Chapter 85: The Ancient Ruins (2/2)

Yse, the Spirit Queen shook her head and smiled wryly before answering Yumiko's question.

Her guess is right on the spot. Neither she nor the Spirit King can enter it, that's why she invited Yumiko.

”I see. Is there a restriction on who can enter it?”

Yumiko followed up a question.

”Yes. We narrowed down the conditions needed for entry. Transformed Spirit and below. Below 30 in age. Truthfully, we already sent in a group of young Spirit Beasts before but only a few of them came back. Of those lower than the Transformed Spirit, no one came back and those Transformed Spirit Beasts who managed to do so described what they experienced there.”

The Spirit Queen looked down as her sadness from what she just told us couldn't be hidden.

”Her little sister was among those who entered that failed to come back so…”

Ezyn stepped up and provided an explanation. He then went to Yse's back and tried to comfort her.

Only a few Transformed Spirits came back? Is the danger too high? With this kind of unknown. Should we really risk it?

And the Spirit Queen's sister. Is that also the reason why she's so good to Yumiko? Yumiko reminds her of her own sister.

I looked at Yumiko and Jayna. Then the twins. If we can't cope with the danger inside, what will happen to us? We really need to hear what those who survived experienced inside.

”Yse, I'm sorry for your loss. However, if the danger is too high, I couldn't risk the lives of my companions. Tell me that you prepared something.”

Yumiko stood up and voiced out the same concerns that I have.

”Of course, I prepared something. And this is why I had Ezyn invite you, Yumiko. If it's you, the dangers inside are negligible. However, according to the survivors' testimonies, it's possible that they only reached halfway before they turned back.”

So there's still at least half of the ruins that are still unknown.

That's a risk. And since the testimonies came from those who ran away to survive, that's barely reliable.

But if I add in the orbs. Especially the concealment, we might have a chance to escape from there, intact.

”Halfway. Excuse me, but do you have a map? For everyone's safety, let's mark that as our destination, anything more will be deliberated after reaching it.”

I also raised my hand to offer my suggestion.

Yumiko turned her head towards me and nodded. Seemingly pleased with my suggestion.

”Thank you for your suggestion, Daisuke. Here. It's only a rough sketch based on the way they went through. Will this be enough?”

The Spirit Queen pulled out a parchment made from an unknown beast skin.

Ah. I wouldn't delve about which beast was it made from. I took it from her hand and spread it open for everyone to see.

Looking at the rough sketch of the map, they only went in a straight line, there were landmarks they indicated depending on what they've seen so it's at least better than none at all.

”Then after this landmark, we'll stop exploring and probe our surroundings. Each to their own, Yumiko is only one so don't rely on her too much, however, I will be keeping an eye on everyone to support you when you need it.”

I pointed at the landmark before the end of the map.

Everyone's attention was on me as I marked the place I pointed to. Those Transformed Spirit Beasts were probably wondering who I am but that's the least of my concern for now. We can do the introductions later.

Yumiko is the strongest among us but I don't want everyone to rely on her for safety. I have my means to support them. With the Orbs, Physique Boost and Spirit Boost, I will aid them.

Of course, I might prioritize our people but I wouldn't neglect the 5 Spirit Beasts that will come with us. In the upcoming descent of stronger enemies in this world, any powerhouses were valuable be it Spiritas or Spirit Beasts.

”I agree.”

Yumiko agreed first and then Jayna followed and the twins. The Transformed Spirit Beasts were a little bit skeptical but one look from the Spirit Queen and they all voiced their agreement.

”As for what I prepared for the exploration. Here.”

After everyone agreed, the Spirit Queen took our attention again and dropped ten identical bracelets.

”This is an Escape Bracelet. Break it and it will teleport you back to the entrance of the ruins. I've already had someone test it and it's working. This is to ensure everyone's safety, don't hesitate to break it if you feel like your life is in danger.”

Distributing the bracelets to every one of us, the Spirit Queen heaved a sigh of relief.

”I only have one request from you. If there's still survivors living there from the previous expedition, please save them. No matter who it is.”

The trace of regret could be seen from her face, sending an expedition without knowing what's inside, I guess she was too hasty before.

”You don't have to say please, Yse. I'm already planning to search for any survivor. But to avoid disappointment, let's not expect too much right now.”

Yumiko went to the Spirit Queen and hugged her.

I don't know how long she was planning this or how long she was waiting for this. Yumiko most probably thought of that as well, the Spirit King was chasing after her for how long already and she kept running away. Now the chances of anyone surviving in there is close to zero. In any case, if we really found some, consider themselves as saved.