"Rather than a spirit, it would be better to call it… a Fallen Spirit or a Corrupted Spirit."
---------------------------------
Listening to Fron's rambling, and then looking at Ais, who had completely lost the ability to think, only blankly and repeatedly muttering, "Impossible, how could it be, why is it like this," everyone who knew the truth fell silent.
Within the [Loki Familia], the only ones who truly knew Ais' identity were the Three Leaders.
It had to be known, Ais carried within her half of spirit blood. No one knew better than her the true identity of that monster before them, a being that seemed human yet not.
It was as if the blood in Ais' body was boiling, her spirit constantly trembling and resonating, and the other party's delighted shriek came to an abrupt stop.
Then it suddenly turned its head toward the party, fixing its gaze entirely on Ais alone, and let out a cry of joy, as though meeting an old acquaintance.
"Aria? Aria, Aria"
Confirmed!
Hearing that name, hidden deep in her heart, once again spoken from the mouth of that inhuman monster, Ais, and the three, finally confirmed it.
"A spirit, "
Not only the members of the [Loki Familia] stared in disbelief at that "Spirit," but even Fels, who was watching through the magic item [Eye Crystal], trembled and raised their voice in shock.
"Ouranos…"
"..." The ancient god did not speak. Only the crackling sound of the four blazing torches echoed.
But Fels clearly saw that within Ouranos's pale eyes flickered rare, complex emotions intertwined.
He stared at the crystal ball's image, seemingly lost in some memory.
"My suspicions, that ominous premonition, has it come true, "
"So it really is… that thing…"
"Ah, "
Ouranos gazed into the crystal ball's image, muttering stories to himself.
"In ancient times, before the gods descended, to aid the people of the lower world, spirits who bore the gods' will, willingly became the companions of ancient heroes, helping humanity survive against the clutches of monsters."
"Then… its identity becomes clear."
"Ouranos, could it be… that in Orario's-"
"..."
In the ancient era, before the gods descended, the spirits were essentially created by the deities to eliminate the monsters of the lower world.
They usually served as guides to mortals and transmitters of divine blessings, of course, they could also serve as weapons.
At that time, as the Dungeon was the origin of monsters, many spirits were dispatched there to support the mortals.
The widely circulated fairy tale [Holy Tales of the Labyrinth] itself was said to be based on legends of how human heroes, guided by spirits, fought against monsters.
"Then… it is…"
"Ah, most likely a spirit who went deep into the Dungeon to drive away monsters, but was accidentally devoured by them. Yet, it retained its consciousness, becoming this twisted existence."
"This current form, terrifying… must be an aberration born from fusing with monsters. Without reason, entirely driven by the primal urges of consumption, plunder, and greed. Look at what it's doing now, only a mindless monster would behave like that."
"As a child of the gods, a spirit combined with a monster, essentially, it has already lost the concept of being a spirit. Yet, regrettably… it still possesses the power of a spirit. Perhaps, just like 'those,' it is a possibility unique to the lower world."
"Ouranos, you mean-"
As if realizing something, Fels shuddered violently.
No concept of a spirit, yet still holding a spirit's power? What kind of sick joke was that!
"Ah, whether the [Loki Familia] can overcome this crisis, this has already become an unknown even I, a god, cannot see…"
Turning to look at the crystal ball's vision, Ouranos' eyes carried a complex emotion.
"May they succeed… but alas, Orario is doomed to fall again…"
"A spirit fallen, a Corrupted spirit,."
...
After hearing Fron's words, and seeing Ais' genuine reaction, Tione, Tiona, Bete, Lefiya, and the others were all dumbfounded.
"F-Fron, y-you, what nonsense are you spouting!? You're saying that disgusting, nauseating thing is a spirit? That joke isn't funny at all!"
Lefiya also twisted her face in fear as she retorted.
"M-My hometown, in the Forest of Wishe, also has a great spirit, but… but that noble great spirit looks nothing like that!"
Fron hugged Ais tightly in his arms, gently stroking her golden hair to soothe her, his lips forming a bitter smile.
"It is indeed a spirit. Ais' reaction is nearly identical to when we encountered the Jewel Fetus on the 18th floor. But… it is no longer truly a spirit. It should be a fallen spirit."
"That nauseating spiritual corruption that erodes the mind, you all felt it too, right? It's almost the exact opposite of the aura from the [Spirit Veil], yet of the same origin…"
"..."
So it was confirmed. This eerie yet beautiful, sacred yet defiled thing really was once a high existence, a spirit.
It shattered their worldview.
But that was not the most important part. The positions had already been made clear. It was an enemy.
Yet… the overwhelming aura emanating from it made everyone deeply wary.
"As the complete form born after parasitizing the Jewel Fetus, its growth requires massive nutrients. Whether it's the nutrient fluid overflowing from the 'pantry,' or the magic stones devoured from its kin, all of it fueled its development."
"Even those worms and Violas were nothing but tools for it to accomplish its purpose."
"..." The cruel truth, the overwhelming aura, and its twisted, defiled appearance,
It made their hearts tremble, their spirits waver.
"Aria, Aria~ I missed you so much…"
That distorted existence continued, endlessly, unconsciously, following only its primal instincts, staring greedily at Ais with predatory eyes.
Under that invasive, scrutinizing gaze, Fron felt the delicate body of the girl in his arms stiffen. His expression darkened.
"You too, come with me, okay!?"
"..."
"Let me, eat you!"
The enemy revealed a grotesque smile, and then,
The countless monsters filling their vision all turned in unison.
It was… as if the will of a beast tamer was commanding the horde!
"Rumble-"
At the same time, endless green carpets and green walls surged forth from all directions, completely trapping the adventurers within!
From above, it could even be seen that the passage to the 58th floor had been sealed off by the green walls.
"Our retreat's been cut off too!"
"Everyone, prepare for battle!"
In an instant, as the commander, Finn issued the order for combat.
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T/N: Bonus Chapter for crossing 200 power stones; next one at 250 power stones~