Niflheim made his choice clear while also fulfilling his obligation as the party's leader. Now, all he could do was wait for everyone to make their own decision.
Not too long after Niflheim readied up, Izroth, Morrighan, and Sacred Blade also cast their vote to confront the third stage.
"We've all sacrificed valuable time that could have been used to gain contribution points. Now, you crazy bastards actually want to risk it all? Honestly…" A grin appeared on Colorful Nimbus' face as he shook his head and sighed.
He then continued, "When you say something like that, how can I even think about backing out? It'd make me look like I was afraid or something. I won't lie, it would suck to come all this way and walk away with nothing to show for it. But, lucky for you guys—I'm just as crazy as the rest of you."
〈System Alert: Player Colorful Nimbus is ready! 5/6]〉
"I'm in. All or nothing." Colorful Nimbus declared.
Now that Colorful Nimbus voted to proceed, there was only one person remaining who had yet to reveal their intention—Gram.
Everyone turned their attention to Gram, who stayed quiet the entire time.
"Heh, don't tell me you're getting cold feet after coming this far, Gram." Colorful Nimbus stated.
"…Time." Gram said calmly.
"What? You need some time to decide?" Colorful Nimbus inquired.
"Cooldown time… We wait." Gram replied unhurriedly.
"Cooldown? Ah, I guess your buffs did end. This guy—I really thought you were thinking about bailing on us for a second there." Colorful Nimbus said playfully.
"It seems I got a little too caught up in the moment. While we have not been transported directly in the vicinity of the monsters for the first and second stages, that does not mean the possibility is nonexistent. We should recuperate as much as possible." Niflheim stated.
He then continued, "According to Guide, we can spend up to an hour in this place before we're forced to leave. We will make every second count."
'This would have been the perfect opportunity to craft a few Self Awakening Pills to check on their effects. But, it's unfortunate that the Dark Abyssal Cauldron is the only suitable container in my possession that can handle the Immortal Hydra's blood. Since crafting's out of the question, I'll just have to use the spare time to recover my lost Essence.'
…
The final few seconds of the one-hour time limit within the waiting room were approaching.
The cooldown on most of Gram's buffs was gone and everyone was anxious to proceed to the third stage as Gram readied up.
〈System Alert: Player Gram is ready! 6/6]
〈System Alert: All players are ready! Automatic transport to the third stage of the «Crusade» has commenced! 10 seconds remaining.〉
"This is the final stage. There's no doubt in my mind it will be harder than the previous two. Have you all steeled yourselves?" Niflheim asked as the transportation magic circles formed at their feet.
Although he did not receive a response, Niflheim swept his gaze over everyone present and could tell from their expressions alone—failure was not an option!
"Good. Let's finish this once and for all." Niflheim stated with an air of confidence.
3…
2…
…
〈System Alert: You have arrived at the third stage of the «Crusade»!〉
The instant the party received that system alert, Gram activated the buffs Lesser Protection, Greater Protection, Fierce Touch, Vital Force, and Lasting Second Wind. As for Steadfast, it was still on cooldown, but the party did not have the luxury to wait around in the waiting room any longer.
"This is… An arena?" Niflheim commented as he observed his new environment.
Izroth and his party had arrived at the edge of a platform that was fifty meters in length and width.
Encompassing the platform was a powerful barrier that made the one around the Hydra's body look like child's play.
"Looks like there's already someone there." Sacred Blade noted.
'This is certainly different compared to the other two stages. Especially…'
Izroth's gaze locked onto the center of the platform. There was someone standing there—a human! Or, at least, they appeared to be a human, except they had a few unique features.
However, what really stood out about the woman was her unusual hair that was made up of blue flames and extended upward nearly one meter in the air. And, levitating behind the woman and to her side was a single gorgeous blue and silver double-edged straight sword.
Izroth did not need his Energy Vision Sense to know that the person standing on that platform was dangerous. And, at that moment, he finally understood the advice that Guide gave them back in the waiting room.
'Do not think of winning against what you face… is it?'
"Welcome." A voice suddenly sounded from the edge of the platform right in front of Izroth and his party.
"?!" The woman who had just been at the platform's center was now standing before them on the edge of the platform!
Izroth slightly narrowed his eyes.
'I couldn't follow her.'
Although everyone was on high alert, they were still caught off guard by the woman's abrupt appearance. Even Izroth with his monstrous sense of perception was unable to track her movements!
Of course, the most surprising part was that this woman was the first person they spoke to after entering a stage in the crusade.
However, no one had forgotten Guide's warning. Without a doubt, this person was an enemy they would have to face!
But, at Niflheim's command, no one made the first move. The presence of a barrier, the fact that the mysterious woman did not take advantage of their shock to launch a surprise attack and she could speak—Niflheim felt that this stage was not like the others.
More importantly, Niflheim caught a glimpse of the woman's system information and confirmed his intuition.
Name: Lady of the Everlasting Rain, Tal'Nis
Class: Hero
HP: [Undefined]
"My name is Tal'Nis. But, those throughout history have bestowed upon me another name, Lady of the Everlasting Rain. This crusade contains two of my greatest lone feats from the early years of my life." Tal'Nis spoke with a natural air of authority.
"Then, the person who sealed that Hydra…!" Colorful Nimbus exclaimed.
"That's right. She's right in front of our eyes." Niflheim commented solemnly.
This woman was someone who managed to single-handedly seal a monstrosity like the Immortal Hydra! Not to mention, she said that it happened in the early years of her life. Therefore, who knew how much stronger she was at the peak of her strength?!
"Since you've reached this point, you are worthy of praise. I, Tal'Nis, acknowledge you and your efforts." Tal'Nis stated.
She then continued, "After coming this far, you must be curious about what a crusade is and why they exist in this world. As people I've acknowledged, I shall reveal to you the truth."
"?! Everyone was shocked by Tal'Nis' words. They figured that a crusade was just like dungeons and raids but with a unique twist to them. Could it be that the crusade had an entirely different purpose and reason for existing?
As if sensing everyone's curiosity, a light smile formed on Tal'Nis' face as she said, "Be at ease. The reason is not as grand as you may think it to be. In fact, it is one of the utmost simplicity."
"You see, the world you are living in is but a hollow shell. The end of your world is but the beginning of another. Right now, you all still lack the strength to reach that place, but perhaps one day, you will gain that opportunity."
"However, once you cross over into that world, eventually, you will be forgotten. A year… A century… An era—eventually, all is lost to time. A crusade is an attempt to defy this curse. It is the last remaining mark left behind by the beings who ascend to that place which lies above the firmament. It is our story, our will—the last wisp of life we breathe in your world." Tal'Nis explained.
'Oh? So it's like this.'
What person did not want to leave behind their own mark on the world? Even the most powerful of beings did not wish to have their legacy fade away into the cruelty of time—forgotten after countless eras passed.
Though while Izroth calmly processed Tal'Nis' words, the others in his party were dumbfounded. A world beyond this one? The beginning? Ascend? What was she talking about?! Did this mean that legendary beings were not the strongest existences in RML, but just at some starting point?! How were they supposed to accept something like that?
