Chapter 403: Chapter 403 - Champion of the Dusk
Chapter 403: - Champion of the Dusk
Broken and the others watched anxiously as Ivana continued what appeared to be a self- sacrificial ritual to save Elowen from the brink of death.
"Ivana, are you sure this will bring Elowen back? Is it worth it?" Broken pleaded, his voice filled with concern. "What kind of skill are you using?"
His anxiety only grew as Ivana's level kept dropping-203, 202, 201, 200...
"Ivana!" he called out again, still unsure whether he should intervene.
But as he glanced at Elowen, something miraculous was unfolding before his eyes. Her status was recovering rapidly-her health, stats, and even her level were being restored, and at a rate far greater than what Ivana was sacrificing.
Whatever Ivana was doing, it was working, and Elowen's life seemed to be returning. The tension in the room began to ease as it became clear that her actions were truly saving the elf, though the cost to Ivana remained steep.
Meanwhile, back at the House of Slumdon, the initial excitement from Broken's victory had faded, replaced by a growing concern over the unfolding events.
"I think Broken's stumbled upon something incredible again. That egg is definitely terrifying," Optimus said.
"That was a demon egg, right? At this point, Broken won't even need us anymore. Hoah..." Toberry yawned, a mix of fatigue and relief in his voice.
"Yeah... I'm just glad it's over," Freya said with a calm smile.
"And what do you think Ivana is doing?" Elincia asked, turning to Maylock.
"Exactly what Marlene mentioned, but how she has access to that skill is something we'll need to ask her directly," Maylock replied.
Elincia added, "Well, just let us know if you come up with any interesting theories."
Maylock sighed, visibly exhausted. "No, not today. I'm too tired."
Shortly after that, the broadcast cut off, signaling that the battle was finally over.
"Damn, I'm curious what's going to happen next, especially with that elf girl," Jovina said. "We'll just let Broken share the recap with us when he returns to Slumdon," Elincia said.
Back in Gremory's Throne Room, after a few tense moments, the elf girl coughed weakly, pulling her hand from Broken's grasp to clutch her chest as she tried to steady herself. Her closed eyes fluttered open slightly.
"She's saved?"
"Ivana! That's enough!" Broken said urgently, grabbing Ivana's hand, which was still pressed against Elowen's chest, gently pulling her back. Ivana blinked and lifted her head, looking at Broken with a tired but happy smile.
"She's safe, Broken..." she whispered, her voice filled with relief.
Elowen's eyes fully opened then, confusion spreading across her face as she sat up quickly, scanning the room in panic. "Where is the demon? We need to kill her! Where is the demon?!" she exclaimed, her voice edged with fear.
"The demon has been defeated, and it's thanks to you," Broken reassured her.
"What? How?" Elowen asked, her expression shifting from panic to bewilderment as she tried to make sense of the situation.
Elowen inspected herself, staring at her hands in shock before touching her face. "I'm alive! No way! How am I still alive?" She then turned to Ivana. Elowen paused, her expression softening as realization dawned. "It's you, isn't it?"
Ivana nodded with a gentle smile. "You saved us. I only did a small part to help you, and I'm just glad you're okay."
Elowen pressed a hand to her forehead, her eyes shutting tight as a wave of emotion hit her. "What have I done?" she whispered, the weight of her actions sinking in. She then opened her eyes, dropping to her knees before Ivana. "Please, tell me what I can do to repay this. I owe you everything."
Ivana knelt down, lifting Elowen's shoulders gently. "I'm no one special. I just helped Broken. If you want to repay anyone, thank him," she said with a warm smile.
Elowen steadied her breath and turned toward Broken once more.
"So, you sacrificed yourself to kill that demon. Did you plan all of this from the beginning?" he asked.
"Honestly, yes... though I knew the sacrifice wouldn't work unless the demon was already weakened. That's why I only showed up when I sensed her state was deteriorating," she
explained.
"Well, not bad. At least she proved her usefulness," Marlene commented from behind Broken. Elowen looked over at Marlene, surprised by the blunt remark.
"Just ignore her words," Broken said. He continued, "Have you helped the other slaves yet?" "Mira is working on that. I think we should check if she needs any assistance," Elowen responded.
Broken nodded. "We'll be leaving this place soon."
Marlene then chimed in, "Subaru said all the demons have vanished from the castle grounds. I guess they all fled after Gremory's death. That's good news. He's also trying to locate where the slaves are being held."
"That's great news, thanks, Marlene," Broken replied, turning to look at her.
Marlene offered a small smile in response.
It seemed everything had returned to normal. The named demon was defeated, and, thankfully, there were no casualties among them. Ivana, though injured, was already showing signs of recovery, despite the level drop she had suffered. Broken couldn't help but wonder if NPCs like her could regain levels more easily, especially since Ivana was a special NPC with remarkable progress rates.
Elowen had been saved as well, despite her willingness to sacrifice herself. Her actions showed that she had come to Hell fully prepared to face any consequences, ready to give up everything if needed. The remaining demons outside had also been taken care of, and the rest of the team was ensuring the safety of the slaves.
"I will fulfill my promise-to bring everyone back to Yunatea," Elowen said, her voice
resolute.
"Do you need more support? Or is there a limit on how many people you can bring with you?" Broken asked.
Elowen nodded. "Unfortunately, the skill only works for native Yunateans, so I can't bring any of you players with me."
Broken nodded slowly, realizing he also needed to find a way to return Ivana to Yunatea. Although he could use the same summoning skill that had brought her to Hell.
For now, though, everything seemed to be in order. The mission had been a success-the named demon was dead, the team had survived, and the remaining demons were defeated. It was time to regroup, ensure the safety of the slaves, and plan their next move for the journey
home.
Broken stood up and glanced at the scattered items on the floor-the strange loot that had been spat out by the demon egg earlier.
"Well, now we talk about the loot. Our prizes," Marlene said with a smirk.
Broken nodded in agreement. "Let's do it."
Broken scrolled through the stream of notifications that appeared after Gremory's defeat.
[Congratulations! You have successfully ended the life of Duke Gremory - Vampiric Duchess
Demon Lv. 258.]
[This is a significant achievement, as the death of a Named Demon reduces the potential threat to the people of Yunatea.]
[You have also made the greatest contribution in this battle, an accomplishment that cannot
be underestimated.]
[For this achievement, you have earned the title: Champion of the Dusk]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
[You have received the following rewards:]