"Hasn't she emerged yet?" A pang of anxiety shot through Fess's heart.

  Everyone furrowed their brows, yet remained silent. They stared intently in the direction of the labyrinth gate, patiently awaiting the final revelation.

  As time ticked away, it was difficult to gauge how long had elapsed. At that moment, a gentle drizzle commenced, falling in delicate, wispy strands. It carried with it a trifle of coolness, a modicum of unease, a hint of anticipation, and a smidgen of the unknown.

  Suddenly.

  A beam of divine light descended, causing the corners of everyone's mouths to upturn slightly, and their eyes to widen gradually.

  "Anya!" Fess was the first to hasten forward.

  However, as soon as Fess drew near, his pupils began to dilate slowly. The expression of elation on his face was swiftly supplanted by one of abject terror, unease, and utter disbelief. He quivered, retreated a few steps, and stared in shock.

  "Fess?" Tek, filled with concern, also took a step forward. But upon seeing the sight that greeted him, he too was struck with astonishment.

  "What on earth is going on?" Kenley frowned, shouldered his way past the two of them.

  Kenley's expression froze in place.

  Lying on the ground was Anya's serene visage. A faint, almost imperceptible smile played upon her lips, as if silently reassuring everyone not to grieve or sorrow.

  "Bang!"

  Fess slammed his fist against the wall. "I deserve to be damned! I should have stopped her! How could I have been so foolish!"

  The others behind exchanged glances and promptly crowded around. When they beheld Anya lying peacefully on the ground, Guinevere inhaled deeply and covered her mouth with one hand. Tia opened her mouth, her expression etched with disbelief. Orphen dropped to his knees and murmured softly, "The Mother Goddess watches over all her children, whether in the realm of dreams or in waking life. They abide in the Mother Goddess's domain, partake of the most lavish feasts, and dream the sweetest of dreams..."

  "It was my fault. I should have prevented her," Kenley said, averting his gaze, unable to bear the sight any longer.

  As he gazed upon Anya's youthful visage, a mere 16 years old, in the prime of her life, yet forever frozen in that moment, memories of their brief acquaintance flooded back to him. Kenley felt an overwhelming sense of melancholy well up within his chest.

  "Just because of a pattern? My friend, I might actually believe you if you were a thief."

  "Forgive me. I shouldn't have doubted you earlier!"

  "I concur! But Captain Kenley, could you teach me a couple of techniques later? I'm willing to pay! Please be my mentor!"

  "I don't mind at all! Embarking on adventures with you not only allows me to gain experience but also broadens my horizons. It's a multifaceted benefit!"

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  "Mr. Kenley, I eagerly anticipate the day when you become my teacher!"

  This was perhaps the inescapable cruelty of fate. They had only just begun to get to know each other, and he had harbored hopes of a new beginning. Yet, unexpectedly, things had changed so drastically in such a short span of time.

  The rain intensified. The leaden-gray sky hung over everyone's hearts like a rusted iron plate, oppressively heavy.

  This was reality.

  Kenley opened his mouth, lifted his head, and took a moment to compose himself.

  He turned around and suddenly fixed his gaze on Tia. For some inexplicable reason, a multitude of emotions and thoughts welled up within him.

  "Tia!"

  "Master!" The two locked eyes.

  Kenley pulled Tia tightly into his embrace, and countless thoughts raced through his mind.

  "Tia, I will never allow you to perish, not even once. I swear it," Kenley declared resolutely.

  "Master," Tia seemed to sense Kenley's unwavering determination, and a warmth she had never felt before coursed through her heart.

  Although Tia was a Holy Servant and could be teleported back to the subspace upon sustaining severe injuries, this incident had made Kenley more acutely aware that this was indeed reality.

  Especially the words spoken to him by the phantom: "This is both a game and reality."

  He contemplated a terrifying possibility. What if Tia were truly gravely injured, yet the subspace failed to successfully teleport her back? How harrowing that would be!

  I, Kenley, will never permit such a thing to occur! Never!

  At that moment, the two of them embraced each other even more tightly.

  "I'll take it upon myself to escort Anya back to her home," Fess said, bending down and hoisting Anya's body onto his back. His expression was one of profound solemnity.

  The Priest Orphen immediately interjected, "The spirit of the deceased must be soothed at all times. Fess, I'll accompany you."

  Fess nodded in assent but remained silent.

  Guinevere also chimed in, "I initiated this trial. Fess, I'll go with you as well."

  The Cleric Tek stepped forward and stated, "Anya was a valiant warrior, and her indomitable spirit will be etched in everyone's memory. I'll return to the temple first to report this matter and subsequently journey to Anya's home to offer prayers for her soul."

  Kenley's expression was tinged with sorrow. "If I had dissuaded Anya in a timely manner, this tragic event would not have occurred. Fess, I bear some responsibility for this."

  Fess shook his head. "Mr. Kenley, you are not at fault. It was I who failed to prevent Anya. If only I could have..."

  As he spoke, tears welled up in Fess's eyes, and his voice grew hoarse.

  "The Day of Summer Flowers," Fess blurted out involuntarily.

  "Is there a story behind that, Fess?" Tia couldn't help but inquire.

  Fess sniffled and, fighting back his tears, said, "When we were children, the last time Anya saw her mother was on the Day of Summer Flowers. Her mother was a heroic figure who sacrificed her life on the battlefield during the dark invasion. Subsequently, Anya vowed to become a hero like her mother and eradicate all the darkness in the world..."

  So that was it. No wonder Fess hadn't been able to muster the resolve to stop Anya. It was because of her mother.

  "I'm sorry, Fess. I had no idea it was like this," Tia said, her expression also laden with deep sorrow.

  "It's all right. I believe Anya was always proud of her mother. I just didn't anticipate..." Fess turned his head away.

  Everyone fell into a profound silence, gazing at the gloomy sky outside the labyrinth gate. Not a single soul felt inclined to speak.

  With the aid of teleportation magic amidst the rain, everyone was transported back to Marlen Imperial City. When the members of the Adventurer's Guild beheld the five Bronze People returning, they were initially taken aback, but soon they were enveloped by the somber atmosphere.

  "Whose daughter is that? So tragic... She was only sixteen..."

  "The Bronze Trial Labyrinth is no easy feat to conquer. I'm already forty years old, and I still don't have the courage to enter the final gate..."

  "I hope she finds happiness in the Mother Goddess's realm..."

  The funeral was held at Anya's residence. Anya's father, a Viscount, was unable to shed a single tear when he saw his daughter's body brought back.

  Apart from wordlessly caressing Anya's face, he was rendered speechless.

  First losing his wife and then his beloved daughter. What a devastating blow this must have been for this elderly father.