With those words left behind, I rushed back to my house where Mia was taking care of Alexandra and Decarbia. I felt terribly exhausted both mentally and physically due to the injuries I suffered in the dungeon so far, but I didn't dare dawdle. With such huge changes about to occur, I lacked the time for rest...

After explaining to Mia what info I managed to pry from that shitty game God and brainstormed for ideas on how to handle what's to come, some sort of plan took shape.

[…and in that case, the day the second stage begins these invaders will attack us?](Mia)

"Most likely..."

[However, our levels will be dropped back to one on the same day?](Mia)

"With utmost certainty..."

[Then we need to raid the two dungeons as much as possible in the remaining time we have, while also preparing and enhancing our defenses.](Mia)

"Raid the dungeon? Why?"

[Materials! If our levels are restarted, then it means that we won't be able to 'grind' anymore and might be met with a shortage of them while under attack later on. Therefore, we need to stockpile as much as we can, for the worst case scenario. Not only that, but if we get equipment and skill books, we can use them after the reset happens. Do you know if the Jobs our elves have right now will be reset as well? Or our skills?](Mia)

"Damn! I forgot to ask about that..."

It would be honestly horrible if we lose the Jobs we got so far and the same can be said about the skills. Especially something as precious as Adrian's Necromancer or Alice's Priest, which in the war of attrition we're going to fight, are absolute requirements and will dictate the fate of our civilization.

[I think they will not. Strictly speaking, our elves are already at Tier 1 in Soul Refinement meaning that they are already stronger than most beings at the same level. Not only that, but we also have the World Tree. Even if the Job Tier is reset to zero, doesn't mean that the Job itself will vanish entirely. Maybe it will remain there until the person reaches level 10 again...](Mia)

"Mhm... the system notification did mention something about 'Jobs available to pick', meaning that there will be more possibilities to choose from. If it is like the games I have played before, then it will make it easier to assign the elves to specific activity domains, improving the efficiency of our camp... Since we need to focus on technological development just as much as defense, what suggestions do you have for that area?"

[Nothing changes for now regarding the Social Policies, if that's what you're referring to. It is best to keep what we're doing right now, since a sudden change might be detrimental to our civilization's progress. In a different order of ideas, we need to quickly bolster our ranged weapons production and train all elves to use them so we can maximize our advantage. We could also dig pits and build other traps around the walls... We might not know the numbers that will attack us, however I doubt there will be just 200 to match ours...](Mia)

"I agree... Alright then, let us do what we've done up to this point, but focus more on military and technology. Also..."

Breakthrough made through individual research on the Paper technology!

Your civilization acquires full comprehension over the creation and the use of paper!

500 Research Points will be paid as reward!

I looked at Mia that had a resplendent meaningful smile on her face, wanting to say that even after the darkest night, morning will still arrive. I found myself smiling in return…

"Seems like our 'mad scientist' managed to have a breakthrough. I will leave the nursing of these two to you while I'll pay her a visit. After that, I will have to explain the situation to the rest so that there won’t be full blown chaos later on. Make sure you'll rest as well! I need you at your best…"

[Mhm!] - she obediently nodded

When I visited Simone, I was able to find next to the elven hut assigned to her a smaller wooden building that dubbed as a temporary laboratory. When I finally located the troublesome lass, she looked like a small panda with dark bags under her eyes from the obvious lack of sleep.

I was at a loss for words when she suddenly busted with energy in my direction, wanting to explain to me all the insights she gained. I had to forcibly send the little minx to sleep, otherwise she might truly collapse soon. She agreed (although quite unwillingly) and I was freed from having to listen to a really long and boring explanation.

On the other hand, immediately after that, I was put in the posture of having to provide the long and boring explanations myself about the changes which will occur in two days worth of time (and the atmosphere got strangely lively after mentioning that we will be attacked), as well as the direction everyone had to follow. These guys… it’s not like I’m announcing a festival, you know!?

[So we will drop back to level 1 and we will be attacked by a horde of enemies on the same day? Will they be monsters similar to the ones in the dungeon?](Claudia)

"Regarding the horde, yes! Most likely... As far as the monsters go, I am not 100% sure it will be the case, but there is a strong possibility."

[Understood! I will use the security unit I am responsible for to dig traps all the way until the forest and prepare some other traps. Do you have any other instructions for us?](Claudia)

"Not at the moment, however there will be some general details for everyone else. First off, everyone will have at least one hour of archery practice before breakfast, lunch and dinner! We need to have everyone become proficient in ranged attacks ASAP, so we can dwindle the number of the enemies from afar. Next, the crafting unit will work full time with the goal of creating sufficient longbows and arrows, while their secondary target remains the completion of the structures we have yet to build. The security unit will focus on solidifying our defenses, however… do make sure you mark the traps so our own people won't fall for them. That will not be even remotely funny. The dungeon diving unit will work overtime, continuously diving and grinding for resources and equipment! Everyone, I know that the unknown is scary but it is also exciting! If there is one thing I know, is that we will weather whatever storms are thrown our way, together!"

After a wave of cheers, everyone was dismissed and went to sleep early. Given that we have only two days left before the attack, things will get hectic starting tomorrow.

Back in my bedroom, three heavenly beauties were sleeping soundly without a care in a world, sight that made me relax quite a bit as well. Alexandra and Decarbia's complexion were pretty much back to normal at this point, therefore I climbed in bed next to them and realized just how tired I was.

"It's a good thing that I had the bed remade and its size enlarged, otherwise I might be forced to sleep on the floor soon..."

Closing my eyes and relaxing my body, I instantly fell asleep. However, since I was still awake and aware after I passed out, it could mean only one thing…

"Seems like I'm back here again... Oooooy! Little ancestor! Are you still around?"

[Little ancestor? PHUHAHAHAHA!!! It's stupid how much that fits Kyrie!!!]

Surprised by the loud laughter, I froze for a second when I realized that it was a different person answering me than the one from last time. Even more so, he called him Kyrie? Isn't that the title I got after the last dream I had?

"You are a different voice than the one I heard last time..."

[Mhm! You can call me Khrone.]

"At least you are polite enough to introduce yourself. The previous person didn't..."

[Really? Hmm... Then, so far, what sort of memories did he show you?](Khrone)

"Memories, huh? So those were his memories after all?"

[Yup. So, hurry up! Which ones did you see so far?](Khrone)

"About Chronos and the creations of Earth, the girl he fell in love with and how he and Lucifer were sent to the Underworld. Then the story about Pandora's Gift, which was really welcomed given that I can use them now. It was of great help in the dungeons."

[Oh? You can already use them? That's rather impressive... So you know that much already, huh? What stage is your world in?](Khrone)

"Stage?"

[Mhm! In the 'game'. Since I am here, it means that the game started once more and you, as our descendant will obviously be caught up in it. What's your status in the game?]

"Status?"

[... are you an Ancient? A Sun lord? Don’t tell me you’re a Moon lord! That’s quite demeaning…](Khrone)

"Sorry to disappoint, but I was just a normal human that was killed by a really pretty girl, somehow woke up and the Star lord overseeing my world decided it would be fun to thrown me in the game, for his own entertainment. Then I became the God of my world and through the Manual Mode I am fighting on the front lines with my civilization. That's pretty much the gist of it I guess. As for the stage, I guess the game is about to start in two days time. That's when the first invasion will begin."

[...oh wow! That's a first for certain! In addition, you said that you were killed by a woman? That's even more interesting... Anyway, it's good that it's just the start of the invasion. Are you on the defending or the invading side?](Khrone)

"Defending."

[I always preferred attacking myself... It does not really matter though given that neither Kyrie nor I can interfere directly anymore. We can only provide you with knowledge and what you do with it, it's entirely up to you. Since he showed you the beginning, I guess you should see our end as well. Here is the last memory the two of us share...]

With those words on a slightly sad tone left behind, the scenery changed and I found myself looking at seven people sitting on the ground of a dimly lit cave.

They were covered in wounds of different degrees and not even the girls weren't spared. The atmosphere was heavy, signifying that something major just happened...

[Fucking Luciel! How dares that bastard backstab our faction and defect!?] – a roar of anger broke the silence

[Enough Lucifer... Is not as if we can do anything about it at this point...] – a beautiful but lazy looking woman answered

[Millie, I know that you don't care about Corbett since you still have Khrone around, however how can you be that cold after he literally sacrificed himself for us!?](Lucifer)

[Is not that I don't care, but that we aren't in a better situation ourselves. Moreover, that he hasn't died yet, has he Khrone?](Millie) – she said as she hugged the guy’s arm

[Stop being so clingy Millie... No, he hasn't died. But his soul was heavily injured though...](Khrone) – he replied after waving his hands and freeing his arm

[Chet! How can you be so distant!? It has been so many years since I've last saw you as well...](Millie)

[Khrone, is he really okay?] – the other beauty asked on a worried tone

[Yes Laura, your little lover is okay for now. However, as heavily injured as he is, is quite tough for him to make an appearance...](Khrone)

[As long as he's alright...](Laura) – she answered obviously relieved

[Little sister, your big brother is also heavily injured you know...](Lucifer)

[Stop complaining, you big baby!](Laura) – she scolded

The sound of laughter lifted the gloomy mood of the cave, but the serious atmosphere didn't change much.

[We don't have a way out of this, do we?](Lucifer)

[Not really, no... The barrier Corbett used will last a half an hour at best, 5-10 minutes in the worst case.](Khrone)

[So we're going to die here? What about the others from our faction? They don't know of that bastard's betrayal and will greet him with open arms? They will be like lambs sending themselves to a slaughterhouse...](Millie)

[Haaaah... You four, are you sure?](Khrone) – he asked while turning back and facing the silent trio

[Do you even have to ask Khrone? We already told both you and Corbett our decision to stay by your side. Moreover, in order to alert the other members of our faction is the most logical action to take. We cannot allow the Devil faction to get away with this easily or even more will be needlessly sacrificed...]

[Rehael... as smart as you are, how can you say that is the best course of action…](Khrone)

[Hahaha! We owe both of you more than we could ever repay, plus that we won't really die anyway. Isn't that right guys?](Rehael)

The other two smiled and nodded, acknowledging consent. On the other hand, the Lucifer, Millie and Laura had shocked expressions on their faces.

[What is the meaning of this? Khrone?](Millie) – she asked again while grabbing his hand

[Haaah... I told you that you are too clingy...](Khrone) – he answered by tousling her hair in an affectionate way

One could easily see the relationships between these seven based on the previous memories I’ve seen before, about the start of their world. Even if Millie, Khrone and the other three were new characters, they were obviously comrades of the other three.

[You want to stay behind and hold them off while we run…](Lucifer) - he concluded

[Mhm.](Khrone)

Silence descended on the small cave. The two girls began crying pitifully, while Lucifer had a solemn expression on his face.

[Do you have any means of escaping?](Lucifer)

[We did the ritual...](Khrone)

[YOU WHAT!? Are you stupid? That's a fucking curse you moron! Who's stupid idea was it?](Lucifer) – he yelled as he shook the guy by the collar

[Kyrie's.](Khrone)

[Curse? What curse?](Laura)

[Calm down, it's not a curse. It's a method for revival... Cough!] – a new but familiar voice echoed

[[[Corbett!!!]]]

[I am alright, calm down... Listen to Khrone, because the decision has already been made. In the future, we will be able to come back to life with the will of the heavens, if the conditions are met. It's not possible for all of us to survive otherwise and since all four of us already decided to do it, all that's left is to execute the plan. When the four of us go out, find a chance to make a run for it.](Kyrie)

[Do you have to?](Laura) – she asked through falling tears

[Silly girl... You know me better than anyone. Do you really think I'll let you die under my eyes when there is something I can do about it? Anyway, my time is running out and I have to go back and rest. Wait for me, I will come and find you someday.](Kyrie)

[Mhm...](Laura) – she nodded as she accepted their parting kiss

Watching the situation unfold, there were two things that shocked me. First off, those people were referring to Khrone and Kyrie while looking at the same person and the two different voices came from the same body. Didn't they said that his soul was directly affected due to an attack? So if the two of them are the same person, why does Khrone look totally fine?

The scenary changed and with it, I found myself surrounded by darkness, in the same place I arrived at when I fell asleep.

[Questions?]

"I don't even know where to start from..."

[Well, we don't have sufficient time so hurry up!]

"You and Kyrie are the same person?"

[Yes and no... You can say that we're two people sharing one body I guess... Were...]

"Corbett, was his... your name as well?"

[Yup.]

"Then I'm I your descendant? Like, a child from one of those two girls Milly and... Laura?"

[Nah... nothing that physical. I guess is something more close to body compatibility. We used a technique that allows us to merge mind and bodies with another person after a specific amount of time passed and sufficient energy has gathered. At that time, the closest match to our original body receives a portion of our souls, containing the memories we still have. That way, you can consider it as three people becoming one… after you die, the same thing will happen in the future to you as well. Might sound unfair, but it is what it is...]

"...I don't even know how to answer to that. Well, it did help me out, so I can't really complain. Luciel, wasn't Kyrie's brother?"

[Yup...]

"I see. That girl, Laura..."

[Quite the beauty isn't she?]

"I just saw her in this memory of yours for the first time..."

[Well, Kyrie's soul was quite damaged in that fight. It's understandable if some of his memories were affected. Quite sad that the memory of his lover was one of them...]

"I saw that girl before."

[Hm? Didn't you say that you couldn't see her in his memories?]

"I saw her before I 'met' the two of you. In real life..."

[Are you sure it wasn't just someone looking like her?]

"Right now, I'm quite certain."

[How so?]

"She was the one that killed me..."

Judging from the silence, it was quite obvious that he was not expecting that answer. Actually, I wasn't expecting that either...

[Anything worth of mention about how she killed you?]

"If you're talking about the ritualistic method, then yeah. She had an hourglass and a really strange dagger."

[Oh? Did she now... Did you die on your birthday?]

"Yeah, how did you know?"

[That was a ritual to force the link between you and us. Interesting... seems like she awoke earlier than us this time. It might be Lucifer that had a hand in this... Anyway, our time is coming to a close, so be ready.]

"Anything you can tell me about the invaders? Something that might help?"

[Let me take a look at your memories...]

After a couple of minutes have passed, Khrone's voice echoed through the void once more.