A Transmigrator's Privilege

by Usui Takumii

not mine, wuxia world. Waiting for the translator to update.

7. 61 to 70

'Hmm, just in case you don't know.'

Having decided to be more careful while I was at it, I decided to take a moment to read.

I set up a barrier around and opened my collection of bookmarks of the original in the integrated study room to search for the name of the dungeon.

[Bookmark 291 - The Story of Potatoes #Slime Farming Cave #Pushover friends of a sweet potato #Duke Wallenstein #Stigma Curse]

'Unfortunately, it's the dungeon from the episode where the Little Duke, who turned hostile to the main character, is introduced.'

Duke of Wallenstein.

He is a character who was forced to point his sword at the main character because of the unfair orders of the first prince he served.

The Little Duke had a human affinity for the main character and had a personality that values chivalry by default. Conflicting between beliefs and orders, he eventually falls for the main character's persuasion and lowers his sword.

So, the readers wondered why the author didn't roast the sweet potato and gave a warm ending...

'The curse that fell when the Little Duke went on his knight training trip must have been triggered at that time, causing an S-class dungeon sink.'

And that was the end of the character that sacrificed and died for the main character.

The 'Slime Cuisine Cave' I got in was where the Little Duke of Wallenstein got the curse, and it was the same S-class dungeon that appeared at the decisive moment of reconciliation with the main character.

In the meantime, I have read the original several times, taking notes of important information.

Thanks to this, I was able to quickly figure out what the boss was and what was dangerous in the dungeon.

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' says that you decided not to catch the boss and protests as to why you are looking up the target.]

The integrated study was closed due to the architect's resentment.

Plump!

As soon as I walked through the barrier, the slimes attacked again without knowing what they were doing.

Whoosh!

When I smashed the slime flying in front of my face, the hit slime flew down the cave passage and knocked down other slimes like bowling pins.

"Oh, it's annoying. Divine Punishment!"

Kwawagwagwang!

Lightning bolts poured down the front, burning the slimes in the straight passage. The surviving slimes also fled in fright, so the road was cleared up.

Kururururu!

The cave will collapse.

"I'll be careful. Come on, let's find an exit..."

I quickly took three steps back.

Kwawagwagwang!

The ceiling of the place where I was a little while ago collapsed.

Hic. Maybe because I used the ultimate skill earlier?!

Fortunately, it wasn't.

"Cough, cough!"

"Is everyone okay?!"

It wasn't just the piles of stones that fell. Four people appeared from the thick cloud of dust.

'Wow! People!'

It was my first time meeting adventurers. But unfortunately, the mood was not good to say greetings.

Chomp!

Soon, a demonic beast fell from the ceiling.

Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle.

It was a huge slime that was black like ink and blocked all the passageways.

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' is relieved that this is not the boss.]

The black slime stretched its body like a tentacle and attacked the four people.

Shhhhhh!

"Everyone behind me!"

A handsome young man with platinum blonde hair stood in front with a sword and blocked the attack. A bunch of black tentacles was cut off by aura.

Ho, he's quite talented.

I suddenly realized that the clothes the young man was wearing were familiar. It was the uniform of the Knights Academy that Frintz wore home every vacation.

It's a cadet. I didn't expect to see one here.

The other three who fell together seemed to be hired.

One mage and two snipers with middle ranged weapons. Except for the cadet, there were no aura users.

There was no need for me to go out, as the cadet did it all by himself. The tentacles of the ink slime were cut off while he showed off that he was an aura user.

Fearing that it would die as is, the ink slime fled upstairs through a hole in the ceiling.

"Are you all right?!"

A human cry was heard from above the floor where the monster had escaped. There were more companions.

"I don't see any monsters on this road. You'd better come downstairs."

The cadet made a decision by looking at the road I had cleaned beforehand. Looking at his natural disposition, he looked like an aristocrat.

The young wizard who had a gentle-looking face and had felt first lowered the party with floating magic.

The condition is serious.

Agnes' evaluation of each person was such, and I was also sympathetic.

There were in total 8 people.

There was only one person who looked like a healer, and there was a kid about ten years old in the party, and except for these two people, the others didn't seem strong overall.

At the very least, it was enough to go to a B-grade dungeon.

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' urges us to go on our way without thinking of pursuing a friendly meeting in the dungeon.]

But before that happened, there was a show happening right in front of my eyes.

A man in his late 20s in a priest's uniform began to get annoyed with the group.

"Hey, what kind of subjugation team is this messed up! Hey, come here Leader. Come talk to me."

"Priest Joachim..."

"Because of your poor command, the assistant healer who was dispatched from the Vatican office was eaten by the boss. How are you going to take responsibility?!"

"That..."

A woman in her 40s, who seemed to be the leader of the subjugation squad, had a somber face.

"Isn't that an accident caused by Priest Joachim who woke up the boss?"

"Wha-what?"

"Because of that, two of our colleagues were also lost. From the start, this was a safe place where you could dig up resources with some safety, but you dared to use your low-level sleep skills on the sleeping boss that even had the opposite effect..."

it's a troll.

"Hey, shut up! Are you blaming me for losing The Vatican's healer? Don't you know that if a healer gets hurt, it's also the responsibility of the subjugation squad?"

It was cowardly to hit them with the rule of thumb in this kind of situation.

"...I'm sorry."

"Sorry or whatever, if I go back to the church, you won't be able to get any more healers to this guild again, so just remember that!"

"M-Mr. Joachim!"

The captain bowed her head and begged him to look the other way just this once, but to no avail.

A troll healer named Joachim was busy nagging as if to make all of them hear everything.

"Oh, the more I think about it, the more annoying it gets. After all, I think I'll have to heal everyone here by myself."

It seems that even the main topic of the anger he had about his college being eaten was because he would be harmed in some way.

The eyes of other people looking at Joachim were fiery. In particular, on one side, even a strong killing intent was felt.

However, in the dungeon, the healer is akin to a government post. Not to mention especially if it's the only healer left.

The subjugation crew took care of their facial expressions and tried to soothe Joachim.

"Mr. Joachim, we will do our best so that you don't use heals very often."

"Of course, I will keep Priest Joachim's security as the first priority."

"Please, lessen your anger, Mr. Joachim. You have the most important role, right?"

Because healers are so precious, a strong bound of hierarchy is formed, but it was still a bit too much in this case.

Even Priests can ascertain pressure since it's a nameless small or medium-sized subjugation group.

"Can we really get out of here? We've got less energy, we've got no backup healers, we've got two loads!"

Joachim's fingers point to the two quietly in the corner. It was a little girl and a boy with gray hair.

It seems that these two are not members of the subjugation squad, but survivors.

It was time to agree with Agnes' words.

Joachim nervously ruffled his hair, correcting his words.

"No, now there are three instead of two. That girl!"

Huh? me?

"You can tell just by looking at it. That girl got caught up in the dungeon sink, too, and she's going to ask us to take her out."

"..."

"Hey, Leader. Are you going to take that person as well and tell me to heal eight people by myself?"

"Priest..."

"I refuse to adding more unnecessary people to this party! Take me or take that girl! Choose either one!"

"..."

"Come on! Choose! Is it me or that girl?!"

...what is this.

I, who stood still, was suddenly put on the option menu side by side with the troll healer on a power harassment mission.

"Pr-Priest Joachim..."

Everyone was perplexed, not knowing what to do with the only remaining healer's fit or rage.

Like people who were about to do something bad because they couldn't avoid it, they looked sorry for me.

"What are you going to do?"

"Well, we have to go with the Healer."

"Mr. Joachim says he's having a hard time..."

"I will obey your will."

"All right. Well thought out."

Except for a few people, the view of seeing almost everyone cling to Joachim was...haha...I could only laugh.

I just stood still, what is this all about?

I can't. We'd better get things straight!

At that time, a handsome cadet with an angry face protested against Joachim.

"I can't believe it. Nobody is asking you to sacrifice, but to be so stingy about giving charity, I wonder if you're really a person who serves God."

A living justice in a place like this?

Who is the person I want to introduce to our Sweet Potato?

"If the priest is going to come out like that, I'm out of here. I have no intention of participating in anything that goes against chivalry!"

I patted him on the shoulder, holding back the desire to applaud.

"Excuse me, cadet."

"Hmm?"

"I liked what you said. So, excuse me for a second."

"What?"

I grabbed the wrist of the bewildered cadet who had injured his left arm.

I smiled when I saw that everyone's eyes were gathered on me.

"Heal."

"...!"

[System Basic skill 'Healing Lv.67(+10)' activates.]

The blood on the cadet's arm stopped and the wound healed in an instant.

Come on, look. This is my healing that has reached the level of advanced skills by leveling up!

"Oh, my God!"

"Oh my God, such a heal...!"

As expected, the response was enthusiastic. In particular, Joachim was speechless with his mouth wide open. I smiled and greeted everyone.

"Hello. I'm a healer. Would you like to go with me?"

"Me! Me!"

"Take me, please!"

People lined up behind the cadet. Everyone except Joachim.

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' hates unnecessary party formation.]

The architect grumbled, expressing his tendency to play solo.

"Wh-what..."

Joachim, who had been supported until a second ago and was suddenly abandoned, had a bewildered face.

"What, no, thi-this is absurd...Cog!"

"Priest, me too~."

Someone tackled Joachim on the shoulder as they walked past him, in a very deliberate manner.

No one came forward to support him as he collapsed.

"Ho-how could you do this to me...?"

That's why you should usually do good to the people around you so that you won't dig your own grave.

This isn't even worth sympathizing with.

"I need to treat your injuries. I'll see you one by one."

"Oh my god! Does a Priest even heal wounds like this?"

"The priest over there told me to endure it unless I broke a bone because it was a waste of divine power..."

"After all, strong people are different!"

"Look at the healing speed. You are so fast that no one can compare!"

If Joachim slaps, I should hit an uppercut.

The subjugation members poured out praises for me, demonstrating their ability to comfort and soothe Joachim.

"These people...until now, you were begging for my heals...!"

Joachim's face turned red, he is unlikely to be good at controlling his anger.

If, so.

"Ah, it's taking a long time and it's cumbersome to go through the injuries one by one. I will treat you all at once!"

Flash!

I was annoyed, so I activated the area heal 'Healing Field'...

"Gasp!"

"Oh my god!"

"Wow!"

A brilliant light emitted by advanced skills and a holy breeze that engulfs my body as the caster.

The divine power overflowing in full overwhelmed the surroundings.

Ellet, you look very strong.

Yes, that's what I was aiming for.

Everyone's injuries were healed at the same time and cheers erupted from all over.

"..."

Joachim had become calm before he knew it. His face color was also back to an ordinary skin color that seemed to be able to control his anger well.

And after a while.

"Oh, Sister!"

Joachim shoved the others and ran towards me.

"I almost didn't recognize you because you weren't wearing a priest's uniform! Oh, my God, I should have noticed!"

"..."

"Since a Sister with strong divine power has come as a healer, I have to assist. Please, Sister, heal as much as you like and leave all miscellaneous things like detoxification and immunity to me. Right?"

"..."

"Oh, you don't like it? Uh, uh, well, then...! Should I do all the healing by myself? I, I will squeeze my divine power! Uh, somehow and, erm, I'll do it all by myself! Sister just needs to supervise!"

"..."

I didn't even say a word. What's with this result?

Seeing Joachim actively claiming to be a healing battery, the subjugation crew murmured.

"I've never seen Priest Joachim crouch like that."

"How can a person be so different..."

Joachim must be desperate in his own way, after all, this is a situation where a high-grade compatible healer appeared to replace him.

If he doesn't act like he has an iron plate for a face to get a secondary healer position, at the least, he'll be thrown out of the subjugation squad.

I looked at the subjugation leader with a sense of handing over the decision-making authority. The quick-witted Joachim was quick to flatter the leader as well.

"I will report to the Vatican about the unexpected accident that happened earlier, Leader!"

"...The more healers, the better. We would appreciate it if both of you would join us."

A decision was made. Then it's time for a simple introduction.

"I am Anne, the subjugation commander of the 'Pure Gold Apples'."

"I'm Kyle, a subjugation member."

"I'm Kana, his little sister. I belong to the same Guild."

"My name is Seijin, a wizard who came in as a mercenary."

"You can call me Ray."

"My name is Ash."

"It's Frese."

"I am your trusted brother, Joachim!"

For some reason, there was an atmosphere where only the name was revealed without the last name. maybe because we would be together for a little time.

Then me too.

"I'm Ellet. Please feel free to talk comfortably with me."

A total of nine people, including myself, started moving.

Exit gates in the dungeon are randomly generated and then disappear. Unfortunately, the system map didn't show the gate, so I had no choice but to diligently move my feet to find it.

While walking through the cave passage, Joachim kept pretending to be friendly.

"Sister Ellet, how did you come to be alone in such a shabby place?"

"It just happened."

"What about your party? Where have all the subjugation crews who have to risk their lives to protect the Healers gone? What disgrace they are!"

"I don't have any."

"What? You don't have a party? In this S-class dungeon...?"

Not only Joachim, but some of the subjugation members looked at me with surprise.

"Is it possible that Sister also got caught up in a dungeon sink like me and came here?"

A little child in a brown ponytail, who had been walking close to me since before, interrupted.

She threw in a nice setting, so I decided to use it.

"Yes. I got caught up in a dungeon sink. Frese must have been like that."

"Yes. I was obviously lying in bed to sleep, but when I opened my eyes, I felt a strange feeling, and suddenly there were a lot of slimes around."

A world where you fall into a dungeon sink while sleeping. As expected, the survival difficulty is S-class.

Of course, this is also an extremely unfortunate case.

Suddenly, a little question came to mind.

"You came alone, there was no one else?"

"Yes. I was alone."

"Then, how could you walk among the slimes...?"

"I was struggling with being buried, but this Uncle here saved me!"

The person nominated was the cadet who identified himself as Ray in the introductions. He flinched and muttered as if he was very upset.

"Why am I an uncle, and she's the older sister...?"

"Yes, Frese. Please also call the aspiring knight here your brother. There is not much of an age difference."

"...Are you defending me?"

"My brother is also a cadet at the military academy. We can't just let this injustice go."

"Right."

But Frese was stubborn.

"But you are wearing the uniform of the Knights Academy. When my dad went to the military academy, he was already old. Military academy Cadet Uncle!"

"Ugh."

This world or that world, everything seems mean...

I offered my deepest condolences.

"Uh, um, would you like me to call me you Brother as well?"

"No, it's fine."

"Yes."

There seemed to be some kind of empathy now, I'll take this time to ask you a question.

"Cadet Ray, I have a question for you..."

"You seem curious about me. I'm a graduate of the 117th class of the military academy, and currently on a one-year knight training trip to receive a knighthood according to the custom. I applied as a mercenary to the 'Pure Gold Apple' subjugation team to earn money for travel."

"I see. Congratulations on your graduation."

"Thank you. It seems like it's been a while since I got pure well intended congratulations."

"I can feel the sorrow of a second son. You must have been compared to the top a lot."

"...Right. After all, I was labeled as second place, so even if I stood still, I was often compared to the first place, I finished second until graduation. Sigh..."

"Oh, but that's not what I was going to ask."

"Oh, really? So what were you trying to ask?"

"The cadet must be a nobleman. Your manner is quite easy to see at first glance."

"Ah..."

I thought he would come out shamelessly, but Ray made excuses with an embarrassed face.

"That's because I'm not used to respectful words to people other than my parents."

"Really? You must have met a lot of other nobles at the military academy. Did you have a good relationship with your classmates?"

"Yes! Everyone has a higher status than me...Well, no. More than that."

Ray tried to turn his words.

"You said that your brother was also a cadet at the military academy. It could be someone I know."

"Oh, come to think of it, my older brother also graduated this year. He must be a graduate student from the same year as Cadet Ray."

"Really? What's his name?"

Discovering traces of alumni in a foreign country creates a sense of joy that was not seen before. Ray's eyes lit up.

But.

"Frintz. He gave a speech as a representative of the graduates."

"..."

Why did his expression harden the moment I said my brother's name?

"F... Frintz?"

"Yes."

"Your brother is called...Frintz?"

"Is there something wrong...?"

"Oh, no. Nothing."

But, that's not a face that says it's nothing?

Why are you doing this? My brother isn't the type of person to mess around with others? He's kind, smart, and good-looking, so he's a likable type right?

Then Ray looked at me and muttered something.

"Come to think of it, you have pink hair ..."

His eyes fluttered wildly.

When I was about to ask why the hell he was doing that. Suddenly, Ray opened a quiet distance from me.

"Excuse me...?"

"I-I'm sorry. I am allergic to pink hair. I need you to stay away from me."

"..."

I wondered if it was a lame excuse, but he was acting like someone with an allergy.

My goodness, now I'm seeing all sorts of things. He's quite the weirdo.

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' advises to not stay too close.]

I was grateful to Agnes and the architect for being on my side.

I was a little embarrassed as the conversation with Ray was cut off in a strange mood. To break the ice, I decided to talk to someone else.

"Seems like some of you got in because of a Dungeon sink. Did you get caught up in the sink like Frese?"

The target I spoke to was another person who was not a member of the subjugation party. He was a boy in his late teens, with gray hair, clad in black leather.

Was his name Ash?

"Ah, well, Ash is..."

The party leader stepped out with a puzzled face. Like I asked something I shouldn't have asked.

Ash opened his mouth.

"No."

It was a slow and low voice to match his gloomy atmosphere.

"I was a mercenary belonging to another subjugation party. We were attacked and the party was broken apart."

"Then the others...?"

"...Wiped out. I barely survived because my brothers told me to hide in a cave."

(Note: You know that Korean costume of males calling older males they are close as Hyung. Is the same here, they were really not real brothers.)

At this point, I felt awkward and embarrassed, it seems like the subject needs to be changed. I glanced at his waist left side.

"Well, seems like you are using a one-handed sword."

"Yes, I'm terrible at it."

That ended the conversation and I slowed down a bit. My pendant necklace rang as I intently looked at Ash's back.

It's all lies.

I totally agree with Agnes.

If I had to pick the two strongest people besides me in here, it was the pink-hair allergic Ray and the gray-haired boy named Ash.

He is not at all a person who would hide under anyone's protection.

Furthermore.

You can tell by the calluses on his hands and the way he walks. He's a double dagger assassin. Seeing what he's hiding this fact, it looks like he has another motive to be here. He's dangerous, so be careful.

Agnes, who is the Vatican's 1st Hell Instructor and also a weapon master that has mastered all weapon techniques had excellent eyesight.

I answered quietly so that only Agnes could hear me.

"I know."

Because I'm a transmigrator.

Ash Night. A first-class assassin belonging to the assassination guild 'The Night Eagle' and a direct disciple of its Guild master.

In the original work, he was also the villain who was commissioned by the Magic Republic of Ragneif and aimed to end the protagonist's life, so I can't help but remember.

'He might even be responsible for the annihilation of the subjugation party. There is no better reason to keep mouths shut after an assassination than using the excuse of being wiped out in a dungeon.'

Suddenly, Ash looked back at me and I almost flinched.

What is it? Why is he looking at you?

R-Right, why is he?

My conscience was poked for no reason because I was throwing a wary gaze on his back for a long time.

"For a healer, the back is dangerous. It is better to walk ahead so as not to fall too far behind the group."

"Ah yes..."

I stood side by his side because I didn't want to have an assassin in the back of my head.

"Please speak comfortably. I think you're older than me."

The kindness of a murderer is usually anxiety-inducing. Apart from that, I had no particular reason to refuse, so I accepted.

"Yes. I will, Ash."

"Thank you, Sister."

"..."

"Any problem?"

"Hm, no."

Ash was a sociable assassin.

"I can't see the gate."

Seijin, a young wizard walking in front of him, spoke up.

He is a researcher belonging to Ragneif's Wizard Tower, and it is said that he came to obtain materials for a research thesis. Much like a graduate student preparing a master's thesis.

Like a scholar, he looked like an existence far from battle, and he was vigilant about his surroundings like an herbivore.

"We should go outside quickly and inform the other subjugation teams that the boss has woken up."

"Co-Cof."

Joachim coughed with an uncomfortable look. He seemed to be conscious that he had woken up the boss and made trouble for everyone.

Frese, who came to my side again, opened her eyes and asked me.

"Can't the people here defeat it?"

"To subdue an S-class dungeon, you have to gather a lot of very strong people."

"Aha, the people here are weak. Then why are you in such a dangerous place when you are weak?"

There is a cruel side to the innocence of children.

"We're here to dig up resources."

Seijin corrected his glasses and explained.

"Usually, resources are mined after subjugating the boss, but this dungeon is a little special."

"What's special about it?"

"The main resource here is the glow-in-the-dark slime, and the boss is the one who is cultivating the slime. The desire to eat emitted by the boss has the effect of promoting the production of glow-in-the-dark slimes. So, when the boss dies, the slime farming ends, so we just put the boss to sleep so we can mine resources."

"Aha."

As soon as he finished his role as a teacher, Seijin recalled the reality again and trembled in fear.

"The boss who woke up must be walking around the dungeon by now. If we don't hurry to find the exit..."

He shortened his words as if conscious of Frese.

The boss here is a 'Predatory Anglerfish'. It's been a while since it woke up so the hungry bastard will try to eat us.

The members of the Pure Gold Apple Guild trembled their shoulders as if they were chilling to the bones, and said one word at a time.

"The boss looks...It was really terrible. I don't want to see it again."

"Right. I'm afraid it'll come out of my dream. The others who were caught by him are now..."

"Kyle, Kana. For now, let's just think about finding an exit."

"Yes, boss..."

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' complains that if they really understood their situation they should walk faster.]

The road that had been going in a straight line for a long time ended. Connected to the end of the cave passage was a huge hall-like cavity.

There were many natural nightlight stones, and there were also many colorful slimes that were produced.

"Wow, how much is this all?"

Almost at the same time, I stepped into the place as if I was possessed by the view.

"It's dangerous!"

Five black slimes popped out. As before, a part of their body spread out to form a bundle of tentacles that stretched out to attack.

Shwiiii! Shiwiiiiii!

Ray blocked the surprise attack, giving the others time to line up.

The three members of the Pure Gold Apple, the allergy cadet, and the graduate student took the lead to deal with the slimes.

"Five mutants...!"

"It's because the boss woke up. These guys aren't farmable prey, they're kind of caretakers."

It was when Seijin, who had a long strap bag, showed off his knowledge.

"Arghhh! Sa-save me!"

Joachim, wrapped in black tentacles, screamed to the point where the cavity rang.

Ray cut off the tentacles to save him, but problems arose. The number of mutant slimes had increased.

"Oh My God. I think the screams just now brought in the slimes."

"Damn it! It's a bastard who's worse than an enemy...!"

"I'm regretful as the Captain! I should have abandoned it!"

"Joachim, you bastard! Sit still in the back and do some heals!"

As the number of slimes increased, the situation turned into a crisis.

"Si-sister..."

"It's okay, Frese."

When I was about to heal people's injuries right away while soothing a frightened child.

Shh!

In the midst of the chaos, a bunch of black tentacles rushed to me.

Swoosh!

The tentacles were cut off in front of me before I could use my hands. Ash, who had been watching from behind, came out.

"Sister is our top priority for protection."

"It's all right."

I replied while snatching the tentacles that rushed at Ash with my hand. After tying them in a ribbon shape, I threw the slime away.

A tint of surprise and interest flashed in Ash's eyes as he looked at me.

"You seem to have done quite a bit of physical training."

"Yes. When I was young, I was teased a lot for being weak."

I can't forget the nagging of Libra(Scales), the Critic, and the Architect.

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' said it out of love.]

'Yes, yes, of course.'

I did not use aura and moderately countered with self-defense. Of course, I also did heals from time to time. Contrary to his aspiration to do his best by himself, Joachim was virtually useless because he was in a panic.

"Oh, thank you, Miss Islet."

The Pure Gold Apple trio was good enough so as to not hold others' ankles back. The number of black slimes steadily decreased thanks to Ray, the second-ranking knight graduate who was strong as a hundred men, and Ash, who was quite powerful also contributed quite a lot to it.

It was a time when there were now ten or so enemies left. Ray, who was stealing sweat from his chin, said in a tone filled with suspicion.

"Those guys...What's wrong with them all of a sudden?"

The slimes, who had been recklessly rushing until a while ago, whether there was a difference in power, changed their stance.

They quivered and crept back to the corner. As if they were opening the way for someone.

And that means.

"Get back!"

It was the moment I shouted at everyone.

Thud thud...tututut...dududududu...!

The walls cracked and fell down making way for a great abyss that appeared in the center of the cavity's ceiling, from which black and evil things stuck out their heads.

Whoo! Whoo!

Ten of thousands of ghosts let out terrifying screams. The existence that appeared in the ensemble of Hell's Funeral Song was...

[System Dungeon's owner, 711th place in the Demon World, 'Obsculia, the Predatory Anglerfish', has appeared!]

Oh, the Boss came out.

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' is screaming no.]

The ghosts that only had eyes and mouths wriggled like caterpillars. A cluster of ghosts in the form of a giant anglerfish. That was the boss of this place, Obsculia.

It's creepy.

Agreed.

Ghouuuuuuuuu...!

The ghostly anglerfish stretched its neck long and devoured the farmable slimes that were attached to the walls of the cave.

The slimes eaten were stored in Obsculia's translucent black body.

Like a boa constrictor snake, it ate everything at once to slowly digest it later. When I looked closely, I saw a person inside the Obsculia.

"Lumina! Gentis!"

Seeing Captain Anne shouting, those seemed to be fellow colleagues of the Pure Gold Apples.

They are still alive, but they won't last long.

Obsculia was not satisfied with gobbling up slimes.

Not enough...

I'm hungry...

Master...feed...

Please...

Then Obsculia saw us and its countless eyes flashed at once.

Food...!

The ghostly anglerfish rushed in like pouring rain.

"Hing!"

The boss used its overwhelming numbers to wrap around and surround us. Everyone was trapped in a black vortex.

"Protect the healers...!"

"Argh!"

"Priest Joachim!"

One of the ghosts that were spinning around us, bit Joachim and swallowed it in one gulp.

I was next. A huge black mouth was rushing towards me.

Swoosh!

A light-filled sword blade split the boss's ghost vertically.

"Sister, are you okay?"

"Thanks to you. Thank you."

"No problem. It goes without saying that you are the top priority."

Right after being protected like a healer. Ray intervened with a cold face.

"You were also an Aura user."

"Yes, brother." (Ash)

"What? Brother?"

"It's not an important issue, so let's not argue about that."

"Right. The important thing is something else. Why don't you take out your main weapon to show your real strength now?"

"Oh, did you know that far?"

As if waiting, Ash threw down his old long sword and pulled out the twin daggers that had been attached to his thighs.

"You and I should be the main force. I'll be on the front." (Ray)

As expected, a very knightly decision. Ash and others agreed and said one word at a time.

"Yes, I'm not confident about the front."

"Please. Our Pure Gold Apple Team will follow up and attack."

"I'm a wizard, so I'm going to take on the rear support. First of all, I will start with mantras."

While Seijin applied a buff, Ash asked me.

"Excuse me, sister, but what is your healing range?"

"About 25 meters in radius."

"What? Not the diameter, but the radius?"

"A-Are you serious, Miss Healer?"

Even though I kept it short, they seemed surprised. While I was silent, Ray refreshed the atmosphere.

"This is not the time to be surprised. I will count to three and open the way. Everyone get ready."

"Yes, cadet!"

Susususu...!

I felt Ray pumping his aura up. It seemed he was about to set off an aura storm to drive away the ghosts.

"Then one, two...!"

Aura against ghosts was inefficient. I can't let the stamina of the main power in the party go to waste.

I whispered in a quiet voice.

"Exorcism."

[System Advanced skill 'Exorcism Lv.28 (+10)' activated.]

"Thr...! What?!"

Papa Papapapa!

Kyieeeeee...!

The ghosts were torn to shreds by an exorcism spell. While they were screaming in pain, the vortex that lost its power was destroyed at once.

"In-Incredible!"

"As expected of a cadet who placed 2nd in his year!"

Ray flinched in embarrassment while the people admired him.

You can't stand there like a fool.

"Cadet, let's go." (Eli)

"Ah!" (Ray)

It was only after I pushed his back that Rey came to his senses and kicked the ground. The Pure Gold Apple trio followed.

"Ahhhh!"

"Hyaaa!"

It was a shout so they could overcome the fear of facing an S-class boss.

"...I have a question, but I will do it once I'm back, sister."

Ash was the last to move. At a speed that the average human eye cannot detect.

Ray, who was at the forefront, leaped to the wriggling Obsculia. The sword filled with aura was branded horizontally.

Shh! Sizzling!

In a stroke filled with aura, dozens of ghosts were slashed out at a time. Driven by momentum, Ray fired aura slashes one after another, and the Pure Gold Apple trio followed and shoved weapons into the far end of the Obsculia.

"A-Attack works!"

"Great!"

Ash circled the edge of Obsculia and slaughtered to his heart's content.

"I need to hit the back of the head, but I don't know where the back is."

Obsculia was weak for S-class due to its cluster nature. The steadily decreasing size of the boss boosted the morale of the allies. However.

"If we continue like this... W-wait! Look at that, Captain!"

"Oh My God! What's wrong with that speed?"

Whoa...!

Kuohhhhhh...!

The abyss on the ceiling spit out black ghosts like a back-flowing sewer. With the replenishment of ghosts, Obsculia remained the same size as before.

"Damn it, there is no end!"

"Where is the weakness?!"

As time passed, there were also minor injuries. Allies bitten by the ghosts bled from their limbs.

"..."

Watching the battle from behind, I healed their wounds without a word. Because right now, I'm a healer.

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' is watching you.]

Ash walked over to Ray.

"Brother, this is just a war of attrition."

"I know. But right now there is no other way."

The only thing they can do is endure. Without a healer, they would have been completely wiped out by now.

After a while, Obsculia, who had been only suffering until now, started to fight back.

It hurts...! It hurts...!

How dare you... hurt me...!

I can't forgive you...!

Pushshush!

Suddenly, ghosts burst out of the abyss like a fountain gushing water. It was an astronomical number of ghosts that would remain even after restoring the Boss's body. They started taking over the walls and ceilings.

"Ugh!"

"Wh-what!"

The nightlight stones were covered and the cavity quickly darkened. The ghosts seemed to keep pouring out. The walls and ceiling were not enough to accommodate them, and the ghosts were trampled under the allies' feet.

"Ah, it's dark...!"

"Come this way! Take my hand!"

When the people withdraw from the swamp of ghosts to ascend to higher places.

You can't escape...!

Obsculia casts a curse.

[System Warning. 'Stigma of Prey' is activated.]

A black pattern appeared on the backs of everyone's hands, including me.

Food...food...

Be quietly eaten...!

The Ghostly Anglerfish covered the whole cavity and flashed its eyes at the same time. Hundreds of millions of ghosts hidden in darkness revealed their presence.

"Huk..."

It was an overwhelming number. It felt like peeking into the Halls of Hell.

[System 'Stigma of Prey' activates 'Fear effect']

Resistance to fear was difficult unless they reached a certain level. Even Ray and Ash hardened for an instant, not to mention the rest.

"Ah...I can't believe it..."

The psychological dam that had barely managed to hold back despair collapsed. A deep fear appeared on the face of the Pure Gold Apple trio, who had been struggling so far.

"The Num-numbers..."

"It's hopeless...we will all be eaten..."

I could heal their wounds and buff their bodies, but it was impossible to raise the spirits of a terrified mind.

Ellet.

"..."

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' is restless and gives you a side glance.]

Whooooooooo!

The ghosts tried to attack the Pure Gold Apple trio, which was frozen on the spot, like a swarm of piranhas. In an instant, Ray hurriedly intervened and blocked the attack.

"Ugh."

He was bitten in various parts of his body in the process, but he stood firm and persevered.

While I quietly poured healing on him.

Sususu...!

Ray fixed his sword and strongly pumped up his aura. His sword was lowered vertically like a judge's mace.

Kwagwagwagwang!

The ghosts in the place where the aura flew away melted cleanly and disappeared. It was powerful, but it wasn't significant. The empty spaces of the exterminated ghosts were filled in an instant, and Ray gasped as if he had exhausted a considerable amount of power.

The Golden Apples behind his back were not in fighting condition.

Ray spoke solemnly to Ash, who came a beat late.

"You said your name was Ash, right? I will attract attention, so take everyone and run away."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes. Take care of the rest."

"It is an impressive example of chivalry. But unfortunately, it seems to be too late for that."

"What?"

"Brother, you are a bit slow on perceiving things. Look."

Ash raised the back of his hand in front of Ray's eyes. The black pattern was on the backs of everyone's hands, not just Ash's.

It was also the very same curse that the Little Duke of Wallenstein had for the rest of his life in the original.

"It's a brand that will make you prey of this Boss for the rest of your life."

And as long as it is branded, Obsculia always appears in search of its prey.

Seijin who approached them before they knew it, bitterly added to the facts.

"It might be better to just die here than to become a medium of a dungeon sink. It will get the people around you."

Ray was gravely silent.

Ash smiled with deep skepticism.

"Oh, I would have lived if I had bounced off alone as soon as the Boss came out."

The Pure Gold Apples had already given up on everything.

"Ah, my God. How did this happen to us..."

"Death, we will die. It was unreasonable from the beginning, an S-class..."

"Haha...It's all over..."

An air of fear and despair hung around everyone.

Oh, it's suffocating. I need to ventilate.

'Architect.'

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' flinches in surprise.]

That was then.

Dinner...! Time...!

Swoosh!

Countless ghosts attached to the ceiling stretched their bodies all at once. They intertwined and formed a different shape. It was a huge mask of black matter in the shape of a blazing sun.

It looks as if the head of a masked monster was glued to the ceiling, and soon, the main body came out of it.

Hunt...! Begins...!

The black-sun-like maks came flooding in vertically with its mouth wide open.

"Oh my god!"

"Ah, ah, ah...!"

The moment the giant mouth was about to swallow us all, I raised my right hand toward the sky and spread my palms out.

Kwagwagwagwang!

Along with the roar, a light vibration rose up the ankle and wrapped around the body. After it calmed down, a bewildered groan was heard.

What...what...!

Food... why...!

Not chewed...!

In the air, Obsculia's sun-like mask crackled its teeth, and sparks were splashed everywhere.

"Uh, what happened...?"

People slowly opened their eyes and raised their heads.

A silver light reflected in their eyes and glistened around. There was something between the allies and the Boss, that reflected Obsculia's attack.

Ash muttered with a blank expression on his face.

"Walls...?"

A silver citadel surrounded and protected everyone.

I could feel the surprised people's eyes focused on me, the caster of the barrier.

Why... why...!

I want to chew...!

Obsculia dared not even scratch the ultimate barrier that went beyond level 20 and I don't intend to waste time like this.

Sususu!

I unlocked my divine power.

The mask of Obsculia was gradually pushed back when a storm of pure energy erupted. Ray and Ash, who were suddenly feeling good, had confused eyes.

"It's such a divine power...?"

"Sister, who are you..."

It's not possible to have a private chat with an S-class boss right in front of you. I was silent and just looked at the Obsculia beyond the barrier.

Keeyeeek...!

Obsculia's mask, which was pushed back in a face-off of sheer power, widened the distance.

'Architect.'

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' was nervously waiting for your words.]

'I'm sorry, but you will have to write that apology letter after all.'

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' lets out a deep sigh.]

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' confesses that he knew it would be like this from the time when you didn't rip off rewards in return for doing him a favor.]

As expected, you know me too well.

In fact, it's true that I didn't even get a deposit for fear of such a thing.

I was grateful for his reply.

'Thank you for your understanding.'

I took out my whip-sword, Serpens, from the satchel bag with ease.

Sururururu!

The finely divided joints cried out a beautiful sound. Following my stroking with the left hand, Serpens donned a white light.

A light of surprise shone again in the eyes of the companions.

"Th-That's aura..."

"How can Miss Healer...? Isn't Miss Healer a healer.."

I smiled softly and asked for their understanding.

"Stay here for a moment."

I took a step outside the barrier. Outside the Silver Citadel was like hell.

I stepped on the wriggling ghosts on the floor and walked out alone. As I stood in the center of the cavity, the mask of Obsculia looked down at me from the ceiling and shouted.

Food that cannot be chewed...!

Let's get rid of it...!

Ghosts from all over the place attacked with their mouths open as if they were competing to get the first bite. It was like a tidal wave from hell rising from all directions, it was a remarkable sight akin to Hell on Earth.

Sususu!

I put aura on my sword and slashed it. The raging tidal wave exploded like a soft bubble.

The sea of ghosts showed no sign of calming down. As expected, attacking this way turns the battle into a war of attrition with no chance of winning.

'The speed of gathering is faster than the speed of cutting.'

Right then.

[System warning. 'The Predatory Legion' is coming.]

"...!"

I could see a huge wall rising like a mountain in front of me. It was the same when I looked back. A tidal wave of ghosts, completely different in size than before, was about to hit me from both sides.

"Miss Islet!"

"M-Miss Healer...!"

Kwagwagwagwang!

The legions engulfed me in a collision.

The ghosts crushed me. The weight and suffocation of being crushed swept over my body.

"No!"

"Sister!"

Ray and Ash's urgent cries came from afar. I chanted a sacred spell, feeling a little sorry for making them worry.

"Exorcism."

Papapa! Pavat! Pavapat!

Kyehhh...!

Kyaaaah...!

The ghosts, piled up like a mountain on my body, exploded like a fireworks display. It took several seconds for them to become dust from the near front to the far end because it was so dense in quantity.

The cavity was definitely cleaner. Seeing the state of Obsculia, which consumed half of its anglerfish-like body, I grinned.

"It's easier to throw away trash once everything is in one place."

A sigh of relief could be heard from afar, while the expression on Obsculia's mask changed into an angry face.

Dare you...!

The ghosts attacked again.

I can't even chew...!

Mere food that doesn't look tasty...!

Are you calling that an insult?

When I cut down the insignificant ghosts with my sword while thinking like that.

How dare it joke around with that mouth in battle. Do the same, Ellet.

"Oh, yes."

I replied while turning the ghosts, that rushed like moths, into dust.

"Shut up. Puny pet."

In the original work, Obsculia was set as the devil's pet.

Oh, but wait. I made the same mistake, didn't I?

There was no provocation effect even if a pet is called a pet. I swung my sword and added.

"You are not even cute."

...!

"To raise something like you, your owner's taste is very poor."

The response I wished for came fast.

Ho-Ho-How dare you...!

Poor taste...that lowly mouth...! Insulting...!

I-I can't forgive you...! I will never forgive you...!

The ghosts connecting the mask and the ceiling increased. Obsculia, whose neck bizarrely stretched out, attacked me directly.

I thought you'd need to poke it more, but it's already coming down. The qualities of a tank are overflowing in you.

"Of course. Whose student am I?"

Kwannng!

As soon as I answered back, the mask and my sword collided. Obsculia has been attacking me with her mouth, which has changed to look like a shark's teeth, with the might to bite a piece of me.

Chaeng! Klang! Chaeeeng! Kaklang!

Whenever Serpens and Obsculia's masks collided, a light that seemed to burn the retina popped out.

Crack!

The right cheek of the mask that my attack had rubbed against created a microscopic crack.

However, some of the ghosts that descended from Obsculia's neck that was still attached to the ceiling were absorbed and it fully recovered.

A body with both defense and regeneration was difficult to deal with.

'Should I do something with the main body first?'

It was time to frown slightly and receive Obsculia's attack with a sword.

Kaaang!

"...!"

I opened my eyes wide, it was because Obsculia bit my sword with its sharp teeth.

Hehehe...!

Caught...!

Kugugugu! The teeth of the mask and the blade of the Serpens rubbed against each other, making a scratching sound.

I tried to pull my arm to retrieve the sword, but it didn't budge.

Ellet.

At the same time Agnes warned me.

It's over, tasteless food...!

From behind the black sun mask, ghosts stretched out like tentacles and aimed at me. The sword was stuck and time was running out to chant holy spells.

If you do not let go of the sword and leave the seat quickly, it's a dangerous situation.

Of course, that's for if I were an ordinary knight.

"Serpens."

The whip sword answered the call.

Tak, tak, tak, tak, tak, tak, tak.

The part of the sword that was not bitten by Obsculia was divided into joints and stretched out like a snake.

Susasassa!

With the wriggling of a nimble snake, all the tentacle-like ghosts were cut off at once.

How...!

You thought you had caught me

"The truth is I caught you."

Nonsense...!

I had no intention of stopping here.

Chararara!

The whip sword went behind the mask. The target was the ghosts who were moving the mask.

It's hunting time.

Swoosh! Swoosh!

While I continued the confrontation with the mask in the front, the slicing started from the back.

Hi..Hiiiing...!

As time passed, the bundle of ghosts that made up Obsculia's neck slowly thinned out. The destruction rate of the whip sword was faster than the rate at which the ghost replenished the Boss's body.

Obsculia's neck became noticeably thinner and the moment that last blow was to be done.

Keeeeeeeiek!

The boss screamed letting the sword out of its mouth and backing away.

A mask that was precariously dangling from its neck, which had become as thin as a rope, tried to escape to the ceiling.

In the meantime, I could see the neck being quickly restored in real-time.

I must finish it before the Boss completely climbs into the ceiling and protects its neck with the body's defenses.

"Fuu."

I pulled up the aura of my whole body, put it on the Serpens, and swung it like a whip towards my target.

'Hit it!'

Swoosh!

Finally, the bunch of ghosts attached to the back of the mask were completely cut off.

Kyaaaaaaaaaaah...!

KWANG!

The mask plummeted to the ground like a marionette that had fallen off its string. Obsculia's body was also thrown upside down on the floor.

Whoooo...

Kuohhhh...

The ghosts crawling on the floor flocked in. Since they had no limbs, they struggled to straighten the mask with their own body.

But as I approached, they trembled and hid behind it.

"Get lost."

I burned away the ghosts around me with divine power.

If these things connect the mask and the ceiling, or more precisely, the mask and the abyss, it starts all over again.

Sururururgn!

Serpens, who returned to a sword, was raised horizontally.

The body of the boss, weakened by the loss of connection with the abyss, was cracked and shattered here and there.

Obsculia's mask begged with a very pitiful expression on its face.

Sa, save me...

I...

I was just hungry...!

Whoosh!

The blade pierced its forehead.

Crack...crack crack!

Cracks appeared on the mask starting from the forehead. Obsculia, who sensed that the end would come, exclaimed in an exasperated manner.

No...! I'm scared...!

Master...! Save me, my lord...!

Master Carpeus...!

Crackeng! Like pottery, the mask shattered to pieces.

Master...miss you...

Pssush...

The pieces of the mask became black powder and were swept away by the wind.

Kuohhhh...

Whoooo...

The remaining ghosts were sucked into the abyss.

Tuck, duck! Dududuck!

Earth and stones once again covered the abyss that was like the jaws of a monster. The hole that made the abyss was completely filled and disappeared.

[System Congratulations! You defeated the owner of the dungeon, 'Obsculia, the Predatory Anglerfish' ranked 711th place in the Demon World.]

[System The Demon territory 'Slime-Cuisine Cave' belongs to the dungeon subjugator 'Ellet Rodellaine'.]

"Ha...whoo..."

I exhaled slowly and looked at the back of my hand. The black pattern that marks the prey had completely disappeared.

That was great, Ellet.

"It was easier because it was much weaker than the 298th floor."

Even if it's S-class, the difference is huge. There is also a compatibility problem.

"Figured as much. It would have been even easier if I had used divine power."

Then the message window caught fire.

['The World-building God' is surprised to get a boss kill notification.]

['The Scales that Judges the Soul' asks why you are in the dungeon and not the tower.]

['The Spoiler Inspector' is surprised that there was no notification sound even after leaving the tutorial area without permission.]

['The Critic who adjusts the balance' shouts that abusing of authority is suspected.]

'What do you mean abusing? It's not like that. Ask the architect.'

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' volunteers to bring up the apology letter.]

The Gods of the Transmigration Management Bureau went back to hold a hearing against the architect.

['The Spoiler Inspector' keeps his seat and opens his eyes.]

Except for the inspector whose priority is to keep an eye on me.

I approached the party and dissolved Mercury's Barrier.

"Is anyone hurt?"

"..."

Everyone just blankly stared at me without answering.

"Excuse me, guys?"

"..."

"Guys...?"

"..."

I waved my hand in front of their eyes, but there was no response. It was just that a few people mumbled softly in mesmerized voices.

"Alone... she did it..."

"How can one beat an S-class dungeon..."

Everyone is out of their minds.

I know, right.

I laughed awkwardly.

How...!

"The truth is I caught you."

Nonsense...!

At the time the battle between Ellet and Obsculia was in full swing.

"..."

Ray, who was allergic to pink hair, or more correctly 'the Little Duke, Raywin Wallenstein', could not believe the sight in front of him.

This is because the allergy-causing presence that he thought was only a healer was pushing an S-class boss back with aura.

Strong people who created synergy by cultivating aura with divine power or aura with magic, the so-called 'dual abilities', were not uncommon.

However, they were mostly those who had awakened to Aura as their main ability, and their divine power and magic were almost no different from those on a beginner level.

But she was a Sword Master who had awakened a high-level divine power?

He first wondered if she was a 'stigmata' that was raised in the Vatican, but seeing that she had healing power, it was not quite the case.

The healing power she showed, in an era when sacred power was declining, was enormous.

To reach that level, no matter how talented you are, it is normal to cultivate healing powers only by devoting yourself to patients throughout your whole life.

'Does this makes sense...?'

Even Ellet's swordsmanship revealed an abnormal aura.

Whip Sword swordsmanship became famous because of the name of the hero Agnes.

When speaking of this style, is basic common sense to describe this as a perversion of extreme difficulty that can only be unlocked when one reaches the level of Aura Expert.

Come to think of it, the barrier in the shape of a silver fortress that now safely protects Raywin and his party was also unusual.

The ultimate barrier that even Meteor could stop was crystal clear.

At this point, you might be confused about which, the divine power or aura, is her main power.

It was truly an unprecedented dual ability.

'Oh, My God...'

Raywin looked at Ellet in battle as if a legend was unfolding right before his eyes.

She certainly had a kind and bright smile when they were walking down the paths in the dungeon. But now, with a sword in hand, she was completely different.

She looked straight at the enemy with terrifyingly serious eyes and no other expression on her face.

Ray somehow felt a little suffocated just by watching from afar.

Whoooo!

Before he knew it, the battle was about to end. Ellet pointed her sword at the mask of Obsculia that had been stuck on the floor.

At that moment he felt that the straight lines created by her long arms combined with the sword were elegant and beautiful.

Pussack! Pssus...

The pierced Obsculia shattered into black powder.

"She killed an S-class boss alone..."

At this point, I can't help but wonder.

"What the hell is the Rodellaine family's craft...?"

Frintz Rodellaine, a senior graduate of the 117th Military Academy, was also great, but his sister was in a league of her own.

No, it was rude to make a comparison.

In the face of overwhelming superiority, it was meaningless to have a sense of self-esteem.

Raywin felt that this incident completely healed his pink-hair allergy. On the other hand, it seemed that he was not the only one in awe.

"Is she human?"

The owner of the voice was Ash. Who couldn't take his eyes off Ellet. It was a persistent gaze.

He spoke in a trembling voice.

"I can't turn her into an enemy. I will never touch anyone related to her."

It was a good resolution.

The news also came from Sanarak, a land of the demon world in which strange rock cliffs rise above the desert where life has been wiped out.

"Did my cute pet die?"

Carpeus, the owner of this place and the second highest ranking demon king in the demon world, smoothed his chin in a thoughtful recollection.

In front of the throne where he was sitting, a long and crude stone staircase meandered. It looks like a pilgrim's path leading to the holy land on the top of a mountain.

It was a unique scene but commonplace in Sanarak.

There, countless demon tribes, who were nothing short of a large army, bowed their heads and looked at the demon king.

Carpeus added.

"Do humans express this as crossing a rainbow bridge?"

(Note: A euphemism for death. It's mostly used to refer to the death of a beloved pet. Created by an American poet.)

It was a soft voice as if there was no emotion at all. Many of the powerless demons who were seated in front were relieved in their hearts.

But some of the quick-witted ones fell flat on their stomachs

That was a wise choice.

Pussack! Crash! Plush! Puck!

As soon as Carpeus's red eyes flashed, the heads of the demons that were standing near disappeared.

"Hic!"

The surviving demons desperately banged their heads on the stone floor.

The virtues of demons were desire and obsession. In particular, Carpeus was famous for his obsession with his possessions.

"How dare a human...how can a lowly livestock harm my beloved pet?"

Now, it was a little annoying, so I put it somewhere else, but at one time it was a pet that he even loved. It was so cute seeing it wriggling like a bug and squealing, so he raised it by feeding it with soft slime baby food.

"I can't forgive you."

He smiled as his teeth were revealed.

"Then the next item to discuss."

Carpeus, who changed the topic, captured his ferocious energy and relieved the other demons who were holding their breaths for dear life.

"What is the Vanquisher of Evil whereabouts?"

"I-I'm extremely sorry."

"You still can't find it from the time Rodrigo Orsche was killed? By the time that human life is over and reincarnated, it will be even more difficult to find."

Just as the cruel demon king's eyes were about to flash red again, one demon rushed out.

"Oh, I found out what Count Orsche did just before his extinction!"

"Sigh, tell me."

"It was the Marquis of Gibrilte who last spoke with him through the telecommunication mirror."

"What made him communicate with the owner of the dark auction house?"

"He said he got his hands on a purple spider lily and inquired about the price."

"What? A purple spider lily?"

Carpeus' eyes flashed in a different sense.

What was the purple spider lily? It was the national flower of the demon world, which is said to be the best collectible among high-ranking demons who came from great houses.

If it doesn't exist, he could care less, but if it does exist, of course, it had to come into the hands of this Demon King, Carpeus, himself.

Once he had it, he thought he would love it more than Obsculia.

Of course, the land was barren, so he would have to grow it in a pot. Carpeus felt possessiveness simmering after a long time and drew up his gardening plan.

The report continued.

"The Marquis of Gibrilte asked back many times while doubting if he really had obtained a purple spider lily, but it seemed to be true. So he told the Count to put it up at the auction house, but Count Orsche was debating whether to give it to the Demon King or not."

"Oh, really?"

Carpeus made a rare, contented face.

"It's both a commendable and reprehensible thing. He should have perished after giving it away."

It was when he reevaluated that Rodrigo Orsche, who looked like a sassy bastard, was a loyalist quite contrary to his looks.

The demon who was reporting read the mood of his lord.

"My lord, that's..."

"What is it?"

"When asked which demon king he was going to give it to, he said he was still thinking about it..."

"..."

It was truly a life-threatening statement.

Pshuck!

"Huk!"

The demons around turned white. This is because the existence of the demon who was posting the report had turned into a black bloodied cake.

After the popping sound of flesh, only the grinding of molars could be heard.

"Rodrigo, that punk..."

Do you dare leave the great tree Demon Kings behind and take it as yours?

Ferocious magical energy swirled around the Demon King. His red-tipped blonde hair flew like crazy in the explosive updraft.

"Huk, hic."

"M-My Lord, please, let go of your anger..."

If left alone, it was an atmosphere that seemed to tear all the demons on the stairs of the audience with anger. Other demons rushed to stop the explosion.

"W-We will try to find the whereabouts of the purple spider lily!"

"I see."

It was only then that Carpeus buried his body deep in the throne of naturally carved rock.

"I will give you guys one notification and end this meeting."

Finally, we can get out of this scary place!

The demons rejoiced but Carpeus's mood completely changed.

"It was revealed that 'He' was coming soon."

"...!"

A murmur full of surprises spread like dominoes down the stairs.

"Re-really?!"

"Oh my gosh! He will return so sooner than expected!"

"It is very unusual. Is there any reason?!"

"Does it matter? This is nothing less than a happy occasion!"

"Yes, it's a blessing for the demon world."

Carpeus's face while replying so, had a completely different mood from the moment before.

Until now, he had been showing off his wild dignity as a ruler, but now he had a humble look like a priest who declares an oracle.

"Ah, how long have I been waiting? it's coming soon. The end of the world of filthy cattle is soon to end."

He looked up at the sky with a face full of ecstasy. His hands were raised reverently as if offering sacrifices on an altar.

"Come! Give your welcoming to the 'Newborn Chaos and Evil'."

(Note: Look, there was no better naming here...갓 태어난 is 'freshly born' and혼돈악 is Chaotic Evil, the one usually used in DD for Alignment System. So I choose a wording that contrasts with Order and Goodwill.)

There was no disagreement about Ellet having all the loot. As for the items, a skill book for wizards and a passive skill book came out one after another.

Although most of the skill books are sold in the Cash Shop, some skills can only be obtained by catching the dungeon boss.

Apparently, the exclusive transmigrator cash shop mainly deals with versatile mainstream active skills used in various world settings, so it was not possible to cover all skills within a specific world.

Unfortunately, the skill book for the wizard was an all-around skill sold at the Cash Shop.

If Seijin wanted, I would sell it to him at a bargain price, but he declined saying that he was in a different line of magic.

The magic book was only for Erebo-Mancer, dark magic that was treated as a niche field even in the Magic Tower.

Who would use Erebo-Mancer skills in a world where a denomination forms a whole nation?

It was perfect for being despised as a warlock or, at worst, being caught by a heretical judge and taken away for punitive labor.

The spell book, which had no demand and was cumbersome to dispose of, was immediately thrown into the corner of the satchel bag. There was no promise as to when it would be brought out again.

Unlike the magic book, the passive skill book was not for sale in the cash shop and was very useful.

[Skill 'Reversal of Predation (Passive)')

Increases the chance of inflicting a fatal wound when fighting a human-eating enemy.]

Oh, isn't this pretty good?

Enemies with terrible eating habits were widespread. I learned it right away.

The dungeon was not immediately closed and I decided to leave it alone for the time being.

If the dungeon, which was responsible for the livelihood of adventurers as a glowing stone mining farm, suddenly closes, chaos will spread.

Now it was time to part ways. I greeted people in front of the exit gate.

"Thank you. Thank you very much."

"I will never forget your grace for saving my life."

A total of five members of the Pure Gold Apple Guild, including the two who were eaten by Obsculia, bowed their heads to me.

"Stop it, please. Anyone who sees it would think that Sister Ellet beat up the S-class boss by herself."

Joachim, who had only woken up a while ago, made fun of his mouth again.

The Pure Gold Apples made a face that said, "How can such a stupid and ignorant bastard exist?"

"If you don't know what to say it's better to stay silent! Healer Ellet here is..."(Kana)

"Priest Joachim." (Ellet)

I cut off Kana's words, a member of the Pure Gold Apples. Only sweet potatoes will kindly explain things to fools like Joachim.

"Yes, yes, sister! Speak!"

"Assistant healer who still has not come to your senses, take care of yourself and return to the Vatican. I want you to directly report that what happened in the dungeon was an accident that was caused by your own negligence."

"Oh my, Sister. What do you mean by my fault? I think there's a misunderstanding. Actually, the evidence that I did it..."

"Lastly, pay attention to your usual behavior before you get stabbed in the back."

"..."

I cut off Joachim, who was lying all the way to the end, said only what I wanted to say, and turned around.

"Then goodbye everyone. After I see you all off, I will go too."

"Yes! Farewell!"

"Be healthy, Healer!"

"May the path of Miss Ellet be filled with only blessings of 'Strict order and Goodwill!"

"Cool sister! Bye!"

I especially waved my hands for Frese and soon the figures of the people disappeared into the gate.

However, there were two people who did not go.

Cadet Ray and the first-class assassin Ash.

"Ash stay here because I want to talk with you later."

"All right, sister."

Ash made a proud face.

"Cadet Ray, do you have anything to say?"

"I have something that I want to talk about just the two of us for a while."

I asked Ash to step aside. Standing with my arms crossed, I spit out words pretending to be grumpy.

"You said you were allergic."

"Cof, cof, hum."

You should feel shame about what's embarrassing.

Ray, now wanting to renew his image, took a moderately alert posture and put on a solemn expression on his face.

"Ellet."

"Yes, Cadet."

"You are my lifesaver. If you ever come to the Wallenstein estate in the future, please stop by."

"The Wallenstein estate?"

Wallenstein Estate. Where have I heard that name before?

I remembered the tag I had put on my bookmarks.

[Bookmark 291 - The Story of Potatoes #Slime Farming Cave #Sweet Potato Friends Potatoes #Duke Wallenstein #Stigma Curse]

I'm sure it's about the little Duke, who had no choice but to turn into a hostile relationship with the main character, no way...

I asked in dismay.

"Don't tell me, Duke Raywin Wallenstein...?"

"Yes."

Rey, no, Raywin nodded his head with a shy and proud face while a message just arrived confirming his identity.

['The Spoiler Inspector' sarcastically says that you greatly contributed, once again, to twisting the flow of the original.]

No, wait.

I was greatly perplexed. This is because Raywin in front of me had crucial personal information different from the original Raywin. Right now he...

"But you are in the second place...?"

In the original story, Raywin won first place while attending school, graduated at the top place, and was scouted by the Royal Knights. Because of that, a confrontation with the Sweet Potato was established.

Raywin was a little choked up.

"Do you also think that it's pathetic that the Little Duke of Wallenstein didn't make it to the top?"

"I didn't mean it that way. I made a mistake. I'm sorry."

When I came to my senses and apologized politely, Raywin nodded his head without any further misunderstanding or interrogation.

However, sadness seems to have remained.

"What do you think it's the reason I graduated in second place instead of top place? It's all because of your brother."

Do you think it's my brother's fault?

['The Spoiler Inspector' holds his forehead, saying that you used not only yourself but also your brother to warp the original by remote control.]

It was Agnes who gave an easy-to-understand explanation.

Frintz is weaker than you are, so it's hard to realize, but he deserves to be a top graduate of the military academy. By the way, he also gave a speech on behalf of the graduates.

I turned my head to the side and whispered, covering my mouth with my hand.

"Frintz said his classmate had refused to be the representative so it fell on his lap?"

Even inside the military academy people can't help but accommodate power. They must have been trying to give priority to Prince Wallenstein over a commoner.

"But Raywin refused it?"

Yes. At first glance, he seems just as straightforward as your big brother, the position of representative obtained using the hands of the family would not be honorable.

"Ahh."

He has a wonderful personality that can be called a model for a knight. Ellet, you must meet a man like that when you grow up...

After hearing the back story, I looked at Raywin again.

"Are you finished talking to yourself?"

"Yes. Uh, well, I didn't know brother was the top graduate at the military academy. He got a scholarship because he studied well, so I thought that was why he made the speech. He doesn't really brag about himself."

"...Well, seeing as how strong you are, I guess he could think like that."

Raywin said in a tone of understanding. Thanks to this, the guilt of being indifferent to my brother was relieved a little.

So what does he wants to say?

As soon as I got curious about the main point, he began to talk.

"Ellet, your skills seem to be more than enough to become a knight. Do you have any titles?"

"No, I don't."

"It thought so. That's why...I want to help."

"Oh, that means..."

Although the military academy functions as an institution that certifies knights' qualifications, there are other ways to become a knight.

Taking the Vinchester Kingdom as an example, royalty and nobility above the marquis have the power to appoint knights. In fact, if the only purpose was to become a knight, Raywin did not need to go to the military academy.

What Raywin wanted to suggest to me now was clear.

"I will speak to my mother, the Duchess of Wallenstein, and ask you to be knighted."

Figures!

I clapped my hands.

"Wow, little duke! Thank you so much!"

"Hm-hm, why are you reacting like that? So when do you plan to come to the estate? My training trip will be over in a month, so going with me..."

"Oh, but it's okay. I have a Duke I know. I'll just accept your heart with gratitude."

Raywin looked perplexed.

"Oh, you know of a Duke?"

"yes."

"Who is that?"

Who do you think? Of course, my grandfather, the first sword of the Serentra Continent and the Prince of Hispenril Principality.

"It's a secret."

"Ah, yes."

I waved my hand because it seemed like this was the end of the business.

"It was nice to meet you. Have a nice trip back."

"Well, Ellet."

"Yes?"

"My proposal is still valid, so let me know if you change your mind. And even if it's not for the title...I would like it if you visit Wallenstein at least once. Because I want to repay my benefactor."

"Yes. I'll definitely do it when I get the chance, Little Duke."

"Thank you. I'll be on my way, stay healthy."

I saw him pass through the gate with a face full of regret.

Now there is only one person left.

Inside the silent dungeon, I took a deep breath, exhaled, and called him.

"Ash."

"Yes, Sister."

Ash, who made his entrance like an assassin, appeared ruthlessly and answered.

"I'm the last one. I'm nervous because I feel like I'm being treated like a special person. So what do you want to ask?"

"Oh, it's nothing."

I approached him and warned.

"Don't touch the child."

"...What are you talking about?"

He made an excuse, but I didn't miss the moment when his expression hardened.

"You don't have to hide it, I know you're an assassin."

"..."

"Did you say that the subjugation unit you belonged to was annihilated before you joined the Pure Gold Apple team? It was probably your job."

"Well."

He grinned as he stroked his smooth chin.

"Did I get caught? So, is that all you have to say?"

"No, it's just the beginning."

I smiled face to face.

"When the mission is over you guys usually go home. So why would the assassin have to step into a party weaker than him? Come to think of it, there is only one answer."

"..."

"You are still on duty."

It is clear that his second assassination target was in the party he had been with so far. The expression on Ash's face was discolored, but above all, it was an honest answer.

"I hope the target isn't Freje."

"What if I say it's that little child?"

"You can't get out of here alive."

"Scary. But sister, if you're going to threaten me like that..."

Shh!

A dagger quickly rushed in and I tilted my head to avoid it.

Puk.

The dagger was deeply embedded in the rock wall behind me, on the left side of my face.

How dare you? Ellet, smash him to the ground!

['The Spoiler Inspector' shouts for you to pierce his head immediately.]

Agnes was expected, but the Inspector? He must have forgotten that Ash is an important character in the original story.

Ash leaned his face against me without pulling out the dagger stuck in the wall.

"...You should at least have a weapon with you. Don't you think so?"

The smiling face crooked in pride. I must have looked funny because I had my sword in my inventory...

I laughed with my nose.

"No weapon?"

"What?"

"Look around."

"...!"

As soon as I gave a hint, his eyes widened to the limit.

It was only then that he seemed to notice that shiny threads were wrapped around his neck.

The identity of the thread was the 'Spirit King's Harp String', a wire weapon obtained by catching Undead Ciel on the 298th floor of the Tower of Trials.

Having Agnes, the weapon master, as my instructor, I was able to handle all weapons at a decent level.

The moment I slightly pulled the wire by moving my fingers as if playing cat's cradle.

"Kuh. Cough!"

Ash, whose throat was pressed down, coughed.

If I put my mind to it, I can cut his carotid artery as well as the bone.

Looking at Ash's trembling eyes, he seemed to know everything, so it took away the effort of explaining.

Even though he was sweating in a cold sweat and his vocal cords pressed down, he spoke steadfastly.

"Sc-scary...You're carrying a weapon. You can...even work as an assassin."

"Would you mind not swearing in front of me?"

"You're too harsh. There should be...no discrimination in jobs."

As soon as he finished the joke, his expression changed completely.

"Stop it. I know you've never killed anyone. A killer's eyes are different."

"Everyone has a first. I think that's going to be you now."

"Murder is never easy. I am speaking from experience, so please listen."

"Can I live in such a tough world without such determination?"

This was sincere.

I poured aura into the spirit king's harp string. The wire pierced the flesh a little, and Ash's neck was covered in blood.

"...If I die, I will haunt Sister's dream every day."

"Didn't you see me clearing out ghosts earlier? I'll make sure your soul is not annihilated in the exorcism. If you are reincarnated, live as a good little bug."!

"..."

At last, it looked like the battle was over. After a moment's silence, Ash changed his strategy.

Changgang.

A dagger fell from his hand. It was a sign of surrender.

"Sister...I swear to God it's definitely not Freje. In the first place, I tend to pick up quests where I don't have to touch children. Can you please spare me? Please?"

I almost laughed at his very pitiful expression and earnest tone of voice.

"I'm afraid I'm quite offended that you swung a knife at me earlier."

"You know it too, right? I attacked knowing you would avoid it."

"So what if I know? The attack itself was the problem."

"Ah, Sister, please. I was just pretending, there was no killing intent. I have not given up on my life enough to seriously attack my lifesaver, right?"

"Now you're pretending to know grace after doing everything you wanted, it's quite pathetic to look at."

"Trust me just once. I'll show you what a grateful assassin I'm. I'll never touch the people around you. Please. I want to live, sister."

"Hmm."

After making Ash's heart pound for a while, I said.

"All right, I'll let you go this time."

I retrieved the wire that was wrapped around Ash's neck.

Killing Ash here might turn the entire Night Eagle, the strongest assassination guild, into an enemy, and increasing the difficulty in my survival was not welcomed.

In the first place, I didn't have the sweet potato obsession to save everyone. How could I take care of everyone in this terrifying world?

This was just a puny baseline I could set to make sure any little kids that I knew didn't get hurt. It didn't matter if it was small.

Then Ash asked.

"Aren't you curious as to who my target is?"

"Not at all."

I refused, but he let me know anyway.

"There was one person who had a lot of resentment around him because of his usual behavior."

It's Joachim.

"Anyway, thank you for turning a blind eye. I wondered what would happen if Sister was a tight-knit person like Ray, but I'm glad."

It was a bit bizarre to see him grinning broadly, with blood dripping from his neck.

"Okay. Go before I change my mind."

"Yes, I will. The longer I delay, the harder it is to follow the target."

He waved his hand as he pushed his body halfway into the gate.

"See you again, Sister!"

Ash left without waiting for my reply.

No one wants to be associated with an assassin, because everyone knew there was nothing good to reap from it.

I also stepped into the gate. I had a different destination from the other people because of the restrictions on my range of action.

Whoosh.

As I passed the gate, an old-fashioned hall greeted me and as soon as I returned to the tower, a message popped up.

[System Congratulations! Defeated the 299th floor boss of the Tower of Trials, the 'Random S-class boss'.]

You worked hard, Ellet. Let's go.

"Yes, Agnes!"

I gave a vigorous answer and I fixed my satchel bag. As we crossed the hall, messages from the Inspector popped up one after another.

['The Spoiler Inspector' lets out a deep sigh and says that there are less than a few months left until the tutorial is over but another accident just burst from nowhere.]

['The Spoiler Inspector' says that this incident was a force majeure, so he will take it into consideration.]

['The Spoiler Inspector' says you did a good job anyway, and now asks you to go out of the tower and quietly focus on your training...]

At some point, while the nagging continued.

['The Spoiler Inspector' jumps from his seat in confusion as to why you are going upstairs.]

['The Spoiler Inspector' shouts to stop immediately because it's the 300th floor!]

'It's natural to go to the 300th floor.'

I climbed the steps leading upstairs.

There's only one floor left so I will get rid of it stat. There is not much time left in the tutorial to wait for another update and come to challenge it then.

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' stops writing the letter and looks back at you with empty eyes.]

It has also been revealed that there are problems in the tower anyway.

After going up the last steps of the tower and walking along the carpeted corridor, I reached the front of the arch-iron gate.

The door on the 300th floor of the Tower of Trials was decorated with more splendor and grandeur than the doors I've seen before.

I can't just open this one like this. I didn't know what kind of enemy would come, so I took out Serpens in advance and equipped it on my waist.

['The Spoiler Inspector' grabs the back of his neck asking how much more you want to twist the original.]

['The Troubled Architect of the Tower of Trials' is already writing his apology and mumbles to do whatever you want.]

['The Spoiler Inspector' pounds his chest with acute pressure, asking if that's what an official God of the Transmigration Bureau should say.]

The Inspector general tends to think only on the negative side.

'Oh, please. Would there be another coincidence such as meeting important people one after another?'

It doesn't matter whether I twist the original or not, I spoke easily and pushed the door.

Squeeak.

As the arched iron door split left and right, a feeling of floating enveloped me.

After a while, I opened my eyes to a new place, and what unfolded in my sight...

'Ugh.'

It was the boundary between deep blue and deep red.

Under the deep blue sky, as if cobalt paint was thrown on the roof, bloodstained land spread out to the horizon.

On a hill made of recently dead corpses, two beings were confronting each other since some time ago.

One was a young black-haired young man with a black sword.

He was wearing the uniform of a paladin, but instead of divine energy, demonic energy was emanating from his body.

The culprit seemed to be the assimilated with a demonic sword that took root in his hand.

And the other was also a young man in a paladin uniform.

He looked tired as if he had been fighting a long battle with the person controlled by the demon sword.

It was hard to control his body, so he was holding out with his sword embedded in the floor. However, the young man's appearance was somehow familiar. Especially his silver hair.

"Huh..."

The moment I raised my voice, he turned around.

"Thesilid?"

"E... Ellet...?"

"..."

"..."

They finished checking each other's identities in silence.

A system message appeared at the same time as the wind mixed with blood blew.

[System You have entered the S-level dungeon 'The Hill where the Sword of the Celestial Demon is Sealed']

And a message from a bitter and anguished God also came.

['The Spoiler Inspector' said he knew it was going to be like this and hit the ground while lamenting.]

It was indeed an amazing coincidence.

I reunited with Thesilid Argent after 10 years.

9 hours ago, Vatican.

The Cardinal Council decided to urgently organize a subjugation squad. The reason was the dungeon sink that occurred in the northern part of Elpenheim.

The name of the dungeon was 'The Hill where the Sword of the Celestial Demon is Sealed', and it had two very unique features.

The first characteristic was that the dungeon is periodically generated within the territory of the Holy kingdom.

A splendid dungeon that opens with a large-scale sync every 60 years.

It was already the 5th cycle, so it was a fortunate era where they had ways and methods to attack the dungeon!

The second characteristic was that the level of difficulty varies from one extreme to another depending on the initial response.

If done well, it could be closed more peacefully than the already subjugated D-class dungeons. However, if you do it wrong, you could face a tragedy of S-class or higher calamity.

In fact, the subjugation records of the last 3rd and 4th cycles were markedly different.

Thousands of lives were lost in Cycle 3, while Cycle 4 ended with no casualties.

The Vatican assumed that the difficulty of the dungeon was a standard S-class and prepared as such. Thus, at present, a considerable number of people were urgently summoned to the conference hall.

They were the cardinals, the core of command of the Vatican, and the commanding ranks of the three knight orders who were in charge of this subjugation.

The meeting had yet to start. In a place like an amphitheater, murmurs that went here and there did not stop.

"Is it true that the orders participating in this war are the Mandate of Heaven, Holy Spirit, and The Blessing? They are the orders who boast the most power in the denomination."

"Will Sir Maximus, the Knight Commander of the Order of the Blessings, take command? He's a great man with old hands in the field, so he's reliable."

(Note: Old hands in a field = lot's of experience)

"Besides, if the Mandate of Heaven is also deployed, wouldn't that be Sir Eleon's knights? It will be possible to finish in this cycle as a D-grade dungeon as well. Ha, ha."

"Yes! If it's the Knight of the Blue Fame we can trust it!"

Perhaps thanks to the success of the fourth cycle, everyone was optimistic about the results. Around the time when the aspect of the conversation flowed into small talk that praised a particular person.

"I heard that the Heretic Judgment Bureau will send personnel too."

"Hahaha, there would be no battle it's basically a waste of manpower. Who is joining?"

"Only one person has been confirmed. You know, that paladin who killed the heretics to stop the ritual to summon the demon?"

"Ah, you're talking about Thesilid Argent!"

"Talking about it."

As if waiting for the talk to get to the topic, the main character of the gossip appeared in the conference hall.

For a moment, people who saw him for the first time in a long time couldn't take their eyes off him in surprise.

His beauty, which had been regarded as a living divine work of art since his childhood, had been wonderfully transformed under the blessings of God.

Thesilid Argent, who has just turned twenty, has grown into an unrivaled young man.

Pure silver hair that was not mixed with other colors, a white face like plaster, and a white paladin uniform created a holy atmosphere.

It was not simply good-looking, but God-given good-looking. Indeed, he was the favored child of god who received the privilege of 'Strict order and Goodwill.

Thesilid stretched out his tall legs and sat down with a graceful and modest movement. Even though he had done nothing to stand out, the gaze that stuck to him continued.

Awe, envy, a little jealousy.

Thesilid Argent was a special existence by all accounts.

Silver hair that symbolizes God's blessing, the overwhelming divine power awakened by stigma engraving, and the inherent talent of Aura.

He was an overwhelmingly strong figure among the stigmata, called the final weapon of the Vatican.

At this rate, it was self-evident that within a few years he would become the most powerful paladin in the Holy Kingdom.

Besides, what about external fame? Recently, he had been raising his stock price by a large margin.

A few months ago, he alone accomplished the feat of preventing a catastrophe.

There were heretics who were hiding in a dungeon and secretly performing special rituals. They struggled to complete the final ritual, even offering themselves as a sacrifice.

It was a crisis in which the dungeon could be annexed to the territory of the Demon King Carpeus increasing his power. There, Thesilid showed determination.

He stopped the summoning rituals by taking their lives before the heretics sacrificed themselves.

Judgment of heretics while blocking the increase of power of the demon lord. The Vatican was very pleased with the achievement of killing two birds with one stone and praised Thesilid for his contribution.

Naturally, his fame spread throughout the kingdom of Elpenheim. However, he himself did not like to mention it.

When the conference hall was quiet for a while due to Thesilid's presence, a cardinal in red vests came out and announced the start of the meeting. It was Cattleya Gillette, who was selected as the head of the State Council this year.

"I understand you have received all the information. But it's important, so I'll tell you again."

Key explanations followed. It was an official event and her words were formal.

"The boss of the dungeon is the 'Sword of the Celestial Demon'. If the right person to be the owner wields it, it functions as a holy sword. The hero, Lord Valkus O'Drek, was able to do so."

In other words, he's a person who is clearly qualified, but unfortunately, he passed away 15 years ago.

"The problem is when an unqualified person touches the sword of the Celestial Demon. If that happens, the sword uses him as a host to slaughter. It becomes a demon sword. The more blood it drinks the stronger it gets and the longer it takes to subdue it, the more terrible it will be."

If the explanation was clear to this point, the strategy of attack was already decided.

Only one person needs to be selected properly. The first person to touch the Celestial Demon's sword.

Cattleya opened her mouth more sternly than ever.

"A person with qualifications and conviction must draw the sword. The person who will take on such a role..."

"I'll take it."

A determined voice resounded through the hall.

The person who cut Cardinal Cattleya's words and stood up was a fine young man in his late twenties.

A roar spread throughout the conference hall.

"Oh, Sir Eleon O'Drek!"

"As expected, he came forward. I believed he would!"

"If it's the Knight of the Blue Flame, it's a qualified man."

"By the way, isn't Sir Eleon a descendant of Sir Valkus?"

Everyone seemed to agree with him holding the sword of the Celestial Demon.

What made it understandable was that Eleon O'Drek was a well-known paladin of the Vatican.

There were many words of praise for him.

The first sword of the Vatican, the agent of God, the incarnation of chivalry, the perfect paladin, the prince of the church, etc.

His swordsmanship skills were outstanding, and he rose to the rank of knight commander at a young age, and as he always treated women with manners, his followers overflowed.

He even has a fairy-tale-like appearance of blonde hair and blue eyes!

Eleon has long been known as the best groom among the women of the church. He himself was well aware of his status. Therefore...

"The next master of the Holy Sword will be Sir Valkus's sucessor."

"He will soon be called the Knight of the Holy Sword, not the Knight of the Blue Flame."

He was very satisfied with the atmosphere of this kind of praise.

'Master of the Holy Sword.'

A modifier that will further solidify his reputation. What a reverberating echo it had.

The corner of his handsome lips swung up.

Cardinal Cattleya looked at Eleon with profound eyes for a long time before opening her mouth.

"Sir Eleon. The splendor of the Lord is recognized by everyone, including myself. Outstanding swordsmanship skills, noble character, and righteous beliefs. You are being evaluated as having everything."

"I'm flattered. I will make sure that this mission doesn't fall short of expectations."

But Cattleya's words were not over.

"However, since the lives of many people are at stake, the denomination wants to make a safer choice."

"What?"

"Sir Eleon, you can sit down."

"..."

Eleon stood in place with a face that just didn't understand what he was hearing. Meanwhile, Cardinal Cattleya's gaze shifted to someone else.

"Sir Thesilid Argent."

"..."

At this point, the called name had no choice but to cause a great repercussion.

Because he was chosen over The Knight of the Blue Flame.

In the midst of the murmur, Thesilid himself widened his eyes as if a little embarrassed. Then he slowly got up and bowed in manners.

"Yes, your Grace the Cardinal."

"You shall draw the sword of the Celestial Demon."

"I will obey the orders of the denomination."

Obedience is the virtue of a paladin. Thesilid accepted it plainly without saying a word.

Meanwhile, Eleon had forgotten to sit down.

'I was deprived of my role.'

As they stood side by side at both ends of the conference room like a comparative mirror, a deeper sense of resentment and defeat overtook his whole body.

However, there were many eyes to see, so he didn't do anything outwardly stupid.

He just stared as if he was going to pierce Thesilid. The inside of his eyes, the source of the nickname Blue Flame, seemed to be on fire.

Thesilid rolled his eyes and looked at Eleon.

'Hostility...'

Even if others didn't know, Thesilid, the target of the attention, could clearly feel it.

'The Knight of Blue Flame' may be a character with a very different nature from the public opinion, he thought.

"We ask Sir Maximus, the commander of the Order of The Blessings will be in charge. Departure will be in an hour later. Get ready, complete your mission, and come back safely."

Cattleya's hand drew the sign.

"May the protection of 'Strict order and Goodwill' be with you."

When the meeting broke down, people flocked to Eleon as if waiting.

No matter what anyone says, he was the most promising young man in the current denomination. There was nothing bad about scoring points for consoling him on a day like today when he was likely to be depressed.

"Sir Eleon, don't take it too seriously."

"Everyone knows that you are qualified. But Lord Thesilid is such a sure and safe choice."

"Yes. Because silver hair symbolizes God's blessing, so..."

These words were meant to comfort him, but to Eleon, they had the opposite effect. His stomach twisted.

However, he could not lose the external image he had built up so far. At times like this, Eleon wore a courteous smile on his lips.

"Isn't it an old myth that silver hair proves divine blessings? It is a little difficult to accept that the standard for judging a person is the color of their hair. When I look at people, I tend to look into their eyes."

"Cof, hm."

There was nothing more that embarrasses people than refuting an old-fashioned theory.

"Of course, this does not deny that Sir Thesilid is a great paladin. Sir Thesilid is a paladin with eyes that reflect green nature and a kindred heart."

It was a good evaluation, but it included a subtle blow that only Eleon knew.

'His eyes are nothing but green compared to mine.'

He took great pride in his looks. Blonde hair, and blue eyes.

That was then.

"Sir Eleon."

A voice with a deep resonance that was hard to forget once you hear it rang.

People's attention shifted at once from Eleon to the master of the voice.

"I'd like to formally say hello. I'm Thesilid Argent, a paladin from the Inquisition Office, Heretic Judgment Bureau. I look forward to your kind cooperation."

"...I'm Eleon O'Drek. I look forward to your kind cooperation."

Looking at the hand asking for a handshake, Eleon had to pay all his attention to managing his facial expression.

He was uncomfortable with Thesilid.

He wields the sword with as much skill as himself and is a young man as handsome as himself. The only thing he lacks is that he was a kid younger than him.

Eleon felt an instinctive fear that he might lose his place.

Meanwhile, Thesilid's eyes dimmed as the handshake took longer than necessary.

"..."

Eleon was concentrating on his expression, so he didn't seem to know that he was putting strength in his hand.

"Then, I'll see you later."

"Yes."

The dreary face-to-face was over. The two immediately turned their backs and left the conference hall.

Thesilid walked alone down the corridor and looked down at the hand that he held out for the handshake.

'This mission...'

He didn't have a good feeling. Thinking about it, he soon laughed at himself.

In the first place, has he ever felt good, had good results, or felt welcomed?

It would be just a chronic ominous feeling that doesn't mean anything. Thesilid decided to believe so.

As expected, the ominous foreboding was of no use to anything.

If he wanted to get a hint at any meaningful information for the future, he should have felt a disaster rather than an ominous hunch.

Everything was definitely going smoothly up to some point.

There was no problem in wiping out the army of Spirit Knights protecting the sword of the Celestial Demon and guiding the victims caught in the dungeon sink to the gate to escape.

However, when there was no one on the hill of the Holy Sword as the rescue operation was in full swing, Eleon, enthralled by greed, climbed the hill as if possessed. The moment he grabbed the handle of the sword, the catastrophe began.

"This...It's my sword!"

The clear blue jewel embedded in the hilt flashed light and was transformed into a blood marble.

The sword, having found a host full of evil, took root in Eleon's right arm, blackening the flesh.

"I...!"

His proud blonde turned black and the inside of his eyes was stained red.

I am the hero!

A voice that was no longer human shook the hill.

Eleon, who became the host of the Demon Sword, scattered demonic energy and cut people down indiscriminately.

There was no way to prevent a sudden tragedy.

The civilians who could not escape, the three orders of knights who boasted the highest power in the denomination, and the precious healers were wiped out in an instant.

This was because the man, whose nickname was the First Sword of the Kingdom of God got a demonic sword, and there was no tanker who could withstand him properly.

Eleon, who even the whites of his eyes ripped open, ran towards the last remaining prey.

Unlike the bugs that have helplessly died so far, he didn't like how this one resisted his attacks.

Eleon willingly sacrificed his life to the Demon Sword, amplifying his body's abilities, Aura, and his demonic energy.

"Kuh! Sir Eleon!"

Eleon, who succeeded in pushing his opponent, laughed madly with flashing blood-red eyes.

Ha ha ha! Look! I'm much stronger than a green-eyed kid!

"...!"

I am the first sword of The Vatican, the master of the holy sword, and the hero of this era! Thesilid Argent! You can never take my place!

Eleon, who let out his ugly desires and insidious nature, pushed Thesilid back and forth as if playing with a toy.

Thesilid clenched his teeth and struggled to survive each strike at a time.

After six hours of a non-stop fierce and devastating battle. Thesilid's body was driven to the limit.

His heart was pounding as if bursting from his ribs and the taste of blood-like iron rushed up his throat with a heavy breath. The muscles all over his body felt like they were about to burst, and his hand holding the sword trembled.

His vision was also intermittently blurred and shaky, as if he had shed too much blood.

Not only it was against a demonic sword, but he was also fighting a battle that ate up his vitality. He knew very well that in fact, it was no use holding on.

News may have been heard outside, but reinforcements are not coming. No, they cannot come.

It wasn't just because of the time it took to assemble a rescue army.

When the boss battle starts, the gate closes. The 2nd subjugation squad can enter the dungeon only after the battle is over after Thesilid is dead.

The moment the gate is closed, hope is also lost.

Thesilid thought with his slightly dazed head.

Would this be enough? He endured this far with a weary body full of wounds. Isn't this the right time to face a gruesome death and a peaceful rest?

"..."

He lifted his blurred eyes and looked straight ahead. Eleon, standing tall on the opposite hill, could be seen overlapping a black aura over the demonic sword.

Yes, it seems to be an inevitable end now.

He did not expect salvation or miracles. 'Strict order and Goodwill' was not a god who would give such things.

At the moment he was about to close his eyes as he was kneeling with his sword plunged on the floor.

"Huh..."

The presence of a third party pierced his ear like a lightning bolt.

'There are still survivors...?'

His life was again shackled. What he saw when he turned his head with all his might.

"Thesilid?"

It was a pink-haired woman who knew his name. A name immediately came to mind.

"E...Ellet...?"

Silence replaced affirmation.

His sea-blue eyes shook in confusion.

'Why? No, how?'

How can she be inside a dungeon where the gate is closed?

No time was given to answer the question, as Eleon's eyes lit up when he saw Eyelet.

You just happened to show up at a great time, lady! Watch this duel and tell the world of Eleon O'Drek's achievements!

At the appearance of a woman, Eleon displayed a shallow degree of chivalry. And that's how bad it got for Thesilid.

Thesilid Argent! In front of this lady, I'll will end your unsightly being!

Kwagwang!

The moment Eleon hit the ground, there was a roar.

"...!"

Explosive speed as fast as it sounds. Thesilid, who was soon to give up, had an intuition.

'I can't avoid it.'

At that moment.

Kaaaang!

The sound of metal clashing shook the air, and Thesilid's eyes widened to the limit.

'...!'

Before he knew it, long pink hair and a straight back occupied his view.

La-Lady?

The resonance of the swords stopped. A relaxed voice rang in the place where a long cry of steel had passed.

"What if you try to kill a kid who can't return yet?"

"..."

What does this mean?

Seeing that it was difficult to understand the meaning of such simple words, it seems that he was very tired and confused right now.

Still, one thing was certain.

A miracle happened.

"Hey! What if you try to kill a kid who can't return yet!"

I was so flustered that I shouted out loud.

['The Spoiler Inspector' jumps up and down giving strong warnings.]

Oh, sorry.

I glanced at Thesilid while confronting the host of the sword.

He had barely escaped collapsing while relying upon his sword. The whole body was in tatters and the injuries to the right arm and sides seemed particularly severe.

The paladin uniform, which should be as white and clean as snow, was dyed red.

It was a total wreck.

"Terry."

I suppressed the desire to heal right away and focused on the enemy in front of me.

Human swordsman-like bosses were more demanding than monster types. I had to deal with it with my full attention.

I left only one word towards Thesilid behind my back.

"Take a break for a while."

At the end of the request, I put strength in Serpens.

Chae-Ae-Aehh!

The moment when Serpence collided with the demon sword and rang out cries of bumping metal.

[System The chance of inflicting a fatal wound on the enemy increases due to the passive skill 'Reversal of Predation'.]

The system defined the demon sword, which lusts for human blood, as a terrible predator.

Whoohs!

I smashed the demonic sword with the greatest force I could put out. I kicked off the ground and caught up faster than the host could back off.

And swung the sword again.

Kuh!

The host's body continued to be pushed back. I didn't stop and kept pushing with my strength, speed, and aura.

I pushed him to the rear, back, and then a little further!

This is okay. This is far enough. (Agnes)

This succeeded in keeping the enemy away from the immobile Thesilid.

The host was astonished.

You weren't a lady!

"You are the lady here, jerk."

I was taught to do the same to those who made fun of their mouths during the battle. I provoked him by exchanging sword strikes.

"Why do you have someone else's sword? That's Thesilid's."

What are you talking about! This is my sword! Look carefully! I became the master of the Holy Sword!

"No, you are not the master of the holy sword."

We distanced ourselves from each other for a while and prepared for the next charge of attacks.

"You are the host of the demon sword."