Canoe howled as the searing flames burned him. The fire spread from his beard to his eyes, blinding him first. In agony, he frantically beat at the flames engulfing his body, but his struggling also endangered his companions.
The flames spread in just a second.
"Uhhhhhhhhhhhh—"
Four screams echoed through the empty cave and along the corridor.
The four scorched adventurers waved their arms wildly, breaking the monster encirclement, then fell to the ground, rolling to extinguish the fire.
One of them instinctively dashed toward the fluorite spring but collided with a rock pillar, failing to reach it.
The monsters initially feared fire, but as the four stopped moving, they began to advance.
Who in my family would've thought this was a barbecue buffet!
Burning and bitten by killer ants' sharp mandibles, Canoe raised his cloudy eyes and weakly reached toward Charles.
"Hum~, humph! Hahahahaha~"
Charles burst into laughter, covering his face.
"Thank me, brother! When you reach heaven, you'll have endless divine wine to drink!"
Dodging monsters feasting on the scorched bodies, Charles picked up the axe Canoe had dropped, grabbed a handful of the leftover wine from the shattered barrel, and raised it to his lips.
Step by step, he advanced toward the killer ants feeding on the corpses, the monsters sensing his murderous aura.
It's time to fight…
He slowly swallowed the wine. The grace behind him flared hot.
The giant axe in Charles's hand left a shimmering afterimage. The shadow of Gragas appeared again. A shockwave spiraled outward from the axe blade, blowing away seven or eight killer ants surrounding him.
This was the power of Drunken Rage — turning an ordinary strike into an area attack comparable to magic!
Charles took another sip, the giant axe glowing purple again.
He stepped forward heavily on his left leg, tensing his waist muscles, then swung the axe from top to bottom, cleaving like splitting a mountain.
Snap—
Four or five killer ants rushing at him exploded instantly, their heads shattering into countless black ashes that slowly scattered.
Charles drank the last drop of wine and unleashed a final powerful blow, annihilating all monsters in the cave.
At that moment…
He crouched slowly and gathered his spoils.
His own pack had been burned by the flames, but the magic stones for the whole team remained intact.
Charles stripped off his tattered shirt and wrapped the spoils inside. He also scavenged some equipment from the corpses.
Dwarf Canoe's armor was heavy—thick plate with a padded lining. Soaked in wine, he hadn't had time to remove the inner layers before burning to death.
Charles threw the hot armor into the flowing fluorite lotion. Once cooled, he put it on himself. He hung the swordsman's weapon at his waist and slung two ranger bows over his shoulders.
Just as he grabbed the axe, carrying his makeshift pack, ready to leave the dungeon…
"Pah… Pah… Pah…"
Sharp applause echoed in the quiet corridor.
"That was really well done!"
A rough, arrogant male voice sounded behind him. Charles startled, a chill crawling up his spine.
Who is it? Adventurers? Guards? The Justice Clan? Or…
In his previous life, Charles had ended up in similar situations, becoming a bad man. To survive, he even dared touch his sister-in-law—psychological burdens were long gone.
In short: as long as it meant survival and comfort, nothing was taboo.
But if the adventurers discovered their barbecue, trouble was certain.
What excuse should we make? Complain we came too late and our companions were killed? How to avoid suspicion?
Still…
Break through by force?!
Charles's eyes narrowed, fingers gripping the axe turning white. His gaze landed on the jagged iron shards on the floor, searching for drinkable wine.
Or maybe…
Gamble on my refresh ability and hope to gain two new skills to silence them!
From the dark passage, a figure approached.
The fluorite's glow revealed a man with fiery red, shaggy hair and brown skin. Huge earrings swung as he moved, Buddhist beads clattered against his chest.
One-shoulder clothing hung slanted, giving him an arrogant, uninhibited air. His pink lips and blue eyeshadow hinted at an evil charm.
"Kami…"
At once, Charles recognized him.
The feeling was the same as when he'd seen Soma—noble and untouchable!
How could a god be wandering the dungeon?
That was his first thought. Then he realized—it was an evil god!
Only the evil god controlling the artificial maze's passages could roam freely underground like this. This remote food storage, near the maze's edge and close to its entrance and exit…
Why is the god here? Did he bring followers? Can I defeat him?
Cold sweat broke out on Charles's forehead as his eyes locked forward.
"Don't look so bored. That smile you had earlier was very nice. Can't you keep it up?" The god opened his arms and smiled evilly.
Charles straightened, the huge curled-blade axe dropping to the ground naturally as he relaxed his expression.
"What do you want, strange god?"
"Hehehe~" The god grinned, stroking his chin.
"I saw everything you did just now. Your clan doesn't seem very friendly to you. How about joining mine? Enjoy a freer life than this one."
"Join your clan?"
Charles tilted his head, eyes saying Who are you?
"Recruit me? Are you worthy?"
"Oh, it's true." The god's tone turned indifferent, almost apologetic:
"Let me introduce myself. I am Rudra! Somewhat famous here in Orario."
Rudra...
A furious god from Indian mythology, yet also known for healing—dual-natured.
More importantly, in the story of Danmachi, the family that lured Astraea's family to the 30th floor and detonated the Bohmb summoning the "Destroyer" Jagannath, wiping them out, was the Rudra family.
Information flashed rapidly in Charles's mind.
To form a team and reach the 30th floor in two years, his clan's strength must be at least level 3 or 4. The Dark Faction itself was among the top powers.
Can't beat them!
Then I can only…
Charles raised his head proudly:
"I'm sorry, gods are like parents to me, and the clan is my home! I will never betray my beloved relatives, friends, brothers, and sisters!"
Rudra looked stunned…
Is that human language?
Regardless of truth or lie, how could I not see through it?
Your four brothers lying on the ground can take offense at this!
Can we show a little respect for God's lie detector?
Rudra scrutinized carefully…
"Um…"
"Um?"
"Um!"
Hiss—
Hmm? Something's off. Strange. Let me check again…
Hiss—
After a moment, Rudra took a deep breath.
"You… you're actually telling the truth?! How is that possible?"
He looked Charles up and down fiercely and repeated,
"You're actually telling the truth?!"