In this chaotic world, it all started when they found an elf girl

　Astraea spoke urgently, her deep blue eyes filled with worry as she looked at Roy. Had they made the wrong choice? They really had to choose the first path. It wasn't too late!

　Astraea's eyes were filled with hatred and rage as she looked at the mutated Amphispina. She wanted to unleash her divine power and blow up this monster and the entire dungeon! Roy gritted his teeth and gripped Astraea's hand tightly, giving her one more chance, just one chance, and he would win! But his body no longer obeyed his commands.

　It was as if every cell was resisting, letting out weary cries, wanting to rest.

　The mutated Amphispina paid no heed to anything else, unleashing a barrage of attacks. Its jaws snapped open, and nine heads emitted different breaths. In that instant, time seemed to stand still.

　call out!

　A massive boulder was hurled from afar, arcing perfectly through the air, and slammed into one of the mutated Amphispina's heads. The head, wreathed in azure flames, was thrown and tilted before it could even exhale.

　Different heads collided, only to be engulfed by the raging flames that erupted from their own necks! It let out a painful screech, thrashing wildly, flames scattering everywhere. "Charge! For our friends!"

　Amidst a cacophony of shouts and a violent tremor, dozens of heretics appeared deep within the jungle, fearlessly charging toward the mutated Amphispina.

Chapter 173 Blood for Blood - Tenfold Retribution

　Dozens of monsters of various races, clad in adventurer equipment and weapons, roared and attacked the mutated Amphispina. Astraea was stunned by this scene; the monsters were helping them? And they spoke human language!

　It was simply unbelievable to the people and gods on Earth; their worldviews were shaken.

　Since three thousand years ago, the monsters emerging from the dungeons have been known for their cruelty and irrationality, killing tens of thousands of humans on the surface. A hint of surprise flashed in Roy's eyes; this was indeed reinforcements he hadn't anticipated.

　"It turns out to be him!"

　Reed, Rey, and Gross, the leaders of the heretics, also noticed Roy and looked surprised.

　Although Mary made contact with Roy first, Reed, Rey, Gross and other heretics already knew him.

　While Roy, Ryu, and the Rudrakami clan were playing a war game in the dungeon, the heretics, having received word from Fels, secretly came up to watch the show.

　They were quite impressed with Roy at that time.

　With a few words and a laugh, this young man annihilated over a hundred members of the Rudra Familia. His carefree and unrestrained demeanor earned the admiration of the heretics. More importantly, the Rudra Familia belonged to the dark faction, the very bastards who hunted and captured their own kind. In effect, Roy had avenged them, so they held him in extremely high regard.

　Upon hearing that the humans who had once saved Mary and their kind were in danger, a group of heretics rushed up from the lower levels without hesitation. But when they arrived, they saw familiar faces!

　With these two emotions combined, these loyal heretics, as if they didn't care about their lives, unleashed all their attacks on the mutated Amphispina. "Roy!"

　A cry like a beautiful song rang out, and a graceful, ethereal figure swam underwater, swiftly arriving beside Roy—it was the Mermaid Heretic. The dungeon had been collapsing since at least the twenty-seventh level, so Marie could naturally have escaped as well.

　Upon seeing Roy, critically injured and on the verge of death, Mary's face contorted in pain, tears welling in her eyes. She bit her wrist, drawing blood, and used the wound to seal Roy's mouth. Roy instinctively sucked on the blood.

　The world's finest healing ingredient—mermaid blood—flowed down Roy's throat, its healing power surpassing even that of a panacea. Astraea glanced at the heretic and Mari, who was feeding Roy blood, her lips pursed, a thoughtful expression on her face. During that duel, combined with Roy and Dix's conversation, she seemed to understand something now—the reason for Roy's conflict with the Ikelos Familia.

　The powerful healing effects of the mermaid's blood seemed to flow through Roy's body.

　Roy gradually regained his mobility, slowly stood up, and patted Mary's head. The situation was urgent, so he didn't waste any words and said in a deep voice, "Give me thirty seconds!"

　Reid, Rey, and Gross, who were entangled with the mutated Amphispina, glanced at them in surprise. It seemed their opponent wanted to continue the fight? Reid was the first to answer, "Okay!"

　The taciturn Lei responded with a song, its beautiful melody no less captivating than that of the mermaid monster.

　Even Guros, who harbored hatred for humans, nodded emphatically; this human was worth helping.

　The three are of the following races: lizardmen, singing birds, and stone dragons. They are all central figures and the earliest members of the Heretics, with an ability level of LV.5. They are the main force in the fight against the mutated Amphispina.

　Rey and Goros have the advantage of flight and can disrupt enemy forces in mid-air, while Reed fights on the ground.

　Taking advantage of the moment, Reed charged toward the mutated Amphispina and cleaved a head that was spewing corrosive acid with a single blow, the blade striking the dragon scales with a crisp sound.

　The acid sprayed off course, dissolving a large hole in a nearby broken stone pillar, making a sizzling sound.

　However, the power of the nine-headed dragon was beyond imagination! It exerted its strength and its head knocked Reed away.

　The other head locked onto Reed, its gaping maw about to spew forth an inextinguishable azure flame.

　"No!"

　Guros, his eyes bloodshot with rage, charged forward recklessly, channeling all his strength into his claws, and slashed fiercely at the side of the head's neck. His claws scraped against the scales, sending sparks flying, and embedded themselves deeply! Piercing, foul-smelling dragon blood spurted out. The head, in pain, slowed its attack.

　Heretics are different from adventurers; they have no favors or skills, but they are genuine monsters with physical strength far exceeding that of humans and elves... Guros and Amphispina both belong to the dragon race and have the ability to break through the opponent's defenses.

　But this saved Reed during the brief respite.

　But this exposed Guros to another frost-covered head poised to strike! Its cold, vertical pupils locked onto Guros, its massive maw opened, a deadly chill gathering in its throat, and the shadow of death instantly loomed over it!

　"I'm here!"

　Just at this moment of despair, a clear and melodious shout caught the attention of the Frost Head.

　It was none other than the goddess Astraea.

　This mutated beast's target has always been the gods, but these "ants" around it are blocking its way. Upon hearing Astraea's voice, it immediately shifts its target and unleashes its frost breath.

　In the moment of crisis, the Songbird's figure swiftly swept past Rei, carrying Astraea into the air.

　Astraea was taken aback, and exclaimed, "Being saved by a monster, it feels so strange."

　On one side are the mutated beasts that want to kill her, and on the other side are intelligent monsters that want to help her.

　Lei smiled and extended goodwill to the goddess.

　While the heretics were entangled in their battle with the alienated Amphispina, Roy was preparing his attack.

　He was very tired.

　Even with the blessing of mermaid blood, it only gave Roy a brief moment of lucidity before death. His chest heaved violently, but the air he inhaled seemed unable to reach his depths, leaving only a deeper emptiness and weakness.

　His shoulders slumped uncontrollably, his back was hunched, and his neck could not support the weight of his head.

　Time stretched out endlessly, each second feeling like wading through sticky glue. Roy didn't even think about the word "tired," because just feeling it had already exhausted his remaining strength.

　But soon, anger filled every corner of Roy's mind, and flames blazed in his eyes.

　In a duel with the Familia of Ikeros, she defeated the fairy soldiers, was swallowed by Remdon, and wreaked havoc underground. The goddess Astraea was nearly sent back to heaven, and she was surrounded by monsters from the dense forest canyon...

　Finally, there's this mutated beast!

　All the frustration and anger ultimately transformed into his motivation for revenge, the nourishment for that skill!

　Roy's body erupted with crimson light, surrounded by countless blood vessels, transforming him into a bloodthirsty demon god crawling out of the depths of hell. Boom!

　Water exploded beneath Roy's feet, causing the ground to cave in deeply around him. The powerful and terrifying aura instantly drew everyone's attention. "What is that?"

　The heretics' pupils contracted; they sensed a deadly danger emanating from Roy, even the LV.5 Reed, Rey, and Gross were no exception.

　At that moment, Roy moved.

　Roy's eyes flashed with a cold, lightning-like light, his resolve unwavering. He took a resolute step forward, charging unstoppably towards the massive body of the nine-headed dragon. Reed roared, "Cover him!"

　As soon as he finished speaking, Reed charged towards the mutated Amphispina, followed closely by Rey and Gross.

　The heretics, each using their own abilities and fighting with all their might, tried to stop the mutated Amphispina, resulting in many of their companions being seriously injured or even killed. Under the cover of this chaos, Roy rushed towards the mutated Amphispina!

　Under everyone's gaze.

　Roy gripped the elven holy sword tightly with both hands, his entire body erupting with blood-like energy that coiled around the slender blade, pouring into it like burning lava! The blade emitted a dazzling light and a hum.

　Roy didn't even use the Synchro Contract or the amplification of the Demon King's Armor; he was certain this attack would transcend the level difference and crush all enemies. "Go!" Astraea clenched her small hands. She was one of the people who knew Roy's skill best—a revenge with unlimited power! Blood for blood, tenfold retribution!

　All the attacks Roy had suffered so far converged into this single strike, its power amplified by his rage until it reached a terrifying tenfold increase. "Pfft!"

　Roy mustered all his strength and swung the elven holy sword in his hand fiercely. The enormous crimson sword light seemed to shatter the world and engulf the nine-headed dragon. Time seemed to stand still for a moment.

　Immediately following was a terrifying shriek, powerful enough to tear the soul apart, emanating simultaneously from all the heads! The massive bodies vanished into nothingness under the crimson light. Rumble!!

　The crimson sword light continued its relentless advance, tearing the earth apart and moving to both sides like a landslide, hurling mud and rocks tens of meters into the air. The cracks extended for over a thousand meters!

　The resulting terrifying impact spread like a tide, reaching the edge of the dense forest canyon.

　"Back off! Back off!"

　Upon witnessing the devastating scene, the heretics paled, calling out to each other and leading their wounded companions to safety. They'd gone mad! They'd truly gone mad!!

　One-hit kill on the LV.6 mutated floor master!

　The heretics were so shocked they couldn't speak. This terrifying power undoubtedly reached the "strongest" LV.7 level that the adventurers had mentioned!

　"Is this an attack that a Level 3 adventurer could launch?" the heretics roared inwardly.

　With adventurers like these, what's the point of monsters playing?

　[Congratulations on defeating the mutated floor master, Anfispina (LV.6)! You have obtained 4800 attribute points, the Nine Dragons Staff (Epic), and a Golden Treasure Chest!]

Chapter 174 Shocking Everyone

　The thirtieth floor.

　After the mutated Amphispina was killed, the entire floor fell silent, with only the sound of rushing water remaining.

　The heretics and the goddess Astraea focused their gazes on the back of the boy in front of them.

　Holding a long sword, gazing at the sky, his back straight as a spear, he stood proudly on the hill. This indomitable will transcended racial barriers, and could be felt by both monsters and gods, causing them to tremble involuntarily.

　Ahead of the boy was a canyon-like fissure that stretched for thousands of meters, resembling an abyss.

　If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, they wouldn't have believed that it was the result of the other party's sword strike.

　The crowd cautiously gathered around.

　Reed stepped forward, came to Roy's side, and exclaimed, "He's lost consciousness!"

　Roy, standing atop the hill, looked utterly exhausted. His eyes were tightly shut, and his breathing was weak, yet he did not collapse; his legs were held firmly like wooden stakes. Astraea covered her mouth with her delicate hand, a few tears welling up in her beautiful, deep blue eyes.

　"Could it be that he threw that blow while he was half-conscious?" Guros asked incredulously.

　The heretics swallowed hard.

　The goddess Astraea explained with pride, "This is his skill—to return the enemy's attacks to him. He will not fall, no matter what damage he takes, until he achieves this goal..."

　Upon hearing this, the heretics felt it was utterly outrageous; this skill was far too abnormal.

　He will return the damage he suffers, even if he is unconscious; it will trigger automatically. Anyone who wants to kill Roy should consider whether they can withstand Roy's dying revenge.

　Otherwise, we'll all perish together!

　After all, his power is undeniable. Even Roy at level 3 could wipe out a level 6 mutated floor master! Who the hell would dare to mess with him? He's practically a human bomb.

　A gentle breeze blew, and Roy, having exhausted his last bit of strength, slowly fell backward.

　Astraea caught it easily, and Roy experienced the soft brainwaves, but unfortunately, he was unconscious and couldn't enjoy the wonderful sensation. "Well done."

　The goddess Astraea gently stroked Roy's pale cheek and brushed the hair from his forehead.

　How much harm did this child suffer to save her? It's countless. How can she ever repay this debt of gratitude? Roy's injuries are so severe that there's no time to lose.

　There were three LV.5 heretics. The monsters in the lower and middle levels were nothing to worry about. Just as Reed and the others were about to send Roy and Astraea back to the upper level, a goblin heretic hurriedly ran over and said, "Reed, adventurers are coming down."

　Reed and the other heretics looked wary; there were too many adventurers taking advantage of the chaos in the dungeon.

　Goddess Astraea looked up and saw familiar figures. "Thank you for your help. Don't worry, those are members of our clan and guards. Roy's choice was correct."

　Lambton led them towards the unknown, or perhaps back to the depths, so the people on the surface were closely monitoring the situation in the dungeon. The demise of a god had even alarmed the guild, which issued adventurer requests and mobilized a large number of its members for a thorough search. The dungeon began to collapse from the twenty-seventh floor, and the people on the surface quickly received the news, realizing that Roy and Astraea had fallen to the lower levels. "Hey, hey, what happened?"

　Ryu, Finn, Riveria, and a large group of high-ranking adventurers from the Loki Familia appeared on the 27th floor. They stared in shock at the collapsed floor, the huge crater it had created, and the water pouring down.

　Even in dungeons where accidents are frequent, such cross-floor anomalies are extremely rare.

　"Look!"

　Rivera locked onto a spot below, "It's the goddess Astraea and the sprout of justice!"

　"There's a monster around them!"

　Following her gaze, everyone saw Roy and Astraea surrounded by monsters. Unaware of the Heretic's background, their expressions changed. Finn shouted, "All troops, charge!"

　Bang!Bang!Bang!

　The group leaped down, passed through three floors, and landed in the dense forest canyon like countless boulders.

　Calling advanced adventurers a different species is entirely accurate; for an ordinary person, jumping from that height would normally result in being smashed to pieces. Rumble!

　Before Ryu, the Loki Familia, and the others came down, the heretics retreated towards the passage on the thirty-first floor in an orderly fashion and quickly disappeared from sight.

　Reed called out, "Your Majesty, when Roy wakes up, please give him our regards."

　Astraea nodded emphatically.

　Three LV.5s held off the mutated Amphispina. Without their help, Roy wouldn't have had a chance to use Blood for Blood to instantly kill him. "Lady Astraea!"

　Ryu rushed over, and the moment she saw the goddess, her sky-blue eyes glistened with tears. The regret and pain she had endured during this time had almost driven her mad. "Ryu, it's alright now." Astraea pulled Ryu's petite body into her arms.

　One large and one small, they are a beautiful sight.