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Chapter 14, Apocalypse Alice

The Fourth and Final level of the Empress' Grave Labyrinth.

According to the combined reports of Support Magician Himi and Team Japan's Hikari, the path to where the Diseased Girl, Kiri Kiryuu is both simple, yet dangerous at the same time. The Diseased Girl is located inside a structure at the very bottom of the Empress' Grave Labyrinth. She was housed in a large and old temple like building.

Hikari and Himi reported that the path to the Girl involved keeping straight and continuing down the cave tunnel they were currently in without deviating. This pathway spiraled down like a wide stairwell. There were hundreds – no thousands of different passages throughout the tunnels walls, but just going straight would lead to where the Diseased Girl waited.

As for the monsters, there are only Elite level monsters of all varieties present in the Fourth and Final Level of the Empress' Grave Labyrinth. Further scans of the Labyrinth revealed that 70% of the Elite monsters on the Fourth Level guarded the downward spiraling tunnel that would lead them straight to the Diseased Girl. Team Japan and Hero Team had no choice but to break through if they wanted to reach the Diseased Girl in time.

Shiro: Okay, did everyone remember the layout of the Labyrinth? Once we start running we can't stop to check the right path to Kiri, no the Diseased Girl. It's a simple straight path forward from here, but if anyone gets forced off the path and into a different route, there will only be an endless maze waiting for you if either Himi or Hikari aren't with you. You be chased by hundreds of Elites and most likely will not make it in time for the battle of against the Diseased Girl.

Shin: We have it memorized, and who can get lost anyways? It's a straight path after all.

Shinnosuke: You all had better commit it to memory. If you can't remember a simple route like this you should just go and die somewhere. Also, we don't have time to escape down a different path when we have less than an hour to reach the girl.

Misaki: This guy...

Shin: Cool it Misaki. We all need to work together to survive, so stop arguing.

Gunjou: As long as you don't get any of us killed.

Shin: ...No one else is going to die.

Shinnosuke: There's no guarantee of that-

Shiro: No, Shin is right! No one, Shin's group, or ours will die. No one else will die. Things will be difficult without Yousuke to watch our backs, but for his sake no one can die in this raid. I don't want him blaming himself for not being here if someone else dies as he wasn't there to protect us.

Having said that downcasted eyes, Shiro took the lead through the cave tunnels of the fourth and final level of the Empress' Grave Labyrinth, with everyone else following directly behind. Like every other level of the Labyrinth, the fourth level was illuminated by its on color from the minerals of covering the walls.

First Level was red.

Second Level was yellow.

The previous Third Level was purple.

And finally, the fourth and final level was Blue.

Shin: (The blue shouldn't be that ominous, but the feeling of death is at its strongest here on the final level. It's so powerful that it's almost unbearable. With each new level the air of death and the strength of the spawned monsters increases to match, so there's no reason to believe the final stretch won't turn out the same way).

As Shin thought these things, he couldn't help but remind his comrades what to do once they encounter the monsters that would certainly block their way.

Shin: Everyone, remember the plan and your roles. We will simply break through the enemy's ranks and push forward. Kill in one blow or temporary disable the Elite Monsters. Don't let it develop into a fight! If we fight each and every monster, we'll be surrounded and killed by the hundreds of Elite monsters that roam this level. We also won't make it for the final battle. Shiro and Aqua will take the lead as forward attackers. Shinnosuke and I will defend the sides as we run. Gunjou will take the rear position. Hikari, Misaki, Kampa, Shuai, Connor, and Jin, along with Himi, will stay in the center. None of you have the definite firepower to defeat an Elite quickly, so work together or don't fight at all. Shuai, watch out and warn us of any assassin type monsters that may sneak up on us. Once we reach the exit we'll blow the tunnel with bombs, sealing it off. Everyone, do your best and keep running 'til we reach the temple... and if anyone falls behind that's it. For the sake of the team we can't go back to save anyone, so please don't stop running and don't trip. Understood!?

Everyone: Yes!

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Five Skeleton Elites stood before us on the path that would lead to the Diseased Girl. They had their glowing swords raised and were about to discharge their magic sword slashes. Once released, Team Japan and Hero Team would be eliminated.

Shin: Shiro!

Shiro: I'm on it! Penitence Severance Switch!

Shiro screamed angrily.

A huge knife appears in Shiro's already extended hands. His knife has been expanded to an oversized length, long enough to mow down all five Elite monsters at the same time. Executing such a strike would normally off-balance a fighter, opening them up to a counterstrike. It's natural for the Elite monsters to take some kind of action to avoid or block his attack, but Shiro wasn't the least bit bothered. Shiro's strength allowed him to swing that large weapon with incredible ease.

As the Elites were about to unleash the energy they had built up, Shiro's slash came first. His slash held tremendous power. His knife (now properly long enough to be called a sword) carved through the air cutting the walls and even space itself as it bisected each of the five Elites from the waist down. They were incapable of moving and were still alive. Aqua instinctively moved to finish them off.

Shin: Don't bother with finishing them off and run! There are dozens of Elites about to catch up with us!

Everyone put those immobile Elites out of their minds and ran forward as Shin had planned. For Team Japan, those Elites were valuable points, but they didn't have the time to waste. That was how desperate of a situation they were in. As that very moment two Elite Skeleton Spearman were on their tail, leading a pack of dozen Elite monsters dripping with murderous intent.

Aqua: Shin, Shinnosuke! Those two are going to catch up with us and there are more monsters ahead. Quickly take them out!

Shin: Alright!

Shinnosuke: Don't order me around! Vomit Girl, use your magic to distract them!

Gunjou: I told you not to call me that! Defensive Tyrant Switch!

Gunjou was clearly angry, but that didn't slow her down from doing her job as she activated her magic: Defensive Tyrant Magic.

Gunjou shouted the name of her magic with her hands crossed over one another. Before her hands, a current of water burst forth. It would normally surround Gunjou as a defensive shield, but she projected the magic between the two spring Elites following the group.

The water currents struck of the two Elites and caused them to stumble. It was only a momentary opening, but one that the speed type attacks of the group could take advantage of.

Shinnosuke: Acceleration Switch!

Shin: Instant Movement!

At speeds impossible for normal humans to match or even follow, Shin and Shinnosuke disappeared and reappeared behind the backs of the two Elites caught off guard.

The black demon sword that finds the weakness of its target and the black magic sword capable of increasing its weight endlessly each found their mark as the two wielding those swords struck their opponents. One with brute force and the other with precision cut down the two Elites and rejoined their comrades.

- SIDE QUEST REWARD, ELITE LABYRINTH MONSTER KILL - 50 POINTS ACQUIRED.

Shin: Just how much longer 'til we're there!?

Himi: We're almost there! Just up ahead is where the Diseased Girl, Kiri, is waiting for us!

Aqua: Good, but we have a problem!

Shin and the rest of the group looked forward and saw what Aqua was afraid of. The exit of the tunnel was up ahead, but the exit was heavily guarded by countless monsters. Scores of Elite monsters of all types stood guard. There were no gaps in the enemy's defenses, so the only way to get past and to the other side was to break to break through with force.

Gunjou: What do we do?

Shiro: We can only break through! I'll make an opening with Fate Reversal Switch, but it'll still take some time to clear them out.

Shin: Shiro, Aqua, and also Shinnosuke and Gunjou! All four of you quickly break through and open a path for us. I'll stall the monsters chasing after us from the rear!

Shinnosuke: By yourself?

Shin: Yes!

With his Gravity Blade already in hand, Shin faced the untold number of enemy Elite monsters about to catch up to them. The pressure of the situation allowed Shin to go into Unlocked Mode, entering the First Stage of the Genetic Constraint. At the same time Shin brought out the full potential of his One-eye Ghoul Mutation by bringing out his Kagune.

Gunjou: Aww, what a disgusting looking magic!

Shinnosuke: I couldn't agree anymore.

Shin: It's cool! Kampa, Shuai, Connor, and Jin! Just hit anything that moves, protect Hikari and Himi and stay alive!

After saying that Shin charged back where dozens, no hundreds of Elite monsters stampeded after Team Japan and Hero Team. Shin's Instant Movement allowed him to quickly reach the leading pack of Elite monsters. Their weapons were readied to meet Shin, but it was a pointless action.

With no reguard for Ki consumption Shin fired countless Far Bullets at the leading group of Elites and watched as they doubled over in a brutal crash, tripping up the monsters behind them. Shin knew he had an opportunity to dispatch each of the fallen Elites, but instead he stepped over them and attacked the next group of Elite monsters.

Shin: (Can't bother with each and every one. Just keep hitting them and gain their full attention. Attack, attack, attack, attack, and attack!)

Shin couldn't allow a single Elite monster through without risking the lives of the entire team. The fear of failing as the leader again and the threat of his comrades' death pushed Shin even further and he Unlocked the Second Stage of the Genetic Constraint. It was the first time since the battle with Saki in the real world and Shin wasn't going to waste his chance.

With arms expanded more than two times their size, Shin wielded his Gravity Blade and slashed an Elite Monster in two. With strengthened legs fueled by Ki Energy, Shin kicked away another Elite and used it as a springboard to jump towards an Elite about to reach Hikari's group and he cleanly sliced its head off. Another Elite tried to reach the others, but Shin sent a Kagune tentacle to ensnare its leg, lifting and throwing the Elite into a group of its fellow monsters.

- SIDE QUEST REWARD, ELITE LABYRINTH MONSTER KILL - 50 POINTS ACQUIRED!

Jin: Hahaha, so cool! When did Shin become a Ghoul!?

Connor: It's hard to believe Shin is still human. He's even in a deeper level of Unlocked Mode than me, but he's going to die if he keeps fighting so recklessly.

Kampa: Focus everyone! Shin is doing his best, but there are hundreds of monsters behind us. An Elite might still slip through. Keep your eyes open!

Hikari: Aqua and the others have almost broken through the monsters guarding the entrance, we should be ready to assist Shin escape when it's time...

Shuai: Watch out! Above!

Shuai was the first to notice thanks to his ghost activity looking out for danger, but by the time the others looked up they were already taken by surprise. Five Elite Undead Assassins had crawled along the ceiling and jumped down at the group. Shin was vigilant of any monster attempting to pass by him, but the Elite version of the Assassin type monsters held stealth abilities above their normal counter parts.

Connor was the first to react as he had entered into Unlocked Mode. An Elite Assassin was about to use a dagger to stab his heart, but with the borrowed Auto 9 with Magic Amplifier, he fired hollow point rounds point blank into the physically weak assassin's throat. It did not survive.

- SIDE QUEST REWARD, ELITE LABYRINTH MONSTER KILL - 50 POINTS ACQUIRED!

Connor immediately looked over to the others ready to assist, but in that brief exchange the situation was already taken care of by Shin.

Shin: Shit!

Shin was already engaged against multiple Elite monsters when he finally noticed the assassins about to strike down his comrades. He cursed, but he wasn't too late as Four Kagune tentacles shot out towards the Elite monsters. In the Second Stage the Kagune tentacles he normally had trouble controlling were perfectly manipulated and shot out like arrows towards the Elite Assassins.

- SIDE QUEST REWARD, ELITE LABYRINTH MONSTER KILL - 50 POINTS ACQUIRED.

The Four Kagune reached the remaining Elite Undead Assassins, and killed three. Three had their chest pierced through and the fourth had its leg captured. Before Shin could order the rest of his Kagune to finish the job, the Elite monster cut off its own leg to escape, making a last ditch attempt to kill one member of Team Japan, Hikari.

Shin: Hikari!

Hikari: !!!

Hikari didn't have time to even scream. The Elite was too fast for Shin's Kagune to reach the Elite in time, and so he could only watch as a blade stabbed at Hikari... or that's what would have happen if not for Jin's intervention.

Jin: Ghaaa!!!

Jin stepped between Hikari and the Elite Undead Assassin and took the slash for her. Jin used his forearm to block the slash, but the blade pierced through his forearm and stabbed into his shoulder. The force of the stab brutally hacked his arm off. The Elite swiftly retracted its blade and was ready to finish off Jin and move on to Hikari, but the Elite lost its chance.

Misaki: Damn you!

Misaki charged at the Elite Undead Assassin. His fist empowered by the force of Haki and flames blew away the Elite Assassin, and immediately after it was filled with rounds from Kampa's M14A Pulse Rifle.

- SIDE QUEST REWARD, ELITE LABYRINTH MONSTER KILL - 50 POINTS ACQUIRED!

Everyone was glad the incident was over, even if they didn't get off unscathed, but they couldn't even enjoy that moment. Shin jumped away from the endless army of monsters and barked orders at everyone.

Shin: Sorry, I can't hold them back any more! All of the monsters have caught up and now there are hundreds of them! We have to go!

Misaki: Shit! Is this the end?

Himi: Everyone! Shiro and the others cleared a path for us!

They all looked and confirmed Himi's good news. Aqua, Shiro, Shinnosuke, and Gunjou looked beat up having pushed themselves quickly to clear away the monsters, but they succeeded. They immediately called for the others to come. Noticing the army of Elites closing behind them, they also began to run.

Shin: Great. Hikari, Shuai, Connor, and Himi get moving! Misaki, grab Jin and carry him out. Also, Kampa, please carry me.

Kampa: Sure, but why-

Kampa didn't get to finish his sentence as he watched Shin fall to the ground violently trembling.

Shin had gotten used to the First Stage, but the Second Stage was still new to him. The pain was terrible and temporarily crippled him. Shin could have stayed in Unlocked Mode longer, but he had to conserve his strength for the final battle.

Kampa and the others were confused, but Aqua who saw what happened ran back and knew what happened.

Aqua: That idiot! He went into the Second Stage to hold them back. Kampa grab him! Everyone get moving if you don't want to die!

No one waited for Aqua to yell at them anymore and everyone started running. The enemy monsters wishing to tear them apart followed after them. The exit was right before them and once they passed they knew they'd be safe. Not because the monsters couldn't follow them, but because Hero Team and Team Japan weren't going to let them.

Shiro: Aqua! The grenades!

Aqua: Already on it!

Aqua reached into her RPG Bag and took out as many grenades as possible and like how Shin would do with Ki Energy, she channeled her Aura into the grenades. Once Aqua was done she threw them back into the tunnel and jumped away.

- *EXPLOSION*!!!

- SIDE QUEST REWARD, ELITE LABYRINTH MONSTER KILL - 50 POINTS ACQUIRED!

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Hikari: I'm glad.... I'm glad that we are finally safe.

Shuai: At least for the moment. For a second there I thought we were all goners.

Kampa: I have to agree. Hikari, Jin, and even leader here almost died back there.

Shin: And I feel terrible. This is truly a nasty Labyrinth. I originally thought this Labyrinth was somewhat easy, but I was definitely mistaken. This place is can be barely managed with magic weapons and special powers, but otherwise this place is a death trap, especially this final level. We wouldn't have made it either without the backup of Hero Team. That's a fact.

Aqua: Well, this level of difficulty is what's expected from a Twenty Man Difficulty Mission. This is your first time, so you'll get used to it.

Shin: I really don't want to get used to this.

Aqua: You better. Also, the mission isn't over yet, so keep it together and recover as fast as possible. We're going to face the Girl in a few minutes.

Shin: You just had to remind me... Also, what's with this place? The final battles were never had such a dramatic setting in the novels... though it's still pretty cool.

Shin took in his surroundings with wide eyes.

The entire floor of the chamber they were currently in was surrounded in a light blue mist that rose all the way up to everyone's kneecaps. Mist was continuously streaming out from the entrance of the large structure in the middle of the room.

A temple.

The large structure was over 300 ft. tall was a with an old rustic feel. Shin and the others couldn't help but admire the building, and, if not for the extreme feeling of death emanating from inside, it would have been a building to look at with awe and wonder rather than fear for one's life.

Shiro: Yo, how are you feeling? You don't look good. Are you up for one last fight? Your skills are impressive and so is your magic. We'll definitely need your strength for this final battle.

Shin: I'll be okay. It's just... what a terrible bloodlust this is. I was hoping that since you said that this Kiri was your friend-

Shiro: That the final fight would be easy? Honestly, I was hoping for the same thing, but after becoming a Diseased Girl, Kiri must have gone mad and ridiculously powerful as well. Her transformation was under obviously suspicious circumstances as well. Hey, Shinnosuke! Will that stay sealed?

Shiro looked towards the exit they had all just passed and sealed with rubble. Shinnosuke and Gunjou were inspecting the tunnel exit while everyone was either resting up.

Shinnosuke: I'll hold for now.

Shiro: Does that mean it won't later?

Gunjou: It definitely won't hold for long. Those Elite monsters that weren't buried alive in that blast, or crushed from the ceiling collapsing down on them are definitely trying to break their way through. I can feel them on the other side. We definitely don't have forever before they break through.

Shiro: That's not good. Even before time's up and the Labyrinth turns into an Eternal Labyrinth we may be killed by an army of monsters!

Shin: Time...

Shin checked the time on Headphone Fuzz and understood that they really didn't have the time, or even the energy to face both the Diseased Girl and am army of monsters.

- [Zero Hours - Fifteen Minutes - Twenty-nine Seconds]

Shin: Just fifteen minutes left. Just fifteen minutes to defeat the girl. Hikari, it doesn't really matter at this point, but check it what the situation is like on the other side and how many monsters that there are.

Shiro: Himi as well. Check the structure of the temple and give out a layout of what's waiting for us. I want to know if there are any traps in this fog.

Hikari: Alright.

Himi: I'm on it.

Hikari with her Persona ability and Himi with her support magic, they both started to scan the surroundings and soon gave reports.

Hikari estimated that there were well over a hundred Elite monsters still alive on the other side of the collapsed tunnel and were currently attempting to break through the obstruction. Also, the monsters from the First, Second, and Third Levels had left their respective locations and gathered together to join the monsters on the Fourth and Final Level of the Labyrinth. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that once the collapsed tunnel is cleared, Team Japan and Hero Team will be drowned by the threat of thousands of monsters.

Himi then explained the layout of the temple where the Diseased Girl, Kiri waits. The entire ground floor is shrouded in mist that rises up to the knees that was impossibly thick. There were also large supporting pillars and interlocking beams supporting the temple roof, which were thick enough for people to stand and fight on. There aren't any traps and the Diseased Girl is alone.

Shin: So she is alone in there. That doesn't make me feel better at all.

Shiro: I agree. Diseased Girls that that don't have any monsters to guard them are incredibly powerful to a lethal degree. Since we have a good number of magicians for the final fight, I would have preferred if Kiri was the type who was weak herself and had to use other to fight. Himi! Are you sure she is alone?

Himi: Yes. I don't sense anything else inside the temple, but I can't be one hundred percent sure. Maybe if I had more time-

Shinnosuke: No, we'll all go in now. We don't have that much time to fight Kiri. She's now a Diseased Girl of a rank 44 Labyrinth. The rank 20 Asahi Momoka Diseased Girl nearly wiped us out when we had only five minutes to face her. We don't have the time to waste. Anyone who is coming come now, or ESCAPE. Everyone from here on is responsible for their own lives.

Saying such harsh words Shinnosuke began to walk towards the temple entrance and Gunjou followed after him, both waiting for anyone else joining in the final battle.

Shiro: Shin, I would suggest that among your team, only Aqua and you should join us. Only you two can keep up with us and the rest are wounded or tired out from all the running. From here on out it's a battle for the death to save a friend and comrade, so I won't ask for any of you to die. Discuss it with them and meet us by the temple entrance. Once there are only ten minutes remaining we'll rush inside and begin the final battle.

Having said what he needed to say to Shin, Shiro went over to join Shinnosuke and Gunjou, with Himi following after. Shin considering Shiro's parting words and looked over towards his comrades. Now that they were all at the bottom most level of the Empress' Grave Labyrinth it was finally possible for a few to escape. It was time to consider who was to stay for the final battle and who were to ESCAPE.

Hikari was out of the question. She wasn't even a fighter and was tired from all of the running.

Misaki looked like he could keep fighting as he wasn't injured, yet Shin doubted that he could even hope to keep up with a difficulty rank 44 Diseased Girl (Hell, I doubt even I will be much help).

Aqua has been fighting nonstop the last six hours, but she had high regeneration powers like himself, so she could continue just fine even if not at 100%.

Kampa was in good condition like Misaki, but for the same reasons as Misaki he wasn't cut out for the final battle.

Shuai didn't have the power to fight, not really at his stage of enhancements.

Shin: As for the newbies...

Shin walked over to the two loyal New Players who were still alive to see how they were doing. When Shin made it over to where they were resting he saw that Connor was helping Jin out. Jin, in an effort to save a comrades life, took the attack of an Elite monster, losing use of his arm in the process. Unless Jin survives and make it to the Terminal Lobby, he won't be able to live a normal life as he did before.

Shin: (Still, both Jin and Connor did incredibly well).

Over and over again they had surprised Shin and the others with their ability to survive and help Team Japan survive as well. Shin personally had some problems with Jin's personality, but his intelligence and selfless act of risking his own life to save Hikari left a deep impression on him.

Shin: Connor, how's Jin condition?

Connor: He'll make it. His right arm was severed off, but this Hemostasis Spray works like magic and stopped the bleeding. He'll have to live with a stump, but he will live.

Jin: I feel fine... is a lie, but I can keep going. I still have one Ice and one Lightning Magic Attack Scroll left. I can use them with one arm, so I can contribute to the final battle.

Shin: Jin... you saved Hikari's life, so despite your bad personality I would like you to stay alive... but that's my personal opinion and not that as the leader. If you want to fight then fight, but just remember your life is your own responsibility from here out.

Jin: Will do. I definitely want to prove myself as worthy as a member of Team Japan... although I'm trash.

Shin: Your first thought should be about survival, but whatever. Connor, you've unlocked your constraint, so I can trust your ability. You may not have the means to fight by just borrowing my Auto 9, but you're by no means useless. Your top priority is to survive as a Newbie to gain enhancements, so just do your best.

Connor: I didn't need the speech leader. The idea of running away and having others fight for my survival is unpleasant. I'm going in.

Shin: Good.

Shin confirmed the resolve that both Connor and Jin had (Jin seemed to still be playing around), and then called the others members of Team Japan over. Hikari, Misaki, Aqua, Kampa, Shuai, Connor, and Jin. Shin told them about who should and who should not join in the final battle, that only Aqua and himself were qualified to face the rank 44 Diseased Girl.

Shin did his best to explain how difficult the battle will be, but to his surprise, even what he was hoping against, everyone refused to use ESCAPE. They were all committed to joining the battle. Shin was a little proud that his teammates were so brave (maybe foolish is the better word, but so is their leader), but he laid down conditions.

Shin: If you're all going to take part in this fight then don't try and do more than what you can. Only Aqua and I can directly face off against the Diseased Girl Kiri.

Aqua: Also, we absolutely do have to be the ones responsible for defeating the Diseased Girl. If we don't and even one member of Hero Team dies in this battle then we'll all wipe out.

Shin: Yeah. I feel bad for Hero Team since we've worked together so far and then there's the matter with Yousuke, but out team member lives come first. Even if no one on their sides dies, we need the points so that our time here wasn't an entire waste. We can't kill them, so Aqua or I will have to kill the Diseased Girl before Shinnosuke uses his magic to save her. Now...

Shin looked towards Misaki, Kampa, Connor, and Jin and gave them a direct order.

Shin: You four can attack if you see an opening, but for the most part focus on defense and staying alive. You all really don't have the ability to fight Kiri after she transformed into a rank 44 Diseased Girl, but we need all the help that we can get. Hikari.

Hikari: Yes...

Shin: I'm not sure if Himi will take part in the battle, but stay with her since she will be in the back as a support magician. If you can, try to drag away anyone who's unable to fight/move anymore and then have Himi heal them. They don't need to be able to fight again, but make sure they stay alive.

Hikari: Okay. I'll also warn everyone if the monsters on the other side of the tunnel break through and try to join the battle.

Shin: Please do. Also, if they do in fact break through, immediately after warning us, ESCAPE without hesitation! No questions asked and bother trying to save anyone. If you can't promise me that, then I'll have you ESCAPE now. Shuai, your job is simple, and a bit important as well.

Shuai: What is it.

Shin: Shuai, I want you to be in charge of Hikari's protection, and Himi as well. You can also use your Shaman tools to distract the Diseased Girl. It may not amount to much, but you could end up being the key to this battle... with your parlor-tricks.

Shuai: You didn't need to add that last part. I get the point. I'll protect Hikari and I'll definitely find an opening for you and Aqua.

Shin: Good. It's almost time everyone, so let's-

Shinnosuke: Hey! If you're done sharing your feelings and that crap get over here already! It's time!

As Shinnosuke rudely said, it was time to start the final battle of the Empress' Grave Labyrinth and the mission God handed to us all. A few of us were injured, everyone was dead tired from close to six hours of running and fighting undead type monsters... yet no one ran away. No one here used ESCAPE to leave this dangerous Labyrinth for the peaceful world outside.

Shinnosuke: Remember. I have to be the one to deliver the final blow to the Diseased Girl. Her movements have to stop for at least three seconds, but my magic is absolute. It'll both defeat and save Kiri... still, there's less then fifteen minutes left before this Labyrinth transforms into an Eternal Labyrinth. If there is only one minutes left then non-essential combatants should just ESCAPE. We have no time to waste, so let's move!

Shinnosuke finished what he had to say and walked through the entrance of the temple shrouded in deep blue mist. Even though there are only five minutes remaining, no one hesitated to walk in. Additionally, this is a high level Labyrinth. No one could even imagine how dangerous the Diseased Girl really was. Even the Light Novel hardly conveyed what the true strength of a rank 40+ Diseased Girl.

Despite having made the decision to ESCAPE if things become bad, the chance of dying is high. Even so, everyone stayed. In other words, and as Shinnosuke would put it, these fellows are missing a few screws like a crazy driver with his foot down on the accelerator; either that or, they are burdened with some special circumstances that didn't allow them to retreat. Nevertheless, they each strode into the building where their fate would be decided.

For the sake of saving their friend Kiri Kiryuu from the Labyrinth Disease and her fate as a Diseased Girl, Hero Team's Shinnosuke, Shiro, Gunjou, and even Himi marched forward.

For the sake of completing the mission in the world of Apocalypse Alice and not wanting to leave before the final judgement was made, whether Team Japan would live to fight another day or die within the Labyrinth, Hikari, Misaki, Aqua, Kampa, Shuai, the two newbies Connor and Jin, and myself included... not a single person chose to ESCAPE the Labyrinth.

We had all gathered before the entrance to the large temple. Inside awaited the Diseased Girl of the rank 44 Labyrinth, Kiri Kiryuu. A magician, capable swordsman, and spy of Kowloon Devils Group, but above all a member of Hero Team.

There was already a discussion of the magic she uses, but Hero Team only knows about Nine-Fold Switch, a magic to absorb any nine attacks. Team Japan knows of the additional magic she uses to paralyze her enemies, but that was it. Only two of Kiri Kiryuu's six magic spells were known.

Just one-third.

It wouldn't be wrong to say we are definitely going in blind and unprepared, yet we have no choice. Death is before us, but an absolute death that we can't escape from awaits us all if we run away. A battle against the Disease Girl. A battle against time. A battle where hordes of monsters could break through the sealed tunnel and bring chaos to the combat.

And lastly, a battle where Hero Team and my own Team Japan will fight together to defeat the Diseased Girl. Jin was right, though I'll never tell him that. Even now, after the hardships, betrayals, and the lives of my comrades hanging in the balance, I can't help but feel excited.

This was truly a final battle like in a Manga or Anime, and I was a main combatant and leader. Victory or defeat could be argued to ride on my own actions here. I was stressed out of my mind, yet excited still. My comrades come first, but for the sake of becoming a special existence, a real main character, I'll give more than 100% and save the day.

Shin: Being responsible and serious, or having fun along the way... What a joke. It all doesn't matter in the end. Life or death. We either live or die... and life is a path blocked by you... isn't that right, Kiri Kiryuu of Hero Team!

Inside the temple.

Team Japan, Hero Team, and I walked inside of the temple where the Diseased Girl waited. When my eyes adjusted to the bright blue, yet hazy, atmosphere of the room I saw her. I saw the Diseased Girl standing on top of the support rafters near the ceiling.

Kiri was like a puppet, with both of her hands hung up by threads. Her vacant face hung down and her eyes were stained with tears. One eye cried red like blood and the other eye streamed a blue like the ocean. At the end of the threads was a gigantic hand, with black skin like that of the of the grim reaper. That hand moved just a little.

It was time for the puppet to move.

Right after that motion, the body of the Diseased Girl, the obstacle to our completion of the Apocalypse Alice mission, Kiri Kiryuu, started moving with a few large jerks.

Kiri's right hand gives birth to a katana that glowed with a light of destruction to cut down her foes. Kiri's left hand gives birth to a katana that glowed with a light that brought forth feelings of security to the holder and dread to all others. It was then, as we were taking this all in, that four shorter Wakizashi appeared and hung behind her back.

The lifeless puppet now armed gazed down on us all with grest hostility. Kiri, emitting intense bloodlust, jumped and began her descent to the floor to greet us.

Shin: Huh, so sudden. Damn, six swords!? Each with a unique magic, right? Fuck! Let's go! Instant Movement!

Shinnosuke: Acceleration Switch!

Taking the lead to confront the Diseased Girl with Instant Movement, alongside Shinnosuke, using his own high speed magic, we commence the fight with the final enemy of the Labyrinth.

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To be continued

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