Shinka no Mi, Vol 8

“…To think you would say such ridiculous things as soon as you show up. The Hero’s Mentor? First Demon King? Hah. If you were going to lie, then you might as well have picked something more believable”

Zeanos and Lucius’ sudden arrival surprised Rodius, but he quickly regained his composure before going on to mock them.

“F-First Demon King… You say…?” “I-It’s a joke right? Hey…”

“But, that horn means without a doubt that he is one of us Demons. Be that as it may, to claim that he is the First Demon King…”

Aside from Rodius, all the other demons who heard what Lucius said received the shock of their lives.

While everyone else were in various states of shock, Rodius alone had an easygoing smirk on his face

“Hmm… Well, I can’t really blame you for not believing us. Hahahaha”

“…Hm. Seems like you two can’t understand the situation. I have no idea who you two are, but since you’re here, I’m going to have you two die for me”

After taking on the fearsome sense of intimidation that Rodius released, even Zerros and Zorua who were fighting the monsters were left shivering, and yet Zeanos and Lucius hadn’t even lost their composure.

“Fumu… Lucius-dono. Leave this one to me. I shall rely on you to take on the monsters” “Hm? You sure? Leaving this one to you?”

“Of course”

On the other hand, listening to Zeanos talk about taking him on alone caused Rodius’ eyebrows to twitch in annoyance.

“…Looks like I’m being rather underestimated here. But unfortunately, both of you are going to die to the monsters before either of you can get a chance to face me!”

“G-GYAAAAAAA!” “GAAAAAAAAAA!”

The monster horde started to move onto Zeanos and Lucius.

But when they did, Lucius’ alarmingly cold gaze seemed to pierce through the monsters. “How noisy”

With just a few words, the monsters were forced into silence. No, their very charge was forced to a halt

It was the result of the monsters who had lost their ability to reason, listening to whatever instincts they had remaining.

Lucius nodded happily, watching the monsters movements come to a halt “That’s right. Who’s a good boy?”

Every member of the Demon King’s Army, as well as the <Valkyries>, and even Rodius, had their eyes wide open in shock

“…Impossible… The hell is going on…!?” “Fumu, You’ll regret looking away from me” “What!? Gah-!”

Distracted by Lucius’ display of power, Rodius failed to notice Zeanos as he snuck up beside him and sank his rapier into his side.

Rodius tried to immediately make distance between them, but Zeanos denied him the opportunity.

“You’ve already――lost your chance to attack”

Zeanos continued with a stream of attacks akin to raging tides

No matter how much Rodius tried to guard against him, the way Zeanos’ rapier moved was like a living creature, as it easily slipped through his defences to wound him.

“Impossible, Impossible, Impossible!? That some who carries the power of the Demon God… that someone like me would…!?”

“<Demon God>? So what of it. I am a <Human> who has forced death itself to submit” “W-What!?”

“――There”

Taking advantage of that moment of hesitation, Zeanos pierced Rodius’ foot with his rapier

“GAAAAH!”

“Foe of mine, do you wish to still continue?”

Asked Zeanos, as he cleaned the blood off his rapier, with Rodius cowering before him.

This moment of complacency was one that only the strong were allowed, a position that Rodius had been in till now

But now, in reversal of his norms, he was the one who was being looked down upon.

“…This cannot be. This is something that cannot be…! For us Apostles, those who have received the Demon God’s power within them, to be defeated is…!”

Rodius mustered up all his strength as he forced himself to stand, with countless knives materialising into existence around them.

On top of that, they were no ordinary knives.

They were all special knives, each imbued with various elemental attributes. “DIEEEEE!”

The moment Rodius waved his arm, all the knives aiming at Zeanos flew towards him.

Calmly observing the knives, Zeanos jumped away from his current position, but the knives all turned and gave chase, without losing even a bit of their speed.

“These knives will keep chasing you until you’re dead…!” “Fumu…”

While Zeanos was dodging the knives, he nodded his head once, and ――. “[Dark Hole]”

“What!?”

Suddenly, a jet-black chunk of space appeared in between Zeanos and the knives

The knives trying to get Zeanos were sucked up into the space, disappearing within it. “[Dark Chain]”

“Wha-!?”

On top of that, Zeanos didn’t just stop there, but continued on to use another spell. A jet-black chain extended from Zeanos, catching up to and restraining Rodius.

“My apologies. I was someone who was called the [Dark Noble] after my death. Death- attribute magic was my specialty after all.”

“Guh-!”

In spite of Rodius’ desperate efforts to unwind his restraints, the jet-black chain remained unyielding.

And just like that, Zeanos had silently taken Rodius, who had been struggling and

floundering around on the ground, at sword point.

“Unfortunate, is it not? That your little happy hour has ended.” “D… Damn it aaaaaaaall!”

――And just like that, Rodius was taken prisoner.

2

[Kuh-! With these numbers… Just how many do we have to kill to finally see the end…!] Any and all monsters that approached the [Black Paladin] were burnt to ash by his

<Dark-Flame Magic>

<Dark-Flame Magic> was a unique attribute of magic possesed solely by the [Black Paladin], and it had a unique perk of being helpful to any allies, something normally not within the realm of fire-attributed magic.

It contained plenty of spells that were more powerful than normal fire-magic, but the [Black Paladin]’s strong point was his ability to make full use of that supportive quirk.

[Mu, Elmina-sama! <Dark Flame’s Protection>!]

The [Black Paladin] cast his spell on Elmina, who entered his field of vision. When he did so, dark flames appeared, wrapping around Elmina’s body “[Black Paladin]! Thanks!”

[I need not your thanks]

“But still… These things really just keep showing up non-stop! At this rate both our stamina and mana will be depleted…”

Clad in both black flames and a vest of lightning, Elmina sliced the dragonoid monster clean into halves, with her hand blade.

The other S-Class adventurers had already lost the composure they had at the start, and their expressions betrayed how flustered they were starting to get.

After all, they weren’t facing weak, helpless monsters, but full on S-Class monsters.

At first glance they may have appeared to have been easily dealing with the monsters, but they were fighting very carefully, eking out victories with the slimmest of margins, at a level that ordinary people would never be able to tell.

Because no matter even if they had the highest possible defence, just receiving one good strike from S-Class monsters would render them injured beyond recovery.

Even the Magic Division lead by Florio, who had only been providing cover fire for the S-Class adventurers and the <Abyss Schwartz> from behind, were starting to see signs of mana exhaustion

There was always an end to everything.

But, they could not even see a vision of themselves reaching the end of this wave.

――And for such a group of people, an unexpected source of reinforcements arrived.

“――Garus! I’m leaving it to you to rotate around the areas where the defences are thin! Anna will cause as much confusion amongst the monsters as possible, and Liliana will handle the monsters which physical attacks are ineffective on!”

“Ou! Leave it to me!” “I’m heading out!”

“Roger! [Flame Rain]!” “Eh?”

And so arrived Abel’s party, whose members were formerly known as Heroes for their actions.

Surprised by the sudden appearance of reinforcements that they’d never seen before, not just Elmina, but all of the members who were fighting there had shocked looks on their faces.

Paying them no heed, Abel cut down several monsters who had been around him, before heading to find other monsters to take down one after the other.

Garus, who wielded his massive shield, thrust himself between the soldiers who had been rendered immobile and the horde, using his shield to clobber the monsters.

Anna used her bow and throwing knives to gather the attention of many of the monsters in the horde, throwing their movements into chaos.

Liliana followed Abel’s instructions, using her magic assertively to occasionally bury any physically-resistant monsters with extreme prejudice.

With Abel’s party’s inhuman ability to exterminate monsters, the horde was visibly starting to lessen.

“I’m tellin’ ya, this ain’t nearly as bad as dying, or bumping into Seiichi…!”

As Abel continued cleaning up the monsters with a wry smile, a treasure chest with limbs growing out of it suddenly spoke up

“…Should I, lend a, hand?”

“Hm? Nah, we’re more than enough! We’ll leave the protection of Seiichi’s parents and the others to you!”

“…Got it”

The treasure chest assented, backing off to defend Mary and the other non-combatants nearby.

In reality, Seiichi’s father, Makoto, who the treasure chest was guarding, was muttering to himself as he observed the scene before his eyes.

“…We already saw many creatures that didn’t exist on Earth on the way here, but to think even dragons exists…”

“It’d cause quite a big scene if they appeared on earth wouldn’t it”

“Umu… From what I can see, these creatures are what they call monsters? They’re very likely to aggressively attack humans. Which reminds me, wasn’t the meat from the creature that Zeanos and the others caught monster meat?”

“Seems so. I was wondering what kind of odd flavours their meat would have, but it

was quite normal”

“It’s rather dangerous, but that’s this world’s culture” “Eh… I wonder how good Dragon meat would taste?”

“I’m interested in that too. Let’s ask Abel to get us some later”

Even though it wouldn’t be strange if they had collapsed seeing the scene before them, Seiichi’s parents continued to take things at their own pace, to the point that even the treasure chest wonder internally if the two of them were more than just “some important figures”

In truth, Zeanos’ maid Mary, and the ordinary florist Natalianna were dreadfully frightened by the sight before them.

While the treasure chest continued to misunderstand them, the two of Seiichi’s parents shared a look as they watched Abel fighting random Monsters

“Hey…”

“Eh, that monster…” “? Is there, problem?”

Asked the treasure chest, confused by their reaction.

In return, Makoto replied to the chest with a question of his own.

“Hey there, treasure chest. Do you think you could bring us to where Abel is right now?” “…Eh? Possible… But, dangerous”

“We’re fully aware of that”

“…Have to go, no matter what?” “Yeah. It’s something important” “…Got it”

Mary was already surprised by Makoto’s request, but the treasure chest’s agreement further added to that surprise.

“B-But it’s dangerous! Why would you put yourself in such risk!?”

“Mary, we’ll be fine. The treasure chest did say it was going to protect us as we go” “But you know that there’s no guarantee it’ll be able to that right!?”

“We understand. But, this is something we can’t afford not to do”

Pacifying Mary, who was trying to stop them, Makoto and Kasumi headed towards where Abel was, with the treasure chest guarding them.

Speaking of Abel, he was in the midst of fighting those same monsters, praying to find an opening.

Furthermore, since there were two monsters, Abel himself looked like he was going to get sandwiched by them.

“These damned things… I can’t see an opening…” “Abel-kun!”

“Eh?… Wha- Makoto-san!? And even Kasumi-san… It’s dangerous here, please turn back!” “We understand that. But, You’ll have to forgive us just this once”

“What?”

Abel was careful not to let his guard as he conversed with Makoto, while Kasumi started talking to the monster that he was fighting.

“The two of you――You’re Saria’s parents aren’t you?” “Eh!?”

“W-What?”

Both the treasure chest and Abel were shocked by what Kasumi said.

“Isn’t Saria… That girl that’s always by Seiichi’s side? There’s no way that could be tr――”

“…You know… our daughter…!?” “Seriously!? Wait, you can speak!?”

The monsters that Abel was fighting―― the <Kaizer Kongs>, had the same shocked expression as they looked at Kasumi.

“Yes, she’s with my son right now” “…Lying… Not seem like it…”

“Ara? You can tell if someone is lying? How convenient～”

It wasn’t exactly the time or place to talk about convenience or whatsoever, but the only thought that crossed Kasumi’s mind was how convenient that special skill was.

“Wait wait wait! I’m going to be bothered if you just carry on the conversation like this!? Eh, so what’s going on? Are you saying that Saria’s a monster!?”

“You didn’t know? Look, the way her eyes wrinkle is just like Saria’s!” “Her eye wrinkles!? Wait, that one’s a female!?”

“Yes, problem?”

Replied the Kaizer Kong in front of Abel, exasperated by the fact that he was asking questions with very clearly obvious answers.

Then, the other Kaizer Kong, who had been silent till then, spoke up. “Umu, I the male”

“Yes, I know. You must be Saria’s father, right?”

“I CAN’T TELL THE DIFFERENCE! How do you tell them apart, Kasumi-san!?” “Instinct?”

“Why are all of the members of Seiichi’s family weird!”

And while Abel was shouting away desperately, Makoto calmly continued.

“In short, we noticed that these two were Saria’s parents. So we came down to stop you”

“No, but if that’s the case then… I’d never have thought to distinguish between each of the monsters I face, but… Well, whatever. So? What about you two? Still wanna fight?”

Asked Abel, with an earnest look on his face, and the pair of Kaizer Kongs also replied with the same earnestness.

“No, we stop. Can’t hurt daughter’s acquaintances. Besides, it seems like brainwashed. Only snapped out of it when hear <Saria>‘s name”

“Brainwishing? What exactly do you mean by th――” “GUOOOOOOOO!”

Before he could finish his sentence, Abel was interrupted as other monsters from the horde attacked him.

“Tsk! We won’t be able to have a decent conversation here… Makoto-san! If you’re done with your things here then head back to where Mary and the others are! And regarding these two… people? Creatures? Ah whatever! In any case, we’re not gonna fight each other anymore!”

“Good point. It’d be bad to keep you up any longer, so the two of us will head back”

“You’re right… Ah, hold on! Abel-san, could you bring back some dragon meat on your way back later? We’d like to have some of it to eat～”

“You really are really carefree aren’t you!? A-Ah, I got it! I’ll try and do something about it!”

“Thanks! Well then, let’s head back” “…Do your best”

The treasure chest left him a few short words of encouragement at the end, before

leaving to take Makoto and Kasumi back.

Confirming that they had left, Abel called out to the two Kaizer Kongs that had attacked him earlier.

“The two of you, since you said your brainwashing has come undone, can you help me out a little here?”

“Leave to us. Oh, and by the way, name is <Sunny>“ “Mine <Adramelech>. Call me that”

“The hell is with that cool-sounding name!?” “? Almost all monsters have same names?” “That’s news to me!”

Even as Abel continued to retort on these weird things, he managed to take down the other monsters with the aid of the two Kaizer Kongs that were Saria’s parents.

As a result, the combination of Abel of and the Kaizer Kongs proved to be decisive move that allowed them all to safely defeat the rest of the monster horde.

After the successful extermination of the monsters, Abel found himself approached by Florio.

“I’d like to extend thanks to you for your assistance… However, we have a slight problem in that we have no idea who you all are. Are you one of the Adventurer parties? And besides that, those monster that you have with you are…”

Abel had a wry smile on his face as he listened to Florio’s justified concerns and questions.

“Ahー… We’re actually not Adventurers, but… Now that I think about it, trying to explain this mess is pretty difficult!”

He couldn’t exactly just tell Florio that he was one of the formerly dead Heroes, who had recently been brought back to life, and expect his story to be believed.

While Abel was wracking his brains trying to figure out what to say, his comrade Garus and the treasure chest had come along to where he was.

“Something the matter?”

Asked Kasumi, while Abel was at his wit’s end trying to come up with an explanation. “Erm… I was trying to figure out how to explain our situation to this person over here…” “Umu… From what I can see, he looks like one of this country’s soldiers…”

Having come to a conclusion based on what he could see Florio and his followers were wearing, Makoto called out to Florio.

“Excuse me, my name is Hiragi Makoto. This might a little sudden, but are you familiar with the name Seiichi?”

“Eh? Seiichi, is it?”

Florio was surprised by what Makoto had said.

“Yes. We’re Seiichi’s acquaintances. Well, to be exact, Kasumi and I are his parents, but… And also, these two monsters here happen to be Saria’s parents.”

“EEEEH!? S-So you were Seiichi’s parents!… And, Saria’s parents!? Wait wait wait, no matter how I look at it, there’s no way monsters could be her pa…”

“Hm? Were you not aware? Saria is of the same species as these two monsters here…” “Indeed, Saria is a Kaizer Kong, just like us”

“That’s a really shocking piece of news to me! And also, you can speak!?”

Watching Florio’s shocked reaction, Abel comforted himself with the thought that”Ah, thank god I’m not the only one shocked by these turn of events”.

“We only just met Saria’s parents here, but we actually came for a different reason. You see, we just met up with Seiichi not too long ago. We heard about this country when we were searching for somewhere to settle, and managed to get here only with the help of this Abel and his party here. But, the moment we arrived, it seemed like you were having quite a tough time dealing with the situation, so Abel came out to help.”

“Yeah. We were thinking of coming to this country to become adventurers, so we decided to help guard Makoto on his way here at the same time. But we were quite shocked when we saw you being attacked by the large flock of monsters… Actually wait no, the most shocking thing was Saria’s parents…”

Abel was astonished as he listened to Abel and the others explain their situation

“Sigh… Should I say that this is “as expected of Seiichi’s parents and acquaintances”?… In any case, I’d like to express my thanks for helping us out.”

“Don’t worry about it, I’m just glad we made it on time”

Florio had his head bowed down in thanks, but when he lifted his head, his expression wasn’t exactly great

“…No, this isn’t actually over yet. There are still monsters attacking from the other side of the city…”

“Ah, they should be fine on that side” “Eh?”

Replied Florio reflexively, when he head what the wry-looking Abel had said “More of Seiichi’s acquaintances are heading over to that side too…”

“Those must have been the surplus forces…”

“Yeah, they are. I mean, I can’t even think of another person strong enough to accompany the two of them… Ah, that’s excluding Seiichi”

“That so, isn’t it… Seiichi aside not a single person comes to mind when it comes to finding who can even be their opponents…”

“Erm… What exactly does that mea――”

Not just Abel, but even Garus and his other comrades voiced their agreement with wry smiles.

Before Florio had a chance to ask them what their reaction meant, a single soldier rushed by to interrupt them.

“Florio-sama! Reporting! It’s about the other side but, they’ve managed to clean up due to the aide from two people who suddenly appeared!”

“Eh!?”

“Right on the dot, huh…”

Florio had his eyes wide open in shock as he listened to the soldier’s report.

Even with Florio’s eyes bugging out in front of him, the soldier professionally kept his calm as he continued reading the report.

“According to information from our scouts, the subjugation of the surrounding monsters

has been completed, as such, Florio-sama and the S-Class adventurers are to return to the castle and report to His Majesty immediately”

“Understand. Please help me convey this information to the rest of the S-Class adventurers. After that, instruct the Magic Division to keep guard as the rest of the soldiers head out to collect the drop items”

“Roger!”

After receiving his orders, the soldier immediately moved out.

After ascertaining the soldier had left, Florio turned back to Abel and the others, and said, apologetically.

“My apologies… May I ask everyone else here to accompany me there? Of course, that includes Saria’s parents as well”

“Eh? We’re fine with it, but… is that really okay?” “Yeah. We monster, after all”

“Yes, it’s perfectly fine. You’re Saria’s parents, and you’ve also helped us in our subjugations efforts after all, so if possible, I actually hope you’ll be able to give a detailed account to His Majesty as well… Besides, you’re Seiichi’s acquaintances after all. We can’t possibly just disregard you two”

Accepting Florio’s offer to accompany him to the castle, Abel and company followed behind with Florio at the front, leading them to their destination.

2

“Mm? You’ve arrived” “Heeey, over here～”

When Florio, who was guiding Abel and company through the castle, finally led them

to the chamber, they found that Zeanos and Lucius were already there and waiting for them.

If you were just to pay attention to the words being said, then the inside of the room

might have seemed peaceful, but the atmosphere inside was far more wretched. “Sob… sob…”

“…Argh… argh…” “…Hiccup… hiccup…”

While he was smiling, Lucius had 3 people crucified to the wall with his spears of darkness.

Those 3 were, of course, the Apostle of the <Demon God Cult>, and even though they were normally holders of enormous power, that unfortunately meant nothing in front of Lucius.

Florio and the other S-class adventurers were shocked by the bloodstained visage of the three apostles greeting them as soon as they entered the room.

In the face of such a scene of violence, Abel’s facial muscles couldn’t help but stiffen, as he asked,

“E-Erm… What exactly are you doing…?”

“Hmー? These three pissed me off really badly you see. So I decided to punish them a little. Hahahahaha”

“I-I seeー… Ha, hahahaha…” “This ain’t funny”

That’s what Abel really thought on the inside

Trying to find something to change the subject, Abel looked around the room, only to find gloomy faces on everyone.

Noticing the state of affairs, Florio had a difficult express on his face as he called out to Ranze

“Your Majesty, we’ve returned”

“Hm? Oh, it’s you Florio. Good work out there”

“Thank you very much. Erm… If I may inquire, who are these people…?”

Asked Florio, staring at Zeanos and Lucius’ figures before him, and Ranze let out a sigh as he informed Florio.

“I’m not sure of the details. But, they’re apparently acquaintances of Seiichi. Well, they did help out Louis when her team was in trouble, so I don’t particularly think they’re evil. But if you’re going to ask me that, then how about you explain who you’ve dragged along? It look like there are even monsters in the bunch…”

“Ah… They also appear to be Seiichi’s acquaintances. Those two seem to be Seiichi’s parents, while the two monsters over there claim to be Saria’s parents…”

“Seriously!? That’s some messed up stuff, in a lot of ways!? But, details aside, Seiichi’s acquaintances being here really helped us out this time. But, to think that not just Seiichi, but even his acquaintances are so out of the norm…”

To that exasperated Ranze, Florio asked what happened to create the current gloomy atmosphere.

“And so, Your Majesty. What in the world happened to cause this gloomy atmosphere? Come to think of it, none of the demons are present right now…”

“Aah… The Demon King’s Daughter… Lutia, was taken out” “Wha-!?”

Ranze’s reply left Florio speechless.

But, he quickly regained his composure, and asked for the details on what happened. “So, the Demon Army is…”

“In a special room, keeping her under constant supervision and nursing” “How are her injuries!? What about healing magic…”

“We’ve tried it all. But, the tool that the three crucified people over there used was

nasty” “Eh?”

“――It was a [Cursed Tool]” “Ah…”

With that one phrase from Ranze, Florio managed to just about guess everything that happened.

“The type of curse inside the [Cursed Tool], was the same type as the one that was used on me before… Healing magic, or even restorative medicines, nothing worked. What’s even more vicious is that if we don’t dispel it in three days, she’ll die”

“No way…”

“The members of the Demon Army wanted to immediately kill those three crucified there, but they held themselves back. Because if we killed them, we’d lose all chance to deal with the curse. Right now, we could use any information we get to save her.”

“That’s…”

Florio was unable to finish his sentence

A twisted smile appeared on the crucified Edmond’s face, as he took in the dispirited looks from everyone else in the room

“Ku… Kukuku… Serves… you all right… That girl’s life… is already forfeit…”

“You’re still so full of energy aren’t you? What should I do? How about, I tear off that loud mouth of yours?”

“Lucius-dono, stop. That would be giving this guy what he wants”

Zeanos attempted to calm down Lucius, who was bearing down on them with his overwhelming pressure

Suddenly reminded of something by the scene before, Florio turned to Ranze and said.

“That’s it! Let’s call Seiichi here! Just like with Your Majesty’s case, if it’s Seiichi, then he’ll surely be able to do something about it!”

The moment Florio said that, Ranze shook his head.

“Impossible. No matter how fast we move from here, it’ll take at least a week to get to Barbadora Magic Academy. There is a person who can use teleportation magic here, but because they’ve never been to Barbadora, we can’t use that method.”

“No way…”

While everyone else was in the midst of their despair, someone suddenly said something in an obviously out-of-place, lax-sounding voice

“May I have a moment?” “Hm? My lady, you are…?”

The owner of that voice, Kasumi, moved to where Ranze was.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but you’re saying that Seiichi is needed here, right?”

“Yes, that’s right”

“I’m not too sure about that details, but can’t the Treasure Chest do something about that?”

“Eh?”

Her sudden suggestion affected not just Ranze, but almost everyone there, with their pupils shrinking to the size of dots in shock

But, Ranze quickly regained his composure, and asked “W-Who is this Treasure chest…”

“…Mm, that’s me”

“It’s an actual Treasure Chest!? No, in the first place why does it have limbs growing

out of it!?”

“Trivial problem. Don’t worry about it”

“As I thought, that guy’s friends are all weird!”

Ranze had inadvertently retorted on the Treasure Chest’s looks, but regained his seriousness as soon as he remembered the current situation, and inquired about the chest.

“According to that lady, you have the ability to bring Seiichi here but…” “…I, can do it. Have been to academy, and, can use teleportation magic” “Aren’t you one excellent treasure chest!?”

In front of his shocked audience, the Treasure Chest jabbed his thumb into his chest, and proclaimed

“…Leave, the rest, to me”

His figure exuded so much trustworthiness that one wouldn’t have thought it was from a Treasure Chest.

“――The appearance… of a dungeon?” “Indeed”

I had come to the Headmaster’s Office at Barna-san’s call.

And this was where I was informed of the appearance of a dungeon

…Hmm… If we’re talking about dungeons, then the only real experience I’ve had are with the <Forest of Endless Love and Sorrow>, and the place where the Black Dragon God was…

“Are dungeons something that can just suddenly spawn out of nowhere?”

“No, ‘tis something that would never happen. However, because of the strange power that the <Demon God Cult>‘s Apostle used, it ended up spawning in the forest close to the academy”

Come to think of it, wasn’t Al deployed to investigate that forest at Barna-san’s instructions? To think that it would be because an Apostle of the <Demon God Cult>

“If it’s only just appeared, then this must be a new dungeon, right?” “No, that might not be the case…”

“Eh?”

I tilted my head in puzzlement.

Since you said that a dungeon has appeared, then it should be a new dungeon right? Or so I thought, but Barna-san politely corrected me.

“From the looks of things, it does not seem like you understand. When a dungeon appears, there are two things that can happen : Either it’s a new dungeon, or a new entrance has appeared to an already existing dungeon. If it’s a new dungeon then it’s simply a matter of capturing it, but it’s a different story if it’s a new entrance connected to an existing dungeon. Depending on the case, there might be dungeons that are large enough to span across more than one kingdom. In situations like those, early warning and accurate information gathering is necessary, for fear of its use as a passage in wars or otherwise.”

“I see…”

To think that a situation like new exits opening up in a different country could occur.

“With that being the reason, the appearance of a dungeon is not a matter that we can simply overlook”

“Then, the reason you’ve called me here today is to…”

When I said that, Barna turned to look at me with a serious expression on his face “Umu. I would like to request that you, Seiichi, capture the dungeon”

“Me? Uh, while I am definitely an adventurer, I’ve hardly had any experience in dungeons, much less clearing them…”

“I am well aware of your power. Though I haven’t the faintest hint why you might be hiding it, I have at least caught a glimpse of it when you annihilated the army of monsters attacking Terveil’s walls. And what confirmed it for me was when the

<Demon God Cult> came to attack us. I shudder to think of what would have happened if you weren’t there to help…”

Ah-… Come to think of it, I haven’t really been paying attention to keeping my power hidden recently. No wait, did I even have the intention to keep them hidden from the start?

…Looking back at what I’ve done in the past, I realised that my efforts to try and keep my power hidden haven’t exactly been much to speak of. I got one thing though. That I’m an idiot.

Well, then again, there really hasn’t been a need to hide it up till now.

“At any rate, the reason I want to deploy someone as powerful as you is because I need to gather information on the dungeon earlier than usual. Because of the previous incident, I can’t really afford to step out of the academy after all…”

“I see… I understand your reason for doing this. If you’re okay with someone like me, then I’ll go”

“Oh! That would really help. Ah, because you don’t have much experience with Dungeons, feel free to take Altoria along with you, Seiichi. I’ll leave it to your discretion who else you bring along”

“Got it. I’ll head out as soon as I’m done with my preparation”

“My apologies for burdening you for this heavy task, but I’m counting on you”

…It’s really been a long time hasn’t it? Since I’ve gone into a dungeon. Ah, but… I wonder if the <Underworld> counts as a dungeon?

In any case, it is my first job as an adventurer after such a long while. Since it is a dungeon after all, I should get myself psyched for it.

After all, there was that situation where Al and I were separated in the Black Dragon God’s resting place, so I have to be on my guard this time.

The members I should bring along are… Well, it’ll probably be them won’t it? Al is a given, and I should bring Saria, Rurune and Origa-chan along too. It should be okay if I asked Agnos and Beatrice and company to help too.

While I was thinking about all that stuff and walking down the hall, something really bright suddenly shone in my eye.

“Eh?”

I had a rather stupid look on my face as I stared, shocked, at the fading brilliance, which revealed a certain Treasure Chest who was supposed to be travelling with my father.

“Eh? Huh? Wh, Why’s the Treasure chest…?”

“…Target identified. You, I will, bring along” “Excuse me?”

Ignoring the fact that I was still in a daze trying to understand this incomprehensible situation, the Treasure Chest grabbed onto my arm.

“Then, we go”

“Eh, Wh, where exactly are we goi――” “Storage”

“What’s going on!? Hey, wait-… UEEEEEEEEEEEEE!?”

Unexpectedly, the treasure chest opened it’s lid, and stored me within itself.

And so, I was left in this completely dark space, still completely unaware of what was going on.

2

“Brought here”

“What exactly is going on!? Can I please get an explanation!”

I have no idea exactly how much time I spent there, when suddenly a burst of light filled the dark space, but before I could react, the Treasure Chest grabbed my hand, and pulled me out of itself. To think that treasure chests would have that kind of space inside them.

While I was thinking such escapist-like thoughts, I was suddenly brought out of it by a voice.

“Great, it seems like you’re doing fine, Seiichi” “Eh? Wait, Ranze-san!? T-Then this must be…”

“Indeed, this is Terveil, capital of the Winburg Kingdom”

It seems that, while I was still confused about what was going on, I had been spirited off to Terveil

Taking another look around me, I spotted not just Zeanos and Lucius’ group, but I even spotted Florio and Louis nearby.

Hold up, what’s that? I’m even seeing a pair of familiar-looking gorillas… Is it just my imagination?

“Erm… I don’t exactly know what’s going on here, so can anyone bring me up to speed?” I wonder if it was something I did?

Thoughts inadvertently came to my mind about how gloomy the atmosphere of the room seemed

With an intense look on his face, Ranze spoke up. “Seiichi. We have something to request of you”

“F-From me?” “Indeed”

Somehow, it feels like the whole of today has just been people asking me for help… Well, I’m indebted to both Ranze and Barna, so if possible I’d like to help them.

While I did think that I wanted to help them, Ranze’s request turned out to be an even heavier responsibility than I expected

“――The Demon King’s Daughter has been afflicted by a curse from a [Cursed Tool]. I’d like you to do something about that”

“The Demon King’s Daughter!? And she’s been cursed…”

When I was once again shocked by his words, Lucius came to explain the situation to me, but even though he had a smile on his face, Lucius wasn’t exactly controlling his inner bloodlust.

“Those pieces of garbage rolling around over there made a move against my precious comrades. What’s worse, they even resorted to using something like a [Cursed Tool]”

“Garbage?”

Following Lucius’ gaze, when I turned my sight towards that direction, what greeted me was three bloodstained men rolling around on the floor. Eh… What is this, some kind of murder scene? T-They’re alive, right?

“Those things rolling about over there are Apostles of the <Demon God Cult>“ “Eeh!?”

I was surprised to find out they were in the same organisation that recently caused trouble at Barbadora academy

“Those bastards over there, attacked the Demon King’s Daughter using a [Cursed Tool]. On top of that, the curse they used was the same type that was cast on me, something that no one in existence should have been able to break. But, you’ve already managed to break that cursed once. Using that power, I’d like you to help the Demon King’s Daughter”

To be completely honest, the situation is developing so rapid that I can’t quite keep up.

How the situation got to this point, why the <Demon God Cult> Apostles came to attack… In any case, even if I have plenty of things I still don’t understand, the safety of the Demon King’s Daughter comes first.

“I-I understand. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to do anything, but I’ll give it a shot”

To think that I would once again have to use the Reversal Magic [Get Well] again…! No, this time I don’t have to say the name of the spell out loud. Nice!

My words seem to give Ranze and the others a little relief, as I moved towards a certain room.

“She’s sleeping in here. The ones around her are all her vassals, so don’t worry about them”

“Okay”

Just as Ranze said, the inside of the room was filled with what seemed to be Demons, with looks of worry and anxiety on their faces, as they wandered out with their bloodlust unchecked, causing the room to have an even heavier atmosphere than the one I just came from.

Seeming unaffected by it all, Ranze called out to everyone in the room. “Oi, all of you. I’ve brought along someone who can break the [Curse]” [!!]

[!!]

“Oooh-!?”

I let out a little squeak of surprise as they all simultaneously turned their eyes towards us. Y-You don’t have to look at me like that…

Then, a beautiful lady, with a getup that was almost pornographic levels of exposure, asked Ranze.

“…That boy? You must be joking?”

“I understand why you might think this is a joke, but I’m telling the truth”

“…Even though I’d rather not admit it, you know this a [Curse] right? I’ve never heard of a [Curse] ever being dispelled before”

When the lady said so, one of the ones loitering around while releasing their bloodlust, a handsome white haired guy, turned his sharp gaze in my direction

“To think that you would make these kinds of jokes in front of us now… I take it that you must really want to die, don’t you?”

I thought about this when I helped out Ranze before but, it’s really true that [Curses] are something that this world has no solution for, huh?

Well, that aside…

“I’m a friend of this kingdom’s ruler, Ranze. While it may impossible to ask you all to believe me completely right now, may I at least ask for a little bit of trust?”

“No chance. Hidin’ your face under that dubious hood pretty much marks ya as a suspicious person”

That’s a perfectly understandable reason!

Having realised that I forgot to remove my hood, I immediately pulled it down.

When I did, every one of the Demons’ eyes shot wide open. I don’t recall my face being that shocking though?

“Is this alright?”

“Eh? Ah… O-Oh… No, I mean I did tell him to show his face but…” What the heck is that?! That response!

I get that letting someone strange close to the master you’re serving is bad but… Ah whatever, can I just get on to using my magic?

While I was thinking of using a slightly forceful way to make some progress, Lucius stepped forwards from behind me

“There’s nothing to be worried about. I guarantee it”

That’s right! Lucius is the first generation Demon King after all, so they should listen to what he says!

“Eh!? Ah, that’s… I’ve been wondering about this for a while but… Who exactly are you?” “Oops～, I forgot to introduce myself～”

“You can’t just go around and forget to introduce yourself!”

If you haven’t introduced yourself then you’re basically another stranger just like me!

“Ah, my bad my bad. I’m Lucius Arsahl. Founder of the Demon Country… Or in other words, the First Demon King”

[EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH!?]

Sounds of shock filled the room. Well, that’s to be expected. Even I’m surprised after all “Did I just mishear what you said…”

“B-But still… Even if you say you’re the First Demon King…”

But, even the Demons would be troubled if you suddenly introduce yourself as the first Demon King

In truth, everyone wasn’t really sure how they should react.

“Hmmー… We don’t really have the time to do a Q&A here… Ah, I know!”

Said Lucious suddenly, as if he thought of something after a short moment where he looked like he was deep thought.

“You all, remember your fight, and that you would have died if I had not come along? In other words, I’m telling you to believe me since I’m your life’s savior… Right?”

Lucius, that line of argument is too irrational!

It was faint, but I could tell that Demons had no choice but to nod their heads because of Lucius’ aura of intimidation bearing down on them.

In a certain sense, his actions were befitting that of a Demon King… Or rather I should say they were straight out evil, but Lucius simply turned to me, smiling, as he said

“There, go ahead and do what you need to!” “…Okay”

I had no choice but to follow along and nod my head.

Finally given a chance to use my magic on the Demon King’s Daughter by Lucius, I immediately grabbed her hand, activating my Reversal Magic [Get Well]

When I did so, light began to flow from my hands and was absorbed into her body. [Wha-!?]

All of the Demons who saw that were shocked, and in particular, the white haired hunk suddenly grabbed me by my collar.

“Oi, you bastard! What kinda magic are ya using on ‘er!?” “Eh? I-Is is bad If I’d rather not say!?”

“Of course! I’m shocked ya can do it chantless, but using this kinda strange magic on Lutia-sama… Yer just askin’ to be taught a lesson!”

Not just the white-haired hunk, but all the other demons also unleashed their bloodlust Eeeh… Is there really no choice for me but to tell them!?

Why do I feel like they’d kill me regardless of whether I tell them or not!?

I tried to think of a way out of this, but was unable to come up with anything, and that, together with the pressure from the Demons, made me give in and confess…

“…… well”

“Huh? I can’t hear ya!”

“…I said it was… [Get Well]…”

“……Huh? Just now… What didja just say…?”

Ah, whatever! Now that it’s come down to this, I’ll just say it “Like I said! I used the Reverse Magic [Get Well]!”

“――DON’T FUCK WITH MEEEEEEE!”

See, he’s angry now! Didn’t I already say so! That’s why I didn’t want to say the name out loud

Where the heck are you!? Whichever idiot named this spell!

――That idiot was me!

“Keep it believable if ya tryna make fun of us!? There ain’t no way this kinda childish sounding magic would exi――”

“…Hm… mm? This… Is…?”

“――SHE OPENED HER EYEEEEEEEEEES!?”

The moment the Demon King’s Daughter awakened, and softly said something, the white-haired hunk immediately tossed me aside as he rushed to her side

The other Demons around her also rushed to her side

“Lutia-sama! Are you alright!? Does your body feel weird!?” “…I’m fine. But… What’s going on…”

The Demon King’s Daughter seemed perfectly fine physically but was a little surprised as she had no idea what was going after because she had just awakened.

And so, the male Demon explained everything that happened to her, which led up to this strange set of circumstances.

“…Lutia-sama. Up till just now, you’ve been in a state of near death in your sleep, as you were inflicted with a curse because of the enemy’s underhanded use of a <Cursed Tool>“

“A curse!?”

“Yes. However, the curse has been dispelled by that boy over there. I’ve confirmed that his skill was used, so there’s no mistaking that. However…”

“…However? Did something happen?”

She tilted her head, puzzled by the male demon’s hesitation.

It seems like this male demon was the only one who confirmed that I used my skill, as the other demons once again directed their bloodlust at me when they heard that there might be something up with her body. Ah, just cut me a break already.

“…I’m not exactly sure how to say this but, in replacement of the [Curse] you had, a new [Blessing] called <Eternal Health> has been granted to you…”

[Huh?]

All the Demons had an idiotic expression plastered on their faces.

Ah, so both Ranze and Lutia had been granted the same [Blessing]. I’m not sure what kind of [Curse] they were afflicted with, but it looks like everything turned out alright. After all, they’ve both had their lifespans extended by 10 years, don’t need to worry about illnesses for the rest of their lives, and are less likely to receive injuries.

When Lutia checked with the other demons on the effects of her [Blessing], she was once again shocked by it’s contents

“…W-What’s with these, ridiculous effects…”

Said one particularly beautiful female demon, and it was almost like she was speaking for everyone else in the room.

Then Lucius, who had been watching over the course of events, happily gripped onto my shoulder with one of his hands

“Ah, just as amazing as ever I see! Even though it’s common sense that [Curses] can’t be dispelled, to think that you would not just dispel it but even turn it into a [Blessing]!”

“…? You are?”

Asked Lutia curiously, intrigued as she finally noticed Lucius’ presence.

“Me? I’m Lucius Arsahl. We’re not related by blood, but… Maybe you’ll understand if I say that I’m the First Demon King?”

“Eh!?”

Miss Demon King’s Daughter’s eyes somehow managed to open even wider in shock.

“T-That name does indeed belong to the Founder of our Demon Country, the First Demon King but… could it be true?”

“Un, though you might not believe it, the very same Seiichi here who dispelled your curse, also brought me back from the underworld!”

[Brought back from the underworld!?]

The phrase “Brought back from the underworld” left everyone shocked. It can’t be helped though. I’d probably react the same way if I were on their side. But at same time I’m the cause of it all…!

At this point, Lutia turned her gaze to face me “…Are you the one who saved me?”

“Eh? Ah, yes. I suppose… that would be the case, wouldn’t it?”

When she heard my reply, Lutia got off her bed, and started walking towards me “Er-Erm”

“…”

When she finally was beside me, she stopped to stare intently at my face. What’s this? Some new form of teasing? It’s really embarrassing and uncomfortable though?

After staring at me for a bit, she started to move away from me.

“…I felt an absurd amount of power from you. You, are you really a human?” “Yes, I’m a human”

Though, I’m not completely confident in my answer.

“…In any case, I’d like to thank you for saving me. If what everyone else said was true, then I should have been left for dead. I’d like to repay you for saving me. Is there anything that you might want?”

I also thought so back when I saved Ranze, but compared to us normals, the ones who carry the burden of ruling their countries really have so many responsibilities and obligations tied to everything that they do

But it’s not like I saved her because I wanted a reward or anything, so even if she asks me that, I don’t really have anything in mind…

“Erm… I don’t need a rewa――”

“You’re not going say that you won’t accept Lutia-sama gratitude, are you?” What’s his problem? This white-haired hunk. He’s really freaking me out

So, I ended up telling the truth, that I couldn’t think of anything that I wanted

“I’m sorry… I really can’t think of anything on such short notice, so would it be possible to leave it up till later to decide?”

“…That’s… Hmm, I guess it can’t be helped. But, I definitely want to repay you somehow, so please do think it over”

“I understand”

I don’t particularly have anything I want right now, but I’d better think it through.

Various things have happened but, finally completing my mission of saving the Demon King’s Daughter, I decided to report the good news to Ranze.

“Ranze, I somehow managed to save her”

“Oh, seriously? No, you really are as ridiculous as I expected. Thank you” “Isn’t your way of thanking me a little weird!?”

While we carried on with our little back and forth, Ranze and I turned to face where the three beat-up members of the <Demon God Cult> were

“So… What should we do with them?”

“Ah… I had planned to just leave them restrained, and maybe hand them off to Lorna or someone else to interrogate but…”

Ah… Now that he mentioned it, Louis had a subordinate named Lorna who was skilled at interrogations didn’t she.

I suddenly recalled a moment in the past. “――That would be troubling”

[!]

Sudden… Without any signs at all, a creepy looking man with a faint smile on his face appeared, covering the the three unconscious Apostles

With the appearance of the mysterious intruder, all of the demons and adventurers around us all readied their weapons simultaneously.

“You bastard… Who the hell are you!”

Asked a dignified looking male demon, and the mysterious intruder replied.

“I’ll be troubled if they get caught. They’re precious and capable pawns that I’d regret to part with after all”

“Answer the question!”

This time, the white-haired hunk molded the darkness he was clad in into a spear, and tossed it at the intruder.

However, a snap from the intruder was all it took for the spear to disappear. “Wha-!?”

“No need to be so impatient, we’ll meet again soon. Well then, till next time――”

With another snap of his fingers, the intruder disappeared along with the 3 apostles of the <Demon God Cult>

…Who was that? The fact that he took those 3 along, must mean that he’s one of their

<Demon God Cult> allies but…

But before all of that, I was more concerned by the fact that my body did not react to his presence at all

The way that he disappeared in that instant, made me think that he must have used a skill or some kind of magic but… The fact that my ability to evolve didn’t react at all makes me think that it’s neither of those, but truly some kind of special power.

While I was still occupied by my thoughts of the intruder, Ranze quickly began sending out orders to his soldiers.

“Oi, I want every nook and cranny of the city search! And get in touch with the gatekeepers!”

“Sire! ”Afterwards, we remained on alert for quite a while longer, but in the end, we were unable to find the intruder or the three <Demon God Cult> Apostles

Because of the mysterious invader’s disappearance, Ranze got a lot busier dealing with things related to that, so I decided to head to where my dad and the others were.

It might be a little selfish of me, but there wasn’t much I could do with the situation still so unclear, and above all, since this was a rare opportunity for us to meet up, I’d like to have the time to sit down and have a nice chat.

It’s just that――.

“…Erm… Why exactly are you following me?” “…I can’t?”

“No, it’s not that you can’t, but…” “…Then there’s no problem”

“I’m asking for the reason though!?”

That’s right. Ever since then, Lutia has been following me around from behind me.

“Erm. Wouldn’t it be better for you to be together with the other Demons, rather than following someone like me around? Look, up till just a bit ago, you were in grave danger, so for your own protection…”

“…If that’s the case, then I would be safest by your side. You’re the strongest one here after all”

What do I even say in response?

It’s strange… Even though this place is supposed to be a gathering of the strongest people representing their various countries…!

Noticing that I was troubled, Lutia, feeling a little dissatisfied, continued. “…Also, my name is Lutia. Please call me by my name”

“M-My bad… Erm, Lutia-san?” “…Just Lutia is fine”

“No, I can’t exactly just refer to the Demon King’s Daughter without any honorifics…”

“Lutia” “Erm…” “Lutia”

“…Alright. Lutia”

“…Un. That’s how it should be”

When I finally caved into the pressure, and called her by name alone, Lutia gave me a satisfied nod.

“…By the way, what’s your name?” “Me? I’m Seiichi”

“Seiichi… Un. Also, no need for formal language with me. And no, you’re not allowed to refuse that”

“Aren’t we going through the formalities too quickly!?” Well, it’s not like it really matters.

And so, without finding out why she was following along, I continued towards where my parents were

When I arrived, I found not just my parents, but even the Treasure Chest and the two people… No, two bodies? Two heads? The pair? Of strangely familiar gorillas.

Noticing me, my dad called out to me, smiling. “Seiichi! Have you been alright?”

“Un, I’m still the same as ever”

“I see, that’s good. How are Saria and the others doing?”

“They’re fine. Ah, speaking of which, those two gorillas over there are…”

Since my parents were with them, my parents must know something about their situation, but just as I was about to ask my them about it, someone from the gorilla’s direction called out to me

“Seiichi… So, you Saria’s――Daughter’s mate” “Eh!? Daughter!?”

What the gorilla said really surprised me

Ignoring my clear surprise, the two gorillas continued on talking. “I, Saria’s mother, <Sunny>“

“I, father <Adramelech>“

“Hold on, my mind’s still trying to catch up!” “…Speech capable monsters… How rare”

These two are Saria’s parents!? Seriously!?

No, I get that Saria was a gorilla, so her parents should be gorillas too, but still!

I was really only familiar with my allies in the human race, so I was truly surprised from the bottom of my heart, when I found out there were Saria’s parents.

Even Lutia, who was following me around me from behind, was a little surprised that Saria’s parents were capable of speech

“Ara, did you not realise, Seiichi? Look, Sunny’s eye wrinkles are exactly like Saria’s” “How can you tell, mom!? I can’t see the resemblance at all!?”

I’ve always known my parents were a bit weird and lacked common sense, but this is on a whole other level…

“Umu… Now I see with own eyes, Seiichi existence abnormally strong” “Saria picked good mate. Bloodline guaranteed carry on”

While I was having my conversation with my mom, Saria’s parents were also having their own conversation in parallel

…Well, I’ve already been quite impolite to them by this point, but I should still give my proper greetings to Saria’s parents.

“…My apologies for the late greeting, I’m Seiichi Hiragi, I’ve had the privilege of dating your daughter Saria”

“Oo, My my… So, when children coming?”

“Better fast. Because, who know what happen later” “PFFFT!?”

Ah, these two are definitely Saria’s parents!

The way they think is almost exactly like hers!

While I was thinking that in my head, Sunny suddenly asked a question “But… Daughter gorilla, Seiichi Human. Is there problem?”

“Ah… About that, right now Saria is living amongst us in a form that’s pretty indistinguishable from humans so that’s fine. But even she still looked like a gorilla, I would still love her…”

“I see… Hm? Indistinguishable from human? What mean?”

Ah, do these two not know of the existence of the <Seed of Evolution>?

But it’s already existed in the <Forest of Endless Love and Sorrow> for a while already hasn’t it…

I decided to tell them about Saria and I ate the <Seeds of Evolution>, and her race evolved to the point where she could turn into human form

“…<Seed of Evolution>… Definitely feel like hear somewhere before…” “But, cannot understand how turn into human. We want try eat, but…”

“Erm… I do happen to have some on hand, would you like to have one?”

That’s right, ever since I started to cultivate the <Seed of Evolution> in my smartphone, they’ve managed to successfully bear fruit, and produce even more

It wasn’t something that I could eat any more of, but I could give them to others.

It’s effects are really potent, so I have to carefully choose who to give them to though… But it should be fine if it’s Saria’s parents. Receiving a <Seed of Evolution> from me, the two of them began inspecting it from various angles

“Oh… So this <Seed of Evolution>…” “No special smell”

Seeing the two of them examine the seed, Lutia began pulling on the hem of my shirt “Hm?”

“…Give me one of those too” “Eh, no… that’s…”

While I was wonder what was with her, the two gorillas both took a bite out of the

<Seed of Evolution> at the same time And then ――.

““G… GROSSS! ”“

They shrieked.

Yeah, I completely understand

It’s effects might be amazing, but the taste of the <Seed of Evolution> is absolutely disgusting

After watching the two of them puking their guts out, Lutia had a serious expression as she said

“…On second thought, nevermind”

The fact that she gave up on it at the end is really helpful. Good job, Seed of Evolution! Wiping away the remnants from her lips, Sunny’s voice was trembling a bit as she said “D-Digusting… But with this, can turn human?”

“Ah, about that――”

You can’t level after after consuming the <Seed of Evolution> if you don’t defeat an enemy of a higher level than yourself

After watching them take the trouble to eat that disgusting thing, I kinda felt sorry to tell them that it wouldn’t just exhibit its effects just like that

[Skill, <Attunement> has activating. Begining to Empathise with surround beings] “Wha-!?”

Suddenly, one of the skills I had, <Attunement>, activated Eh, what what what!? What’s going on!?

Then, Sunny’s and Adramelech’s bodies both started glowing “What this!?”

“What the heck is going on…!”

[Attunement complete. For the contents of this round of Attunement, using Seiichi’s state of <Post-Evolution>, assimilating with the two’s consumption of <Seed of Evolution>, the two’s state has been changed to <Post-Evolution>]

“You’ve gotta be kidding me!?”

This can happen!? My state of evolution can be shared!? Does anything go!? Or rather, why now of all times!

While I was in the middle of retorting to the what the announcer said, the two of them

were wrapped in a veil of brilliant light, so bright that it forced the rest of us to inadvertently avert our eyes

When the light finally seemed to fade, I opened my eyes, only to be greeted by two human figures.

“Ooh, so this is a human body” “What a strange feeling this is”

One was a beautiful woman, with extremely long, deep red hair like Saria’s, while the other was a hunk, also with deep red hair like Saria’s except it was swept up―― And they were both completely naked

“WEAR SOME CLOTHES!”

I reflexively retorted, with all my strength

Come to think of it, monsters end up naked after their evolutions don’t they! How did I forget that…!

While I was still extremely troubled the current situation, Saria’s mother, Sunny, decided to put her hands on her hips, making her look pointlessly dignified for the state she was in.

“For what? What’s wrong with being like this?”

“It might be fine for monsters… But you’re a human right now!” “Ooh. It feels quite breezy without fur!”

“Adramelech too seems to be rather happy being completely naked!”

As monsters, they had no shame at all, as they stood there laughing happily. No wait, Saria has a sense of modesty, but only when she was in monster form… Ah screw it, I don’t understand anything at all!

I somehow managed to find some clothes for the two of them to wear, but being curious of their new forms, the two of them decided to go around completely naked,

“I’m seriously begging you right now, please be more mature!”

In the end, they completely forgot about what I said, and the two of them ended up frolicking around naked, until I forcefully managed to get them to stop.

After managing to force clothes on Saria’s parents, naked and in high tension they were, I thought I’d finally have room to breath, but a woman approached me right after.

“So, you are the rumored Seiichi-san?” “Eh? I am, but…”

As I have no recollection of this woman whose hair was godly blonde and reached her waist, donning in a caped armor, my response to her question was quite stiff. Looking at me, the woman wore a gentle smile.

“Dear me, I’m sorry. My name is Elmina Kisa Wimburg. I’m also known as the S rank adventurer <Thunder Empress>, as well as Ranze’s wife.”

“Ranze-san’s wife!?”

Come to think of it, during the In-School Tournament, Robert from the S class was introduced as the son of an S rank adventurer…

But, what business does such a person have with me?

“Umm, what do you want from me?”

“Not that, I just heard you from my husband. I was in another country when he was having a big crisis, you see… But, when I heard you were there to help, I thought that I’m obliged to thank you in person. Thank you very much for saving Ranze.”

“Please, raise your head! I am indebted to Ranze-san too, you see, and I also love this country, so…”

“I’m glad to hear that, as the wife of this country’s King.” Said Elmina-san with her smile so gentle.

Suddenly, her occupation as an adventurer bugged my mind, so I decided to pry. “Can I ask something?”

“My, what is it?”

“Why do you choose to be an adventurer? Ah, please take no offense, but… I’m simply curious.”

Now that I think about it again, it was really a rude question. But since it was already spilled, I couldn’t take it back.

Despite that, Elmina-san showed no sign of anger, and told me.

“Indeed, it sure is peculiar for the spouse of a King to be an adventurer. I really can’t express enough gratitude to Ranze for letting me doing what I love, and I really love adventuring. That is why, as I do venture out to other countries, I also learn their state of affairs and technologies, harvesting what I can for this country. Other than that, I also deal with diplomatic affairs, but… lately, my attention is full with collecting informations about a certain matter.”

“A certain matter?”

So I pried, my neck twisting from curiosity. In return, Elmina-san answered as her expression darkened.

“Yes——about the <Demon God Cult>.” “!”

<Demon God Cult>… the people who attacked Barbadora Magic Academy and the organization behind the current attack to Terveil, huh…

I had heard that names a few times already, but I had no idea of who they really are.

…That creepy man who appeared back then… I still don’t know what’s with his power… just what is happening…?

As I was trying to recall my encounter with the <Demon God Cult>, frown showed on my face. Elmina-san then enlightened me of the informations I needed.

“On top of being Ranze’s benefactor, your power will certainly be a big help. For that reason, I’d like you to be more informed about the <Demon God Cult>.”

“I’m sorry for the trouble, please do so. I also have fought with someone from the

<Demon God Cult> other than this time, but I don’t know the first thing about them…” Receiving those words, Elmina-san nodded.

“I understand. First, you should know that the <Demon God Cult> is an organization that worship a certain god. Do you know what god it is?”

A god? Hmm… something like the Black Dragon God I fought last time?

Seeing me twisting my neck here and there, Elmina-san continued with her explanation.

“Looking at you, I can tell you don’t know about it… Then, are you familiar with this story? That the Gods have abandoned this world.”

“Ah, that I do know. I heard that long, long ago, there was a war between a Pillar God and the other Gods, which then ended with the Pillar God being sealed, right?”

It was something Beatrice-san told me.

And, the crystallization of the power of the gods during that war was——-the [Fruit of Evolution].

“That’s right. Let’s get back to the topic. The one god <Demon God Cult> is worshipping is… that defeated Pillar God.”

“What!?”

So, it’s not something like the Black Dragon God, but a real god like the one who sent us here to this world!?

I knew I’ve listened thus far, but the scale of the discussion is too big, I can’t wrap my head around.

“B, but, isn’t that God has been sealed? Then, how come they worship it?”

“The <Demon God Cult>‘s ultimate objective is to resurrect that Pillar God, you see.”

“Resurrect!? Is that even possible!?”

Wait a minute there! Do humans like us even capable to lift the seal the Gods have placed!?

Seeing my surprised face, Elmina-san solemnly affirmed. “Of course… but, the method is where the problem lays” “Resurrection method?”

“[Negative Emotions] ——-Grief, Anger, Hatred… all those dark emotions from all over the world are needed to resurrect their god. And the agents who attacked us this time are called [Apostles], they are given special powers by their god in order to harvest negative emotions from all over the world.”

“Negative emotions…” What’s with that easy-to-understand evil god? Rather, wasn’t that god, one of the Gods who spoiled mankind? Why is he collecting negative emotions from mankind, and now of all times? Has he fallen to the dark side? Or is he just sulking?

“For the time being, now I know what the <Demon God Cult> is to some degree. However, if that much is known, then why don’t every country just crack down on them?”

“It’s not that simple, you know. In addition, the <Demon God Cult> has only appeared in public just recently, and as their very existence had been nothing but rumours before that, they were hard to grasp. Also, just like I said before, their [Apostles] are really troublesome… That creepy man who carried off the other [Apostles], with someone like that at large, we can’t exactly be careless when dealing with them.”

“I see…” How to put it… what a really troublesome group, huh. In the first place, why are those [Apostle] bunch even partaking in the <Demon God Cult> stuff? I mean, since the god they’re trying to revive is seeking negative emotions, be it an [Apostle] who has received special power or not, in the end, they’re all the same…

“Urm, what do you think would happen if that God was resurrected?”

“Beats me… I haven’t learned that far, but with the current state of this Godless world, there is no mistake that you can’t take it lightly.”

I’m now a bit more informed about the <Demon God Cult> from this, but it also gives me

more question than answer…

…Personally speaking, all I ever want is to have a laid back life with Saria and the other girls, but trouble keeps finding its way to me.

But, one thing become clear. Even if the God was spoiling human rotten long time ago, now he’s our enemy.

If they bring harm to Saria and the girls… then I won’t be as forgiving.

As I was making resolution in my heart, I saw Ranze-san came back from his search for the creepy man.

“Tch… they really went off hook.”

“It can’t be helped. The powers of the [Apostles] are outside our knowledge.”

“Yeah, but it hurts my pride that they took the captured bunch. I really wanted to wrung out information from them, one way or another, but…”

After Ranze-san conversed with Elmina-san lightly, he directed his eyes to me.

“Seiichi, you saved our skin. It’s all thanks to you the Demon King’s daughter can be saved, and we’re also hugely indebted to the people you introduced us. Thank you.”

“It’s nothing, I’m happy I can be of help!… Ah, about time for me to go back to the academy. I don’t want to worry Saria and the others, there’s also the thing Barna-san asked of me…”

“Ou, is that so. I don’t want to jinx it, but… I’ll rely on you again if something does happen.”

“It’s okay, don’t worry about it. I’ll lend you my hand anytime.”

Having said that to Ranze-san, I went to where my parents were to say my goodbyes before I went back to Barbadora Magic Academy. It was then.

“Seiichi. I want you to bring me with.” “……Huh?”

Lutia said something like that to me.

*Translator Note:

Seiichi uses the word ningen which means “human” while addressing the demons, implying that demons, humans, beastmen, and all other races are all the same. I don’t know if it’s intentionally or not, but for convenience’s sake, I’ll use “mankind” when it sounds fit. It’s either the Author sets Seiichi to see all races as equal, or he simply uses it as a convenient umbrella term.

Receiving Lutia’s words, my face contorted stupidly. “Eh, what do you mean bring you with me…” (Seiichi) “It means I’m following you, Seiichi.” (Lutia)

“Lutia-sama!?” (Leiyah)

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one surprised by her words, the beautiful woman over there was surprised as well.

“You can’t, Lutia-sama! Not only were you attacked just a few moments ago… You need to be under our protection!” (Leiyah)

“What she says is correct! That guy might be your benefactor, yeah, but that and this

are two separate matters!” (Zuroa)

The beautiful woman and the handsome with white hair said so.

Yeah, I get what you two are on about.

In the first place, I was at a loss when she suddenly said she wanted to come with me. And, for those demons, they’re worried since their treasured person wants to leave with this suspicious hooded being, which is me.

“Leiyah, Zuroa. It’s okay. Seiichi is strong, after all.” (Lutia)

“Strong… I don’t think that’s the case! Indeed, it is something else that he could lift a [Curse], but I don’t think that qualifies him as someone strong!” (Zuroa)

After the white haired hunk finished his words, a demon with a dignifying aura opened his mouth next.

“…Lutia-sama. I’m of the same opinion as Zuroa. I can’t see the strength you’re talking about from this human…”(Zeros)

“Zeros…” (Lutia)

Considering they’ve said that much, isn’t it better for Lutia to reconsider her choice?

The remaining demons haven’t said anything, but I can see from their response that they’re thinking the same.

…You there, Lucius-san! Why is your face saying things are looking interesting!? I don’t know what you have in mind, but nothing interesting will——-

“——I understand. Then, if Seiichi wins against you and the others, then nobody will complain, right?” (Lutia)

“Oh dear me”(Seiichi)

Yup, called it! I knew it would go that way from how things are going! I even spewed an Onee-sama line in spite of that!

But, please, let me escape from reality for a bit. I just want to live in peace.

Having been exposed to Lutia’s words, the dignifying demon made a grim face.

“…Lutia-sama, are you serious? You want us, all of us, to fight against that human?” (Zeros)

“I am. Seiichi is strong” (Lutia)

Earth to Lutia-san? I don’t think you should sell me that high you know?

“Lutia-sama, stop jesting. You’re saying all of us, not me or Zeros alone, but all of us?” (Zuroa)

“I’m not joking. Even if all of you fight him at the same time… You can’t win against Seiichi” (Lutia)

“——Oy, human. Quite the nerve you have there”(Zuroa)

“Aren’t you being way too unreasonable!?” (Seiichi)

I’m not the one saying that, so why are you getting angry at me!? Is that the difference between people who have power and people who don’t!? The world is a harsh place, huh!*

“What is this? An interesting development, I see. Why not, then? Go use our training ground.” (Ranze)

“Oh, now we even have an arena for it!” (Seiichi)

Fine, I’ll do it! You guys won’t complain if I just do it, right!?

I, who couldn’t help but comply, was taken away to the training ground within the castle walls.

In addition, the people present weren’t just Lutia and the fighting demons, but my parents and the soldiers were also gathering around, making it an even bigger event than I anticipated. Just why did this happen?

In the front of this dejected me, the motivated——Or should I say, blood thirsty demons were there. Huh? This is just a mock battle, right? Not a death battle, right!?

As I was trembling from such thought, the white haired hunk cracked his neck. “Let’s finish him” (Zuroa)

“Your wording! It’s weird!”(Seiichi)

This isn’t good! Their eyes are dead serious!

Ranze-san walked up to the space between me and the demons who straight up ignoring my retort.

“Now, let’s start the mock battle… Anything goes, as long as nobody dies.” (Ranze) “…Tch” (Zuroa)

“Ranze-san, he just clicked his tongue, didn’t he!?” (Seiichi) “Must be your imagination” (Ranze)

“You shitting me!?” (Seiichi)

“Can I ask a question first?”(Leiyah)

After ignoring the white haired hunk clicking his tongue, now Ranze-san was asked by the beauty.

“Hm? What is it?” (Ranze)

“When you said all is fine as long as nobody dies… so, we can beat him up to our heart’s content?” (Leiyah)

“That’s fine.” (Ranze)

“That’s NOT fine!” (Seiichi)

What, you’re allowing something that violent!? Rather, if she asked something like that, doesn’t that mean that’s her aim!?

“Don’t be such a worrywart. You’ll do great, Seiichi.” (Ranze) “Just what do you think I am?” (Seiichi)

“……Okay, let’s start!” (Ranze)

“Don’t brush that aside!” (Seiichi)

As my protest ended up in vain, the demon folks took their distance, ready to fight. Ranze-san who saw that looked at me to confirm, then——

“Demon Army vs Seiichi… battle start!” (Ranze) “Engulf him!” (Zuroa)

At the same time Ranze-san gave his signal, the white haired hunk cladded his body with jet black darkness, from which a myriad of jet black tentacle-like objects were ejected at me.

I thought it was some kind of magic at first, but since my body didn’t show any response

to it, I assumed it to be something else than skill or magic.

…That eerie guy was just like this too, I didn’t know that there are unexplained mysterious powers in this world other than skills and magic.

While I was thinking unrelated things in the front of the looming jet-black tentacles, an oni-like macho person was rushing at me.

“I’ll kill you before Zuroa’s [darkness] can even touch you!” (Urs)

Despite his looks that showcased enormous strength, I received his fist with my hand until it stopped.

“Huh!?” (Urs)

After which, he stood petrified with a stupid look on his face. No, you shouldn’t stiffen like that you know, it leaves a gaping hole in your defense…

“Urs, move aside!” (Leiyah)

“H, hold on, Leiyah! I’m still——”(Urs)

“[Phoenix Waltz]!!” (Leiyah)

“NOOOOOONNNN!!!” (Urs)

As I was still holding the macho oni’s fist, the beauty immediately launched a number of golden rings of fire.

My body also didn’t react to that, so it must be something that wasn’t skill nor magic.

Either way, the macho oni who couldn’t get his fist off mine was also within range of attack… or rather, the attack only hit him, so I suffered no damage from it.

But, the shockwave that came after it made me release my grip, so the oni now became a daruma of fire and thus withdrew.

“Hey, it’s because of you I didn’t get him!” (Leiyah) “I’m the victim here, though!?” (Urs)

No, I do feel pity for mr. macho oni, but the victim suffering the most here is me you know, since you guys made me fight out of nowhere.

The jet black tentacle finally reached me while I was thinking of such a thing.

A lot of things happened in that moment, but in reality, it only took a few fractions of a second to reach.

I can tell just how amazing these demon folks are just from that fact, but…

When I was thinking of evading it, a very sexy demoness approached me and sent me a seducing look.

“Stop there! [Bewitching Gaze]!” (Learetta) “Nn?” (Seiichi)

This feeling… it’s like the [Charm Mushroom] I ate back then in the <Forest of Endless Love and Sorrow>.

In other words, this sexy demon wanted to charm me

But, I’ve already said this before but, I already gained Charm Resistance back in the

<Forest of Endless Love and Sorrow>, so her attacks won’t do anything to me.

Seeing me who showed no sign of being charmed, the sexy demoness began to look into the distance.

“Again, my charm fails to work on my opponent… I’m starting to lose my confidence as the <Succubus Queen>…” (Learetta)

“Eeh… I, uh, I’m sorry…” (Seiichi)

I lost my chance to avoid the black tentacles when I gave the demoness my apology.

No, it’s not like I can’t forcibly make a way to escape…

While thinking such a thing, the black tentacle encircled me before then swooped down from above.

“Hm, what will happen if I punch this…?” (Seiichi)

Since that question floated in my mind, I tried hitting those tentacles with my fist. “Ei” (Seiichi)

And they scattered into oblivion.

“H… HAAAAAAH!? My [Darkness] got…!?” (Zuroa) “Ooh… I didn’t think it’ll go away that easily…” (Seiichi)

Or rather, I felt no resistance from hitting it. Perhaps it only received the air pressure of my punch, not the punch itself. I’m such a haphazard, even if I say so myself.

As my cheeks involuntarily stiffened, Lucius-san who watched the sight burst into laughter.

“AAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Seiichi-kun, you are something else! That guy’s [Darkness] is something truly unique, and yet… you sent it into oblivion with just your fist, really…!” (Lucius)

I knew it, I’m something terrible. Damn it all!

“…Zorua, back off. [Annihilation Sphere]” (Zeros)

Then, this time, the majestic demon shot something like a translucent ball at me.

Does this thing also disappear if I hit it?

“Ei” (Seiichi)

I made that translucent ball vanish. “WHAT…!?” (Zeros)

“Oi oi, he got rid of that lizard bastard’s [Annihilation Sphere], what kind of monstrosity are we fightin!?” (Zuroa)

“Don’t lose sight, Zorua-chan! He has to have a weak point somewhere!” (Jade)

“Nn?” (Seiichi)

The moment the demon with an onee-san manner of speech opened his mouth, I noticed some changes in the atmosphere, or perhaps, the presence of it.

What is… this?

“Ara? To think you can detect my magic… I’m starting to doubt you’re a human, you know?” (Jade)

“That’s rude! I’m a human!…… I think!” (Seiichi) “Not very convincing, huh…” (Jade)

After that demon released a bitter laugh, his face turned completely serious. “Now, why don’t we end this play time already? Off you go!”

“!”

Out of reflex, I pulled out [(Sword of Swirling Hatred) BLACK] and [(Sword of Overflowing Compassion) WHITE] from their sheathes and slashed the space where I felt the oddity.

At that moment, despite it being an empty space, I felt a solid response coming from my sword.

Looking at such a sight, the onee-san demon was wide eyed. “Impossible! My attack should be invisible…!”

Apparently, the onee-san demon could unleash invisible attacks, and the place I randomly slashed onto out of discomfort was where it came from.

Then, all of them, including the macho oni and the beauty, fixed their stance and went to attack me again. Earnestly trying to defeat me this time.

Moreover, each of their blows were with superb timing as well as their amazing coordination.

A chance to fight against such pros collaborating with each other wouldn’t come everyday, and since it was a mock fight, I figured it would be great if I also learned a thing or two from this rare occasion. In my own way, I faced the demons whilst thinking it to be good practice.

Wow, relying on techniques to see the gaps rather than brute force is hard.

I continued the fight whilst taking them as a good training practice, but eventually, the demon folks had burnt through their physical strength and reduced into one pile of gasping mess.

“Wha… what the… hell is this fucker…!” “Haa… haaa… I, I can… n, no longer move…”

“Fr, frankly speaking… I can’t believe he’s the same organism… from the same planet as us…”

Aren’t you being way too rude? You’re saying I’m an alien?… Wait, no, I’m not a human of this planet either, so I’m really an alien?

But, the alien one must be that UMA thing on the monster shop outlet! I’m NOTHING like that!

Well, putting that aside…

“Erm, so the mock battle is——” [It’s obviously impossible!]

“Ah, okay.”

I was scolded by everyone from the demon army.

[We’re very sorry…!]

After the mock battle… No, the training ended, the demon people bowed their head to me.

For some reason, instead of me, Lutia was the one who showed a smug grin when seeing their state.

“No, no, please lift your head! I didn’t really mind it, you see…”

“…How shameful. Even though you are Lutia-sama’s benefactor, I let my rage took over me…”

“Indeed… it seems like, we’ve completely lost our composure ever since we saw Lutia- sama collapsed…”

Receiving my words, the white haired hunk and the beauty showed an apologetic look.

Well, I understand how they feel, and I’m not really worried about it either.

Above all, I managed to save Lutia with no trouble, so I thought they would just accept it willy nilly, but… I’m sure it can never be like that, huh.

As my head wandered there, the white haired hunk changed his expression into a serious one.

“If it’s you, we can safely entrust Lutia-sama with. Rather, I’m sure it’s more secure for her to be with you… No matter how vexing it is. Please, protect her for us!”

“……Wait, so it’s decided Lutia’s coming with me!?” “Of course, why?”

“What about my opinion!?” [Please protect her for us!] “And they’re not listening!”

I can’t refuse now that you all lowered your head! After all, it’s a Japanese trait that we can’t say no!

Even so, the actual problem here is that Lutia will keep being targeted from now on, so is my side really the most secure place for her?

I know I’m so off the chart compared to the people here, but I don’t know for sure how long it can keep saving me from trouble.

“Since you’ve asked me, I’ll do my best to protect her.” “Un. Please take care of me.”

Lutia nodded as she looked at me.

Now… let’s go back for real.

Saria and the girls might be worried, and there’s also Barna-san’s request regarding the dungeon capture as well.

As I was looking around to report my return to Ranze-san and my parents, I realized they were not in the arena and probably had gone back inside the castle.

Then, let’s return after going back inside. So I thought before I saw Louis coming towards me.

“Mentor”

“Hm? Ah, Louis. I’m sorry, I know we just met again, but I have to go back already. Can I ask you to guide me to Ranze-san?”

“I understand. So I’m following you to the academy, right?” “Thank——what?”

Unintentionally, I asked back.

“Urm… Louis-san? What did you say…?”

“As i said, I’m going to the Barbadora Magic Academy with you, mentor.” ““As I said” my foot! How and why did that come to be!?”

Even though I only asked her to guide me to Ranze-san, why did the talk turn that way!?

Louis who received my retort showed a grim look, so dark I had never seen her like this before.

“…In the last battle, I couldn’t do anything.” “Eh?”

“In the first place, except you mentor, there was nobody that I could see as my equal save for the <Black Paladin>, and when I became a <Transcendent>, I thought I had become a little bit stronger. That was why, at first, I actually wished to meet an opponent stronger than I am.”

That referred to when I first met Louis, her subordinate Claudia-san told me the same thing about her.

Precisely because there was no one stronger than her, she felt lonely. That was why, when she lost to me, Louis was elated by her defeat.

“However, if this kingdom was attacked by a person stronger than I am, and I could do nothing but accept my defeat… I’m frustrated. Apparently, I’m such an egoistical and arrogant person beyond help. It was fortunate that mentor’s friends came to our aid, but if they didn’t back then… I wouldn’t be able to protect those whom I treasure.”

“…”

Upon me who couldn’t say anything, Louis showed a piercing gaze.

“Mentor. I want to get stronger. So that I won’t lose to anyone. So that I can protect the people I want to protect.”

Louis’ speech resonated deep within me.

My strength is, indeed, off chart. That is something that I have no control over. However, I can’t say for sure how far it can take me.

Perhaps there is someone that stands way above me somewhere.

And if that someone attacked Saria and the others———I don’t have the confidence I can protect them.

In fact, I haven’t the slightest idea about that creepy guy’s power, and my body didn’t react to the demonkins’ mysterious powers either.

There’s no fault that I am overflowing with strength, but perhaps I should take after Louis and get even stronger.

———So that I can protect Saria and the others without a shred of doubt.

“…I understand. I already have one following me, having another one won’t change much… Louis”

“Yes?”

“Let’s get stronger together.” “!… Yes!”

Louis was wide eyed when she received my words, but then replied with her face blushing pink.

——The Me at this time was wishing to get stronger little by little, but it never occurred to me just how crazy my body could become later.

Now then, I added yet another follower because I was carried by the mood. Isn’t this weird? Just how should I explain this? I’m 100% sure Helen and the like would retort me for this. Well, I’ve told her I’ll bring her with me, so no take-backs.

But really, I should get going now or things will turn sour.

For that reason, I had Louis take me to Ranze-san, as it was my first intent when I talked to her.

When I reached there, I saw my parents, Ranze-san, Zeanos-san and the others chatting delightfully.

“Really, Seiichi-kun has saved us big time.”

“Please, we’re the one grateful here. It seems like our son has made himself useful…”

“He’s right, he has grown dependable in the time he was outside our watch… There’s also the matter with Saria-san, so I guess we should cook red rice today!”

…This conversation is hard to take part, oi.

As I was hesitating to join in this conversation that talked about me, Zeanos noticed my presence.

“Mu? Seiichi-dono, what are you doing there?” “Ara, Seiichi. Come sit here.”

“Y, yeah… I see you two are close with Ranze-san already.”

When I expressed the problem, my dad answered with a smile.

“That’s right~ You see, your dad here never had a king as an acquaintance before. I feel so proud.”

“He’s right. It’s the first time I’ve entered a castle, but it’s really gorgeous, huh. And there are so many Maid-sans here… I wonder how much they are paid?”

“I don’t know. I wondered that too, but I’m more curious if they go [Moe moe kyuun~].”

“Really you, Makoto-san. That’s Japan’s maid, right? The maids here are the real maids, one that’s graceful. Ah, I’ll ask them if we can take a photo together later!”

“That sounds good!”

“…… How should I put it, they really are Seiichi’s parents, huh.” “What do you mean by that!?”

Ranze-san who watched my parents doing their skit looked at me with a baffled look.

No, my parents are the only ones who are odd! Perhaps! My confidence to say that is thinning though!

After I let a single sigh escape, I fulfilled my original purpose here and told him I’m going back.

“I’m sorry, but I have to go already. The girls are worrying about me, and there’s also Barna-san’s request…”

“I see… Ah, don’t worry about your parents, Seiichi-kun. I heard about it from Zeanos- dono and the others already. They wish to migrate here… so of course, I’m more than welcome. Just the fact that such strong personnel want to live in my country is very much appreciated. That’s including Abel and his party that have helped the soldiers.”

“Thank you very much!”

Now that I look around, I don’t see Abel and his party. I believe Garrus-san and other adventurers were here too, but I can’t find them either. They must’ve gone back to the headquarters.

Leaving that aside, I felt one thing had lifted in my heart when I knew their immigration was acknowledged.

As I sighed from relief, this time Lutia opened her mouth. “King Ranzelf. I’m going with Seiichi.”

“Huh?… Wait, that was what you were talking about, wasn’t it. It completely slid off my mind, but if your vassals are okay with that, then I don’t have anything else to say. In fact, Being with Seiichi-kun is the most reassuring, after all.”

“Un… Urm, our meeting had come to an abrupt end. This time it was due to the

<Demon God Cult>‘s interference, but I can assume that many are targeting me for being a demon. Even so, will you still walk side-to-side with us demons?”

Lutia’s gaze was serious itself, and Ranze-san who was exposed to that look of hers replied.

“That’s accounted for of course. I won’t get spooked just from something like this…” “…Thank you.”

Lutia smiled, relieved.

“Now then, Seiichi! Till we meet again! Next time, take your time to stay” “Yes! Thank you very much!”

“Now then… Zeros, Zuroa, Leiyah, Liareta, Urs, Jade. I leave the rest to you.” [Yes ma’am! Take care!]

As I said my farewell to Ranze-san and my parents, Lutia also said her goodbye to her people next to me.

After which, Lucius-san walked toward Lutia. “And you…”

“Even though we’ve met, it’s a shame that we have no time to have a chat. But well, as you can see, I have been revived. We can meet anytime. Let’s have a nice, long conversation then.”

“…Yes”

I see, Lucius-san is the First Demon Lord after all, so of course he’ll have things to talk about with Lutia.

But, just as he said, we can meet anytime.

It was regrettable, but I really had to go back, so Louis also said her goodbye to Ranze.

“Your Majesty. I’m taking a break to train.” “Okay……… WHAT!?”

“Well then———”

“Wait wait wait wait! Eh, what!? You’re going too!? It’s the first time I’ve heard about this!”

“I just told you now, after all.”

“I told you to report things to me! I am your superior! You understand!?”

It was outside my expectation that Louis didn’t say anything to Ranze-san beforehand.

No, Ranze-san is totally in the right here!

In the end, with me being involved, we persuaded Ranze-san to comply.

(traitorAIZEN: MashinTrans4mer translation starts here)

We managed to convince Ranze-san to allow Louise to accompany me, but I came here using Treasure Box’s transition magic, so on the way back, I used my transition magic to return to Barbador Magic Academy.

The destination of the transfer is the arena where the simulated battle was once held, and there was no one around.

Both Louise and Luthia are looking at the scenery around them.

“Amazing… Using transition magic on three people at the same time that consumes a lot of magic power on one person, moreover, isn’t it inherently difficult to travel for a considerable distance?”

“Un. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but it doesn’t change the fact that it consumes a lot of magic power. But since Seiichi doesn’t seem to run out of magic, it’s really amazing.”

For some reason, they turned their sparkling eyes on me. It’s itchy.

“…Speaking of which, why did Luthia think I was amazing? Have you ever seen my true strength?”

I suddenly thought that, I wondered why Luthia flattered me there.

Surely, I was the one who solved Luthia’s [Curse], but as the grey-haired handsome demon guy also said, i don’t look strong in terms of combat power or ability.

Louise knew because she actually fought me first…

In response to my doubts, Luthia tilted her head for some reason.

“? I, Did I say something strange? I just said it because I felt that Seiichi was amazing.

There’s no particular reason.” “Hmm mystery”

What, i felt amazing. Is such an aura coming out from me? I can’t see it. “Well, no. Anyway, it looks like everyone is in my class, so let’s move.” I took them to the classroom.

2

“――And that’s why Louise the <Sword Knight> is here from the Kingdom of Welmburg, and Luthia, whose current position is the Demon King.”

“So, that’s why!? Or rather, this isn’t the second time we had this exchange!?”

When I arrive at the classroom, and as soon as I went inside with Louise and other, I stood on the platform and told them so.

After that, Helen gave a huge tsukkomi to this appropriate explanation.

Saria and Al are also surprised to see Louise here, and opened their eyes wide. “That’s!? Louise-san!? Why are you here?”

“No, Louise-san, too, but who’s the woman next to her? You said that her current position is the Demon King…”

“Hhmm… It’s a long time to explain…”

But I have to explain it, I told everyone including the fact that I had an encounter against the Demon God’s cult from the place where I was forcibly taken by Treasure Box.

Helen, who finished listening to my explanation, held her head down, and was pulling her cheeks.

“Yo-you… how much more insane are you going to be…” “I don’t like it either.”

“Uhm, Seiichi-sensei. If I listened correctly to the story that you’ve just said now, does that mean that both of them will spend time here as well?”

Beatrice-sensei asks me so.

“That’s right. Although I saved her as a result, but Luthia was still targeted by the Demon God’s cult, and the Demon guys said that it is safest for her to be with me…”

“Um~, what about the demons~… No matter how I think about it, I’m not sure that the General Class of the Demon Army would say that~… What about the people who said that Seiichi-sensei is the safest place?”

“Rachel, it’s useless to say anything to that teacher. After all, that woman named Louise, in addition to being one of the strongest knights of the Kingdom of Welmburg, the <Sword Knight>, didn’t she just said that she’s Seiichi-sensei’s disciple. It’s more ridiculous to deal with him properly.”

“I can’t even say any words to return back, but please be a little gentler!?”

When it’s analyzed objectively just like this, it makes my extraordinary insaneness stands out!

“That’s my Aniki*! You have more and more women!” (TN: Brother)

“Seiichi-sensei, I wonder if you can teach me the method on how to land a girl!?” “That purity hurts me”

In front of Agnos and Flora’s sparkling eyes, I got more mentally damaged.

“U, Uuuuhhh! Well, for the time being, Luthia is here for me to protect, and Louise has followed me to retrain once again. And I’m sorry about saying this right away, but we can’t have lessons for a little while.”

“Eh?”

“Ah, that’s right.”

Agnos and the others haven’t heard it, but Beatrice-san nodded as I started speaking already.

“I’ve been asked directly by Barnabas-san, the head of the school. Apparently, in the forest near where the man from the Demon God’s Cult was lurking, a dungeon seems to have appeared. To investigate it, I’m thinking of going to the dungeon with Louise, Luthia, and then Saria, Al, Rurune, and Olga-chan. These members originally worked with me as an adventurer. But the fact that it’s dangerous for Agnos and the others, I’ll make you stand by this time.”

“Then, while aniki is in the dungeon, our class will be held by Beatrice-neesan*?” (TN: Sister)

“Just like that.”

“But I can’t teach practical lessons like Seiichi-sensei, so it’s going to be all lectures.” “Noooooooooooooooooo!”

Agnos collapsed on the spot. Umu, do your best.

“I don’t think I’ll need to tell you guys anymore, but… Study hard while I’m away!” [Yes]

“I don’t waaaaaaannnaaa!”

Everyone answered energetically, other than Agnos.

2

“This is the dungeon…”

“Wah! The entrance is like this!”

I went ahead on the premise that Saria and the others will also go to the dungeon without confirming them, but Saria and the others accepted it without any worries.

And now, it’s definitely the entrance to the dungeon in front of us! It’s kind of a cave.

That’s, the place where Zeanos stayed in the <Forest of Endless Love and Sorrow> was also a cave of this sort.

Nevertheless, what was hiding in the depths of such a forest.

There’s no more, but when I interrogated that guy and examined this place, it seems that the surroundings here were filled with corpses of monsters that were killed miserably.

As a result, it looks like the ecosystem here has collapsed and a dungeon with ferocious monsters has appeared.

By the way, this actual dungeon will be my third time, but I’m still nervous because it’s only my second time to enter from the entrance.

“Louise-san! Luthia-san! Nice to meet you!” “Yes, Saria-san. Nice to see you too.”

“Nice to meet you… you’re the same as Seiichi, you seemed a little strange.”

“Is that so? But, I wished I was the same as Seiichi!” (TN: To become human just like him)

Saria was as energetic as ever, and soon she was able to quickly get along with Louise and Luthia.

Louise then turns her eyes to Olga-chan, who stands quietly. “Olga. It’s been a while.”

“…Nn. It’s been a while since I’ve been with Louise-neechan too.” “How are you doing?”

“…Nn. Excellent*!” (TN: Bacchi gu = kinda like how a kid says ‘good’ or ‘just right’)

I don’t know where she learned those words, but Olga-chan made a thumbs up with Louise.

“Black cat beast man… She’s rare, too.”

Luthia, who was watching the exchange between Louise and Olga-chan, opens her eyes a little.

“Isn’t a black cat beast man rare?”

“…Yes. However, even though she’s rare… she’s a target of persecution…” “Ah…”

Olga-chan was abandoned by her parents just because she was a black cat beast man, and was raised as an assassin.

…Really, that’s stupid

Reluctantly, Luthia turned her eyes to Rurune and Al.

“…And then, looking closely, that woman also has the same presence as Saria-san and Seiichi. It’s different, but this woman seems to be blessed by someone. ” (TN: The first sentence is referring to Rurune and the second one is to Altria)

“Mu? Tha, that’s right… the same as my lord…” (Rurune) “Blessing? I, I wonder if someone would ever bless me…?” (Altria) Aside from Rurune, Al was twisting her neck.

Well, Al’s curse was reversed using the ring that came from Treasure Box, and it must have blessing written in the ring’s description.

Even so, Luthia seems to be able to detect a kind of presence and atmosphere that I or the others don’t understand.

That’s because she realized that not only Saria but also Rurune had the effect of the [Fruit of Evolution].

After seeing us all, Luthia turned her eyes to the dungeon again. “…This dungeon has a… very… very sad presence…”

“Sad presence?”

“Un, I don’t know why it has such a sad presence…”

It only looks like a normal cave to me, but its air seems different to Luthia after all. “…Well, we won’t know even if we think about it, so shall we go now?”

When everyone nodded strongly to my words, we set foot into the dungeon.

The inside of the dungeon was, strangely bright.

“Hmm… It’s bright even though there’s no torch or light source…”

“I agree. As shishou said, there’s certainly a dungeon with torches hanging on the wall, and this strangely bright dungeon is more common. However, when asked why this dungeon is so bright once again, I certainly never thought about it.”

Louise nods to my doubt.

If I think about it carefully, I feel like the Black Dragon God’s place was like this. At that time, I didn’t pay any attention to my surroundings.

We have to be wary of monsters, and more than that, we need to be on guard for traps like the one when we were separated from Al before.

I think it’s okay because I knew I could pierce the wall after all, but it’s fine to not fall into a trap.

Moreover, it would be a problem if the dungeon collapses by breaking the walls unnecessarily.

“You have to be careful not only of monsters, but also of traps. Everyone’s feet, the walls, let me know if there’s anything unnatural.”

“Ah, Milord. The walls here have different colors!” “Nn? That’s true.”

“What happens if I press it!?” “What”

For some reason, when Rurune finds the only one spot with a different color, she tried to push it.

“…Glutton, are you stupid?”

“Wha, what!? Don’t you want to push it! Something, like this… There might be a lot of steaks coming down from above!?”

“I don’t like that, Oi”

It seems that I’m going to be crushed by the physical quantity of that and die, and even if I was saved, I’m going to get sticky and greasy.

“Seiichi”

“Nn? What happened? Luthia”

Luthia suddenly called out to me, so I turned my eyes to her. “The floor here, has different colors. Ei”

“That’s right Why did you step on it!?”

Because she stepped too smoothly, I spilled that normally.

“No no no! I’m saying that we should be wary of traps!? Why are you stepping on it!?” “?It’s my first time in a dungeon… If the floor’s color is different, is it a trap?”

“Okay. That’s the order!”

Apparently, this seems to be Luthia’s first time in a dungeon, and she doesn’t know what’s dangerous.

As the selfish common sense in me, I was thinking that if there was a floor or a wall of different colors, I would suspect that it’s a trap, but after all, it was just my own recognition, so I couldn’t push it against Luthia.

“A, anyway, what kind of trap is it ―― Whoops!?”

Suddenly, many spears springs out towards me from the left and right walls. I avoid it by dexterously bending my body.

Looking at the tip of the terrifying spear, it’s painted with a purple liquid that looks like poison, because the moment it drop and fell down on the floor, it raised smokes.

[Oooooh!]

“No, don’t be impressed, please help me!?”

Everyone applauded my movements. That’s not it!

When I managed to escape from the spears, Louise was convinced of something with a strange face.

“I see… By jumping into the traps of the dungeon, you can train yourself…” “Eh?”

“Then… Ei” “OOOOoooyyyyyyyy!”

Louise stepped on another different colored floor without hesitation. “I can survive any trap! Hurry up… come on!”

“The correct answer is not to get caught in a trap! To step into a trap by yourself, are you stupid!?”

“No, Shishou! I know. It’s not the safest way, but true strength awaits you as you progress along that stupid path!”

“Don’t read that deeeeeeeplyyyyyyy!”

Louise tightened her face, and prepared for an attacking trap. As a result ――

“Duhhe!?” (TN: So, Seiichi is going to be the target of all the traps)

For some reason, the thing that seems to be a laser beam shined on my neck, and I evaded it in bridge posture.

At that time, a light ray hit my hair, and a little bit of my hair burned and disappeared. [Oooooh!]

“Like I said, don’t be impressed and help me!” “Then this wall is?”

“You silly idiot!?”

Then Luthia pushed again a part of the wall with a different color.

Then under my feet, a pitfall opened without giving me a break, so I twist my body from the bridge posture to avoid the pitfall.

“Seiichi, that’s amazing” “Yup! As expected of Seiichi!” “Please stop!”

It seems that Al and Saria were impressed, but now I want more peace of mind than that!

When I managed to escape from the trap that was triggered, I suddenly remembered something after seeing Saria and the others.

“Ah, Saria. Speaking of which, I met Saria’s parents.” “Eh!? Really!?”

“Oh. When I went to Luthia and the others, I thought that there were gorillas that I was used to seeing, but it really was Saria’s parents.”

Listening to my words, Sarria smiled happily.

“I see… Were both of them fine?”

“They were both very fine. And I feel like I’ve heard something that they’re going to live with my dad and the others, so if you want to see them again, you can meet them.”

I heard that when Louise was persuading Ranze-san, apparently, Sunny-san and her husband will live together with Dad and the others alongside Zeanos and his companions.

They said that they would become adventurers with Zeanos and his companions, and it’s alright.

Al, who was listening to us, nodded as she said so.

“Ah… I completely forgot, but Saria was a monster. You’re a nice girl, and it doesn’t look like you’re monster right now, though.”

“Is that so? Certainly, when fighting, I have to look like a monster, but now, if I just change my face, I can fight with all my strength?”

“It’s better to stop it. Seiichi will have a subtle face, but I think I’ll also have a subtle look on my face.”

“Eh-?”

Al seems to have the same sensitivity as me, that only Saria’s face will contrast that of gorillaization*. I can’t completely oppose it because it’s one of the ways to showcase her full power. (TN: So, Saria will transform her full body except her face into gorilla form to exert her full might)

This time, because I told them firmly, Louise also stopped quietly pushing traps. No, I wanted you to do that from the beginning. You, have more dungeon experience than me, right?”

“…Nn, Seiichi-oniichan. Something’s coming from the front.” “Oh? That’s true.”

As the same time as Olga-chan told me, I also noticed a presence approaching from the front.

Nowadays, I’m not only constantly searching with my skill <World Eye>, but I’m also using the technique to search for life force that I acquired in the underworld.

“Shishou, leave this to me.”

Louise originally wanted to be strong, so she followed me, and it seems that she wants me to leave such battles to her.

After such an exchange, it finally came to a position where its appearance could be seen. What appeared before us was, a dark brown bear and about 3 meters long.

However, the bear has round eyes, and somehow, Bead’s headwear comes to my mind.

For some reason, a pot covered the bear’s head like a hat, and the claws on both its arms are very sharp.

When the bear notices our existence, its eyes shined for unknown reason. [Ah! Its humans!]

“Eh?”

The bear returned a reaction that’s something different from what I expected, so I made a stunned voice involuntarily.

It’s more like a bear in the forest than a ferocious bear.

For the time being, let’s activate <Advanced Appraisal>, and confirm the name of the

opponent.

[Dungeon Bear Lv: 488]

That’s not right! The level of a bear in the dungeon is that high!?

Aside from its name, having this level means that, at least, this dungeon may be on par with the <Forest of Endless Love and Sorrow> or the Black Dragon God’s dungeon. Yup, why am I only focusing on high-level dungeons?

Come to think of it, I was able to understand the words of Bear-san* naturally, I think I can understand the words of monsters because I have the <All Language Comprehension> skill. (TN: Kuma-san)

Nevertheless, me and Saria can understand the monsters’ words… but can Rurune understand that? With such a feeling, perhaps even Luthia can communicate with monsters but she may not understand their words.

When I think of those sort of things in front of Bear-san that’s ahead of me, Bear-san approached me with all its might.

[Human-sans! Let’s play!]

Innocent! It’s approaching very innocently! Is this guy really a monster!? But if a human was hit by Bear-san in usual way, he will die!

When I was wondering what to do, because the opponent has no hostility, Louise moved. “Fuu!”

[GubuAAaaaaaaahhh!?] “Bear-saaaaaaaaaaaan!?”

In a blink of an eye, Louise approached Bear-san, and cut off its neck.

At the same time as Bear-san’s head fell to the ground, Louise looks at me with hopeful eyes.

“Shishou, Shishou. How is it? Do I seem to be stronger?”

[It’s… not like thaaaaaat!? Buh… I just, I just wanted to plaaaaaaaaaaay!?] “……”

I’m soooorryyyyyyy! And you’re scaaaaarrryyyy!

The bear stared at me with tears of blood, and then it disappeared as particles of light.

Scary, scary, scary! I don’t like being able to hear a monster’s voice because it has no evil intent!

“? Uhm… Did I do something wrong…?”

I didn’t react at all… It was far more than that, and then Louise looked up at my face anxiously.

Looking at that, I finally got my sanity back.

“Huh!? E, excuse me. Yu, yup… Isn’t that good? Un” “Really? In that case… yes.”

“……Yes?”

For some reason, Louise held out her head to me.

“? Would you stroke my head for being a good girl?” “Where did you get that information!? That’s!”

That’s a reward given to a small child!? Mainly Olga-chan! “Is it no good…?”

“Uhh…”

Her facial expression hasn’t changed that much, but I gave up on Louise who’s looking somewhat embarrassed.

“Hah… well done.” “…Yes”

For unknown reason, Louise looked very happy.

(TN: Title means Five-Headed Snake)

I patted Louise’s head as a mysterious reward, but it seems to have ignited Saria and Al’s motivation, and after finding a monster from that point on, they annihilated the opposing monsters with certain-kill attacks.

I’m thankful from the bottom of my heart, that there’s no monster which comes out that’s friendly to humans like Bear-san since then.

Yup… I feel like my heart is going to die because of guilt… Let’s not repeat that tragedy anymore… No, really.

“Seiichi! Look, I defeated it! That’s why, stroke my head!” Saria shows me her head with an innocent smile.

“Seiichi! See, I’ve killed it! So, that’s… Look, pat me quickly…”

Her words gradually became quieter at the end, but Al holds out her head while turning her face red.

“Shishou. I was able to dispose it quickly again this time… Please.”

Her expression didn’t change, but Louise dyed her cheeks slightly red and bowed her head.

……What is this situation?

We’re in the dungeon, right? Why isn’t there such a tension?

When I reconsidered what we really came here for, Olga-chan calls out to Rurune.

“…Is the glutton good?”

“Mu? No… I can’t really take away the opportunities for Saria-sama and the others’ great efforts…”

“…Hmmm. Then, I’ll go.” “Wha, what’s that?!”

……Yeah, It seems that the number of people who I have to pat has increased again.

When I was unconsciously pulling my cheeks, Luthia asked me. “Are dungeons, usually like this?”

“It’s absolutely different!”

Yes, definitely not! Should! Maybe!… I’m not sure!

However, as Bear-san’s level was high, this dungeon seems have a high degree of difficulty, and even now, Louise barely managed to handle an attack.

“Hah!”

“Garururururururu… WOOoooooOOON!”

This monster was [Blood Dog Lv: 621], the length of its body is about 2m, and its characteristic features are reddish black fur and bloody eyes.

By the way, I don’t have to worry for it like Bear-san this time.

Because…

[HYAfuuuuuuuUUU! Meat, it’s meat! I’m gonna kill and eat all of yooouuu!]

…And that’s because it’s very aggressive like this. It would have been nice if Bear-san was so hostile and murderous just like that…

Blood dog seems to move fast, and was attacking from various angles using the passages and walls of the dungeon that cannot be called wide at all.

Even now, Louise used her fine sword to defend against its sharp claws attacks. “Kuh!”

“Ora, let me have some!”

When Louise received its pounce, Al attacks the Blood Dog, but it avoided immediately.

However, the figure of Saria, who became a gorilla except her face, was seen in the destination where it avoided the attack.

“Blow, crush!”

“Kya!?”

When Saria punches it at a tremendous speed, the Blood Dog was blown away.

And Louise didn’t miss that gap, then the Blood Dog tried to get into defense in a hurry, but it didn’t make it in time, and its torso was pierced with her sword.

The Blood Dog, who died in one hit, became particles of light and disappeared.

It doesn’t have any drop items because Louise and the others are the ones who killed it and not me, but if I defeated Bear-san, my body would have evolved more by now.

“Fuu… The opponents are getting considerably stronger. It would have been tough by myself. Saria-san, and Altria-san. Thank you very much.”

Saying that, Louise bowed her head. Yup, Louise is a good girl.

However, this happened because they couldn’t understand the monster’s words, it was a sad incident…

With that kind of feeling, Louise cuts down various monsters while also training herself, as she originally intended.

If it gets a little tough on herself alone, she worked with Al and Saria to defeat them, so she seems to be all right.

But, monsters doesn’t always attack one at a time, and in the middle, there was a group of monsters that surpassed Louise who was alone.

However, Rurune and Olga-chan also participated in the fight on the way, and eventually, they were able to defeat the monsters without any damage.

“…Yes, I knew that Seiichi was outrageous by his aura, but when you look at it this way, Saria and the others are also strange enough. Is this also the effect of Seiichi?”

“Who, who knows?”

I had no choice but to incline my head to Luthia’s words.

No, I don’t think it was my fault, but I can’t deny it completely right now. As we proceeded with less tension, we went into a large room.

“Here is? Dungeons are, not just narrow passages.”

“That’s right… Thinking about it normally, there are traps or bosses too…”

Luthia looked around with great interest, and Al answered so while being a little wary.

“I think so too. Such large rooms are not unusual in a dungeon. If we’re lucky, we’ll find treasure chests and other things in this place…”

“Does that contains food!?”

“…Unfortunately, it’s not food. And besides, there seems to be no treasure chest in this room.”

Rurune bites enormously at Louise’s supplement, but she immediately felt disappointed when she finds out that there’s no treasure chest here.

“…Glutton. Do you also want to eat the food in the treasure chest?” “It’s natural, isn’t it? What stupid things are you saying”

“…Nn. That’s absolutely gonna destroy your stomach”

Olga-chan frowned on Rurune’s words, and touched her own stomach.

“Well, to begin with, Rurune’s appetite isn’t something new. After all, the fact that there’s no treasure chest means that the boss of this room is in here, or this is a trap…”

[That’s right, intruder.] “Eh!?”

Suddenly, a low voice echoed in the room.

Then, the entrance leading to the passage behind us, was closed by a thick door that suddenly appeared.

“Tsk… Apparently, we were going to see both the trap and the boss.” “…Ah, Seiichi! Look over there!”

When everyone turned their eyes to the direction where Saria pointed, there’s the same thick door from behind, and there was a huge human <Eyes> on the wall of the dungeon as if to sandwich that door.

[Well done, intruders. I’m the dungeon itself… I welcome you.]

I don’t know where the voice comes from, but the Giant eyes said that with a low voice. “We, welcome?”

[Yes, it’s a welcome―― Come now, receive it]

The moment the huge eyes became sharp, suddenly, a large amount of monsters appeared around us.

Inconsistent monsters such as Dog-shaped or Dragon-shaped, and zombie-like creatures, came to attack all at once.

“Damn it, it’s a <Monster House>!” (TN: An old RPG classic)

“<Monster House>?”

When I twist my neck over the words from Al’s mouth that I don’t understand, Louise taught me instead.

“A <Monster House> is a kind of trap where a large number of monsters appear, as the name implies. However, there’s no such huge eyes and voice originally, and if you defeat a certain number of monsters that sprung up, you can proceed… but, I’m not sure if that’s the case in this situation.”

Apparently, the voice and the giant eyes are not common.

But anyway, in order to get out of this situation, we had no choice but to exterminate the monsters.

“This is also, another form of training. <Water Laser>“

When Louise pulls out her fine sword, she recites the water attribute magic <Water Laser>.

However, unlike the normal <Water Laser>, it transformed into a long sword of water laser and wrapped around her fine sword.

“―― Hah!”

And when Louise wields that fine sword, the monsters on the front lines that are attacking are chopped easily.

“Then, I’ll go.”

“Ple, please.”

That’s what Louise said, and she plunged into a flock of monsters at a tremendous speed.

Hmm… If she was able to do this, then I think Louise wasn’t weak either.

It’s just that the <Demon God’s Cult> guys have ominous power.

But I have to fight those guys, and that’s why I knew that I needed to be strong. Looking at Louise who assaulted, Saria and the others also prepared to fight.

“Al, fall back”

“Ye, yeah!… No, I’m not used to you suddenly becoming a gorilla except only your face!” “<Blinking Arm*>“ (TN: madoka ude)

“You’re fighting already!?”

When Saria activated her skill <Blinking Arm>, she immediately struck her humanoid fist into the nearest dog-shaped monster.

Her fist sharply rips the belly of the dog-shaped monster, and in addition, the shock wave of Saria’s fist blew away all the surrounding monsters.

It’s been a long time since I saw <Blinking Arm>, but was it so powerful?

There are even monsters that are shattered throughout their body with only its shock waves… If I received that force before I evolved, I can’t live like this now.

Al was also surprised by Saria’s sudden battle, but she immediately switches her consciousness and swung her big ax.

“I’m… not too weak!”

When Al’s axe hits the belly of a raccoon-shaped monster… “Blow off! <Ice Shock>!”

At that moment, sharp cold air gushes from her axe, and it penetrated the raccoon- shaped monster’s belly.

And that cold air affects the other monsters, freezing their feet, and slowing down their movements.

“Al-san, that’s a good attack”

Louise didn’t miss that chance, and she defeated the monsters that couldn’t move.

The number of monsters will surely be reduced by Louise and the others, and we’re just standing up here but there’s no harm for us.

What am I really here for?

When I was thinking about what am I here for unintentionally, Luthia pulled the hem of my clothes.

“Nn?”

“I, certainly thought that it would be safest to be with Seiichi. But when I looked at them… Yeah, I feel more secure.”

“Is, that so”

Well, for the Demon guys, we’re taking care of a very important person.

It’s best for her to feel at ease.

Then, unlike us who aren’t too edgy, the huge eyes, that had been watching the development with plenty of time until now, screamed impatiently.

[Wha, wha what, you guys! Are not normal!?]

It’s cruel for you to say that they’re not normal. It’s not normal.

[Eei, then how about this guy!?]

When there are only few monsters left at this place, suddenly, the thick door between its huge eyes opened.

Then, a huge snake with five heads appeared from there.

It has an atmosphere that’s distinctly different from the monsters that have existed so far.

Unexpectedly, its status was displayed like this. [Gojou Snake Lv: 893]

No, it’s really strong.

It’s almost twice as strong as the monsters we met along the way.

I wonder if this is the boss of this dungeon?

When I suddenly think about that sort of thing, after killing the other monsters, Louise immediately cut off one of the snake’s heads.

“UEEEeeeeee!? So fast! You’ve sliced it already!?”

She cut off the snake’s head so quickly, that I raised my voice involuntarily.

However…

[Fuhahahahahahahahaha! Fools! You guys, have to cut off all its five heads at exactly the same time to kill it! Now, can you do such perfect and precise cooperation!?]

As the huge eyes said, the cut-off head quickly disappears, and on the contrary, a new head has grown from its neck.

Looking at that sight, it seems that it would be really tough, so Rurune and Olga-chan participated in the battle.

“…Glutton, are you good?”

“That snake… In other words, I can continue to eat it forever!?” “…looks okay”

Ignoring Rurune’s dumb answer, Louise, Saria, Al and Rurune, there are five of them together with Olga-chan.

By calculation, with this, all of them should be able to defeat it if each of them slices off one head at exactly the same time.

But it’s easy to say that, and it would be very difficult to actually do such a thing in one breath.

“…Seiichi, are they gonna be okay? Don’t you have to help them?” Luthia asks me anxiously… For some reason, I thought it was fine. Of course, I’m worried if they got injured or anything like that.

But more than that, my trust in everyone prevailed.

And Louise herself would rather prefer this situation. She’s been following me for the sake of her training, and I will definitely help them when it became really dangerous.

However, the Gojou Snake is by no means weak.

Saria and the others, who are still trying to attack at the exact right time, got spitted with purple sludge.

The sludge makes a great noise the moment it touches the floor and completely melted it.

But what’s more troublesome than that attack was, the moment when the snake’s eyes shined.

If that thing happens, everyone avoids that light, because the portion where the light of the snake’s eyes hits becomes more and more petrified, and if they got hit, they’ll be unable to move, and they’ll die.

I’m fine because I have the skill <Complete Resistance>, but not everyone has it.

After several matches unfolded, when they weren’t able to damage each other, Saria and the others noticed something.

[That’s right!] “Eh?”

Because everyone said so with a bright expression, and as I wonder what they are going to do, but for some reason, they all distance themselves from the Gojou.Snake.

The Gojou Snake also became wary and each of its head seized them one by one. “<Blinking Arm ● Spread>!”

“<Wave Splitter Slash>…!” “<Fall Disaster>“

“…<Cloning Technique ● Kill>“ “GUWAaaaaaaahhh!”

One person, gave a strange shout, but what everyone did was an indiscriminate attack over a wide area.

First of all, Saria shoots her <Blinking Arm> with both her arms, and shock waves spread over a wide area.

Al swings her ax widely, and when she steps on the ground, she makes a huge slash. Louise also used her <Fall Disaster> and wrapped it on her fine sword, and with

<Water Laser> running through on her fine sword all at once, it became extremely

thick and water intensely flows horizontally from it.

Olga-chan divided into five clones, and at the same time, thrusts something like a Kunai in her hand against the head of the Gojou Snake.

Rurune is… I’m not sure, but she delivered terrifying kicks.

In other words, what they want to say is…

[If we attack this guy at the same time, then it’s all the same!]

In time of need, they communicated telepathically.

All the heads of the Gojou snake at the same time, were attacked by five people with super powerful wide range techniques.

The Gojou snake that was exposed to their attacks, with a stunned expression on its face―― Completely disappeared.

“I, it’s a lie ―― GYAAaaaaaaaaa!?”

Moreover, the aftermath did not stop there, and the huge eyes on the wall were also blown away.

Dusts scattered throughout the room due to their attacks.

When the view clears, the room in front of our eyes became clean, and we could only see the passage leading here.

“…Seiichi. Most of your companions are also…” (TN:>Strong, Luthia didn’t finish her sentence)

“…I think so too”

I meekly nodded at Luthia’s words.

When we go past the door, there was a staircase leading down there. “Stairs? This dungeon isn’t just one level…”

<Forest of Endless Love and Sorrow> and the dungeon of the Black Dragon God was only one level deep, so I was convinced that all dungeons were the same.

“Yes, that’s right. A plain dungeon only ends with one level, and that’s like a quite complicated labyrinth. On the contrary, if the dungeon continues to a lower layer, the road itself is simple, but the lower you go, the stronger the monsters tend to be.”

“I see…”

I was convinced after hearing Louise’s explanation, and for the time being, we’ll try to get down.

When we get down the stairs, a strange sight spread beyond. “Eh!?”

There is a sky even though we’re in the dungeon, and there’s a sun floating.

Moreover, grasslands spread all around, then there are trees in every place, and I can’t think this was a dungeon inside of a cave.

“Uwa! Although we were in a cave until a while ago, but it looks like we’re outside!” “…Nn. A fine weather for a picnic?”

“A sandwich!?”

However, apart from me who was purely surprised, Saria and the others were feeling warmly.

That? Is something wrong with me?

Then Luthia seems to be the same as me, and she opened her eyes to look around and asked.

“I’m new to dungeons, is this normal?”

“Hmm… At least, I don’t have any experience with this. How about Louise-san?”

“…If this is a cave-type dungeon, then it’s a rock wall dungeon that fits this, and some of them are like underground lakes inside, but this is the first time I’ve seen a dungeon with the same scenery as the outside.”

Apparently, this dungeon also seems to be foreign to Louise.

…It’s also true that Luthia said that this was sad, but what the heck is this dungeon?

We proceed to this mysterious dungeon with a little vigilance. Then, we encountered the first monster on this floor.

“Bururururu…” “That’s…”

What appeared was a huge cow.

Black fur and big sharp horns identified it as a bull, and not a dairy cow.

When the cow noticed our existence, it started kicking the ground on the spot with a little vigilance.

“Etto… its [Impact Bull] and its level is 630… It’s not as tough as the Gojou Snake, but it’s strong enough.”

As I checked its name and other things with the skill [Advanced appraisal], [All Language Comprehension] was activated again like the time with Bear-san.

[I’m the wind… Yes, the black lightning that runs through this vast land…! Obstacles standing in front of me, are going to be knocked down!]

Be clear whether you’re the wind or lightning.

Or rather, the monsters here have a strange habit! Is this dungeon special, or is it just the same for other monsters…

When I happen to think of such a thing, Rurune stands facing the bull.

“Milord, leave this to me. I am milord’s knight and servant. If I can help milord even a little…!”

“…The cow looks really delicious, right?” “That’s right! Olga!?”

“You didn’t deny it.”

Because Louise and the other girls have been fighting for a long time, I wondered if Rurune wanted to fight too.

With Rurune facing the bull, it seems that the bull also recognized Rurune as its opponent

[Fuun… You have good courage to stand in front of me! Now, can you keep up with my speed ――]

“Huun!”

[DOHEAAAAaaaAa!]

It was an insta-kill.

When Rurune quickly closes the distance with the bull, she hit its torso with a roundhouse kick.

The bull bounces off the ground several times, and it falls down as it is. [I, I was… flash… then… I wasn’t…]

Leaving such words, the bull becomes light particles and disappears. And this time, it turned into a flash. Didn’t the bull cleared it until its last moment? (TN: the bull turned

into flash just like it said)

Then, a lump of meat had fallen there which is carefully wrapped in leaves. “Fuun. The beef taste is, in front of me… meeeeeaaaaaaaaat!”

“No, if it’s good, then keep it till the last minute!”

Rurune had a smug face. As soon as she found the meats that have been dropped, she immediately picked it up. You called it beef taste, but you’re a donkey, right?

“At any rate… this is the first drop item in this dungeon, is it originally like this?”

Since I have the skill [Complete Dismantling], I’m definitely able to get drop items, but honestly, I didn’t know how established the other items were.

“I agree… It depends on the person, except for the monsters in <Monster House>, but isn’t it normal to get some in the number of battles we had on the way?”

“Nn? Is there a difference between the monsters inside the <Monster House>?”

“Yes. Since it’s a trap, you can’t get anything other than experience points from the monsters inside the <Monster House>.”

“By the way, drop items seem to have a lot to do with the Luck in our stats.” In Louise and Al’s explanation, I found out what was a drop item.

Well, in my case, I’m sure I can get items and skills even from the monsters in the

<Monster House>.

While we were having such a conversation, Rurune picked up a meat, and was dangling it in her cheeks while drooling.

“Nn goku*… hah… good… Very nice… How delicious would it be if I bake this, add some sauce on it, and eat it with hot rice…” (TN: SFX when she swallowed her saliva)

Oi, idiot, don’t do that. I’ll be hungry.

When I was amazed at Rurune’s figure, my skill <World’s Eye> suddenly reacted. It’s right next to Rurune, but I can’t see it.

As I twist my neck unintentionally, Olga screamed, who noticed it just like me. “…! Glutton, it’s dangerous!”

“Nu?”

Then a serpent appeared from the ground.

The snake looks like a cobra, but it’s big enough to swallow us.

When I appraised it while being surprised that I didn’t noticed its existence before, I was convinced as I see its name.

[Undead Hyde Snake Lv: 622] Undead.

In other words, it’s already dead.

That’s why, I didn’t even noticed it with the skill I used to detect life force, and maybe it was too late to find it by my [World’s Eye] because it was so good in hiding as its Hyde name suggests.

Anyway, when such a big snake appeared right next to Rurune, it tries to swallow Rurune as it is.

“Wha!? I, I like to eat but I don’t want to be eaten!”

“Looks like you can still afford a lot of leeway in this situation!?”

Anyway, when I tried to move to help her, Luthia fired a black flame from the palm of her hand and attacked the snake.

“Luthia?”

“When I look at everyone, I also wanted to fight. Not only to be defended, but I can keep myself safe if I become strong.“

“I see…”

Certainly, as Luthia said, we intended to protect Luthia, including myself, but nothing will ever happen.

Then, it would be good for Luthia to become stronger to reduce even the slightest danger to her.

The big snake that was attacked from another direction, quickly changed its target to Luthia, but before it approaches, Luthia casts her magic again.

“[Hand of the Demon King]”

It was a huge hand made of jet black flame.

When the hand of Jet-black Flame appears behind Luthia, it swung down towards the large serpent.

And the snake that was cut up by the hand of black flame, was burned out as it was. “…Yeah, I’ve used it for the first time in a while, but it worked.”

“Wa! Just now, that was so cool! Is that magic too?”

When Saria asked Luthia with her eyes shining, Luthia answered without concealing it. “Yes. The existence that is us <Demon King> inherited, is this special magic.”

“Eh”

I had a bad feeling in Luthia’s words Then ――

[You have learned the <Demon King’s Magic>] I’ve done it…!

I’m not a demon, let alone a Demon King! Do you understand?! My body!

It’s already strange that I can use the heroes’ <Holy Attribute Magic>, but on top of that, if I learned <Demon King’s Magic>, where should I go!

I don’t really know what it means to be a hero or a Demon king!

As I suddenly held my head to the unexpected event, Luthia, who noticed it, strangely asked me.

“? Seiichi, what happened?”

“…uhmm… I wonder if I can use the <Demon King’s Magic>… now…” [Eh?]

When I involuntarily answered honestly, everyone screamed.

And Luthia, who returned to her sanity the earliest, floated a serious expression. “Is Seiichi a demon?”

“I’m a humaaaaaaaaan! No matter how you look at me, I’m a humaaaaaaaan!”

I’ve started to doubt myself recently, but I want to think that I’m a human…!

Then, Al asked me while drawing back her face.

“I don’t think so… Seiichi was originally a human from a different world, but he said he wasn’t a hero… you’re not saying that you can also use the <Holy Attribute Magic>…?”

“ I can use it.”

“Are you really a human!?” “Stop!”

What I was thinking the most was, that!

Does everyone know that!? The explanation of [Human] on my race says that I can

become a God or Demon King!? What a dangerous race!

Even though I’m grieving so much, Rurune and Louise had their eyes shining. “As expected of Milord! After all, Milord is suitable for destroying this world!” “A premise to destroy it!? I’m not going to do that!?”

“I am happy to be able to study with someone like my Shishou… Shishou, I’ll entrust my life to you.”

“That’s heavy, Louise! Moreover, the other party that you’d entrusted, isn’t it the Welmburg Kingdom!?”

Naturally, we need strength to protect our loved ones.

But, I think my power that’s been told to destroy the world is too much! I’m erasing many important people there, too!

Saria was watching our interactions with a gentle smile. “Seiichi’s amazing! Right, Olga-chan?”

“…Nn. I know Seiichi-oniichan is amazing, but Saria-oneechan who doesn’t change anything more than that is also amazing.”

“That so? Ehehehe, thank you!”

“…Maybe you’re even more amazing than Seiichi-oniichan…”

I was emotionally beaten for a while, but eventually, I recovered and we started exploring again.

Although Rurune was caught off guard a while ago, she’s now kicking down another [Undead Hyde Snake] that attacked us along the way.

In addition to the [Impact Bull], there were also large snakes like [Night Snake] and [General Snake] that look like they’re wearing human armor…

“Hey, aren’t there a lot of snake-type monsters in this dungeon?”

“I agree… However, this level may be limited in that way, but I don’t feel like that when I see the [Impact Bull]’s state.”

It might be my misunderstanding after all, that this dungeon itself may be somewhat related to [Snake].

However, we won’t know the truth unless we go to the bottom layer.

As we proceed through the grasslands that you can’t imagine it being inside a cave, eventually, we arrived at a huge lake.

“Oh, a lake…”

“If the scenery here wasn’t a cave with walls of rocks, I would’ve thought that this was an underground lake…”

As Al says, because this place is grassland, it never looks like an underground lake, and if anything, the impression of the lake that I get besides the main road is strong.

Then Saria, who was approaching the lake and looking into it, noticed something. “Ah, Seiichi! Come over here!

“Nn? What happened?”

“That, isn’t that the entrance to the stairs that leads to the lower floors?” The lake was very clear, and I could see through to the bottom of it.

Therefore, it’s also visible what appears to be a stairs as directed by Sarria.

The stairs themselves are assimilated with the floor, and the entrance to the staircase was closed now by a thick door.

“That’s true… Or rather, stairs in the lake… What’s it doing here, this. You have to open that door to get down, but it’s a lake, so there’s a limit to diving it…”

“Hey, Seiichi. Look at that.”

“Eh?”

When I was worried about the door at the bottom of the lake, this time, Al points to another direction.

As I look in that direction, a white snake, which exudes a feeling of sacred atmosphere, was motionlessly staring this way.

“Ah, what about that?”

“Well? I don’t feel any sort of hostility at the moment, but isn’t that the boss of this level?”

As Al said, the snake with beautiful pure white scales and blue eyes, even though it was staring at us, we don’t feel any factors such as hostility or harm.

And the white snake, which seems to be quite large at a visible distance, couldn’t perceive with my [World’s Eyes].

When my mind was troubled with two mysterious things, the white snake and the door, the white snake suddenly spoke to me.

[Milords, can you save the pitiful child ahead?] “Eh?”

That voice seems to be heard by everyone, including me, and Saria and the others are surprised.

However, as it suddenly talked, I was concerned about the content of its words more than anything.

“Save a pitiful child… What do you mean?”

[Exactly what it means. Wasn’t blessed after it was born, can you save the poor child who has been sealed here for more than a thousand years?]

“Tho, thousand years!?”

I don’t know the details, but the existence that was asked by the white snake in front

of us to be saved seems to have been sealed in the dungeon for more than a thousand years.

…At first, the entrance of the original dungeon was suddenly opened near the school, and I was only asked to make sure that it would not be used as an entry route for other countries, but this dungeon seems to be more outrageous than expected.

However, it was the correct answer that we came here to look because Barna-san wouldn’t risk the students in danger.

That’s because Barna-san and Louise have exceeded the level 500, which is the point of reach of humanity, while all the monsters in this dungeon are at a higher level.

If this dungeon is so important, then it will have to be investigated even more firmly.

Still, this white snake who said to save someone is…

“……Honestly, that story, I don’t know if I can save the child you’re talking about. I don’t have any information. But, we also have a reason to move ahead in this dungeon.”

The white snake who listened to my words carefully, laughed gently.

[Hmm… If you said you can save it* without any basis, I would’ve erased you here, but I have favorable impression for those who answers honestly.]

Was I going to get erased if I said something inappropriate!? That’s dangerous!? I used [Advanced Appraisal] to the white snake in front of me unintentionally. [Snake God Lv: 5500] (TN: What the heck is that level!!!?)

That’s high level!? Oi! Besides, it’s a God!?

Even the Black Dragon God had a level of 5000, but the white snake in front of me ―― The Snake God had a higher level.

The Snake God probably noticed that it was appraised, but it didn’t say anything about that.

[Whether Milords can save <That child>, it seems to be worth it to only trust you.

However, the monsters ahead will be stronger than this level. Do you still want to proceed?]

“Well, we have to move forward.”

When I said that with a bitter smile, the Snake God deepened its smile.

[Good. However, there are conditions to open the door at the bottom of this lake.] “Conditions?”

[Remove all the water in this lake.] “Eh!? The water of this lake!?”

As I was surprised by the unexpected conditions, the Snake God continued.

[Yes, all of it. Of course, it doesn’t matter how you do it… Well, what will you do?]

I don’t know what to do…

I looked at Saria and the others.

The most realistic thing to do would be to use magic.

However, there’s no existing magic that removes all water.

Hmm… the [Magic Hole] of the dark attribute magic can absorb all magic, and if I make a magic similar to that…

When I was thinking of trying to make the water disappear like that, Rurune raised her hand.

“That…” “Nn? What?”

“Milord, we only have to get rid of that water, right?” “Eh? A, ah, that’s right but…”

“Can I do it?” “Eeh!?”

Her unexpected offer surprised everyone, including me. “Ru, Rurune. Are you going to use magic?”

“No, I can’t use it.” “How then…”

“I’ll drink it.”

“Drrriiiiiiiiiiiiiink!?”

Furthermore, we opened our eyes wide to her answer that went diagonally above our expectations.

“…Glutton, you’re too stupid to even do that…” “Wha, what!?”

“No, I think so too” “You too, Milord!?”

Because I can only call you stupid. Thinking about it normally, what kind of creature are you to drink up a lake? Even I can’t do that.

Rurune, who received my words like that, was a little bit of a mess.

“No, no need to say that… but, I was a bit thirsty because I walked around and fought a battle…”

“You’re going to drink up a lake just because you’re a little thirsty!”

Rurune is more of a monster than me!?

“Bu, but I can really do it! Please take a look!”

“Eh? Ah, Oi!”

I tried to stop Rurune, but she already stood in front of the lake.

[Fumu? Does the Lord* want to remove the water?] (TN: The kanji used in this case is read as Aruji, the previous one, which is Milord, is Omou-sama just like what Rurune uses)

“That’s right. I am the Knight of Milord.” [You have a lot of confidence, but… how?] “Drinking”

[What?]

“I’ll drink it up.” [ ]

The Snake God was speechless. That’s absolutely right! The Snake God, who returned to its sanity, ridiculed.

[Fufufu… hahahahahahahaha! What did you say, you’ll drink it up!? An inconceivable idiot ――]

“It’s done.” (TN: What the heck–!)

“EEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhh!?”

Before I noticed it, the water was gone from the lake in front of me. No, I don’t know how it happened.

However, Rurune wipes her mouth, making it seem like nothing.

“It tastes very normal. If this water is from a God, then prepare something more delicious.”

When Rurune coldly told so, she came back under me.

“Done, Milord.”

“Eh!? Ah, Ye, yeah… that… I’m really sorry for doubting you…” I seriously apologized.

Then Rurune blushes a little, and tells me with an upward glance. “So, then… that… Would you like to go out and eat with me again…?” “Eh?”

“N, no! If you don’t like it! If you don’t…”

After saying that, Rurune’s face turned into a sad expression, so I panicked reflexively. “Let’s go! Yeah, let’s definitely go out on a walk and eat! Right!?”

“Ah… Yes!”

Receiving my words, Rurune’s face shined.

Olga-chan, who was watching our interactions like that, says apologetically when she returned to her senses at once.

“…Glutton, I’m sorry.”

“Mu? Hmm, you just have to know, know that ――” “…The glutton was more gluttonous than I expected…” “Are you going to apologize!?”

In front of us who suddenly became noisy, the Snake God also returned to its sanity. [No no no! It’s strange!? What, is this girl! Is Lord really a human!?”

“No, I’m a donkey”

[I don’t understand what you meeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaan!]

Where did her sacredness at the beginning went, the snake god was very upset.

[Is there such an insane existence! That is so insane that he can use both the <Demon King’s Magic> and <Holy Attribute Magic>, which are famous as contradictory magic.

――]

“Ah, I can use both of them.”

[So who are you looooooooooorrrrrdddddsss!] The Snake God screamed.

Then, as it just retorted, it started to adjust its rough breath.

[Haa… Haa… It’s been many years, since I’ve became a god… but I’m still encountering such disturbing events…]

“I don’t know what your life has been!” [It’s the Lord’s fault!?]

I got scolded. I don’t understand.

[Haa… it’s already good. No matter how insane you may be, it’s true that the water on the lake was removed. Let’s open the door leading to the stairs]

Then, the Blue Eyes of the Snake God shined.

At that moment, the door at the bottom of the lake opened with a noise.

[Now, go ahead. From now on, even more powerful monsters are wandering beyond this… However, I felt that it was only useless to be worried as I watched Milord’s appearance…]

“Well, I’m sorry”

[…Haa. Well, it can be said that I was lucky this time that Milords are insane… After all, my expectations of saving <That child> increased.]

“That’s… Can’t you tell me about <That child>? And about this dungeon…”

Since it started speaking strangely, I asked it unintentionally, but the Snake God shakes its head.

[I am nothing more than a monster bound to this land. Therefore, many secrets cannot be told. Forgive me]

“Is that so…”

It’s inconvenient to say it’s a God. It seems that there are various restrictions on Black Dragon God as well.

If it’s the God who sent me and the other heroes into this world, the story would be different.

For the time being, we have no business for this level anymore, and when I was about to go downstairs, the Snake God finally said.

[Be careful. The threat, isn’t dead yet.]

The moment I tried to hear the meaning of it, the Snake God disappeared from its place like a fog.

“? What happened? Seiichi” “…No, nothing.”

When I was stunned after looking at that scene, Saria called out, and once again, we headed downstairs to the lower level.

As the Snake God said, powerful monsters have attacked at the lower layer. All levels are over 700.

That’s why, I said I would fight too, but I was gently refused by Louise, and the members other than me are fighting against the monsters.

Yes, Luthia is also fighting with Saria and the others now. “…This, am I needed?”

I’ve said that involuntarily, but from my point of view, I don’t know what I’m here for. I’m not even sure.

Fortunately, under the grassland layer, the cave structure was back once again, and because the passages are narrow, we don’t have to worry about being attacked by a large amount of monsters all at once.

“――Saria, proceed that way!” “Un, roger that!”

Al confronted a giant mantis monster… and moved around to confuse the [Crazy Mantis Lv: 711], and when there’s a chance, Saria hits it with a powerful blow and knocks it down.

“Aah!”

“…Glutton, thinking about helping a little…” “Can it be eaten?!”

“…That’s enough.”

Rurune and Olga-chan are fighting against an evil horse monster with blood vessels floating all over its face called [Tyrant Horse Lv: 802]. Yup, donkey VS horse.

However, Rurune struck the huge figure regardless of whether the opponent was a horse or not, and Olga-chan is attacking its vital points accurately base on her movements.

“Luthia-san”

“Yeah… [Demon King’s Hand]” “[Water Laser]”

Louise and Luthia were, dealing with a snake-type monster again called [Evil Snake Lv: 900].

No, it’s one-sidedly annihilated rather than being their opponent.

Its level difference should be at least close to 400, but Luthia’s [Demon King’s Hand] burned its torso, and Louise slashes the head of the rampaging Evil Snake with a sword wearing the [Water laser].

…

“Am I not needed after all?”

I haven’t even had a fight since coming here!? And I was asked to investigate!

When I seriously reconsider the meaning of my existence here, Louise, who had finished defeating the monsters, approached closer.

“No, Shishou. Because Shishou is here, we can challenge higher class monsters with peace of mind.”

“Really? Still, I feel like it would be better if I could fight, too…”

However, since they can handle the current situation, I think it’s good to respect everyone’s will to train.

As I sighed out without any choice, Louise told me as she remembered. “Ah, Shishou. By the way, my level has reached 730.”

“Fuu!?”

“Ah, I’m 900!”

“You’re kidding me!”

Not only did Louise’s level exceed over 500, but it seems to have become a ridiculous number of 730.

Moreover, Saria’s level also reached 900…

“Saria is a monster, so I can understand that, but what about Louise!? The highest level the humanity could have is 500, and I thought it was very hard just to overcome one?!”

“But, now it’s 730.”

“That’s not the answer!”

Those who have exceeded level 500 are said to be <Transcendents>, but Louise is too much of a transcendental! What happened!?

To me, who tsukkomi’d about it, Al opened her mouth. “Ah… That… Seiichi”

“Nn?”

“…… I’m… at level 687…” “…Seriously?”

“Ye, yes”

It seems that Al has already joined the <Transcendents>‘s group before she was aware of it. Is that a lie?

“O, Olga-chan and Rurune!?” “…Um, Seiichi-oniichan… I’m, 710″ “Milord, I’m not sure!”

“I don’t understand Rurune´ the most!”

I’m not surprised that Olga-chan became a <Transcendents> when she reaches this point, but that’s not the case with Rurune´.

That’s because she’s the donkey that drained all the water on the lake!?

Contrary to me who’s become tired of retorting, Luthia was excited and her tension went up.

“Seiichi. I’m level 651. This makes me a member of the <Transcendents> as well.” “That’s… well… When the time you’re targeted, can you feel relieved to a certain extent?”

“Yes. This will reduce the burden on Zeros and the others… And then, when my father came back, I want to get a little compliment.”

“That’s right…”

Speaking of which, Luthia is the [Demon King’s Daughter], and not the [Demon King]. After all, Luthia’s father is still alive. I don’t know where he is.

I haven’t heard the details about him… After this dungeon is over, I would ask her if I can hear it.

After all, it seems that everyone except me has joined the rank of <Transcendents> in terms of their level… Rurune? Anyway, she’s also a <Transcendents>. Otherwise, the donkey couldn’t be such an incomprehensible existence!

It’s hard for me to raise my level because of the effect of my robe. I can take it off, but I’ve been wearing it for a long time now, and I don’t want to further go away from [Humans] that I know.

I never thought that I would be in a group full of <Transcendents>, but I think it’s a good thing to be strong enough to protect oneself, so we move on.

Then Olga-chan suddenly stopped. “…Seiichi-oniichan”

“Nn? What’s wrong?”

“…this wall, can probably be broken” “Eh?”

The wall pointed to by Olga-chan, is the same as the other walls if I just look at it. I mean, I was even breaking the wall that couldn’t be broken at the Black Dragon God. Yeah, let’s forget it.

When I was determined to seal that incident in the Black Dragon God’s dungeon, Olga- chan attacked the wall with her Kunai.

“Oh…”

As a result, as Olga said, the wall could easily be broken, and a small room appeared.

A treasure chest with luxurious decorations is placed in the center of the room… This treasure box isn’t a monster, right?

Now, when I think of Treasure Box that is with my dad and others, Olga-chan entered the small room with a little vigilance.

“…Nn. In this room, too, there are no traps in treasure box.” “Eeh? Does Olga-chan have trap detection skills?”

“…Yeah. When I was in the Kaizer Empire, I was trained for it along with assassination skills.”

“…Really. I heard something bad. However, please understand that that ability is very appreciated by adventurers who dive into a dungeon.”

“…Yeah, it’s okay, Altria-oneechan. I don’t care anymore. More than that, I’m glad to be of help to Seiichi-oniichan and the others.”

When Al looks apologetic, Olga-chan shook her head and tightens her chest a little.

I pat her head unintentionally because of her cuteness, and enter the small room again.

“Now then… Olga-chan doesn’t particularly sense a trap that is set upped in this treasure box, so let’s open it.”

And, when the treasure box was opened without hesitation, a kunai with a slightly different shape from the Kunai used by Olga-chan came out.

“…This is, a kunai”

“Well, that’s right… Now, does it have any abilities?”

[Curse Snake Kunai(Juja)*]… The curse serpent has its potency and anguish dwelling on it. Legendary weapon. By pouring your own magic power into the kunai, it’s possible to impart three status abnormalities: paralysis, poison, and petrification. The number increases according to the owner’s will, and when thrown, the owner can voluntarily erase that kunai and return it back. (TN: noroi hebi no kuna(Jiyuja), Kuna, the kanji used in this case, can also mean ‘Painlessness’)

“…It’s a pretty fiendish weapon, isn’t it? This…”

“I agree… its performance is probably suitable for a legendary class. Nevertheless, it turns out that the difficulty of this dungeon is quite high in the legendary class.”

Al and Louise, who know dungeons well, rated it. Certainly, I think this Kunai is very powerful.

It’s also powerful that three status abnormalities of paralysis, poison, and petrification can be granted if you use magic on it, and more than that, it’s really scary that the number increases depending on the owner’s intention.

In other words, it will continue to increase infinitely.

Moreover, this kunai can be thrown infinitely, and it can be erased without recovering

the Kunai that has been thrown…

As I was surprised at the unexpected weapon, Olga-chan was looking with her eyes shining at the kunai.

“Yes, Olga-chan.”

“…? Why are you giving it to me?”

“Why, is it… Olga-chan found it, so Olga-chan should use it, right?” “Bu, but…”

“Olga-chan also uses a Kunai, and Olga-chan has to use it!”

Olga tries to refrain it for some reason, but not only me but Saria also persuaded her.

She didn’t know what to do, and when Olga-chan also looked at Al and the others’ faces, Al and the others also smiled and nodded.

“…Is it okay?”

“Like I said, it was Olga-chan who found this room, and it got the kind of weapon that Olga-chan uses.”

“…Nn. I get it… thank you”

Olga-chan, who received the kunai, smiled happily. Looking at that, Luthia says with a little envious.

“It’s good right… I basically use magic to fight, so I can’t get such a strong weapon or something like that…”

“Is that so? My brother is also a magician, and didn’t he have some wands that increase his magic power and items that make it easier for him to control his magic? I don’t know if you can get that in this dungeon, but even magicians should have some powerful items.”

“Is that right? Then… maybe it’s a good idea to look for treasure chests and stuff.”

Luthia, who received advice from Louise, seems to have another goal.

It’s certainly important to raise your level as a way to get stronger, but at the same time, it’s best to also have powerful weapons and items.

“If that’s the case, then I’ll try to find it too. I wish I could get a weapon or something…” “I agree… I also want a weapon that can be worn on my legs…”

Probably inspired by Luthia, Saria and Rurune also want some weapons and items.

If each of them gets some weapons, Saria will be strong, but on the contrary, I was scared of what would happen to Rurune. I wonder where she’s headed. I originally bought her for riding.

Not only Luthia, but Saria and Rurune also want weapons or items hah…

The more we fight, the more drop items we can get… and I want to prepare items or weapons for the three people somehow.

Nevertheless, there’s a [Snake] even on the weapon given to Olga-chan hah. I’m certain that this dungeon has a lot to do with [Snakes].

But, I just don’t know what it is…

We have no more use in this small room, so we returned to the passage again, and move forward.

Then, monsters attacked again on the way, but Olga-chan, who had a new weapon in her hand, was very active.

“…mysterious [Prison of Suffering*]” (TN: ku goku)

As she makes countless number of [Curse Snake Kunai] that she just got, she threw them all at once on the [Sage Snake Lv: 855] with gray scales and red eyes that is attacking her.

At the beginning, the Sage snake used water, flames and thunder from its mouth to prevent the Kunais that’s flying to it one after the another, but eventually, it couldn’t

cope with the increasing number of kunais, rather than decreasing, and finally, a kunai pierced its body.

“Kishaaaaaaaaaaa, aaaa, aa…”

After the Sage snake gave a loud scream, purple bubbles blow out of its mouth, and gradually, its tail change to gray ―― and eventually, it turned into a complete stone statue.

It’s probably dead, but because it didn’t turn into particles of light, Al strikes it with her axe.

“Ora”

Its body was quickly shattered and scattered, and soon it became particles of light. Then there were some scales, and treasure box that had fallen.

“…Items were dropped”

“Seriously. Moreover, it’s not just materials… Olga’s weapon leads to good fortune hah.” Al picks up the scales and treasure box while being impressed of her.

By the way, the scale was displayed in [Advanced appraisal] as.

[Sage Snake Scale]… Sage snake’s Scale. It’s highly resistant to magic and is extremely light, making it an excellent armor.

I didn’t think about armor because I already had a robe, but looking at this explanation, it looks like a useful material.

And when I open the treasure box that we care about the most… “Necklace… is it.”

It was an elegant necklace with a red gem. I’ll try to appraise it in the same way.

[Sage’s necklace]… Legendary ornament. Greatly increases magic resistance and magic power. Magic power becomes easier to control, and reduces magic power consumption

when using magic.

What a convenient item.

I didn’t think that the item that Luthia was looking for would come out immediately. Not only me, but also Saria and the others were surprised at its effect.

“…It’s not on the level of being lucky. How can you get what you want so easily…” “…Super lucky?”

Al said that with astonishment, and Olga-chan twisted her head strangely. “Ah… Luthia-san. I got what you wanted.”

“Eh? But… is it okay? Even though the monster, was defeated by the two of you…” “Yes, my main focus is on close combat rather than magic…”

“…I’ve already received one.” “Yes… then…”

Originally, it has the effect that Luthia wanted, so it became Luthia’s property without particularly fighting.

Because Luthia is wearing a black dress, the necklace with the red jewel shimmering is reflected well.

Thus, not only Olga-chan but also Luthia got a new item, and began to participate in battles more actively.

When Luthia used the [Demon King’s Hand] with her necklace, it has a power that is incomparable to the previous one, Everyone was surprised by it, including Luthia. Equipment is important after all.

However, as expected, we didn’t get drop items consecutively, and eventually, we arrived at a large room.

“Well, this is…”

“Seiichi, there’s a big door over there, it’s a boss fight again, isn’t it?” As Saria said, there’s a thick door behind the room.

“Boss… Maybe the boss is a snake-type monster.” [―― That’s right.]

“Nn?”

We were surprised at the voice that suddenly echoed in the room.

Then a black vortex that I don’t understand well appears in the center of the room, and one monster appeared from inside it.

The lower half of the super huge snake has metallic blue and some black scales, and has spotted pattern.

And then――

[As you expected ――I’m a snake monster!]

―― Its upper body was a muscular gorilla. “No, I’ve mistaken, it’s a gorilla monster!?” I involuntarily tsukkomi’d at its figure.

The lower half of its body is a snake, but it’s true!! Obviously, it’s all about the impact on its upper body!

This gorilla is unlike the [Kaizer Kong], Saria’s tribe, it’s somewhat cool with blue body hair.

However, its body is the same as Saria in her gorilla state… Comparable to Goria.

On both its arms, a gauntlet with sophisticated design of metallic blue similar to its lower body is fitted.

Surprisingly, when the gorilla in front of us snaps its fingers, a black vortex emerged around it again, and a large amount of snake-type monsters appeared from the inside.

At the same time as the occurrence of the monsters, a thick door also appeared behind us.

[Now, there’s no escape. And I’m the boss of this room. I can’t let you go first… you guys, are dispatched!]

[Yes, Nee-san!]

Receiving the command of the gorilla in front of them, the snakes attacked all at once.

Then, Al and others are already in their battle state, and didn’t allow the monsters to approach.

Olga-chan and Luthia’s attacks, which were enhanced with weapons and items on the way, are particularly powerful, and moreover, they’re quite active because they are ideal for wide range annihilation.

I was taken aback just because it was a gorilla monster, but I returned to my sanity and activated [Advanced appraisal.].

[Giant Anakong Lv: 1800] (TN: Anaconda + Kong, get it?)

It’s strong eeeeeEEEEEEEEEEEHHH!

Whawhat!? Are all gorillas in this world strong!? Its level is somehow higher than Saria! On the contrary, it’s even higher than Zeanos!

Moreover, I don’t know if it’s a snake or a gorilla because its name is so well mixed!

As I was surprised at the results of the appraisal, the gorilla monster who noticed my existence ―― Anakong opened its eyes wide.

[Nn? Yo, you…]

“Eh? M, me?”

When I twist my head like that without knowing what was so alarming, Anakong blushed

for some reason.

[…Aren’t you a good man. That’s good. I like you! You, should become my husband!] “……… Eh?”

““What are you saying, you gorilllllllaaaaaaaaaaaa!””

Surprisingly, apart from me who stiffened, Al and Rurune attacked Anakong with dreadful look.

However, Anakong catches Al’s axe and Rurune’s kick lightly with one hand. “Wha!?”

“My kick!?”

[―― Don’t disturb me!]

And when it shakes its arms, they were greatly blown away.

However, since both of them assumed a defensive stance* in the air, they didn’t get any major injuries. (TN: Ukemi – the art of falling down safely)

While the others’ fierce battles are taking place, I was still stuck here.

―― Why, am I getting proposed by gorillas?

[Come now, let’s get rid of these guys and get the ceremony done!] “Wait a minuteeeeeeeeeeee!”

I finally tsukkomi’d.

“Why! I’m your enemy! And you’re a gorilla! Marriage!?”

[You say something strange. Isn’t it natural to seek for a strong male?]

“The super-wild theory came out! What!? Is there a pheromone that attracts gorillas coming from my body!?”

“That’s right”

“Please tell me it’s a lieeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEE!”

What a limited pheromone! Who gave this!? Change this to a different pheromone! To me who was holding my head with all my might, Anacong gradually approaches. Isn’t this weird? It’s not just Saria!? What’s going on with my body!

Louise desperately tries to stop Anakong, but the other snake monsters got in the way. No, can I fight it right now!? Because it’s completely aiming at me!

Saria is my only gorilla wife! Or rather, Saria is good! Others are not accepted!

It’s no longer a situation that can be said to be Louise and the others’ training, so I was about to fight right now.

“―― Seiichi, I’m he’re” (TN: Saria speaking in her gorilla form)

[Nu!?]

Saria hits Anakong at a tremendous speed.

But when Anakong catches her fist, she punches it with her other hand.

Even that was stopped and Sarria, and Anakong were in a condition that’s so-called four hands*. (TN: Ever watched a sumo fight? Its like both of their hands are interlocked)

“Kuh…”

[Guh! Wh, who the hell, are you!?]

Their level difference should be huge, but rather than losing power to Anakong, Saria overwhelms it.

“…I ham… Seiichi’s… bride-san…!” [Br, briiiiiiiiidddeeeeeeeee!?]

Anakong shouted as it was about to be pushed down to the ground, but it immediately tightened its expression.

[Kuh… until I take it from you…!] “Uh!?”

After all its level is over 1000, and from an unfavorable position, Anakong returned to its rivalry condition again.

However, Saria didn’t lose, and she hit her head towards Anakong. “I’m he’re!”

[Gah!?]

Anakong, who steadily released its hand, staggered a few steps back, shook its head and punched Saria’s face.

[Don’t get carried away!] “Kuh!”

“Saria!”

“Don’t come!”

I rushed in order to help her, but Saria commanded me by her hand. “This iz… a women’s battle…!”

“A women’s battle!?”

“Yes… I’ll win, diz fight…!” [Kuh…!]

Then Saria punched Anakong in its face in return.

―― The battle from there was terrifying.

Without both of them pulling back, they strike each other violently on the spot. “Why are you aiming for Seiichi! Other males haven’t varnished!”

[You don’t understand because you’re from the outside!? I’ve never had a chance to meet a guy bound by this dungeon! I don’t know if I’m over thirty or it’s too late…!]

What, the condition of this dungeon is. I wonder if this is thirty years old.

“Certainly, the two of us didn’t share the same feelings at first… but, I won’t absolutely hand over Seiichi!”

[This little girl’s position is…! That male is mine!]

I no longer know what’s going on, and all I can do is watch the fight between the two in a dazed way.

Before I knew it, Al and the others, and even the snake monsters, who were supposed to be fighting each other, were watching the battle between the two of them.

“Saria! You should never lose!”

“Please do your best, Saria-sama!” “That’s it, hit your blow there!” “…Saria-oneechan, hang in there.”

“Amazing… The battle between fellow monsters has intensity like this…” [Don’t lose, Ane-saaaaaaaaaaaaaaan*!] (TN: Older sister)

[That young lady* is strong!] (TN: Ojou-chan)

[Oi, why are you praising her? Certainly, the other party is also strong… but more than that, Nee-san is desperate! I can’t believe she never had a man at this age… uh…]

[She’s already too old to get married… Nee-san! You’ll definitely win and get a man!] […… You guys, I’ll remember this later!]

[[[Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!? I, I’m sorryyyyyyyyyy!]]]

Am I looking at a comedy skit?

Eh, what? Am I strange? I don’t understand this situation, am I weird?

Because I’m the only one who’s completely out of place, I can’t help but feel that. That’s why, I tried to look again at the battle between Saria and Anakong.

“HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” [UOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!]

The exchange of violent blows was unfolded.

The impact was tremendous, even only the wind pressure of their fists cracked the surrounding walls; and the ground was already crumbling.

However, since it’s a dungeon wall, it should be fixed soon.

When I gaze at the scene while being stunned, one of the snake monsters approached me and put its tail on my shoulder.

[Nii-chan, you’re so popular!…… to gorillas though] “I’m not happyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!”

As I thought, I’m strange!? No matter how I think about it! No, I’m weird without even thinking!

You were our enemies in the first place!? Why are you being so friendly!?

[No no, please be delighted! Nee-san is a good woman!… she’s a gorilla though] [Yeah yeah, she seems to be the devoted type!… she’s a gorilla though]

[The leader that controls us, she’s incredibly reliable!… she’s a gorilla though] [She’s good at cooking, and her hands are surprisingly dexterous as well. ――]

“She’s a gorilla thouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugh!?”

I’m sure that gorilla will be attached to any of their explanations! No, a gorilla isn’t bad. But it’s not that kind of problem…!

[Hand that man oveeeeeeeeeeeeeer!] “Absolutely nooooooooooooooooooooo!”

Normally, some people may be happy if women scramble for them.

That’s about all I’m wishing for.

But… why is it gorillaaaaaaaaaaaas!

At least humans! Please let it be humans! Because, it’s not so right for different species to love each other!? And in the first place, I have Saria!

I noticed while I was grieving, that their whole body was full of wounds. “Haa… Haa…”

[Fuu… Fuu…]

Both of them keep on staring at each other without negligence. However, everybody here thought that.

――The next one would settle this.

The physical strength of both of them is also at its limit, and they can no longer release blows with all their might.

Then AnaKong strangely laughs. [Kukuku… Ahahahahaha!]

“? What’s funny?”

[No, my bad… I never thought this fight would be so interesting… I’m sorry that I underestimated you for being a little girl. You’ve got this far with me who has a superior status for the male you like. I’ll honestly praise you. It’s just ――]

“!”

[―― In the end, I will win!]

Anakong approached Saria at the fastest speed it ever had, and it delivered a whole body blow to her stomach.

“Guh!?”

“Saria!?”

[Well now, I’m the winner!]

I screamed and was convinced that Anacong would win.

――But, Saria wasn’t defeated yet. “――You’re captured”

[Naa!? this――]

“Seiichi is… miiiiiiiiiineeeeeeee!” [Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!]

[[[A, ane-saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!]]]

Saria’s sharp upper cut, broke into Anakong’s jaw. Raising her arm up in the sky, Saria became certain. And Anakong―― fell down to the ground.

The moment the anaconda fell to the ground, I immediately rushed to Saria, and quickly healed her with magic.

“Saria! Are you okay!?”

“Seiichi… I, win… Seiichi, is still my husband…” “Saria…”

[―― Really, what a great woman, you are] “!”

Then Anakong, which should have fallen a little while ago, approached with full of wounds.

I stood up to protect Saria involuntarily. Anakong smiled bitterly at that.

[If you’re being wary of me, then I’m going to get hurt. I was hit right in front and lost.] “Ah… so, sorry”

[That’s okay, it’s nothing… That woman is important to you?] “Uhhh… tha,that’s right”

I’m embarrassed in being honest with other people, but because it’s true, I obediently told so.

Anakong nodded to my words with satisfaction, and then she turned her serious eyes to Saria.

[Your, name is?] “…Saria”

[Yes, that’s a good name. Then Saria, take this.]

Then Anakong took off the gauntlet on her arms and handed it to Saria. “This is?”

[It’s my weapon. It’s better to give it to you who won and can go outside than having it with me who lost. Take it.]

“…Un.”

Saria receives the metallic blue gauntlet, and she puts it on her arm.

[Pure Maiden’s Gauntlet]… Gauntlets suitable for a proud maiden. Fantasy class weapon. The wearer negates all abnormality status. Attack and defense continue to rise as long as the wearer remains proud.

Its effect was terrifying.

Disabling all abnormality status is very effective, and even though it’s a vague presentation, the more proud she is, her attack power will continue to increase.

……No, I wish I was proud. I can’t clear that criterion!

When Saria received that, Anakong smiled. [Ah… It looks good on you after all.]

Saria clouded her expression in in such Anakong. “Are you… good?”

[What is it?]

“What kind of reason, you, Seiichi… demanded a male. Is finding one not easy?”

[So, that’s what you’re saying…] Anakong spoke with a distant eye.

[…We were born and raised in the dungeon. We have no parents. If you ask, it’s this dungeon. That’s why I longed for it. A family is… a family is all I wanted to have. Because all I know about family and other males who can mate are only as knowledge… When I saw you, I thought that dream would come true.]

Anakong laughed at me with a self-deprecating smile.

[…But it was my misunderstanding. You already have, a good woman named Saria. From the beginning, there was no chance for me to impose on you.]

“That’s, what are you going to do?” Anakong smiles gently at Saria’s words.

[You guys have something you need to do, right? To open the door, you have to follow the rules of this dungeon. And the condition for the door of this room to open is that the owner of this room needs to disappear ―― In other words, if I vanished, then it will open.]

“Wah!”

Anakong smiles gently, but the snake monsters have a painful look. To the surprised us, Anakong laughed.

[What a face you have. We are enemies, right? Is there someone who’s sad even though their enemy is happy to disappear?]

“But…!”

[The results will be the same even if I live. At any rate, we are dungeon monsters… I’m just a pathetic monster that can’t even get out of this narrow world.]

Even with a sad expression for a moment, Anakong told us immediately with a bright expression.

[Come now, I’m fine about it! I thought its best to――] [―― This monster is useless!]

“Eh?”

[What?…!? GAaaaaaaaAAAAAaaHH!] [Nee-san]

Abruptly, as I heard a familiar low voice, Anakong suddenly pressed her chest and began to suffer.

Saria and I rush to get closer to Anakong, but Anakong, who has been desperately enduring the pain, commanded us by hand.

[Don’t come!]

“Bu, but!”

[…Apparently, it looks like it’s here to kill me.]

[Exactly. For those bastards who can’t be used, I’ll use their lives to the utmost and take the intruders with them.]

Then, on both sides of the door, that’s used to proceed to our destination, where there was nothing before, those huge eyes appeared again.

“Nah… you didn’t die from our attacks, you bastard!?”

[Moron! I wouldn’t die with such weak attacks! I’m a dungeon. There is no chance for you to win.]

The huge eyes said that while looking at us like we’re stupid. Then the huge eyes gazed at Anakong coldly.

[Although you’ve been able to steadily raise your level, to lose to a lower rank… you were just an unthinkable small fry. There’s no value or use to you bastard who can’t kill an intruder. Immediate death]

[GuuuuuuuuUUUUUUH!?]

Seeing Anakong desperately enduring the pain, Saria cried. “What have you done to her!?”

[What, I just turned her into a bomb. After all, this gorilla is an existence that I created… Handling her, I’m free to change her into whatever kind of existence that I want.]

“What was…! That just now!” “This rotten fiend…!”

“…Unforgivable”

Al and the others attack the huge eyes on the wall all at once, but the huge eyes disappeared just before the attacks hit it.

[Fu hahahahaha! It’s too late now! You should all die after being caught up in the explosion of the small fry there. But if you’re still alive, then I’ll deal with you later. Come now… can you survive it? Fufufu… Ahahahahahahahaha!]

“Damn it… Wait!”

Al and the others desperately attacked the wall, but its voice faded away.

Anakong, who was watching the exchange, squeezed out her voice while holding back the pain.

[I, I’m fine about it… you guys… quickly… run away…!] “Such a thing isn’t going to happen!?”

[Don’t be selfish…! I told you right…? I, I am… I’m tied to this dungeon… whether I was let to live or be killed, it depends on this dungeon after all…]

“What the… what the…!”

“Aah… don’t look like that. You, too, do something about Sarria.]

Anakong laughs forcibly while her forehead was sweating.

Looking at that, I ――

“Seiichi… do something, Seiichi…!” “I get it”

I activated the liberation magic [President L*ncoln]. Then, a gentle light wraps around Anakong.

And when the light went out, at the same time, Anakong, who wasn’t sure why the pain did disappeared, turned her surprised eyes to me.

[Th, This is…?]

“I released you from this dungeon”

[Wha… Released me from this dungeon!? How…]

I applied more recovery magic to the confused Anakong, to heal the injuries throughout her body.

[Eh…?]

“…Whatever your reasons, I can’t accept you. No, in the first place, I’m not really worth it.”

I’m full with Al and Saria alone, and there’s even Kannazuki-senpai and Airin too, so it’s superfluous.

“Even if, you’re a gorilla or whatever… the courtesy you turn towards me, it just makes me very happy. That’s why, this time, go out to the outside world and find a better man. Since, I released you for that reason. You know what I mean?”

[I’ve been released… I can’t believe it, but it looks like it’s true. But a good man… I’m a monster after all, and no matter what, that’s the limit…]

I took out only one of the [Fruit of Evolutions] that I was cultivating and gave it to

Anakong, who was somewhat giving up. “Eat this”

[What is this…]

“If you eat this and level up, maybe you can become a human like Saria… I, think you’re a good woman. That’s why, if you can be the same race as humans, I think you may become popular to other humans as well.”

[Wha, what the, heck…]

Even though it doesn’t taste so good, she honestly received the [Fruit of Evolution], and ate it immediately.

[……]

“How is it?”

[…… it’s terrible…… its taste is unpleasant……]

“Ahahahahaha! That’s right. Well, I guarantee its effect. Nn?”

When I laughed because I can sympathize with her, Anakong opened her eyes for a moment then turned away.

[……What’s this? I thought I should just give up on him, but I got really serious about him……] (TN: Gorilla harem member + 1, tentative)

“Eh?”

[I-it’s nothing!]

“Is, that so?”

If you’re saying that it’s nothing, then it must be. Anyway, Anakong did what was ordered to her.

Then all I have to do is meet that huge eye that’s ahead.

“Now then… We’ll go first. By releasing Anakong from this dungeon, it seems to have been recognized that the Boss of this room has disappeared…”

Actually, the moment I released Anakong, the thick door at the back of this room was opened.

[The-then I too… Uuh…] “Aah… don’t force it” [Bu, but]

Anakong tried to stand forcibly, even if her wound heals, her physical strength didn’t return, and she staggers on the spot.

“That’s okay, just leave the rest to me from here on out. Hence, you have to get out of this place quickly, and find a good man.”

“It’s okay. Seiichi is strong.”

Saria supported me too, and so, Anakong reluctantly nodded.

[…I get it. I’ll leave it to you guys. But is it okay! I’m not an unreasonable woman. So, I’ll never forget this gift. Someday, I’ll definitely return this back.]

“You don’t have to worry about that…”

[I, I want to see you again! Be prepared, the next time I see you, I’m going to be so attractive that you’re going to be so surprised!?]

[Nee-san… you’re so motivated…!] [Of course, we’ll follow you!]

[…No, we’re bound to this dungeon, right?] [[[Eeeeeeeehhhhhh!?]]]

The snake monsters were interacting like a comedy skit again, so I inadvertently casted [President L*ncoln] to them.

[This is too much to even free us… Aniki… Let me call you Aniki!] [[[Aniki! Aniki!]]]

“I’ve had enough brothers already!?”

Why do even the snake monsters say things that Agnos would say! Anyway, by releasing everyone from this dungeon, we finally move on. “Its fine already… Well, see you again!”

“Bye bye!”

[Ah, see you again!]

We promised to meet again, and then, we headed down to Huge Eyes that was waiting for us.

“…Seiichi. Are you, a gorilla killer or something?” “Heh? What’s a gorilla killer?”

“…No, it’s fine already. I also liked that gorilla, and it seems that Saria has accepted it somehow…”

“?”

Along the way, Al said that while exhaling.

Apparently, it seems that only I don’t understand it, since Louise and Luthia have a subtle expression, Olga-chan is the same, and Rurune has a matter of course look on her face.

Even Olga-chan, who doesn’t change, seems to know it, so it appears that I’m the only one who doesn’t understand it.

Anyway, that huge eye was still alive.

…The threat that the Snake God said might be him.

I certainly thought that it would be completely eliminated by Saria and the others’ attacks.

Moreover, I haven’t confirmed the existence of the [Pitiful Child] in this dungeon yet.

Anakong was mainly tied to the dungeon in that room, but it may be different for the [Pitiful Child] that the snake god said. The [Pitiful Child] appears to have been sealed in this dungeon, Anakong, on the other hand, was born and raised in this dungeon.

Anyway, I was very uncomfortable.

I know it’s my selfish feelings, but still, I don’t like that statement and attitude. If it’s alive, then we’ll deal with it.

That’s why――

“Now… will it be our opponent?”

The atmosphere here is different from the one before, and that’s what I thought so in front of the huge door.

2

“This is…”

As we pass through the huge door decorated with snakes, we came forth in a dim room.

Then there was something like an existence with its whole body chained to a cross, in the center of the room.

When we approach the center of the room little by little, while being vigilant, the door behind us was closed as expected.

“―― Please don’t come.” “Eh?”

Its appearance became clear as we approach, and we were surprised in a different way.

Her dark green hair is constantly squirming, and she’s quietly looking down.

However, I found out that her figure was extremely good, and she looks about the same age as me.

The clothes she wore were in tatters, but overall, there are no scratches etc. on it.

But, because her figure was good, the chain was digging into her chest and other parts of her body, and it was strangely fascinating in particular.

However, I can’t express any emotion other than surprise when I see such an appearance.

Because… “Medusa…?”

Yes, the woman who was being restrained in front of us, looked like medusa in the myth.

No, I can’t say anything because I’ve never seen an actual Medusa, but if I look closely at her green hair that was squirming a little while ago, its tips look like snake.

“What is Medusa?”

“Uhhm… Medusa is a fictional entity that appears in the mythology of my world… is it” It appears that there’s no word of Medusa in this world, and Al was mystified.

Rather than that, she’s in custody now.

“Etto, I’m gonna take that restraint right now. ――” “Please don’t come”

We were thinking of helping her, but her reply was a rejection. Sarria asks for that rejection.

“Why?”

“…I don’t know why you came to this place, but please return now… I, no longer want to sacrifice anyone.”

“…I don’t know the details, but I can’t overlook you. Right now” “Ah! Ah… Aah… no, no good… run away…!”

“Wha!?”

The moment I tried to get closer to her as I ignored her words, suddenly, her appearance became strange.

She looks in anguish while being restrained. “No good… No… noooooooooo!”

At that moment, her eyes, which should have been closed, opened, and it glowed purple. The purple light extends to us in a straight line like a laser.

We had a bad feeling about it, and when we jumped out of its way right away, the purple light hit the door behind us.

“Wha…?”

“The, door…”

I wasn’t surprised because I thought that she somehow looked like Medusa, but Saria and the others, who didn’t knew, looked at the door that was struck by the purple light, and their facial expressions stiffened.

Because the door was changed into an inorganic stone.

Of course, the door is originally made of iron, and it was inorganic.

However, the door, which was a completely double door*, was now as hard as one stone plate.

She gave off that purple light, and with her face down, she’s desperately enduring something.

“Gu… uu… it’s, no good… Quickly, run away from here…” “Even if you told us to run away…”

I can even see how you’re in so much pain, and above all, my business here is this very dungeon itself.

When I was worried about what to do, the dungeon, which is our purpose, called out to us.

[What, you bastards. Are alive? It’s boring] “You…”

[Well, whether you’re alive or not, you’re still going to die here after all… Come on, cursed child! Kill the intruders there!]

“Uuh… uu ―― AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

She finally screamed as if she couldn’t endure it anymore.

Moreover, the chains and the cross, that were restraining her, burst away at that moment.

[Hahahahahahaha! Now, let’s use that power to the intruders! And kill them! If you kill them, I will become stronger again…]

“Uuh… Aa…”

[What are you doing!? Kill, kill! I’m going to use you who can’t live decently in this world! Unleash that cursed power now!]

“I don’t want to… I don’t want to…!”

To her who desperately held her eyes with both of her hands, the dungeon urged so. “I’ve been listening to this disgusting bastard since some time ago… Don’t hide, come out!”

“That’s right. Not to show up in front Milord… it’s disrespectful. Do you want to be erased from this world?”

Then Al and Rurune, who were full of vigor, looked around the room and said so.

[Fool. Why should I come out before you? You’re only waiting for your destiny to die…] “…If it’s not coming out, then I’ll randomly attack.”

Louise indiscriminately slashed at the surrounding walls and ceiling while being wary of the girl’s suffering.

Slashing certainly scratches the wall, but it’ll be repaired immediately.

[Fuhahahahahahaha! Useless useless! You bastards are already in this room… No, you can’t even get out of me! And the cursed child there will kill you right now.]

“Tha… that’s… I… don’t want to… I don’t…!”

[Hmm. Do you still want to resist me at the last minute you garbage that’s unneeded by the world? Give it up!]

“Ah… Aah… AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

After the dungeon’s words, a black smoke-like thing wrapped her body.

She was desperately resisting from being swallowed by the smoke, but eventually, she lost her strength and her eyes were completely open.

Moreover, hatred dwells in her eyes, and she fires her gaze towards us. “Hate… Hate Hate Hate Haaaaatttttteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!”

“Uuuo!?”

“Tsk!”

“…Dangerous”

We desperately avoided the light of petrification which she released indiscriminately.

…No, I have the skill [Perfect Resistance], and Saria also received the gauntlet from Anakong which has an ability that nullifies any abnormal status. I avoided it because

of problems in my mental health.

Because the Dungeon* maybe somewhere on the walls or the ceiling, while avoiding that, Saria and the others continued to attack the walls and the ceiling. (TN: they are referring at that huge eyes)

When we’re avoiding that light, she exploded the cry of her heart.

“Why… why do I have to be ostracized…! This body… I didn’t want to have…!”

[Yes, human beings are selfish, aren’t they? Those bastards made you, and sealed you in this dungeon because they can’t handle you. The power to turn someone to stone just by looking at your eyes… You, who was said to have been cursed even though you weren’t, may certainly be a <Pitiful Child>.]

Listening to the voice of this dungeon, I could imagine that it has a very disgusting smile on its face even though I wasn’t looking at it.

[But, you can absorb some power because you’re locked in my dungeon, and thus, you obtained a tremendous ability. You’re a trash that has plenty of value to me.]

“Uuu… UuuuuuuuuuUUU!”

The dungeon’s voice endlessly irritates the human nerves to an extent.

Because she doesn’t possess any means to oppose her own circumstances or the Dungeon’s words… she cried from both her eyes with bright red blood tears.

[Ahahahahahahahahaha! Really, the humans have given me a really good toy! I’m thankful for that. Therefore, from now on, I will take in many of this type of human beings, and I will turn the world itself into mine!]

The dungeon talks about its delusions by itself.

[Oi, how long are you going to take your time!? Quickly ――] “It’s been over since some time ago”

I activated [President L*ncoln] to the rampaging girl. Today, [President L*ncoln] played a big role

Then, the black smoke that was wrapping her body bursts, and when she returned to her original state, I caught her who was about to collapse on the spot.

“Ah…” [Ha!?]

Suddenly, I heard not only her, but also the dumb voice of the dungeon.

…You somehow said that she was sealed in this dungeon, but apparently, she was tied to this dungeon like Anakong.

I gently lay her on the spot and stare at the whole room.

“As I listened to you a while ago, you’ve been talking continuously about things that I couldn’t understand…”

[Yo, you don’t understand what I said!?]

I don’t understand it.

Is it even possible keep up with her and the dungeon’s past so suddenly?

When I released her, Saria and the others also stopped their attacks at once and came under me.

[Gu, Gugugugu…! I don’t know how you did it, but you can never get out of this dungeon just by releasing that trash! Because you have to defeat me! If I can’t use the trash there, then it’s fine! Destroy everything in this room, including that trash! Fu fu fu… ahahahahahahahaha!]

Then the voice of the dungeon fades away again. “Ah, don’t run away! Seiichi, is it okay!? To let it go!” “It’s fine.”

Al asks that, but I didn’t mind it.

In the first place, I have no intention of letting it escape anymore.

“…This is the first time I entered a dungeon, but does it all have such an evil personality?” “…No, I’ve never heard of a dungeon having consciousness in the first place.”

Luthia, too, frowned at the bad personality of this dungeon, and Louise sighed and denied it.

That’s right… It’s a strange story for a dungeon to have consciousness.

Well, aside from that… “Are you okay?”

“Eh… that… that’s… I, I’m okay…”

She said that with her eyes closed now while being frightened. I gave a bitter smile unintentionally at her appearance.

“Even so, we’re not so scared of it…”

“…It’s definitely scary. It’s settled now, but I can’t control that light. That’s why; I might turn you guys into stone, you know?”

Saying that, she turned her face down. Then Saria gently calls out.

“I’m Saria! What’s your name?” “…… I’m Zora Melgon.”

“Then why is Zora-san in this dungeon?”

“…Why do I have to talk about that? Please leave me alone.”

“I can’t leave you alone. Because, you’re alone and lonely in a place like this!”

To match with such a Saria, I also told her what the Snake God said to me.

“I’m not a very good guy, but I can’t leave you alone either. I was also requested by the Snake God.”

“Eh… The Snake God-sama!?”

In my words, Zora raised her face.

“That’s right. Save the [Pitiful Child] in the lower layer along the way, that’s what it said.” “…Is, that so…”

Zora, who became silent for a while, began to talk eventually.

“…I was, originally in a tribe called the Snake Tribe, and I was born in a village in the depths of the forest. However, I saw my mother who was in sight soon after she gave birth to me… and I turned her into stone.”

“…”

From the time she was born, she seems to have been able to use the light of petrification.

“Fortunately, my mother was treated early, so she was saved… then my parents and the whole village said that I was a cursed child. That’s what the Snake God-sama taught me.”

“The Snake God?”

“Yes… the other snakes who knew my abilities feared me, and they decided to kill me. However, the Snake God-sama, the guardian deity of the Snake Tribe, was angry at this decision. Due to the presence of Snake God-sama, I wasn’t killed right away, but to those who do not think well of Snake God-sama who is the Guardian Deity at that time, instead of finally killing me, they decided to seal me in this dungeon together with Snake God-sama. At first, this was just a small dungeon, and I and Snake God-sama were together. But it gradually accumulates power, and this growing dungeon… eventually possessed a will. This dungeon that possessed a will increased its layer, and separated me and Snake God-sama. And the dungeon that knew my ability, bound my body into this room, and gained more power.”

We couldn’t say anything when we heard Zora’s story.

Instead of being thrown away by her parents, she’s about to be killed, but eventually, she was sealed in a dungeon together with the Snake God who was also their Guardian Deity…

However, she who has lived such a life was sealed, and perhaps, this is the reason why Luthia said that this place felt sad at the beginning.

I thought about the Black Dragon God’s time, but I wonder if people are creatures that gradually forget the things they were grateful for.

Originally, I may not be able to say this as a Japanese man, who is tolerant of religion to some extent, but still, that’s not an attitude they should have to the other party who protected them until then.

“…They can’t handle me, and that’s why I’m in this dungeon. Therefore, I haven’t been blessed since I was born in this world.”

Zora, with her eyes closed, laughed at herself. Then Olga-chan hugged Zora.

“Eh?”

“…Don’t say that, you’re not blessed.”

“…What do you know? About my feelings ――”

“…I understand it. I was also abandoned by my parents because I was a black cat beast man.”

“…Eh?”

Zora was confused and surprised by Olga-chan’s words.

“…… I was told that I shouldn’t have been born. Then I was sold by my parents, bought by a country, and made me learned assassination techniques…”

“…”

“…But I’m happy now. It doesn’t matter how the world is. Everyone has the right to be happy.”

“…I want to be happy, too. I want to see the real sky and not be in a place like this. I want to breathe fresh air. I want to see various sceneries…! But…!”

Then Zora couldn’t bear it, and started crying. Al, who was watching that, asked me.

“Say. I don’t know if I should rely on you like this, but… Seiichi, can’t you do something about it? Because I was also cursed, I can’t think of any person…”

“…I’m very glad that you’re relying on me, but this is…”

I want to help, too.

I’d like to help… But, to make matters worse, her eyes of petrification weren’t a curse.

No matter how many times I checked her using [Advanced Appraisal] or [World’s Eye], there’s no sign of a curse.

I mean…

“…It is really an inborn constitution…”

If it’s not a curse, but a constitution, then there’s nothing I can do about it. I can’t visualize a magic of improving her constitution.

Moreover, it’s not a skill, so there’s nothing I can do anymore.

“Even if it’s a constitution, if I don’t know how the light of petrification comes out…” “Maybe, it’s caused by the excessive magic power overflowing from her eyes…”

“Eh?”

When I was holding made head in a serious stalemate, Luthia was looking seriously at Zora’s eyes.

“I can see magic power directly as a color, not using any skill or magic. I think I have the same constitution as her. So, I thought it was weird a while ago… There’s so much magic power in her eyes. And when it’s about to overflow, it seems that it will be emitted as light of petrification without her being able to suppress it.”

“Ri, right… Then, what do we have to do about that magic power? For instance… reducing the surplus.”

I thought I could do something thanks to Luthia, but Luthia shook her head with a difficult expression.

“…Magic power is, something that circulates inside the body. It’s not about using magic, and if she forcibly reduces her magic power, something will happen to her body, and in the worst case, she can die.”

“Then we can’t do anything after all…”

“No… It’s difficult, but if she completely blocks the overflowing magic power, somehow…”

Completely block the magic power huh… “Is it easy?”

“…Normally, she can’t. No matter how much she suppresses it, her magic power will still overflow from her body, and there are basically no obstacles in her magic power.”

“I see…”

In other words, if there’s something that can shut out her magic power completely, Zora’s light of petrification will be fine.

However, it’s not just about suppressing the light of petrification, she also wants to see the scenery outside, and so I have to make it happen.

…I guess I’m being selfish, but she’ll have to use something that doesn’t block her view, such as goggles or glasses.

“No… Something that completely blocks only magical power, and doesn’t obstruct the field of vision…”

What a convenient item! Where was that ―― “Ah”

As I said that, I suddenly remembered.

…There was. There was, one…!

I remembered the item and called out to everyone. “Hey, everyone!”

“Nn? What’s wrong?”

“…I found a way to solve Zora’s problem.” [Eeh!?]

Sure enough, everyone was surprised.

“Seiichi… I’m telling you this myself, but there’s nothing that can completely block magic power, right? What’s more, things that don’t deprive the field of vision is…”

Base on Luthia’s words, I thought so too at first, but there’s no other choice because it really exists.

“It’s fine! But I have to get out of this dungeon first to get it ready.”

“Wha? You’re leaving the dungeon… I mean, we are trapped in this dungeon.”

I’ve completely forgotten about it because of Zora, but this dungeon said that we were trapped.

However…

“No, it doesn’t matter because I have the Transition Magic.” “…Come to think of it, you have that.”

Actually. it seems that Transition Magic can be used in this room, so we can escape without any problems.

“But when the errand is over, I’ll come back again.” “Wha? Why…”

I replied with a smile to the curious Al.

“Of course ―― I won’t forgive this dungeon.”

“―― Beatrice-san!”

“Yes? Seiichi-san. What happened? I thought you were in the dungeon by now…”

After telling everyone those words, I came back, and I immediately went down to Beatrice-san to make a tool for Zora.

Sure enough, Beatrice-san was surprised at me who suddenly showed up. “I’m sorry, I’m on an urgent business…”

“Haa… so, what’s this business?”

“That’s, where can I make an eyeglass?” “Eh?”

To my question, Beatrice-san made a stupid look. “Glasses… is it?”

“Yes. Either eyeglass or goggle is fine… Beatrice-san already knows that it came from the heroes in another world, but I wonder where I can find glasses in this world…”

She looked as if she didn’t understand why I was asking her that, but Beatrice-san taught me obediently.

“I’m not sure… If it’s a pair of glasses, then they sell it at a general store in this school district, right? Of course, it costs a little more…”

“I see… If you bring your own material, can they make it out of that material?” “Eeh? You want bring your own material…”

Beatrice-san looked even more confused, but then, she seriously thought.

“…Let’s see. If you bring your own, then it’s better to have a blacksmith than to buy in the general store. There’s a blacksmith shop in this school district, too, so how about you visit it for a moment? Ah, I’ll draw a map.”

“Thank you very much!”

After thanking her for giving me a map, I went straight to the blacksmith shop. Thanks to the kind Beatrice-san, I was able to go to the blacksmith without getting lost. “Excuse me.”

“Welcome, come on in.”

When I entered inside, I was greeted by a muscular and stout-built Ojii-san with a fine beard.

Not only weapons such as swords and spears, various armors and shields were also placed inside.

It would be interesting to take a leisurely look if I have some time, but I have some business to do now, so I ignore it.

“Uhm, can you make a pair of glasses or goggles with this material?”

And then, I handed a certain raw material to Ojii-san ―― I gave him the [Magic Sand*].

(TN: Madan Suna, can also mean Demon Sand)

Yes, the item that can solve Zora’s problem is, actually, a drop item of [Sandman] that I defeated in the dungeon of the Black Dragon God.

If you heat this and turn this into glass, it says that this can block magic and magic power.

However, its description says that attack magic cannot be blocked, so at first I thought of where can I use it, but… I never thought I’d use it in a situation like this.

The Ojii-san who received the [Magic Sand] from me looked around it in a curious

manner.

“This thing is… a material I’m not familiar with, but when I saw the results of appraisal, it appears that it will become glass if it’s heated. However, does this mean that this pair of glasses… has a purpose?”

“Yes. So, can you do it?”

“Yeah… With this amount, I can make both a pair of glasses and goggles… What will I do?” “Then, can I have you make both?”

“Ou, leave it to me. Wait a moment. If it’s this much then it’s going to be over soon.”

When he said that and received the [Magic Sand], Ojii-san withdrew into the back of the shop.

I have nothing to do while I’m waiting, and as soon as I started looking around inside the blacksmith shop, Ojii-san came out.

“It’s done.”

“That’s fast!?”

“Well, it wasn’t particularly difficult to make it into glasses. This is the finished product… For the glasses, I used a special material called [Daishou Metal*] which has the effect of size adjustment. Well, I didn’t make it just by this [Daishou Metal], but… I’ve also used the [Magic Sand] as much as I like. I don’t know who’s going to use it; but In this case, the frame will automatically adjust to the size of the owner’s face.” (TN: The kanji written means ‘Large and Small Metal or Size Metal’, but it sounds weird so I stick with the romaji version)

As he said so, he passed me a pair of simple glasses with a silver frame.

“Well, this is the goggles. This is, uhmm… I didn’t use anything special. If I put it bluntly, it’s about the rubber.”

The next one that he passed to me was a pair of goggles that a pilot fighter from a long time ago would wear. As Ojii-san said, a black rubber was attached to it, so I don’t have to worry about the size adjustment of this either.

When I was satisfied with the result, I thanked him.

Finally, I paid him with money; but because he was allowed to use a strange material, and the [Daishou Metal] he used were from scraps, it was pretty cheap. Well, I have money, but it’s cheap.

Anyway, I’m ready to go, and I immediately return to the dungeon where Zora and others are.

2

“I’m back!”

“Ah, Seiichi!”

“That was quite fast, but… are you done now?”

When I returned to the dungeon, Saria and the others welcomed me.

“Ah, the processing itself didn’t seem so difficult, did it? That’s why… yes, this is what I was saying.”

“This is…”

“Certainly, as my Shishou said, she doesn’t have to worry about obstructing her view.” “But, can it really cut off her magic power?”

“She just has to try it out.”

I approached Zora, who was feeling depressed. “Look, Zora. Put this on.”

“Eh, bu, but…”

“If you’re afraid like that, you can’t go any further. Besides, Zora’s light of petrification is effective even on nonliving things, so put on these pair of glasses and goggles that I brought, and then look at the walls and floor, and that’s all you have to do to make sure it works, right?”

“…Ye, yes…”

Zora, who was wearing the glasses, gradually opens her eyes with fear. “Ah ――Aah… aaaaaa…!”

The light of petrification was completely blocked by the glasses.

On top of that, I thought that the light might overflow from the side of it, and that’s why I also prepared the goggles, but for some reason, the light itself didn’t come out of her eyes.

I was a little surprised at that, but if I observed her glasses carefully, I can see the reason why.

What the, the [Magic Sand] isn’t only on the lens part of the glasses, it was also incorporated into the nose pads and temple part of the glasses.

Therefore, the magic power around her eyes was completely blocked, and the light of petrification hadn’t come out.

When Zora puts her hand on her mouth while being overcome with emotion, her hidden emerald eyes turned toward us.

“I can see… I can see…!”

“Well, I’ve managed to get it done.” “U… Uu… Uwaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

Zora bursts into tears.

Saria pats such Zora while looking at her with gentle eyes. “That’s good, Zora-san.”

“Un… Un…!”

“No, it’s still too early to be surprised, right?”

“Eh?”

To Zora, who continues to shed emotional tears, I said that and laughed. “I’m going to show you something good now, so take a proper look.”

“Eh? Eh?”

“Seiichi? What are you going to do?”

Zora was confused, and Al and the others strangely tilted their heads. “It’s fine. Ah, can you all stay as close to me as possible?”

“Ah, aah”

While floating an expression like they can’t comprehend what I mean, Saria and the others approach me obediently.

“All right, then ――” [――!?]

I prepared the <Fine Sword of Swirling Hatred (Black)> and <Fine Sword of Overflowing Benevolence (White)> and step on the ground powerfully.

With that alone, the ground around me, and Saria and the others was blown off, and the impact surprised Saria and the others so much that they couldn’t speak.

“―― see this!”

With the power that I stepped in as it is, I put some magic into the black and white, and then turned it towards the ceiling, and I swung it with force just before the world creaked.

And―― “――”

――The world shook.

2

―― While Seiichi was handing the glasses to Zora, the dungeon, who feels that they’re completely confined, laughed in a low voice.

[Kukuku… stupid humans. I’m originally a dungeon, which is a paranormal phenomenon, and cannot be rivaled by humans who are like garbage! They should die in that room where there’s no food at best.]

The dungeon further smiles.

[The other dungeons have been captured by humans without having an ego, and had destroyed themselves. But I’m different! With the people who have foolishly invaded this land, I’m going to suck up the power of those trashes and cover the world with myself! Who’s the ruler of this planet!? It’s not humans! I am. A dungeon, I’m the ruler of this world! Fufufu… Ahahahahahahahaha!]

The Dungeon laughs like crazy. It was at that time.

[Nn?… Nguya*!? What!?] (TN: It is something like an ‘ouch’)

As if to interrupt the laughter of the dungeon, a big tremor struck the dungeon.

In the dungeon, where an ego was born, each layer can be likened to human organs such as the intestine and stomach. That’s why if you attack the walls of the dungeon, there’s certainly some damage, but the Dungeon, which is a paranormal phenomenon in this world, can be healed in an instant with its natural healing alone. Therefore, as they continue to attack its walls, it will lose its physical strength, and it’s going to crumble to dust.

And now, the dungeon was hit by a terrible impact on its part that’s the same as human’s belly.

It was the moment when Seiichi stepped on the ground strongly, and the dungeon screams in so much pain.

[Gyaaaaaaa! It hurts, it hurts, it hurts! Wha, what is thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis!? Thi, this stomach pain…! Gobo haa!?]

However, Seiichi’s stepping on it doesn’t stop from hurting its stomach, and it suddenly had its belly quickly ruptured.

[Ah… Ah gah… wh,why… what the hell… to me, what happened――] The dungeon was trying to find the cause, but it ended in failure. [Hee?]

With a dumb voice, the dungeon was blown off.

No resistance was allowed, and even the time to think wasn’t given to it.

Only that its human’s belly part bursts off, and the terrifying energy penetrates it vertically from its throat to its brain, destroying itself.

It couldn’t have expected that.

Unfortunately, it died without even being seen by anyone, silently, and thus, it was completely erased.

The inside of the dungeon is wiped out with only the aftermath of Seiichi’s attack. Walls, ceilings, floors and monsters.

None of them are obstacles, and they just disappeared.

But for some reason, there was no effect on the monsters he knew, such as the Snake God or Anakong.

A special veil wrapped around Anakong and her companions, the snake monsters, and the Snake God, and it protected them from the shock waves.

[Th, this is…]

And when the veil suddenly enveloped the Snake God’s body, instantly, something like the power that keeps it tied to the dungeon disappeared; and it opened its eyes wide with surprise.

On the other hand, Anakong and her companions, who were heading for the exit after

parting with Seiichi, were surprised by the mysterious veil and the collapse of the dungeon.

[Are you guys, okay!?] [I’m okay, Nee-san!]

[This is dreadful, right!? What’s going on!?]

[I don’t know! Anyway, thanks to this unknown veil, we seem to be fine, but don’t neglect your guard!]

[Yes! I don’t want to die!]

[Right right! Nee-san will become beautiful and will meet Aniki again!] [[[Fuu! It’s hot!]]]

[…Is it possible to get the veil off of you guys?] [[[We’re so sorryyyyyyy!]]]

It’s as if the world possessed a will… No, the world actually thought about Seiichi, and it defended the Snake God and, Anakong and the others, and nobody knew that.

But Seiichi’s attack that wiped out the dungeon, didn’t just end there.

Rather, his slash pushed forward without a decrease in its power as if it’s saying that the dungeon just happened to be on its path.

First, the surrounding trees that were above the dungeon disappeared without a trace, and the monsters have vanished at the same time, too.

If that’s the case, the nearby [Babador Magic Academy] should be damaged, too, but the world also did its work there, and it managed to minimize the shock wave of Seiichi’s slash.

Of course, the world can’t directly catch Seiichi’s slash.

However, if it did something a little absurd, it can suppress the shock wave.

Thanks to the efforts of the world, it was only the part of the forest where Demiolos of the <Demon’s God Cult> was hiding that disappeared and perished. But, the power of his slash hasn’t diminished.

Even if the world had made efforts to this extent, since Seiichi, who should be able to easily destroy the world, doesn’t use magic and physical attacks of world destruction class so much, but because it thought that it’d be bad if the damage to the world is caused by a little stress again in the future, so it aimed to get rid of his stress on such an opportunity, but there’s no reason for everyone to know such a thing. (TN: The world erased Demiolos in order to lessen the stress of Seiichi in the future. If you’re confused in this part, just comment J)

While the World itself is struggling with this, in this planet, if there’s no Demon God, rather than a disaster-class threat, there’s a top-class threat called the <Dragon God Emperor*>, who’s trying to destroy a country somewhere to kill time, and as it happened to cross the path of Seiichi’s slash in the sky, it disappeared without knowing the reason why. (TN: Ryuujin Mikado)

The slash that destroyed the <Dragon God Emperor> easily crosses the atmosphere, and advances straight ahead through the universe.

As a spaceship continued to erase the planets and stardust that have no living organisms on it in progress, the spaceship appeared on its path. (TN: Apprently, in this webnovel, Aliens are real)

Unlike rockets that exist on Earth, on the contrary, this battleship appears to be more futuristic and sharper.

In such a spaceship, aliens with silvery skin and huge jet-black eyes were talking. [Captain. It seems that there’s a star near here that has intelligent life forms.]

In the cockpit of the ship, an alien directed a special 3D hologram-type device. It was the star where Seiichi and his companions live now.

[Hou? Were there still any life forms in such a remote place… fuun. They’re probably just primitive people with ultra-low civilization who wouldn’t notice us at this distance. All right, we’re going to rule it as our colony. ――]

The words of the alien didn’t last.

That’s because the spaceship was swallowed by the slash in the blink of an eye.

Unintentionally, the aliens who aimed at the star where Seiichi and the others are, disappeared without knowing anything.

As a result, the star crisis was gone thanks to Seiichi. But even then, Seiichi’s slash still doesn’t stop.

Rather, it absorbs the mysterious power of the universe and other things, and its power increases rapidly.

It happened to pass near the so-called <Dead Planet> that couldn’t even shine as it moved forward, then that planet received a huge energy that couldn’t be understood from it, and it burned violently again and came back to life.

Perhaps because of that, the star seems to have played the role of the Sun on Earth, and the intelligent life forms living on the planet around the revived star were heartily moved to tears at the warmth of its return.

As it changes the state of the universe rapidly without Seiichi’s knowledge, at last, it encounters an outrageous scene. (TN: Seiichi’s slash is having such an adventure huh.)

That was, hundreds of times larger than the sun… no, a strange-looking monster that’s thousands of times bigger than it, was confronted by a myriad of space battleships that’s floating.

Furthermore, at the front of the space battleship group, a humanoid alien dressed in futuristic armor-like material was holding a weapon.

[Space King! I won’t give you the universe!]

[Hahahahaha! Fine bravery, space hero! But, what can you, a little guy, do?]

[I can’t defeat you by myself, but I have friends here!! Even those who have their home planet destroyed by you! In order, not to cause such a tragedy again, we… the <Great Allied Forces of the Universe> shall defeat you!]

In response to the words of the man who was called the space hero, the Space Great King answered with no interest.

[You can’t do anything. You bastards, are just beings that can be played with to an extent. It’s a sin to be weak. Did I destroyed your home planet too? That’s only natural. I’m absolutely the strongest in the entire universe. You weak bastards are inferiors.]

[You bastard…!]

[The weak will always be weak, and you’re just playthings――]

Below the Space Great King, who kept talking to the space hero and the others with plenty of composure, Seiichi’s slash arrived.

The current size of the slash was the same as the sun now, but for the Space Great King, who’s far larger than the sun, it’s nothing bigger than a flea to a human.

However, the Space Great King, who received such a tiny slash of Seiichi ―― vanished. [Wha?]

Neither the space hero nor the <Great Allied Forces of the Universe> understood what happened.

No, the one who didn’t understood the most, would be the Space Great King.

And while he was talking about the stronger and weaker individuals, its existence was erased without knowing the reason.

The Space Great King didn’t know.

However, as he thinks that there are strong and weak people, there are also individuals who are stupid.

By colliding with the Space Great King, Seiichi’s slash disappeared at last. The space hero and the others were stunned.

Nevertheless, the overwhelming power that ruled the entire universe until a little while ago has vanished, and when they found out that the Space Great King has

disappeared, they cheered all at once. [Uwaaaaaaaaaaaa!]

[We did it! We really did it!]

[Now, we don’t have to be frightened by his shadow!]

[I don’t know what happened… However, we just wanted to kill him, the one that destroyed our mother planets, with our own hands… But I knew it was impossible. On the contrary, there was a possibility that we would be annihilated… U, uuh… It was really good… Right now, we can be at peace… I’m so happy…!]

Each of them embraces one another, rejoices, and kept shedding tears of joy. Who the heck destroyed the Space Great King.

Those who know that, don’t even know Seiichi who released that slash.

――In this way, Seiichi also, unintentionally saved the entire universe, let alone the stars.

(TN: So Seiichi saved the entire universe without even knowing it hah.)

2

“Wha… wha…!?”

The ceiling above me was blown away, including the many layers above.

Moreover, due to the shock wave generated at that time, even the monsters on each layer of the dungeon disappeared.

…Well, the Snake God and Anakong may still be in this dungeon, but since it was a strike using the black and white clad with Seiichi magic <Judgment>, they shouldn’t get attacked by me… No, I want it to be that way.

You might think that I can just use <Judgment> directly if I’m doing such a thing… well… there are days that I want to use [Physics rather than magic]!… Eh, no? Ah, right…

Not to mention the ceiling, I also knocked down the trees on the ground, and not only that, my slash blew away even the clouds floating in the blue sky, and Al and others,

who saw that, were too shocked to open their mouths. “Oh, it’s a clear weather!”

“Aren’t you too carefree!?”

When I was feeling refreshed as I saw the gaping hole overhead, Al tsukkomi’d.

“What did you do!? There were supposed to be trees in the vicinity!? Even if you blow off the walls and ceiling of the dungeon, it doesn’t make any sense…!”

Well, I understand Al’s feelings. I mean, it was unexpected for me, too.

I thought I’d become a monster, but I didn’t expect that it would be completely destroyed. Was it brittle? The dungeon’s ceiling.

I looked up while making a shadow with my hand on my eyes, and when I was satisfied, I turned to Zora.

“See, this is the blue sky.” “Ah――”

Seeing the clear blue sky through the gaping hole, Zora was stunned. And, her tears flow quietly.

“This is… the sky…”

“That’s right. Isn’t it beautiful?” “…Yes. Very…”

As if she appears to be dreaming, Zora mutters while looking up at the sky.

“…I might, have seen it when I was little. But, I don’t think the sky at that time was this vivid at all. Yes, it’s such a beautiful blue sky…”

Zora, who looked down once, wiped away her tears and looked up at the sky again. “The world… is so wide.”

“That’s right. The world is wide. Beyond this dim place, the world that you haven’t seen yet spreads… And we can look at it. Because this world doesn’t belong to anyone.”

“…Yes.”

I smiled at Zora, who nodded quietly. “Well, let’s go together, shall we?” “Eh?”

“In the end, it depends on Zora’s feelings, but let’s take a look at this unknown world together.”

“Together… The world…”

Saria hugs Zora, who dumbfoundedly murmured.

“Yeah, let’s go together! It’s fun to see it alone, but I think it’s more fun to share that emotion with a lot of people!”

“That’s right… Saria is correct. I’m working as an adventurer, but because of my constitution, I couldn’t even go out… However, thanks to Seiichi, I can now go to various places with my own will. But I’m happier to look around with Seiichi and the others instead of being alone.”

Al also kindly said that following Saria’s words.

“Zora-san. From now on, all you have to do is enjoy the world. If you’re with Shishou, you can do that.”

“Yes. Because you’re living in this world, I don’t want you to feel despair in this world. This world is more beautiful and wonderful than you think.”

“That’s right, snake daughter. The world is overflowing with exquisite food! To spend time without knowing this, it’s a loss in everything!”

“…Don’t say anything unusual, Rurune.” “Mi, milord!?”

No, whether it’s lost in everything or not, cooking is a big part of enjoying the world. Then, after Olga-chan approached Zora, she looked up at her face, and reached out. “…want to go together?”

“…Yes!”

She’s timid, but she certainly held Olga-chan’s hand.

As I was soothed by that sight alone, suddenly, a voice echoed in my brain. [Your level has risen]

TN: Sheep-san

Level… Up?

When I was soothed, those ruthless words chilled my heart all at once.

…No, calm down. It’s not yet decided that the result will be drastic. Well, all my level up so far has become ridiculous!

When Al suddenly noticed that my expression became dead instantly, she asked suspiciously.

“Nn? What happened? Seiichi” “…I seem to have leveled up…”

“What, you’re still getting stronger!?”

I don’t want to hear it! Can you tell me? My body. Where are you headed? Anyway, there’s no point in crying, so I quickly check my status.

When I was thinking about how long it had been, my status was――

<Hiiragi Seiichi-sama>

Congratulations on your level up this time.

I am very pleased that you seem to be getting stronger.

However, at present time, I can’t display Seiichi-sama’s very awesome status, so I cannot

show it.

I am very sorry.

Please forgive me for being so unworthy.

―― But I won’t give up.

Even now, so that Seiichi-sama can view his status somewhere in the future, I’ll embark on a training journey.

Don’t look for me.

And someday again, once I’ve grown up, I’ll be able to show Seiichi-sama’s status, so I would appreciate it if you could wait even a little.

I wish for Seiichi-sama’s more and more success.

Then, until the day when we can meet again, someday――

―― It went on a journey.

“Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!”

Status comebaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! (TN: He said this one in English)

Why does the status abandon my status!? I never thought my status would be so outrageous to even use an honorific!

It’s not like that! Won’t you come back?! No, where did you really go!

It doesn’t matter what you think! It’s weird! I’m starting to feel distrust towards myself! I was afraid of the result, but I couldn’t have expected it to be so terrible!

Saria and others were surprised to see me screaming with emotion and retorting. “Seiichi? What’s wrong?”

“The status… left me…” [Wha?]

Everyone’s voice matched.

I want to react the same way! But I can’t because I’m a related party! I’ll cry.

Saria and the others are stunned, but before long, everyone nodded as if they were convinced.

“I see… but it’s Seiichi!”

“…Seichi’s status, it’s impossible… No, wait. Your status has an ego!?”

“I see… Finally, at the spoonful of Milord’s greatness, even the status gave up!” “…Seiichi-oniichan. That’s truly unusual… But I’m convinced.”

“Shishou… How can I get to that high-position? I can’t see a future where I’ll catch up with Shishou…”

“Seiichi. I, understand well. I thought that the <Demon God’s Cult> was a very dangerous organization… But when I look at Seiichi right now, that Demon God seems pathetic.”

“Eh? Eh? I, I’m not sure… but he’s amazing for the time being, right?” “Don’t be convinceeeeeeeeeeeeeeed!?”

Especially Saria! It has no basis anymore!

Because everyone was convinced, Zora was also convinced that I was like that too.

I’ve already been mentally beaten, and that’s quite painful, but in that situation, I realized that I didn’t name myself to Zora. I want to escape from reality!

“Ah… Come to think of it, I didn’t tell Zora my name yet.”

“Ah, yes! I heard the names of everyone else while you were making these glasses.”

“That’s right. Well then, again. I am Hiiragi Seiichi. You can call me Seiichi.” “Yes! Seiichi-san, right!”

Looking at the lively expression of Zora, which is different from the one before, my rough heart was healed a little.

“――No no no, I want you to be healed more!” [!?]

We suddenly heard a voice.

Al and the others immediately set up their weapons while being wary of the voice, but it was a familiar voice for me and Saria.

“A’re? This voice…” “No… no way…!?”

In front of my eyes, that’s trembling with fear, that guy ―― Hitsuji appeared.

“It’s been a long time! Everyone loves, Hitsuji-san, right? Now, please be healed to the fullest.”

“It’s too lateeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!?”

To Histuji in a tailcoat and a top hat that’s looking at me with a triumphant look, I said so with all my might.

I thought I was healed! But it’s all gone now!

When I was hanging my head in mind-like pursuit, Al asks me with surprise. “What? Do Seiichi and Saria know him?”

“Yeah, that’s right! He’s Histuji-san!”

“Un un, Saria-ojousama is pretty cute as usual. Compared to that, Seiichi-sama… has finally been departed by his status hah. Yeah yeah, you aren’t a human as ever”

“Why are you scratching such a wound of mine!? Rather, why do you know that my status has departed me!?”

“Because I was looking at it and laughing at you.” “As usual, you have a bad personality!”

He hasn’t changed at all! On the contrary, I’m relieved! Al, who was watching us interact, squeezed her cheeks. “Wh, what do I say… this guy has certain mannerisms.” “No, I can get embarrass.”

“I didn’t praise you!?”

What’s going on with this guy’s brain conversation function!?

“Well then, because of Seiichi-sama, the introduction became longer, but it’s time to get into the main subject.”

“It’s my fault!?”

“Yes, that’s already decided.”

I’m going to definitely hit this guy.

“Now then, Saria-ojousama and Seiichi-sama, did you vaguely sense what I came here for?”

“Ah? Aah… Surely, you’ll arrive if a dungeon was defeated in its true meaning*, right?”

(TN: shin no imi = true sense or true meaning)

“That’s right. And only its true meaning, can a dungeon be defeated, but that’s solely for a dungeon that has residual feelings… In fact, I couldn’t come out in this dungeon.”

“Wha? Is that so?”

Speaking of which, certainly, the point where you can complete the dungeon in its true meaning is, by taking care of its residual feelings.

Then Hitsuji turned his eyes to Zora.

“Yes. Originally, this dungeon was a natural dungeon created by magic power, but the existence of Zora-sama and the Snake God-sama were sealed here. As a result, the dungeon itself grew to the point where it had an ego.”

“Hmm… but Zora and the Snake God are still alive, so it doesn’t have any residual feelings, right? That’s why the dungeon’s ego would be almost too nil to occur…”

When I asked him that, Hitsuji waved his fingers. “Fu… isn’t that clever? Seiichi-sama.”

“Eh?”

“Certainly, I’ve said that dungeon bosses are often the owners of lingering thoughts, but it doesn’t mean that it can’t be a residual thought of another being. And in this case, the naturally occurring dungeon here, has many residual thoughts of the Snake- tribe people who sealed the two, the Snake God-sama and Zora-sama. Well, it’s not regret or something like that, it’s extraordinarily powerful… It is thoughts of hatred,

which is close to a curse. That’s why this dungeon developed an ego and it turned into a dungeon that can’t be truly traversed.”

“I, I see…”

Zora is a remnant of the Snake Tribe… When she heard that it was because of their hatred, she made a sad expression.

Whatever the content of that hatred, she can’t help it because she doesn’t have good memories of the snake tribe or her relatives.

When I thought about that, Hitsuji said with an amazedly exhausted tone. “Haa… Nevertheless, Seiichi-sama is as absurd as ever.”

“Wha? What is it?”

There are way too many verses to think of.

“Is it okay? This dungeon can be traversed in its true sense, but it’s impossible if asked if it could be done.”

“Eh?”

I gave a dumb voice to Hitsuji’s words.

No… impossible? But this nasty sheep is here because it’s done, right?

“Mainly, in the true dungeon traversal, if you clear the regret of the residual thoughts, it’s usually possible to complete it. But like I said, the lingering thoughts that reside in this dungeon are the hatred of the Snake Tribe. It would be impossible to dispel those remorseful thoughts, wouldn’t it?”

“That’s… Well…”

“Then how did you do that ―― it’s irrelevant if you just erase this dungeon.” “Well, I don’t think that’s true!?”

My eyes swam across Hitsuji’s words.

“No, it’s weird no matter how you think about it, right? Not only did you destroy the dungeon that shouldn’t be able to get destroyed originally, but you even erased all of its residual thoughts, right? Moreover, some people like Zora-san were released from the bindings of the dungeon before the dungeon got broken. Can you stop fooling us that you’re a [Human]?”

“Don’t say thaaaaaaaaat!”

I’m already burbling here! My mind got an octopus hit*! I don’t even think that I’m a [Human] anymore, but my status ―― my status left meeeeeeeeeeee! (TN: Octopus hit is a proverb meaning multiple or many, just like the tentacles of an octopus)

When I was holding my head in Hitsuji’s words, Hitsuji continued while ignoring me like that.

“Well, let’s leave that self-proclaimed human being there. Anyways, I’m very pleased that you were able to tread the true dungeon in this way.”

“Then you don’t have to tell me that much!” “Ara, you’re smart to notice that.”

“A-ll right, eat this with your teeeeeeeth!” “Hiiiiiiii! Violent bullying! That’s bullying!”

The sheep responded with exaggeration as I cracked my fingers and approached. This guy is absolutely stupid.

“Now now, please calm down… Well, Luthia-sama.” “Eh? M, me?”

Suddenly being talked to, Luthia was surprised.

“Yes, you are. This dungeon is special, but the dungeon that’s related to you… Particularly, the dungeon of the Black Dragon God-sama, which your Father, Seiichi-sama and the others had visited, has a true dungeon tread. If this true dungeon was traversed completely… Your Father and the Black Dragon God-sama will be released.”

“I, is that true!?”

Luthia opened her eyes and draw closer.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m a gentleman. I’m not lying. Including such Luthia-sama, let me provide information to everyone.”

“Information?” “Yes.”

Hitsuji, who was smiling, said that to us.

“――Two dungeons will be truly traversed in the near future.” “Two dungeons…?”

“Yes. Moreover, one is related to Luthia-sama, which I mentioned earlier, it’s the dungeon of The Black Dragon God.”

“Black Dragon God!?”

Hee. the Black Dragon God’s dungeon will be truly traversed soon hah…

“Nn? What will happen if the dungeon of the Black Dragon God was truly traversed?”

“That’s right… The Black Dragon God-sama will be released from the dungeon’s spell, and it will be able to go outside freely, right? That’s why, Luthia-sama will be able to meet them outside soon.”

“…I see… by the way, who will tread it?”

“Umm… I can’t say any more by the rules than it should be, so I’m sorry, but let me tell you about the reward for this traversal.”

Ah, come to think of it, we’d get something if we traversed the dungeon in its true meaning… I got a helmet though!

“I feel a bit uncomfortable, but well, it’s fine. The ones who will traverse the dungeon of the Black Dragon God-sama, are Zeanos-sama and Lucius-sama that you all know,

except for Zora-sama.”

“Ah! Zeanos-san and the others!”

“…Isn’t that the two people Seiichi brought back from the underworld… it’s scary to say that they came back from the underworld.”

“Certainly, those two people are now working together with shishou’s parents. Moreover, they’re the former hero’s master and the former first generation Demon King.”

“Yeah. The two of them. The true condition for traversing the dungeon of the Black Dragon God-sama is, to bring Lucius-sama, the first Demon king, inside it. However, it’s originally impossible to bring a dead person back… How insane are you to even bring him back from the underworld?”

“I’m aware of that as well.”

“…Then, it’s fine. Anyway, because the two of them will challenge the dungeon, the dungeon’s true meaning will soon be fulfilled.”

“I see… what’s the other one then?”

I know the dungeon of the Black Dragon God, but I wondered what about the other dungeon that will traversed.

Because I only know the dungeon which is here, the Black Dragon God’s dungeon, and

<Forest of Endless Love and Sorrow>, so I won’t understand it if you said that… I’m worried after all.

Then, Hitsuji said this with a serious expression. “―― It’s the dungeon of the Demon God-sama.” [!?]

We became speechless.

“De, Demon God’s dungeon?”

“That’s right. In other words ―― The Demon God will be resurrected.” “That’s!? Oi, what did you say, Hitsuji-san? Can’t you stop it!?”

When Al came under and lash out on Hitsuji, Hitsuji shook his head slowly.

“…Unfortunately, it’s impossible. My role is to manage the dungeons… The manager who destroys the dungeons, I can’t do that.”

“That’s… Then, even at least it’s location…!”

Yes, if we know the location alone, we might be able to stop it. She thought so and asked, but Hitsuji shook his head again. “…I can’t tell you where it is.”

“Why!?”

“That is also a rule… But before that, there’s currently no Demon God’s dungeon in this world.”

“………Wha?”

I unintentionally uttered that to Hitsuji’s words that I didn’t understand.

“Originally, it was in this world. However, the members of the organization called the

<Demon God’s Cult>, detached the Demon God’s dungeon from this world, and transferred it to another space… The management of dungeons, which aren’t in this world, is I don’t know, so even if I was allowed to teach you its location, I don’t know where it is in the first place.”

[……]

All we could do was stay in silent.

However, to blow away such a dark atmosphere, Hitsuji said brightly.

“…However, it’s still a long time from the Black Dragon God’s dungeon. In the near future, it’s just a comparison with others. It’s good to be in a hurry, but it’s much better

to be prepared, and it’s okay if it’s not straightaway, right?”

“That’s right… Well, for the time being, we can’t do anything without finding the Demon God’s dungeon.”

I mean, they did a lot of trouble. Those guys, are ominous anyway.

They use powers that I don’t understand, and they attack to collect things like negative emotions… That’s not a good thing!

“Well, there are few large variables like this, but the dungeon is likely to be traversed in its true meaning.”

We were listening to Hitsuji’s story, but Luthia unexpectedly opens her mouth with a serious expression.

“…Histsuji-san, is it fine?” “Yes, please call me that.”

“Thank you. My Father was certainly sealed in a dungeon… And if you traverse the dungeon in its true meaning, you said that Father could be released. Then, what are the conditions to truly release him?”

“I see I see… You want to hear that?” “Is that a no?”

Seeing Luthia asking so with a somewhat uneasy expression, Hitsuji looked at me meaningfully for some reason.

“That’s right… I had prepared a dungeon traversing reward separately from the previous information, but if you want to give up the reward for traversing this dungeon, I’ll tell you that information. How about that?”

Ah, this guy said something detestable.

…But, to be honest, I’m not interested in the rewards for dungeon traversal… in

<Forest of Endless Love and Sorrow>, I got something like the [Fruit of Evolution], but that’s a different story.

“I don’t care, you know? It’s important information for Luthia.” “I’m fine too!”

“I was originally invited by Seiichi. I’ll leave all the decisions to Seiichi.” “Shishou. I’ll follow Shishou’s intentions as well.”

Al and Louise also said that.

Rurune, Olga-chan, and Zora, who doesn’t know what’s happening, and originally don’t seem to be involved in this story, aren’t interested. Olga-chan is yawning.

“…really… is that okay?”

Luthia says so with great anxiety, but it’s really fine. “Yup. Don’t be reserved.”

“…I get it. Thank you. Can you give me that information, Hitsuji-san?” “―― I respectfully obey.”

When Hitsuji respectfully bowed, he grinned.

“Well, if you take Seiichi-sama to that dungeon, everything will be solved.” “What kind of information is that?!”

To the answer that’s too appropriate, I involuntarily tukkomi’d. However, Hitsuji continues without worrying either.

“No, aren’t I very serious? After all, you can release the bindings from a dungeon, and besides, you’re erasing the dungeon anyway, so why not do that right now?”

“That’s right, but! I mean, that’s not… right!?”

“I don’t know.” “Shiiiiiiiiiiiiit!”

The information I got after declining the traversal reward was this, I don’t want to go… and I don’t want to admit it! But I feel like I can do something about it, so I can’t really help it.

To me who was holding my head, Luthia looked at me with an even more anxious expression.

“Seiichi…”

“Ah… Yeah. Luthia’s father was sealed in a dungeon, and if I go, I will be able to solve it, right? I have to go and see how to solve it…”.

“Yeah…”

“All right, let’s go.”

“Eh? Is it really okay?”

“I can’t do it right now, but I’ll definitely go. And let’s release Luthia’s father. Is that fine?” “Yes… Thank you…!”

“I’m not sure that I can release him yet, but you’re welcome.”

“What half asleep things are you saying? If you go now, you can proceed by bulldozing* through it. You have many gorilla brides, so how about [Gori Push*]?” (TN: This is actually a pun of Japanese language, Bulldoze = gorioshi, Gori Push or gorilla push = gori oshi)

“Don’t open your mouth again!”

While stroking Luthia’s head, who’s being uneasy, Hitsuji said such a thing. I thought you became a little better!

“Hahahahaha! It appears that Seiichi-sama is really the same as usual, so I was relieved.” “That’s right… I’m relieved that you haven’t changed too… or not.”

“Oh, that’s too bad… Well, I’ll leave anytime now.”

Hitsuji took off his silk hat, and he lightly tap the ground with the cane he had in his hand.

“This place is no longer even a dungeon because of Seiichi-sama’s power. Therefore, it’s not possible to transfer you all to the outside… if it’s Seiichi-sama, you can get out of here, right?”

“Well, that’s right”

“Okay. Then, I’ll leave now… Ah, right right, Seiichi-sama.” “Nn?”

When something like a magic circle began to shine at Hitsuji’s feet, he opened his mouth as if he had remembered something.

“It looks like you’ve been left by your status, but you should be able to see your title, etc. without changes. That’s why, please check your titles and the inside of your item box.”

“Wha? Well, I understood the title, but… Is there something in my item box?”

To my question, Hitsuji grinned and smiled.―― “Well, that’s going to be fun to watch.”

“Eh?”

“Now then, farewell!”

In the end, Hitsuji didn’t say anything in detail, and he left in front of us. “…I mean, he’s a truly peculiar guy.”

“Yeah… I, am mentally tired…” “That is… Err… don’t mind it.”

Although Al was a little self-conscious, she patted me on the head… I’m embarrassed

about this, but I’m happy.

“Fuu… then I would like to say that we’re going back, but I’m worried about what Hitsuji said, so can I check my titles for a little while?”

“Yes, it’s ok!”

“We’re just going back anyway. In the meantime, we’ll just have a conversation with Zora-san.”

Saria and the others said that, and they began to chat with Zora in a slight distance.

…Aside from Louise, Saria knows that I’m going to get a lot of mental damage with my titles and stuff, so maybe she took care of it for me.

While thinking about that, I searched for the title column as Hitsuji said.

And, surely, as Hitsuji said, although the numerical status such as my level and attack power had departed, I could see my titles properly. No, isn’t the title part of the status? Isn’t it usually bundled with status?

Well, I won’t understand even if I think about it, so I scan it briefly, and there were some titles that I didn’t know.

That’s――

[Dungeon Deleter]… Title given to those who wipe out dungeons instead of defeating it. Normally, a dungeon cannot be destroyed. And it’s more than just erasing it.

[Boss’ Natural Enemy]… A title given to the natural enemy of all kinds of powerful beings. In front of you, a boss becomes crap. Doubled stats when fighting opponents classified as bosses.

[The One Who Saved the Stars Crisis]… A title given to those who defeated the invaders from outer space and saved this planet.

[The Savior of the Whole Universe]… A title given to the savior of the entire universe.

[Inadvertent Savior]… A title given to the person who saved various existences by a slight mistake. When you make a careless mistake, everything moves in the right

direction.

What happeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed!?

First of all, [Dungeon Deleter]! Can’t normally destroy a dungeon? I could destroy it! I erased it cleanly and entirely!

Isn’t the [Boss’ Natural Enemy] terrible!? It’s named as a boss because it’s so strong and dangerous, right!? About it being crap… I don’t know anymore!

What is [The One Who Saved the Stars Crisis]!? When and where did I save the crisis of the star!? Even if I don’t know about it, it would be troublesome to be given such a title!?

Moreover [The Savior of the Whole Universe]! It’s not just the crisis of the stars!? So where did the situation came for me to save the entire universe!? If I think about it carefully, both this star and the entire universe were in a critical situation!? I don’t know why anymore!

And the last is the [Inadvertent Savior]… Eh, what? The fact that it appeared together with the other titles is, did I accidentally save the whole universe by mistake? Was it a crisis that could be saved so easily? Someone, tell meeeeeeeeeeee!

No matter how much I mourn, no one told me the answer. Damn it!

I’m already full with just my titles, but when I tried to confirm the contents of my item box that Hitsuji was saying, I had a very bad feeling about it.

But if I don’t check, I won’t know what’s inside it… Yeah, let’s view it!

“ ”

I gently stopped looking inside the item box. Eh? What happened?

HAHAHA! There was nothing! Yes, the [Highest Performance Spaceship], the [Heart of the Space Great King], and the [Head of the Dragon God Emperor]… There was nothing!

At least I didn’t see anything! Yes, that’s the end of this story!

Having completely abandoned my thinking, I went back under Saria and the others with a refreshing smile.

“Ah, Seiichi! Are you finished?”

“Yup, I’m finished! As a human being!” “…Are you really okay…”

It’s a trivial thing, yup yup.

I’ve already been departed by my status… but it’s too late now! So, can I go home and cry?

As a result, I confirmed it as Hitsuji said, and at the end of the day, I suffered a terrible psychological damage.

“――So that’s why, the dungeon has vanished.” “What do you mean!?”

I returned to the school immediately, and I reported to Barna-san about the dungeon as it is.

However, Saria and the others had to go back first to get a rest. Well, I have to report about Zora, so she has followed me.

“No… what do you call it, what do I say… I’ve just done it.”

“I’ve never heard of a dungeon that got blown away and disappeared!” “No, my life has been really difficult!”

“Isn’t there a better way to put it together!?” Barna-san. You don’t understand.

Sometimes, I can even save the whole universe without knowing it.

Barna-san, who heard my messy report, exhaled a big sigh, and he turned towards Zora who was with me.

“So… are you the girl who was sealed in the dungeon?” “Wa, Yes. I’m called Zora.”

“Hmm… that glasses, is not just ordinary glasses. If I’m not mistaken, you’re going to turn what you see into a stone?”

“…Yes. It’s not a power that I can control myself…”

“I see…”

And then, Barna-san folded his arms.

“Seiichi- kun. What are you going to do with her?”

“That’s right… I saved her in a predicament, and if she even wants to, we’re going to try and work together.”

“To put it like that… What does Zora-kun want to do?”

Tentatively, this was the story made in the dungeon that we would follow, but it was checked again just in case.

Zora then looked at Barna-san with straight eyes.

“…I would like to act with Seiichi-san and the others. There’s also the case that they helped me, but more than anything, it’s fun to be with Seiichi-san and the others… It’s been a short time, but I realized that.”

“Fumufumu… If you’re fine with that, then I have nothing more to say. You can be a student of this school, or you can be Seiichi-kun’s assistant. Please spend as much time as you like.”

“Yes! Thank you very much!”

Zora nodded with her face shining. To match such feelings, her snake hair swayed happily, too.

“Well, the content of the report was absurd, but first of all, I’m sorry for the trouble. I’m glad that the danger is gone now.”

Immediately, after escaping from the dungeon, I used magic to grow the trees in the vacant forest, and I restored them to their original state as much as possible.

Well, now that there are no longer monsters there, the ecosystem will be restored sooner or later.

“Seiichi-kun and Zora-kun. That’s, spend your time today slowly.”

“Thank you very much.” “Yes!”

When we finish greeting Barna-san, we left the academy director’s office.

2

After Seiichi and the others left, Barnabas exhaled a big sigh.

“Fuu… No, by this time, I didn’t think that there’s anything like this that would surprise me at this age…”

Contrary to his words that contained some shock, the expression on Barnabas’ face was happy.

“Nevertheless, the Demon God’s resurrection is coming soon hah… But, in Seiichi- kun’s story, it doesn’t seem to exist in this world right now… I want to take the lead, but I’ll definitely fall behind them.”

In Seiichi’s report, Barnabas, who learned that the Demon God was actually sealed inside a dungeon, wanted to wipe out the <Demon God’s Cult> before it was resurrected if possible.

Demiolos, who was captured successfully, had his mind broken, and he’s unable to get information from him.

The mentally safe Anglea, who doesn’t seem to be an apostle originally, doesn’t appears to have been given important information.

But even if he knows the location of the <Demon God’s Cult>, it’s going to be tough to wipe them out.

There’s overwhelmingly insufficient information on the apostles who used eerie abilities just like Demiolos.

On the contrary, even if they could fight them, it can be expected that the damage will not be small, and as a result, there was a risk that it would led to the outcome of collecting negative emotions, which is the purpose of the <Demon God’s Cult>…

“Haa… it’s something that can’t be left alone…”

No matter how much he thinks about it, there’s nothing that the current Barnabas can do with that.

Moreover, Barnabas has other things to do in the present time.

“…If the current atmosphere of the academy becomes even a little brighter, then it’s fine…”

Barnabas was looking at the materials he got while saying that.

Because he was unaware of Demiolos, who attacked the academy last time, he apologized to all the parents in each country who had left their children at the academy.

The students’ parents, were distrustful of [Barbador Magic Academy] because of that incident, some of them even called their children back to their own country, but they were asked to wait and see with Barnabas’ desperate persuasion, and it’s not in a very good atmosphere.

[Barbador Magic Academy] is the only school that is neutral. How much it means, Barnabas understands that well.

Of course, they have received donations from other countries to maintain the academy, and even though total neutrality is difficult, there is still a good chance that the students will join hands in a bright future between countries, regardless of war or politics.

That’s why Barnabas couldn’t let this school end.

“Whether it’s good or bad… Either way, I want the students to have fun once.” On the paper in Barnabas’ hand, <Notice of School Festival> was written on it.