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In the Hollow Earth Labyrinth, there were three, or well, technically four Layers to its environnt. Each Layer led deeper, while also drastically changing the environnt, bios, flora, and fauna.
The First Layer, the Verdant Jungle.
The Second Layer, the Crimson Blood Forest.
The Third Layer, the Burning Ash Desert.
And lastly, the "Fourth Layer," a transitional area where this dinsion lds with the Nightmare Dinsion, the Abyssal Void Swamps.
"So this is the third layer, huh?" Eraldine wondered, looking at the burning ash desert. "I imagined it similar to the Gold Sand Desert, but it's much different."
"Yeah, it's more like a volcanic land," Partner said. "But with deserts made out of the ash it produces? Weird."
"Hmm, it is indeed very interesting and unique," I nodded. "But we have to be careful around here, right Beatriz?"
"Yes, this is where the Largest Nightmare Demon Fortress is, led by the Volcanic Nightmare Demons," Beatriz explained. "If dad already knows you're coming and sent those barbarians, I bet they're on their way to greet us. Prepare for more battle. It's not going to end until we get to the swamps."
"I'm fine with that anyway!" Emily smiled, cracking her knuckles. "I ate chocolate and also drank an energy drink. I'm super pumped with energy!"
"M- too! But I ate one with zero sugar…" Alma nodded, holding her Undine Staff tightly. "And everyone else is here too…!"
"Huh, I can still hardly believe the black cat you had was actually a Nightmare Demon you tad?" Sofia glanced at with disbelief.
"Yeah, I an, I do have plenty of other spirits too, and all these Undead. It wouldn't be too hard to believe I tad so, right?" I giggled nervously.
"And she's also the first Nightmare Demon we fought, the boss from the Shattered Nightmare Realm we visited earlier this week!" Alma said. "It's honestly amazing, I thought you killed her, but to think you turned her into your friend…"
"We're not friends! I am literally enslaved by her!" Beatriz cried. "Help !"
"We are not helping a damn Nightmare Demon. You tried to kill us," Emily said, crossing her arms.
"Eeek! Why are all humans such assholes?!" Beatriz cried. "We can't help it, it is within our nature to kill you, eat you, and laugh afterwards!"
"Yeah, sure, you've been living pretty happily eating human snacks though," I shrugged.
"T-That's just… I am growing weaker due to malnutrition!" Beatriz kept complaining, but we ignored her.
"Mama, is dad still evolving?" Nyx walked to my side, asking that question.
"Lucifer? Yes, he is still evolving inside my Soulscape," I nodded. "Don't worry, I'm sure he'll get out soon."
"Evolving?" Sofia wondered. "And why does Nyx keep calling you mom and her brother as dad…?"
"It's… how she is," I said with a gentle smile. "Leave her be, will you? She's a baby."
I wasn't ready to tell them yet that she was my daughter!
And we didn't have ti to explain things and create more drama for now.
Once the problem is solved at its root, then we'll have the luxury of talking about these things.
Until then, nope, let's move on.
…
But I wonder how they'll feel after learning everything that has happened so far?
And that we aren't really who they think we are.
Will Alma stop loving ?
Maybe she'll think I'm a creep or sothing, ugh.
But I guess the truth has to be told eventually.
Whatever happens afterward, I'll face it and take responsibility.
If they hate forever, I'll accept that too.
"Maria? Are you alright?" Alma wondered. "I see you're a bit worried…"
"Ah? Um, yeah…" I nodded. "But don't worry, it's nothing."
"Really?" Alma asked. "If you have sothing to talk about… I know it might not be the place but… we can talk."
As she smiled gently, she held my hand.
And my heart skipped a beat again.
Ah…
Alma is so cute.
"I'm fine, don't worry. As long as you're here, and everyone else too. Especially little Nyx here." I patted my daughter's head. "She's super strong too. Did you see how she took down those Kaijus?"
"Ah yes, you're so amazing Nyx!" Alma nodded. "I'm always rooting for you!"
"Hehehe! Really?" Nyx giggled, getting embarrassed.
"Yeah, you're amazing…" Celes nodded by her side. "I got a new weapon, but I barely had ti to test it before the battle was over…"
"Well, we'll get plenty of ti here. This fiery place, and Beatriz ntioned Volcanic Nightmare Demons, so your water abilities will be really useful, little Celes," I said.
"Really?! Nice! I'll show you my new powers, Nyx!" Celes said excitedly. "Watch out!"
"Then let's start moving! Tooth is getting bored here already!" Partner said, riding her skeleton familiar. "Right Tooth?"
"Raarrrr!" Tooth let out a small roar.
"Yeah, I agree, let's go," Arthur nodded. "Big sis, we have to get this done today."
"Hm, you're not wrong," I nodded. "Once we're done with this layer, we can rest until the final day of the week, our final battle."
As I looked into the distance, I summoned my Undead once more, and we continued our march.
It didn't even take a minute before giant Volcanic Nightmare Beasts greeted us. A massive Kaiju erged from the lava, resembling a crimson salamander four hundred ters tall.
At the sa ti, several similar Nightmaresaur-type Nightmare Beasts appeared, charging at us from all directions.
We couldn't really stop, so as we moved, we battled them. My powerful Spirits and my new Undead were capable of dispatching them easily, helping us save energy for the real challenge coming soon.
Thorn was also growing stronger, becoming larger and longer. Her power was truly imnse, and even in this volcanic land, her wood barely suffered any damage.
Eventually, as we moved through the ash dunes, walked past several volcanic areas, and evaded deadly magma rivers, a voice interrupted us.
"We et at long last, humans! You truly believe you can invade the land of the demons?"
A rumbling, furious voice echoed as a giant made of flas erged on the horizon, leading an army of hundreds.
"My na is Magnus, the Nightmare Demon of Burns! I embody the primal fear of fire, of burning! And I shall burn you until only ashes remain!"
Finally, a strong opponent appeared!
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