smile, “Plus, I’m still undressed under these sheets. All you have to do is carry me back upstairs and rip them off of me. We do still have time before the group leaves…”
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Without a word, Yuzuki quickly stood, scooped Suzuran into her arms, and bolted for the stairs. The door to their room slammed shut mere moments later, leaving only the echoes of Suzuran’s delighted giggles behind.
Luna and Azure, who had been clearing the table, exchanged knowing smiles before shaking their heads in amusement.
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Outside in the crisp morning air, Akame, Ember, and Kurohime stood waiting outside Hana’s shop. The clanging of metal against metal echoed from within. Despite Hana’s earlier statement that the weapons were ready, the sound of ongoing work suggested otherwise.
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Ember leaned against one of the wooden beams outside the shop, arms crossed over her chest, eyes fixed on the entrance. “Didn’t she just say they were done?”
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“That’s what she said…” Kurohime muttered, tapping her fingers against her arm.
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Akame, standing with her usual emotionless composure, merely shrugged. “She does this. Get used to it.”
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Moments later, the door to the shop burst open as Hana emerged, her face lightly dusted with soot, carrying all three weapons in her arms. She barely managed to keep her grip before deciding to toss Ember’s lance toward her mid-stride.
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“Heads up!” Hana called out.
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Ember’s eyes widened in alarm. She barely caught her weapon in time, nearly fumbling it before securing her hold. “Hey! This is my lance!” she pouted, holding it protectively.
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“Sorry! Sorry!” Hana chuckled, wiping her hands on a cloth. “But hey, I do have some good news about it.”
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Ember’s expression shifted from irritation to curiosity. “Oh? Let’s hear it.”
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Hana walked over, motioning for Ember to hold her lance horizontally. As Ember complied, Hana ran her fingers along its surface. “This lance has attributes even I didn’t expect. Not only does it act as a mana channeling weapon for you, but it also has its own stored mana reserve.”
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Ember’s brows raised. “Its own mana? You mean… I can cast different magic through it?”
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“Not exactly,” Hana clarified. “Think of it like this. If you have an attack that requires a huge amount of mana, you should be able to tap into the lance’s reserve to amplify it. Maybe even evolve the attack into something entirely new.” She hesitated, scratching her head. “The weird thing is, I don’t know how it replenishes that reserve. It doesn’t seem to pull from your mana pool, so maybe the weapon generates it naturally over time?”
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Ember stared at the lance in awe, gripping it firmly. “That… is way more than I was expecting.” A grin spread across her face. “Thank you, Hana. I don’t know if I’ll be able to tap into that power on this trip, but I’ll definitely experiment with it once we get back.”
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Hana nodded, pleased with her work. Ember gave one final appreciative glance at her weapon before heading back to the guild hall to finish preparing her things.
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Hana then turned her attention to Kurohime, picking up the scythe with a bit more effort than expected.
“Alright, next up… Kurohime.” She carefully handed over her weapon. “Your scythe was more or less as expected. I couldn’t sense anything outside of its demonic energy, but that alone was enough to tell me this thing is dangerous.”
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Kurohime smirked as she ran a hand along the edge. “Anything new I can do with it?”
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“I sharpened it, for one. It was way duller than I expected, which was strange considering how often you used it in the past,” Hana noted. “Other than that, I can tell there are dormant demonic abilities within it. Abilities you probably haven’t even tapped into yet.” She shook her head. “But whatever they are, they’re locked away. You’ll have to figure that out yourself.”
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Kurohime twirled the scythe effortlessly before resting it against her shoulder. “Then I guess I’ve got some work to do. Appreciate it.” She turned and started walking toward the guild hall before glancing back at Akame. “We’ll be waiting for you.”
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With that, only Akame remained. Hana picked up the final weapon—Akame’s katana—and held it out in both hands.
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“I assume mine’s nothing special,” Akame said as she took it. “It was just something my parents had crafted for me.”
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“That’s what I thought at first too,” Hana admitted. “But…” She hesitated, her expression shifting.
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Akame’s brows lifted slightly out of curiosity. “But?”
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“I don’t know if it’s because of you being this so-called Harbinger, or if something happened to your blade over the years… but have you ever noticed that it’s never dulled?”
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Akame blinked, glancing down at her katana. Now that she thought about it… “You’re right. I’ve never needed to maintain it. Not once.”
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Hana folded her arms. “Not only that, but there’s something inside this blade. A power I can’t quite place. If I had to guess, I’d say your katana evolved with you when you became a Harbinger.”
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Akame’s grip on the hilt tightened slightly. “That explains my Crimson Slash. I never had that technique until after I became a Harbinger.”
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Hana let out a small sigh, wiping her forehead. “Well, if anyone’s going to figure out what it can really do, it’s you.”
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Akame nodded, her expression unreadable as she slid the katana back into its sheath. She then placed a firm hand on Hana’s shoulder. “Thanks. I’ll let you know if I discover anything new about it while we’re gone.”
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Hana smiled and pulled Akame into a brief hug. “Just be careful, alright? I want all of you to come back in one piece.”
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“We will,” Akame assured her before stepping back toward the guild hall. “Keep this place safe while we’re gone.” waving to her as she walked away.
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The late morning sun was high in the sky as the village grounds were bursting with activity. The expedition group finished gathering their supplies, securing saddlebags, and checking their equipment while Luna and Scarlet prepared the horses.
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By the time everything was packed and accounted for, the expedition party was ready to depart. The entire guild had gathered outside to see them off, offering words of encouragement and silent prayers for a safe return.
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Before they set out, Akame stepped forward. “Everyone,” she called out. “There is one final announcement I want to make before we leave. I wanted to say this now in case it changes anyone’s mind.”
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The main expedition members—Ember, Akiko, Nila, Kasumi, Eve, and Kurami—immediately turned their attention to her. Kurohime and Morye also stood at her side, knowing what was coming.
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“The other night, Kurohime, Yukari, and I discussed our strategy one last time,” Akame continued. “And we considered something that could happen.” She paused briefly. “There is a possibility that we will find a mirror to Hell, a portal. If we do, we may need to enter it. If that happens, there is a very real chance that we might not be able to return. At least… not for a long time.”
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A tense silence fell over the group.
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From the crowd, Crystal, who had been standing beside Ember, reached out and tugged on her sister’s arm. She didn’t want Ember to go. Ember looked down at her younger sister and offered a reassuring smile. She gently squeezed Crystal’s hand, silently conveying that this was something she had to do and that she would be fine.
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Akame continued. “If we do go through, our goal will be to ensure the mirror remains guarded from both sides. That way, if we need to cross back, we’ll have a way home.”
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Akiko shifted uneasily. “What if it's a trap? What if the mirror is destroyed while we’re inside?”
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Akame met her gaze. “That is why I’m telling you all this now. There is a possibility we won’t be able to come back… at least, not for a while.”
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The tension in the air grew thick as everyone exchanged worried glances. Even Yuzuki, who normally kept herself composed, looked unsettled. However, as she turned to Suzuran, she noticed that her expression held no fear, only confidence. Suzuran knew Akame would return, no matter what.
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“I have faith that all of you will make it back home safely,” Yuzuki called out, her voice steady in an attempt to reassure the others.
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Akame gave a small nod of acknowledgment before Kurohime stepped forward. “We’ll make sure this family of ours stays in one piece,” she added, arms crossed.
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With that said, Akame took one last look at everyone. “If any of you want to stay behind after hearing this, I won’t blame you. But if you’re still coming, mount up. We’re heading out.”
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There was no hesitation. Within moments, every single woman going on the expedition mounted their respective horses.
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Morye smiled softly at the sight, shaking her head. “Thank you, everyone. It means more than I can put into words.”
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One by one, goodbyes were exchanged. Suzuran and Yuzuki gave Akame a farewell hug. Crystal, still reluctant to part with Ember and Eve, held onto them for as long as possible. Luna, Scarlet, and Azure sent off the others with words of encouragement.
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“You two lovebirds better be careful,” Luna playfully demanded, arms crossed as she addressed Akiko and Nila.
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The pair laughed, smiling as they sat atop their horse together. “We’ll be fine, Miss Luna,” Nila reassured her, grabbing Akiko from behind. “We have each other.”
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With the farewells done, the main group set off, their horses kicking up small clouds of dust as they rode toward the horizon.
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Yet, Akame lingered behind for a few moments longer. She turned her gaze toward the back of the group, where Fae stood quietly, looking hesitant to speak.
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“Fae,” Akame called, motioning her over.
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Fae approached quickly, standing at attention.
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“You and Yukari will lead while we’re gone,” Akame instructed. “This could take longer than expected.”
Fae gave a firm nod. “I will, Miss Akame.”
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Akame studied her for a brief moment. She could see the nervousness behind Fae’s expression, before she shuffled back behind everyone. Satisfied, Akame finally turned her horse toward the others, but before leaving, she signaled for Suzuran to step forward.
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Suzuran quickly walked over. “What is it?” she asked, keeping her voice low.
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“I have an eerie feeling something will happen while we’re gone,” Akame murmured, her eyes narrowing as she looked out at the horizon. “You and Yuzuki stay alert. Make sure Crystal keeps an eye out at night.”
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Suzuran’s expression hardened as she nodded. “We’ll do our rounds every day. Don’t worry.”
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Akame held her gaze for a moment longer before kicking her horse into motion, galloping toward her awaiting party. By now, the others had reached the edge of the village, just passing through the east entrance.
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As she caught up, she glanced over her shoulder one last time at the home they were leaving behind. Something in her gut twisted slightly, an unease she couldn’t quite place.
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The journey to the Domain of Tides took several days, but thankfully, it was uneventful. The landscapes they passed were breathtaking. Vast rolling fields, shimmering rivers, and dense forests stretching as far as the eye could see. For many in the party, it was their first time traveling so far from home under such peaceful conditions.
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Ember took full advantage of the quiet trek, sharing stories of her past adventures with Akiko, Nila, and Kasumi. Eve, though not actively participating in the conversation, rode closely behind, obviously very interested.
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At the front, Kurohime and Morye led the way, often speaking in whispers. Akame, riding near the back alongside Kurami, occasionally glanced at them, wondering how Morye was holding up. Given the weight of what they were heading toward, it wasn’t surprising if her mind was burdened. Still, Morye seemed more determined than ever, no doubt fueled by her desire to uncover the truth of what was happening.
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Akame’s own focus shifted as she noticed the gradual changes in the atmosphere. Each day that passed, the sky ahead grew darker. It wasn’t storm clouds rolling in, it was something unnatural. By the time they reached the border of the domain, the ominous, swirling darkness overhead had grown thick and foreboding.
Kurami, who had been staring at it the entire time, felt a cold dread creep into her chest.
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“This isn’t normal,” she muttered.
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Akame followed her gaze. “Did the Elders mention anything like this in their letters to you?”
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“Nothing about this,” Kurami admitted. “I’m starting to think the situation inside has gotten worse.”
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Akame remained silent, but she could tell Kurami was deeply concerned. Not just for their party, but for her own people here in the domain.
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“We’re a couple of hours away from the cave,” Akame said after a pause. “Once we arrive, I assume we’ll get our answers rather quickly.”
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Kurami nodded, though it was clear her thoughts were elsewhere. With a flick of their reins, the two picked up the pace, leading the rest of the group in a fast gallop toward their destination.
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Two hours passed before they arrived at the entrance to the cave system, but even before it came into view, something was wrong.
A foul stomach-churning stench filled the air, thick enough to make Nila gag, her ears flattening as she recoiled.
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“Oh gods,” Nila groaned, pulling up a cloth to cover her nose. “This rotting smell is awful! What the hell is causing that?”
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“Kurami, I assume this place hasn’t always smelled like this?” Akiko asked, struggling to breathe through the overwhelming stench.
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“This isn’t rotting fish or anything from the sea…” Kurami hesitated, inhaling through her mouth, “I guess it could be…”
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Before she could finish, Kasumi cut her off with a grim certainty. “Nyo… this is death. This is the smell of rotting corpses.”
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As if to confirm her words, they crested over a small hill, revealing the land before them. A massive field littered with bodies.
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Corpses stretched out as far as the eye could see, creating a grotesque landscape of decay. Some were former soldiers, their armor starting to rust, barely holding together. Others were monstrous undead beings. Wyverns, trolls, and horrors that had been torn apart. The sheer number of bodies made it difficult to process.
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The air itself seemed alive with movement as corpse flies formed a thick, swarming curtain, their incessant buzzing adding to the suffocating horror of the scene.
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“This… this is far worse than I imagined,” Kurami muttered, her face going pale.
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Kurohime and Morye, however, seemed unfazed. Having spent time in Hell, they were no strangers to such carnage. Still, even they could tell something was deeply wrong.
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Akame turned to Eve. “Can you do anything about this?” Her voice held an unusual edge.
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Eve, still mounted on her horse, examined the scene carefully. “At most, I can kill the corpse flies,” she said, gripping her staff. “But the stench? That’ll need a miracle or at least a strong wind.”
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Without another word, Eve dismounted, stepping onto the field. Raising her staff, she tapped it against the ground. A dark pulse of necrotic energy spread outward, washing over the entire area like a wave.
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Within seconds, the buzzing ceased.
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Every single corpse fly dropped dead, covering the ground in a layer of twitching, lifeless insects. An eerie silence followed.
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“Well… that’s better than before,” Kurami muttered, though her unease remained. “I’ll get used to the smell soon.”
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As they moved closer to the cave, the pile of bodies only grew larger. Among them, something new caught their attention. Not all the fallen in this area were undead and the average soldier.
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Scattered between the rotting corpses were the bodies of Tidal Guards.
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Kurami tensed as she spotted them. Her grip on the reins tightened, and Akame noticed how pale she had become.
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“You alright?” Akame asked, her voice lower than before.
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Kurami took a slow breath. “I hope Kai is alright. If the Tidal Guards were sent here, that means the Elders must have ordered them to fight or investigate the caves. It means Kai could possibly be here.”
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Before Akame could respond, movement in the distance caught their attention. A lone rider on horseback emerged from behind a grassy mound, making their way toward them.
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Kurami’s eyes widened. “That’s a Tidal Guard!” she exclaimed before swiftly taking off on her horse. “I need to ask him if Kai was here!”
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Akame and the others watched as Kurami rode ahead, meeting the soldier halfway. They exchanged what seemed to be a hand gesture, one Akame recognized from long ago. It was a signal among the ocean-dwelling races here in the domain, one of family.
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After a brief exchange, the guard nodded before riding off in another direction. Kurami turned her horse and headed back to the group.
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“Any news?” Akame asked, as Kurami arrived back at her side.
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Kurami let out a small breath of relief. “Luckily, he knew who Kai was. He told me that Kai was appointed to lead the guards defending the Elders.”
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“At least we know your brother isn't here.” Akame muttered.
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“But that’s not all,” Kurami added. “The undead broke out of the cave a few days ago. That’s why we’re seeing so many bodies here.”
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Akiko frowned, glancing around. “Then… what changed? They’re not here anymore.”
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Kurami exhaled. “They were pushed back once two groups of adventurers arrived about two days ago.”
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Akame’s expression remained unreadable as she processed the information. “Let’s hope that’s the help we requested from Caldur back at the capital. I didn’t think it would take them this long though.”
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She turned her gaze toward the looming cave entrance ahead, its gaping maw waiting for them. Something about it still felt wrong.
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The group rode forward, their horses’ hooves crunching over dirt and scattered debris as they neared the cave’s entrance. The foul stench of rotting corpses still lingered in the air, but the fresh breeze coming off the ocean helped to dilute it somewhat.
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Just ahead, two Tidal Guards stood at the entrance, their armor dirtied with battle and exhaustion clear on their faces. When they spotted the approaching group, relief was evident in their postures.
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Kurami was the first to dismount, stepping forward as she performed the same hand gesture she had given the other guard before. The two guards responded in kind, acknowledging her.
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“What’s the situation inside?” Kurami asked, her voice calm.
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Both guards exchanged glances before the taller of the two stepped forward, rubbing his head as if recalling the past few days had drained him. “The situation’s… stable for now. It got better once the adventurers arrived, but before that, it was bad. We were being pushed back… hard. Two large undead knights led the charge against us, and we were struggling to hold the line. If the adventurers hadn’t shown up when they did, we might have lost everything.”
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Akiko’s ears twitched at the mention of undead knights. “Wait… undead knights? Like the ones that sometimes show up as undead riders?”
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The shorter guard shook his head. “No, these were… different. Bigger. Smarter. And they commanded the battlefield like seasoned generals.” His face darkened slightly. “They were calculating… strong. And what’s worse, they didn’t seem to fear the adventurers at all.”
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Akame caught the subtle reaction from Kurohime and Morye, the two exchanging a glance as if something about that description clicked in their minds. However, neither of them spoke up. Akame took note of this but chose not to ask. If it was important, they would bring it up themselves.
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“What about the adventurers?” Akame asked, dismounting her horse along with the others. “Did they say who they were?”
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The taller guard nodded. “Celestial Vanguard and Aegis Warden. Six members in each party.”
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“I’ve heard of Celestial Vanguard,” Nila spoke up. “They specialize in divine magic. Their ranks are full of paladins, clerics, and even some mages that use holy spells.”
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Ember crossed her arms. “Aegis Warden, I know them too. They’re a mixed-class guild, but they love recruiting warriors. They actually tried to recruit me a couple weeks prior to me meeting Akame and Kurohime.”
​
Akame nodded, processing the information. "Good enough. At least we know we're not alone in this." She gave a small shrug, her expression hardening as she looked toward the cave entrance. "Let's stop wasting time and head in to see how things are."
​
With that, Akame started walking toward the cave. The rest of the group followed in silence, the weight of the unknown pressing down on them as they passed the two guards, who watched them go with wary eyes.
​
The smaller guard called out to them after they entered. "There's an outpost established on the second floor! You should head there first!" His voice echoed in the narrow entrance, the only sound for a moment before the group disappeared into the dark mouth of the cave.
​
The air inside was thick and musty, carrying a faint but welcome scent of the ocean. The walls were lined with salt. It was a reminder to all of them that the tides that once claimed this land.
​
"Kurami," Akiko asked, her hand gently touching the cave wall. She winced at the salt that clung to her fingers. "Why is there salt on the walls, if the coast is still a couple days away?"
​
Kurami caught up with Akiko, walking beside her as the group moved forward. "About a month before these undead appeared, most of this area was underwater. This is the land of tides for a reason."
​
Akiko nodded, absorbing the information. She hadn’t known about the area’s history, but it made sense now. The ocean’s touch was never far away, even when the tide had long since receded.
​
As they descended deeper into the cave, the ocean’s scent faded completely. The oppressive smell of death clung to the air once more, thick and suffocating. A fresh swarm of corpse flies appeared, attracted by the decaying bodies that soon followed, and the buzzing quickly grew louder.
​
"Eve… mind relieving us of these flies again?" Kurohime asked, turning her head to glance over her shoulder toward Eve, who had been trailing behind.
​
Eve didn’t hesitate. She raised her staff, and the familiar pulse of dark energy spread outward. The corpse flies fell to the ground in droves, their bodies dropping lifelessly as the spell took hold.
​
Eve turned back to the group with a faint smile. "That should take care of them for now."
​
The group continued forward, each step taking them further into the bowels of the cave. Every twist and turn seemed to lead deeper into the darkness, being barely lit by smaller torches that were placed against the cave walls.
​
Moving forward through the cavern, Eve’s spell continued to kill any corpse insects that could spread disease, something the group was immensely grateful for. The deeper they ventured, the more the air thickened with the stench of rot.
​
After nearly an hour of winding tunnels and descending pathways, the group finally entered a vast open cavern, one far larger than any of them had expected.
​
Akiko, Nila, Ember, Kasumi, and Eve all instinctively looked up, their eyes widening in amazement. The sheer scale of the chamber dwarfed anything they had seen so far. It was massive, easily large enough to fit an entire area of Redcrest within it. The ceiling stretched high above them, water dripping from jagged stalactites, creating the illusion of a light rain within the cavern in certain areas.
​
As they moved closer to distant chatter echoing through the cavern, the source of the noise became clear. It was the outpost that the guard had mentioned. A collection of tents and makeshift supply stations had been set up near two fires.
​
One of the campfires burned a deep, unnatural blue. It was clearly magical, likely enchanted to prevent smoke from choking the air in the cave. The second fire was much the same, but instead of burning wood, it was reducing something else to ashes.
​
Kasumi’s ears twitched, her pupils narrowing as she realized what it was. “They’re burning the bodies…” she groaned, pinching her nose.
​
The smell of death, already thick in the air, mixed with the pungent stench of burning flesh, creating an almost unbearable atmosphere.
​
Kurohime, unfazed, simply nodded. “At least it prevents more corpse flies.”
​
As they approached the camp, a few adventurers from the two stationed guilds turned to acknowledge them. A tidal guard near the edge of the outpost spotted their arrival and quickly called out to a nearby figure.
​
A gray-haired dwarf clad in full plate armor stepped forward, eyeing them carefully before breaking into a grin. “Ah, you lot must be Crimson Moon. A messenger from the Adventurer’s Guild told us to expect your arrival a couple days after us.” His deep, gravelly voice carried easily through the cavern.
​
Akame stepped forward. “We are. Apologies for the delay.” She set down her equipment by one of the unclaimed tents.
​
“No worries, youngins,” the dwarf replied, holding out a gloved hand. “Name’s Boris, party captain of Celestial Vanguard.”
​
Akame met his handshake with a firm grip. “Akame, leader of Crimson Moon.”
​
The moment she spoke her name, Boris’s eyes lit up with recognition. “The Crimson Oni herself?” He let out a hearty laugh. “By the gods, I’ve heard the tales! That duel in the capital—ah, I wish I’d been there to see it.”
​
Before Akame could respond, another voice rang out from behind him.
​
“Boris! Did I just hear you say the Crimson Oni is here?!”
​
A tall, imposing woman stormed over. She towered over most of the group, her muscular frame covered in battle scars. Her armor, if it could even be called that, was a patchwork of steel plates strapped together with leather, barely covering her breasts and crotch. A deep scar ran horizontally across the bridge of her nose, only adding to her intimidating presence.
​
“Livia! This is indeed the Crimson Oni. The one I was telling you about a couple days ago.” Boris responded.
​
She came to a stop right in front of Akame, her green piercing eyes scanning her from head to toe. A slow, almost predatory grin formed on her lips.
​
“Well now,” she mused, crossing her arms. “So you’re the one who put that bastard Rajen in his place.” Her grin widened. “I like powerful women. We should sleep together right now.”
​
The statement caused the rest of the Crimson Moon members to freeze, staring at Livia in sheer disbelief.
​
Akame, unfazed, didn’t even blink. “No thanks. We’re here to complete a request.” Her voice was flat, completely shutting down Livia’s advances.
​
Livia looked genuinely surprised. “Huh?” She blinked at Akame, as if trying to process the rejection. “Wait, seriously? You’re turning me down?”
​
She looked absolutely baffled, like she had just been told the sky wasn’t blue. Boris sighed heavily, shaking his head.
​
“This damned woman…” Boris muttered under his breath.
​
Akame ignored Livia’s stunned silence and turned back to Boris. “What’s the situation down below?”
​
Boris straightened up. “It’s a mess,” he admitted. “Both of our groups were making decent progress until we reached the seventh floor. We were told there are twelve floors in total, but the deeper we go, the worse these undead get. Stronger, smarter, more vicious.”
​
“How bad are we talking?” Kurohime asked.
​
Boris stroked his beard. “Bad enough that we had to fall back. Some powerful bastard who helped us on the seventh floor told us to rest while he held the line.”
​
Akame narrowed her eyes. “Someone strong enough to hold back an entire wave alone?”
​
Boris chuckled. “Aye. Some big armored fella with a massive sword. Doesn’t say much, but damn, does he know how to fight.”
​
Akame smirked, arms crossing over her chest. “Sunder always did love fighting alone.”
​
The moment she said his name, Livia, who had just recovered from her rejection—suddenly looked like she had been struck by lightning.
​
“Wait… that was Sunder?” she asked, her voice almost trembling.
​
Livia’s expression shifted entirely. A feverish, almost manic gleam entered her eyes. “Gods above, if I can convince him, I’ll make sure he gets me pregnant tonight.” She clenched a fist with determination. “Can you imagine the powerful children we could have?!”
​
Another warrior from her party, strolled up behind her, giving her an unimpressed glance. “Livia, close your mouth,” he said dryly. “You’re drooling again.”
​
“Leave me alone, Alderic!” Livia shot back, shrugging him off. “I’m pent up! I need relief! It’s been at least a week now and I want some good sex! I just need to be filled up”
​
At that, even the Crimson Moon members had to look away in secondhand embarrassment. Akame turned her gaze slightly, noticing her own guildmates, who weren’t exactly the most reserved individuals, staring at Livia like she was insane.
​
Kurohime and Akiko happened to glance at Akame in that moment, and to their surprise, they caught a glimpse of something rare. Akame was smiling at them. Not a smirk, not a flat look, but a small, genuine smile. Realizing they were looking at her, Akame’s face immediately returned to its usual stoic expression.
​
Akame turned to Boris and Livia. “We’ll go join Sunder. I’m sure he could use the rest after being down there for so long.”
​
Leaving their extra supplies at the tents, the group readied themselves to move out. Eve kept her essential items, ensuring they had anything they might need in combat. Without further delay, they pressed forward, leaving the outpost behind as they ventured deeper into the caves.
​
The journey through the cleared floors was luckily uneventful, the path littered with the remnants of previous battles. The occasional undead stragglers appeared, as they were dispatched swiftly by Akiko or Nila.
​
As they entered the seventh floor, something caught their attention. A massive pile of bodies stacked atop one another, unmoving yet unsettling in its sheer size. At first glance, it seemed like a disposal site for the dispatched undead, but as the group prepared to pass by, Kasumi’s ears twitched.
​
Her tail fluffed up as she raised a hand, her voice tense. “Hold on, nya! Why is there movement inside that mound of bodies?”
​
Everyone halted, eyes snapping toward the grotesque heap. The bodies twitched, shifting unnaturally, as if something beneath them was stirring.
​
“Step back,” Akame ordered, already drawing her katana.
​
Kurohime narrowed her eyes, summoning her scythe. “Ugh… I assume Sunder wouldn’t make a mistake like this. Must have been one of the parties we met back at the outpost. They should know better than to stack undead like this, especially this many.”
​
Ember frowned, her hands resting on her lance. “Why? What happens when they do?”
​
Kurohime exhaled sharply. “If it were just undead, it’d probably form a flesh golem. But a pile this big…” Her eyes darkened as she readied herself for combat. “This could be much worse.”
​
As if in response, the mound convulsed violently. The corpses writhed, contorting unnaturally as something deep within began to take shape. What had once been scattered, mindless undead twisted together, bones cracking and flesh melding into a single monstrous form. The group watched in grim horror as the abomination rose from the pile, revealing its nightmarish visage.
​
A massive floating head formed from the remains of countless victims, its skull-like face devoid of eyes but riddled with empty sockets. Ribcages and spines jutted from its surface, creating a grotesque tapestry of agony. Embedded within its decaying flesh were the faces of the consumed—frozen in expressions of eternal torment.
​
“A hive mind. Well…” Kurohime muttered, twirling her scythe. “Looks like we got the worst outcome.”
​
The moment the grotesque face fully formed, Kurohime and Morye acted without hesitation. They were likely the only ones in the group who knew what they were dealing with.
​
Hive minds were not just abominations of decaying flesh; they were intelligent. Typically, when undead bodies fused, they formed a flesh golem, mindless, powerful, and destructive. But when the remains of intelligent beings were added into the mix, something far more horrifying was created. The memories, abilities, and consciousness of those consumed were absorbed into a single floating, monstrous head, with false faces embedded in its rotting surface. The more it consumed, the more powerful it became.
​
This hive mind had tidal guards also included inside it. That meant it likely retained their combat abilities. Water magic, enhancement spells, and perhaps even strategies from their past lives.
​
The moment it stabilized, it opened its gaping maw, water pooling at the edges of its jagged teeth. A lance of water shot forward, freezing mid-air into sharpened ice as it hurtled toward them.
​
Kurohime dashed forward, her scythe spinning as she intercepted the attack. The ice shattered on impact, but before she could launch a counterattack, Morye had already slipped behind the creature, her blade aimed at the cluster of false heads on its back.
​
The instant her weapon sank into one of them, the hive mind shrieked, its voice echoing through the cavern. Its spells went wild, firing chaotically in all directions.
​
“What the hell is it doing now?” Akiko shouted, her voice barely audible over the chaos of unleashed raw magic. She had taken cover with Nila and Kasumi behind a rock formation, peering out cautiously.
Akame, however, stood in the open, her arms crossed, watching the fight.
​
“Akame, aren’t you going to help?!” Ember called out from another hiding spot, crouched next to Kurami and Eve as they hid from the stray spells.
​
Akame’s expression remained unreadable. “My hands are tied. If I use my attacks in a space like this, I risk bringing the entire cavern down.” She narrowed her eyes as she watched Morye and Kurohime maneuver around the hive mind. “But it looks like they have things under control.”
​
Morye continued her relentless attacks, stabbing at the false heads one by one. Each time one was destroyed, the hive mind’s spellcasting grew more erratic, its selection of magic shrinking. Kurohime kept the attacks at bay, ensuring none of the wild spells reached the others.
​
The false heads weren’t just remnants, they were the source of its abilities. As long as they remained intact, the hive mind could continue using the skills it had absorbed from its victims.
​
With a final lunge, Morye targeted the last remaining head, but just as her blade neared its mark, a distorted face suddenly formed beside it, its mouth gaping unnaturally wide. A surge of ice magic burst forth, striking Morye’s weapon and deflecting her attack. Her blade flew from her grasp, clattering against the cavern floor.
But she wasn’t done yet. Morye conjured spectral claws of dark magic. Without hesitation, she lunged again, sinking her claws into the final false head and ripping it from the main body. A grotesque makeshift spine followed.
​
“Now!” she called out.
​
Kurohime didn’t need further instruction. She dashed forward, her scythe glowing with demonic energy as she swung it with full force. The blade cleaved into the hive mind’s forehead, sending a pulse of demonic energy through its decaying body.
​
A moment of eerie silence followed. Then, the creature exploded.
​
Chunks of rotting flesh and shattered bones burst outward in all directions. Severed limbs and grotesque remnants flew through the cavern, splattering against the walls and the ground.
​
Akiko, Nila, and Kasumi barely had time to react before the rain of gore reached them. They ducked behind their cover, but a few stray limbs still managed to land too close for comfort.
​
Kurami, Eve, and Ember fared no better, shielding themselves as best they could.
​
“This isn’t how I pictured our first battle…” Kurami muttered, wiping a chunk of rotting flesh off her shoulder.
Akiko grimaced as she plucked a decayed finger from her lap, her nose scrunching in disgust. “As dangerous as that thing was, I think I’m more worried about how bad we’re going to smell for the rest of this trip.”
​
As the others emerged from their hiding spots, they noticed something strange. Akame still hadn’t moved an inch. The carnage had reached her, yet none of it had touched her. The body parts that should have hit her had been reduced to smaller, harmless pieces, as if she had cut them down mid-air without anyone even seeing her move.
​
Kurohime dusted herself off and turned her attention to Morye, who had dropped to her knees beside what remains of the hive mind. Unlike the others, she wasn’t concerned about the mess or the stench. Her face was twisted in an expression of deep sorrow.
​
“Morye?” Kurohime asked cautiously, stepping closer. “Is everything alright?”
​
Morye didn’t answer. Instead, she reached out toward the remnants of the hive mind, her hand trembling. For a moment, it seemed like she was grasping at nothing, until something weakly responded.
​
A hand, barely formed, emerged from the remains and gently took hers. Morye’s breath hitched. Her shoulders began to shake as realization set in.
​
“Mother…” she whispered, her voice barely audible. Tears welled up in her eyes, then spilled over. “So you are gone after all. He really did kill you…”
​
Kurohime’s heart sank. She rushed to Morye’s side, kneeling beside her. “No…” she breathed, but as she followed Morye’s gaze, she saw what had confirmed the truth.
​
Among the fragments of decayed flesh and bone was something they both recognized. A bracelet, one Morye had made as a child and gave to her mother, still clung to the hand that had reached out to her.
A sob tore from Morye’s throat as she gripped the hand tighter, but within seconds, it began to fade. What was left of her mother’s body crumbled into dust, carried away by the cold, lifeless air of the cavern.
Morye collapsed forward, her grief overwhelming her. Kurohime wrapped her arms around her, holding her close as they cried together.​​​
The rest of the group remained silent.
​
Akame turned to the others, her voice quiet but firm. “Let’s give them time. Something like this… is horrible. We’ll take a break for now.”
​
No one argued.
​
None of them were sure how her mother’s body got here, but it was clear she had been dead for a long time. It was very possible that whatever brought her here either did it to dispose of the body or it was intentional.
The weight of the battle and loss pressed down on all of them. Morye had come here to face her past, but none of them had expected it to be this cruel.
​
Kurohime held Morye tighter as she wept. There were no words that could ease this pain. There was only the quiet and the grief.
​
The group sat down, letting the weight of the moment settle as Morye and Kurohime remained close, their quiet sobs filling the cavern. Time seemed to slow as Kurohime held Morye, offering whatever comfort she could. Eventually, Kurohime’s tears faded, though she stayed beside Morye, letting her grief run its course. Morye's shoulders still shook with occasional sobs, but after some time, her breathing had begun to steady.
​
Akame approached the two, her footsteps light against the cavern floor. She crouched beside them, her eyes gentle. “Hey… I know what I’m about to say might feel inconsiderate, but we need to end this. We can't let anyone else suffer the way you have.”
​
Morye lifted her head, her face streaked with tears. Her expression wavered between sorrow and determination. “You’re right… I can sit here and cry forever, or I can make him pay for what he did.”
​
Akame gave a small nod. “Good. We’ll be beside you the entire time. Just remember, we are your family as well.”
​
Kurohime and Morye both stiffened slightly at those words, caught off guard by the warmth in Akame’s voice. It was rare to hear such tenderness from her.
​
Morye didn’t hesitate. She lunged forward, wrapping her arms around Akame in a tight embrace. “Thank you… Akame.”
​
Akame didn’t push her away. Instead, she placed a firm but reassuring hand on Morye’s head, letting the moment linger. “Alright,” she said finally, “let’s get going. We have a job to finish and a home to return to.”
​
Morye wiped her face, nodding as she pulled away. The group began gathering their weapons and equipment once more. With a final glance at the remains of the hive mind, they pressed forward.
​
Descending into the eighth floor, they moved cautiously, keeping an eye out for any more surprises. The eerie quiet that filled the tunnel was unsettling, broken only by the distant dripping of water from stalactites. Every step felt heavier, as if the shadows around them carried unseen weight.
​
When they finally emerged from the smaller tunnels into a large cavern, the sight before them was both reassuring and grim. Scattered throughout the space were countless slain undead, their bodies cleaved apart with precision. Not a single one had been left intact.
​
“This looks like Sunder’s work,” Akame remarked, stepping over a dismembered corpse.
​
The torches that had guided the way so far abruptly stopped, leaving the rest of the cavern shrouded in darkness. Ember, not wanting to take any chances, raised a hand and summoned a wisp of fire, letting it hover above them to illuminate the path.
​
As they descended deeper, the unmistakable sound of metal clashing echoed through the tunnels. The faint glow from Ember’s wisp revealed a lone figure engaged in combat. Sunder was battling two undead knights. Unlike the mindless hordes they had faced earlier, these ones fought with surprising skill, blocking and countering Sunder’s attacks rather than merely swinging wildly. Yet despite their prowess, it was clear Sunder wasn’t even taking the fight seriously.
​
Kurohime’s sharp eyes tracked the edges of the battlefield, and she nudged Ember. “Light up the room more,” she said, pointing toward the ceiling above.
​
Ember flicked her wrist, sending the fire wisp higher. It split into smaller wisps that spread across the cavern, fully illuminating the cavern.
​
For a brief moment, Akame and Kurohime caught sight of something at the far end of the chamber. Two massive undead knights stood near the passage leading down to the next floor. Unlike the ones Sunder was fighting, these figures were different. Their armor was more ornate, a sinister blend of steel and bone. They exuded an aura of command, as if the other undead answered to them.
​
Then, just as quickly as they had appeared, the darkness swallowed them again.
​
Akame and Kurohime exchanged glances, a confirmation that they had both seen the same thing. Whoever—or whatever—those knights were, they weren’t just mindless undead. They were watching.
​
Sunder, noticing the arrival of the group, took his attention off his opponents for a brief moment. With a single powerful swing of his greatsword, he cleaved through both undead knights, scattering their bones and limbs across the cavern floor. As he walked toward them, he crushed stray skulls under his boots, ensuring they wouldn’t be rising again.
​
“Akame,” he greeted, his voice steady. “Glad your party could join me.”
​
Akame stepped forward, giving him a nod. “I figured you were here after the other two groups told us who had pushed back the undead.” She rested a hand on his shoulder, her voice lowering slightly. “Did you notice the two toward the back of the room earlier?”
​
Sunder nodded but remained silent for a moment. “They’ve been watching for a while,” he finally said. “When I joined the other two groups, I noticed they were doing the same thing. Sitting at the back of the room until it looked like the undead on that floor had lost, then they fell back.”
​
Akame crossed her arms, considering his words. “Looks like they did the same thing here. You think they’re the root of all of this?”
​
Sunder shook his head. “No. They’ve only been watching. They haven’t joined in any of the fights.”
Akame remained silent, digesting his words. The distinction was important. If this was an infestation, then something, or someone, had seeded this chaos.
​
She glanced back at her group. They had come this far, and the path ahead would only grow darker. But they had a mission to finish. And no matter what awaited them, they would face it together.
​
During the short downtime, Akame took the opportunity to properly introduce her guildmates to Sunder. While some of them had already met him, seeing him in action was another matter entirely.
​
Akiko, her tail swishing with curiosity, tilted her head as she looked up at him. “So, you’re the famous Sunder? You’re… big.”
​
Sunder crossed his arms. “And you’re small.”
​
Akiko huffed at his response, puffing out her cheeks slightly, but she let it slide.
​
Ember, sizing him up with a smirk, rested her lance over her shoulder. “I’ve heard a lot about you. Didn’t think we’d actually fight alongside a legend.”
​
“I’m no legend. I just do what needs to be done,” Sunder replied, his voice steady.
​
Eve, who had been quiet, took a step forward and extended her hand. “It’s an honor to fight beside you,” she said, her voice sincere.
​
Sunder glanced down at her, then shook her hand firmly. “Likewise.”
​
With introductions out of the way, Kurohime stood beside Akame, her gaze shifting toward the cavern ahead. “Shall we go ahead and see what awaits us on the next floor?”
​
The group pressed forward, with Ember’s wisps guiding them as they descended deeper into the cave. As they reached the ninth floor, they encountered little resistance, only a few stray undead, which Akiko and Nila quickly dispatched without much effort. The eerie silence that followed made them uneasy. It was too quiet.
​
And then, at the far end of the cavern, standing near the passage leading to the tenth floor, they saw them again.
​
Two towering figures clad in dark steel armor, their skeletal forms barely visible beneath the bone-forged plating. These were not ordinary undead knights. Their presence alone radiated malice, their hollow eyes watching with an intelligence no lesser undead should possess.
​
Morye froze mid-step, her breath hitching.
​
Kurohime, walking beside her, immediately noticed. “Morye?”
​
Morye’s hands clenched into fists, her voice almost trembling. “Those are the Dread Generals.”
​
The moment she spoke the name, the figures vanished.
​
Kurohime turned sharply, scanning the area where they had been, but they were already gone. She knew what this meant. If the Dread Generals were here, then Noxus was somewhere close.
​
Before she could say anything, the sound of deep, heavy footsteps echoed through the cavern. Slow, deliberate, growing louder with each passing second.
​
“Oh… I already have a feeling what this might be based on how large these footsteps are,” Kurohime muttered, summoning her scythe once again.
​
Eve, narrowing her eyes toward the tunnel, spoke in a low voice. “Whatever it is, I can tell it’s as big as a cave troll.”
​
Kurohime let out a nervous chuckle. “You aren’t wrong…”
​
As the creature emerged into the dim light, its sheer size became evident. It was indeed a cave troll, an undead one. Half of its face was missing, exposing part of its skull, while sections of its decaying flesh hung loosely from its massive frame. Its dull, lifeless eyes focused on them as it released a guttural snarl.
​
Nila covered her nose. “Well, that’s just disgusting. Just when I thought I was getting hungry… I can consider my appetite gone for a while.”
​
Sunder stepped forward, resting his greatsword on his shoulder. “You three hold back. Let your members have some fun.” He glanced back at Akame, Kurohime, and Morye before shifting his attention to the rest of the group. “The rest of you, join me.”
​
Akiko, Nila, Kasumi, Eve, and Ember immediately turned to Akame, awaiting her approval. She gave them a small nod. That was all they needed. Without hesitation, they charged forward, weapons drawn.
Just as they reached the cave troll, two more emerged from the passage behind the first, their rotting forms lumbering toward the group.
​
Sunder took immediate command. “Akiko, Nila. Keep the first one distracted. If you can kill it, do it.”
​
With that, he used the pommel of his greatsword to strike the first troll’s shin, sending it toppling to its knees. Akiko and Nila wasted no time, slicing away at it while it was vulnerable.
​
Sunder pressed forward with the rest. “Eve, Ember, Kurami. Take the one on the left. Kasumi and I will handle the one on the right.”
​
As the battle erupted, the cavern was filled with the sound of steel clashing against rotting flesh, the crackling of Ember’s flames, and the guttural roars of the undead trolls.
​
Morye remained standing still, her mind still reeling from what she had seen earlier.
​
Kurohime, standing beside Akame, finally spoke. “Think we can recruit him?” she asked, nodding toward Sunder with a smirk.
​
Akame let out a quiet chuckle. “I doubt it. I can never tell what he’s thinking. There’s a reason he’s been solo for all these years.”
​
Kurohime shrugged. “Wouldn’t hurt to try. At the very least, we can offer him a home base. If something comes out of it, that’s a win for us.”
​
Neither of them said anything more, simply watching as their guildmates clashed with the undead monstrosities, the light from Ember’s wisps and spells casting eerie shadows against the cavern walls. The battle was far from over.
​
Akiko and Nila fought with near-perfect synergy, their movements in tune as if they had trained together for years. Nila, with her agile and precise strikes, danced around the cave troll, targeting vital spots with her spear. Each movement was fluid, her spear finding tendons and weak points that forced the massive creature to falter. She never lingered too long in one place, always a step ahead of its lumbering attacks. Meanwhile, Akiko acted as the frontline, keeping the beast’s attention on herself. Though she had never been known for raw strength, her recent training with Luna and Suzuran had clearly paid off. Her endurance and resilience had improved significantly, allowing her to tank more powerful blows while creating openings for Nila.
​
Akame and Kurohime exchanged glances, silently impressed. Their guildmates were proving their worth in battle. On the other side of the cavern, Eve was having a more difficult time. Eve’s magic, normally lethal against the living, had little effect on an undead creature. Instead, she used her spells to snare and slow the cave troll, allowing Ember and Kurami to take advantage. Ember’s fire illuminated the battlefield, the flickering flames delivered devastating strikes. Kurami, refraining from using water magic due to Ember’s overwhelming flames, opted to assist with her raw strength, tearing into the undead troll with brutal axe swings.
​
The battle that was nearing its end quickest was Sunder and Kasumi’s. Kasumi, excelling in agility-based combat, had methodically severed the decaying troll’s tendons, rendering it unable to fight properly. Its movements became sluggish and unstable, giving Sunder the perfect opportunities to land devastating finishing blows. The troll barely had time to react before Kasumi’s blades cut through yet another critical tendon, making it flail wildly. Sunder ended it with one powerful downward swing, cleaving the creature apart before it could become a threat again.
​
Akiko and Nila had almost won their battle. Their troll, now kneeling after they had severed its legs, could only swing wildly in an attempt to land a final attack. Taking advantage of its weakened state, Akiko hurled her spear at its right shoulder, severing its arm and causing its giant club to drop to the ground with a thunderous crash. With their victory within reach, Nila leapt high into the air, her spear aimed directly at the troll’s skull, ready to deal the final blow.
​
But in an instant, everything went horribly wrong.
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Just as she descended, the troll’s head snapped upward. Its mouth, far larger than any living troll’s should have been, stretched open into an unnatural maw as it unhinged waiting for her. Before anyone could react, as soon as Nila entered its mouth, its jaws clamped shut.
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A muffled scream came from within. Akiko froze for only a fraction of a second before panic overtook her.
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“NILA!!!” she screamed, her voice filled with desperation. She lunged at the troll, clawing at its head in a frenzied attempt to pry its mouth open.
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Akame’s eyes widened, immediately drawing her katana. “Shit…” She bolted toward the troll with Kurohime close behind.
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“Try not to slice anything clean off where she might be. We do not want to harm Nila.” Akame ordered.
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Within moments, she and Kurohime were on the troll, Akame slicing off its other arm while Kurohime summoned her demonic flames to prevent it from regenerating its lost limbs. Akiko, fueled by sheer terror, continued to claw at its mouth recklessly, blood splattering everywhere as she ripped apart its flesh. The putrid stench of decayed muscle filled the air, but Akiko didn’t seem to notice or even care.
After agonizing seconds, she finally forced the mouth open wide enough to look inside.
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“NILA! PLEASE BE ALIVE!” she screamed, her voice breaking.
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A faint, muffled response came from deep within, already further down its throat. “Akiko!”
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Akame’s sharp hearing tracked the sound’s direction. “She’s not in the throat anymore—Akiko, get off the head! Now!”
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Without hesitation, Akiko leapt backward. The moment she was clear, Akame launched herself into the air, katana in hand. With one precise motion, she cleaved the troll’s head clean off.
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The massive body collapsed, but Akame didn’t waste a second. “We need to get her out, quickly! The fluids inside an undead can slowly dissolve her and she can suffocate.” She turned to Kurohime, urgency in her voice. “Slice open its stomach.”
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Without argument, Kurohime stepped on top the fallen troll’s body, lifting her scythe and driving its blade shallow into the abdomen. The thick, rotting flesh parted under the force of her swing, splitting open as a flood of bile, gore, and partially digested remains spilled onto the cavern floor.
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Akiko was already climbing onto the corpse, digging frantically through the rancid intestines, her claws shredding through the decaying flesh as she fought to reach Nila. The putrid stench hit everyone immediately. Thick, nauseating, suffocating. Akame and Kurohime instinctively turned their heads, but Akiko remained unfazed, too desperate to care.
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Minutes felt like hours as the search continued. Then, finally—
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“I’m in here!” A weak voice called from inside. “I can see light!”
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Akiko’s breath hitched. “Nila!”
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Digging faster, her claws scraped against a hand. Without hesitation, she grasped it and pulled with all her strength. The troll’s insides gave way as Nila emerged, gasping for air. The two tumbled backward onto the cavern floor, with Nila collapsing onto Akiko’s chest.
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For a moment, neither of them moved. Then, Akiko wrapped her arms around Nila in a vice grip, tears spilling down her face. “I thought I lost you…” she sobbed, holding onto her as tight as possible as if she’d disappear again.
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Nila let out a shaky breath, hugging her back. “That is something I don’t want to experience ever again.” She lifted her head slightly, leaning in towards Akiko’s face.
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“Don’t tell me you’re about to kiss,” Kurami’s dry voice interrupted, standing nearby with her axe resting on her shoulder. “Not while you’re covered in that rancid liquid. If you do, I might as well vomit now.”
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Akiko and Nila paused, glancing at each other, then down at their bodies. Their clothing was utterly drenched in the troll’s stomach fluids. The realization of the horrid stench hit them simultaneously. Their faces twisted in disgust.
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“Kurami,” Akiko said, pinching her nose shut, “you can use water magic, right?”
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Kurami raised a brow. “Yeah… why?”
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Akiko glanced around the cavern, then back at her. “Find a deep pit and fill it with water. We need a bath.”
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Kurami sighed and turned to Akame, who simply gave her a small nod of approval. Kurami muttered, “Alright, alright. I guess that’s fair after what you just went through.”
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“I’ll stand guard at the entrance to the next floor,” Sunder announced, already making his way over.
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Akame sheathed her katana. “This is a good time for a short break. But be quick about bathing, the longer we’re here, the higher the chance something else finds us.”
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The moment Akiko and Nila stepped away to bathe, Kurami led them toward a natural pit in the cavern, already filling it with water using her magic. Eve accompanied them, quietly casting a spell that created a hazy barrier, ensuring their silhouettes were the only things visible through the mist. Even though they were technically in enemy territory, she still valued their privacy.
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Morye and Kurohime stood watch at the back, their eyes constantly scanning the dimly lit pathways leading back to the upper floors, while the rest of the group took the opportunity to rest. Meanwhile, Akame approached Sunder, standing beside him at the entrance to the next floor.
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"Aside from what just happened, what do you think?" Akame asked, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye.
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Sunder remained quiet for a moment before responding. "You have a great group, they need a bit of training, but your guild clearly cares for each other, loves each other. I never thought you'd find something like this. Let alone lead a guild that embodies it."
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Akame gave a small chuckle, shaking her head. "Yeah... I'm still trying to figure out how I stumbled into all of this myself."
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Silence settled between them. Akame had on her mind. She thought back to her earlier conversation with Kurohime, about the possibility of bringing Sunder into their ranks,even if temporarily.
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"After all of this is done... would you consider coming to visit? Maybe train some of our members?" Her voice was different from her usual tone. Almost softer and almost uncertain.
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Sunder slightly turned his head, as if caught off guard by the question. He gave a small nod. "I’ll consider it."
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Akame exhaled lightly. It wasn’t a yes, but it wasn’t a no either. She'd take it.
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Meanwhile, from where she was sitting, Eve couldn't help but hear soft giggles slipping through the dark veil she had conjured. It wasn’t difficult to figure out what was probably happening inside the water-filled pit. Against her better judgment, she glanced back toward the silhouettes behind the veil.
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The blurred outlines of Akiko and Nila made it painfully obvious. Akiko’s hands were placed firmly on Nila’s butt, while Nila had her arms wrapped around Akiko’s neck. Even without seeing their faces, it was clear they were locked in a kiss.
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Eve’s face immediately turned red, and she buried it in her arms, trying to pretend she hadn't seen anything. "H-Hey, you two," she called out, clearing her throat. "Remember, you need to be quick! Akame told us we are still in a dangerous area."
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Akiko and Nila pulled apart from their kiss, stifling giggles. Akiko leaned in for one final peck on Nila’s lips before they both hurried to rinse off.
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Roughly fifteen minutes later, the group was back together, their weapons checked, their bodies rested, and their minds refocused. There were only two floors left until they reached the bottom of the cave.
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Moving forward once again, the tenth floor was eerily silent. There were no undead waiting for them, no remnants of a battle, and no sign of the Dread Generals. The eleventh floor was the same.
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Slowing their pace, the group moved with caution, expecting an ambush at any moment. But nothing came. There were no bodies, no enemies lurking in the shadows. It was as if the enemy had simply... vanished.
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And then, they reached the entrance to the final floor. Unlike the oppressive darkness that had suffocated the other levels, this descent was illuminated by an unnatural light. A faint green glow spilled out from below.
Kurohime and Morye didn’t hesitate. Without a word, they took the lead as if they already knew what waited for them. The rest of the group exchanged uncertain glances before following.
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As they descended to the final level, the cavern finally came into view. Unlike the sprawling, vast expanses of the previous floors, this chamber was more confined. But at the center of it stood what exactly they had hoped wouldn’t be here.
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A mirror... Similar to the one Kurohime, Akiko, and Eve had seen back on the surface just over a month ago on their scouting mission.
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Its surface rippled like black water, an active portal leading to somewhere far worse than these depths. The eerie green light came from torches mounted on the walls, all fueled by unholy fire.
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And standing on both sides of the mirror were the Dread Generals.
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The one on the left held a massive greataxe, its edge serrated like the teeth of a beast and decorated with bones. The one on the right had twin greatswords strapped to its back.
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Kurohime suddenly stopped Morye, gripping her by the arm.
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"Morye..." Kurohime whispered. "Do you still know how to use your illusionary magic from when we were kids?"
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Morye furrowed her brows. "Yeah, but I can only make small illusions. An item’s appearance or add details like bits of clothing... Why?"
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"That’s all I need." Kurohime’s tone was serious. "Put an illusionary cloak over me. Something with a hood to hide my face and upper body."
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Morye hesitated but nodded, lifting her hand. A faint shimmer of magic passed over Kurohime, forming the illusion of a cloak draped over her shoulders, the hood concealing her face.
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Before stepping forward, Kurohime turned to the rest of the group. "No one say my name from here on out. Not until this hood comes off. Understood?"
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The others nodded, understanding that whatever Kurohime was doing, it was important. With that, they stepped fully into the light.
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The Dread Generals stirred. As one, they took a single step forward, the sound of their heavy armor grinding against itself as they moved.
Then, they spoke in unison. "Lady Morye. Lord Noxus said you would show up."
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Morye stiffened. Her hands curled into fists at her sides. "He was expecting me?"
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"Of course. Lord Noxus said that if he hinted at the kingdom’s involvement in this fake invasion, you would reveal yourself and return home."
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A cold, sinking feeling spread in Morye’s chest. Her voice trembled with rage. "Are you telling me... that all of this, the deaths of everyone in this land and this cave, was all just to lure me here? To make me return home?"
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Kurohime could feel the fury building in Morye’s voice.
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"Yes. Your father awaits you now. You may bid your companions farewell." they both replied.
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Morye’s entire body shook, her voice rose. "Go fuck yourselves! After everything I just went through, does he really think I’m going to come running back to him like a lost child? He put mothers body here! He didn't even give her a proper burial!"
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The Dread Generals didn’t react to her outburst. Their voices remained eerily calm. "Lady Morye, please refrain from slandering our lord and your father. He may have to punish you again."
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Morye’s lips curled. "I’ll say whatever the fuck I want." But then, her tone shifted, becoming eerily composed. "I’ll go talk to him. But my companions are coming with me."
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The generals exchanged a glance, seemingly unsure if this was acceptable. Then, after a moment, they nodded in unison. "So be it."
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They turned to the mirror, their massive forms looming over it as the mirror’s portal expanded, the swirling black surface stretching wide enough for them to pass through. Without hesitation, the generals stepped forward, vanishing into the darkness beyond.
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The mirror shrank back to its normal size, its black glass still rippling.
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Morye took a deep breath, steadying herself. Then, she turned to the rest of the group, her gaze determined.
"Well then..." she said. "I think it’s time I confront my father. Will you join me, my friends?"