“How did it go?”
“Well, it was accepted quite normally.”
After finishing the exposure festival known as the strategy meeting and dispersing, Simon visited my room. Since Simon already knew the details and ability evaluations of Lily vs. Fiona, he did not participate in the earlier discussion and seemed to have been preparing for battle in his own room.
“Ah, I knew it.”
“What do you mean ‘knew it’? I thought people would be more suspicious.”
“Somehow, it makes sense to me. It was the same when I was involved, right?”
When he said that, I realized it might be true. I had mentioned to Simon that I received the Demon King’s blessing in a back alley when I first visited the School of the Gods.
However, back then, the shock from our defeat in Alsace was so great for both Simon and me that whether Mia was real or not did not matter to us at all.
“Anyway, I’m glad we weren’t treated as madmen, and the party wasn’t disbanded.”
“Rather, I thought someone might drop out because they would see Lily’s strength and think it wasn’t worth it.”
Hmm, regarding that, I could only be blamed for leaving Lily unattended until it was too late.
After witnessing her overwhelming power, it’s as if no one is willing to step back; everyone seems too composed.
“I feel like this party will work out fine. I’m a bit relieved.”
Feeling reassured, I thought I could sleep soundly tonight.
Tomorrow, we would be challenging the God-Destruction Domain Avalon. So tonight would be the last night I could sleep comfortably in a warm bed. I wanted to enjoy safety and peace of mind as much as possible tonight.
“Oh, by the way, I heard there’s a bath here.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, apparently there’s quite a nice large bath.”
“Even a bath? This place is really thorough in its hospitality.”
“Since we’re here, shall we go take a dip?”
“Of course.”
While sleep was important, I felt something was missing. After all, a shower alone felt a bit dull.
Having the chance to take a big bath made me feel like I was truly staying at a hotel, and I left my room with Simon.
“Hey, Chrono, are you heading to the bath now? What a coincidence, I was just about to go in myself.”
As if waiting for us, Falkius appeared, opening the door while holding a bathrobe, a towel, and a shining golden bucket. He must have been waiting for us.
“What’s up, Falkius? You’re ridiculously prepared.”
“Since this is an opportunity to spend time naked with you, it’s only natural.”
Saying that, Falkius somehow loosened his bathrobe widely. That was fast.
“Then should we invite Kai and the others as well?”
“No need for that. I think two people is the best number for close friends to enjoy their time naked.”
“I see, then go ahead, Falkius, you can enter first. Simon and I will follow after.”
“That’s cruel! Chrono, were you even listening to me?”
“Don’t you want to relax with a small group?”
“Goodness! It’s because you’re like this that Lily becomes like that!”
“Really?”
Why am I the one being blamed here? I thought I was being considerate. It seemed unreasonable, but seeing Falkius fuming made me not want to retort back.
“What should I do then?”
“Forget it, let’s all go in together.”
“Is that okay?”
“Yeah, rather than leaving you alone with the elf girl, it’s better this way.”
Why bring Simon into it? Besides, we were going to the large bath, so there would surely be other patrons.
“Hey, what’s all this noise? Let me join in too.”
“Is there a problem?”
“The soundproofing here is decent, but I don’t appreciate the commotion in the hallway.”
Because of Falkius’ mysterious tantrum, our members started coming out one after another. Kai looked excited, Rudra was cautiously reaching for his sword, and Celis was giving a serious speech like a class representative.
Well, it’s good that I don’t have to call them.
“We were just talking about heading to the bath.”
“Oh, that reminds me, there is a bath here. It’s quite a well-built place, you know.”
“Is that so? Sounds promising. So, what do we do? Are you coming with us?”
“Yeah, definitely!”
“I think I’ll pass. An undead body shouldn’t be exposed to the public.”
Kai was eager, while Rudra declined.
“What about Celis?”
“Huh?”
“Huh?”
What’s with this atmosphere as if I’m the one at fault? Celis is part of the same group, so it would be strange not to invite her.
“Chrono, I… no, it’s fine. I’ll just use the shower in my room.”
Celis turned away with a mysteriously aloof demeanor while blushing for some reason.
“Hey, did I say something wrong?”
“Goodness, it’s because of you, Chrono!”
“You managed to invite Celis; that’s quite impressive.”
“From her attitude, it seems this is something she has to realize on her own.”
What the hell… could it be that inviting an Avalon noble to a bath is considered a terrible insult or something?
After I get back, I must look into Avalon social customs and manners properly.
“Sigh… for now, let’s hurry along.”
I felt like I wanted to freshen up quickly.
Thus, I went with Simon, Kai, and Falkius toward the large bath. This felt reminiscent of a school trip.
Thinking about it like that made me oddly excited.
“…Chrono.”
“Hmm, what is it, Rudra?”
Just as we began walking, Rudra called out to me. Perhaps he wanted to join in too.
“I have one favor to ask. Could you come to my room alone later?”
“Sure, I don’t mind… what’s up?”
“Just thought I’d set a little insurance.”
On the ninth day of the First Fire Month, we finally challenge the Rank 5 Dungeon known as the most difficult, the God-Destruction Domain Avalon.
The enormous jet-black main gate loomed above us, open as if to show it would accept challengers at any moment.
“Are you ready?”
The four swordsmen standing before me nodded. Each of them was already fully armed for dungeon exploration, having traded their travel gear for combat equipment.
Kai wore his familiar lightweight armor, the adventurer gear I had seen many times before. It was a simple, sturdy setup, but it was practical for real combat, as evidenced by the scars and dirt on it, not to mention his appearance in it.
His weapon was, of course, his beloved great sword. It didn’t possess any notable magical powers, but it was exceedingly hard, sharp, and durable. I had seen him obliterate the charged particle cannon of Chaosgrim with it, and not so much as a chip had appeared on the blade. A sturdy weapon alone is more than enough to entrust one’s life to. It is one of the optimal choices for an adventurer’s weapon.
Falkius was clad in his golden gladiatorial armor, the same he had worn during the Galahad War. It was a flashy design with ornate decorations and a flowing red cape, looking more like an artwork than combat gear. However, I already knew that this flashy armor was the official and best battle attire for Gladiator Falkius.
He had a silver long sword at his waist and a small shield, polished to a shine like silver, on his left hand. It was the first time I had seen the shield, but according to Falkius, he seemed to think it would be good to have one this time.
Changing armaments appropriately according to the opponent and situation seems to be something gladiators are accustomed to, perhaps more than adventurers. In fact, adventurers tend to cling to their familiar weapons, while gladiators are often required to use various weapons for dramatic effect. By nature, they are skilled at handling a diverse range of weapons.
Rudra was in his usual appearance. He wore a tattered black coat and had a cursed sword at his waist. Despite its appearance, the coat was said to be made of a remarkably durable material called “black iron weave.” As for the sword, when I first saw it, it had once fed on my blood and evolved from “Bloodsucking Princess ‘Akazome'” to “Bloodsucking Battle Princess ‘Kokusai.” I had noticed the evolution during the Galahad incident, but this was the first time I had heard its name. I offered my congratulations, though it was a complicated feeling.
Celis wore the same silver armor she had worn when fighting against Chaosgrim… but it was said to be tuned more for practical use. Specifically, it had enhancements to bolster her gravity manipulation spell, which was her trump card; it was practically a custom piece made just for her.
As expected of the firstborn son of a great noble, possessing a custom-made armor and helmet is only natural. Maybe he has many more.
Well, there’s no need for me to envy that. I have this “Tyrant’s Armor.”
Of course, I was already wearing it, and my preparations were complete.
“Finally, let’s confirm the strategy.”
The goal is to rescue the three captives, Fiona, Sariel, and Nel, and to incapacitate and capture Lily without killing her.
“We’ll basically take the same route Fiona and the others did.”
Since we already have information, this is a given. In fact, their route is almost the shortest path.
However, if the Imperial Knight Corps has fortified this area in a way we didn’t anticipate, changing our route may be unavoidable. What happens can only be determined once we actually go.
“The formation will have Kai and Rudra at the front, Falkius and Celis in the middle, and I’ll be at the rear.”
Among us, Kai and Rudra are slightly the better at detecting enemy presence.
“We’ll have Vivian as our guide.”
Planning the route is important for dungeon exploration, but this time we have a convenient navigator, so we’ll take advantage of it.
Honestly, I feel a bit resistant to continue using Vivian as a living familiar through inhumane measures… but sorry, she’ll have to cooperate until this is over. After all, being captured would lead to her being handed over to the Knight Corps for execution. It’s better than dying, and thus, I forcibly reconciled with my conscience.
“I’ll say this in advance, but… I don’t know how much I can take care of everything.”
“Yeah, I can’t guarantee absolute safety either.”
Both Falkius and Celis glanced at the small Vivian, who was floating in a fairy-like manner.
No, they weren’t looking at Vivian—they were looking at Simon.
Hiding entirely with the Predator Coat, Simon was here without making a sound or a breath. In truth, Vivian wasn’t floating; she was standing on Simon’s shoulder.
As long as Simon didn’t say a word and held his breath, it was unlikely he would be noticed.
“I understand. I’ve come here aware of all the risks.”
Without needing to think, I knew Simon was the weakest and least powerful member. Ensuring his safety would be a challenge. Normally, he shouldn’t be stepping foot in a Rank 5 dungeon at all.
Yet, Simon’s presence is indispensable for this mission. I had no choice but to take him along, knowing he might be a burden.
After careful consideration, the safest method was to completely hide him. Once we enter Avalon, Vivian will also slip into the Predator Coat and become invisible. To anyone looking, it would seem as though no one was there, and especially since visible adventurers like us are present, Simon’s presence would be obscured amidst our numbers and magical aura. As long as the invisible disguise isn’t penetrated, Simon will likely not be targeted first.
And above all, the reason I wanted to hide Simon’s presence is not from the Empire knights defending Avalon, but from Lily.
Lily probably has magical familiars scattered around her base, acting as surveillance cameras. If they were to catch wind of Simon’s presence, he would undoubtedly be targeted first. There couldn’t be a more effective hostage.
From the beginning, I had to be cautious to ensure that Lily would not find out that Simon was accompanying us. However, the fear lies in the fact that it’s impossible to guarantee absolute safety.
“I’ve made all the preparations I can, and I believe this is the best team possible.”
There is fear and uncertainty. But I will not have regrets.
“Let’s go.”
“Yeah, let’s do this! For our growth!”
“For my friends.”
“For honor!”
“For Princess Nel!”
Though each had different reasons for participating, our will was united. We would definitely achieve our goal, no matter how difficult it may be.
“Just wait, Lily. I’m coming—for love.”
We stepped through the main gate and finally entered Avalon.
Stepping out led to a giant plaza. I had heard its structure was similar to urban states like Avalon and Spada, but from my perspective, it had a completely different vibe than modern city-states.
“This is quite a modern-looking cityscape.”
I felt as if I had been suddenly transported back to modern Earth. While there were many traditional brick buildings like those seen in urban states like Avalon and the port town Selene, interspersed among them were taller structures that could only be described as made of concrete. It felt like there might be a similar landscape somewhere in Europe.
“Isn’t it a magnificent view?”
Realizing that I was captivated by the scenery of this nostalgic city, Falkius spoke up.
“Yeah, if not for the red sky, I’d want to take my time sightseeing in this beautiful city.”
“It’s true that we can’t use our blessings. The moment we stepped under that blood-red sky, I could tell it instinctively.”
He wore a smile of composure, but he must feel some pressure at having his great source of power revoked.
However, I was the only one who couldn’t share in that sentiment.
I understand. The blessing of the ancient Demon King Mia Elroad is different. When I think about it, it’s quite obvious; the God-Destruction Domain Avalon is the capital of the ancient Elroad Empire. There’s no other symbol of Mia’s dominion than this.
This is likely a sacred place for Mia.
“Are you okay?”
“It’s fine; my blessing isn’t as powerful as yours, Chrono.”
Since I had revealed my blessing, I wanted to be aware of all my members’ blessings. Therefore, I already knew what Falkius, Rudra, and Celis’ blessings were, which I had not known until now.
“The blessing of the ‘Wheel of Fate Finne’ isn’t much different from that of an alley fortune teller.”
As the name suggests, “Wheel of Fate Finne” is a goddess who governs destiny. It doesn’t mean that she’s omniscient and can selfishly decide the fate of everything, but it is said that Finne was a legendary astrologer.
Her ability was to tell the future, making her more suited for rituals and commerce than battle. To utilize it in combat, one would need to be a tactician or advisor who can read the movements of the opponent. Apparently, there are countries that utilize her for that very purpose.
However, to Falkius, who rose from slavery, destiny seems to be something he is determined to carve out with his own strength.
“I hate fortune-telling,” he had said when introducing Finne’s blessing.
So I wondered how he ended up receiving the blessing of a goddess of divination, but apparently, even he doesn’t know. After becoming a gladiator and some time passing, he found out he had the blessing when he checked in the temple. It’s not extraordinarily unusual, but it’s pretty much the kind of thing you find one in a class.
“When we’re out here, we shouldn’t worry about the disappearance of our blessings or be distracted by the scenery. This plaza is outside the knights’ vigilance, but once we step out of here, it’s possible they could appear from anywhere, at any time.”
“Yes, let’s stay focused as we move.”
With Celis’ warning as our senior in the Avalon expedition, I shook off my longing thoughts and concentrated on the dungeon exploration ahead.
First, we were to aim for the palace housing the underground tunnel used by Fiona and the others—no, let’s say it clearly; the subway station.
“Oh wow, so this is the real map of Avalon’s tunnel palace!”
Entering the richly decorated and large station hall akin to a palace, we headed for the station’s guide map, which Sariel had also checked.
Indeed, this was undoubtedly a station map. With Sariel’s memories, she could recognize it at a glance.
Well, judging by Kai’s impressed voice, among pure otherworlder adventurers, this guide map of the main gate station is a well-known item that has been shared at the guild as a valuable dungeon map of Avalon.
“To me, it’s just a familiar map… but how about you, Chrono, the foreigner? What do you think?”
In response to Celis’s question, I nodded.
From Vivian’s information, I had already understood what kind of city the God-Destruction Domain Avalon was. Fiona had kept detailed records of Sariel’s assessments and predictions.
From that standpoint, what is clearly recognizable is that this ancient imperial capital Avalon had developed in a way similar to modern Earth. The only difference is whether it’s powered by magical energy or electricity, but there are many things connected to Earth’s civilization, including this subway.
In summary, it can be said that it is a magical civilization that caught up with modern science… or rather, it should be said that facilities like teleportation magic exist, which is beyond scientific technologies created by Earth humans.
In any case, there are so many commonalities that I, as an Earthling, can understand far more than the otherworlders.
“This is not a palace, but a big station.”
“A station is where carriages stop, right?”
“Yeah, it serves the same purpose. This station is for using a transportation system called the subway, which is different from carriages.”
“Subway, huh?”
“It’s written as the iron road beneath the ground. The cars running on that railroad are larger than dragon carriage cargo. They move using magical power, not electricity, so neither horses nor dragons are needed.”
“So that’s why it’s called an underground subway?”
Exactly, Falkius quickly understood. Celis and Rudra were also nodding, so they likely understood as well.
“How can it move without horses or dragons…? It doesn’t make sense…”
Kai seemed to struggle to get the image right, but that’s fine. If there were remnants of the abandoned subway cars, he would eventually understand.
As a side note, it seems that the idea of using magic to propel vehicles has been around for quite a while. Since there already exists the form of carriages, all that’s necessary is to use magic to make the wheels turn… however, it is surprisingly difficult. Various attempts have been made, but if one doesn’t learn the specific magic developed for the rotation of the wheels crafted by the creator, it can only be used by that individual, resulting in a useless piece of junk. If it isn’t built in a way that anyone can use it, it’s only natural it wouldn’t spread.
“Given that it moves through magic, then the underground tunnels must be spreading throughout Avalon.”
“As you can see on the map, there’s a diagram with intertwining lines below. That’s the route map. You can tell where connects to where by looking at this.”
“Oh!” Celis exclaimed in admiration. Well, if one doesn’t think of this as a station, they wouldn’t even arrive at the thought of a route map. If one could explore the entire city comprehensively, they would notice even the structure… but if only half the whole picture was clear, it makes sense that it would be considered just another escape route from the palace.
“Looking at it, it seems the subway lines are spread all across Avalon while avoiding the central Demon King’s castle and its surrounds.”
Since they serve as transportation, that’s how it should be.
“However, I can’t read the ancient characters used in the station names, and it seems there are knights heavily barring the railroad as well, so it’s probably difficult to move around using only this.”
Additionally, the rail lines are as complex as Tokyo. It would be challenging to fully understand how the subway all connects without traversing back and forth many times.
If only all ancient languages were deciphered, perhaps it would have been a bit easier. Unfortunately, station and place names are proper nouns, making them difficult to translate.
“Since we already have a destination in mind, we simply need to head straight towards it.”
As Rudra pointed out, all we needed to do was follow the path Fiona took. We didn’t intend to explore every corner of the God-Destruction Domain Avalon or conquer the Demon King’s castle.
“Alright, let’s go then. Platform 11.”
After thoroughly confirming the station layout, we headed to the same platform that Sariel had aimed for. Strangely, there were no devices that seemed like ticket gates, but a wide staircase led down, clearly leading to the platform below.
Without hesitation, we descended to platform 11.