“This is different,” William commented as they stared at the chamber's ceiling.

Unlike the previous chambers they encountered, where all there was to see was a plain dirt ceiling with multiple massive tunnels as choices to pick from, it was very much the opposite. The ceiling wasn’t plain or just dirt. And instead of numerous massive tunnels, there was a singular colossal tunnel that seemed overly ominous.

He wasn’t one to be uncomfortable after what he had experienced so far. Still, it was unsettling to see what was above him.

The moving roots had become larger the further they traveled, but what could be seen on the ceiling could only be described as a monstrous mockery of regular roots. William had briefly forgotten that the tree they were under could only be measured in miles. However, the massive trunk-thick roots writhing against each other quickly reminded him of the reality.

“Princess, I don’t think your jade token will work on these.” William thought his voice was quiet. At least when considering the ear-deafening sound of the roots above them scraping against each other.

“I agree.”

He glanced at the princess to see her trembling. Again, with the size of the tree, he wasn’t sure why she was surprised at what she was seeing. Perhaps her assumption has been that the worst would be what they dealt with in the tunnel?”

“We can still back out,” William said after a second. He was very much reluctant to do so after what he had done so far. Having nothing to show for it would be a shame. Of course, if he wanted to be optimistic, eliminating the corrupted beasts made all this worth it. However, he considered that a separate matter.

“And how are we supposed to do that? It’s not like we can go back,” now it was obvious that Princess Jin was terrified, making him wonder how long she had been hiding the feeling, “Our only hope to get out is to try and find an exit from the other side of the tree.”

William ignored the raucous disturbance above and stared at the princess, recalling when the turtle contacted him before the tunnel collapsed on them. There were other things on his mind, but he had thought he mentioned how to leave this level.

However, a quick review of his memories revealed that that wasn’t the case. It had somehow completely passed his mind. He felt it was unintentional, but it could certainly be some odd subconscious decision due to his desire to get the treasure that waited for them.

“Uh, didn’t the lady who sent us here tell you?”

The glare she had could have burnt him to a crisp. “Do not be so disrespectful to the ancestor.”

William was being purposely oblivious to excuse the surprise he was about to tell her. “Right, the ancestor. After I finished the task of eliminating the corrupted beasts, she told me I could leave this level anytime. All that was necessary was to replicate what I did at the oasis to enter the next level and meet the lady.”

Princess Jin stared at him, dumbfounded at what he said. She even forgot about scolding him for mentioning Sophia so casually, “You mean thinking about being finished with the area?”

“Exactly!” William beamed, excited to know what she did to enter the place where the Sophia automaton was waiting. After all, his entrance had been more of a kidnapping, so he didn’t have an exact idea.

“So we could have left at any time?!”

“After the beasts had died? Yes,” William nodded before adding, “If you wish, you could stop here while I continue. I’ll still share whatever I get my hands on.”

He honestly preferred for her to take this option. While it would cut off most of his chances to bring her to his side like he planned, it was undeniable that it would require the princess to be in mortal danger so he could play the hero. It already left a sour taste in his mouth, but he could justify it since it was necessary… somewhat.

Now, that wasn’t the case.

That was fine. A better option appeared in the form of exceeding generosity and unselfishness. It was weaker than saving her life, but it was a valid option.

Princess Jin was clearly tempted, and just when William thought she would agree, she glanced up at the ceiling before something changed in her.

“No,” she looked at him stubbornly, “I won’t leave you here alone. It’s too dangerous.”

William pursed his lips, unsure if he should be irritated or happy. Ultimately, he released whatever he felt by roughly rubbing her head, messing up her hair, much to her annoyance.

“Fine, but keep that in mind if it gets too crazy,” he warned as they walked toward the only tunnel in the chamber, “You have to escape, especially with nothing left to save us.”

“As long as you do the same,” Princess Jin agreed immediately, with a condition that was not an issue in William’s mind.

“Could you give me some of those tokens?” William asked when they reached the entrance of the tunnel. His outstretched hand was filled with the jade tokens he asked for without any questions.

He appreciated the princess’s sensibility, considering she was only a fourteen-year-old. Especially when they were faced with something unexpected as they stared into the tunnel.

It wasn’t noticeable in any other spot other than where they were standing at the moment. Right at the mouth of the tunnel.

The first fifty or so feet looked normal and safe. Too safe, almost.

There was no obstacle in the way. No packed dirt, no swaying roots, and without those two very common things dealt with as they moved closer to the center of the tree, it made William highly suspicious and paranoid.

Of course, one would be a fool not to feel that way when the light emitted from Princess Jin’s lantern didn’t reach past that fifty or so feet.

“Stay close, princess.” That might be unnecessary, but William needed to remind himself that a companion was beside him. He was no longer alone while staring into the abyss.

Spiritual Energy: 334/440 (20% per Hour)

He still didn’t have enough to use his new martial skill twice, so that was something to keep in mind. Still, he intended to make the most of that one use.

The Qi flowing through his pathways was already spread evenly throughout his body, ready to be activated at any moment necessary. There was no chance he would accept the second needed to activate his martial skill without preparation to be his undoing.

A stray thought entered William’s mind, as was common in tense situations, no matter how hard he tried to keep focus. Princess Jin forgot to ask him about the Fury of the Five Heavenly Dragons. No matter, she would be able to gasp in awe about his new martial skill eventually.

“Wei Liang.”

He stopped when he felt a hand grip his arm tightly.

“This isn’t a good idea.”

William couldn’t say he disagreed. Walking toward something that stayed pitch black even when a light shone on it was not intelligent behavior. However, he had a hunch about this that eased his nerves a little.

It was suspiciously similar to the voids Lord Paddlington casually ripped into existence, though it was significantly larger.

Speaking of the smug turtle, it was more than a little concerning that it had not spoken to him since the time it caused the ceiling to collapse on his head. He didn’t know how strong it was, but for something to be able to stop the turtle from communicating with him couldn’t be good news.

… On second thought, maybe it was wiser to avoid going into the unknown. After all, the main task here was over.

“Wei Liang!”

“Hm?” William blinked, realizing he was staring blankly into the void before him, “Sorry, princess. I was distracted. Did you ask me something?”

Princess Jin shot him an exasperated look, something that was becoming all too common, and said, “What are we going to do?”

William had the same question himself after the last-second doubts. Still, something that might be his downfall eventually made the decision like it often did recently. His greed.

“Are you sure I can’t convince you to leave this to me?”

“Don’t even think about it,” Princess Jin replied firmly.

“Then so be it,” William walked forward by the princess attached to him with a death grip on his arm, “Let’s see what’s waiting for us.”