Rising of the Betrayed Weakest Player
Chapter 29: Dungeon Stampede (Continuation)
(Star Guild, Main Hall)
Victor's grip on Mary's throat tightened, cutting off her air. Tears streamed from her eyes as she struggled, her face turning blue.
"What's wrong with you now?" Victor sneered, his voice cold and mocking. "Didn't you do the same thing?"
His gaze intensified, his fingers digging deeper into her flesh. Mary felt death closing in. Just as her consciousness began to fade, a wave of terrifying crimson energy washed over the hall—the same aura Sam had unleashed from within the sealed S-rank dungeon.
The moment the aura touched him, Victor's strength vanished. He collapsed to his knees, releasing Mary. Gasping and coughing, she sucked in ragged breaths, her vision swimming. Looking around, she saw everyone in the hall trembling on their knees. Victor was in the worst state, blood trickling from his nose.
Seizing the moment, Mary stumbled to her feet. Her legs shook violently, but sheer will drove her forward. She fled the hall, escaping into the chaos outside.
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(Back at the Star God Guild Meeting)
A stunned silence had fallen over the divine assembly. Mihayama's voice was unsteady as he asked, "W-what did you say? Level 195?"
Emilia nodded gravely. "Yes. And the being is far younger than any of us imagined."
Alan leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "What do you mean, 'much younger'? Surely you don't mean he's younger than Samantha?"
"He is," Emilia confirmed. "His mental age suggests he is only 16 years old."
The hall erupted in disbelief. Liam shouted, "W-what? Are you certain your analysis is correct?" Derek added, "He's right! How can a 16-year-old reach Level 195? The highest-level individual is Level 129—and he's 61 years old!"
Arguments broke out, voices rising in a chaotic uproar. Mihayama's patience snapped. He released his aura, a crushing wave of power that silenced the room instantly.
"SILENCE!" he commanded. "Whether this is true or not, one thing is undeniable: that crimson aura has caused C, D, and even low-end B-rank dungeons to rupture worldwide, triggering mass stampedes."
A collective realization dawned as memories of recent disasters surfaced. Dungeon breaches had occurred everywhere—even in the abandoned rooms of wealthy estates, destroying many affluent families. The stampedes were so severe that S and SS-rank players had been forced to intervene. Casualties were immense: countless deaths, widespread injuries, and vast resources lost. Among the survivors were Lily and Mary's former friends.
Mihayama ordered a full investigation into the source of the aura. But before he could continue, a servant burst into the room, his face pale with terror.
"Lord Alan!" he cried out, ignoring the glares from the other deities. "I bring urgent news!"
Alan raised a hand, quieting the angry murmurs. "Speak."
The servant hurried to his side and whispered into his ear. Alan's face transformed—shock, disbelief, and raw fear flashing across his features. He shot to his feet.
"W-what do you mean," he stammered, "all the A-rank and B-rank dungeons have started to break?!"
A new, deeper wave of horror swept through the hall.
........