Chapter 288: Another End (3) (1)

90th Floor.

The final mission of Townia.

The objective was clear: enter the black void along with the airship called the “Sword of Townia.” If we were lucky, we might find an opportunity to overcome our overwhelming numerical disadvantage.

“If luck is on our side, that is.”

No, calling it “luck” wasn’t even appropriate.

This was in the realm of miracles. A chance of one in a thousand, or even one in billions. Even then, the odds of victory couldn’t be guaranteed.

And I…

I wasn’t someone who believed in miracles.

Not from birth. Not until now.

Just as before, all we needed to do was repel the fragments that had infiltrated the imperial capital.

Moreover, their numbers were far fewer than what we encountered on the 86th floor. This meant we were able to handle them without relying much on the help of mercenaries.

Even as refugees collapsed one by one from cold and hunger, and mercenaries died from injuries and disease, the airship dubbed the “Sword of Townia” continued its construction.

Robust armor or efficient weaponry? Out of the question.

The aerial fleet of the capital’s forces and the waiting room’s resources were already nearly wiped out during the defensive battle on the 86th floor.

All we could do was salvage parts from broken, aged airships to cobble something together.

[Floor 90.]

[Mission Type – Unknown]

[Objective – Unknown]

I glanced at the blinking mission window on the right side of my vision.

If Alpha Zero’s explanation was accurate, this would be Townia’s final stage.

Mission type and objective? Unknown. There was no additional explanation–only a small holographic window floating before us.

Anytng seemed slightly flustered upon entering the mission, but she quickly composed herself and continued her operation.

Before departure, the briefing mentioned that the unique characteristic of this mission allowed us to deploy reinforcements at any time. As such, only three elite members of a single party were sent ahead as the vanguard for the 90th floor.

‘Well, calling them reinforcements might be a bit generous.’

Numerous heroes had already lost their lives during the continuous assault.

Even after gathering every capable climber we had left, our numbers barely exceeded a hundred.

‘Townia’s… sword,’ Jenna muttered.

Her voice carried a tinge of complex emotions.

Well, it was only natural. The name sounded grand, but in reality, it was nothing but a broken shell.

All that stood in front of the command camp was a half-destroyed, small airship sitting idly by.

“So, with this thing, we’re supposed to go into the void and catch the leader of those fragments or whatever they are?”

“That is the basic plan. If we utilize the power of the dimensional sword, we’ll be able to maintain our form within the passage. The rest will depend on us.”

“Is there really a leader for those fragments? Even if there is, will defeating it end their invasion?”

Pria remained silent.

Velkist’s lips curved into a smile.

“So, the answer is no.”

“We won’t know until we try.”

“What you’re saying is that this is essentially a suicide mission, right?”

Velkist glanced behind him.

There stood the mercenaries waiting to board the airship.

However, their armor, stained with blood and dirt, was dented and battered. Their spears and swords were rusted, and there was no light in their eyes. Their numbers barely reached a hundred. Casualties had mounted with each successive invasion.

“Wouldn’t it be better to relocate the base instead? There’s nothing left here anyway. A pointless charge seems far worse.”

“Velkist.”

I spoke in a low tone.

Velkist turned to me, offering a bitter smile.

“Well, where would we even go, now that Her Highness is stuck in this mess? I apologize for my ill words. It seems there’s no other way, just as Her Highness says.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“But if we head into the void, what will happen to the people left here…?”

“Don’t ask unnecessary questions.”

With a curt reply, I turned toward the stairs leading to the airship.

“The rift is opening. If we’re not careful, this will end before it even begins.”

Crack.

Beyond the ashen clouds, a massive fissure spread across the sky.

It was the prelude to the void’s opening. Judging by the size of the rift, this invasion was massive in scale.

If we missed the timing to charge, failure was certain. If we hesitated, we might be annihilated before we even entered.

“Looks like… we’re out of time,” Pria sighed.

Then, with a resolute expression, she began climbing the stairs.

I looked back at the two following behind me.

“Let’s go.”

Velkist leapt several meters into the air and landed on the deck.

Jenna clenched her fists tightly, staring at the ground.

“Don’t hold onto regrets. This is the final mission,” I whispered to Jenna.

“I heard the missions go up to the 100th floor…”

“No, this is the end. Focus on surviving. Just because this place ends doesn’t mean we’re dead. Move with the determination to return alive to the waiting room.”

“But…”

Jenna looked up at me.

Her eyes were glistening with tears at the edges.

“This place… is where my father was and where I was born and raised. It’s my home.”

“Any ending is better than dying. Remember that.”

Jenna covered her forehead with her hand, then slowly climbed the stairs.

After her, the mercenaries began boarding one by one.

Their expressions and movements were lifeless. Their morale had already hit rock bottom, even before the fight began.

Someone like Yoshua, who could rally them, would’ve been invaluable, but there was no one left with such talent.

“Han.”

Pria called to me from the deck.

I was the last one remaining.

Crack. Crackle.

The fissure in the sky grew more distinct. There was no time to hesitate.

With one leap, I landed on the deck.

The mechanical stairs folded up, and the airship began preparing to take off.

“Your Highness!”

As the airship lifted slightly off the ground, a collective shout erupted.

Looking back, I saw refugees huddled together near the landing zone.

“Please, please… claim victory!”

“We believe in you, Your Highness!”

“Bring light to Townia!”

They shouted in hoarse voices.

Pria smiled softly and nodded.

“I will do my utmost to meet your expectations.”

The “Sword of Townia” began to ascend.

Three meters, five meters, ten meters…

Pria placed her hand on the hilt of her sword and spoke.

“Do not grieve too much. All beginnings have an end. You’ve all fought well. I consider it an honor to have fought alongside you.”

“Your Highness…”

[Warning!]

[‘Chaos,’ ‘Despair,’ and ‘Resentment’ are descending!]

I’m currently Translating the following novels: Pick Me Up! | A Frontline Soldier Awakened as a Gamer In The War! | The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!