It turns out Auroa’s target was Lucifer, who sleeps deep within Hell.
With Auroa’s true objective finally predicted, we had to retrace our steps. Everyone else also looked weary, realizing this.
“Hey, Brother, let’s go to the entrance and ask. ‘Are there any living Dark Elves?'” Karubene said with a tired expression. I thought, this isn’t department store information, you can’t just casually go ask.
“Honestly, I’m already tired. What if Auroa didn’t go to that Lucifer guy? It would be a wasted trip.”
“That might be true, but we can’t just stop here.”
Ahead, the path ahead opened to a boiling pond of blood. I could faintly see the figures of sinners rising and sinking.
Karubene unceremoniously sat down on the ground.
“Hey, don’t sit down here.”
“I don’t want to pass by there anymore!”
When I pulled his arm, he rolled on the ground like a stubborn child. I didn’t want to pass by there either.
“Isn’t there another way?”
“The only other way is through the city, but souls from Heaven should head back early.”
I told the child the truth. He narrowed his wide eyes and pursed his lips into a frown.
“See? That’s why we need to go to the exit, not the entrance.”
“Crazy people. Like that guy who came a long time ago… Ah, Dante? I don’t know, some historical figure.”
It seems this person named Dante walked through Hell and exited from the opposite side a very long time ago. Apparently, it’s mentioned in history books.
“If that person could do it, we can too, right?”
“I don’t know, apparently he was able to pass because he had a guide.”
This child won’t do. I have no choice. Even though it’ll be risky, we’ll go through the city. I don’t want to be pecked by Harpies again.
“Then guide us towards the city.”
The child tilted his head. He probably didn’t understand what we were doing. At this point, I don’t care if he understands, I just need him to show us the way.
After that, we were guided by the child down a different path. The Punishment Facility receded into the distance. The sky was still red, but it somehow looked like a rural country road. We didn’t run into anyone at all, so we should have taken this path from the beginning.
The Forest of Suicides appeared below us. Was that where we came from? It didn’t seem like much when seen from afar like this.
Then, Sharin, who was walking ahead, stopped and nudged me with her elbow.
“Hey, someone’s coming from ahead.”
I shifted my gaze from idly watching the scenery back forward. A demon woman with bat wings was floating towards us from the front. She was wearing what looked like a black leather swimsuit. She resembled the succubi depicted in pictures.
In manga, they might approach you suggestively, but encountering them in Hell is not something to be happy about. Then, the opponent seemed to notice our presence. I could see everyone’s hands naturally reaching for their weapons.
Her lips, painted with glossy lipstick, trembled slightly. Then, she suddenly pointed at us and started to shout.
“Aaaah, you guys!! Why are you here?! Wh-what do you intend? Oh, no, wait, not today. Gyaaa! Why now?!”
Sharin flinched at that shout. I also didn’t understand why she was yelling. She spoke as if she knew us.
After wildly waving her arms, the demon woman inexplicably glared at us with teary eyes.
“Are you here to mock me? How thoughtful of you to come all the way to Hell.”
“No, uh, have we met somewhere before?”
“Huh?”
The woman’s eyes widened, her mouth agape. Did I say something strange? But no one else seemed to know her.
“You’re kidding, right? You’re mocking me!!”
“It’s not like that, calm down. This is our first time in Hell.”
“It’s your first time coming *here*! I’ve been coming to you until now!”
Does that mean we met in the real world? Hmm, did that happen? I wouldn’t forget a demon dressed so scandalously… Ah, could it be? Was it the succubus who attacked me before?! Ah, that’s right, I remember her. It was like adding insult to injury.
“So, you’re the succubus who attacked me back then. Sorry, I forgot.”
“You forgot?!!”
The succubus was trembling with anger. I never expected to meet her here. She was still dressed the same, but she was carrying a bag in one hand. Was she out shopping?
“We’re in a bit of a hurry. So, see you later.”
“Wait, where did you come from? Living beings shouldn’t be able to enter Hell.”
“A really big hole opened up. We came in through there.”
“What did you say?!” the woman shouted, her voice the loudest it had been all day. My ears rang. Then, she slumped to the ground powerlessly.
“No, no… I’ve been waiting so long. Why, of all times… Sob…”
What a shame, it was such a good opportunity. Last time, she said she came out of Hell to absorb life force from people in the real world to become stronger.
