After the battle was over, they pick 7 golden fruits and from the golden tree and two artifacts from the defeated boss’s corpse.
Fyar approached Zaefal, who was examining one of the artifacts.
"What’s the price for this one?" Fyar asked.
Zaefal patted his pouch. "Around one hundred and twenty gold pieces total. the effect are increases physical strength by up to fifty-five percent. not bad is it?"
I can be a little more at ease about money from now on, Fyar thought. He gave Zaefal a thumbs-up. "Not bad."
"I’m sorry, everyone..."
The faint voice made Fyar and Zaefal turn their heads. Illya stood with slumped shoulders, her face pale showing extreme exhaustion.
"What’s wrong, Illya?" Fyar moved closer, his tone softening.
"I-I think I’ve reached my limit," Illya answered, her voice trembling . She didn’t dare to meet her friends eyes. "I’m sorry... my magic energy is depleted. I’ll need a full day to recharge it."
...The situation will be dangerous if we continue. Illya is at her breaking point. Fyar glanced at Rasie and Zaefal. He could see the lines of fatigue on their faces as well.
If I hadn’t gotten Neutralize, our victory against that second boss wouldn’t have been guaranteed. The best option is to retreat. Maybe we can find an easier level 10 dungeon to meet their level-up requirement. Besides, there’s a high-level battle happening in this area.
After coming to a conclusion, Fyar nodded slowly. "I think we should retreat," he said
Rasie’s expression changed instantly. "Are you an idiot?!"
she staring at Fyar in disbelief. "We’ve come this far and you want to retreat?! We have two targets left, TWO MORE!"
Fyar sighed. "I know, Rasie. I know."
"Then what’s the problem?! How convenient... As soon as you get what you want, we just go home like that!"
"Our current situation doesn’t allow for it," Fyar replied calmly, raising his fingers to count. "Illya has run out of energy, you and Zaefal are tired, and there’s another dangerous fight nearby."
"I’m fine you stupid shit!" Rasie countered. "Besides—"
"He’s right, Rasie," Zaefal cut in.
Rasie was stunned. "Z-Zaefal? You too now?" Rasie put on a disappointed expression at Zaefal
"What Fyar said is true. Our condition is no longer optimal," Zaefal said with a sigh.
He gave a small smile and gently patted Rasie’s shoulder. "Continuing would only add to the risk. we can try again in another dungeon.... Now Fyar has his power back, we can prepare better. Do you want to force Illya rasie? look at her LOOK AT HER"
Rasie fell silent. He shifted his gaze to Illya, whose face was so pale it looked as if she could faint at any moment.
After a few seconds silence, Rasie muttered softly, "tch...Fine."
"Thank you" said Zaefal.
"I’m sorry, Rasie... I’m holding back your progress," Illya whispered, bowing her head deeply.
Rasie gave a small laugh, then roughly ruffled Illya’s hair. "You silly thing."
"Ow, that hurts," Illya complained, but a small smile formed on her lips.
"Alright, burn your papers," Zaefal said, waving the teleportation paper in his hand.
They haven’t asked about my power yet. Thank goodness, Fyar thought. He took the paper from his pocket and began to burn it.
Instantly, a bright light surrounded their bodies. A strong pulling sensation snatched their consciousness for a moment.
Sssst.
The previously damp air that smelled of blood was now sweet and warm. Fields of pink grass and flowers stretched out under a sky of the same color. Giant mushrooms with pink caps rose from the rolling hills.
Fyar let out a long breath. "Finally..."
Rasie walked ahead of the others without a word.
He’s still upset, huh... Fyar thought. He then turned to Illya. "Illya, come here. I’ll carry you again."
Illya gave a weak nod, smiling gratefully. She took a step toward Fyar, her body swaying slightly.
SHLICK!
Illya’s eyes widened. She looked down at her stomach. A sharp, dark blade of shadow was now piercing through her body from behind.
Cough!
Fresh blood spurted from her lips. Her body went limp instantly.
"Where do you think you’re going?"
A casual male voice came from behind them. Fyar, Zaefal, and Rasie spun around in unison. There stood a man with messy black hair parted in the middle. Round, blood-red sunglasses rested on his nose, hiding his eyes. He wore an elegant black suit with intricate gold embroidery on the collar and shoulders, layered with a long purple cape also adorned with gold patterns. Purple gloves covered both his hands.
"Thinking you can just run away is not very nice ish ish," the man said, a cynical smile playing on his lips.