An Extra’s POV

"You will all be splitting up now."

The sudden announcement caused an uproar among the Otherworlders, but Ralyks explained the reasons behind his decision.

"The Centipedes have burrowed several tunnel-like openings throughout this Floor, and as a result of this, the path ahead separates into multiple corridors."

'That's a lie.' Rey smiled internally as he silently watched Ater.

Rey knew he was lying due to their Bond, but from a normal standpoint he could see how the story could sound convincing.

In the first place, Ralyks had no motive to lie to any of the Otherworlders, so they were predisposed to believing everything he said.

Also, since he was stronger, smarter, and more experienced than all of them, they had to take him at his word.

Plus, he mixed in certain truths with lies.

It was already obvious that they all ate up the lies he fed them, and that allowed him to proceed without much need to explain himself.

"Considering their numbers, and how they'll drastically reduce if they're isolated per corridor, it's safer to take them out one corridor at a time." He continued, crafting a scenario out of lies.

"But, if we all attack one corridor at a time, the process will be slower. The goal of today is to conquer three Floors, so we have to hurry."

And so, the plan was to split the entire group into three.

"There are a total of five corridors. I'll take two of them, and I'll leave the remaining three to you. Don't worry, I'll summon guardians to protect you, just in case."

Everyone shivered the moment he said that. They already knew what he meant by 'guardians.'

He was talking about his Undead Summons.

No one could complain, though. In the end, his method was the fastest way to clear the Floor. The sooner they cleared the Floor, the faster they could advance even deeper and complete their mission.

Sure, they would lose some EXP to Ralyks, but it was already part of the deal he made with the Royal Council.

It was all fair.

then… for

of Eric,

couldn't have been more perfectly matched, considering how close the three of them

them to be

Belle, Alicia, and

strange to see all the girls centered in a single group, but there were no complaints from anyone. It

final team, it

expression, showed this team to be the most

"Now then… Come Forth."

just like last time, Ralyks—or rather, Ater—summoned ten Undead

the other two to take on the

five were going to pick up Monster Cores

prepared for their time apart

the Undead that served as their escorts, they didn't feel any

kept moving

********

[Moments Later]

that's why I chose

as they walked down the

three boys were initially

looking out

supposed to be on proper lookout, Justin pointed to their Undead guardian—a Skeleton who wore full-plated dark armor—and said the

it's totally

made the other two

long, they became invested

broached topics that no one really tried to discuss

guys miss your

who asked this

longer had his playful smile on, but instead

liked her since we were kids, and we only started dating

way he narrowed his eyes in pain showed just how

jokes to forget about it, but sometimes… I