Chapter 141 - 141-Liberation (Part 1)
"[Deception], what scheme are you up to now?"
John pulled [Deception] aside and said in a low voice, "If the person inside really is the [Divine Emissary], engaging him in such an extreme environment will be to our disadvantage!"
"John, this time I'm not joking. I really need your help. Right now, he can still resist the [God's] will with his own, but who knows how long he can hold out?
As the emissary of the God of Fire, he is definitely the last enemy you want to face.
Given enough time, he could even create a fully armed army!
Rather than giving him time to prepare, it's better to end him here and now.
The second reason is more personal.
We used to be very good friends, but for certain reasons, we had to part ways. Instead of watching him suffer and struggle with himself, I hope to free him from this ordeal."
At this point, [Deception] bowed deeply to John, his sincere attitude surprising even John.
"I can help you kill him, but I have one condition."
Hearing this, [Deception] was slightly taken aback.
He vaguely remembered that a few months ago, John didn't have his current strength and needed his help when facing the [Lust Apostle].
Unknowingly, their roles had reversed. Now, it was [Deception] pleading for John's help, and John who held the upper hand.
Thinking of this, [Deception] smiled bitterly and said helplessly, "What condition?"
"When this is over, tell me everything you know, and everything that has happened to you."
"...Are you sure you want to hear it? It's quite a boring story."
"It doesn't matter. I'm a pretty boring person myself."
...
"So, here's the situation. I'm planning to go deeper and take down the [Divine Emissary]. Does anyone have any objections?"
As they were about to engage the [Divine Emissary], John naturally couldn't stay on the sidelines any longer.
He took charge, looked around, and seeing no opposition, he nodded slightly and said, "Then it's settled. [Deception] will lead us to the depths of the maze and help alleviate the discomfort caused by the high temperatures. Our job is to take down the [Divine Emissary]!
Of course, this is easier said than done.
When we actually engage, there will undoubtedly be many uncertainties.
At that time, everyone should look out for each other and prioritize the safety of our companions. Understand?"
"John, it's about time you spoke up. I was getting a bit uncomfortable with it."
Exiled Immortal scratched his head with a sheepish grin, realizing he might have said something wrong, and looked towards Helena, "Big sister, I didn't mean that you're not good at making decisions. Don't get the wrong idea!"
"Don't worry, I know what you mean. Am I such a petty person? Being able to focus solely on fighting without worrying about anything else isn't necessarily a bad thing.
And don't forget, Exiled Immortal, my combat skills are now on par with yours!"
With a thought, Helena summoned her divine hunting bow. The simple and unadorned longbow contained terrifying power.
Seeing this, John nodded in satisfaction and said, "Since no one has any objections, let's move out. Our goal is to defeat the [Divine Emissary]!"
With [Deception]'s help, the journey ahead was significantly easier.
They didn't have to endure the scorching heat or navigate the confusing tunnels themselves.
In less than an hour, they reached the deepest part of the maze.
However, the boss room of the maze was now covered with scorching magma, and the boss had vanished without a trace.
It was clear that this had something to do with the [Divine Emissary].
Looking at the boiling magma, Exiled Immortal shivered and asked, "Is it really safe to jump down there?"
"Don't worry, this magma is just an illusion. We won't be hurt."
[Deception] spoke up, activating his ability again.
To ease everyone's concerns, he led by example and jumped into the magma without hesitation, quickly sinking down.
Seeing this, everyone looked at each other, hesitating. Even John was reluctant to act rashly.
Jumping in could easily result in being melted by the scorching magma if they were even slightly careless!
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"How about... I go down first and try it?"
Qing stepped forward at the right moment.
As a berserker, even if he were to be burned by the magma, he could withstand it long enough to secure a chance for survival.
However, before anyone could protest, John walked straight into the magma, letting his body sink into the pool.
Seeing this, everyone gasped and rushed forward to check on John.
"It's okay! His HP hasn't changed; he should be unharmed."
Exiled Immortal, looking at John's team status panel and seeing that his HP was nearly unchanged, finally breathed a sigh of relief.
With John's attempt showing it was safe, everyone gathered their courage and jumped in one by one.
It felt like being enveloped in warm liquid, allowing their bodies to sink slowly.
When they regained their senses, they found themselves in a space beneath the magma. [Deception] was already waiting, and not far behind him was a burly man wielding a giant hammer, continuously striking an iron ingot.
Seeing this, Old Mac gasped in shock, both at the [Divine Emissary]'s impressive attack and at finally understanding where the hammering sound had come from.
"So, he's the one you mentioned?"
"Yes, but unfortunately, we came a bit too late."
[Deception] nodded slightly, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes.
He explained, "His sanity has been completely devoured. Now, he's just a shell acting on physical instinct. If you approach recklessly, he'll attack you immediately."
"Leave the rest to us."
John patted [Deception] on the shoulder, then turned to the group and said in a deep voice, "Let's get ready. Qing, I'm counting on you to lead the charge and take the brunt of the attack."
"No problem! I want to see just how powerful that hammer really is!"
Qing grinned, his eyes filled with confidence.
"Lily, in this enclosed underground environment, you can't easily use your celestial spells. Just keep buffing us continuously. Helena, you stay on the lookout and protect Lily."
The two women responded with an understanding nod, and John then looked at Exiled Immortal.
"As for you, act as you see fit."
Honestly speaking, John wasn't entirely sure if they could take down the [Divine Emissary] who had lost his sanity.
His true strength was still an unknown factor. But as [Deception] said, this fight was inevitable and would happen sooner or later.
So...
"Action!"
John shouted, wings spreading out from his back as he and Exiled Immortal soared into the air.
Qing, standing firm, swung his halberd at the [Divine Emissary] before leaping forward like a cannonball to strike him!
Sensing the attack, the [Divine Emissary] abruptly stopped forging.
After taking a deep breath, he swung his giant hammer, deflecting the halberd, and punched Qing with a mighty blow!
Bang!
A heavy thud echoed as Qing collided with the [Divine Emissary] Kaldaram.
One was the emissary of the God of Fire and Forge, the other the embodiment of the war god Ares's will.
Both renowned for their offensive power, they fought like war machines, disregarding defense and launching ferocious attacks at each other!
Each punch sent powerful shockwaves, scattering iron fragments in all directions!
Seeing this, even [Deception] couldn't help but gasp in amazement.
It was clear that those who had inherited the powers of two top-tier [Gods] were engaged in a clash far beyond the reach of ordinary beings!
But Qing, on the other hand, was filled with battle lust!
"Awesome!"
Qing laughed, facing Kaldaram's iron fist head-on, refusing to dodge and instead taking the blow directly while delivering a heavy counterattack!
Seeing this, John stopped the eager Exiled Immortal and said in a deep voice, "It's not the right time yet."