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.

for the team

first team consisted of

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

be inseparable for the most

Belle,

were no complaints from anyone. It was just strange, considering the fact that they were from totally different

for the final team, it consisted

awkward silence, and Rey's unassuming expression, showed this team to be the most balanced of

"Now then… Come Forth."

like last time,

other two to take on

going to pick up Monster Cores and mine whatever they could—just

the teams advanced and prepared for their time apart

bodies as a result of the Undead that served as their escorts, they didn't feel any sense of dread at

kept

********

[Moments Later]

why I

Clark began to laugh as they walked down the eerily large

corridor, and while the three boys were initially very cautious when

active, and the other two were passively looking out for an enemy,

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

screw up… it's totally normal, right?

the other two boys laugh, but also ease

became

really tried to discuss after

miss

asked

no longer had his playful smile on, but instead he wore a slight

a girl back home. I've liked her since we

and the way he narrowed his eyes in pain showed just how serious everything he

and jokes to forget about it, but sometimes… I want to go