NOVEL NEXT Chapter 142
142. Extract The Mystic Eye
The place we warped to was the dungeon’s entrance. When we stepped outside through the gate, all of the raid team members had gathered there.
“Arx, I’m so glad you’re safe! The entire raid team managed to escape unharmed…”
It seems that Rurika had already done a headcount for everyone. For now, I sat down on a nearby rock to catch my breath.
“…So, what do we do now? You said you’d save Laura, but we still have no idea how, right?”
“No, we have a lead. Laura’s rampage is definitely caused by that gemstone.”
The reason Laura lost her sense of self was because of an item called Zane’s Mystic Eye. The item’s effect was described as “amplifying physical ability and magic power.” The amplification was likely more than she could handle, causing her to go berserk.
“In other words, our mission is to extract that gemstone from Laura.”
“That’s what I’m saying! We don’t even know how to do that! You say ‘extract,’ but how exactly are we supposed to do it?”
“There’s one thing that’s been on my mind about that.”
I told everyone what had just happened.
Laura didn’t respond to my calls earlier because she had lost her sense of self. However, there was one moment when she briefly regained her consciousness. It was when we attacked her.
She called my name. And for just a split second, she stopped moving.
There must be a reason for that. I feel like there’s a clue to removing Zane’s Mystic Eye in that.
“I see… If she stopped moving, then what could have caused it, I wonder?”
“Wasn’t it just a coincidence? You called her name so many times, maybe one of those times just happened to reach her.”
Raize said that, but I feel like it wasn’t just a coincidence. There’s some sort of connection here.
“Well, if we’re considering possibilities… it could be ‘physical contact.'”
“What do you mean?”
“The first time you called Laura’s name, you weren’t touching her, right? But the second time, you were kicking her. Isn’t that right?”
If that’s the case, then it makes sense. However, there’s one thing that doesn’t quite add up.
“What about Gerda, though? Laura grabbed Gerda by the leg and used him as a weapon, but nothing changed then, right?”
“…Normally, I’d dismiss such a thought right away, but maybe this has something to do with Laura’s feelings toward him.”
Raize’s words made me realize something. When Laura last spoke with Gerda, she said she didn’t like the way Gerda did things. In other words, Gerda hadn’t earned Laura’s trust.
“So, does that mean the way to extract Zane’s Crimson Eye from Laura is for someone she trusts to physically touch her?”
“It’s just a theory, but it’s the best shot we have.”
Now that we’ve decided on that, the next step is clear.
Luckily, many people have strong connections with Laura. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say the whole raid team has her trust.
“Alright, we’ll warp Laura out of the dungeon to here, and then we’ll all fight her together!”
“In that case, let’s move to the northern grasslands. If Laura goes wild here, the whole dungeon might collapse!”
Rurika was right. The northern grasslands would be the best spot. If Laura continues to rampage, she’ll likely climb the stairs and start fighting the monsters on the 49th floor. If that happens, her life will be in danger.
Given how little time we have, Rurika’s suggestion is the most realistic. We’ll face Laura in the northern grasslands!
“Everyone, head to the grasslands ahead of me! I have something I need to do first!”
“Wait! What are you planning to do?!”
“I’m going to Ortia. I’m bringing someone who’s connected to Laura!”
After briefly explaining, I summoned the Warp Slime and headed to Ortia.
＊
I entered the Adventurer’s Guild. Scanning the room, I found who I was looking for.
“Eleanor!”
“Huh? Arx, is that you? Is the raid over?!”
I called out to the brown-haired girl, Eleanor, who had been looking at the quest board, and quickly explained the situation.
“…I understand. If it’s your request, Arx, I’ll do whatever it takes! The northern grasslands, right?”
Eleanor ran out of the guild as soon as she heard my explanation. I should have just warped her there, but whatever.
“…Now then.”
I’d gotten Eleanor, Laura’s best friend, on board. Next is…
“…Sierra-san.”
I walked to the guild counter and looked Sierra-san straight in the eye with a serious expression. It seemed she realized what I was about to ask. Her eyes showed she had already braced herself for it.
“Laura’s in danger. I think you’re the one who can save her. Please, will you go to her?”
Sierra-san lowered her eyes, just like before, and fell silent.
“…I can’t do it. You should be the one to help her, Ar-kun.”
“But Laura needs someone she trusts to save her. And I believe that person is you, Sierra-san.”
“That’s not true. I don’t deserve to face Laura. So… I want you to go instead.”
It seemed nothing I said would get through to her right now. After hearing her out, I turned my back to her and started walking toward the guild’s entrance.
“The place is the northern grasslands. I believe in you.”
With that, I left the guild, hoping Sierra-san would come.