Chapter 22 [Dungeon 4-3: The Maze of No Return (Part 3)]

Maria and her companions were hopelessly lost. With their main force and tank missing, the three of them faced uncertainty about how long they could withstand monster attacks. Fortunately, apart from occasional Cave Bats, they hadn't been assaulted by other monsters. However, Maria's mental fatigue, as the almost sole combat force, was taking a toll.

"Damn! Another Cave Bat!"

"In these narrow passages, we can't use powerful magic. Draw them in!"

"Oh, the magician here is making sensible decisions. Dealing with them one by one with Water Needles, a solid approach."

"They don't seem to be a completely hopeless group. Oh, while evading, the support fell. Seems to have sprained his foot... Will he not heal?"

"Flin! Did you injure your foot?"

"I'm fine; it's not a serious injury. I don't need healing for something like this. I'd rather conserve my magical power. Don't worry; if things get bad, I'll heal immediately."

"It's dark, cramped, with poor footing, and to top it off, Cave Bats attacking. This is the worst."

"Stop complaining and keep moving. Flin, follow at a pace that suits you."

"We've entered a slightly wider area, but... it's not the same as the plaza earlier, right?"

"Not a depression, it seems like a different place. Many passages open around, but... is this how the dungeon is designed?"

"Maria and Flin, stay close to the path we came from. Don't accidentally enter the plaza. I'll do a little reconnaissance."

"Wait! It's dangerous alone!"

"What are you saying to a scout? I'll be fine; I won't choose a path that seems dangerous. I'll check the straight path with a good view over there."

If he weren't fatigued, if a bit more sound judgment remained, if there were a little more room for imagination, Gil might have sensed something odd about the straight path. However, Gil had no room for such perception.

About fifteen minutes later, the ceiling of the passage collapsed. The entire ceiling of the thirty-meter-long passage collapsed at an unthinkable speed. Even though scouts are skilled at trap detection, such a massive trap couldn't have been anticipated.

Maria and Flin, hearing the roaring noise, unmistakably understood what had happened to Gil. And the fate awaiting them was apparent. 

"Only three left now."