That evening, although I don't know if it was really nighttime, Fatima allowed the three of us to rest. Fatima merged with her clones and closed her eyes for a moment before sitting down on the spot. As soon as she gave permission, Ember and Fang dropped like corpses and fell into sleep.
Not only do they have a lot of bruises, but they also seem both mentally and physically exhausted. Since the two fell down on the cold stone ground, I moved them individually to the portable bed I kept inside my storage ring.
After laying them down side-by-side, they seemed so deeply asleep that even if I did something, they probably wouldn't wake up. Of course, I wouldn't do something shameless like that. Even if I were to attempt it, at least I would do so when they're awake.
After that, I got nothing else to do. I wasn't that sleepy yet, so I just blankly stared at Fatima who was sitting quietly by the side. Having noticed my stare, she smiled and asked.
"Can't sleep? You need the energy to resume training tomorrow."
I shook my head in response.
"I was wondering... Do you really think we could help you in taking down the Void Beast?"
This was something that I was thinking about ever since she brought up the topic.
"Even if we train our skills, Ember and Fang are no more than 3rd stage. Against a beast that's on par with a God Tamer, I doubt we could even provide help."
The gap in strength was too wide. Even if the Void Beast stood still, Ember and Fang's attacks probably couldn't deal damage more than a few scratches.
"What? You thought I would let you guys fight it directly?"
Fatima chuckled. However, she let out a long sigh right after.
"I... I'm tired of staying here already..."
Hearing her words, which probably came from the deepest depths of her heart, I couldn't raise my voice in reply.
"My battle with the Void Beast is something that I should end myself. The three of you would only be assisting by the side."
As she spoke, she peeked toward Ember who was sleeping.
"More exactly, you two would support Ember. She's the key to ending this longwinded battle."
I, too, stared at Ember and wondered. 'Just how would Ember help in taking down the Void Beast?'
"Enough about this topic. You don't have to worry, I swear upon my name that whatever happens, I will definitely send you guys back to the outer world."
After Fatima said that, she stood up and headed somewhere. Left alone, I completely had nothing else to do. I then took out another portable bed, placed it in a random open space, and get some shut-eye.
---
After leaving the three, Fatima went to the place where she first met them. This location actually wasn't some random watering hole that formed inside the complex cave system. It was the location containing the core of the dungeon.
Fatima waved her right hand, and as she did, the water leading towards the mini-waterfall split open as a bridge made of gold appeared. She followed the bridge toward the back of the waterfall. There, hidden in a room with enough space to fit two people, a black orb was floating silently.
Fatima stared at the orb for some time before trying to reach her hands to touch it. But before her fingers could come into contact with the orb, sparks were released. Fatima's hand was repelled backward, releasing smoke.
"..."
Although she seemed to have expected this result, her expression was as if she was about to cry. Before tears formed in her eyes, however, she quickly shook her head as she psyched herself up.
"Wait for me... I'll soon..."
Her muttered words, filled with sadness and longing, echoed but never reached the ears of anyone.
---
"Before we continue our training, I'll be explaining our strategy against the Void Beast."
After everyone ate their breakfast, Fatima quickly began her lesson. However, this time, we didn't go to separate areas but instead were kept together in one place.
"First, Fang. Your job is to guard Ember. You must not let even a single stray pebble hit her. Understand?"
Fang thought for a moment before quickly nodding her head. It seems that she was more confident than before. Her newly gained skill probably gave her a large power boost.
"Ember, you would be our ace. Using your Void Power, I want you to interrupt the Void Beast's protection. Even if it's just for an instant."
Ember, after a good night's sleep, was finally back to normal. Despite having a slightly muddled memory for the past 24 hours, she could still remember the things that Fatima taught her.
Although she scrunched her eyebrows thinking of how to do her assigned task, she similarly nodded her head in assent.
"And last, for you, Will..."
Saying so, Fatima threw the sniper rifle hanging on her back to me. I was caught off-guard but managed to catch it before it fell.
"You... Are the backup. In case something happens to me and the strategy fails, use the hidden last form of the gun and escape from this space."
Fatima's expression was a complex mix of hope and despair. Although I couldn't guess what made her despair, I could only nod my head to her words.
"The last form is something that can't be activated normally, so I can't teach you how to use it. In time, you should naturally realize how to use it."
Hearing her speak, it was as if she was sure that she wouldn't survive the battle. I know that the Void Beast was powerful, but Fatima should be powerful as well since she was able to hold back the beast for such a long period of time alone.
'A plan where she's going to sacrifice herself... I guess.'
Although that may be what she thought had the highest chance of success, however, as a gentleman, I can't just watch a woman lay down her life to save ours. Even if we only knew each other briefly, she was already an integral part of my life.
'I'll definitely break apart the despair you are carrying!'
I swore that in my heart.
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