Our Family Has Fallen

Chapter 1273: Chapter 696: Respite

After Lance finished speaking, he stepped out of the area shrouded in light, but turned back to take one last glance at the camp under Sanctuary’s protection, as if suddenly recalling something.

In the game, after killing the deranged terror monster, we could return to the steward and receive three pieces of equipment named [Inflaming Talisman], presumably obtained from these Church legends.

If not, then the other Church members’ bodies would have disappeared, leaving only theirs intact; there’s no need to guess.

This is also briefly mentioned in the manuscript, highlighting the importance of such equipment. However, Lance had no intention of breaking the seal laid by the saints to obtain it.

The seal’s presence at least restricts the Ancestor, and only with adequate preparation will Lance consider breaking it, which would be the moment to attack the dungeon’s depths.

But following this train of thought... could it be that the Ancestor had already broken the seal at that time to obtain [Inflaming Talisman]?

He vaguely remembers that in the game, these items were simply placed there, without any ritual seals, blood mist obstructions, Sanctuary, or even those corpses.

Why is all this?

These chaotic thoughts were tumbling in his mind, but for now, he could only suppress them and wait until he returns to handle all the materials he’s gathered, then maybe he’ll know.

Unlike Lance, who needed to ponder the situation with countless considerations, his recent words undeniably caused everyone else to breathe a sigh of relief.

Even Boudica, who yearned for battle, felt the same; the pressure they endured was immense. If Lance hadn’t been leading, they might have collapsed long ago.

Perhaps they were willing to follow Lance deeper, but for now, this was enough...

The squad emerged from the red light, with the imposing Door of Oblivion standing unchanged, exactly as it was before they entered, as if they had never been inside.

Yet, the moment they stepped out, even the salty and humid air here felt infinitely better than the inside.

Passing through the ancient corridor, climbing the winding staircase, they finally emerged from the room, and upon seeing light again in the old mansion’s hall, they were completely stunned.

Their breaths became rapid, bodies trembling, all of them seemingly beset by overwhelming terror, as all accumulated pressure erupted in this moment.

”We must seal those doors, or we’re finished! Do you hear me? Finished!”

Amanda screamed, her voice laced with intense despair, her entire demeanor appearing uncontrollably frantic.

The more one knows, the greater the pressure endured; Amanda understood the dungeon’s horrors far more than the other two, and could now no longer restrain herself.

”Not even the strongest liquor can calm my soul...” Boudica said, leaning on her axe-spear, head hanging low, as if all spirit had been drained.

Audrey was even more dramatic, collapsing to the ground upon exiting, whispering in despair.

”Perhaps I can find peace in a dark, cold grave...”

She fell into madness without surprise, continuously uttering strange words, while Lance seemed unaffected, walking towards the open door, closing his eyes to feel the sunlight on his skin.

The silhouette outlined by the light revealed a certain ineffable feeling.

Lance naturally understood their strong reactions; emerging from those places into such a stark contrast, if nothing happened, he’d suspect whether an evil cultist had infiltrated their ranks.

Better to let them release, let them vent a bit; time would heal all.

After a spell of venting, gradually the ghostly cries faded away, and Lance turned to comfort them.

”It’s okay, everything is past now.”

Lance’s gentle words seemed magical, instinctively calming them, and seeing the smile on his face, their pressures subsided.

Amanda, bolder than the others, or perhaps simply disregarding everything, immediately approached and hugged Lance, seeking more solace.

”I was so scared, thought I wouldn’t make it back.”

The overwhelming pressure roared over her, even causing Lance to feel a touch of ”suffocation.”

But he could only pat her back, comforting: ”Alright, it’s okay now...”

”Boss!” Boudica chimed in, ”What are you two doing?”

Lance raised his hand to press down on curious Boudica’s head, pushing her aside; after all, there were others around, and it wouldn’t do to be too exorbitant, gesturing Amanda to let go with a pat on the shoulder.

Nonetheless, he didn’t overlook Boudica, flipping out a bottle of wine and handing it over, teasing in the process.

”What do you intend to do, I wonder?”

”Yay!” Boudica, initially sulking, shouted excitedly upon seeing the bottle.

”Don’t drink too much, if you puke on the ship, I’m not helping you.”

Smiling, Lance admonished; with the task complete, there was no need to restrict her anymore; appropriate relaxation under high-pressure circumstances was very necessary.

”I know... Boss, you’re such a nag.” Boudica replied carelessly, turning to take a gulp, the pungent stimulation diverting her focus, numbing the taut nerves with alcohol.

Their interactions, in contrast, made Audrey seem quite out of place; she mused that she shouldn’t be in the car, but under the car.

This naturally led her to ponder, how had she ended up in this state?

”How are you?”

A greeting snapped Audrey’s thoughts back to reality. Looking up at the man, she couldn’t help but reflect on how long it had been since she felt such sincere care.