Alice in the Land of Steam

A campfire flickered in one corner of the curved corridor, its orange flames licking the darkness and casting leaping light and shadows on the solemn or contemplative faces of the people. The air was filled with the soft crackling of embers and charcoal, mingled with the faint, damp smell emanating from deep underground, as if every breath carried an unknown weight. Ling's voice rang out in the firelight, calm yet undeniably authoritative.

"Let's split up."

Lin Ge said directly, "Some people will return to the mine via the sky island to provide support, while others will stay behind to continue exploring along the trails left by the Gray Mushroom People."

This is a very simple method, and of course, it's not difficult to implement. The problem is, if it's to support the battle at the Feather Mine, it will inevitably take away most of the combat force, including those from Cloud Whale Sky Island and Hino. With the already stretched manpower further dispersed, how can we ensure the efficiency and success of the exploration? And what if unexpected situations arise?
It was precisely because of these concerns that Arnor had never considered the idea, even though it was an easy one to come up with. He was surprised that Linger would propose it, and immediately tried to dissuade him. Surprisingly, Linger, whom Arnor had always considered calm and cautious, insisted on his own opinion.

"Risks certainly exist, but sometimes you can't get the desired results without taking risks."

The young man said to Arnor, "It may be offensive, but before explaining my reasons, I'd like to ask you a question, Mr. Arnor. Do you think that even with the help of Cloud Whale Sky Island and us, the Holy War Army can definitely survive the combined attack from the Imperial Army and the Axis powers?"

Arnor's expression shifted several times before he finally said dejectedly, "I think the chances are very slim..."

He lowered his head, shadows covering half his face, with only the light of the campfire flickering around his tightly pursed lips.

A gust of wind blew, causing the campfire to flicker violently, sparks scattering like fireflies, briefly illuminating the silent expressions on everyone's faces. Even Arnor himself said so, and the others knew it all too well; after all, the disparity in strength between the two sides was simply too great. Even if Cloud Whale Sky Island could intercept the Imperial Sky Knights and the Axis airship legion, even if Hino could hold off the mysterious construct mech and the attacking witch, even if Cheryl, wielding the fairy sword Hydras, could fight against the enemy's extraordinary powerhouses with overwhelming numbers, the Holy War Army still faced an enemy several times its size. They were at a disadvantage in every aspect—troop strength, weaponry, supplies, and even morale. Under these circumstances, there was simply no reason to turn the tide of battle.

Hope was less a glimmer than a faint one. Yet, knowing this, Arnor and the others still decided to return to the Feather Mine and plunge into this war from which there was no return. Perhaps, this is what is called conviction, something more steadfast than faith.

"In that case, we should seize every hope." Ling's voice wasn't loud, yet it compelled everyone to hold their breath and listen intently—a magical persuasiveness, an ability to calmly analyze any situation. "Right now, only by finding the Nibelungen can we hope to break this deadlock. Although that hope is equally slim, I think it's better than doing nothing, isn't it? Exploring the underground world is risky, but the risks are manageable. Stay vigilant, proceed cautiously, or carry more of Rorona's alchemical tools just in case... There will always be a way."

Arnor pondered for a long time, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the leather scabbard at his waist, making a soft rustling sound. He finally had to admit that Linger's words made sense, and there really wasn't a better way at the moment. He let out a long breath, having already decided to agree to Linger's suggestion, but one question remained unanswered. Although this wasn't the right time to ask, he still wanted to know the answer.

Driven by curiosity, Arnor looked at the young man sitting by the campfire and said in a deep voice, "I understand, Mr. Linger. Let's do as you say. I am truly grateful to you and your companions for going to such lengths for the Holy War Army..."

This is actually a veiled question: Why are they willing to go to such lengths? Is it really for the sake of the Jihad Army? Or is there some unknown reason hidden behind it?
"..." Ling Ge paused for a moment before replying, "I just don't want to see more people sacrifice themselves."

It sounded like an empty platitude, but coming from the young man, it carried a lot of weight. Perhaps he possessed an innate talent for inspiring conviction. Arnor nodded slightly, his heart filled with admiration and emotion. Ovira, who had been sitting opposite Ling, couldn't help but look up at the young man after hearing this, but could only catch a glimpse of his face through the firelight.

She looked away, pretending she hadn't noticed.

……

After making their decision, the two sides discussed who should return to the mine to provide support and who should stay behind to continue exploration. The final choice made by Arnor's team was unexpected: the werewolf girl, Selena. On the surface, she seemed the youngest and least reliable member of the group, but upon closer examination, this choice made perfect sense. After all, no matter how young or inexperienced she was, Selena had already participated in many missions with Arnor and his team. As long as she could be useful in normal times and not a burden in crucial moments, that was sufficient.

Moreover, it was precisely because she was the youngest in the squad that her companions kept her behind. Exploring the unknown underground world was certainly a dangerous mission, but as long as she made good use of her night vision and sense of smell, she could always escape if she encountered danger; however, returning to the Feather Mine with everyone meant stepping into battle, which was far too cruel for a young girl.

Driven by self-interest, Arnor and his companions reached an agreement without prior consultation. Selena didn't even have a chance to voice her opinion before the matter was settled. But she neither found it strange nor objected; she simply sat by the campfire, grinning foolishly as usual. No one knew whether she truly understood the good intentions of the others.

As for Ling's side, the final selection was Ling, Leticia, and Countess Neville.

Countess Neville is the strongest fighting force besides Hino. The reason for leaving Leticia behind is the same as Arnor and the others' consideration for Selena: they don't want her to return and experience the war. Furthermore, both are vampires, and like werewolves, they excel at moving in dark environments, which will be helpful during underground exploration.

As for Ling, he felt it was only natural for him to stay. After all, Cheryl was in charge of the overall operations at the Feather Mine, and as the leader of the Holy War Army, her command abilities were certainly far superior to his own. Medion had also matured considerably after the experience of the last war and no longer needed his older brother to boss him around. In that case, he might as well stay and could still play a role, more or less.

At least it can keep Leticia in check and prevent her from causing trouble.

That's what the young people think, but the girls seem to have a different opinion.

"Is Linger staying?" Medine asked softly. "I have a feeling that I'm not entirely at ease..."

“Why are you uneasy?” Lin Ge said, “You are no longer who you used to be. I think that even if you encounter any problems, you will be able to find a way to solve them, right?”

“That’s true,” Rorona said, tapping her lips with her finger in a gesture of annoyance, “but it really is different when Ling isn’t around. It’s like… preparing materials in advance, only to find something’s missing when you start alchemy, that kind of feeling?” What a strange analogy. But Medien nodded repeatedly, indicating that that was exactly what she thought, and even Hino laughed and said, “I feel the same way, Ling. You really are very important, indispensable, aren’t you? Just like even the most elite legion can’t be without its commander.”

"I can't accept such praise."

Lin Ge rubbed his temples, somewhat helplessly. Even the most composed Xinuo had said so, so it seemed that this issue really needed to be taken seriously. But was it the truth, or just the girls' psychological effect? ​​In reality, he wasn't that irreplaceable; it was just that they were used to him being around, and it was only natural that they would feel anxious if he were suddenly gone.

That being the case...

Lin Ge turned his gaze to a girl who hadn't said a word: "Even without me, there's still Alice, isn't there? If you have any questions, just go find Alice."

"Huh!?" Alice, who was suddenly called out, was a beat slow to react, and hesitantly pointed to herself: "Me, me?"

"Besides you, who else?" The young man's tone made Alice's reaction seem abnormal: "Aren't you a genius player? This little thing shouldn't be a big deal for you, right?"

"That being said..." Alice herself couldn't remember how long it had been since she had mentioned the name of this genius player. Perhaps it was because she had rarely mentioned it since returning to Mirror Star from the Heavenly Sanctuary? She couldn't say whether it was due to psychological pressure or subconscious avoidance, but in any case, it probably had a sense of escapism.

If it were before, and Lin Ge had entrusted her with the important task of leading the team, the genius player would have thought it was a matter of course, because she was the protagonist, and how could the protagonist not lead the team? But now, her first reaction was doubt, and then she wanted to decline.

Unfortunately, others didn't give her that opportunity.

"That sounds like a good suggestion. Alice would definitely be able to do it, right?" Rorona said with a smile, putting Alice on the spot without hesitation. "Or rather, even if she can't do it, she'll definitely try her best, right? Because she's a genius!"

She deliberately emphasized those four words, leaving Alice speechless.

“I agree.” Hino’s attitude was more serious than Lorena’s. After careful consideration, he nodded gently: “Alice… although she was a bit immature in the past, she has changed a lot now.”

As she spoke, she cast an encouraging glance at Alice, who instinctively looked away, perhaps recalling the time she had stopped Xinuo from fighting, which led to the death of Themis from the Celestial Realm. For Alice, that was the moment her pride as a genius player was shattered. Did Xinuo's words mean she had forgiven her? No, given Xinuo's personality, she certainly hadn't held a grudge from the beginning. So, rather than forgiveness, was it more like she was comforting Alice?
"So-so," Leticia scoffed. To her, that was enough of an acceptance.

“Since everyone’s saying so,” Ovira stared intently at Alice, “then you’d better live up to our expectations, you genius player?”

Indeed, aside from Ieta and Gloria who remained on Cloud Whale Sky Island, all the other young princesses had expressed their opinions. Alice's feelings were complex, a mix of bitterness and gratitude, and perhaps a touch of guilt. She turned her head away, not wanting her companions to see the weakness in her eyes, though she still stubbornly insisted, "I didn't agree..."

"That means you agreed."

Lin Ge made the decision for her, since Alice was clearly being arrogant, and in order not to ruin her life, the young man could only make his own decision.

Alice's lips twitched slightly, but considering the current atmosphere was still quite warm and not suitable for a loud argument, she held back for the time being.

After deciding who would stay, Linger intended to discuss it with Yanor, but then Ovira suddenly spoke up, "In that case, I'll stay too, Linger!"

Everyone was somewhat surprised by her statement, mainly because Ovira hadn't initially shown any intention to stay, but now she suddenly spoke up. What was she really thinking? Could it be that something had changed her mind in those short ten minutes?
But Ovira didn't offer any explanation, and Linger simply watched her quietly without asking any further questions.

After a moment of silence, the young man slowly nodded: "Then let's go together."

Princess Beman breathed a sigh of relief, as if she had unloaded some heavy burden, and a genuine smile appeared on her face, which looked particularly beautiful in the firelight.

Linger observed her reaction but remained silent. Since both Linger and Ovira had agreed, the others naturally didn't say anything more, and thus, the final choice was made.

After speaking with Yanor for a while, both sides agreed on who should stay behind. However, since it was too late to travel, they decided to rest in the arc-shaped corridor for the night and split up the next morning. So, except for Rorona, who returned to Cloud Whale Sky Island and stayed up all night crafting items, everyone else rested in the temporary camp, quietly waiting for the sunrise the next morning.

Although there is no sunlight in the Dark Cloud Abyss, only darkness. (End of Chapter)