Chapter 255: So You Don't Want Me to Relax, Huh?
Just as Takumi and the others were strolling through the streets, things were escalating in Danmachi's world.
Ais had rushed to find her captain.
"Finn! We need to head back immediately. There's great danger ahead. We can't continue like this—we need to return to the surface right away!"
Ais opened with urgency.
Finn stared at her, full of confusion.
"Ais? What's going on?"
He couldn't understand why she would suddenly make such a request. What danger could possibly lie ahead in the dungeon? A monster riot? Or something worse?
"Our world is about to fuse with other worlds. My name showed up on the mission board. Takumi and the others believe that our world is next to be involved in a fusion event."
Ais explained everything she knew.
Her membership in the chat group was known among the upper ranks of the Loki Familia. Finn, being part of the leadership, was aware of it.
When he heard this, Finn's expression turned grave.
"Are you serious?"
Ais nodded firmly.
"Alright, I understand."
Finn didn't question it further. He knew Ais wouldn't joke about something this serious. Immediately, he stood and issued an urgent command.
"Cease all operations. Begin retreat immediately. Say nothing. Ask nothing. Return to the surface and the Familia headquarters at full speed. We must get back in the shortest time possible."
His order was swift and absolute.
Hearing the seriousness in his voice, the members of Loki Familia were momentarily stunned. But they quickly complied, rising to action.
"Leave behind anything unnecessary. Travel light. Move now."
Seeing everyone still packing, Finn interrupted.
"Good grief, why are you packing? We need to go now!"
World fusion wasn't a joke.
Ais had mentioned it before, and Finn understood the potential scale of chaos. With unknown worlds coming into contact, anything could happen. Escaping now was the smart move.
Drop whatever isn't essential—it wasn't worth risking their lives for. Loki Familia wasn't short on money.
Orders were absolute during an expedition. Finn's word was law.
No one argued. They tossed aside non-essentials and began the retreat.
Though the journey had been difficult on the way in, the return was much faster. Most of the monsters had already been cleared. That, and they weren't making stops this time.
They followed their original path back up.
Lower dungeon levels rarely saw other Familia members, so they moved without hindrance.
It wasn't until they reached higher levels that they encountered other adventurers.
Seeing Loki Familia retreating shocked many.
Weren't they supposed to be on an expedition?
Why were they back already? And so fast?
The sight of Loki Familia's swift retreat confused many. Familiar adventurers ran up to inquire.
"Captain Finn, you're retreating?"
To those questions, Finn responded:
"Yes. If you have no urgent business here, I advise you to return as well. Something major is about to happen."
He didn't elaborate.
Some things couldn't be discussed openly.
He had already given fair warning. Whether others listened was up to them.
With that, Finn led his group forward.
After Loki Familia left, the remaining adventurers looked at each other.
"Captain, what should we do?"
"Can we trust what he said?"
Some asked their own leaders.
Though they didn't know what Finn meant exactly, it clearly implied something serious was coming.
Their leaders quickly made decisions:
"We're heading back. Right now. Don't stay here."
Everyone respected Loki Familia and its captain. If they were retreating, something major must be up.
No one would abandon a major expedition for trivial reasons.
So, they started returning as well.
Even solo adventurers seeing the mass retreat dared not linger.
Who knew what might happen next?
Better to follow the main group out.
...
Ais: [I'm already heading back.] [Nothing has happened yet on our end.] [The world fusion probably hasn't started.]
On the way back, Ais checked the chat group.
Most of the messages were from Fujiwara Chika and the others.
They were currently doing missions and sharing what they saw.
The chat was flooded with gore.
Photo after photo of zombies.
If there was a report button, the group would've been deleted several times over.
Takumi: [Let Loki know.] [Get him to prepare a bit.] [Also notify the other gods. Whether it's by divine message or any other method, don't wait until the fusion begins and everything goes into chaos.]
So, Ais was heading back? Obedient girl.
Not bad.
That world of Ais's was manageable.
Some gods just liked having fun—not inherently bad.
Once the fusion occurred, just have them keep their followers in check.
If anyone tried to stir trouble, Takumi wouldn't be polite.
With so many worlds fusing, there were bound to be troublemakers.
He never doubted that.
And if they caused problems… then the solution was simple:
If the trouble couldn't be solved, then solve the troublemaker.
You're getting in the way of my points!
Takumi wouldn't hesitate to eliminate them.
Ais: [Understood! I'll talk to Loki as soon as I return.]
She took it seriously.
Originally, she thought the mission had nothing to do with her.
But now... it was her world involved?
Unbelievable!
Still, it wasn't all bad. After the fusion, she might be able to travel freely to Takumi's side.
She was secretly looking forward to it.
After chatting for a bit, Takumi was about to continue exploring.
But perhaps the heavens thought he had too much free time.
Prometheus's voice suddenly rang out.
"Spatial fluctuations detected."
Takumi froze.
Was it starting already?