Gathering: The Last Alliances Standing. (102)

I could sense an entire horde of Infernal Wasps looming ominously above us. Desperation had driven many to expend every treasure they possessed in a desperate bid for survival. Unfortunately, it was a futile endeavor for most.

No more than seven Alliances remained, all of them fighting desperately with their last ounce of strength.

The moment the barrier crumbled to dust, the relentless swarm of wasps descended upon us.

"GRAAAAAH," a guttural battle cry pierced the air as the first wave of wasps met a swift and brutal end. But the price had already been paid, our reserves of energy and Elixirs drained to perilous lows.

"GHA-A," a fighter's anguished cry echoed as a wasp's stinger found its mark in his stomach.

I mentally clenched my fangs.

One fighter, near the edge of the platform, fell and hurled his axe at Ralph while shouting, "For the glory of The Infernal Legion, protect the Leader..." His voice was swallowed by the rushing wind.

"Damn it!" Ralph clenched the blade with his fangs and just managed to grab the axe's handle in the nick of time.

The fighter carrying me had sustained a shoulder wound; my clothing lay in tatters, and I teetered on the brink of falling.

The wasps, sensing a vulnerable target within the group, surged toward me.

"The Leader!" Madeleine raised her hand in a desperate attempt to reach me, but time slipped through her fingers like sand.

Her fingers closed futilely in mid-air, and I began a headlong descent.

"Lea... LEADER. KAI THERON. WAKE UP," she shouted, her voice tinged with desperation. She propelled herself forward with her feet, using the momentum to deflect a wasp's stinger aimed at me, generating white sparks in her valiant effort. With a metallic clang, the stinger veered off course, grazing her thigh.

The wasps lost interest in us and turned their attention to the remaining fighters.

In contrast, Madeleine harnessed gravity to intercept my descent. Wrapping her arms around my waist, she repositioned our bodies so that hers bore the brunt of the fall.

The dark abyss below us was littered with the corpses of the fallen and the creatures that the Infernal Wasps had feasted upon. The air was thick with the stench of accumulated toxins, potent enough to be deadly to ordinary creatures. However, Madeleine's unique physiology allowed her to tolerate such levels of poison, though a direct confrontation was still perilous.

As I neared the bottom, just a couple of meters away, I forced my green eyes open.

[Recovery is complete.]

My body, freed from its immobilizing position, didn't respond immediately to my mental commands.

Concentrating my energy into my hands, I activated the Bone Mountain skill. This marked my first experience with the skill, and I had no idea how it would behave. What unfolded surpassed my wildest expectations.

White, mountainous ridges, resembling the ancient bones of colossal creatures, erupted from the carcasses on the ground with a deafening roar, rising high above the abyss.

I extended my mental tendrils to explore the bottom, and I noticed a recently wounded fighter lying at death's door.

Madeleine had fainted. Balancing on the tip of one of the white bones, I exerted force, propelling the makeshift support upwards until I reached the level of the vertical battlefield.

The fighter in my arms stirred slightly, emitting a faint moan of pain.

Sensing the disturbance, the Infernal Wasps redirected their attention toward us, abandoning their futile attempts to breach the barriers or feed on the wounded. They swarmed toward us.

Purple arrows of poison streaked through the air, piercing the approaching silhouettes and causing them to explode into splotches of purple goo.

"The Leader of the Infernal Legion killed 29 infernal wasps, earning a total score of 1,010 for each team member."

Once I had reunited with the allies, I summoned another Bone Mountain in the wall, forming a makeshift floor and a protective dome.

"Hold her," I instructed. "It's time to finish the Survival Crossroads."

The ally's body ascended from the abyss, his purulent eyes fluttering open as he asked hoarsely, "Am I in the void?"

"No, my friend," I replied, a smile tugging at my lips. "You're still in the Arena, and more alive than all the living." Neo chuckled and accepted the wounded fighter with a warm grin. I threw bottles with Recovery Elixir to those in need and stepped out from behind the makeshift curtain, blocking off the passage.

The Infernal Wasps were already swarming everywhere.

It was time to rack up some points.

Summoning my Spiritual Weapon, I slashed through the Infernal Wasps. Their venomous bites proved ineffective against me. The General's armor was riddled with holes. I was drenched in sweat, but I continued until the last wasp was vanquished. Then, I surveyed the pile of lifeless bodies below me.

The hive trembled, and hundreds of new Infernal Wasps scattered in every direction.

"The Leader of the Infernal Legion killed 5 infernal wasps, the total score of 7,600 for each team member."

"The Leader of the Dragon Ball killed 20 infernal wasps, the total score of 4,900 for each team member."

"General of the Blackbeard killed 3 infernal wasps, the total score of 5,890 for each team member."

"A Fighter from the Atlanta killed 5 infernal wasps, the total score of 6,700 for each team member."

"A Fighter from the Northern Mine killed 10 infernal wasps, the total score of 4,766 for each team member."

Everyone had successfully dealt with the enemy without trembling in fear behind erected barriers.

"Aren't you tired?" asked the bearded dwarf, the Leader of the Northern Mine, raising his bushy eyebrows.

"Not yet," I replied with a smile, looking at my team, which had taken up a defensive formation a few meters in front of me.

I didn't want weaklings; I needed them to stand and fight. The experience gained in combat and the trust formed in these dire moments would make our alliance unbreakable. I didn't want them to perish due to indiscipline or flee from the fear of death, leaving their comrades behind.

In this realm of creatures and beasts, no matter how grotesque they might appear, I found loyal companions and valiant brothers.

---

The queen finally fell, succumbing to her injuries. We had finished her off just in time, for we had no desire to face the next wave of her offspring. We ventured into the hive, where her whitish body continued to produce slippery eggs and emit poisonous fumes. After disposing of anything that dared to obstruct our path and taking a moment's respite, we heard an announcement echoing around us:

"EXCELLENT WORK, ALTHOUGH DIFFERENT FROM THE ORIGINAL PLANS. BRAVO. FIVE ALLIANCES WERE ABLE TO REACH THE FINISH LINE."

"THE FIRST PLACE GOES TO THE INFERNAL LEGION — 10,900 POINTS."

"SECOND PLACE — ATLANTA - 8,700 POINTS."

"THIRD PLACE — BLACKBEARD - 8,560 POINTS."

"THE FOURTH PLACE IS THE NORTHERN MINE - 7,590 POINTS."

"AND FINALLY THE FIFTH PLACE — DRAGON BALLS - 6,400 POINTS."

"Congratulations to all of you for your resilience and valor in overcoming the challenges of the Arena," the announcement continued, its tone more solemn. "You are now being guided to the Residential Areas of the Fifth Level, where you can rest and recover. Furthermore, an important Gathering awaits all the Leaders. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR TRIUMPH, ARENA FIGHTERS!"

[The Thousand Dreams Lamp is deactivated.

The artificial barrier has been removed.

The Lamp of a Thousand Dreams is preparing to acquire a special skill. 

Complete completion of the update in:

5 days, 22 hours and 10 minutes.]

---

[Health:

203,900.

Endurance:

143,000.

...]

I stood behind the glass fence, gazing out from a bright room onto a breathtaking view of the beige marble balcony. The others were already seated in chairs arranged around a round table.

My eyes were drawn to a vast sea, shrouded in a thick, mystical haze, it seemed that the Iron Island resting in my palm.

This was the seventh level, and it was my first time experiencing such a place. With my hands casually clasped behind my back, I inhaled the invigorating sea breeze, feeling my heart race with excitement. I had never felt so liberated in all my years of struggle.

After a moment of reflection, I stepped into the room and took my seat next to the dwarf, opposite Margot and an enigmatic black beast.

"It's time to commence the Leaders' Meeting," announced a man in a white robe as he emerged from a door adorned with ancient patterns. He was followed by individuals in modern attire, complete with headphones—a stark contrast to my memories of a time when such technology didn't exist.

"What are those?" the bald man with face tattoos scrutinized us, shuddering. "What kind of creatures are you bringing into the Surya Empire? The followers of Ravin won't approve!"

"We need to hold the meeting first," the white-robed man replied, revealing his young age and scarlet eyes as he stepped out from behind the bulky man.

"What are you two whispering about?" Margot inquired. Her blonde hair framed her shoulders, and though her lips curled downward, her predatory fangs gleamed with a sinister light.

"Whispering?" The young man jumped onto the table, pointing at us deliberately. "We're discussing the future, the impending disaster that will engulf the entire Empire."

"And how does that concern us?" A black-haired beast, bearing a faint resemblance to a human but with drooping eyelids, opened a fan of long eyelashes, revealing eyes of rich amber.

"You will serve as cannon fodder," the young man continued nonchalantly. "You see, at the moment, you're not only mastering the New Rules of the Arena but also eliminating certain awakened anomalies. You're helping people, Lord Orest."

I turned my gaze in their direction, but when I looked at the enigmatic creature, I saw only a still water,, deep pond. I couldn't fathom the extent of its power.

"And what's next?" The dwarf tapped the handle of his axe against the marble floor. "Have you even discovered the origin of these anomalies?"

"The crux of the matter is this: we've identified a certain source that needs to be sealed," explained the white-robed man. "The 36th floor leads directly to these locations, or rather, to these places—a labyrinth that interconnects dozens of wild landscapes, each harboring the most perilous inhabitants. Fedor, please show them."

A gray-hooded figure removed his hood, and spherical headphones emitted a cacophony of rock and roll that filled the room.

"The 36th floor acts as a gateway to places sealed by the 12 Predecessors," the man continued, presenting a hologram that depicted a maze of intertwining branches of various colors. "These are the most treacherous parts of the entire Empire, only recently discovered after a burst of unknown yet potent energy."

The hologram projected a sprawling maze with myriad branches, each of a different color.

"The maze comprises eight channels, each leading directly to the source," he elaborated. "Each group will be redirected to different locations, but all share the same mission: to seal the channels using an integrated program. You must upload these programs to the main portal and..."

"Wait, wait, wait," interrupted a severely injured creature, wincing in pain. Purple liquid pooled on the floor beneath her, and her severed hand lay nearby. "I didn't sign up for this."

"No, seriously," the young man leaned against his chin with his fingers. "You've only just learned about imprecise calculations. You haven't heard about the reward yet."

"Freedom!" the giant exclaimed. "Prove that there are no bounty hunters waiting for us after we complete all the Levels! I won't sacrifice my fighters in vain."

"Of course, you're free to stay in your secluded sanctuaries," the man in the hoodie conceded. "It's your prerogative."

"However," he added, "consider that this will affect you sooner or later. Anomalous zones, while less dangerous now, are awakening more frequently. Many ancient creatures still slumber within them, but will you maintain your bravado when confronted with their ravenous appetites? These places may also hold artifacts and treasures, which we will not lay claim to."

"Between wealth and life, I'll choose the latter," Margot chimed in.

Orest, nonchalant, asked softly, "That's not all, is it? You aren't so confident just to tell us all of this."

The caretaker chuckled heartily, clutching his stomach. "We wouldn't show a bone without the meat, my ravenous little creatures. The ultimate prize is a Red Crystal."

A heavy silence enveloped the room.

"H-how... Does it still exist?"

"I thought it was merely a legend."

"Does it truly possess the power to make its possessor omnipotent?"

"Atlanta is ready to participate," declared the long-furred being, scraping deep marks with its sharp claws.

"Black Beard as well!"

"Yellow Spring agrees to this campaign."

"I... I need to discuss this with my generals..."

---

There were over 70 critters and beasts present, each with varying degrees of fighting prowess.

"I'll await a full explanation before making a final decision," Margot concluded.

"Of course," the caretaker replied. The hologram displayed the shifting maze of branching pathways. "The terrain changes every two hours, and the channels span several hundred kilometers each. Each channel has its own core."

If one looked closely, they could discern different colors on individual branches, seemingly interconnected.

"Each channel features its own unique environment and inhabitants, all distinct from one another." the man continued. "We've verified that these channels are becoming increasingly active, with more and more awakened creatures."

"And if you make alliances with them? Strike contracts, a skill you excel at," The Leader of the Yellow Spring quipped.

"The 12 Predecessors possessed formidable strength, yet even they struggled against these forces," the tattooed man cautioned. "If these eight locations open up, even the most elite mercenaries won't be able to quell the ensuing chaos."

"What's the next step?" the dwarf inquired.

"The Core is a kind of Boss, if you prefer that term. It's nearly impossible to kill it," the hooded man continued. "Instead of a heart, it has a metal casing with a rectangular slot where you'll place these artifacts." He handed each of them a disk before concluding, "Mercenaries and fighters will work together for the first time. Now, I'm open to your questions."

As I opened my mouth to speak, I watched the Giant struggle to lift the disk from the table. With a bit more pressure, he shattered the artifact into pieces.

With a sigh, the human retrieved another disk and warned, "You'll need someone to guard this priceless item."

Giant chuckled. "Of course, of course." 

"How many fighters will be on each team?" asked Margot.

"No more than 150 creatures, as the portal can accommodate only that many. If you encounter another team, we ask that you avoid fighting or harming your allies. This time, we unite against a common enemy."

"What happens next? Where is the Red Crystal?" Orest asked.

"After sealing all the cores, the portals will transport you to the Original Source," the caretaker explained. "It's there that the Red Crystal is guarded by eight Races. But since you'll be assisting in this quest, I can only tell you this: the fastest and strongest will prevail."

"How long might this take?" dwarf inquired.

"There's no set time limit. There won't be any spectators, and we've recently notified the Empire's main forces, while the residents are still unaware. All venues, including the Arena, will be closed due to quarantine."

"If everything goes well, how do we gain our freedom?" 

"Why, don't you trust us?" the caretaker exclaimed, leaping off the wooden surface and landing gracefully on the marble floor. "The anomalous zones are situated between realms, right within the Empire. Once you close one, two portals will appear. One leads to another branch or to the hall where the Red Crystal is stored, and the other leads to the outside world."

"Do we have a choice? What distinguishes these portals?"

"You'll see... One exudes cold, and the other teems with life," the caretaker cryptically responded.

"Bloodthirsty in power," Orest murmured.

"The Winged Ones will also participate."

I clenched my lips and exhaled. "The Infernal Legion will venture into the anomalous zones."