Chapter 99

I don't like winter much—but I think it's a good thing to have something to focus on.

The practical training in the labyrinth and with the golems, the development of magical tools with Alfred, the creation and sale of potions. With occasional breaks in between, the intense and fulfilling time passed by in a flash.

Thanks to the training, Ashley, Sheila, and Ilmhirte's growth has been quite remarkable. They all strongly wish to join the battle against the demons.

While they can't fight one-on-one like Grace yet, I think they have reached the point where they can support Grace or me as the front-line fighters.

"Do you all have the red teleportation stones?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

"Me too."

After confirming our belongings, we nod to each other.

We are in a room of the temple where we are waiting until the time comes for the final check. Since we might have to fight in the labyrinth, we need to be able to use the red teleportation stones for emergency evacuation.

Preparations for flight, countermeasures against miasma, and escape routes—having these in place allows me to focus on the battle.

Each of us carefully checks our equipment. I also take hold of Uroboros, who seems to know a big battle is coming, as he is grinning with a twisted smile. Well, that's just Uroboros being Uroboros. Caduceus also shows no signs of abnormality and is currently lying down in the form of a cat.

When I look up, Marlene approaches and gazes at me with a serious expression.

"Are you worried?"

When I ask, Marlene nods. Then, she gently wraps her arms around my neck and clings to me.

"Don't worry. I'll definitely come back with everyone."

I also wrap my hand around her hair, stroking it. In my arms, Marlene nods firmly. She probably wants to come with us, but I want to consider her wishes as much as possible.

"Theo?"

"Is it alright for us to come too?"

When I turn, Grace and Ashley approach.

I nod, and they embrace Theo and Marlene from both sides. The warmth and softness of their embrace. We hug for a while before parting.

"Alright."

With renewed determination, I stand up. My eyes meet Sheila's and Ilmhirte's, and they nod.

"Don't worry, Marlene. We'll definitely come back."

"So, please stay here this time."

When Sheila and Ilmhirte say this, Marlene nods happily.

For them, since they are already exploring the labyrinth together, it seems natural to fight demons if they have the strength. They are quite principled. Additionally, Ilmhirte has a purpose in the depths of the labyrinth.

Since it's the right time to head to the labyrinth, we all leave the room together.

The priestesses are lined up, kneeling.

"We pray for your success."

Penelope approaches me and, like the other priestesses, bows deeply.

"We're off."

"Yes. Please take care of Marlene."

I entrust Marlene to Penelope and leave the temple. Knights and soldiers are on guard, their faces tense.

They have to be on guard everywhere since they don't know from where or how the demons will come.

Penelope and Marlene see us off to the entrance of the labyrinth.

Marlene waves to us until the very last moment before we transfer inside from the stone monument at the entrance.

As soon as we descend into the labyrinth, the priestesses' prayers seem to reach us, and a phosphorescent light of blessing begins to shimmer around our bodies.

"I'll take the lead."

Grace literally mows down the approaching monsters. I guard the rear, sweeping away the monsters that swarm from behind as we advance. We have plenty of potions prepared, and Ashley can use healing magic. We don't need to worry too much about our stamina during the journey.

We soon reach the sealed door, which is slowly pulsating in the relief section.

"It seems we made it in time."

"Yeah."

I look around. There is no particular reaction from the life detection magic or the senses of Sheila and Ilmhirte. It doesn't seem like any demons are lurking.

Of course, there is no sign of the girl we saw in the labyrinth.

Eventually, the moment arrives. As the stars in the relief shift, the sealed door opens on its own.

Immediately, a dense, magic-laden air—wind—blows from behind the door. It disperses the stagnant air of the twilight forest, causing a change in the forest itself.

The fairy lights, which were faintly glowing in the underbrush, brighten in response to the magical wind.

Buds everywhere seem to be blooming, spreading a vividly colored glow throughout the forest.

"Amazing—what a sight."

Ashley exclaims in awe. Indeed, it is a fantastical scene.

"If we didn't have business at the spirit temple, I would have liked to explore the forest."

The magical wind, huh. They mentioned the four great spirit temples... So, the spirit temple behind this door is—.

A narrow path continues beyond the door, flanked by sheer rock walls.

As we proceed with magical light leading the way, the path suddenly opens up.

We find ourselves on a cliff-like area. The path has widened slightly.

—Directly in front of us is a pyramid-like, four-sided structure. That must be one of the four great spirit temples. A narrow path leads to the plaza in front of it. The path on either side drops straight down into an abyss, so deep that the bottom is invisible.

The view is excellent. The high rock walls on either side are adorned with dazzling fairy lights swaying in the wind, which seems to be blowing from the direction of the spirit temple.

"Let's go."

We head towards the temple at a slightly faster pace. Even if we can fly, it's better to reach the plaza in front of the temple with its columns than to fight in such a precarious place.

There are niches in the outer walls where strange stone statues are seated. Are those—gargoyles?

The gargoyles are tracking our movements with their eyes, but they show no signs of attacking. Perhaps they don't automatically expel intruders? Or maybe there are conditions for them to attack?

"Theo, look—!"

As we reach the plaza, Grace points upwards.

At the top of the spirit temple, the pointed tower.

There, the girl is standing. Her long, wet-black hair reaches her waist, and her dress flutters in the wind. Her golden eyes are fixed on us.

Before we can say anything, the girl raises her face, closes her eyes, and points in the direction of the cliff path.

We turn around. In the direction we just came from, a magic circle appears on the platform at the end of the path from the sealed door. It resembles the magic circle created by a teleportation stone.

"...They've arrived."

Directly teleported to the location where the sealed door opened. Well, I expected as much. The fact that they timed it with the opening of the seal means they can't ignore the seal. If they bypassed the seal to enter, that would be a different story.

A pillar of light rises. When it dissipates, a tall, beautiful woman and a small, genderless figure in a black tattered cloak stand there.

Two of them. From what I deduced during the encounter with Rinette and Zevious, it seems they can't attack in large numbers. They must have some constraints. That's why they operate in secret.

The gargoyles take off from the cliff en masse, but they head towards the two figures that appeared from the magic circle, not us.

The girl's movement just now. Did she alert us to the arrival of the demons? Or did she give the gargoyles the order to expel the demons?

In any case... anyone who enters in such an unnatural way is considered an enemy by the labyrinth.

"Gilmanvar."

"As you wish."

The female demon gives a nod, and the tattered-cloak figure responds with a raspy voice, stepping forward to act as a shield. Miasma pours out from under the cloak, and something emerges from the distorted fabric.

A branch—no, a giant hand. It is knobby and has a texture like a plant branch. The enormous arm, which seems to have been hidden somewhere in the tattered cloak, casually knocks several gargoyles out of the sky. The tattered-cloak demon takes the lead, and the female demon follows with a confident smile.

The tattered-cloak figure—Gilmanvar—is clearing the way. It seems the female is the main one, the superior.

"I'll take on the female demon."

"Then, we'll handle the one in black."

As planned. Grace will be the front-line fighter, and the rest will support her. If we encounter someone as dangerous as Zevious, we have the order to retreat immediately.

Due to the nature of my magic, I can move more freely if my allies are not too close. It's better for me to fight from a distance.

As we step into the plaza, Grace charges at Gilmanvar. I ignore Gilmanvar and head towards the female demon behind her.

Gilmanvar has no reason to ignore me. I see his arm approaching from the corner of my eye.

Grace's axe strikes it, deflecting the attack. For a moment, our eyes meet, and we share a smile.

"—A child, huh. I heard there might be someone like you."

She narrows her eyes at me. Miasma rises from her body. That's enough. Now that a demon has appeared, their purpose is clear.

"So what if I'm a child?"

If I hit, it won't be a cheap shot. Ideally, the first move should be a spell that can potentially kill with one hit. Even if it doesn't, it will give us a chance to see their reaction.

I activate my magic circle and unleash a lightning blast as soon as she is in range. A massive lightning strike, bright enough to illuminate the outer walls, approaches the woman.

But—

The lightning scatters in all directions. Several golden, sword-like objects float around her body.

...She used them as lightning rods to disperse the lightning.

The miasma rising from her body has taken on a metallic sheen. As I watch, the miasma forms blades in the air.

The floating blades are very substantial, not just solidified miasma. The metallic swords have patterns that resemble text. They seem to be solidified and controlled by some kind of spell.

Golden lines run through her body. Unlike Zevious, she doesn't look too different from a human, but she has twisted, goat-like horns on her temples and a gem-like, elongated eye on her forehead.

"The power of your refined magic is exhilarating."

The woman spreads her arms.

"I am Lusierage. Lusierage of the Dancing Swords. Will you tell me your name?"

The swords around Lusierage begin to spin, slicing through the air.

Her body floats into the air, rising to my eye level.

"Theo Gartner."

"Very well—Theo. I will skewer you and kill you."

She smiles, revealing sharp fangs, seemingly pleased with my response.