Danmachi: Embers (Reboot)

Chapter 11: From Worse to [Redacted]

After a minor game of catch up, Bell and Fels were nearing the room everyone was in. Meanwhile, the Xenos were busy busting the cages open. 

*Bash*

Lyd: Fia! Are you ok?! Where's Wiene?!

Fia: I-I don't know! They put her in some different cage from us!

*Bash* 

Gros: Let's at least get everyone else out first!

Lyd: Right!

They quickly went through every cage in the large room and soon, the group was free. However, they were not out of the woods just yet.

Dix: Well well, nice of you all to arrive. Welcome to our humble abode.

Gros: You! You must be the one who's been selling off our kind to slavery!

Dix: Yes! I am! Don't worry, because I made sure they were properly disciplined too.

Gros: *Furious* I'll kill you!!

Just then, more Ikelos members entered the chamber and looked to outnumber the Xenos greatly.

Dix: I did have some help. Now, I'm curious how well you creatures can fight and protect your injured comrades at the same time.

Bell: Mr. Lyd!!

They all turned back and saw Bell running in with Fels right behind him.

Lyd: Bellchi?!

Gros: The boy from before. What are you doing here?

Dix: Hm? Gran, I know he looks like an almiraj but whatever the rumors say, the Little Rookie is a human. 

Gran: I-I didn't let him in on purpose! I made sure to close the doors once the monsters got inside!

He held one of the white orbs in his hand for them to see.

Fels: Bell, look!

The specter held the key they used and Bell gasped seeing the perfect match.

Gran: They have a key too!!

Dix: Interesting. Which dumbass did you swipe that from? I guess I shouldn't be handing freebies to my men.

Fels: You're Hazer. Dix Perdix. Are you responsible for this?

Dix: I find myself curious about you, mage. What exactly is the relationship between you both and these creatures?

Fels: I saw the engraving of Daedalus' name on the way here. What are you doing with this place?

Dix: Seeing as how this place was started by him, as a descendant, I think I can do what I please.

Bell: Descendant?

Dix: What? Don't believe me? See for yourself.

He lifted his goggles and they all saw a five sided shape in his eyes.

Dix: Everyone cursed to have his blood flowing through their veins gets eyes like this. 

Fels: He was a master architect nearly a thousand years ago. A genius without peer. Much of Orario was designed by him. However, after laying eyes on the Dungeon, his mind began to degrade and he vanished. Do you mean to say he-

Dix: YES!!! He left to make his own master piece! One that would outshine the Dungeon! A man-made labyrinth of his own, Knossos!

Fels: Knossos. So, this place is it?

Dix: Sort of. You see, it isn't done just yet. The crazy shithead spent the rest of his life making it. Of course, he wasn't a god, so he'd die eventually. To keep his dream alive, he cursed the rest of his bloodline so they would continue it in his stead. After a thousand years, we only managed the Middle Floors. Of course, this isn't exactly a cheap venture either.