103 Chapter 31 - The Fifth Floor (2/2)
To the paths right the remnants of hulking green demons fought wildly with hulking red demons. Bulging muscles bound in chains and pieces of scrap plate, the creatures slogged endlessly, while some few with wide blades and numbers tattooed on their cheeks ripped their lessors apart with ease.
\”What happened?\” Kenji said, \”No one seems hurt - why is that demon on the path?\”
\”It deactivates their power,\” Ellie said quickly. \”We tested it on actually imps, using that [Hellfire Web] Spell. One of the Sundrakes that use pyromancy stuck one and dragged it in, and sure enough to went weak as a leaf. Then we came across a battle close to the path, with this Green Imp just eviscerating its enemy, so while it was distracted we caught it and dragged it through.\”
\”I detected non-demonic spells-\”
\”We had to throw it's allied off, those demons guarding the boss especially. With enough spells built up we dealt with them quickly, and were able to successfully extract the target without a problem,\” Ellie bit her lip, but the way she answered his questions promptly seemed to indicate she had put serious thought into their little maneuver here.
\”Let's bring it back for them. Our allies will wonder where we are, so better to interrogate the Imp at the meeting point.\”
\”Let me go, humans,\” muttered the Imp with a surprisingly regal tone. \”I assure you I am worth quite a bit more alive than dead, so how about we trade my freedom for you desires?\”
\”There's a rather long walk ahead, Imp. You have that long to convince me that letting you free is worth more than the chest that would spawn with your death,\” yet the scorch marks across the ground looked serious, and the green demons had finally overcome the attack of the red as their reinforcements piled in from opposing always to crush them flat.
Kenji suspected it was only sheer luck they had caught one of the Overlords so quickly and was loathe to search the darkness for the others.
\”How about I give you information, yes? As the Green Overlord of Whisperes, I have heard many things in these tunnels. The other Ovelord's locations and weaknesses for example.\”
\”That and the Floor boss. Tell me these things, along with anything else you can of this floor.\”
\”Agreed.\” The Green Overlord said quickly and chatted enthusiastically about the prison and it's foul contents. The Overlords were in eternal conflict for dominance and battled frequently throughout the flood.
Whenever too many fought in one place the higher level prisoners would be released, and a scramble to get out of their way ensues. Wach Overlord had different powers, desires and all were apparently far harder to work with than the Green. According to the Green that is.
\”As for the floor boss, you can go straight to him if you wish. But the High Demons all have abilities that affect the soul. Without protection, your spirits will wither.\”
\”How do we protect ourselves then, is there a skill or item we need?\”
\”Your need a Soul Anchor. Easy to make, and I know just where to find them,\” the Imp grinned. \”But I would have to be freed to do that for you...so what's say we help each other out?\”
When Kenji Finally returned he found the other parties had scouted a fair way in every direction while holding to the lit paths as ordered. Clearly helping the Green Overlord was the only way to proceed, yet deferred the decision to Ellie all the same.
\”Oh, I'll go with your plan,\” Ellie said confidently.
Kenji rose an eyebrow, unaware that he had communicated any such plan.
\”Mind explaining it? Just to make sure you understand?\” Kenji said, genuinely curious.
\”Well...\” Ellie said suddenly questioning herself, \” I don't understand how your powers work Grand Master, but seeing as the Green Overlord is taken prisoner, could you not replicate his body and direct his own warriors to help us?\”
Kenji stared at Ellie for several seconds, torn between cursing himself a pool and shouting her praise.
\”Well,\” Kenji coughed awkwardly, \”you caught on rather well. Congratulations, my faith in your ability has been proven again.\”
Ellie beamed, while Kenji felt sick. Why had he not thought of that first, why couldn't he think straight of late?
Shoving his concern aside, Kenji dragged the Green Overlord away.
\”Where we going?\” The Green Overlord said rather concerned.
\”We're going to have a little chat. You two hold him down,\” Kenji ordered, Ram and Dwargon stomping after them. \”This isn't necessary, I told you everthing you asked, what more do you want to know?\”
Kenji cracked his knucles.
\”Everything.\”