While the El Search Party decide to return to Elrianode, they are ambushed by monsters. Just when they thought it was all over, the mysterious girl, Laby, decides to come to their rescue. However, they eventually end up far deeper than they have ever. After being attacked by machines, they are under suspiciousness by Winster, but it's cleared when he learns that Laby knows him.
Defeat 50 Chaos Circle, Chaos Square in Sea of Ruin
Description
The El Search Party enter Henir's Passage again. They reflect on what they have accomplished in the Demon Realm and head towards the exit.
Quest Acceptance Dialogue
Chung:So we're back in this never-ending labyrinth.
Aisha:Sigh... I'm still feeling tense and everything hurts.
Rena:Mmhm, so many things happened, and we haven't even been here that long.
Chung:Yes, we learned about the Dark Elves and Nephilim Lord... And found some clues about the Dark El.
Eve:Perhaps this gem we've found will be an important lead. Although the energy it emits is very weak...
Ara:We also met the Fire Master. It was really an unexpected encounter.
Elesis:Not to mention how dangerous. We were fortunate that the Fire Master came back to his senses in the end...
Elsword:All that matters is that we saved him in the end! And everyone is safe and sound!
Ain:It's too early to let your guard down. Let's go past this realm before we relax.
Ciel:... Hey. Is it me, or does this place seem... Different?
Eve:It is still the same passage. It is expected that the form will change with this place being the realm of chaos... But it does seem to have changed significantly since last time.
Raven:It was expected that this realm would change forms, but this atmosphere...
Ara:Are we... Perceived as a threat?
Aisha:What's going on? Surely Master Ventus also used this path to go back to Elrianode?
Rena:But this place was sealed for a long time. Maybe they finally noticed our presence and decided we're not welcome here.
Elsword:It doesn't matter. We still need to go back to Elrianode, and this is our only way.
Add:Tsk, even though we have both the power source and the coordinates back to Elrianode... If only we had proper equipment...
Ara:It's so dangerous... Do you think Master Ventus made it out alright?
Rena:He is one of the masters guarding the El. I'm sure he and the Fire Master arrived safely in Elrianode.
Aisha:Speaking of, isn't it strange that the Fire Master had the Red Demon King's eye?
Rose:But it didn't seem like the Fire Master knew about the Red Demon King, other than the fact that the Red Demon King is the Master of the Crimson Eye.
Elesis:Lu, do you think the Red Demon King had enough power to subdue the Fire Master in his prime?
Lu:I may consider him weak, but that's only in comparison to other Demon Kings. That being said, he's not actually powerful enough to subdue the Fire Master without revealing his true form.
Lu:He did mention a bet. We'll need to ask the Red Demon King directly if we want to learn anything more.
Add:Betrayal and Demonic power... The El Masters must be a dramatic sort of bunch.
Ciel:At least the information we got from the Red Demon King seems to be true. He perfectly predicted what Nephilim Lord was going to tell us.
Ara:That the spirits won't know the exact location of the Dark El either?
Zero:Hmph. He sent us on a wild goose chase! That's what he did.
Eve:However, we still managed to find important leads.
Nephilim Lord:This is an unstable place. Today's sancutary may well be your grave the next. One step forward, and your might find the sky and the earth switched places.
Nephilim Lord:The reason why we have settled here, is because this area is more stable than others. The energy of the Dark El calms rampaging land and revives withering trees.
Nephilim Lord:That energy is spread across the land, but is very faint. However, there are few places where the energy runs stronger. The Shadow Vein is one such place.
Elsword:Nephilim Lord's description reminded me of the Elriabrunnr that Denif mentioned.
Ain:(If what Nephilim Lord said is true, it means the Dark El functions similarly to the El.)
Ain:(But the El was created by the Goddess. Why is there something similar in the Demon Realm when the purpose of the El is to prevent demon invasions?)
Ain:(This can't be explained as a mere reaction to the creation of the El.)
Eve:If we investigate based on the locations that Nephilim Lord disclosed to us, there's a higher chance we can find the Dark El.
Rena:I think so too. Although, it worries me that even the spirits do not know the exact location of the Dark El...
Elsword:Well, now we have a vague idea of what to do from now on. Not bad for the first visit, right?
Aisha:What's strange is that the Dark El Hennon used definitely held powerful energy...
Aisha:But the energy of the Dark El in the Demon Realm is very faint, almost non-existent.
Chung:... Instead, it's potent with demonic energy.
Ara:Do you think demonic energy is preventing the energy of the Dark El from spreading?
Chung:I don't think so. If demonic energy suppresses the power of the Dark El, why would demons use the El to amplify demonic energy?
Add:Think about it. If the Dark El functions similarly to the El, then it makes more sense to think that it's the Dark El that spreads demonic energy.
Add:It's strange that the demonic energy concentration is abnormally high, but there's no doubt the Dark El exists somewhere in the Demon Realm, not to mention the information we've received from the spirits.
Add:We need to find the Dark El no matter what. We should focus on our goal instead of pondering about useless possibilities.
Add:(If the Dark El we find lost its power, I'll be first to worry about my next step.)
Raven:All of this could very well be related to what the Red Demon King said, about how the Demon Realm had a systematic issue for a very long time.
Aisha:Sigh, nothing's clear for now. Not that I thought it would be easy, with this being the Demon Realm and all.
Rena:Still, we were lucky that we met the Dark Elves and Nephilim Lord first.
Elsword:Uh huh. Since they were someone who we could talk to.
Elsword:But... We probably won't come across this kind of luck again.
Ciel:We never expected to obtain the Dark El peacefully anyway.
Ciel:Since we were at the edge of the Demon Realm, the true struggle may very well start when we come back.
Lu:... The Dark Elf Elder did say Varnimyr is at the edge of the Demon Realm. Perhaps she would also be nearby...
Elsword:She? A demon you know?
Lu:I'd say, she's the sort who wouldn't be too bad to work with, as long as we have a shared interest.
Lu:Considering the position the Red Demon King is in, I expect she's also in a tough spot. It will be useful if she is in our debt.
Ciel:Huh, she must be quite useful judging by what you said.
Lu:We can talk about the details after we arrive in Elrianode.
Lu:... I have a feeling that it won't be any easy trip.
The El Search Party is sucked into the dimensional rift and find themselves under the Deep-Sea of the Demon Realm
Quest Acceptance Dialogue
Gurgle... Gurgle..."
Aisha:......
Aisha:Everyone, breathe!
Ciel:! Even though we're under water...!
Raven:Amazing. Thank you, Aisha.
Ara:It's also easier to move. Your magic is truly amazing!
Aisha:Of course! Who do you think I am!
Add:Not that I needed help with my Dynamo.
Aisha:Sheesh. What's the point of helping. Well, I guess this means you're fine.
Laby:Nom nom... Salty...
Rena:Oh my, looks like this girl was sucked into the dimensional rift with us. I guess it's better than being stuck with the monsters by herself...
Chung:Did she lose consciousness from the shock? At least she doesn't look hurt.
Elsword:Where is this? I heart someone say... Something about a dimensional rift?
Eve:Yes. It seems that the constant stimuli has caused the chaos to shift and change into a dimensional rift.
Ain:And we were sucked in to that dimensional rift when that happened. From what I can sense, I believe we are in...
Lu:You're right. We're back in the Demon Realm.
Chung:...! Back in the Demon Realm...
Ara:I see. So it wasn't the water that made it difficult to move, but the strong demonic energy of the Demon Realm.
Ciel:The fact we're back in the Demon Realm is concerning... And to be dropped in the water like this...
Elesis:I'm more worried about Elrianode. I hope the realm shifting like this didn't negatively impact the opened seal.
Rena:I'm more worried about the masters and the priestesses. In any case, we'll have to find a way back as soon as possible.
Raven:Can't we go back the way we came?
Ain:It's too late. Unlike the opening at the Dark Elves Forest, the opening here closed the moment we arrived here.
Ain:It seems the rift appears quite often around this place, considering the unstable energy around here... But I don't think it's wise to wait for another opening, since we're not sure when it's going to open next time.
Add:According to the component analysis results, we're under the sea. At the very depths of it.
Rose:Then perhaps we should go up to observe the situation of the surface?
Add:When I say we're at the very depths of the sea, I mean it. We are far away from the surface level. Not only that, but...
Ara:... We have a guest.
Keee-! Krrrr-!
Aisha:Chased by a monster to land where there's another monster...
Ciel:Hm? It's not cute... But it's very familiar.
Add:Of course. This... looks like the whales we saw in that realm.
Rena:Don't tell me that the monsters there were actually mutated forms of these monsters here?
Aisha:What? You mean we can end up mutated like that if we stay there too long?
Add:Why are you surprised? We knew that place was dangerous.
Ain:Yes, but now that conceptualized idea is more concrete.
Ara:It seems we would need to be more careful next time.
Eve:We don't have much time. We should move, before more enemies approach.
Elsword:Move? Move where? Didn't Add say that the surface is too far?
Eve:I have searched this vicinity and sensed an unusual enclosure with air.
Raven:A natural cave...? But then you wouldn't have used 'unusual' to describe it.
Eve:You are correct. I'm not certain, but it seems artificial. I don't sense any immediate threat, but...
Elsword:Hm, wouldn't it be better to push ourselves and make it to the surface than vanture the unknown in the deep-sea?
Eve:Elsword, even as we speak, Aisha is using a spell that allows us to breathe, manage our temperature, and withstand the water pressure.
Eve:We were fighting non-stop since entering Henir's Realm. It's true we must eventually head towards the surface, but we need rest.
Aisha:E, Eve, it's fine! A spell like this is nothing for a genius girl...
Elsword:... No, Eve's right. Sorry about that, Aisha.
Aisha:H, huh?
Elsword:For now, we'll head there and get rest. We shouldn't push forward without rest like this.
Chung:Then for now, we'll need to defeat these monsters first. Let's hurry!
Laby:Zzzz... Laby... Will help...
Add:... Hey, someone take this pink blob.
Quest Completion Dialogue
Rena:Phew... Thank goodness the monster wasn't too strong.
Laby:Ask... Elsword... Zzzzz
Elsword:She knows my name! Come to think of it, didn't she mention the El Search Party?
Rose:She... Did come through the dimensional rift that led to Elrianode...
Elesis:And the seal in the El Tower can only be opened with the help of, not only Master Denif, but all the masters and priestesses.
Raven:Yes. The fact that this girl was present when the masters opened the seal must mean they trust her.
Laby:Can't eat any more...
Aisha:Although from the way she's acting, it's hard to think she earned their trust.
Elsword:We'll discuss further after we move to a safer location.
Chung:I see something between the rocks over there! Do you think, it revealed itself from the impact when we defeated the whale monster?
Rose:A circular door...? Is that the enclosure with air that you've mentioned?
Eve:Yes, and I still don't sense any threats.
Zero:Who would make something like this at the bottom of the sea? It's very suspicious.
Rena:What can we do? Even if it is a bit suspicious, it's our best option for now.
Elsword:Yeah. Everyone, let's be on our guard and head inside.
The El Search Party enters the Deep-Sea Tunnel. It seems the old tunnel holds a secret...
Quest Acceptance Dialogue
Chung:It's amazing. There's no water, and it seems like there's enough air.
Ciel:How strange for a space like this to exist under water. Lu, have you heard of a place like this?
Lu:Hm... I can't say I have.
Lu:But look at this place. It was clearly made to stay hidden from the public eye. It won't be easy to find places like this even if you tried.
Ain:Oh? Something interesting is floating past the window.
Ara:It's amazing! You can see a school of enormous fish swimming by.
Raven:Are they the same species as the one we've fought earlier? We'll have to face those again if we leave this place.
Rena:Sigh, well at least now we know what to prepare for.
Eve:Wait, there's more. There's a passage connected to this space below.
Rose:Hm? There's something on the floor.... Rails?
Elesis:An artificial space beneath the sea, with built in rails... It must have been built to serve some kind of purpose.
Chung:Do you think demons moved something using the rails?
Ciel:Then that something might be at the end of this tunnel.
Add:A tunnel hidden away like this? This smells trouble no matter how you look at it.
Add:The fact that there's a rail in a place like this means whatever they had to move was important, and they had a lot of it.
Elsword:We were originally going to rest then head back out, but what do you think?
Chung:I think it's a good idea to check on the tunnels. Since there's no sign of life, we shouldn't come across any enemies, right?
Raven:There's some merit to investigating. If we're lucky, we can figure out where we are.
Aisha:Yeah, I would feel better once I know where we are.
Elsword:Alright then, let's follow this rail. Then we can just follow this back.
Quest Completion Dialogue
Eve:The machines in here are not that advanced.
Eve:Most require manual handling. It's fascinating how this tunnel can handle the water pressure with this kind of technology.
Ara:There's some kind of pattern on the wall... But it's been worn down with age.
Lu:This is...
Laby:Mrmrmr... Huh? Where is this?
Eve:Ah, I see you woke up. Moby, Remy, please check her condition.
Laby:Whoaaa!! You're the El Search Party, right? Are you Elsword??
Eve:... She is in optimal condition. In fact, she seems very lively. And if you're looking for Elsword, he's over here.
Rena:Huhu, aren't you lively. Since it looks like we have a long way to go, why don't you introduce yourself on the way?
Laby:Ok! Laby also has a lot of question to ask about the El Search Party!
Elsword:Hey, I'm Elsword. So you're from Elrianode, right?
Elsword:Thanks to your help, the monsters were stopped before they made it to Elrianode. It's kinda late, but thanks.
Laby:I'm Laby!! And this is my trusty friend, Nisha! So I'm here to help with Bellonde and Ignia and... Well everyone from Elrianode!
Add:She must have no friends if she calls that strange thing a friend.
Ain:Is it so strange to talk to a floating object? I thought it was normal considering Mr. Ancient does it all the time.
Ciel:Wait... Bellonde? Who is Bellonde?
Laby:Bellonde? Bellonde gave Laby a name!! Laby heard Bellonde slept for a very very long time. He told Laby that he has to be in Elrianode!
Aisha:He slept for a long time? And what do you mean, he has to be in Elrianode? Could it be...?
Laby:Well, everyone in Elrianode called Bellonde, Gaia!
Elsword:The Earth Master Gaia! Of course! Just like Master Denif said, all the masters from outside the barrier are gathering in Elrianode!
Ara:Did you also meet Master Ventus and Master Rosso? Are they safe?
Laby:Uh huh! They're both in Elrianode! Rosso used to be all sickly, but now he's suuuuuuuuper healthy and always fighting with Ignia!
Add:Not surprising. It's obvious that he has a problem considering how he just picked a fight with everyone when we first met him.
Rena:Ahaha... Well, I'm just glad that they've arrived safely.
Raven:So now there are four El Masters in Elrianode.
Aisha:I was worried that Elrianode will be impacted negatively with the sudden shift in Henir's Realm, but with that many masters and the priestesses, I guess there's nothing to worry about!
Laby:Anyway, where's this? Laby promised Master Denif to bring the El Search Party to Elrianode...
Elsword:Um, well... No need to panic, but we're in the Demon Realm. We were caught in the dimensional rift and ended up here.
Laby:This... Is the Demon Realm...?
Lu:Of course, you're startled. Who would've thought they'll end up in the Demon Realm?
Ciel:Mm, well... She doesn't exactly look 'startled'.
Laby:Nisha!! Did you hear that? We're in the Demon Realm!! Laby didn't think we'd make it here like poof!
Chung:Ah, she looks... Really happy.
Laby:Well, you see, Rosso said Laby is from the Demon Realm!
Elsword:Rosso said that? Does that mean you're... A demon?
Lu:I don't sense any demonic energy... The Fire Master said you're from the Demon Realm?
Laby:Rosso said the energy in Laby is something he felt in the Demon Realm, but different from demonic energy! Like it was mixed with something?
Laby:Laby was in the Black Forest for a very long time, so Laby's not sure where Laby's from, or who Laby is! But Laby was able to leave the forest recently thanks to Elsword!
Rena:The Black Forest is where the Shrine of Dedication is located in Feita... Wait, thanks to Elsword?
Laby:Uh huh, Laby was able to leave the forest after a blue light went Flash!!! And Master Denif said that light happened when Elsword restored the El.
Laby:It was very lonely in the forest by myself, but now, Laby is meeting everyone which makes Laby happy!
Ain:(The Black Forest... It's where a temple was built to subdue the overwhelming demonic energy.)
Ain:(I thought it was strange that a forest dense with demonic energy existed in the land, blessed by the Goddess, but I never expected a being from the Demon Realm was bound there.)
Laby:Laby wants to know where Laby is from! If Rosso is right, then Laby can find out who Laby is in the Demon Realm!
Laby:Oh! But Laby promised Master Denif to drag the El Search Party back to Elrianode, so that comes first!
Add:Is she even aware that we were the ones doing the dragging here?
Zzzzt zzzt-
Ara:I heard a strange noise!
Eve:There wasn't any life forms... Perhaps it's an unwelcomed guest that managed to go past my sensors.
Raven:It would be bad if there's a problem with the tunnel. Let's investigate the noise for now.
Laby:Uhh? Laby still needs twelve introductions!! Wait!!!
A frightening sound echoes. The large movement beyond the ice wall was...
Quest Acceptance Dialogue
Rena:We've come down quite far... I wonder where this tunnel will lead to?
Eve:Don't worry. We're almost at the end of this tunnel.
Chung:Oh! There's a door at the end!
Raven:A door? Or a wall? It can't be that we're already at the end...
Ara:I don't see anything special...
Elsword:How disappointing. I thought we'd find something at the end of the tunnel.
Lu:There's no way someone would create a structure this big with no purpose in the Demon Realm. Search thoroughly.
Chung:How about we open this? Maybe the tunnel will continue behind this door.
Eve:There was a space behind this door when I scanned...
Eve:But it was connected to the Sea.
Aisha:The sea? Then what is this tunnel for?
Elesis:Maybe it was abandoned after moving something in the past. But then why would someone continue to repair this place?
Rena:Maybe there's a reason to guard this tunnel? Or maybe it was used for another reason in the past...
Rena:Hm?
Clack- Screeech-!
Laby:Whoa, the door just went spinny!
Raven:So something does exist.
Add:Kuhuhu, yes... We've come this far, we should get an event like this at the very least.
Ara:I, it's not the time to say something like... Eeeek! The legs!!
Eve:It's a different model from the other machines, but it looks like it shares the same command.
Chung:And that command would be something like, destroy the intruders... Right?
Aisha:What are you standing around for? It's a, approaching!!
Ara:I can't deal with anything with more than four legs...
Quest Completion Dialogue
Aisha:I'm exhausted for a whole other reason...
Ara:I agree. Thos long legs will climb the... Ughhhh...
Ain:Haha, now shall w check what's beyond this point?
Aisha:Come on, Eve said it was connected directly to the sea.
Eve:Wait, Aisha. I sense a new life form.
Rena:... Who?
???:People of Elrios...? How did you come all the way here?
Ara:Beast ears and tail?! Is he with the guy who claimed himself to be Ran's right-hand man?
???:You are...
Chung:Ran's subordinate?! I won't let yo go this time. Surrender yourself!
Laby:Um, hey, is it bad if someone has animal ears and tail? But Calonne has ears like that...
Chung:... Huh?
Rena:What do you... Did you already encounter a demon?
Laby:Uh huh. Calonne is a nice demon who helped Laby to arrive at Elrianode.
???:Calonne? Do you know Calonne?
???:Is he, is he safe? Where did you see him!
Laby:Of course he's safe! Are you Calonne's friend too? Laby and Calonne met when...
Elesis:Wait, before you start. Are you under Ran?
???:If you mean Ran, the commander of the Red Demon faction... No, I can't say we are well acquainted.
Winster:My name is Winster. I am the tunnel's supervisor.
Chung:You mean you're the one who's been repairing the machines that attacked us?
Winster:I've merely entered a simple command to stop all intruders. Surely you agree that there should be some means to protect this place in case an enemy invades?
Elesis:To stop the intruders...? So there IS something beyond this tunnel.
Ciel:What? But I thought the only thing beyond this tunnel is...
Chung:That's before he appeared. I think there's another transporting method other than the tunnel beyond this point.
Lu:And everything that was moved here, would have been moved using that method beyond this point.
Winster:You... Are a demon.
Lu:Yes, I was away from the Demon Realm for a long time due to unforeseen circumstances. Anyway, if you're the supervisor, I'm sure you'll have answers to our questions.
Lu:What is the purpose of this tunnel, and why are you guarding this place despite the possibility of enemies exploiting this place?
Winster:You're not from around here, why are you interested in our affairs?
Add:Hmph, if you want to learn more about this Calonne guy, you better answer her questions.
Laby:Wow, Nisha, he talks like a real villain...!
Winster:Looks like I have no choice.
Winster:When all our preparations are done... My allies and I will return to the surface. That's when this tunnel will be of use to us.
Raven:... So this was to protect your allies...
Winster:This region was under dispute between two races in the past. As the lands were barren, there just weren't enough for both races to co-exist peacefully.
Winster:To survive, each race developed a skill to use against the other. One had absolute strength, while the other used wit and tools.
Winster:The war continued between the two races until one demon ended the fight. She embraced both races without discrimination, and it seemed that the ware as finally over.
Ciel:The one who stopped the fight... Are you talking about THE Demon King?
Lu:No, if I'm correct, he's talking about...
Winster:However, she was betrayed, and the traitors who felled her drove us under the sea.
Winster:We were hiding down here for a long time, waiting... Waiting for the day we will shred those who have betrayed our lord into pieces.
Obstacle to Return
Varnimyr
Pruinaum
Tirnog
Serpentium
