But I Refuse!

Eriri's short statement was like a storm sweeping through the room, causing everyone present to burst into an uproar.

Upon hearing this news, Kaori Shirasaki, who had been overcome with grief, suddenly became rejuvenated. Her face turned red with excitement, and she spoke to her friend Shizuku Yaegashi with great enthusiasm: "Shizuku, Hajime is still alive! He's still alive! This is wonderful... truly wonderful..."

Saying this, she buried her face in Shizuku's shoulder, crying with joy. Who could understand how deeply moved she was at this moment, and who could comprehend the extent of her suffering and despair during these past days? What kept her going was the belief in her heart that Hajime Nagumo had not died.

Shizuku hugged Kaori, gently patting her back to comfort her. "It's okay, Kaori. Don't cry. This is good news. You should be happy."

"Yes, I'm just... I'm just so happy... sob..."

Kaori and the others did not doubt Eriri's words at all, given her immense power, there was no reason for her to deceive them.

Meld, however, looked at Eriri with a puzzled expression, asking curiously: "Nagumo is still alive? How do you know?"

He found this news perplexing. Setting aside whether Nagumo could have survived falling from such a height, even if he miraculously survived the fall, how could an alchemist with little offensive power possibly escape from the powerful monsters at the bottom of the labyrinth?

During Amanogawa Kouki's explanation earlier, he only briefly touched on the causes and outcomes, so Meld was unaware of the extent of Eriri's abilities.

"We met him just yesterday in the depths of the Orcus Labyrinth. He's alive, although he's changed a lot," Eriri said casually.

"What?" Meld's eyes widened in disbelief. "You made it that far through the labyrinth?"

Eriri crossed her arms with a proud expression. "Is that difficult? It's just a small labyrinth, not worth mentioning."

Meld was at a loss for words. The kingdom's highest record was reaching the sixty-fifth floor, and it was astonishing that the combined efforts of the entire kingdom were outdone by these two girls.

Meld's tone changed, and with a sincere expression, he addressed Eriri: "As the captain of the kingdom's knight order, I formally invite you to join us on behalf of the Heiligh Kingdom. What do you think?"

He paused, continuing with enthusiasm, "Rest assured, the kingdom will provide you with ample wealth, high status, and will meet all your demands without forcing you to do anything."

"Hmm... sounds good..." Eriri stroked her chin as if seriously considering the invitation.

Seeing her reaction, Meld's heart soared with joy, thinking he had succeeded. "Then..."

"But I refuse!" Eriri interrupted loudly before he could finish, her expression suddenly becoming very serious, with even her facial features appearing more defined.

"Hahahahaha..." Arifureta burst into laughter, holding her stomach while sitting on her chair. "Eriri, you crack me up! I have to share this in the group later. Sharing the joy is better than enjoying it alone."

"Hey, Yue-chan, is it that funny? It's just a joke," Eriri said with a wry smile, breaking her serious facade.

"..." Meld looked utterly baffled at Eriri and Arifureta, momentarily forgetting what he wanted to say.

Snapping back to reality, Meld, a bit desperate, asked Eriri again: "So, are you accepting or declining?"

Eriri shrugged, looking exasperated. "Didn't I say I refuse? Do you think I was joking? We're not interested in joining your kingdom."

"I see... that's truly regrettable..." Meld's face was full of disappointment at not getting the outcome he wanted.

Listening to their conversation, Amanogawa Kouki could no longer hold back his frustration. He walked up to Eriri, his face filled with indignation.

"Since you're so powerful, why not join us in fighting against the demons? To save the people of this world?"

"Get lost, don't be an eyesore," Eriri said dismissively, not bothering with the self-righteous hero. With just a look, she sent him flying backward.

"Hey, you're going too far! Kouki is naive, but he's only trying to help humanity. There's no need to treat him like that," Meld said, drawing his large sword from his back, his hand on the hilt, watching Eriri warily.

Eriri looked at Meld with interest. "Oh? Are you going to fight me?"

Suddenly, a powerful pressure descended upon Meld, forcing him back several steps, his face turning red.

"Eriri, Captain Meld, don't be rash," Shizuku intervened, stepping between Eriri and Meld.

"Eriri..." Shizuku pleaded with her eyes. She was worried about Amanogawa Kouki, who had been thrown back, remembering Hiyama Daisuke's earlier plight but did not want a conflict between Eriri and the knights.

Seeing Shizuku's concern, Eriri patted her head, retracting the slight pressure she had released, and said with a smile, "Don't worry, Shizuku-chan, what you fear won't happen. I controlled my strength, so Amanogawa Kouki will only be laid up for a few days. I wouldn't kill him over something so trivial."

Pausing, Eriri glanced at Meld and continued, "As for the Heiligh Kingdom... it's not worth my time. If I wanted, I could easily destroy the entire kingdom."

Eriri's words made Shizuku pause. She didn't know if Eriri was boasting or if she was truly so formidable.

Eriri turned her gaze to Meld and said impatiently, "Take your knights and Amanogawa Kouki and leave. Don't bother me anymore."