Arthur asked, "But how are we going to reach Layer Eighty of the Abyss?"
The Demon Axe replied, "Isn't that obvious? I came to the Material Plane through a hole I made. We can just go back down the same way."
As he said this, the Demon Axe couldn't help but glance at Cerydra. He knew she had somehow sealed the hole he had previously broken through. His suggestion implied that they might need to create a new one, and he wondered if she would agree.
Before Cerydra could respond, Arthur frowned and protested, "Absolutely not! My ancestors have guarded that passage for generations. Now that it's finally sealed, you want to create a new one? What if more demons crawl out? Are my descendants supposed to keep guarding it for another few centuries?"
"Besides, how can we trust this isn't some trick of yours? What if your real goal is to break through the Barrier, return to Layer Eighty of the Abyss, go back home, and destroy the seal?"
"Come on, man!" Demon Axe couldn't help but show a helpless expression. "It's good to be cautious, but have you even considered the situation we're in? Once the Shallow Abyss falls, hordes of demons and Outer Gods will flood into this world. Which do you think is the bigger threat—this immediate crisis or you guarding a hole later?"
"Besides," Demon Axe continued, "didn't that God of Law seal my hole before? Just seal it again after this is all over."
Demon Axe's arguments were logical and well-reasoned. Of course, all of it hinged on the truth of his initial claim—that the Abyss had been invaded. If that were false, his entire line of reasoning would collapse. But Cerydra doubted that was the case.
Even if Demon Axe somehow managed to return home, break the seal, and challenge her, he stood no chance against her—or rather, against Hysilens. If things got desperate, she could always call for reinforcements. Demon Axe knew this perfectly well.
To forcibly breach a plane and brute-force her way to the Eightieth Layer of the Abyss—that was truly defying the natural order. Cerydra mused, her right leg swinging up to cross her left, settling into a perfect cross-legged posture in her chair.
Having just woken up, she wasn't wearing stockings, leaving her slender, fair calves exposed. As she lightly swung her leg, her slipper slipped off and fell to the floor, revealing her dainty foot with its blue-painted toenails.
This scene unfolded beneath the table, unnoticed by anyone except Arthur, who wouldn't dare glance beneath the table anyway.
Cerydra paid no mind to this habitual, endearing gesture. She wondered: Now that Tribios knew the coordinates of Abyss Layer Seventy-Nine, could they travel directly there and then proceed to Layer Eighty?
Acting on the thought, she asked, "If I could somehow reach Layer Seventy-Nine directly, could you get to Layer Eighty from there?"
Demon Axe paused, then said, "Normally, it wouldn't be possible. The Abyss itself is a colossal maze. Even though Layer Seventy-Nine and Layer Eighty seem only one layer apart, that doesn't mean they're directly connected."
For example, descending from Layer Seventy-Nine might lead to Layer Seventy or Layer Ninety—it all depends on luck.
But Demon Axe added, "However, I've been to Layer Seventy-Nine many times and am quite familiar with it. If we're going from Layer Seventy-Nine to Layer Eighty, I think I could manage it. The only problem is..."
Even before he finished, Cerydra understood what he meant. Layer Seventy-Nine was likely completely overrun by now. Starting from there would mean immediately encountering hordes of corrupted demons and the Mother of Flesh's minions. The journey would be extremely perilous.
Yet, consider the alternative: digging downward from the Material Plane. Every demon encountered along the way would still be hostile. Reasoning with them—"We're just passing through, here to prevent your corruption and save you"—would be futile; they'd likely just slap you across the face.
"Since you have a way to descend from Layer Seventy-Nine," Cerydra said, "let's start from there. I'll gather the team while you prepare. We must depart before noon today!"
One has to admit, this was one of the perks of being Empress. She didn't need to consult anyone; she could make decisions and execute them immediately, achieving unparalleled efficiency.
As for the team members, Hysilens and Arthur were guaranteed spots without a second thought. One would be the primary combatant, while the other would handle pathfinding. After further consideration, Cerydra decided to include Pan Ming as well, given the Monk's formidable strength.
Beyond these three, she struggled to think of any other suitable candidates in the entire Northern Territory Empire. This journey would undoubtedly be perilous, and the need for swift travel made a large group impractical. A small, elite team would be far more effective.
Thus, despite announcing she would "gather the team," Cerydra leisurely returned to her chambers while Arthur went to prepare. She brushed her teeth, washed her face, and meticulously styled her hair into an imposing, dignified updo.
Then she removed her nightgown and changed into her classic attire, slipped on a single silk stocking, and draped a thick cotton-padded cloak over her shoulders. After completing her preparations... she didn't seek out Pan Ming immediately but instead went to have breakfast first.
By the time Cerydra met Pan Ming, it was already around ten in the morning. After briefly explaining the mission, Pan Ming readily agreed without hesitation. "Your Majesty, I'm already prepared and ready to depart at any moment!"
This was precisely why Cerydra felt no urgency. Arthur, for example, had to pack food, water, weapons, armor, and a sleeping bag. But Pan Ming, being a Monk, needed nothing at all—his mere presence sufficed.
Time flew by, and by noon, Arthur arrived at the assembly point with a backpack slung over his shoulder. Pan Ming, Hysilens, and Cerydra were already there.
As soon as everyone had gathered, a golden Century Gate materialized before them.