Chapter 50

Update ('ω')

I hope you enjoy it.

"What the...?"

As the shaking subsided, a strong sense of unease enveloped the surroundings.

An unprecedented feeling of unease... a sense of stability that had been lost.

The answer soon became apparent.

"O-oi, something's wrong!"

Whether triggered by Barry's panicked voice or not, the next moment... the stair area began to crumble with a sound like shattering, pieces falling apart.

This was a first, and no one knew how to handle it.

"Guh...!"

"Oh... aaaaah"

Due to their poor positioning, Simon and Barry were successively caught in the collapse and fell.

Fortunately, the area where Marina and the others were lying still had a floor.

"Guh...!"

Despite my leaden body, I forced myself to move toward the four of them.

Even in this situation, they hadn't regained consciousness. It was probably due to the magical sleep.

No matter what, I had to protect everyone...!

If we were caught in the collapse in this state, it might not just be injuries.

Thinking this, I reached for my waist... but the belt that held various scrolls, presumably for disarmament, had been removed.

These idiots, only perceptive at the worst times!

Magic... I could use a little, but I couldn't think of any spells that would help in this situation, and even if I used 'Protection Wall' and 'Minor Blessing,' I wouldn't have enough time or mana to apply them to everyone!

What should I do...!?

While I was in a panic, the ground beneath my feet began to crumble.

The magic of 'Controlled Fall' activated, pulling me toward Marina and the others, who were still unconscious.

I noticed Jamie controlling it next to me.

What's going on?

"Jamie...?"

"..."

Jamie's guilty face slowly lowered us to the ground.

There, Camilla was casting healing magic on Simon and Barry, who were groaning amidst the debris.

"What's going on? Yuke, what are you doing! Hurry up and help us!"

Simon yelled in confusion.

His careless shout, which could invite further danger in the dungeon, was unimaginable.

"..."

The sound of many footsteps and distinctive breathing echoed from the depths of the corridor.

Straining my eyes, I could faintly see a group of armed orcs in the darkness.

Among them were heavily armed orcs, indicating formidable enemies befitting the 'Colorless Darkness.'

"O-oi, what do we do...!"

The ascending stairs, our only escape route, were gone.

Moreover, the orc army was closing in from all sides.

This was a truly desperate situation.

"Hey, perfect! Even a dark elf is a feast for orcs, right? We'll use this one as bait and escape!"

"Simon! You...!"

"A necessary sacrifice! The life of a barbarian is trivial!"

I won't let you do that!

Shielding the four still unconscious behind me, I glared at Simon.

"Give me my equipment! I'll break through!"

"There's no way you can do that!"

"Then, are we all going to die here?"

Simon's gaze darted around in panic.

You're the leader, Simon...!

Don't try to pass the buck at a time like this.

"Simon, Yuke can use scrolls that only alchemists can. I saw them in the belt!"

"Really!?"

I nodded at Simon, and his face lit up with joy.

"...Alright. Here, Yuke."

I grabbed the magic bag and belt thrown at me and looked at Jamie.

Something was off. It was strange.

Jamie, noticing my gaze, averted his eyes.

"Yuke, you... Never mind. Hehe, that's not like me, I'll stop."

There was no time for idle questions with the strange Jamie.

The orcs finally flooded into the corridor where we were.

"Activate"

I quickly pulled out one of the magic scrolls and activated it.

It was a 'Scroll of Sanctuary,' designed to buy time when surrounded.

The light that spread temporarily held back the orcs... but with their numbers, it wouldn't last long.

"Where are we...?"

"We're surrounded!"

Marina and the others woke up.

Did Jamie release the magic?

I'm glad they're awake, but what's been going on?

"Hurry up, Yuke! You're going to help us, right!?"

"You're still useless! Hurry up and do something!"

Simon and Barry's curses echoed as they held the front line.

"Hurry up and do something! If necessary, I can send the female mage in!"

"..."

At that moment, I made my decision.

I was sure that I and these people had irreparably drifted apart. Beyond repair.

I pulled out and unfolded the magic scroll still in the belt, uttering the keyword that would be my farewell.

"Evacuate... Activate!"

The magic power overflowing from the scroll created a phosphorescent wind around us.

The light gently enveloped us, gradually transforming us into phosphorescence.

"Good job! Yuke!"

Simon, apparently unaware of what was happening, expressed his hopeful joy.

This magic scroll had the effect of 'evacuating allies from the dungeon.'

Its directionality was based on the user, me.

"O-oi...! What's happening!? Oi, Yuke! Where... Ah, stop... No! No! Help...!"

With a shocked expression, Simon turned to face me and was devoured by the orcs.

With that scene burned into my mind, I... we, had somehow been transported to the Great Cavern.

How was it ('ω')?

The 'Thunderpike' team has now exited the stage...