“Defeat you, and I will become the Demon King. Behold, this is my power as the new Demon King — ‘Golden Magic Palace.'”
Even in this space adorned with gold, Zenongart’s body shines with a dazzling golden light.
His pitch-black armor is stained in brilliant gold, and its shimmer illuminates the entire lengthy corridor — it’s so blinding that even Lily closes her eyes.
“This place…”
In the blink of an eye, what reflects in Lily’s jade eyes is a space of gold.
However, it is different from the corridor earlier.
It is a gigantic circular hall.
Its vastness rivals that of Spada’s Great Arena. The walls and floor are made of a gold-like metal, just as in the Fifth Layer, but its atmosphere is significantly different.
Unlike the luxurious Fifth Layer ‘Golden Palace,’ this hall is somewhat stark. The towering ceiling, the columns lined on the outside, and the walls forming a circle all lack any notable decoration.
However, countless lines of light run along the golden walls encircling it. Colorful lights sparkle in a manner akin to cracks, but in an orderly fashion resembling a magic circle, forming a net that glitters.
It closely resembles the lights of magical power reactions displayed when operating the monolith.
“What a room devoid of sense.”
“Don’t say that. I also think it’s a little sparse for a place where the Demon King sits,” Zenongart, standing opposite, replied with a smile.
“This is also proof of my power being immature. One day, I shall transform it into a more suitable space.”
“I see, this reflects your current abilities.”
“Yes, I will only allow those I acknowledge as strong to enter here. A worthy opponent, one who is deserving of a serious fight.”
“I’m honored to be invited, but I can’t say I’m glad about it. I feel like I’m caught in a trap.”
“Ha, yet you seem neither surprised nor anxious.”
“I am impressed. I never thought there would be others thinking the same. Or perhaps, when pushed to the limit, they inevitably end up here… Zenongart, you indeed are worthy of being the greatest adventurer of Karamala. A splendid dimensional magic.”
Indeed, this is within the ‘Dimensional Magic’ activated by Zenongart.
Lily has not been teleported to a different room in the Fifth Layer; it is a space formed by the ultimate magic he boasts of.
“Hmm, I should say, impressive. To discern it as dimensional magic so quickly.”
An ordinary adventurer would first suspect an illusion. The next thought would be that they were caught in a teleportation trap.
‘Atlas’s Wind,’ which faced them in the Third Layer, reacted that way the moment it entered here.
However, trying to dispel it is in vain. Dimensional magic creates the space itself.
The place where they stand now is no dream but a certain reality.
“I can tell. Such places have a unique atmosphere, closer to the divine realm than the earthly world.”
“Indeed, this is near the realm of the gods. It is a supremely sacred space that only the chosen can reach.”
Such exaggerated words cannot be dismissed lightly.
The activation of dimensional magic is impossible by mere human strength alone.
Unless one has received an extraordinary blessing from the Dark Gods, the great magic of space creation cannot be achieved in human form.
That implies Zenongart has received blessings comparable to those of Lily and her companions.
“However, this glaring golden space… It’s not from the Dark Gods, is it? What on earth have you received power from?”
“Oh, so you deduced that much.”
Zenongart slightly displays a surprised reaction but quickly returns to a defiant smile.
As if to proclaim himself as the creator and ruler of this space, he continues to radiate a golden brilliance, raising both arms confidently.
“Now, know my power with your own body.”
Suddenly, a golden light ignites in Zenongart’s outstretched hands, increasing in luminosity at an accelerating pace.
In response, Lily draws her twin handguns straight and pulls the triggers.
“Heh, don’t go down with a single strike — ‘Torrent.'”
“‘Maximum Emission.'”
A swirling golden torrent is unleashed from Zenongart’s hands, while two streaks of light burst forth from Lily’s gun muzzles.
The brilliance of both sides clashes head-on — just before impact, the twin beams of light released by Lily flicker violently, rapidly losing color.
Then, in the next moment, the advancing golden ‘Torrent’ gains momentum, easily overwhelming the two beams of light and heading straight for Lily.
“———!”
Boom!!
A sound like a tremendous wave crashing resonated as the ‘Torrent’ struck Lily directly.
Swallowed by the overwhelming golden torrent, yet amidst it, a strong emerald brilliance flickers.
Though fiercely swept away like a torrent that can pierce even rock, Lily somehow endures with her ‘Fairy Barrier.’
When the exploded ‘Torrent’ dissipates, Lily finds herself pushed against the wall, the sturdy ‘Fairy Barrier’ flickering like noise, showing substantial reduction.
“…Now I understand a little of what Sariel felt back then.”
While murmuring this, Lily maintained a smile and raised her gaze.
Before her, Zenongart approached with composure.
“You’re resilient. After that strike, I believe you understood the difference in our strengths.”
“Yes, I understand well. This is your world; everything is on your side.”
In other words, when she attacks, it is enhanced; conversely, the opponent’s attack is weakened.
Indeed, the same phenomenon occurs that was devised to defeat the Apostle bearing the blessing of the White God using the formation ‘Reverse Cross.’
“And the god granting you power is not from the Dark Gods. Hence, my blessing is also obstructed.”
“Wonderful. You’re the first to grasp this power to such an extent.”
Lily, too, never imagined experiencing a dimensional magic that exerts a debilitating effect akin to the ‘Reverse Cross’ on herself.
If such a possibility exists, it cannot be experienced unless she goes to a sacred place on the Ark Continent, where the blessings of the White God, who opposes the Dark Gods, reside.
“Then, you should understand. You have no chance of winning.”
“Indeed, at this rate, the odds are against me. So, I suppose I’ll have to get serious as well.”
Lily begins to chant as if singing.
“I wish upon a star, give water to the thirsty, let flowers bloom in the wilderness — ‘Great Fairy Barrier.'”
In an instant, an emerald green brilliance bursts forth.
The intense light released from Lily’s fairy barrier cancels out even the golden glow saturating this space — creating a fairy garden within the golden realm of the golden god.
A carpet of fully bloomed flower fields suddenly spreads, covering the golden floor. Vines with colorful flowers densely run across the walls, extending even to the ceiling.
Thus, in an instant, a space lush with beautiful flora centered around Lily is formed.
“What! You’re interfering with my ‘Golden Magic Palace’!”
“I’ve heard that line for the second time now.”
Dimensional magic, one of the peaks of sorcery, is certainly an absolute existence for the caster.
Once the opponent is drawn into that space, victory seems almost assured. To overturn the ultimate geographical advantage of dimensional magic, one would need to use the same magic.
“Is that so? You’ve also climbed to that same height as me.”
“Does this throw your chance of winning into doubt?”
“Ha, keke… Hahaha! Interesting, it must go like this.”
Not an ounce of anxiety overtakes Zenongart, who laughs unbothered. Perhaps this is precisely the scenario he desires.
“The one bearing the blessing of the Demon King has finally appeared before me. Of course, if I’m to fight with all my strength, it must be against worthy strength; otherwise, it would be anticlimactic.”
“Who knows, I might not meet your expectations.”
“Lily, you are strong. Stronger than anyone I have ever encountered.”
Recognizing her as a worthy opponent comes with a profound respect, and more than that, unwavering war fervor. Zenongart reaches behind him — to the hilt of the great sword he hasn’t unsheathed since diving into this Great Maze.
“How long has it been since I fought seriously? Ever since acquiring this sword, even the boss of the Fifth Layer has proved insufficient to draw out my full strength.”
Speaking with immense emotion, Zenongart slowly draws the large sword from his back.
Revealing its huge, thick sword blade, shining even stronger than the armor in sheer gold brilliance.
As pure aura emanating from the blade, it would likely rival the ‘Grudge Demon Blade “Neck Sever”.’
Despite not being cursed, the intensity of the aura it wields is proof enough of its outstanding performance as a magic sword.
Moreover, the strength of the magic sword is proportional to the compatibility with its swordsman.
Much like how Chrono is loved by the cursed weapon, this lavish, golden gleaming great sword boasts perfect compatibility with the shining Zenongart.
“‘Conqueror’s Sword.’ That is its name.”
“Oh, what a lovely magic sword. It must fetch a high price.”
“It won’t be valued. It will become a legend told as the Demon King’s beloved sword in future generations.”
Living up to his boast, it is undeniably a powerful magic sword.
With perfect compatibility with its wielder, and being a rank 5 adventurer himself, no need to mention his swordsmanship skills.
Zenongart presents a danger level comparable to Chrono wielding ‘Neck Sever’. If you factor in the effects of dimensional magic, there might even be areas where he excels.
Even Lily would not be able to win without injuries if she were serious.
“Ufufu, then I will make sure you aren’t spoken of in legend.”
“Ah, yes, this very moment will mark the historical turning point determining who becomes the legendary Demon King between you and me.”
With ambitions to become the Demon King, Zenongart is on the verge of acquiring the power and means to realize that ambition.
Before him stands Lily, the fairy girl blessed by the ancient Demon King Mia.
Who will become the true Demon King? A fateful encounter. A century’s duel that divides the future of Pandora — Zenongart alone thinks so.
“Forgive my interruption while it’s all heating up, but I have no obligation to settle this one-on-one with you — Fiona, please help me.”
“What’s that you’re saying?” Zenongart questions, but his voice is cut off immediately after,
Dudodododoooooo!!!
The great roar that shakes the golden hall drowns out his exclamation.
“Wha, what is this!?”
One corner of the golden wall suddenly begins to collapse.
This is the interior of Zenongart’s dimensional magic ‘Golden Magic Palace.’ As long as he does not wish it, it is impossible for the space he created, the golden hall, to crumble.
However, the golden wall, which should not have even formed a crack, was mercilessly blown away by a tremendous explosion.
The blustery flames shatter the golden wall, turning it into a heap of debris.
From beyond the heavily damaged wall, parting the swirling black smoke, a shadow emerges.
“Did you call for me, Lily?”
In stark contrast to her grand entrance, Fiona replied in a light tone, as if she had just turned around upon being called.
“Yes, this man seems stronger than I thought. It’s better with both of us.”
“He’s a user of dimensional magic, after all, they’re quite rare.”
In front of Fiona, who spoke in her usual flat tone without any awe, Zenongart’s expression now shows shock.
“Impossible! My ‘Golden Magic Palace’ was shattered…? No way, even that woman…”
A chill runs down Zenongart’s spine.
The woman who broke through the wall appears to be anything but ordinary.
With long blue hair and two crystalline horns, she has a devil-like appearance. The magical presence surrounding her rivals Lily’s.
Above all, the landscape sprawling behind her sends shivers through Zenongart.
What unfurls is indeed a catastrophic scenery deserving the name of purgatory.
A red-black, ominous sky, where a volcano erupts in a distance, spewing magma. An arid landscape devoid of plant life spreads about, with a crimson river of lava flowing through it.
Zenongart’s ‘Golden Magic Palace’ should not have an outside. The interior of this golden hall embodies the entirety of the space he creates.
Yet, the scene existing outside, where nothing should be, demonstrates how vast the dimensional magic truly is.
“Hmm, it feels quite peculiar, but it seems my ‘Purgatory Barrier’ is also spreading without issue, so it should be fine.”
“Indeed, after all, Fiona’s dimensional magic is better.”
With a cheerful smile, Lily praised her friend’s skills and cast a slow glance at Zenongart.
The new generation’s candidate for Demon King, proudly wielding his golden great sword, finally opened his eyes wide and broke into a cold sweat.
“It’s two against one, so don’t call it unfair. After all, we are an adventurer party.”
With a smile, Lily points her twin handguns at Zenongart once more.
“O-you…!”
Realizing the disparity between their combat abilities, Zenongart grips his beloved sword tightly, extracting as much magical power as he can from his body and blade.
“Ah, I’m about to shoot—”
“Is it okay?”
Then Fiona turned towards the fully bloomed “Walpurgis” in her hand.
“Be wary of your opponent, shoot away ——— ‘Star Fall.'”
“Then I won’t hold back ——— ‘Golden Sun.'”
“Oooh, you bastard!!!”
As Zenongart’s scream was drowned out, an immense light blew away the golden space ———
“——— Guah!!”
The divine golden light swirled, and as the massive magic circle lost its effect, Zenongart came flying, tracing a parabolic arc from the fading radiance like mist.
As the “Golden Magic Palace” completely vanished, Zenongart fell onto the red carpet, unable to brace himself.
“Zen-sama!”
The one who cried his name like a scream was his loyal slave, the elf girl Tina.
No voices could be heard from the other members. Ailan, Sena, and Wendy had already lost consciousness.
The only one still capable of moving fully in this place was Tina.
“Ugh, uuh…”
Noticing Tina rushing towards him in a panic, Zenongart groaned in pain and tried to sit up. However, he could only raise his upper body, unable to stand.
He was that severely injured.
“Zen-sama… oh…”
Tina’s elven white beauty twisted in shock and sorrow.
Tina, Zenongart’s slave and his first companion. The time they spent together might surpass even that spent with Emilia, his only family.
Even Tina, who had the longest relationship with him, had never seen Zenongart in such a wounded state.
No, that’s not right; this was unmistakably the visage of defeat.
“Just as expected from Karamala’s strongest adventurer, you still have breath left.”
“To still have all your limbs and remain conscious is quite impressive stamina.”
His armor was shattered, his beloved sword relinquished, and his once strong and beautiful body was over half scorched and battered.
The two who had pushed Zenongart to such a state, Lily and Fiona, were completely unharmed and elegant, as if they could attend a ball right away after returning from dimensional magic.
“T-This can’t be… that Zen-sama would lose so one-sidedly…”
“…Tina.”
To Tina, who was engulfed in despair, Zenongart breathed out her name, barely managing to speak.
“Zen-sama!”
“Use the blessing… the blessing of ‘Princess Aria of Heavenly Healing’…”
Once a legendary figure who resurrected the Ancient Demon King Mia from death and became one of the Dark Gods, Aria’s blessing grants immense healing power.
Even though Zenongart was nearly on the brink of death, he could likely recover instantly enough to fight again.
“But, Zen-sama, even so…”
“Ah, I know… I know I cannot win…”
It was the obvious conclusion.
The result of engaging in battle with Lily in what could be called perfect condition was this devastating defeat.
No matter how much he recovered with Aria’s blessing, he would only be able to restore his strength and magical power at most to halfway. It wouldn’t be enough to deploy the “Golden Magic Palace” again. Furthermore, he had lost his sword and armor.
On the other hand, Lily and Fiona showed no signs of exhaustion. Both had certainly consumed a fair amount of magical power using dimensional magic, but they were completely unscathed and damage-free.
Even if Zenongart managed to stand up once more, he would be exposed to the wrath of light and flames, unable to do anything but be battered down.
“Even so, I will fight… this is my place of death.”
The one most engulfed in despair at this moment was undoubtedly Zenongart himself.
The man who had pressed forward for his ambition was going to fall short of his goal.
He had no chance of victory from this point, no matter how he struggled.
Yet, he would not beg for his life in a disgraceful manner.
“Tina, after you heal me, escape immediately. I’ll buy you enough time to leave by yourself.”
“N-No! Zen-sama! I could never leave my master behind and run away!”
“Do it, Tina, this is an order. Listen to my last command… escape from here, and take care of Emilia.”
With that, as though to leave no regrets, Zenongart gathered strength in his trembling legs and stood up. Stumbling, with no strength in him, yet he stood up on his own to face the two formidable enemies.
“My name is Zenongart. A man who will become a Demon King… I will continue down my path of dominance until my last breath!”
Ah, this was the sight of a proud man resolved to face death.
Even if his strength falters and his dreams shatter, if he must fall, then he shall do so headfirst.
A man with ambition to aim for the title of Demon King. The strongest adventurer of Karamala. It was a truly splendid display of a demise worthy of that name… if only the opponent were just an enemy.
Clang ——
A strangely light sound resonated.
It was a metallic white ring, rolling and stopping before Tina after falling.
“Use that, Tina.”
The one who issued that command was Lily.
“The usage is simple. Just place it on his head. That alone will make Zenongart yours.”
“W-What…?”
The meaning was unclear. Confused murmurs escaped from both Zenongart and Tina.
“I’m saying I’ll help you. Tina, consider it a favor for your love.”
Lily’s smile was truly charming in a fairy-like manner.
However, Zenongart sensed instinctively that it was a devil’s smile.
“Stop it, Tina! Do not listen to her words!”
“You love him, don’t you?”
That was something that needed no further elaboration.
The one who bought her as a slave, Zenongart, was someone Tina loved. She loved him sincerely.
It was because he had bought her, because he chose her, that she was able to escape from the first layer of that hell.
She was able to live a life that was above average, no, more than what ordinary people could.
He had recognized her talent.
She was able to hone her skills as an adventurer.
Even received a blessing.
All the success in her life was thanks to Zenongart.
Even if it was merely calculated intent for his own ambitions to nurture and foster her talent.
The master who bought a useful slave and the slave who was merely bought without will.
Their relationship started from the obvious master-slave dynamic, but the journey they walked together in Karamala was real. The trust and bond they shared was the greatest treasure as adventurers.
I love him, I love him, and that’s exactly why ——
“You wouldn’t want Zenongart to die, would you?”
That was a given.
If sacrificing her own life could save him, she could die without any hesitation.
“Choose. Die here in vain, or live with him.”
“Use the blessing, Tina! Hurry, can’t you hear my command?!”
“To choose death for the sake of pride… Isn’t it the woman’s role to stop a man who lives such a foolish life?”
“…Will you really help me?”
“Tina!!”
Her heart wavered.
So much so that even her master’s words could not reach her.
“I recognize the power of ‘Golden Dawn.’ It would be a waste to wipe you all out here. If you cooperate with me, I will guarantee your happy life with him.”
“Stop this nonsense! At this point, why would you say something to confuse her! You should just kill me and continue on your path to becoming a Demon King!!”
If you don’t do that, then it would mean nothing.
She had lost. It was because she could die here nobly and now that she could preserve the pride of having fought honorably.
Even if she wouldn’t be remembered in history, Zenongart could boast that he lived a life that he would not be ashamed of.
“This ring is called the ‘Mind Control Device.’ Well, just think of it as a fine collar for a slave. Once you put it on him, he won’t escape anymore, and more importantly — he won’t even think of such foolishness as becoming a Demon King.”
“Lily, you bastard!!”
“What a troublesome man who is eager to die. You’re the only one who can save him, you know?”
Is she trying to take away even the last pride left to the defeated?
Zenongart’s furious shout, however, did not reach Lily.
Her gaze was directed solely at the slave girl now faced with a choice.
“Now, save him. And make him yours.”
“…Sigh.”
That was a small murmur.
But it bore words of a definite decision.
“———Tina?”
“I’m sorry, Zen-sama.”
Before she could even turn around, Zenongart felt a shock on his back and toppled forward.
It wasn’t an attack or anything, just being pushed from behind.
However, standing on the brink of death, Zenongart could do nothing but fall.
“Guh, u… Tina, you didn’t…”
“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”
With tears welling up in her desperate face, Tina spoke.
That apologetic word was, in essence, a testament of betrayal.
In her hand, she gripped the “Mind Control Device.”
“Stop it, Tina!”
“I’m sorry, Zen-sama! I’m so sorry!”
Tina leaped onto the fallen Zenongart’s back.
Though Zenongart boasted superhuman physical abilities, he was so exhausted now that he could barely muster the strength to stand. There was no power left to shake off a slender girl like Tina.
Helpless, he could do nothing but flail as if a powerless girl was being assaulted by a thug, pinned down by Tina.
“Stop it! Stop it, noooooooo!!”
“Zen-sama! Aaaahhhhhh!!”
Clank ——
After a fierce struggle, the moment the ring was finally placed on Zenongart’s head, that sound echoed.
Piercing through the skull, invading free will, and seizing control, a devilish mechanism dominated his brain.
“Guah… ah…”
His intense scream abruptly ceased.
Zenongart stood still, and the light in his eyes began to fade.
The grand ambition of becoming a Demon King, the strong will and desires that had burned brightly in Zenongart’s eyes ——— had completely lost color, turning into an inorganic gaze like that of a puppet.
In those glassy eyes, Tina’s face reflected.
“…Zen-sama.”
“Ah… what is it, Tina?”
With a perfectly flat tone, Zenongart replied.
There was no emotion conveyed. He responded only because he was called, a mere mechanical reaction.
“Will you please stop?”
“Ah, I shall stop.”
“Please don’t say things like wanting to become a Demon King.”
“Understood.”
“Stay with me forever.”
“I will stay with Tina.”
“Only look at me.”
“I am only looking at you.”
A mechanistic affirmation devoid of any heartfelt regard.
Yet, upon hearing that answer, Tina shed tears in overwhelming emotion.
“Looks like it worked out well. Congratulations.”
Clapping her hands softly, Lily approached with a truly gentle smile.
“This is what you wished for, right?”
“Yes… thank you.”
No need to become a Demon King. That was irrelevant. Silly.
Tina had felt that way for a long time.
“Yes, I understand that feeling very well.”
“I-I… I just, I’m worried about Zen-sama…”
Zenongart is strong. Everyone in Karamala acknowledges that strength.
Zenongart himself had overwhelming confidence, believing he was unbeatable. People were drawn in by his dignified demeanor based on that strength and pride.
Even Emilia, his younger sister, Ailan, Sena, Wendy from the “Golden Dawn,” and many other comrades and allies. Everyone believed in Zenongart’s power.
Thus, the one who truly worried about him was only Tina.
There might come a day when he loses.
He might encounter monsters that are overwhelmingly powerful.
Such a backward feeling of unease doesn’t stem only from her naturally timid nature,
It was because she loved him, loved him sincerely, that she felt anxious, worried, and scared.
“…That’s why I wished you would quickly give up on such foolish dreams of becoming a Demon King.”
The traitor had been by his side from the very start.
Zenongart’s downfall was in not recognizing the true love of Tina, who was supposed to be his most relied upon slave, companion, and partner, and not even seeking to realize it, simply moving forward.
“Hehe, now you can be at peace, right?”
“Yes, I will protect Zen-sama.”
Tenderly, as if cradling her child, Tina embraced Zenongart’s face.
He would no longer walk the harsh road to become a Demon King.
That was Tina’s wish, her long-awaited peace.
With a loving, gentle smile, she stroked her flaxen hair.
Zenongart remained expressionless, devoid of any emotion, simply accepting her.
“Yes, be happy.”
Lily nodded with satisfaction, celebrating the birth of a new couple.