Salvos

Chapter 545: Lost For a While

545. Lost For a While

How is she?

Haec asked as he strode away from the corpse of the [Ouroboros]. He stood on solid ground no longer atop the river of lava. He walked on the strange gray rocks. Like they had been shattered and ground to dust, before piling up at his feet like little grains.

He shook his head, focusing his gaze on Aemula. She was lying on the ground as she bled from multiple cut wounds from the wild Archdemons attack. Not only that, but her legs were bent backwards probably from the [Cerberus of Hell]s powerful blast.

The fact that she was still alive caught Haec by surprise. But he was glad to see her now. It gave him an excuse to leave Taburas behind. If the [Succubus] was with Aemula, hed be able to rest well knowing that the two of them would likely make it back to the Demon Kings Domain just fine.

Taburas shrugged as she took a step back from the unconscious [Fiend].

Aemula will probably live. But shell need a long [Rest] before shes able to fight again. Shes just dead weight as she is right now.

That doesnt mean we should leave her behind.

Haec replied simply, hefting Aemula over his shoulders. The [Succubus] scowled.

I didnt say that!

Then what were you implying?

He stared at Taburas with a frown. She shrank back, harrumphing.

Im stating facts. Aemula cant help us in her current state. But Im not suggesting that we leave her here to die. Lets just go back already, alright?

The [Succubus] raised her head, looking up at the open ceiling of the crevice. Haec followed her gaze, and all he saw was the scarred red sky above. A white rift tore through the heavens, and black lightning flashed high overhead, where he couldnt even see. He looked back down at Taburas as he sighed.

I dont believe we should return to the surface just yet. It is best for us to lay low down here until we are certain the [Cerberus of Hell] is gone.

Are you sure?

Taburas asked hesitantly. She fidgeted as she adjusted the summoning collar on her neck.

What if the Deathsquad Hunters track us down for desertion?

I will handle it, Taburas. Do not worry.

Haec gave her a reassuring smile, but she didnt look convinced. He patted her on the shoulder and held her gaze.

I am the Heir of the Netherworld. I will explain our predicament to them. They will understand.

I

Taburas opened her mouth. Slowly, she smiled as she raised her head.

I trust you, Haec. Let us survive this, together.

Let us do that.

Haec replied as he turned around. And as he swept his gaze over his surroundings, he could only feel a slight pang of guilt. But still, he pressed on.

Now come on.

It took Betrugil a while of swimming in lava before he found his way onto a beach. He gasped in relief when he clambered onto the rocky gray shore. He snuffed out the flames by rolling on the ground for a few moments. Then he got to his feet, patting himself down.

Alright, now how do I get back?

He swept his gaze over his surroundings. This rocky shore stretched out in both directions down the crevice, before breaking off into another ravine cutting through to the left. The bubbling streak of lava poured down alongside this little sliver of land, and he pursed his lips.

Hm, I think I may be completely lost.

Betrugil wasnt even sure which direction led back to the Demon Kings Domain. And even if he knew the way, he couldnt just walk there. He had to follow the path of the crevice. Which would have led him on a long roundabout journey if he picked the wrong ravine to follow. He sighed, lowering his head for a moment.

Then he heard a rumbling coming from down the nearby ravine. His eyes narrowed as he raised his clawed hands. A looming shadowed figure emerged down the corner. Eight spindly legs carried the beast along the walls of the crevice as it gazed upon him with glowing crimson eyes.

[Greater Arachne - Lvl. 85]

Betrugil rolled his eyes.

And its going to be dangerous too? Just great

He braced himself as the wild Demon charged his way.

Look, standing around here and arguing amongst ourselves wont get us anywhere. We need to work together if we want to live

Haec started. But a powerful explosion interrupted him. He spun around as the rock wall behind him smashed open. A giant undulating figure burrowed out into the crevice, hissing as it towered over the four Archdemons.

Betrugil blinked as Haec, Taburas, and Aemula stared in horror at the wild Demon.

[Uroboros - Lvl. 155]

I did tell you were all going to die.

Betrugil spoke simply, and the [Uroboros] hissed, charging down at them.

It had been so long. I had been lost down here for ages. I couldnt keep track of time without the sun and that was only exacerbated by the fact that this layer of the Netherworld had been partially corrupted. It made it almost impossible to navigate. Even with [Planar Navigation] and my other Class Skills, I was pretty much trapped in place.

I was going to lose my mind down here. I couldnt even progress more than a few feet before my world was turned upside down. If I wanted to escape, I would have to wait in place for a passing Corrupted Netherstone to hitch a ride.

But I refused to leave. I had already started my way down here, and I was going to keep going I was going to continue on until it was too dangerous for me to remain. And that was when I was going to try to make my escape.

So I persisted. Until finally

General Skill [Corruption Resistance] has leveled up!

[Corruption Resistance - Lvl. 2] -> [Corruption Resistance - Lvl. 3]!

Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!

General Skill [Corruption Resistance] has leveled up!

[Corruption Resistance - Lvl. 4] -> [Corruption Resistance - Lvl. 5]!

Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!

General Skill [Corruption Navigation] Learned!

Experience is awarded for the learning of a General Skill!

Class [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!

[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 130] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 131]

Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!

Class [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!

[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 131] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 132]

Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!

Class [Draconic Apprentice] Level Up!

[Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 132] -> [Draconic Apprentice - Lvl. 133]

Gained 2 Secondary Skill Points!

Finally! Im free!

The notifications resounded in my head, and I took a step forward as I sighed in relief. I felt an odd sensation overcome me, but there was a flicker around my body. I wasnt teleported into another spot whether it be upside down on the ceiling or standing on the wall. Even as I continued walking forward in this hallway of corrupted space, the corruption didnt affect me.

Now then

I grinned as I raised my Divine Nebular Scythe.

Lets see what this second layer has to offer.