My Family in the Novel?

Chapter 161: First Act 30: Freedom

"Well, that was quick"

I muttered under my breath as the dungeon trembled around me. Reacting swiftly, I hastily connected my mana to the carefully placed markers scattered throughout the labyrinthine depths.

The plan was set in motion; the core of the dungeon, the primary source of power for the monstrous inhabitants, was now severed.

With the core disabled, chaos was imminent.

Although the monsters within the dungeon were distinct entities, their life force predominantly stemmed from the core.

The abrupt loss of this energy supply meant that most of them had a mere day or two to survive. The looming threat of impending demise drove them into a frenzied state, pushing them to go on a rampage in an attempt to replenish their dwindling life force.

The urgency of their situation meant that the monsters spared no time, indiscriminately attacking anything in their line of sight.

The most unsettling aspect was their selective targeting – they focused solely on non-monstrous entities.

This peculiar behavior resulted in what some referred to as a dungeon outflow, a cataclysmic event commonly known as a dungeon break.

Suddenly, a resounding ring reverberated through every nook and cranny of the dungeon, emanating from the communication stones and crystals strategically placed throughout its vast expanse.

"[Warning!] [Warning!] [Warning!]"

The urgent message blared, cutting through the ambient sounds of the dungeon.

"[Please leave the dungeon immediately]

[I repeat please leave the dungeon immediately, all students leave the dungeon immediately]"

"Huh? What's going on?"

"I don't know"

The voice of the professor resonated through all the communication stones, a sense of urgency lacing every word.

The students, caught off guard by the unexpected alarm, reacted with a mix of panic and confusion.

The immediate realization that something was terribly wrong sent shockwaves through the underground corridors.

"Hey man watch out!"

"Huh?""

"Aghh!!"

Just like that those two students died from a frenzied Kobold.

In the ensuing chaos, the once-adventurous environment transformed into a scene of frenzied activity.

Students either bolted in a panicked dash or stood frozen, their expressions reflecting sheer bewilderment.

The air was thick with an air of uncertainty as everyone grappled to comprehend the gravity of the situation.

Even the supposed safety zones within the dungeon would soon become precarious, as the destruction of the dungeon core hinted at an imminent breakdown of protective barriers.

The once-secured areas, which had provided a semblance of safety, were now at risk of being breached.

After all everything here relied upon its core.

Jumping agilely to evade the lunges of three hound wolves, I found refuge behind a sizable stone, stealing a moment to assess the unfolding chaos on the floor I occupied.

The atmosphere was charged with tension as students grappled with the sudden onslaught.

Some fought valiantly, showcasing their combat prowess, while others sprinted desperately toward the exits in a bid for survival.

The gravity of the situation became clear to me as I remembered the crucial error the academy had made during this exam.

The decision to deactivate the celestial magic, which seamlessly linked the lower floors to the outside world, had proven to be a colossal mistake.

Turning the once-thriving examination into a perilous struggle for survival.

'Just like in the novel most students here would surely die'

My attention was drawn to a distant point where an abundance of mana seemed to coalesce.

Squinting my eyes, I discerned flashes of white light.

"Looks like Tristan's already doing his part"

Despite the overwhelming odds and the impossibility of saving everyone, Tristan stood resolute.

His selflessness shone through as he valiantly faced the relentless wave of monsters, pushing back against the onslaught.

In the midst of chaos, he exemplified the qualities of a true hero—unwavering courage, sacrifice, and a determination to protect others, even at the risk of personal peril.

'You truly are a hero with or without the sword'

The communication crystal nestled in my pocket began to emit a soft glow, catching my attention. Without hesitation, I swiftly retrieved it and accepted the incoming call.

"Master, the kid is with us"

"Good. Tell him to do his part" "What about the blood wyvern?"

"It's currently on a rampage. Sasha is busy luring it to the marker right now. We're just waiting for your signal"

"Tell Sasha to stop it from moving for a few seconds. I'm about to open the portals. Also, don't forget to protect the kid. I'm pretty sure all the professors outside will go after him immediately."

"Yes, master"

Cutting off the call, I took one last look at the onslaught of monsters stampeding, killing everything in sight.

Some were even mid-ranking bosses who reveled in tormenting and playing with every human they encountered.

Even in the midst of their rampage, it seemed their sadistic nature didn't vanish.

As expected, they were making their way towards the stairs.

Those on the first floor might have already faced against the professors.

Looks like a lot were dying every second.

But worry not....

there might be a lot of you here, but I won't let you all go to waste by becoming useless clumps of meat.

Clasping my hands together, I began to pray. Dark energy gathered around me as my eyes started glowing purple.

Haha~ truly, I missed this feeling.

'Thank you.'

Although I wanted to enjoy the flowers looking at them without someone by my side felt lonely for some reason.

As Cecilia, with her gigantic serpent-like body, carried me on her head, a cascade of thoughts filled my mind as I gazed at the bustling commercial district in the distance.

Even right now, it was as busy as ever.

'If only I...'

'Louise...'

'Nn....? what is it, Cecilia?'

'You look down for some reason. Is something bothering you?'

'Ah... no, it's nothing. It's just that...'

'That?'

'Uhm... just random thoughts about what might have happened if I didn't do what I did last time. I wondered if my current situation would be any different now...'

'You know it wasn't your fault, Louise...'

'I know, but it's still a fact that I was the one who followed Lady Schwi there, so I'm also slightly at fault.'

If someone were to see me now, would they try to arrest me right away?

Would they attack me?

Would they call me a monster or murderer?

I wondered how those people who looked at me with kindness, awe, anticipation, inspiration and respect will look at me now.

I wonder what their eyes will reflect in front of me.

"Hehe, but don't worry, Cecilia. It's just a thought, honestly. Even though my situation is unfavorable right now, it's honestly not too bad. It allowed me to confirm things at least, and Adrian already promised to help me anyway, so everything should be fine soon, hehe" I said to her, attempting to dismiss my lingering thoughts. Even now, they still bothered me.

But as expected, despite saying all that, Cecilia still cast a somewhat worried look at me. It seemed she noticed the sadness hidden in my voice.

I guess Cecilia knows me too well not to see through my lies.

Even if it's the truth that everything around me right now bothers me, it's also a fact that I'm a bit grateful for it.

After all, I got closer to Adrian through it...

And I also made a couple of genuine friends along the way.

Suddenly, the ground shook, and a faint noise of a loud explosion echoed in the distance.

"What's going on?"

"Louise, stay close to me."

Cecilia suddenly wrapped her gigantic body around me, shielding me from any potential danger. In her transparent form, I could easily see through her.

Suddenly.

HSSS....!!!

Cecilia opened her fangs as her fiery body heated up, flames immediately surrounding us.

As she made a warning call to the blonde-haired lady right next to us.

Long pointy ears....

there was only one race in this world who had that type of ears, an elf?

Right in front of me, a lady elf stood, her black dress oozing out darkness as it seemed to stitch onto her skin, outlining her sensual body.

Her red eyes met mine through the white mask she was wearing, and suddenly, the rune-like lights in the mask changed to that of a smile.

"Huhu, I didn't expect to meet a human here."

Her voice sent shivers down my spine.

Even though elves were known to be mortals, second closest to nature alongside dragons, the feeling and aura emanating from the masked elf in front of me were anything but that.

It was something more sinister, something more evil.

Even the spirits around me seemed to try to hide from this lady, only Tulan and Cecilia were the only ones who stood by my side.

'Don't stare at her Louise'

Warned Tulan who was half manifested on my right.

"But looking at your blonde hair and pink eyes, it seems I can't harm you. Even though there are probably other blondies and pink-eyed people around here, I can't be too careful, can I...? fufu"

"I guess it was true that father liked it blonde I knew It was a good thing to take over this body hehehe"

She suddenly mumbled things I couldn't understand.

"Anyway, see you soon, pretty girl" she said as she threw something at me, a glowing orb?

"Get down, Louise!" shouted Cecilia as she fully manifested herself, covering me entirely.

Meanwhile, Tulan was making his way towards the orb, his huge gorilla-like rock body clasping the tiny orb in his hands as he clutched it down.

"Close your eyes master!!!"

Boom....!

Tulan's cries were the last thing I heard as everything turned bright, and a loud explosion rang in my ears.

.....

In the ever-busy commercial district of Estelle Academy, people were engrossed in their daily activities when suddenly, the ground shook beneath their feet.

A loud explosion echoed in the distance, catching everyone's attention.

As if a sinister omen, hundreds of black dots filled the skies, the streets, and even the ground underneath.

Black miasma oozed out of the black portals, and suddenly, horrendous roars reverberated as monsters proceeded to emerge.

The once serene atmosphere turned into chaos, and panic spread like wildfire through the bustling district.

Amidst the turmoil, Analise instinctively let go of the basket she was holding, her eyes widening with shock as a horde of goblins materialized before her.

Their grotesque smiles sent a chill down her spine, and she quickly realized the perilous situation unfolding.