As the whole group finally reunited, they took a break before the ascending danger. For the next two hours, the group shared their stories after being dragged inside the demon's playground.
"You're amazing, Nishia," Lumiel said.
Nishia started blushing. "S-Shut up," she stuttered.
"Ou~ the princess is blushing," Mister Claud teased.
Nishia punched Mister Claud on the shoulder, kicking him off his turret. The group erupted with laughter.
Soon, the door opened. Ms. Viera entered with two injured students in tow.
"Ms. Viera?" Lumiel said, puzzled.
"You're back, Ms. Viera," Nishia added.
"What's with all the loud laughing in here?!" Ms. Viera asked, her tone terrifying.
Her eyes locked onto Lumiel. He smiled and waved back.
"Oh, so you're the reason it's so loud. Keep it down," she grumbled.
Ms. Viera quickly ordered students from Section C who had healing gifts to tend to the wounded. She then approached the group.
"So what are you all planning? You people aren't just chatting in this death game, are you?" she questioned suspiciously.
Skye and Nishia were left speechless, dripping with sweat, while Mister Claud stayed silent.
"We were just taking a break before going up," Lumiel stepped in to save them.
"Y-Yeah," Skye added. "That's right. We just needed a break."
"You better have gotten enough of it," Ms. Viera said, adjusting her gear. "We're setting off. Some students can stay here—this area is a safe zone protected by hidden turrets."
"Already?!" Skye shouted.
"Geez, she said keep it down," Mister Claud muttered.
"I know, but isn't it too early? Ms. Viera just came back, and now we're leaving again?"
"Skye has a point. Are you sure you don't need to rest, Ms. Viera? Even just a little?" Lumiel asked.
"You kids stop whining and start moving. I might be getting old, but I'm still your teacher—and your safety is my priority."
She turned to the larger crowd. "Who's coming with us?!"
A dozen students raised their hands.
"Everyone who raised their hand, come to the front. The rest, stay back," Ms. Viera commanded.
"Everyone get ready. We leave in five minutes."
Students scrambled, gathering their bags, weapons, items, and resources. Some waited nervously, knowing full well that leaving the safe zone meant stepping back into danger.
"Hey, aren't you scared of leaving?" one student whispered.
"You know some unknown monster might be waiting for us out there," the other replied.
"I'm not really scared," the first answered. "We have Ms. Viera, Lady Nishia the sword prodigy, Mister Claud the master engineer, and above all, we have the school's Hero—Lumiel."
The second student's trembling eased. "You're right. What am I even worried about? I just want to go home and see my family again."
Suddenly, a faint golden light shimmered behind them.
"Don't worry~" Lylia said gently, smiling at the students. "You'll return home safely. Don't give up just yet."
"Yes, ma'am. We'll do our best," the students replied.
Lumiel watched from afar, feeling a wave of relief in this dark game.
"You've become an angel too, Mother... an angel who gives others hope," Lumiel thought.
"Hey, Lumiel!" Nishia called. "Stop spacing out—we're about to leave!"
"Oh! Sorry, Nishia. Wait up!"
Everyone gathered at the door.
"Is everyone ready?!" Ms. Viera shouted.
"Yes!" the students chorused.
"Let's end this damn game!" Ms. Viera roared as she opened the door. Lumiel, Nishia, Skye, Mister Claud, and the others followed her out, back into the eerie labyrinth.