Chapter 55:

  Pressures of a Regressor

  (Lucas's POV)

  There was something about life that you never understood until you found it. A tranquility that often came unbidden. It's what I felt as I sat at the kitchen isnd eating some cereal for breakfast. Ever since I met Elizabeth, my life has been rather...eventful.

  I found myself content and the most rexed I've ever felt since...well, forever. I had somehow been able to slip out of Elizabeth's grasp, which was a feat in and of itself with her on either side of me. Apparently, she can feel the sensations of her [Living Mirage], and enjoys being able to hold me from both sides. It's honestly rather adorable.

  Lately, she has been using her [Living Mirage] to handle business for her so that she might spend more time with me. Which is rather convenient. I'm just gd she hasn't gotten the idea yet to use her clone while her and Maya have me cornered...not that I'd compin, but I just don't think my heart could handle it.

  Speaking of my heart...I jumped a little when I heard footsteps enter the kitchen, looking up to see Denny entering it in a fugue state. Her hair was a mess and she was carrying a ptop with her. Her eyes had bags and she wore an oversized t-shirt that went past her knees and looked to have been half-slept in.

  "You okay?" I asked, calming my heart that had nearly left my chest, "Get enough sleep?"

  "...Food," she muttered.

  I raised an amused eyebrow, trying not to ugh. I've seen her like this before. Denny gets like this whenever she becomes absorbed in something. Either work, a project, games, or something she was reading.

  "Sit," I motioned to the spot opposite of me, "I'll get you a bowl."

  Like a zombie, she made her way to the kitchen isnd, setting her ptop down as I walked to the cupboard and grabbed her a bowl before getting the milk and cereal out for her. Setting the bowl down, I poured the cereal and milk for her. Opening a nearby drawer, I pulled out a spoon and set it in the bowl before pushing it towards here.

  "There you go, a Lucas special," I joked with a smile, "Something even I can't mess up, cereal!"

  Denny smiled appreciatively, taking the spoon to stir around the cereal a bit to coat it all with a bit of milk. As soon as I turned to put everything away, my elbow hit the milk jug. As I felt it about to fall, I quickly moved, dropping the cereal on the floor but prevented the milk from spilling.

  I stood there for a moment, contempting life and all of the mistakes I had ever made. I could feel Denny's judgement without having to look and the smug, amused look on her face. Slowly, I narrowed my eyes and gred at her.

  "Not. A. Word," I grumbled, carefully screwing the cap back on the milk.

  In response, she simply took a bite of cereal, watching me like a cat. Avoiding stepping on the now spilled cereal, I returned the milk to the fridge and began to clean up my mess.

  "The moment someone else is around..." I muttered, shaking my head, "I didn't have any problems with my cereal..."

  As I was slowly recovering from my embarrassment, I heard another pair of feet approaching and hesitantly peaked over the counter. To my dismay, Elizabeth and Maya were walking in at the same time. I caught their attention, locking eyes for a single moment. Silently, trying to pretend that they didn't see, I sunk below the counter to finish cleaning my mess.

  "What's all this?" Elizabeth spoke mischievously.

  "Lucas dropped the cereal," Denny expined amusingly, betraying me, "Almost spilled the milk too."

  "Shut it!" I raised my arm in protest with one finger up, "It's fine!"

  "Mhm," Denny chuckled, continuing to eat her cereal, "Need help?"

  "No!" I shot back defiantly, "I got it!"

  I could feel my face burning up from embarrassment, and as I pushed myself up from the floor with the remains of my folly in my hands, I gnced at Maya and Elizabeth, daring them to say something as I walked to the garbage can. I salvaged what I could of the cereal in the box, but the rest was practically gone. With everything cleaned up, I returned to my seat and continued eating, a little sullen.

  Elizabeth smiled coyly, pcing a hand on my shoulder as she leaned down to kiss me on the cheek. Despite my grumpiness, I raised my face so that she might have an easier time. I could feel that they wanted to tease me, but thankfully...they did not. Instead, Maya simply began to cook some eggs for herself and Elizabeth, offering some for me and Denny.

  Soon, Hannah arrived as well, yawning and stretching in an oversized shirt much like Denny, but unlike Denny, she wore pajama pants. It didn't take long for the kitchen to become full and the smell of food to fill the air. Despite having already eaten some cereal, Denny and I joined everyone else for some eggs and bacon.

  Mornings like these were what I lived for, and soon I had forgotten about my embarrassing dispy. It would be nice if things remained as they were, but the reality of the world was ever present. It started as a call that Elizabeth answered. She spoke in hushed tones in the entrance of the kitchen.

  I watched her with a knowing understanding. She looked serious as she talked on the phone, and as our eyes met, she smiled as warmly as she could, but I could see the apology in her eyes. She was leaving again.

  I tried to hide my disappointment, for I had hoped to spend more time with her now that things were settled with Maya and The Ptinum Lotus, at least for now. "When will this be over?" I had to wonder, not knowing a single thing about these Gates or the reason for them. Not to mention, as I thought about all of the Pyers, I had to wonder...what gave them their strength?

  Sure, there was the phenomenon known as "mana" or "aether" that leaked from beyond the Gates and settled here. Many, like Aegis, looked into this and harnessed it as energy. It was also what was believed "Awakened" individuals into becoming Pyers, but what I was thinking about wasn't this. It was the "System" that I heard so much about. Status Screens. Inventory. Stats.

  I had to wonder if there was someone behind all of it, or was it truly just a natural, mystical phenomenon? Trying to think of it hurt my head, and as always...Maya and Elizabeth were right there to help. Elizabeth handed me the pills while Maya offered a gss of water. They both looked on with gentle concern.

  "Thanks..." I muttered shyly, taking the pills and downing them with some water, "So, what was that call about?"

  Elizabeth looked away guiltily before gncing back at me with that apologetic gaze.

  "The Association," she answered quietly, "A Gate appeared in Italy that I need to handle. They've called for aid, and so..."

  "You have to go..." I spoke more dejectedly than I intended, feeling Elizabeth embrace me warmly, pulling me into her chest.

  "Yes, I'm sorry," she whispered.

  "El..." Maya chided, causing me to look at her in confusion, "Stop teasing him. Just look at him."

  "Teasing...?" I asked, looking up at Elizabeth for answers.

  Elizabeth was looking away nonchantly, pretending as if she didn't know what Maya meant. It was at that moment that I narrowed my eyes at her, knowing that I've been tricked in some way.

  "Ellie..." I called firmly, causing her to flinch slightly, "What does she mean?"

  She tried to avoid looking at me, but was failing as she furtively kept gncing at me. Eventually, she gave in, smothering me as she pouted at Maya.

  "After worrying us, he deserves to be teased!" Elizabeth defended herself, "But it's unfair! Asking me to look at him...You know I can't win against that!"

  Maya simply smiled in amused understanding. The more they talked, the more confused I became, but it pleased me that Elizabeth didn't really have any ill-intent. It was always endearing to hear how much she loved me. The fact she couldn't lie if she looked at me was so cute.

  "Ellie, what's going on?" I asked, adjusting myself in her arms so I could not only breathe, but also see everyone, "Are you really going to Italy?"

  "...Yes," she answered softly, "But...I'm not going alone."

  "Oh, is Maya or someone going with?" I tilted my head, rexing against her, "So, you're still leaving though..."

  I grew dejected again, but heard a sound that surprised me. It was half-way between distress and swooning. An odd mix for sure as Elizabeth's hold on me grew tighter.

  "Ah~!" she excimed, "I'm sorry! Don't look like that! You're coming with me. All of you are. Please forgive me for deceiving you!"

  Immediately, the tension in my heart was released as I smiled up at her. It was a rare occasion to see the usually composed Elizabeth act so...childish. My smile was filled with love as I held her arms to me, kissing the back of her hand.

  "It's okay," I assured her, "I'm relieved, actually. I know you're a busy, important person, but...I can't help but be a little selfish. So, I'm gd that I'm able to spend a little more time with you...even if you're going for work."

  I looked up at her with genuine warmth, her eyes sparkling with what I could only describe as her melting before my eyes. She held me close, shaking me around gently as if I was the most precious thing in the world.

  "You're too kind, my love," she stated, "Ah, I could just eat you up~!"

  "I warned you," Maya chimed in, "I told you he'd react that way..."

  "Oh, shush, you..." Elizabeth scowled pyfully, "You're the one who agreed to it."

  "Wait..." I pried myself free, just a little, from Elizabeth's hold on me to look at Maya, "You knew she was pnning this ruse?"

  Maya froze at the accusation, slowly turning her gaze away from me. She had the same guilty look in her eyes as Elizabeth had had. I narrowed my eyes at the both of them, shaking my head in feigned disappointment.

  "Shame on you two," I chided lovingly, "What is my poor heart to do when the two who cim to love me are so cruel...I perish the thought!"

  I held my hand to my head, pretending to faint in Elizabeth's arms. Though the act wasn't anything grand, both of them reacted immediately. Rushing to me in concern before they realized that I was just fine. They pouted, looking away in sheepish defiance.

  "That's not very nice, Sir," Maya said as I smiled mischievously.

  "You're right, it wasn't," I agreed, patting her on the head, "Now that we understand, let's forget about this and get ready. Do I need to pack anything in particur? Wait, I don't even have a passport..."

  "Don't worry about that," Denny spoke up, sliding across the table a rectangur shaped, small book looking thing, "Your fiance there is quite prepared."

  Denny nodded towards Elizabeth who blushed as I looked at her. Reaching for the book, I saw that it had the word "Passport" on it, looking quite official. Opening it, I saw that there was a photo of me in there with my name, date and pce of birth, and everything else required to identify me.

  "So...that's why you wanted to take photos that one day," I recalled that a while back, Elizabeth had wanted to take photos together, but it was a blip in our daily lives that it didn't really register to me, "Sneaky."

  She looked rather pleased with herself, and even more so as I kissed her on the cheek.

  "Thank you," I held the book in my hand, grateful that I didn't have to worry about such a thing, "Though, you could have just asked. You didn't need to hide it."

  "I wanted to surprise you..." she mumbled adorably, "Can't I?"

  "You can," I chuckled, "I appreciate it, but Maya...did you really know she pnned this?"

  "I did," Maya nodded, "I apologize, I should have-"

  Her words trailed off as I pced my hand upon her head once more. I smiled gratefully, full of warmth.

  "While tricking me was a little mean..." I said, trying to speak as gently as I could, "It was a lovely surprise. Knowing that I won't have to wait at home again is...nice."

  Maya blushed, shifting underneath my hand.

  "It was nothing, Luke..." she tried to dismiss it, but I could tell she was happy to have helped.

  I knew there was more behind these acts of getting me a passport and taking me with, but I didn't say anything. Elizabeth lived many lives where she had to go far away, only for me to remain behind. I knew she was worried for my safety, and while Maya was here to protect me, and she had her [Living Mirage], there was nothing as comforting as having the one you care most about being by your side. It gave you a sense of security that you couldn't have otherwise, and I definitely wasn't compining.

  Who knew how long this Gate would take, even with Elizabeth's strength. I also had the feeling that it wasn't the only Gate that would appear while she was in Italy. Elizabeth had knowledge that only a regressor could have, so I was sure she had many pns. If I could help alleviate any of that burden by being with her wherever she went...then I'd gdly drop everything.

  Not that I had anything else going on, but...still.

  With everything settled, and the scare of being left behind again past us, I basked in the warmth of the morning. It was nice having everyone around. I was pleased to hear that Denny and Hannah would be coming with as well, with Hannah taking off of school because of the incident with The Ptinum Lotus. I knew that part of the reason, however, was just in case something did happen to me, but no one really said that.

  After not having seen Denny in a long time, I was genuinely looking forward to catching up with her. It would be the first time that I'd ever leave the country, so it was exciting. Even though Elizabeth was going for work, I looked forward to sightseeing and eating amazing food. Spending time with everyone sounded like a good idea.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV. A couple days ter)

  "...Are you even real?" I had to ask, scrutinizing Elizabeth as we walked towards the private jet that was prepared for us, "Just the other day you were fawning over me, and now you're all business..."

  It was teasing her, of course, but I was always surprised by how quickly she changed modes. One minute she was swooning like a schoolgirl, then next she was as serious as can be. The true definition of her moniker, "Hades". It was uncanny, but I didn't hate it.

  She gnced down at me with an embarrassed blush, smiling awkwardly.

  "I can't help it," she mumbled, that glint of obsessiveness in her eyes, "When it comes to you...I can't hold myself back."

  "Well...I guess the same is true for me," I smiled warmly, wrapping my arms around hers, pressing myself close against her body, "I find myself wanting to act like a child and be spoiled whenever I'm with you."

  She smiled kindly, standing taller than before.

  "By all means, act spoiled," she insisted, looking quite proud, "Everything I've done is so that you can live the easiest life possible, and when all this is over...that we can enjoy it together."

  "I'm enjoying it just fine right now," I told her, looking to the others who were with us, smiling at Maya, Denny, and Hannah, "But, I know what you mean. I hope there comes a day when you don't have to fight and put yourself in danger."

  Maya allowed herself a small smile, Hannah held her hands behind her head, beaming brightly. Denny had a calm, understanding expression with a small smile. They all agreed, and Elizabeth...she had that look on her face that she often had when there was a lot on her shoulders, yet her eyes were soft as they looked upon me.

  "I'll make sure of it," she promised, "Just...try to not do anything crazy for a while."

  "I'll do my best, but..." I looked away sheepishly, "If there's no other way, I'm going to do what I can. I can't always just do nothing."

  "I wish that you would," Elizabeth mumbled, sighing heavily, "But...then you wouldn't be you."

  She leaned down, kissing me upon the top of my head as we finally arrived at the jet. It was all prepared and waiting, along with the pilots who all bore the symbol for Aegis. They bowed as we approached, greeting Elizabeth and myself.

  "Welcome aboard, Miss Falcrest, Sir Avington," they said in unison, "We shall take off the moment you're comfortable."

  Elizabeth looked upon them with cool authority. It wasn't menacing. More of an appreciation for their work. The more I watched Elizabeth, the more I saw her treat everyone with decency. She was respectful and kind. Of course, I knew that she had a darker side, but that was only seen when I was threatened, or if someone was a danger to all of her work.

  I admired her, honestly. I knew she couldn't have gone through an easy time, but knowing that she was trying her best...I found myself leaning up to give her a surprise kiss.

  "What was that for?" she asked, eyes wide as she smiled happily.

  "Just because..." I did my best to hide my blush, "Let's hurry, we don't want to be te."

  I bounded ahead, leaving her behind to catch up. I felt like I was walking on clouds. I may not remember my past, barely seen through dreams that have long since faded, but...I knew I was proud of her. Something inside of me was greatly moved seeing her interact with others in a nice manner. I couldn't quite pce it.

  My heart was thrilled, and I found myself impatiently waiting for her as I made my way up the steps of the pne. It wasn't long before I felt her familiar touch upon my waist, and as I gnced up at her, my heart fluttered.

  In the light of the morning sun, she appeared radiant. The dark teal of her hair came alive with fire. Her golden-emerald eyes shone brilliantly. I was awe-struck. It took everything in me to not melt right then and there.

  "Do you even know where you're going?" she asked with an amused look, "Honestly..."

  "...Shut up," I mumbled, yet couldn't help but smile, "I knew you'd show me."

  "Mhm," she chuckled, leading me inside, "This way, darling."

  I allowed myself to be led inside, not sure what I was expecting. I was blown away by how extravagant everything was. As she led me through a door, I was met with an exotic, dark utopia. The inside of the cabin was made of what looked like dark marble, but I knew that'd be too heavy, so perhaps some kind of substitute? There were lush, dark blue cushions on seats with golden embroidery. The ceiling looked to be like the night sky with a chandelier made of silver crystal with gold embellishment.

  It was like I had just walked into a fancy lounge at a club. There were several ft screen televisions, a whole bar, and a fridge that came fully stocked. I had to look up at her slyly.

  "I know I like dark colors, but..." I saw her look away nonchantly, "Mhm, pretend you didn't make this for me."

  "I like dark colors too..." she defended herself as Denny, Maya, and Hannah all filed in past us.

  "Because he does, El," Maya teased as she passed us.

  "H-Hey!" Elizabeth excimed, glowering at her, "Come on...Not everything is about him."

  "I know," I spoke up, taking her by the hand, "I'm sorry, Ellie. Don't mean to tease you so much."

  "It's fine," her expression softened, tightening her hand around mine, "It's not that it's...not true, but I do actually like it personally. It's rexing."

  "Then, that's all that matters," I smiled, and she led me the rest of the way inside.

  Denny and Hannah made themselves at home pretty quickly, sitting next to each other on a curved couch in one corner of the room. Denny took out her ptop and Hannah watched as she did something up it. It seemed like they were still working on that surprise, but also...I saw Hannah begin to gush, attempting to take the ptop from Denny who had to fight for her life to keep it, looking slightly annoyed.

  It seemed like she was still helping her get those photos of Julian. I could only shake my head, but was gd they seemed to get along. Maya went right to the bar, preparing several drinks for everyone.

  "You know, you can rest too, right?" I told her as Elizabeth and I sat at the stools by the bar, "You don't have to keep working."

  "I don't mind," she replied with a gentle smile, "I want to, and..."

  She looked at me, her eyes glittering with warmth.

  "I feel at ease when doing so," she finished, setting a cool fruit juice before me, "Remember to stay hydrated, Sir."

  I took the gss and slowly took a sip. It was delicious and refreshing.

  "Thanks, Maya," I reached for her hand, squeezing it gratefully, "Still, if you need to rest, feel free to do so."

  "I will," she assured me, squeezing my hand back before going back to getting drinks for everyone, "This isn't quite a vacation, but...it's as close as one can get."

  "Yeah..." I spoke quietly, staring into my gss, "It won't be too dangerous, will it?"

  I felt Elizabeth's hand on my shoulder in comfort.

  "I've pnned for this," she told me, "Trust me."

  "I do," I nodded, looking at her with unwavering devotion, "I just worry, is all, but that's normal. What are you going after?"

  Elizabeth was silent for a moment, gncing over at Denny who had yet to know the truth of who Elizabeth was. Even Hannah didn't quite know.

  "...Gorgon's Maze," Elizabeth whispered, her tone and expression becoming serious, "If it's not cleared, the whole of Italy will become another Wild Zone. I have to prevent it."

  "I see..." I took another drink from my gss, speaking quietly, "What kind of dungeon?"

  The mood suddenly shifted, Maya and Elizabeth exchanged a knowing, grim look between themselves. The mood was so serious that I had to take another drink to settle my anxious heart.

  "Attention," a voice suddenly came on over the cabin, "Please secure all luggage and fasten yourselves in. We will be taking off shortly."

  It was the pilot informing everyone that we would be leaving, but it had given me a heart attack. Thankfully, it had cut through some of the tension, though the anxiety still remained. Maya took my now empty gss, taking care of it as Elizabeth took my by the hand and led me over to a past Denny and Hannah towards a staircase going to the second level of the pne.

  "We need to talk with Lucas," Elizabeth stopped to inform the two of them, "Please remain here until we return."

  They both nodded, though Denny did look curious. I gave her a reassuring smile, nodding that it was okay. She nodded back, returning to the screen of her ptop where I caught the glimpse of the one known as "Julian". Denny sighed, rolling her eyes as Hannah once again tried to hug the computer screen to her.

  Leaving them to themselves, the pne began to move as Maya, Elizabeth, and myself all made our way to the second level. It was pretty simir to the first, except it led to a hallway with several doors. Elizabeth led me to one in the far back, opening it to reveal a small bedroom. Well, I say it was small, but it had enough room for a bed and sitting area where there was a couch, two chairs, a coffee table, and a television nearby.

  As Maya closed the door behind us, Elizabeth motioned for me to sit in one of the chairs while her and Maya took the couch opposite me.

  "Well, this is new," I joked, "The two of you sitting across from me. Must be serious."

  "...A little," Elizabeth nodded, trying her best to give a reassuring smile, but I could tell she was worried, "As you know, Lucas, I'm a regressor. I know things that will happen in the future."

  "Of course," I nodded, feeling the pne get faster as we talked, "What's about to happen?"

  Elizabeth looked grim for a moment, leaning forward as she csped her hands together. Maya looked at her empathetically, pcing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

  "It's a fact that not everything happens the same," she expined, "I'm sure you know this. You've told me a lot about those stories you read."

  She smiled up at me, making me feel a little embarrassed, but the atmosphere remained solemn as she continued.

  "That being said, I did think there'd be more time," her face became pained, as if she was struggling deeply with emotions that threatened to swallow her up, "Six years. That's usually the time frame from when the first one would appear, but...it's a little early. I thought I had a year, or at least...a few more months."

  "What is...?" I was a little afraid of asking, given the atmosphere, "Ellie, is everything okay?"

  "Yeah, yeah...well..." she took a deep breath, straightening herself as she looked in my eyes with an unwavering determination, "No, Lucas. There's another reason I'm taking you with me besides wanting you by my side."

  There was something she didn't say, but I didn't want to push it. I felt my heart give way as I listened to her, enraptured by the seriousness of her tone. As the pne took off, I felt myself lurch forward as the news she had to tell me hit my like a brick.

  "Critical Dungeons..." the words left her lips like ash falling upon parches nd.

  Something inside of me resonated with that, and like a tunnel, my vision became focused solely on Elizabeth. Right now, her face was twisted in such fear, anger, and concern that I had instinctively reached out to her. Those eyes of hers...they were so fierce that I felt she might just explode. As soon as my hand touched her face, she pressed against my palm, rexing as the only thing left in her eyes was the pain of a thousand lives.

  "The beginning of the end..." she muttered, holding my hand firmly against her, "The first Critical Dungeon to appear....several months earlier than expected. The Land of Stone, Critical Dungeon: Gorgon's Maze."

  Tears. I remember them vividly. Fshes of dreams that caused my head to split in severe pain, but even as Maya and Elizabeth saw the signs, I was already moving based on impulse. I rose from my seat, not caring that the pne was still ascending. I embraced Elizabeth, holding her head to my chest.

  "It's okay, Ellie..." I tried to soothe, caressing the back of her head, "It'll be okay. Isn't that what you always tell me? I'm here now. I know I can't fight, but you're free to rest your head. Act like a child...whatever it is you need. So don't hold back."

  She clung to me, holding me close as I felt the warm tears soak my shirt. It couldn't be easy, even after thousands of lives. The thought of everything you pnned going to hell...no matter ho prepared you were, it was enough to frustrate even the strongest of individuals. For Elizabeth, it meant the fear of losing everything again. Of course, I believed that she could handle it, and I knew that she also knew that. Even so...

  "Luke, open," Maya ordered, pcing two pills in my mouth as I obeyed, holding some water up for me to drink.

  I smiled my appreciation, which she acknowledged with a soft smile of her own.

  "I feel it..." Elizabeth mumbled into my shirt as she composed herself a little, though still held onto me, "It's calling me...another fragment."

  I looked down at her curiously, my heart fluttering as I saw her adorable face locked in adamant determination. Yet, it was a ridiculous look as her face was still flush from blushing and crying. It was hard to take her seriously in a moment like this, but even so...I knew she would be okay. Her eyes were so...clear.

  "I see that you're better now?" I asked lovingly, to which she nodded, though her grip grew tighter as she pulled me closer.

  "Yeah, but..." she looked away bashfully, letting her words trail off.

  "And you say I'm a child," I teased, pressing myself closer to her as I held her firmly, "Yes, yes. Stay as long as you want, though my legs might get tired."

  The pne finally leveled out as she sulked coyly, not letting go of me. There were times even she had to be allowed to be spoiled, and if I could give her those moments...I would. After all, everything she was doing was to my benefit...this was the least I could do.

  Soon, I found myself between Elizabeth and Maya on the couch. Maya rested her head against my shoulder, eyes closed as she rexed while Elizabeth clung to me, curled up as she expined what Gorgon's Maze was. It was a dungeon where the nd was mostly petrified forest. Stone trees that rose high into the sky where the jagged peaks of mountains met a twilight sky.

  A thick fog often hung around the base of the trees, and for those foolish enough to wander into it...they were turned to stone. Statues of those who had come before decorated the nd as permanent fixtures. One had to follow a specific path through the forest in order to make it to the center. The Grove of Stone.

  However, before all of that, there were dangers in their path. Monsters that lurked within the fog that tried to drag the unwary to their dooms. Elizabeth described them like imps. Winged creatures with horns and a sharp tail. They were fast and used their tail to paralyze their victims before dragging them away.

  On top of that, there were the Rock Worms. The name was rather literal. They were long, wormlike creatures about twenty feet long and about five feet around. They had razor sharp teeth like a leech that ground up both flesh and stone. They burrowed and were quick, sturdy, and ate the statues of those who fell to the fog.

  After all of that came the main boss. The Gorgon. A rge, cyclopean figure with a bull's head, multi-armed humanoid upper body, and a snake's lower body. Much different than what I knew of as a Gorgon, but besides its appearance...the effects were the same. It could spew a breath that petrified, and its gaze could immediately paralyze an individual that would slowly begin to turn to stone. It wielded two massive axes that it used dexterously.

  Highly maneuverable due to its lower body, it was strong and durable. According to Elizabeth....she's died to it ten times and killed it just as many.

  "I have no pns to let it get ahead," she joked, tracing her fingers over my chest, "I'll break the tie and return safely. Don't you worry."

  "I have no doubt," I replied with a smile, "Is Zero Squad joining you, or...?"

  "Yes, they'll join us there," Elizabeth nodded, "They need to get experience dealing with such an opponent. I had hoped to get them a few more skills, but...as always, I'm kept on my toes."

  I kissed the top of her head to comfort her, knowing that she might lose herself to worry if I didn't distract her a little.

  "I'm sure it'll work out," I told her, to which she nodded.

  "If you say it, then I can't do anything except believe it," she replied cheekily, "I'm just hoping that this is an outlier. If they all start appearing now...I might not be able to stay out of it."

  I definitely didn't want her to put herself in any more danger than necessary, but there wasn't much I could do about any of that. I could only support her as best as I could, and so I coddled her for the rest of the pne ride. Allowing for her to be spoiled, my hand affectionately pying with her hair, caressing and soothing her for as long as I could...until she eventually fell asleep in my p.

  "...How cute~," I marveled at Elizabeth's sleeping face, though not just her as I noticed that Maya was snoring slightly against my shoulder. I could only ugh to myself, "I guess I'm stuck here...hope I don't have to use the bathroom any time soon."

  -----

  Nikushimi