Deep Prison Part 6

[Third-Person Point-of-View]

The footsteps of several people were heard approaching. One by one, the members of Midnight Dawn appeared coming from the narrow path leading to the cave's wide area where Darx fought several minutes ago. There was still a lot of dust which limited the view, in addition to many rocks of considerable size scattered everywhere, which fell from the ceiling and walls of the cave because of the fight.

Seto, who was leading the group and was the first to enter that area, asked, "What the hell happened here?"

*Coff* *Coff* *Coff*

Shalia, walking behind Seto, started coughing because of all the dust.

"Shalia, Hisa, light up the place more," Dante spoke.

Dante was walking behind Shalia, being helped by Leona and Hisa. Although they successfully healed Dante with healing magic, it was impossible to heal him completely. Shalia and Hisa brightened up the place more, but it was still hard to see because of all the dust.

Eventually, Neku entered silently but was noticeably confused when she saw the site.

"DARX! GERALD!" Shalia screamed.

"How far did those fools go?" Seto muttered.

The group continued advancing while Shalia continued to shout Darx's name, hoping to hear an answer from him. Until suddenly, Seto saw among all the dust the shadow of a body on the ground. When the group realized the same thing, they advanced to that place and saw Darx lying face-up on the ground. "DARX!" Shalia screamed in fear when she saw Darx ****, while the others were stunned after seeing the state in which Darx was. Darx's body didn't appear to have any injuries, yet he was as pale as a corpse. Everyone was shocked and thought for a moment that Darx was dead.

Shalia and Hisa ran up to him, "D-Darx still has a pulse," Hisa spoke after placing two fingers on Darx's neck, "But his pulse is very weak. Shalia, search his body and see if he has any injuries!"

"Y-YES!"

Hisa started to use healing magic, and Shalia searched all over Darx's body but found no wounds.

"What happened to him?" Dante asked with a concerned expression.

"I-I don't know... He has no injuries; however, all his vital signs are very weak."

"Please do what you can. Don't let him die!" Dante told Hisa.

Shalia, with tears in her eyes, also began to use healing magic on him, "Please, Darx, don't die! You can't!"

The concern on everyone's face was evident. Even Leona, who rarely shows emotion, knelt beside Darx and held his hand.

"D-Dante..." Seto spoke, sounding confused, "Come here."

Dante walked slowly and with difficulty to where Seto was and saw him standing in front of another body lying on the ground. For a moment, he thought the worst and thought the body was Gerald's, but as he got closer, he saw that it was the body of someone he had never seen before. Dante stopped next to Seto and saw a decapitated body. They both realized it was not the body of one of the adventurers from the humans or the beast-kind. Seeing the details of the body, both suspected what race it could be, yet neither said anything; instead, they began to search around the body until Dante managed to find the head.

"It just can't be...! Dante mumbled.

Seto approached and also saw the head. Just as he thought it was the head of a demon.

"W-Why are there demons here? What the hell happened in this place?" Seto said, looking confused and irritated.

"I don't know, but if demons have infiltrated into this cave, it changes everything," Dante answered.

Seto grabbed the demon's head by the hair, and both returned to where the group was. The others after seeing Seto return holding a demon head, naturally got scared.

"Seto, why do you..." Neku was about to ask.

"Before you ask, I have no idea, "Seto replied, "We found the corpse of a decapitated demon a few meters from here."

"Why is a demon here...?" Hisa asked.

"I don't know, but this quest is already very different from what was presented to us at the beginning," Seto answered, "Not only is this not a temple but some kind of labyrinth, and now there are demons. Once Darx is healed and we find Gerald, the best thing to do would be to get out of this place and report what happened to the Queen."

"It won't be so easy to do that." Dante spoke, "Remember that there are traps that prevent us from leaving the cave. Only Darx is capable of seeing the exit. I also think we should find what is at the bottom of this place. It is very likely that if there are more demons in this cave, what is at the bottom is their objective."

"What Dante says is right," Hisa added, "I don't think demons would infiltrate this place so far from their territory if it weren't something important."

"How's Darx doing?" Dante asked.

"His vital signs are improving, but I don't think it's because of our healing magic. Darx doesn't have any injuries, so there's no reason for us to keep using magic. Somehow he's getting better on his own." Hisa answered.

"How is that possible?" Leona asked.

"I don't know. I guess what Darx has is similar to a disease. Something that affects the body but cannot be treated with healing magic." Hisa said.

There was a long silence. They were all confused and worried. The more time they spent in this cave, they only found more questions than answers.

"The dust is already clearing. Let's search this place more. We may find clues as to where Gerald is." Dante told everyone.

Shalia stayed with Darx putting his head on her thighs as a pillow while the others searched the surroundings for clues to Gerald's whereabouts. Minutes later, they not only found clues but found an **** Gerald close to one of the cave walls behind a big rock. Unlike Darx, he had external injuries, but his condition improved. With healing magic, he should soon recover. Hisa rushed to heal him while the rest waited anxiously, waiting to know what happened here.

After a long time, Gerald's wounds were healed, and now they only had to wait for him to regain consciousness. Hisa tried to stand up but fell to the ground.

"Hisa!" Leona rushed to help her, "Are you okay?"

"Y-Yes, I just need to rest a bit."

"Eat something," Dante said, offering her food, "You healed not only me but Darx and Gerald as well. You must be exhausted."

"Thanks!"

Sometime later, Gerald began to wake up.

"Akgg... what..."

"Gerald!"

Gerald struggled to sit up while looking confused, "What happened?"

"That's what we want to ask you." Hisa spoke, "After you ran out, what happened? How did you and Darx end up in that condition? Did you kill that demon?"

"Demon?" Gerald asked, confused.

Seconds later, he saw the demon's head that was on the ground and remembered everything.

"WAAAA!" Gerald got up, screaming, "W-What happened? Did you guys kill him?"

"Gerald, don't move like that. Your wounds could open," Hisa told him.

"Are you saying you didn't kill that demon?" Dante asked him. "Tell us what happened. We need to know."

"I..."

Gerald began to tell them everything. About Caroline being killed and one of the demons usurping her place. About the three demons that were at that time. As well as the interest that two of the demons seemed to have in Darx and that their objective was at the bottom of this maze.

"We were being followed all this time!? I never noticed, even with my sensory skill." Hisa said in disbelief.

"If the demon that usurped Caroline's place was in the castle for months without anyone noticing, no wonder we didn't realize that she was following us," Dante spoke.

"What interest could those two demons have in Darx? Were they the ones who did that to Darx?" Shalia asked.

"Who killed the demon then?" Seto also asked.

"I don't know," Gerald answered, holding his head, "The last thing I remember was being attacked by some kind of dark magic that that demon threw at us, and then... I-I don't know what happened next."

"If you didn't kill that demon, then who did?" Leona asked.

"It's not obvious that it was Darx?" Neku spoke.

"Darx?" Shalia asked, perplexed.

"Darx is a descendant of the goddess [Imris]. His eyes show his royal line. It is for that reason that the demons were after him." Neku continued, "The church was right, and Darx is the one who should lead the war against the demons from the throne, which is his rightful place."

"Neku, this is not the time to be speculating," Seto spoke, "We have more important problems. If Gerald's story is true, more demons are lurking in this cave."

"Gerald, I have one more question," Dante spoke, "There was an earthquake, and for a moment, there was a presence... a presence as I've never felt before."

"It's true. I felt it too. It was like life itself was being sucked out." Hisa added.

Without saying anything, everyone present except for Gerald seemed to confirm that they felt the same.

"Did that happen when you were still conscious?" Dante finished his question.

"I didn't feel any of that." He replies.

They all fell silent. They resolved some of their questions, but other questions arose.

"What are we going to do now?" Leona asked.

"We have to hunt down those demons," Gerald replied with tears in his eyes, "I won't forgive those demons for what they did to Caroline! I swear I'll get ****!"

"Wow, it seems that earthquake left quite a bit of damage," A voice was heard behind them.

They were all so focused on what Gerald was saying that they didn't notice someone approaching. They all stood up and grabbed their weapons.

"Hey, I'm not looking for a fight, but if that's what you want, I'll gladly accept." The person who spoke was Maiya, the S-Rank of the Stormbirds.

"Maiya!" Dante said.

Behind Maiya, more members of the Stormbirds arrived, which concerned the members of Midnight Dawn since they were supposed to be fighting Oblivion; however, their worries turned into confusion when members of Oblivion also began to arrive.

"What is going on?" Seto asked.

"I heard you guys have an earth mage. Lend him to me." Maiya said.

"Okay, but tell me what's going on first," Dante spoke.

"Don't worry, Dante, it is not a trap," Arthur said, appearing from behind Maiya, "With the earthquake, the bridge was destroyed, and some of the members of both guilds fell into the abyss. We just want your earth mage's help to cross to the other side and go to rescue our companions."

"So you guys are on a momentary truce or what?" Hisa asked.

"Yeah, something like that. We also would like to investigate what was that presence was that we felt moments ago. Once we solve both problems, we can return to the real objective." Arthur responded.

"What? D-Dante, what is going on here?" Maiya asked after seeing the corpse of the demon.

The rest of the Oblivion and the Stormbirds members were also surprised when they saw the demon's corpse.

"Put down your weapons." Dante told his companions, then turned to Maiya and said, "I think we're in quite a bit of trouble."

Maiya was silent for a few seconds and then said, "Speak," while looking concerned.

Both parties approached Dante then he started explaining in detail everything he knew. They listened in silence, and after a while, Dante finished telling them everything and proposed to extend the truce until they found out what was happening.

"It really is worrying that a demon was infiltrating the castle for so long, and no one noticed," Arthur spoke.

"So, at least two more demons are hanging around here. Whatever is at the bottom of this cave must be important to risk so much. They most likely knew that high-ranking adventurers would be here." Gin added.

"What do you say, Maiya? Will you accept the truce and help us?" Dante asked her.

"I only came to this place thinking we would find things of value, but the further we went, the more I realized that it was a waste of time. I don't mind getting rid of obstacles that are in the way between me and what I want, but if there is nothing to gain, then the Stormbirds have no reason to continue fighting with all of you." Maiya answered.

"So what are you going to do?" Arthur asked, "I'm worried about Kase and Syvis, who fell when the bridge was destroyed. Oblivion will continue to advance until we find them and get rid of the demons."

"Hey, you don't speak for us!" Celeste said with an annoyed tone, "If it weren't for the traps that don't let us out, I would leave immediately. I have no interest in saving Kase or his whore."

"Did Syvis and Kase really fall with the bridge?" Shalia asked once more.

"Yeah, along with a member of the Stormbirds," Elan answered her.

Shalia was worried as she knew that if Darx found out that Syvis was in trouble, he would not hesitate to drop everything to go help her.

"We accept the truce and will help you reach the bottom of the cave." Maiya spoke, "The Stormbirds don't leave any of their members behind. Besides that, I want to know more about the demons and their intentions."

"In that case, let's not waste any more time, and let's get going. We'll count on your earth magician to create a path to cross the bridge." Arthur said.

"What are we going to do with Darx?" Shalia asked, "He's still ****."

"I'll carry him on my back," Seto replied, "We can't stay here."

Darx's pulse was steadier, but he still looked as pale as **** and didn't look like he would wake up anytime soon. All they could do was wait for him to recover on his own while they guarded him against the dangers that awaited them as they descended into the depths of the cave.

Everything is so dark. What happened? I remember that the demon named Olval cast his dark magic against Gerald and me, and then... then... w-what happened next? I can't remember.

It seems that I am back in this place of darkness, but I don't see Ophelia anywhere. I thought I had control over coming and leaving this place as I pleased, but I can't now for some reason. I kept pacing in the dark, hoping to find Ophelia or to be able to get out of here, but no matter how much time passed, nothing happened. I got to the point where I was starting to worry and began running.

"OPHELIA! CAN YOU HEAR ME?!"

No matter how much I ran or yelled, I received no response. Did that demon kill me? Am I dead?

(You're not dead!") I suddenly heard a voice.

I quickly turned around, expecting to see Ophelia; however, it wasn't her. The person standing in front of me was... me!?

W-What's going on? Why is someone just like me standing in front of me?

"Who the hell are you?" I asked with a shaky voice.

(I am you. Or rather, I'm the you, you don't want to see.)

I hear him talking in my head, just like with Ophelia.

"What? What are you talking about?"

Is this some trap of that demon? What should I do?

(Now that you have manifested the darkness within you, I want to help you accept and embrace it. It's your chance to have the power you've always wanted.)

"What are you talking about? What power are you talking about?"

(You killed that demon. With great ease. That's the real you.)

"Did I kill him? It's impossible. That demon was way beyond my power."

(You're wrong! If you accept the darkness, the power to subdue everyone will be yours)

"I don't know what you're talking about, but I don't want to submit anyone."

(Don't lie! Aren't there people who have humiliated you, discredited you, and lied to you!? You know who they are)

"N-No..."

(Let me show you then)

From the darkness, Amelia and Kase emerged, having sex in front of me. Amelia was lying down with Kase on top of her. Amelia's legs covered him as if she didn't want him to be separated from her.

"W-What are they..."

(You suspected it, didn't you!? That Amelia was fucking with Kase behind your back when you were in the village. Instead, you decided to trust her while actually, they both were making fun of how stupid you were.)

"You're lying! Amelia would never do something like that!"

(Are you sure? You also thought that she would always be with you. You promised her that you would look for her in the capital, and what happened? She forgot that promise and left you for Kase.)

"Leave me alone," I said as I started to run.

(What about your mother? You know her well, and you know that she is hiding something from you)

At that moment, Amelia and Kase disappeared, and instead, Kase and my mother appeared having sex.

"Why are you showing me this?" I said as I took a step back and fell.

(You suspect that your mother is hiding something from you regarding Kase, but you are afraid to know the truth)

I wanted to close my eyes, but I couldn't. All I could see was my mother on all fours with a lecherous expression while Kase was fucking her from behind with a mocking smile. My mother's moans were so loud that I couldn't stop hearing them, even if I covered my ears.

(Don't you want to take **** on Kase? Don't you want to stop the lies?)

"What you are showing me are lies!"

I tried to hit the imitation of me, but it only went through his body as if he were an illusion.

(So what about Syvis? You love her, don't you!? You really love her!)

"S-Stop..."

My mother and Kase disappeared, and a naked Syvis riding Kase appeared in their place. Syvis was moaning loudly with an expression of pleasure. I could see how Kase's cock penetrated Syvis over and over again.

(Don't you have a bad feeling? Will you make the same mistake you made with Amelia? The woman you love spends more time with Kase than with you.)

"She would never betray me!"

(Do you really think that? Will you still pretend you don't mind her visiting Kase's mansion and caring for his sister? What about teaming up with Kase to complete the quest? She is very close to him even though you told her the bad things that Kase did to you. Even now, the two of them could be-)

"I don't want to hear anymore! I won't fall into your trap!"

I need to get out of this place. I started running without any direction.

(You need me! What are you doing with the church or the kingdom trying to use you for their benefit? Will you still be everyone's toy? You need to embrace the darkness and crush anyone who opposes you!)

(Darx, don't let your darkness control you) I heard a second voice in my head.

"Ophelia?"

That's Ophelia's voice, I'm sure.

(Follow my voice! You are the one who will control your darkness and not the other way around)

In the distance, I finally saw the silhouette of Ophelia. Seeing her, I ran with all my might to where she was. But halfway, the image of me appeared between Ophelia and me. I didn't stop and went through his body again. Then I heard the other voice speak to me for the last time before disappearing.

(You can't run from the truth and the darkness. After all, I am you.)