After Zeke explained his plan, the trio left the mine to get some rest. This would be their last chance to relax before leaving the Danger Zone for good. It was also the first time he got to rest since coming here. He had spent the entirety of the last three days immersed in research. Therefore, the moment his head touched the pillow, he was out.

Akasha’s voice woke him from his peaceful rest a mere moment later. However, despite his certainty that no time had passed, the first rays of the sun were already cresting the horizon. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Zeke exited his tent.

He found the Chimeroi already up, sitting around the fireplace and talking in muted voices. At his approach, their quiet whispers died down completely. He sat close to the two. “Nervous?”

Vulcanos nodded, and Gravitas looked away.

“You shouldn’t be,” Zeke said with an easy grin. “I have the hardest part to play, after all.”

“That is exactly what has us worried, master,” Gravitas said.

“I didn’t know you cared that much for me,” Zeke said half-jokingly.

Gravitas gave him an irritated look. It seemed she had grown comfortable enough around him to show her vexation openly. “This is no joking matter. You know very well what happens to us when you die…”

Zeke, who had been in the process of taking a bite from a slice of bread, froze mid-motion. He stared at the piece of bread in deep contemplation. “What will happen to them when I die, Akasha?”

[Notice]

I do not yet have a full understanding of the Ritual Magic binding the slaves. However, given the lack of laws geared toward them, they will likely experience some sort of backlash — with death being the most probable consequence.