That's right, unbelievable.
As everyone knows, gods never participate in their children's battles, especially dungeon expeditions or explorations. Although the Guild has a rule forbidding gods from entering the Dungeon, in truth… it's completely unnecessary.
After descending to the lower world, gods are no different from mortals. Their strength is the same as ordinary people.
Apart from granting blessings (Falna), they have almost no means of protecting themselves.
And yet, these utterly powerless gods were now following the Adventurer's forces into the 13th floor of the Knossos.
One can only say that Loki and the blond god beside her were truly fearless.
What was even more unbelievable was that Loki's proposal to accompany the front-line unit had actually been approved by Finn, Riveria and Gareth.
During the meeting, Fron could only wonder if Finn had been possessed by a devil to agree to something so absurd.
Fortunately, up to this point in the operation, Loki had encountered no accidents, which finally allowed the familia members protecting her to breathe a small sigh of relief.
The Evilus's base had already been completely surrounded. All that remained… was to locate the god Thanatos. After that, it would be Loki's confrontation with him.
"From here on out, it's a meeting between gods."
"Maybe with a title like Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Gods in a Dungeon, we could publish a hero tale. It'll definitely sell insanely well, we might make a fortune."
"I never realized you were so business-minded. That's surprising… in a very odd way."
"Heh."
...…
While the two gods bantered, Gareth leading the group was extremely busy.
This was the final battle, just one step away from victory. With his experience, he would never let things fall apart at the critical moment.
Every possible accident was already factored into the plan, and he made the most thorough arrangements.
"Everyone. Since this is an artificial dungeon, be careful, there may still be hidden passages."
"Make absolutely sure to check for hidden paths. Stay alert while searching, don't miss anything!"
"OOOHHHHHHH!!"
Hearing the group's response, Gareth nodded.
Then he continued issuing orders to the elf mages.
"Lefiya, your team will handle perimeter defense. The enemy's strongest forces have been drawn away by Ais and Riveria, but there's still another threat, that masked man who appeared on the 56th floor with the new-type monsters. He still hasn't shown himself. Keep your eyes open!"
"Y-Yes, Gareth!"
He handed a spare communication crystal to Lefiya, who could perform wide-area annihilation magic just like Riveria.
Keeping watch, especially in this unknown Knossos, was an important duty.
Lefiya felt nervous, but she accepted it with resolve.
"All units, once preparations are finished, move out!"
"Yes!"
With that command, adventurers split into squads and ran off in different directions.
This marked the beginning of the final phase of the Knossos Operation: capturing the gods Thanatos and Enyo.
...…
However, someone did not continue forward with the group.
Among them, the god Dionysus, who should have been accompanying Gareth and Loki's forces, had stopped in front of a hidden passage.
Ahead lay a depth swallowed by darkness.
It was a place where neither the magic-stone lamps nor torches embedded in the walls could reach, completely merging with shadow.
A path the adventurers had overlooked.
There was no light source at all. Even when Dionysus shone his portable magic-stone lamp into it, the darkness blocked the light, preventing him from seeing further inside.
In that uncanny darkness… something suddenly swayed.
"..."
He didn't know why, but it felt as if something was luring him.
No, perhaps it had been calling him for quite some time.
His head throbbed.
The sweet fragrance of wine drifted through his memory.
He felt the scent awaken deep within his nose.
Something was awakening within his consciousness, that was Dionysus' first impression.
Abruptly, the blond god lifted his head.
Looking around carefully, he realized he was already alone.
A glance to the side showed Loki and the others disappearing into the deeper corridor leading toward an unknown place.
Seeing this, Dionysus withdrew his gaze and stared into the darkness.
By the time he regained awareness, his eyes had narrowed.
He reached into his coat and touched the short sword he always carried.
Its hilt was carved with grapevine patterns. He drew it, and as though someone had pushed him forward, he stepped into the darkness.
"Let's go, Filvis."
"Yes, Lord Dionysus."
Ignoring the response of the attendant following behind him, Dionysus walked forward, quiet, heavy, and resolute.
Until their figures fully blended into darkness, a thin, mocking breath leaked out: "…Interesting."
…
Running, feeling his stamina and mind slowly returning, Fron gradually felt safer again.
"How is it, Amid? Can you still fight? Participating in such intense battle for so long at Level 2… it must be incredibly difficult."
Turning his head toward the girl whose face was slightly pale, Fron showed an apologetic expression.
"No, this isn't your fault. I volunteered for this mission. Purifying that man, eliminating that terrifying curse… as a healer, I believe it is my responsibility!"
"..."
Fron opened his mouth but was rendered speechless by her stubbornness.
He finally understood: people with great ability and power always have some strange traits.
Perhaps… that's just the common flaw of geniuses.
"Alright then. But for the upcoming final battle with the Evilus, you must stand behind me. No one knows what a desperate god might do."
...
As the adventurers encirclement tightened, the members of the Evilus were gradually isolated and cornered.
The entire place had fallen into disorder.
"…Such a shame. You actually died, little Barca."
Thanatos tilted his head upward. Still seated on his throne, legs crossed, hands resting beside him.