Section 4: Loss Is To Be Feared

I didn't lie. I never lie. There WAS a monster in that cave.

There's no such thing as monsters. I'm positive about that.

I hate you.

I hate you, too.

So I'm going to the sea.

The big, wide-open sea, where you'll never be able to follow me.

I'm gonna conquer the sea, and make it my own.

Who cares? There are plenty of fascinating things out there besides the sea.

Just don't follow me.

Don't you follow me, either.

...Aren't they kinda weak?

Mmm, mmmmmmmmm!

Oh no, not to worry. Those were still from the very first mass-produced batch.

Rest assured, the new models will only continue to improve in quality and quantity even as our costs go down!

So like, you'll keep coming up with new versions?

Yes, yes, absolutely!

In modern parlance, it will be just like how 7 went to XP, and XP went to ME!

That sounds like it's going backward, but... Eh, whatever.

As long as they keep getting stronger, I don't care what you call it.

All right, do it! And make sure you get ahold of you-know-what this time!

Yes, sir. Absolutely!

Hmph! It doesn't belong with her.

Only people overflowing with hopes and dreams, like me, have the right to cradle it.

... ...

？！

O-oh, morning.

Is everything okay? You look like you're worried about Steggy.

Oh, he woke up bleating last night.

？！

No. I tried giving him some raw veggies, but that didn't seem to be it.

I think he misses something.

Oh. I see...

Maybe he misses his friends? It must be lonely being the only one of his kind.

？！

Y-yeah, I wonder.

Scotland has legends of Nessie, and there are some theories that hold dinosaurs still exist in the modern era...

Nnn, I doubt it.

No matter how many unknown Mystics there may still be out there, this world just isn't forgiving enough for prehistoric creatures to have survived all this time.

Unverifiable eyewitness reports are one thing, but when you're talking about living, breathing creatures...

I just don't see a way where it's possible.

So the very fact that Steggy's around at all is nothing short of a miracle.

There, there.

？！

Maybe it was granting his wish?

... ...

...Hmm, no. I've only got a hunch here, but I don't think that's it.

Then, maybe someone else wished for Steggy to come back to life?

...That could be it.

Whoops, sorry, Steggy. Okay, time for another day of adventure!

Morning, everyone. Let's start searching for the third treasure, shall we?

Yeah!

Fou!

？！

But first, I'd once again like a number of you to stay behind and guard the camp.

And one more thing. I'd like to gather any information we can find about those mass-produced Columbuses.

Okay, Mandri and I'll handle that.

Huh? You want me to help gather info? Me?

...Why me?

Now that's the look of a hero who was betrayed by his allies the moment he finally defeated the demon lord!

Anyway, you don't have to ask around if you don't want to. You can just tag along!

Hmm... Okay, I'll come along, too!

Because I can't help but worry.

Y-you have every reason to be worried! So thanks, actually!

Then we'll go along too. Right, Rengoku?

Yeah, yeah.

Hmm. Well, I suppose fivefour and a half?Servants should be more than enough for gathering information.

So that just leaves

Oh, there you are. What, you holding down the camp today, Gof?

I'll stay behind with you, then. I am your interim safety officer and all that.

E-excellent. I'm glad you didn't just forget that overnight.

？！

...Yeah, well, a job's a job.

You punks just don't stay out too late, got it?

Get back here as soon as you've done what you need to do. Preferably before sunset.

We (and by we, I mean mostly Gof)'ll have dinner ready and waiting when you get back!

Okay!

All right guys, let's get going! We're off to find the third treasure today!

At least have breakfast before you leave.

...Right after we have breakfast!

This seems like the place on the map, but...

All I see here is an ordinary forest.

No, wait. If you look closer, you can see that other people have been here before. There's definitely something here.

You know, I'm kind of getting some Japanese vibes from this place. Just me?

Um... Like what?

Oh, right. Maybe you don't see them 'cause you're not as familiar with them.

Well like, see those vines on that boulder? They kind of look like shimenawa, the rope they use at shrines to mark and purify holy areas and trees and such.

And then there're those bent and broken trees over there. Don't those kinda look like a torii gate?

Heh... Even in a foreign land, I can't help but think about homeland. Guess you can take the gal out of Japan, but you can't take Japan out of the gal.

Now that you mention it, I think I do see what you're talking about.

Okay, why don't you choose the path forward then, Nagiko?

Whoa, really?

Intuition is important! And so is association!

All right, you're on! You won't regret this! Just follow me and don't look back!

You sure letting that ditz lead the way is a good idea?

？！

All right, Master, if you say so.

Besides, I'm sure detours will provide ample opportunity for bonding. Hehe...

？！

And just what is that supposed to mean!?

Oh damn, you gotta see this, Chan-mas! I actually found something totally weird!

Here, gimme your hand! There's no time to lose!

Ah! Did she just kidnap Master!?

C-come on, let's go after them! Senpaaai! Wait for uuus!

Hmmm... Mm?

(Huff, huff, huff...) N-now what is it? Why did you stop after making us run all this way?

What did you find, Nagiko?

It does feel like there's something here, but it's a dead end. All I see's a big boulder.

Well, that's not all there is here. Look at those adorable tiny puppy statues.

Not that they're more adorable than me. Certainly not.

...Why are you being so cold, Master? You're practically the Siberian tundra.

Oh, Master. You can be so mean sometimes.

？！

Okay, that's enough of that. Let's just figure out what these statues could mean.

G-good point. Well, there are two of them... Could that mean something?

That could definitely be the key to some part of this. Hmm, what to try next...

Ooh, I know. Let me just grab these statues' necks, and then...

Raaah! Where do ya think yer lookin'!?

Aah! The hell're you doing!?

That was our biggest clue, and you justWait.

Oh wow! The boulder we thought was a dead end is opening like a door!

Nagiko moving the statues must have done something.

Yup. Whatever the trick was here, she seems to have figured it out.

Hehehe.

So these things are just like komainu, which made it weird that they WEREN'T facing each other.

Yup! I figured something might happen if I made 'em face where they should. Well, Chan-mas? Impressed!?

？！

Actually, now that I look closer, I guess they're not like komainu that much after all... Something about them screams "cheap knockoff."

You could've said something first. Geez, you just immediately act on every thought you have, huh? Maybe 'cause you're a Berserker now?

Well, whatever. Let's see what's inside... There's a stone staircase here. Looks like it goes down pretty deep.

Aha, I see. So we're dealing with something like ancient sealed-off ruins then?

Ooh, I like the sound of that! That could be delightful!

I think it's safe to say we found what the map was leading us to.

Which means the treasure must be down here.

There's only one problem. This passage looks narrower than I would've thought.

If we all head in together, and something unexpected happens, we could end up pretty much stuck.

Tight squeeze or no, we should still have someone keep watch at the entrance.

So, somebody's gotta stay behind.

Well, if being small is an asset here, then Steggy and I are all set!

I know, right!? An underground ruin with untold mysteries lying in wait!

We couldn't possibly resist something so enticing!

I see. So being small is a good thing here, hmm?

？！

Hehehe. Well, swimsuit or not, I am still me, you know.

And right now, you're the only one I've got in my sights, Master. Putting my own personal tastes aside...

...if what giving you my brand of love in this situation requires is me being small, then small is what I'll be.

Well, Master? Aren't you glad I'm here? Just let my charms beguile you and fall deeply in love with

Um... What are you doing?

？！

That conniving little Grand Duchess...

Hehehehe. (Flashing her famous Grand Duchess smile)

So, who's gonna stay behind, Chan-mas?

I'm good either way.

Could I make a suggestion?

I think Nagiko should go with you, Master. You might need her help again to solve any other riddles you come across.

Whoa, really? I mean, you do know we're talking about ME here?

I do. I'm not sure why, but it does seem like these ruins have a Japanese theme to them...

And there could very well be other mechanisms that fit that theme up ahead.

You've proven you're the one who's most likely to notice them, Nagiko.

I mean, you did find this entrance.

I'll admit I'm a little worried about what else you might pull, but your results do speak for themselves.

Hmm... I wish I could go too, but it looks like Mash and I'll have to stay behind.

So Senpai, Da Vinci, Kama, Anastasia, and Nagiko...

That does seem like as many people as can go on this expedition.

I wish I could come along as well, but I agree that it's best if Achilles and I keep watch here.

Yeah. It's real important to secure an exit route when exploring enclosed spaces like this.

If nothing else, we wanna be sure those stone doors don't close behind you without a way to open them.

Well, come on, Master! I can't wait to see what this expedition has in store!

Wahaha, what's going on here!? Is this all supposed to be Japanese style?

Man, this is all so fishy! I'm having a blast already!

Are you? Well, I guess you and the giddy Grand Duchess over there do seem to be enjoying yourselves.

♪♪♪

？！

Good point. Ruins like this aren't exactly known for being safe.

Most places practically oozing Mystics aren't.

Oh, we'll be fine.

If this were a normal cave, I might be worried about things like bears, but this place has been sealed off for who knows how long, right?

If anything dangerous WAS trapped in here, it would surely have died long ago.

Hmm. I take your point...

But it also wouldn't surprise me to run into some booby tra

Gah!

There, you see?

Yikes...

Well, there you go: a death trap. You're lucky it missed.

Here, Master, stay close to me, okay? You'll be safe with me.

Hmm, that's all well and good...

But I think I'm hearing something slithering our way.

Looks like there are enemies here after all.

Maybe these ruins have their own unique ecosystem? Or these creatures don't require energy to function?

Or maybe they're magecraft guardians that manifested when the entrance was opened?

I have a thought: Why don't you figure out how these things got here AFTER we stop them from killing us!?

Heh... Guess those snakes weren't really cut out for being guardians...

... ...

Not that snakes can cut much of anything, since they're...well, snakes.

Phew...

Hm? What is it, Steggy? Is there something over the

I was going to rescue you guys if it looked like you needed help...

But I guess you were fine on your own, huh?

Huh? Y-you!?

Huh? Y-you!?

... ...

... ...

... ...

Were...you gonna say something?

I'm sorry.

That pause went on for so long that I completely forgot what I was going to say...

What are you, a secret Berserker?

？！

Huh? There's treasure here, and treasure means jewels, right? So why WOULDN'T I be here?

You might be my Master, but that doesn't mean I'm about to let you snatch my jewels for yourself.

And I'm only here 'cause this more aggressive Ishtarin forced me to come!

That said, bounty hunting and treasure hunting do have a lot in common, so this isn't really my first ruin-delving rodeo.

I just figured, okay, seems like fun, what the hay? Besides, skills are like anything else: use 'em, or lose 'em☆

Hey, you should be grateful. It's not every day you get to help out a goddess like me.

(Although... I only brought her 'cause of her scouting skills, but we do seem to get along weirdly well. Looks like I've already got myself a good find.)

？！

Oh, a goddess of Venus who turns out to be no more than a fool lured here against her better judgment by the promise of treasure. What a joke.

You got a problem with me, love goddess? I dunno why, but something about your face pisses me off.

If we're just now bumping into you here, then there must've been another way into these ruins.

Not that I'm too surprised. The passageways might be narrow, but as a whole, these ruins seem pretty spacious.

So, you guys are here for the treasure too then?

That's right. Looks like it's a race to see which of us can navigate these ruins and find the treasure first then.

Khh... What happened to you two!? Did the treasure put a curse on you or something!?

No, I think they're just like that.

Gotcha. Makes sense.

So, on that note: let's get this race started!

Wooo! Way to set the pace, Ishtarin!

Welp, see y'all later! Oh, and I'm pretty sure that wasn't the only trap here...

I'd be real careful if I was you!

We need that treasure to repair this Singularity, so we can't back down from this fight.

Come on! We're just going to have to make sure we beat Ishtar to the treasure!

It does seem that way. Fortunately, Viy should be able to help us detect other traps.

Then why didn't you have him do that in the first place?

And ruin all the fun? This is supposed to be a thrilling expedition.

In exchange for Viy's help, I'll be counting on you to solve any riddles we come across.

You got it, Anacchi! You handle the traps, and I'll do the thinky bits!

Then my job will be to put Master's nerves at ease...

...by shrieking adorably at every creepy noise and clinging to him for dear life. Don't worry, I'll give it everything I've got.

I don't think that's actually a thing... But, whatever.

All right guys, let's make our way through these ruins!

Hmm, hmmm. Whup, found a trip wire.

So this connects there, which would lead to that... So I just have to cut it then. Snip, snip.

This is way more boring than I expected.

That's treasure hunting for you.

You know, I just realized something. Pretty much all these traps are on the floor, right?

I'm always floating, so do I even need to worry about them? What am I saying, of course I don't.

My goddess's intuition is telling me I have nothing to worry about.

And since speed is of the essence right now, I think it should be fine if I go on ahead.

Don't worry, I'll holler if there's any mechanisms I can't get past. Say, a door I can't pry open with brute strength.

So brute-forcing your way through was your plan anyway...

Not a good idea, Ishtarin. Traps like these are designed to lull you into getting complacent.

You should assume they've already planned for people being lazy and thinking they can just stay off the floor and

There, you see!?

Now we've got a giant boulder coming straight for us!

Thanks, Captain Obvious, I noticed!

Aw crap, we're not gonna make it!

Oh, fine! If we can't run away, then I'll just do THIS!

Heh. Easy as pie.

Sorry to interrupt your victory hair tossing, Ishtarin, but we wouldn't have had to worry about the boulder at all if you'd been more careful.

Erm... Heh... Well, hey! At least I figured out a solution, right?

Now we have to plan out our route again. And there's no telling how far we might be from our goal.

Goddess or not, you should really try not to waste unnecessary energy.

Okay, okay, you've made your point.

I'll let you get back to disarming the traps then.

...All that aside, there really are a ton of them down here. I wonder how Master's gang is doing?

Oh. I think there's something over on the floor there.

Hmm, let's see what we've got!

It's a pretty simple mechanism, so as long as you notice it before you set it off, it's easy to disarm. Nice job.

Man, this is going great! Almost makes me feel bad for having so much fun.

Whup, I can see the next room. I guess this means it's our turn now?

What in the world? There's a huge hole in the floor.

Wow, it's deep. I can't see the bottom.

It looks like we can jump across using those tiles. Huh, they all have pictures of animals on them.

I smell a trap!

Yes, Viy thinks so, too. But he can't tell just what sort of trap it is...

Heeey, over here! I think there's something written on this wall.

Sure looks like a hint to me.

I'm guessing we have to follow the correct route to open the next door, and if we mess up, the trap activates.

So all of these floor tiles have pictures of animals on them, huh? Seems like that must be important, then.

I see monkeys, horses, snakes and spiders...and they repeat.

Heh. Now I see. Snakes, horses, and monkeys? It can only mean one thing.

The Chinese zodiac!

Really? That's your answer?

？！

Hm? Hey, guys, check this out. There's something written underneath this tile.

That looks like more pirate penmanship.

And if it is, then we should be able to use Blackbeard's cheat sheet to decipher it...

Oh, it's just a "0" and an "↑".

And the arrow is pointing directly to the snake tile... Hmm, interesting.

Zero, zero, zero... And what's more, these tiles are...

...Aha! I've got it!

？！

Now, now. All in good time, Master.

I think, for a riddle like this, you'll be more satisfied if you figure out the answer yourself.

So go on. Think about it.

Of course, if you're really feeling stumped, I can always give you a hint. So, what do you want to do?

Great♪

Got it. The hint is...legs.

The number of legs starts at zero, and they go in this order:

Zero, two, four, eight.

？！

So, which of these three routes is correct?

？！

Okay, let's give that route a shot! Just watch your step so you don't slip and fall, okay, Fujimaru?

Don't worry. If he falls, I'll go down with him.

You hear that, Master? I'll follow you wherever you go, even to the depths of hell or the edge of depravity... Teehee.

Okay, snake, monkey, horse, and spider! Well?

？！

So it WAS the number of legs ordered least to most.

Pretty easy once you figure it out.

I still have no idea where the zodiac thing came from, though.

Even I know that spiders aren't part of that!

Hmm... Guess I let my entertainer spirit get the best of me.

But seriously, doesn't it seem like some creepazoids were born in the year of the spider? Like Mambo-chan (read: Ashiya Douman).

So I guess the more I thought about it, the more I convinced myself the year of the spider was a thing.

Ugh, I swear... All right, you idiot, come on. Let's just see what's behind the door we just opened.

More enemies, huh. Figures.

I guess not even the correct route can get us out of having to face Demonic Beasts...

All right, guys, let's get 'em!

？！

Sorry, Master. I'm afraid that wasn't it.

？！

Still, at least you did your best, Master! All right, the correct answer is: snake, monkey, horse, spider.

It's all about the number of legs. Snakes don't have legs, so they're marked as the starting line.

Pretty simple once you know the trick, right? Hehehe.

All right, looks like we're out of options.

Last resort: brute force! Hraaah!

Did you just break down that stone door with a hammer!? Hey, whatever gets the job done! Okay, let's go in!

Didn't you come along to help solve Japan-themed riddles? Whatever happened with that?

Wah! It's an ambush!

We're just gonna have to fight our way through! Come on, let's do this!

？！

Sorry, Master. I'm afraid that wasn't it.

？！

Still, at least you did your best, Master! All right, the correct answer is: snake, monkey, horse, spider.

It's all about the number of legs. Snakes don't have legs, so they're marked as the starting line.

Pretty simple once you know the trick, right? Hehehe.

All right, looks like we're out of options.

Last resort: brute force! Hraaah!

Did you just break down that stone door with a hammer!? Hey, whatever gets the job done! Okay, let's go in!

Didn't you come along to help solve Japan-themed riddles? Whatever happened with that?

Wah! It's an ambush!

We're just gonna have to fight our way through! Come on, let's do this!

Yay. (V sign)

Come on, Anacchi, it's victory selfie time! Annnd...funny faces!

Phew. Looks like things are working out pretty well so far.

We should be able to explore the ruins in no time if we keep this pace up!

(Huff, huff...)

Well, that was a big waste of energy.

Haha, sorry about that. Guess I just wasn't strong enough...

That's why I tried to make up for it by just bashing down the door.

？！

Hey, at least we're all okay! That's reason enough to be happy.

It'll be fine. We'll just have to be more careful from now on. Okay guys, let's keep moving!

Hmm... Well, this looks like a classic finish line.

That certainly is a big door, isn't it? It must lead to the treasury.

What's more, Viy says it isn't booby-trapped.

Looks like it's not locked, either. All we have to do is open it.

...Except...

I wonder what's going on with that picture embossed in the door.

Yeah. According to the plaque next to the door, it seems to have something to do with the reason these ruins were made in the first place.

I think it's depicting a person who embodies a certain theme.

I can only decipher bits and pieces, but it looks like it's depicting the queen of ancient Zipangu...

Himiko!

？！

Why does that picture look like you? Did you sneak in here ahead of us and doodle on the wall or something?

I mean, being a delinquent is kind of your thing now. You've got the spray paint and everything.

Uh, nope, hard disagree. Plus, I don't remember doing anything like that, anyway.

Besides, my spray paint is temporary! It totally disappears after a while!

I can't tell exactly what era these ancient ruins are from...

But if some Caribbean pirates modified them somehow to hide their own treasure, then maybe...

I mean, you're originally from over a millennium ago, right, Nagiko?

So it's entirely plausible that a scroll or description or something bearing your likeness...

...could've made its way overseas like an ancient game of telephone.

Whoa, whoa, come on, Daviko. You really think someone would vandalize old ruins like tha

Aaactually, that'd explain a lot.

We've already seen a bunch of stuff here that's sorta based on Japanese culture. It almost feels like they learned about Japan from crappy Western ninja movies or something.

Maybe that's why these ruins feel like a bizarre homage to my homeland...

Never mind that now. We should hurry. We're racing to the treasure, remember?

Oh. Took you long enough.

Well, we haven't found the treasure yet, either. Guess you're all still hanging in there, even if by a thread.

Oh, buck up.

In fact, we haven't found the treasure yet, either. Guess you're all still hanging in there, even if by a thread.

？！

Hmm. I'm sure the mechanism to open this door is in here somewhere, but...

You can't find it?

I think I could if I had enough time, but I don't know if I have that luxury!

Well, we definitely don't have time to pussyfoot around. I mean, our opponents are right there.

Time for plan B.

You mean.........blowing it up?

You got it.

I can work with that♪

Whoa, whoa, hold up! I'm vetoing that right now! You guys must've seen for yourselves how many tricky traps there were on the way here.

There's no telling what might happen if we don't open this door the right way.

I know that. Trust me, I had my own close encounter with a giant boulder.

But it's like they say: no risk, no treasure, right?

I... Did I just make that up? Eh, whatever. Still true.

Ugh, it's no use. This worthless goddess can't think of anything but the treasure.

She really is a worthless goddess, isn't she? I'm actually a little embarrassed to be a goddess right now.

All right! Since this dead end is stopping us from going further...

...we'll just have to settle this treasure race with a good, old-fashioned fistfight.

It wasn't my first choice since it's not exactly elegant, but here we are.

Oh, unless you want to concede? I recommend conceding.

If you do, I might even let you get a whiff of the empty chest once I've taken all the jewels.

Just shut up already.

You say a fistfight's the only way to settle this? Fine. That makes things simple.

Besides, this'll be a great opportunity to show Master how useful I can be.

(Master. I'll have Viy keep scanning the room, even when I'm fighting.)

(Good idea. Our only real goal is to nab the treasure.)

(So while you guys keep Ishtar busy, I'll try to find a way to open that door.)

(If we can get it open first, we'll have a real shot at turning this around!)

？！

You're a cheeky one, aren't you?

All that backtalk is making me want to demonstrate who's top dog in our pantheons.

Maybe it's because I've got some love goddess aspects myself?

The hell would I know? I don't care who you think the top dog is.

I just want to beat your ass until you apologize for being such an arrogant bitch!

Even as they traded insults, the two goddesses knew each possessed what the other lacked.

And so it was only a matter of time until their unacknowledged attraction drew them to one another...

Too bad Kaorucchi's not here. I bet she would love this.

THE HELL SHE WOULD!!!

Ahaha, man, this takes me back.

This is just like the time I had that huge shoot-out with the Kykeon Guardian I accidentally activated at those ancient space ruins.

Man, those Kykeon Particle beams were sooo pretty. You know, beams are a lot like flower petals in that sense, especially when they scatter.

How about you treat me with a little more respect!?

How about you do something about that literally god-awful habit of taking everything you want like it's owed to you!?

Okay, um, better take advantage of this opportunity while I still can...

Oh. I think there's a hint in this broken monument.

"Only the queen's visage...key..." It's a little fragmented, but it sounds like

Look! Viy just found a suspicious looking indentation!

It's shaped to fit something...like a human face.

Well, that is what "visage" means. Maybe it means the key's a mask or something?

？！

Well, these ARE pretty old ruins. Maybe the mask was lost over time.

But we're not out of options yet. We know what the queen of these ruins looks like, after all.

So I'm thinking...

Hehe. Mind giving it a shot?

Heh... Say no more, Daviko.

I might be a huge delinquent right now, as my awesome outfit makes so clear...

...but the thing about delinquents is, they're super big on laying down their lives for their besties...or so I hear.

(Inhale) (Exhale)... Hup!

Yeow! Ow ow ow ow! It's all rough...like a sandpaper facial!

I see. So instead of a mask of the queen's face, you're using a real face that looks just like hers.

I wonder if it'll work... Oh.

That did it! Come on! Let's go while Kama's keeping Ishtar and Jane busy!

Oh my, what a lot of treasure. You could sled down those mountains of jewels.

？！

Really? I had the impression that she's more talented at bumbling into some crisis or other if anything...

Oh, maybe I should keep stuff like that to myself? Teeheehee.

Hmm. All this treasure IS really shiny...

But it's nothing we need right now. More importantly...

Aha! Here it is!

There you go. There's a good dinosaur.

？！

What's up, Fujimaru?

...Huh. That looks like

Oh my, what a beautiful piece of amber.

Aah!

What is it, Steggy!? Steggy!

？！

Maybe he just likes it? Or he thinks it's food?

Hm...?

Why not take it back with us?

I don't see any harm in taking one tiny piece from this whole pile.

...Good point. Okay, let's bring it back!

Can I have that, Steggy?

Oh my, he really doesn't want to let it go, does he? ...Maybe it tastes better than it looks?

Whuh-oh! I'd better make sure he doesn't accidentally swallow it.

Made it!

... ...

Aw man, you guys beat me here, huh? Guess I got caught up in the battle...

Hehe. Did you see how self-sacrificingly I stalled her for you, Master? You can lean on me even more if you want.

？！

By the way, Master, I've got a question for you.

...What are you planning to do with all these jewels?

？！

... ...Wat.

You're just going to leave all these jewels here? Because you don't need them?

...Then, does that mean I can have them!?

？！

Woohooo!

All right! I'll just help myself to all the jewels I can carry!

Oh man, now this is the kind of work that makes me want to stop for a drink on the way home!

Hm? Is that an earthquake?

I don't know; it seems to be lasting an awful long time for an earthquake. In fact...

？！

It looks like Steggy agrees.

...Isn't that bad?

AGAIN!? First during the second treasure hunt, now here, too!?

Urk. Hey, don't look at me. It wasn't my fault this time.

Jane? Don't tell me you forgot what we discussed and went ahead with plan B?

Wow, I believe this knife is yours!? No, I made sure I disarmed all the bombs I set!

No... I think this trap is tied to the entire ruins.

That kind of thing happens more often than you'd think.

I don't know if they just do it to ruin your day or what, but once you finally make it to the treasure in the innermost chamber...

...they try to collapse all the passages you just took to get there, as if to say, "Now you must overcome my final trap!"

？！

Something tells me Jane's probably on to something...

Okay, Chan-mas.

Let's run like our lives depend on it!!!

？！

Aw crap, it's only getting worse. And we're still a ways off from the exit!

I think we might be in some serious danger this time!

？！

Wait. What's that?

All right! I made it!

Achilles! You came to get us!

Yup. We don't have to worry about traps and stuff now, and these situations are all about beating the clock.

Besides, the exit's not far off!

Hmm. Carrying all five of you'll be tough, but I'll manage! C'mon, get on! Er, grab on!

Wh-whoa! You've got Kamacho on your shoulders... Chan-mas on your back... Anacchi hanging on your right arm...

...me on your left arm... And you're holding Daviko with both hands! You Greek guys are amazing!

Don't talk. You'll bite your tongue.

All right, here goes! This is gonna be the fastest rescue operation humankind has to offer!

...Phew.

Sure, don't worry about it. Just doing my job. 'Sides, it was nice to put my speed to good use for a change.

？！

Are you all right, Master!? Thank goodness...

I was really worried when I felt the ground shake and saw the ruins start to collapse...

I'm so relieved to see you all made it out.

Nnn. I don't know if I'd say ALL of us.

Now that you mention it...I don't see Ishtar or Jane anywhere.

Huh? Ishtar? She was there, too!?

Yup. Along with Jane.

Damn, seriously? I didn't see 'em anywhere. This is bad. Real bad...

......

We lost some really entertaining people today... Actually, the word I'm looking for might be "crazy."

I heard that.

Oh, I'm pretty sure they survived.

Just because the way out collapsed doesn't mean the entire ruins did, too.

There might be some more Mystic traps down there, like the kind that spawn giant boulders...

But they should be fine with Jane there. I'm sure she's got skills to deal with things like that.

？！

Forget about that goddess. Can't we just be happy about getting the next map?

And maybe show a little appreciation to the adorable (demon king) god of love who made that possible?

You're right, Kamacho. You really helped us out. What a good girl you are!

Head pats from you is NOT the reward I had in mind!

Hey, at least we accomplished our immediate goal. Now it's time to head back to camp and rest up!

Welp, we're definitely trapped in here.

Ghh. Why me?

At least we weren't completely buried alive, right? Now here, take this.

A board? Wait. You don't mean...

We're gonna dig our way out?

That's right.

Unless you have a better idea?

But in the meantime, if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Now come on, Ishtarin! Let's get digging!

Nooo! I'm too beautiful for manual labooor!

I mean, I know I suggested this before myself, but stiiill!

Come on, Ishtarin! You can do it!

If you don't, the only thing left of you will be a little gravestone that says "Here Lies Ishtar"!

Again...why me?