Chapter 99: The Price of Betrayal

Thou sayeth this "Guilty Hades" was an artifact left behind by the ancient gods? What use have I for such an accursed object?

You having a laugh, mate? That there's a priceless relic!

It's even fully functional! You can walk around an' fight in it an' everything!

Silence!

U-Urk...

Thou cometh the day thy remittance is due, offering nothing but dubious gadgets and empty promises. Why not sell me thy servant instead?

HEY! What you eyein' ME up for?!

Sorry, Gunce is off the table.

There you are, Velette!

Where's Guilty Hades?!

U-Uwah! You lot are way faster than I thought!

Who dares interrupt the royal proceedings?! Art thou associates of this woman?

I take it you're Gemlazar? We're here to take back Guilty Hades.

Take it back? Velette. Surely thou wouldst not try to sell me stolen property like some lowly brigand?

Th-Th-That's not, ! It uh, it belongs to everybody!

Fwaha...HAHAHAHA!!! Thou wouldst make a splendid court jester! Not only dost thou fail to pay thy debts, but thou wouldst even attempt to deceive a king!

That settles it, Velette. Pay thy debts TODAY, as agreed in our contract. I shall not wait a single day longer. If thou cannot, then be prepared to spend the rest of thy days as my bond servant.

S-S-Servant?! NOOOOOOOO!!! OH, CRUEL WORLD!!! WHAT DID I EVER DO TO DESERVE THIS?! I HAVE SO MUCH MORE TO LIVE FOR! SO MUCH MORE TO DIG FOR!

Cheer up, Miss! I won't abandon you, no matter what!

Now wait just a minute! What do you mean you're gonna turn her into your servant?!

What thou cannot pay back in gold, thou shalt pay back in thine own sweat and blood. So sayeth I.

Velette, you idiot. Why did you borrow money from this weirdo in the first place?

I-I didn't have any other choice! I don't have any friends or family in this era! It's the only way I could continue my excavation!

Ugh. Fine.

Sorry, Aldo, but...

Yeah, I get it.

Is there any way you could wait just a little longer, Gemlazar? If there's something you need done in exchange for more time, we're willing to help.

Is that so? Wouldst thou have the courage to challenge the Labyrinth of Thanatos?

Wha, ?! That place is a death trap!

Who's Thanatos?

The patron deity of my royal arena! Brave and foolish warriors alike fight for their lives through a maze of murderous monsters! It's entertainment truly fit for a king! Whilst I cannot guarantee thy survival, glory is assured. Survive, and I shall grant Velette's request.

...Feh. Disgusting entertainment for a disgusting man. Let me guess. No one has ever actually made it out of this maze alive?

Indeed. Many have tried, and just as many have died.

That's awful!

Nonetheless, the king has spoken. I haven't had any challengers in a long time, and I crave entertainment. If the "Nullgear" is even half as powerful as thou say, then the labyrinth shouldst be but child's play to thee.

......

I shan't force you, but thou hast a choice to make. Descend into the labyrinth, or become my drudge here and now. Those are thine options.

We're not afraid of your games. Bring it on.

Why save this girl? Did she not pilfer from thee?

She did. And I'm still pretty miffed about it. But it doesn't change the fact that she's our comrade.

Without her help Guilty Hades wouldn't have been fixed in the first place.

Exactly. We'd never abandon her after hearing your sick plan, anyhow.

Tch... Typical. Well, at least I get an excuse to grind up some monsters.

Y-You guys!

So be it. Thou wilt find the labyrinth next door to the royal palace. Thou mayst enter as soon as thou art prepared.

And one more thing... Harla!

You called, Father?

I take it thou heard our parley? I command thee to help them prepare. It wouldst be a waste to see them killed the second they enter.

...It shall be done. This way, please.

...Don't you have something to say, Velette?

Urk... I-I wasn't really plannin' to sell it! I was just gonna buy myself a little time and then give it right back! Honest!

Velette.

Okay, okay! I'm sorry! YOU'VE GOTTA FORGIVE MEEEEEE!!!

If yer plannin' on punishin' Miss Velette, then please, punish me instead!

Sigh... We're not going to punish you, okay? We already got back what we wanted.

So how exactly do we plan on clearing this labyrinth?

I hadn't really thought that part through.

Hey, Harla, right? Are you Gemlazar's son?

Yes. I've been assigned as your handler for the upcoming challenge.

Hmph. And you expect us to trust you?

It's only natural for you to be reluctant given that I am the son of Gemlazar. But you should know I do not wield the same level of power as him, and he doesn't entirely trust me. There's no need to be on guard.

......

Even if it's only to make the game more interesting, my father really does want to see that you enter fully prepared and in top form. That's the only reason I'm here.

So? Will you trust me?

Nope. You're gonna stab us in the back the first chance you...

Alright. I'll trust you for now.

A-Aldo! Are you serious?!

Yeah. It's difficult to put into words, but I can tell that Harla isn't like his father.

I'm going to have to side with Aldo on this one.

Not like we have anyone else to choose from.

...And there you have it. Welcome aboard, Harla.

S-Sure...

Feh... What a bunch of pushovers. Don't say I didn't warn you.

I want to know more about what to expect inside.

As the name implies, it's a deadly labyrinth where ravenous beasts and quicksand will stall your progression at every turn. As strong as you say that robot of yours is, I can't imagine it will be enough for what awaits you.

Hah! We'll just upgrade it then!

That's a lot easier said then done...

What about the guy that engineer back in Entrana told us about?

Oh yeah!

He said he had a brother here in Torlutan, didn't he?

Ah, you must mean Kormeer. I remember him saying something about a brother in Entrana.

You know him?

We're acquainted, yes. He's one of the most respected engineers in the city.

You think he can help us modify Guilty Hades?

Let's hope so. Modifying that machine may be our only chance.

Let's build on some pigtails! They make excellent sensor units!

ABSOLUTELY not.

I'll show you to Kormeer's workshop. This way, please.

Hmm? It's unusual to see you here with guests, Velette. What're you buyin'?

Nothing. Some stuff came up...

Why the long face? This got somethin' to do with Gemlazar, Harla?

It does, yes.

You're Kormeer the engineer, right? Your younger brother helped us out back in Entrana.

Oh? Well if you're friends of my little brother than I guess I've gotta at least hear ya out.

So, the thing is...

An imperial weapon, huh? You want to use this "Nullgear" to take on the Labyrinth of Thanatos?

Sounds like a good time! Count me in!

I'm glad at least somebody's excited about it...

You think you'll be able to power up the Nullgear for us?

Sure. I can add a little flair to what my brother repaired. But it's not like I have giant robot parts sitting around. We'll essentially be building them from scratch, so we're gonna need some quality materials.

What do you have in mind?

There are beasts roaming these lands that are powerful beyond human imagination. With some of their parts we could take this machine far beyond the Empire's specifications.

And where exactly are these beasts?

Ever seen the megalomorphs out roamin' the Pinovana Jungle?

Megalomorphs?

Massive, incredibly dangerous monsters. They'd squash you an' me like a couple of bugs, but with the Nullgear you may just stand a chance.

So you want us to beat one of those monsters up with the Nullgear and bring you back its parts?

Yep. You guys get your upgrade, and we've got one less dangerous beast prowling outside. We'll be killin' two birds with one stone.

I can bring you over to one of the megalomorphs, but I won't be able to help you fight it.

No problem. I'll let you know when we're ready.

Alright, let's go find this megalomorph.

...There it is. The king of the jungle.

So we just have to take that thing down?

Let's do this!

Aww yeah! Time to smash stuff!

Huff, huff... We did it.

This should give us some good crafting material.

What's that?

I dunno, but I can feel a lot of power emanating from it... Maybe it'll be useful for upgrading Guilty Hades.

Let's head back to Kormeer and see if he can use this to build us some Nullgear parts.

Whoa! You actually did it! Maybe you guys really do stand a chance in the labyrinth...

Damn right we do!

This is what we were able to collect. Will it work?

Yup, that should do it. Sit tight for a minute.

All done. I call this one the "Recovery Shield". Equip it to the Nullgear's arm to boost its defense and gain access to healing abilities.

If you find any other materials that look useful, just bring 'em back here and I'll build you some new parts. Oh and it looks like I can use that energon seed you brought back to strengthen other equipment, too.

So we need megalomorph parts to make new Nullgear equipment, and we can strengthen it using energon seeds. I think I've got it.

As for the growth core you found, the best way I can explain it is that it's like a ball of living energy. This one can't be used to improve your equipment, but it can be used to raise the overall specs of the Nullgear.

You can use the core extractor over there to remove growth cores. You'll lose whatever benefit they give you, but it's useful if you want to start over with a new loadout. It's worth at least testing it out.

Thanks for this. We owe you one.

Don't sweat it. I've seen enough people get murdered in that maze for one lifetime.

......

Well it looks like we've finally found a way to upgrade Guilty Hades.

Time to go smash up that stupid labyrinth, yeah?

Don't be so hasty. It might be smarter to try and find a few more upgrades first.

True. I wonder how much we should upgrade the Nullgear before we go? Once we decide that we can head for the maze.

The Labyrinth of Thanatos...

It actually looks pretty normal from out here.

......

Everything alright, Kam? You've been really quiet.

You must be tired from piloting Guilty Hades all the time.

No, it's not that. I was just lost in thought.

Just don't overdo things, okay Kamlanage?

......

I apologize, but this is where we have to part ways.

Nah, don't worry about it. Thanks for the help up until now.

...I pray for your success.

Harla, wait up.

Can I ask you something? How do you feel about how your father treats you, about being his pawn?

I...don't really think about it. It is what it is.

I wish you luck.

Kam...

...Sorry. I made things weird. Let's just forget about it and go.

Yeah. Let's clear this thing and get outta here. No one's gonna be dying on my watch.

We're in pretty deep now.

Labyrinth of Thanatos? HAH! More like the Lair of Losers!

Hmph. We'll see how long that haughty attitude lasts.

Ngyah?! Gemlazar?!

You were watching us?

What glory is there in a game with no audience? There are cameras all over the maze watching thine every move.

Hmph. If it's a show you want, we'll be sure to deliver.

Enjoy it while you can. I'm looking forward to seeing your face after we break all your stupid little toys.

Bold words. I wonder...will thy corpse wear that same devilish smirk?

He still sounds pretty confident... I guess things are only gonna get tougher from here.

Yeah, we're gonna need to stay on our toes. How you holding up, Kam?

Just fine. It's too early in the game to start whining about being tired.

......

Then let's move out. The goal's gotta be close now.

This looks like the end of the road. It's eerily quiet...

Welcome, brave warriors! We've been expecting thee!

Gemlazar!

I applaud thine efforts in making it this far. It was a truly wonderous show! Let now the curtain rise on the grand finale! I grant thee a glorious death in battle!

What IS that thing?!

Master of the maze! Commander of the catacombs! Lord of the labyrinth, Gajiram!!! To this day, no challenger has ever escaped its fearsome jaws! Come! Show me the extent of the Nullgear's power!

Heh. If you say so.

Everyone! Get on!

You got it!

Come on Guilty Hades. We all fight as one!

Urgh?! What's wrong? It's still not enough?

We doing this, Kam?!

...Yeah. Let's go!

Let's mangle up that maze master!

We got 'em!

Huff...puff...

Kamlanage?! Are you okay?!

Ngh...kh! ...Aaargh!

...How are you feeling? Any better?

Yeah. A little...

...Ngh!

I knew it! You need to rest!

Sorry... It looks like I overdid it a little. I should've noticed sooner.

The soul eater...

Huh?

The excavators used to say that Nullgears are actually cursed giants, that they devour their pilots! They're vessels for the god of the null...the Hollow God. That's what's wrong with him. That thing is devourin' his soul!

What'd you say?! You mean to tell me that Guilty Hades has been draining Kamlanage's soul this whole time?!

Velette! If you knew that then why didn't you tell us sooner?!

I thought it was all just superstition. I mean, the Empire's got career pilots sittin' in those things all day long. And Kamlanage seemed totally fine this whole time...

Kamlanage. Did you know?

......

I am impressed, I must admit. To think such a relic could defeat even Gajiram...

We did what you asked! Hurry up and let us out of here, Gemlazar! Our friend is hurt!

The boy? I'm afraid thy trials have only just begun. Every monster left in the labyrinth cometh for thy blood. Without anyone to pilot the Nullgear, I'm afraid thou art doomed.

You dirty, !

You never intended to let us out of here alive, did you?

Leave them outta this ya sneaky bastard! It's me ya want!

Was it not thine own actions that caused all this, Velette? I said naught about Gajiram being the end of thy trials.

Dammit! Everyone! Protect Kam!

I was part o' the team that excavated the Nullgear...an' I was the one that got you all wrapped up in my problems... I'll pay my debts alright, but to you, not to him.

We doin' this, Miss?

Yeah! Let's go, Gunce!

...Heh. I was just thinking I wanted to let off some steam. I'm still an arbiter, after all. Gotta protect my prince.

No... Just leave me... If something happened to you because of me, I...

Forget it! We never leave a friend behind!

Aldo...

Fighting to the bitter end? I try not to make a habit of picking on the weak, but I've got an image to uphold. This is what happens to those who defy the king.

Stop!

Harla! What art thou doing here?!

Father. Let them go.

Har...la?

...Thou wouldst betray thine own father? For peasants?!

No one is betraying anyone. They did what you asked. They defeated Gajiram. Isn't that enough?

Silence! I didn't ask for thine opinion!

"Thou" this, "thine" that! You'll hear my opinion whether you like it or not. I may not have your power and wealth...

...But that doesn't make you my king! Or anyone else's for that matter! I'm my own man, and I make my own decisions!

Harla...

Thou shalt regret those words, boy.

I don't want to see these people die. If you can't accept that, then you're going to have to kill me too. But just so you know, I've made a few prior arrangements with one of my most trusted allies. If anything happens to me, they will make sure the entire city knows that you deceived the humans and even murdered your own son.

Hmph. Scheming little brat. Fine, let them out. Come to the palace if thou wouldst have thy reward.

...How are you, Kam?

A lot better than before.

That's good to hear. After what Velette said about that thing draining souls I thought you might be a goner.

S-Sorry... Anyhow let's go to the palace and see what "his majesty" wanted.

No, don't do that! You need to get out of town immediately!

Harla?

The only reason he invited you is because he's interested in the Nullgear. He almost certainly plans to kill you and take it for himself.

Yeah, but he didn't. You saved us, right?

It's not that simple! Once he has his eye on something, he'll do ANYTHING to get his hands on it!

He'll just go after Guilty Hades from a different angle.

I don't think we need to worry about that. He's not going to want it so badly once he finds out what it really is.

Heh. Planning to show the emperor exactly what his new clothes look like, huh? Not a bad plan.

Alright... If that's what you think is best.

It's decided then. Can you make it to the palace, Kam?

Shall I lend you a shoulder, my friend?

Thanks, but I think I can walk on my own.

......

Okay. Let's move.

I... I might be the seed that brings inescapable destruction to your world...

To think that Gajiram could actually be bested. The Nullgear is indeed as powerful as thou say.

I've changed my mind, Velette. I'll gladly erase thy debts in exchange for the Nullgear.

Oh? Finally opened yer eyes to the wonders of archeology, have ya, Gemlazar?

Well I'm afraid I cannot oblige. Guilty Hades is a force far beyond your understanding.

I'd watch thy mouth, child. You stand before ROYALTY!

Um, actually your majesty, so do you.

Kamlanage is the prince of the Chronos Empire.

WHAT?! THAT Chronos Empire?! B-B-But, !

As an imperial arbiter, I can assure you she speaks truth. Ask the Empire directly if you won't take my word for it.

And as for the Nullgear, well, we stole it. I can assure you the Empire is doing everything they can to track it down.

GYAH! Then why did you bring it HERE?! They'll have my head on a pike!

We're going to take a rest now, your majesty. While we're gone, I suggest you think very carefully about what I've just told you.

Let's be on our way.

Y-Yeah...

GRRR! Damn those insolent humans!

Father...

How long are you going to stand there gawking, boy?! Get out of my sight! I've had more than enough of you for one day!

...As you wish.

Hmph. Spoiled brat. After all I've done for you.

Fwahaha! Well played, Ashtear! You had ol' Gemlazar quivering in his boots! That's a sight I won't soon forget!

Yeah, I can't imagine he wants to have anything to do with the Nullgear after hearing that.

Maybe. But that doesn't mean we're out of the woods.

Sorry for the intrusion, but I'd need to speak to you all as soon as possible. Meet me at Kormeer's workshop.

Huh? S-Sure... We'll head over soon.

......

What's the problem, Velette? Don't tell me you're starting to regret turning down his offer.

N-No way! I've got my reputation as a world-class archaeologist to uphold!

Hmm? If you say so.

Just remember, You'd better not get Aldo and the others mixed up in your problems again. I won't forgive you twice.

Hmph! I know already!

What'd you need to tell us, Harla?

There's no way my father is going to just let all this business about the Nullgear go. If he can't take it for himself, he'll at least try to hand it over to the Empire to curry their favor.

What?! Gemlazar is in league with the Empire?!

Of course. The Empire is pulling the strings of powerful people across the entire time layer.

Exactly. Which is why you need to get out of town before my father makes his move.

Even if we did get out of town, where would we go?

You should cross the sea to the northwestern continent and travel to Yanatu. There you should seek an audience with my uncle... My father's younger brother, Dorzhova.

That guy has a brother?

Yes. Yanatu is a holy city for those who worship the winged beast. It's one of the two largest cities in the world, alongside Torlutan. Dorzhova is the leader of their flock, so to speak.

Holy city. Yanatu. Got it.

Gotta admit... I wasn't expecting Gemlazar's little brother would be a man of the cloth...

Might I ask you to elaborate further on this "winged beast"? It's the first I've heard of it.

It's probably better for you to go and see it for yourself. I guess you could say it's the one light of hope for a race destined for extinction.

Interesting...

Did you hear that everyone? We've gotta learn more about it!

Agreed. It might be the key to saving this world.

Just make sure you're fully prepared. The Empire surely covets its power as well.

Indeed... Just like they did with the Hollow Clock.

Well if we're going then there's no time like the present. How are we supposed to get there.

Yes... That's the problem, isn't it? You need a way to cross the sea.

I'm not sure how we're supposed to do that in Guilty Hades...

It's got arms and legs don't it! Just swim!

I think it's a little heavy for that...

The flight range is too short. We would crash into the sea long before making it across!

You thinkin' what I'm thinkin', Harla?

Yes. Were you able to prepare what I asked?

Yep. It's all yours.

These are parts for Guilty Hades...

This baby will allow you to perpetually hover at a low altitude. You'll have no problem crossin' the ocean with this.

Really?! That's incredible!

It really is... But where did you get your hands on something like that?

From Harla. He's had me workin' on this little project for a while now. Thought you guys might need it.

I'm amazed you were able to make something so complicated in such a short time.

Hahah! Kormeer's workshop is famous for a reason!

Remember, once you reach Yanatu you need to go and see Dorzhova. If you mention my name I'm sure he'll grant you an audience.

We owe you one, Harla. We would've never made it this far without you.

My father ordered me to assist you, and that's what I did. In the end, I feel like it's you who saved me, though in a different way I suppose. You have my thanks. May your travels be safe.

If you ever need anything else our workshop's always open to ya!

Thanks! I might take you up on that!

This look like a good spot?

Yeah, there's plenty of space. We should be able to move Guilty Hades to the shore from here.

Perfect! Then let's get this show on the...er, sea? We head northwest to Yanatu!