Inner Voice: All Heroines Hear My Inner Voice Chapter 967: Isn’t it normal to help a beautiful woman in distress in a dungeon?

[From this moment, your very lives fall under my purview. These are the established regulations (>....<)]

A charming voice emanated from the Gantz black sphere, causing many individuals—or rather, the assembled participants—to exclaim in unison.

"Did that orb just articulate a sentence!?"

"Astonishing!"

"However, its pronouncement was rather... peculiar."

Several members of the Hermes Familia began to babble amongst themselves. Eiji, rendered speechless, utilized his creation magic to manifest a chair adjacent to Gantz. He proceeded to take a seat in a relaxed manner, showing no inclination to engage in the impending game.

On the surface, at least, he intended to observe, akin to a Game Master (GM) presiding over a virtual match.

Perceiving Eiji’s overt disinterest, Asfi, Filvis, Ryuu, and the other beautiful women present refrained from inquiring about his participation.

[Silence. It is now imperative for you all to commence your duties! (>....<)]

"....." Each participant uttered, momentarily stunned.

How remarkably intelligent was this black sphere?

It possessed the uncanny ability to impose silence upon them.

The characters displayed upon Gantz’s surface underwent a transformation, revealing a cascade of images and text that slowly scrolled downwards.

[Mission objectives: The remnants of Evilus, the Jewel Fetus they concealed, and the monstrous entities under their command.]

[Designation: Creature

Description: A formidable, high-level experimental hybrid monstrosity engineered by the principal architect of Evilus, utilizing the Corrupted Demi-Spirit residing within Knossos’ artificial labyrinth.

Key Attributes: These beings are brought into existence by the assimilation of Magic Stones from other monsters or by consuming humans and adventurers. Possessing sentience, these monsters exhibit extraordinary regenerative capabilities, with some manifesting as exceptionally potent humanoid forms.]

[Designation: Violas

Description: Specially bred predatory vines, imbued with venom, acting as specialized monsters directly commanded by Evilus’ high-ranking officials.

Key Attributes: Frequently deployed as instruments of mass terror, these entities assault adventurers from subterranean passages, owing to their immense numbers and absolute obedience to their master’s directives.]

[Name: Valletta Grede

Rank: 5

Description: A prominent executive within Evilus and a member of the Thanatos Familia.

Distinctive Features: Attributed with shoulder-length pink hair and striking amber eyes.]

[Name: Vito

Rank: 4

Description: An executive of Evilus, previously the sole member of the Erebus Familia before his integration into the Thanatos Familia.

Distinctive Features: Characterized by short, dark red hair and matching eyes, which he habitually keeps closed.]

...

...

The enumeration of targets extended quite considerably.

Subsequent to the participants familiarizing themselves with their designated targets, an elongated black rack laden with an array of sophisticated weaponry materialized behind them.

The armaments provided by Gantz were broadly categorized into two main types: standard equipment, issued gratuitously at the commencement of the game, and Advanced Weapons, unlockable only upon a participant’s accumulation of 100 points. The underlying technology of all these weapons involved the application of compressed energy, gravitational manipulation, and molecular wave frequencies for the purpose of vanquishing extraterrestrial threats.

However, given that this iteration of Gantz had been enhanced by the System, the potency of these weapons was, without question, sufficient to annihilate any monster or target encountered during their missions.

Among these provisions was the Gantz Suit, a sleek, form-fitting black outfit. This suit conferred augmented physical strength, enhanced speed, and protection against potentially fatal impacts, contingent upon the continued availability of the liquid within the suit’s internal reservoirs. Upon donning this suit, an adventurer’s overall statistics would experience a boost of 100 points.

Diverging from the original narrative, the utilization of this suit was not rendered obligatory for the participants; they retained the discretion to choose whether or not to wear it.

"We are permitted to employ these armaments!?"

"These weapons appear quite unconventional... Yet, I am eager to test their capabilities."

"There seems to be no detriment in experimenting with them, does there!?"

"Goodness me, a form-fitting black ensemble is also available! What are its functionalities? Could it possibly rival my existing armor?"

In response to their queries, Eiji felt compelled to elucidate the capabilities of the tight black attire. He stated, "It enhances physical strength, accelerates speed, and offers protection against fatal impacts, provided the internal liquid supply within the suit’s nodules remains undepleted. When an adventurer dons this suit, every aspect of their statistical attributes gains an increment of 100 points."

A collective gasp ensued.

Numerous adventurers, upon hearing this explanation, were thoroughly impressed by the remarkable abilities attributed to the form-fitting black garments.

Despite the slight sense of embarrassment associated with wearing them, all the male participants, along with a portion of the female contenders, opted to don the suits. A mere thought initiated the transformation, instantly replacing their current attire.

"I can distinctly feel it! My strength has noticeably increased! Captain, you should also try it on!" Lulune exclaimed to Asfi, the captain of her familia.

Asfi cast a sidelong glance at the snug black suits worn by Lulune and the others, exhibiting a hint of awkwardness. "There is no necessity, I shall instead sample one of the available armaments."

The prospect was simply too mortifying!

How could she possibly acclimate to engaging in combat while clad in such an uncomfortably tight garment?

Ryuu, Filvis, and several other beautiful women harbored identical sentiments. The sole exception was Scáthach, who expressed a preference for continuing to wear her own specialized tight suit.

Eiji experienced a measure of disappointment.

[Setting aside Artoria and the other women within my familia, they possess already formidable strength and have no requirement for the specialized tight black suits provided by Gantz.]

[But Asfi, Ryuu, and Filvis, why don’t you try them on? I want to see you wear them.]

Such a pervert!

Asfi’s face flushed, and Ryuu’s ears turned red. They both acted as if they hadn't heard Eiji's thoughts.

Filvis couldn't hear Eiji's inner voice, but the tight black suit did pique her interest. However, in the end, she only chose a long-barreled rifle.

It was the long-barreled rifle variant of the X-Gun. It boasted a significantly enhanced firing range and superior accuracy, and it came equipped with a telescopic sight for targeting distant foes.

Though Filvis lacked the knowledge to operate it, she possessed a strong desire to learn.

"I will select this one."

Ryuu reached out and picked up one of the pistols from the shelf.

She selected the X-Gun, a futuristic handgun that served as the standard armament in the Gantz series. Its barrel splits open to form an "X" shape when discharged. The weapon fires compressed energy, which, after a brief delay, causes the target to explode from within.

If humans or their intended targets were aware of the X-Gun's destructive capabilities, they would be consumed by fear.

They absolutely had to keep that green-haired elf at bay, or at least prevent her from firing that weapon.

"This appears more intriguing than the other armaments," Asfi declared, using both hands to lift a weapon from the display.

Her choice was the Y-Gun, a pistol featuring three barrels arranged in a "Y" formation. This weapon did not inflict fatal wounds; instead, it launched an anchor laser string that would immobilize a target's movement before forcibly teleporting them – specifically, launching them high into the sky or to a very elevated location.

"I prefer to rely on my own weapons."

"As a mage, I have no need for such devices."

"My spear is more than sufficient to vanquish my adversaries."

"....." Medusa was left without words. Yet, her thoughts mirrored those of Artoria, Morgan, and Scáthach. Essentially, none of them took any of the weapons or items displayed on the shelves.

Nevertheless, just like the other participants, they were all necessitated to put on a wrist-mounted device resembling a smartwatch. This device served multiple functions: it acted as a radar to track the target's position, displayed the countdown timer for the mission, and enabled a stealth mode, which could be activated by spending 5 points.

Eiji clapped his hands together to capture everyone's attention. "You are all prepared. Next, you will be teleported to a location in close proximity to your targets."

Precisely as he finished speaking, it was as if the preparation period had concluded – they were instantly transported to designated spots within Knossos and the Original Dungeon.

The participants found themselves dispersed into various groups.

Within a temple chamber exuding an eerie ambiance, only Eiji and Gantz remained. The former cast a glance at the latter before inquiring, "By the way, Gantz, are you capable of broadcasting the livestream?"

If not, he could employ his own magic for that purpose. He felt no urgency to act immediately and opted to assess the situation first.

[I can do it! (>....<)]

In the subsequent moment, Gantz projected a white beam forward, which then fractured into numerous screens, each showcasing one of the participants.

Eiji propped up one leg and rested his chin on his hand. His focus was riveted on Artoria and the remainder of his familia. In contrast to the other participants, they moved with remarkable swiftness, choosing to separate within Knossos. Each of them had already eliminated several Violas, which were types of monsters belonging to larger hordes.

He harbored no concerns regarding their safety or effectiveness.

However, the circumstances involving some of the other female participants proved quite engaging.

On the 24th floor of the Original Dungeon.

*Bang!*

Asfi, having gained a rudimentary understanding of the Y-Gun's operation, began to grasp its full potential when she successfully immobilized a Hobgoblin exceeding two meters in height, teleporting it directly onto the ceiling of the 24th floor.

The monster plummeted from a height of several hundred meters, crashing to the ground and expelling a torrent of blood from its mouth.

"It's not enough to kill it, but it leaves it temporarily incapacitated. Mages, unleash your attacks!"

Asfi commanded the two mages within her group to target the severely wounded Minotaur.

*Boom! Boom!*

Two colossal fireballs engulfed the monster, disintegrating it into ash. Shortly thereafter, they eradicated the other monsters in the vicinity. The remaining members of the group also experimented with their Gantz weaponry.

They exhibited an eagerness akin to children playing with novel toys.

It had to be acknowledged that the efficiency of monster elimination saw a notable increase with the assistance of these armaments.

Although, for the extermination of certain formidable monsters, supplementing with their own offensive capabilities remained necessary.

Asfi guided her group towards the pantry located on that floor, intending to retrieve the Fetus Jewel concealed within. Her watch indicated that one of their designated targets was situated in that very area.

And indeed, as anticipated.

They encountered what appeared to be a member of the Evilus organization, who was commanding a contingent of monsters.

"Oya? Look who has arrived. You've come at the perfect moment. I shall transform all of you into nourishment for my magnificent creation!"

Vito, an executive of Evilus, was recognized by Asfi. Bearing in mind the potential deaths of several Hermes Familia members due to him, she immediately commanded her group to attack.

"Everyone, use your Gantz weapons and fire!"

Vito was taken aback by the peculiar weapons wielded by the individuals before him and their unusual tight black attire.

However, a sense of dread washed over him as they aimed the tips of these weapons at him and the surrounding monsters.

*Bang! Bang! Bang!*

"Huh? What’s happening? Are you all playing a trick on me?" Vito, like most targets of Gantz weapons, was momentarily fooled by the brief pause before the attack.

Suddenly, the monsters under his command detonated one by one. He could only gasp in surprise afterward.

What kind of armaments were those!?

They obliterated monsters that even Level 3 adventurers found challenging, all in a single shot.

"You are Vito, an executive of Evilus, correct? Your demise will be here." Asfi's voice was cold as she aimed her Y-Gun at him but refrained from firing.

"You know who I am!? Hmph. So what? I've seen through your little trick. Before you can even shoot me, I'll have your heads!" Vito scoffed, moving with a speed befitting a Level 4.

The adventurers positioned behind Asfi braced themselves, knowing Vito could only rely on instinct to evade their unseen projectiles.

Yet, his arrogance and overconfidence proved to be his undoing.

Asfi seized the opportune moment while he was preoccupied with dodging the invisible shots, firing her own weapon at him.

"Nani!?"

Mid-air, Vito found himself ensnared by a laser rope. Under Asfi's mocking smile, he plummeted from the dungeon's ceiling.

He was no monster with extraordinary defenses.

Without the ability to fly, a fall from such a height was fatal.

"Aahhhhh! What is happening!? What went wrong!? Why am I suddenly falling from the dungeon ceiling?! Ahhhh!"

Vito's frantic screams were cut short as his head met the ground with a sickening *Crack!* and a final, explosive end.

His appearance was gruesome.

Several Hermes Familia members swallowed hard, their gazes shifting with a mixture of horror towards Asfi and the Y-Gun in her hand.

Eiji applauded, his hands clapping together several times.

[Amazing! Asfi, your proficiency with the Y-Gun surpasses even those in the original narrative.]

Though unsure of whom Eiji was referencing, Asfi basked in his praise. Shortly after, she and her group discovered the Jewel Fetus concealed behind a pillar in the vicinity.

Meanwhile.

A more comical turn of events unfolded at Filvis's location, specifically on a certain floor within Knossos.

Due to the presence of a few Hermes Familia members accompanying her, she offered silent apologies in her heart before eliminating every Evilus member they encountered.

"Filvis, you traitor! How dare you—!"

*Bang!*

Before an Evilus member could finish calling her a traitor, Filvis shot him point-blank in the head with her rifle.

Internally, she could only lament, "Gomenasai! (Sorry!) I was compelled to do this, understand?"

"Filvis, you truly—"

*Bang!*

My apologies, again!

Filvis dispatched him. She was uncertain whether to laugh or lament her actions.

However, one thing was undeniable: she thoroughly enjoyed the weapon in her grasp.

"Filvis-san, you appear quite renowned, as those individuals recognized you." Lulune commented innocently.

"They must have conducted extensive research on adventurers holding considerable status in Orario. Incidentally, I rank among them," Filvis responded with a nervous half-truth.

"That makes sense. After all, you are the captain of the Dionysus Familia."

Lulune nodded in agreement.

Filvis felt a wave of relief. Nevertheless, she contemplated parting ways with the group and venturing solo, as continuous encounters with recognizable Evilus members would prove too troublesome.

This was especially true concerning her original self, Ein. Filvis was a clone she had created using her Einsel magic.

Unlike Filvis, Ein was unwaveringly loyal to Dionysus, even harboring affections for him. Furthermore, Ein was psychically linked to Filvis and would undoubtedly sense her act of treason.

Filvis, too, was loyal to Dionysus, but that devotion faltered upon discovering the opportunity to resurrect herself through Gantz.

'If I can just accumulate 100 points, perhaps I can shed this monstrous form and reclaim my original body. I shall be pure once more!'

For context, as a creation of Dionysus, Filvis had perished as an elf during a catastrophic event known as the Nightmare on the 27th Floor. Subsequently, her body was infused with magic stones by an avatar of a Corrupted Spirit, transforming her into a human-shaped monster, a Creature.

Filvis was always consumed by self-loathing after her transformation into a monster. Yet, Dionysus was the sole individual who embraced her altered state without reservation. This acceptance forged the profound affection Ein held and instilled in Filvis an unwavering loyalty.

Eiji, having grasped this from Rasiel, stroked his chin, a pensive look on his face. "A pitiful woman. Beyond just Ryuu, I might need to personally attend to her situation."

"It is indeed true that the advanced iteration of Gantz possesses the capability to resurrect individuals who never even partook in the game."

"However... your circumstances are quite singular, Filvis. You are currently alive, and furthermore, you possess another self, Ein."

[Host, what is your intention?] Miss System inquired.

Eiji's lips curled into a grin. "Miss System, you are aware of my thoughts, so why do you still ask?"

[Indeed, and that very knowledge leads me to believe you are quite the pervert, Host.]

"...."

Disregarding Miss System's commentary, the concept he was contemplating was not entirely depraved. Perhaps, just a little.

[Hehehe. Our King, let us proceed with that plan!] Only Leme offered her support.

But that singular endorsement was sufficient. Eiji approached the Gantz, which responded by opening its portal as if a car unlocking its doors. He entered and commenced to manipulate its programming.

The spectacle was rather comically absurd, juxtaposed against the backdrop of a colossal divine statue adorned with a mocking smirk.

Shortly thereafter, Filvis, who had been engaged in dispatching monsters and members of Evilus within Knossos, found herself abruptly frozen, her eyes widening in astonishment.

How could she not be? Her communication device suddenly activated, displaying a crucial notification.

[Your remarkable performance has captured the attention of the Game Master, who extends an offer. Should you consent to surrender your heart and physical being to him, and assume the role of his assistant—he shall grant you a revival in a new form, not as a monstrous entity, but as a High Elf.]

"!!!" Filvis stood utterly speechless.

The Game Master presented such a generous proposition!? And that Game Master... surely that must be Eiji?

A wave of emotion washed over her.

"I am deeply grateful, Eiji-sama! I, Filvis, pledge my unwavering allegiance to you! Should you indeed bestow upon me a new body as promised, I shall serve as your assistant, or even as your devoted servant, willing to toil like a cow or horse."

[Cough! Cough! From whom did Filvis acquire such eloquent pronouncements? To become a cow and a horse for me?]

[That… does sound rather intriguing.]

The heroines: "...."

Eiji, what exactly are you attempting to orchestrate?