Realm of Myths and Legends (WN)

'Since I've already confirmed that there are no signs of the shadahi or the portal that linked their realm to the Mortal Realm lingering about, it should be fine to return.'

"Leaving this place won't be too difficult," Izroth stated in a carefree manner.

The next moment, an unstable spatial rift began to form a few steps before Izroth.

"?!" Guan Yu and Halls immediately went on guard with the sudden emergence of the spatial rift.

After what occurred not too long ago, the two were prepared to brace themselves; however, once Halls and Guan Yu realized it was different from the spatial rift that formed back in the chamber, they relaxed their guards.

"That was sudden..! For a second there, I thought were going to be pulled towards that thing again." Halls commented as he rubbed the back of his head.

Guan Yu stepped forward to observe the spatial rift and inquired, "Seeing as how we aren't being pulled in; is this our way out?"

Izroth nodded, "Our departure was sudden. Since we're unable to communicate outside this isolated area of space, the others are likely unaware of our current status. I've already confirmed that there are no traces of the shadahis presence here; therefore, we should regroup with everyone as soon as possible. After all, the battle is not yet over."

"Not over? But, didn't you already destroy the coffin and stop the Night Lord's revival?" Guan Yu inquired curiously.

"Unfortunately, it's not that simple. Although we were able to prevent the Night Lord's revival, our actions will undoubtedly send ripples throughout the skounae. Right now, the skounae forces should still be on the defensive since their main goal is to safeguard the Night Lord's Crypt and ensure Zaroloas' revival. However, once they catch wind of their Night Lord's fate, the skounae will switch to a more aggressive approach. We need to make sure our forces retreat before that happens." Izroth explained as the spatial rift fully stabilized.

'Not to mention, it won't be long until nighttime arrives. Once it does, our forces will be placed at a huge disadvantage. After all, it's only then that the skounae will be capable of displaying their true strength. Seeing as how they already greatly outnumber us, it wouldn't take long for our allies to be overwhelmed.'

The skounae were a race that thrived in the darkness and could only reveal their full might in its company. Add that on top of their rage and bloodlust once Zarolas' fate was uncovered—the losses incurred during a retreat would be monumental.

At the moment, the allied forces of Amaharpe, Rosentarus, and Proximus were fairly deep in the heart of the Malentansium kingdom. Retreating was not as simple as falling back a few kilometers. They had to go back across the Malentansium border; otherwise, there would be no end to the pursuit of the skounae forces.

"You two head in first," Izroth stated calmly.

Not long after Izroth spoke, Halls, followed by Guan Yu, stepped through the spatial rift and disappeared from the isolated pocket of space.

"We should have never allowed the young master to enter such a dangerous place, Zel'Kan," Jol'Kil stated with a darkened expression.

"Don't be foolish. We were left at the young master's side by the clan head to serve and follow his will—not to impede his duties. We have not been with the young master that long, but I understand his personality well enough to know that even if we were to have protested, it would not have stopped him." Zel'Kan responded with a heavy sigh.

Jol'Kil could not refute Zel'Kan's words. Indeed, Izroth had always done things with a firm resolution and decisiveness. To those who had never met him, his actions would seem almost reckless and ill-thought at first glance. However, there was a great deal he considered before every action. If that was the case, then...

"You're right. Still... What do we do now?" Jol'Kil asked as he pondered their next course of action.

"The young master's disappearance is concerning, but he is not the type to foolishly throw his life away. I'm certain he had a plan when he allowed himself to be pulled into the vortex. That's why, for now, we must follow the orders left behind by the young master and protect those whom he has left in our care." Zel'Kan responded as her gaze drifted over towards the members of the 9th Division.

At the moment, those of the 9th Division were still in the middle of recovering from Izroth's abrupt departure. However, the sound of a certain voice quickly snapped them out of it.

"What are you guys doing?! Do you really think our Captain is the kind of man who would go down so easily?!" Niflheim's voice sounded, immediately attracting the gazes of the 9th Division members.

He then continued, "We may have completed our objective, but the battle isn't over yet. We need to find a way out of these chambers as fast as possible."

"Even if we find a way out, what if the Captain doesn't return by then? Are we really just going to abandon him here?" Champion inquired with a frown.

"Our allies are still pushing forward outside the Night Lord's Crypt. Since communications are still down, it is necessary to inform them of our success here in person so that our forces can safely withdraw before nightfall. If accomplishing that goal requires us to depart ahead of our Captain, then it is what must be done." Menerva commented calmly.

Champion and some other members of the 9th Division still felt uneasy leaving their Captain to fend for himself. However, they also knew that what both Niflheim and Menerva said was true. Their Captain was not the kind of man to go down so easily. Plus, he would undoubtedly want them to focus on completing their mission and helping the allied forces still fighting outside the Night Lord's Crypt.

"Alright, we've wasted enough time chatting. Commander Lances and the 5th Unit have already started their search for a way out of this place. We of the 9th Division will assist them!" Niflheim stated as he began to issue orders to the 9th Division members.

After Niflheim gave the initial orders, Menerva took over and led the 9th Division in their search of the chambers.

As for Niflheim, his gaze shifted to two individuals who stood isolated from the 5th Unit and 9th Division alike. These two were, of course, the members of the Seventh Demon Clan, Jol'Kil and Zel'Kan.

The two appeared to be patiently waiting for Niflheim and Menerva's discussion with the 9th Division to end.

"I don't know much about those two since that guy didn't go into any details about them, but their strength is the real deal. The situation outside the Night Lord's Crypt has probably grown unstable by now. We'll need all the help we can get if we want to ensure the 9th Division's safety in that field of chaos." Niflheim thought to himself.