Previously on God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World!...
Gabriel walked through the residence after dinner, observing Sophie's team making plans. He then encountered Vv sitting alone, partially unarmored, before Vv quickly donned their helmet again.
As Gabriel uttered those words, a fleeting hesitation could be perceived from the armored figure.
Naturally, he was never one to compel anyone against their will. This, of course, excluded his enemies, but at this moment, Vv was certainly not an adversary.
"Well, if you prefer not to discuss it, there's no need to say anything," Gabriel stated.
"Thank you," Vv responded.
"You're welcome," Gabriel gave a nod and began to walk away. A part of him harbored curiosity, yet he chose to set it aside for the time being.
The lower corridor resumed its silence behind him. Vv offered no word to make him turn back, nor did Gabriel glance over his shoulder.
What he remained unaware of was that even after his departure, the armored figure stayed put, gaze fixed in his departing direction.
Upon his return, the majority of the upper floors had fallen into quietude.
Gabriel entered his chambers, securing the door behind him. The room, though simple, offered comfort; a low table rested near a side, accompanied by a neatly made bed and a window overlooking a section of Tianlan's inner city. Outside, a scattering of lamps still cast their glow upon the streets, and the distant training grounds had finally ceased their activity.
He removed his outer coat, draping it over a nearby chair.
A soft knock interrupted his actions before he could settle.
Gabriel paused, his attention drawn to the door. The individual outside had made no effort to conceal their presence, allowing him to discern their identity even before opening it.
"What brings you here?" he inquired, looking at the person standing there.
IceQueen stood alone outside his room.
She was unaccompanied by either ChaosCleric or Vv. Her expression remained placid, as usual, yet the very fact she had sought him out at this late hour indicated the visit was far from casual.
"May I come in?" she inquired.
Gabriel moved aside. "Please, come in."
IceQueen stepped inside, her gaze briefly sweeping the room before she took a seat near the low table without awaiting an invitation. Gabriel closed the door and sat opposite her, adopting a relaxed posture.
For a span of several seconds, neither spoke.
The room's quiet was such that the gentle murmur of the wind outside the window was discernible. IceQueen rested her hands lightly upon her knees, fixing Gabriel with a gaze more serious than was her custom.
"I wished to speak with you before Liang delivers the official briefing tomorrow," she announced.
Gabriel leaned back slightly. "Why? We could simply await the briefing tomorrow."
"Well, I shall refer to it as my personal briefing," IceQueen responded. "Liang will impart the sanitized version to everyone. The route, the rules, the perils, the objectives. That information is valuable, but it won't suffice."
Gabriel offered no interruption. IceQueen seemed to appreciate this, continuing without missing a beat.
"The Buried God's Tomb is more than just a mission location. It is a site that the inhabitants of Tianlan have observed intently for a considerable period. They will refrain from disclosing everything in the presence of outsiders, even though they have extended an invitation to us. While the Martial Palace is presiding over this event, it doesn't imply they place absolute trust in everyone present."
Her fingers tapped rhythmically once against her knee.
"The same applies to Longsword, the other Tianlan guilds, Olympus, the Holy Church, and even Broken Dawn. Every faction will enter with their own distinct objectives."
Gabriel's eyes remained serene behind his mask.
IceQueen scrutinized him more closely. "ChaosKnight's objective is not to engage in combat with every entity present. Our primary aim is to gain access to the inner chamber."
"Access?" Gabriel questioned.
"Indeed," she affirmed. "The outer tomb will undoubtedly present rewards, lurking dangers, ancient formations, formidable beasts, and whatever else Tianlan forces were unable to subdue. However, the true significance lies deeper within. The inner chamber houses the Core Suppressing Spike, and I am convinced that all matters of consequence are intrinsically linked to that location."
Gabriel rested an arm contemplatively on the table. "You desire the spike."
"I desire access," IceQueen corrected him. "The spike itself might prove too formidable for us to simply seize and depart with. But should we manage to reach the inner chamber, we will at least be strategically positioned to claim something of substantial importance."
Her tone remained even, yet the underlying resolve was unmistakable.
Her purpose in visiting was not to deliberate on the mission's generalities.
She had come to ensure he grasped her foremost priority.
IceQueen leaned forward slightly, her gaze locked onto his. "Upon our entry, I require you to prioritize safeguarding my passage to the inner chamber above all else."
An encompassing silence descended upon the room.
The lamp emitted a warm luminescence, yet the atmosphere between them seemed to grow colder following those words. IceQueen had stated her desire with unvarnished directness. Not the team. Not the overall mission. Not even the survival of every single member.
Her access.
Gabriel regarded her quietly. "Above all else?"
IceQueen met his gaze unyieldingly and nodded with firm conviction. "Yes."
Another prolonged silence ensued.
Gabriel comprehended her request perfectly. If the situation devolved into chaos, she did not want him expending his energy rescuing every ChaosKnight member or participating in futile skirmishes. Her explicit desire was for him to maintain an open path for her, even if it meant the others were delayed, injured, or forced to retreat.
It was a harsh demand, yet not an illogical one.
Such a proposition was precisely what he had anticipated from her.
"I shall take the necessary actions," Gabriel finally conceded.
IceQueen's gaze sharpened slightly. "That response does not equate to an agreement."
"It is the only answer I can provide."
For a brief period, she scrutinized him. Her eyes swept across his mask, his composed stance, and the ease with which he occupied his seat, despite the gravity of the request made. While Gabriel's tone remained even, it conveyed a crucial point.
He would maintain his autonomy.
IceQueen appeared to grasp this implication.
After a pause, she rose from her seat.
"Very well. For the present, that is sufficient."
Gabriel also stood, yet he made no move to escort her out.
As IceQueen approached the exit, she paused, her hand hovering near the doorknob.
"Tomorrow, do not take the tomb lightly," she cautioned. "All who are summoned possess power, but mere strength will prove inadequate within its confines."
Calmly, Gabriel responded, "I am aware."
This time, IceQueen refrained from questioning his certainty.
She opened the door and departed.
Gabriel remained stationary for several seconds after the door clicked shut. The room reverted to silence, yet the impending mission now felt more imminent than before.
The following morning marked the day of their departure for the Buried God's Tomb.
