Versatile: Alternate World

Chapter 944  Return of the Founders

As Renatta released the Mana Arrows, they homed in on the vulnerable core, each striking with precision, causing it to slowly develop cracks.

"It's not enough," Renatta muttered, drawing the bowstring once more and conjuring another three arrows. She released them in rapid succession.

SU! SU! SU!

Before the first trio could even reach the core, three more arrows materialized on Renatta's bowstring, leaving Avos and Mila astounded by her rapid-fire shots. We, on the other hand, were no longer surprised, having witnessed her mastery during our countless hours in the Dark Sea. Avos and Mila's shocked expressions were a delight to behold. If only Renatta had noticed, but her unwavering focus remained fixed on the core's destruction.

With a few more arrows, the core finally shattered, triggering a violent explosion. Pandora swiftly cast her defensive spells, while Akira and I deployed our shields and extended the protection to everyone from the blast, shielding everyone from the destructive explosion of the core.

The flesh clinging to the dungeon core wilted slowly, as though it had been severed from its source of sustenance. Its rapid decay left no doubt that it could no longer nourish the dungeon's inhabitants, preventing the spawning of the Corrupted Elves.

But it wasn't just the flesh directly attached to the core that withered; the walls and floor had suffered the same fate. With each step, the flesh beneath our feet crumbled into ash, revealing its newfound fragility. It disintegrated at the slightest touch, a stark departure from its former vitality. The pulsating life it once held had now faded, and its once-reddish hue had darkened, with some portions turning even blacker than before.

Mila wasted no time. "We need to leave. Staying here could lead to trouble, and we can't afford that."

We promptly obeyed her command.

We raced down the corridor, the once grotesque, fleshy floor had reverted to its original structure. Though the situation appeared stable, I sensed the underlying dread that had gripped Avos and Mila after the core's destruction.

The impending collapse of the dungeon.

Thankfully, as we emerged from the corridor, the dungeon remained intact, shunning its imminent demise. It had reclaimed its desolate, somber atmosphere. The ethereal, floating lights that had guided our way had vanished, replaced by the steady glow of conventional torches.

"Looks like the dungeon has returned to its former state before it was infested with the Corrupted Elves. It's a relief that we've destroyed the core," Mila said, exhaling with relief.

"Finally, it seems those tormented souls can rest in peace," Labo clasped his hands together and offered a silent prayer. Alena and Renatta followed suit.

Avos and Mila exchanged smiles as they observed the quiet moment.

"It appears we should return to the surface now. I wonder how much time has passed? Has the kingdom progressed in our absence?" Avos brimmed with excitement.

Renatta's face paled at Avos's questions, drawing the attention of Mila and Avos. Alena and Labo averted their eyes, clearly avoiding the topic.

"Did I say something wrong?" Avos's brow furrowed.

"Don't worry; you didn't say anything wrong. But it's a complicated matter, and I doubt they're in the mood to discuss it," I chuckled dryly.

"Just what happened while we were away? How many years have we been petrified?"

"Let's head back to the surface, Grandpa, Grandma. I'll explain everything once we're back," Renatta urged them, leaving them utterly bewildered.

...

...

...

After emerging from the Teleport Station and re-emerging on the surface, Avos and Mila sealed the entrance to the dungeon. It was now off-limits to anyone, including players and even themselves, unless they chose to reopen it. The Teleport Station operated solely as a one-way portal, rendering it impossible to access the dungeon through it.

Avos and Mila persisted in their inquiries to Renatta, seeking answers for the ongoing silence surrounding the situation. Meanwhile, we hurried back to the mansion, eager to learn more from Renatta's forthcoming, and likely lengthy, explanation.

...

...

...

In front of Renatta's grand mansion, a formidable gathering awaited her arrival. A group of men, including the very elves whom Manato had vanquished previously, mingled amidst several vigilant guards. These guards stood resolute, weapons at the ready, forming a formidable barrier at the mansion's front gate to shield the only maiden in their group who turns out to be Renatta's sister. Renatta's sister, her brow furrowed in frustration, shared in the tension as she surveyed the impervious gate.

"Why do you all struggle so mightily to breach this gate? Has none among you attempted to negotiate with the spirits, beseeching them to grant us passage?" Renatta's sister inquired through clenched teeth, her vexation palpable at the ineptitude of her guards in failing to unlock the gate.

"We deeply regret our inability, but our pleas remain unanswered, and the spirits we once relied upon to aid our cause appear to have eluded us," the guard replied, the frustration in their voice matching that of Renatta's sister.

As their heated discussion on how to open the enigmatic gate continued, a figure of remarkable stature approached. The Spirit Butler, a paragon of etiquette and poise, couldn't help but knit his brows upon witnessing the discord in front of the gate. It was his solemn duty to safeguard the house, acting as its de facto leader in Renatta's absence.

"Good day," he began with a hint of concern, "what brings you all..." But then, a realization dawned upon him, causing a subtle shift in his tone.

"My sincere apologies, your highness. I failed to recognize you. What brings you to this humble sanctuary of Renatta-sama?" The butler inquired, adopting a more respectful demeanor.

Renatta's sister, a formidable presence in her own right, responded with a chilling blend of civility and coercion, "Allow us entry, for we seek the children who have been brought to this place, as claimed by these men. Under elven law, taking another's property without consent is a grave offense, punishable by the strictest of measures." She maintained her composure, her smile a facade for her underlying resolve.

"I'm sorry, but I can't allow that," the Spirit Butler apologized, his voice unwavering. "Even if you're Renatta-sama's sister, I can't grant you access without her permission. She's made it clear that anyone without a prior appointment won't be allowed in unless my Master gives the go-ahead."

A defiant smirk played on the sister's lips as she replied, "Do I look like I care? I can bring this gate down, and there's nothing you can do to stop me. Guards!"

With a swift motion, her guards readied their ramming shields and began relentlessly assaulting the gates. An invisible barrier thwarted their efforts, but with every impact, it seemed as though the barrier was on the verge of yielding. The Spirit Butler sensed the increasing intensity of their force, and even he, in his ethereal form, readied himself to rush inside at a moment's notice, should the need arise.

However, a profound sense of duty overcame him as he recalled Renatta's unwavering trust in his ability to safeguard the mansion and its occupants. Even the estate's dedicated workers could be placed in peril if he failed to take action. Despite being Renatta's sister, she and his Master had a strained relationship, making it all the more logical that she should not gain entry.

"Entry is forbidden without the Master's consent!" With a flicker of his limited mystical abilities, he hastily reinforced the protective barrier, shoring it up with an additional layer, blocking the relentless onslaught of the men attempting to breach the gate.

This blatant obstruction by the Butler left Renatta's sister brimming with rage. She clenched her fist, sparks of electricity crackling up her arm.

"You're nothing more than a spectral servant, and you have no authority to bar our way. Let us through, or you'll come to regret this," she seethed, her palm radiating electric energy.

"I won't yield, no matter what you threaten," the butler responded with unwavering resolve, fortifying the barrier further.

"It appears you've embraced your own demise. Very well, if that's your desire, I'll kindly extend an invitation for you to meet that vile goddess of yours on the other side!"

Renatta's sister hurled a crackling bolt of electricity toward the butler, and his eyes widened in horror as he anticipated the impending shock. Yet, before the electric bolt could make contact, a mystical circle materialized around Renatta's sister, its intricate patterns weaving around her hands. In an instant, the bolt of energy disintegrated, and the overwhelming magical aura that had surrounded her moments ago abruptly faded, as if sealed by an unseen force.

"I can't believe it," Renatta muttered, frustration tingeing her voice as she slowly approached the group. "We've only been gone for a few hours, and trouble has already found its way to our doorstep."

Turning on her heels, Renatta's sister saw her friends and grandparents approaching, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern. Manato, with an imposing stance, his hands extended as he was casting a spell, held the magical power of Renatta's sister in check using his Magic Spell skill known as the [Magic Jammer].

Renatta leveled a stern gaze at her sister. "Sister, back down now, before things spiral out of control, and while I still have an ounce of pity for you. Leave while I'm feeling generous."