The magic formation shone faintly and filled the room with a mysterious light.
A young man was standing in front of Hajime. After focusing in on him, they noticed that he was wearing the same robe from the chair, presumably the same man.
"I see you have arrived here after overcoming my trials. My name is Oscar Orcus, the person who created this dungeon. If I said I'm one of the Traitors, would you understand?" [Oscar]
Seems like the person speaking was Oscar Orcus. The creator of the "Orcus Dungeon". Hajime was surprised but kept listening.
"Ah, please don't ask questions. This is just a recording, unfortunately, and it wouldn't be able to answer your questions. For whoever may reach this place, I will impart the truth of the world and what we fought for… this is the leftover message. So please, I want you to listen… We are traitors… but we are also not." [Oscar]
Then Orcus started his story. This story was much different from the known history that the church taught and what Yue explained to them; it shocked them.
A tale of the battle between the Mad God and his descendants.
During the first year after the Age of Gods, the world was filled with strife. Humans, Devils, and Demi-Humans were constantly at war with each other. The reason for their wars varied. Territorial expansion, ethnic values, greed, and many others. The biggest reason was "Enemy of God". During that time the races and countries were finely divided. Each race and country would worship their own god. For their god's oracle, they continued to wage their war.
After hundreds of years of countless battles, there came people who wanted to end this war. The group was called "Liberators" during those days.
They all had a common connection. All of them were direct descendants of the gods that were followed in the Age of Gods. The leader of the "Liberators" had, by chance, found out the real intentions of the gods. The gods had urged the wars with the intention of having the people be the pieces in their war game. When he found this out, the leader set out on a mission. He gathered like minded people who would not stand for the gods manipulating the people and driving them to war for their games.
They located the place where the gods resided, [World of Gods]. Within the "Liberators", there were seven who held ancient magic, and with their powerful strength, challenged the gods.
However, the plan failed before the fighting began. The gods were the puppet masters of the people, and they had gotten people to recognize the "Liberators" as the enemy of god that wanted to bring destruction to the world. People were made to be their enemies. There were complications in the process, after all, and they couldn't wield their power against the people they were trying to protect. When the "Liberators" were defeated, they were labeled as "Traitors", the traitors who forgot the grace of god and wanted to destroy the world.
At the end, their group had dwindled to the seven strongest. They were now the world's enemies, and they judged that they were not strong enough to strike down the gods. Each of them scattered around the continent and created the Seven Great Dungeons to hide in. The dungeon was a trial to find a worthy person to hand over their powers, and with it accomplish what they could not.
Orcus released a gentle smile after his extensive story wrapped up.
"I don't know who you are ,or what reason you arrived here for. I will not coerce you into killing God. However, I wanted you to know what we stood for.
…To you, I grant my powers. You are free to use it as you will. Please do not use this power to satisfy the evil in your heart. Our conversation is at an end. Thank you for listening. Now your free will won't be under supervision." [Oscar]
After he finished what he said, the recorded image of Orcus disappeared. Something invaded Hajime's mind at the same time. His mind ached with a throb, but endured it quietly because it imprinted knowledge of a certain magic.
Soon, both the pain and magic formation settled. Hajime slowly exhaled.
"Hajime-kun…are you okay?" [Kaori]
"Ah, I'm fine…kind of. I just heard something immense." [Hajime]
"…Okay…What do you want to do?" [Yue]
Yue asked what he wanted to do, after he heard Orcus' story.
"Yeah? Nothing in particular? Being summoned without permission and asking us to fight in a war was bothersome. I don't even know what's going on with this world. Looking for a way to the surface and going home, that's my only goal… Are you guys bothered by it?" [Hajime]
The previous Hajime would probably do something. However, his values had changed and it allowed him to ignore Orcus' plight. This world should have its own people deal with their problems, but Yue was a resident of this world. Since they couldn't leave her alone, Hajime had to consider what she wanted. They couldn't cut off Yue like Hajime did with Orcus, because their relationship was a lot closer. Hajime asked her for her thoughts, but after a slight hesitation she shook her head.
"My only place is by your side and Kaori's…well Tanaka is also an exception...otherwise I don't care." [Yue]
"Blunt one, ain't ya." [Tanaka]
Yue snuggled up to Hajime and took his hand, Kaori doing the same. They tried to convey their true feelings as they grasped his hand. In the past, Yue had devoted everything for her country, and then got betrayed by those she trusted and not a single person attempted to save her. For Yue after her long imprisonment, this world was just a prison to her.
Hajime, Kaori, and Tanaka were the ones to save her from that hell. That's why being beside them was her everything.
"…Is that so." [Hajime]
"Hm~ Yue is welcome anytime." [Kaori]
Hajime was slightly embarrassed. He cleared his throat to try to disguise it, and told them what he gained from the magic circle.
"Ah, I also learned some new magic…Age of Gods magic it seems." [Hajime]
"…Really?" [Yue]
"What's it for?" [Tanaka]
They had an expression that said they didn't believe him, but it was expected. The magic that was used in the Age of Gods was lost to the modern world. It was transition magic that summoned him and the others here, and that was the power of Age of Gods magic.
"It seems like this magic formation on the floor can fiddle with your brain and teach you to use it." [Hajime]
"…Are you okay?" [Kaori]
"Yeah, I'm fine. This magic… It's like it was meant for me or rather for synergists." [Hajime]
"What kind of magic is it?" [Tanaka]
"Well, I think it's called Creation Magic. You can add magic into minerals with it, and the added magic can give special properties to the minerals." [Hajime]
They jaw-dropped at Hajime's explanation.
"…You can make artifacts, can't you?" [Yue]
"Seriously!?" [Tanaka]
"Ah, I guess I can do that." [Hajime]
Creation Magic was used to create artifacts during the Age of Gods. Like this magic was made for a "Transmutation Master". The truth was, Orcus' class was "Transmutation Master".
"Why don't you guys learn it too? Especially you Tanaka, as we have the same job class. Enter this magic square and it will explore your memories. Orcus said something about a trial and you may learn it if it judges that you passed the trial." [Hajime]
"Will do!" [Tanaka]
"…I don't use transmutation…" [Yue]
"Same for me..." [Kaori]
"Mah, that's true but…it's magic from ancient times right? It wouldn't hurt to learn it." [Hajime]
"Okay, if Hajime-kun says so." [Kaori]
"…Okay, if you say so." [Yue]
They walked to the center of the magic formation just like Hajime advised. The magic formation glewed brilliantly as it searched through Yue's memories. Now, at the moment of the truth of its verdict…
"You have arrived here after overcoming the trials. My name is Oscar…" [Oscar]
Orcus appeared again. There was a spoiled feeling. They ignored Orcus' story and kept talking to each other.
"Did you guys learn it?" [Hajime]
"Hell yeah! This magic is very interesting." [Tanaka]
"Yeah, but… making artifacts is difficult." [Yue]
"I don't really get it." [Kaori]
"Yeah, it seems that Ancient Magic might have affinities and suitability." [Hajime]
While the four were talking with each other, Orcus continued his story again as he smiled at nobody. It was very surreal. Hajime thought he saw the corpse look sad, but wrote it off as his imagination.
"Ah, for the time being, this place is ours now, so do you want to bury the corpse?" [Hajime]
Hajime didn't have any compassion.
"Yeah… let's fertilize the field." [Yue]
"...You guys really have no hesitation at all, huh?" [Tanaka]
They didn't show him any compassion either.
Even though there was no wind, Orcus' body hung its head.
Orcus' body was buried at the end of the field, and a gravestone was erected there. As expected, treating him like fertilizer was too pitiful.
When they finished with the burial, They went to the sealed rooms. They had received a ring that Orcus had worn. On the ring was an engraved pattern that was crosswise in the circle, and the pattern was the same as the seals in the library and studio.
First, they headed to the study.
Their first purpose was to search for a way to the surface. They unlocked the seal on the bookshelf and checked for anything notable. They discovered the designs for the whole cavern. Although it wasn't to the degree of a blueprint, where everything was listed, it was a memo of where certain buildings would be placed.
"Bingo! There it is!" [Hajime]
"The way out!" [Kaori]
A voice of delight escaped from Hajime. According to the building plan, the magic formation on the third floor was also connected somehow to a formation on the surface. The magic wouldn't activate without Orcus' ring, though that was no longer a problem to these graverobbers.
When they examined the plan more, there was an independent golem in the studio that maintained this dwelling periodically. The light from the globes on the ceiling had the same property as natural sunlight. This meant that crops and other things that rely on sunlight could also be grown. It seemed that the reason this place felt so clean, even when no life was here, was because of the golem.
The studio acted as a storage for all the artifacts and materials Orcus had made during his lifetime. These items were stolen… no, transferred to them. There were quite a lot of devices.
"Hajime… this is…" [Yue]
"Yeah?" [Hajime]
Yue and Kaori had been investigating the other documents while Hajime and Tanaka checked the plans, and brought them one of the books. The book was Orcus' memoir. Inside the memoirs were written the daily lives of former comrades, especially about the seven core members of the "Liberators".
Within the passages, one of them was related with the Dungeons the other six made.
"….In other words, it's that? If we conquer the other dungeons, would we obtain the creator's Ancient magic?" [Hajime]
"…Maybe. It's worth the shot." [Tanaka]
According to the memoirs, just like Orcus, the other six "Liberators" were prepared to teach their Ancient Magic to those that conquer their dungeon and reach the final floor. Unfortunately the magic they had was not listed.
"…Maybe we found a way home." [Kaori]
Just as Kaori said, there was a possibility. The transition magic that summoned them from their world was also Ancient Magic.
"Looks like we have a guideline from now on. To conquer the Seven Great Dungeons when we return to the surface." [Hajime]
"""Yeah.""" [The other three]
Hajime loosened his cheeks as he got the guideline. He instinctively patted Yue and Kaori's head, and their eyes narrowed joyfully.
(Our classmates would seeth in fury if they saw this...really, Nagumo is turning into a harem bastard...) [Tanaka]
They were looking for more information, but they weren't able to find any data that showed the exact locations of the dungeon. Currently, the confirmed dungeons were "Grand Gruen Volcano" around the Great Gruen Desert, and "Haltina Sea of Trees". The rumored dungeons were "Raisen Great Canyon" and "Schnee Snowfield". They had no choice but to investigate all of them.
Satisfied with their search for the study, the four moved to the studio.
There were a lot of small rooms in the studio and they could open them all with Orcus' ring. Inside them were various never seen before ores and work tools. Theory books crowded the area and it could be mistaken as a paradise for Transmutation Masters.
Hajime folded his arms and pondered as he looked over the studio. When they saw him in that state, they looked puzzled and voiced it.
"…What's up?" [Tanaka]
After being lost in thought for a while, Hajime proposed to them.
"Umm, that is, you guys? Can we stay here for a bit? I want to quickly get to the surface, but…there are many things to learn and this is the best base. When thinking about conquering the other Dungeons, I want to prepare as much as possible here. How about it?" [Hajime]
Yue had been sealed underground for 300 years and she didn't want to lose a second in getting to the surface. However, after becoming speechless at Hajime's proposal; they immediately approved.
"…Anywhere is fine if Hajime and Kaori are there." [Yue]
"Hey, what about me...?" [Tanaka]
"Un...of course, Tanaka too." [Yue]
The four of them decided to train and equip themselves as much as possible here.
Omake
Evening of that day, the sun in the ceiling had changed into a moon and gave off a pale light. Hajime and Tanaka let their whole body relax as they soaked in the bath. After falling into the abyss, this was the first time they had loosened up. A bath was often said to cleanse the mind.
"Phew, this is the best." [Hajime]
"Dayo ne~" [Tanaka]
A voice that was unthinkable for the current Hajime's nature came out. When they loosened their whole body, they suddenly heard footsteps. The completely off-guard Hajime shivered. Even after he said he would enter alone! (Though Tanaka is with him as they are both guys.)
Of course, the one to make the sounds and enter the bath was…
"…Ah…feels so good…" [Yue]
"Hmm~ This is bliss." [Kaori]
Yue and Kaori immediately sat down near Hajime, stark naked.
"…Yue-san, Kaori-san, didn't I say I'll enter alone?" [Hajime]
"…I refused." [Yue]
"It's unfair if it's just you entering." [Kaori]
"Wait a minute! Yue, why do you know that meme?!" [Hajime]
"I taught it to her." [Kaori]
"Hn, Kaori is knowledgeable." [Yue]
"…" [Tanaka]
Stands*
"Alright, time to hit the bed. Good luck, brother." [Tanaka]
"Oi, don't leave me here." [Hajime]
As Hajime tried to stand up and leave,
"Where are you going?" [Kaori]
Kaori was smiling at him, as she grabbed him. No intention of letting him go.
"…At least cover your front. There are plenty of towels." [Hajime]
"I'd rather you look." [Kaori]
"Un...Hajime, look all you want." [Yue]
"…" [Hajime]
"Umm… you know they're touching me." [Hajime]
"Yes they are." [Yue]
"And again, why do you know that meme?! Fine, I'll go!" [Hajime]
"We won't let you go!" [Kaori]
"Wa-Wait! Ah, Ahhhhh!" [Hajime]
I will leave the rest to your imagination.