I read a picture book.
　It's a story about a young man who defeats an evil demon king.
　The evil demon king disappears and a peaceful world comes to where everyone can laugh and live together.
　It was such an old fairy tale.

　When she finished reading it, she said, " It's me.

...... It's me," she said. I want to create a happy world like this one.

　Knowing that's impossible.

◆

　The Abominable Light Labyrinth is located in the northern part of Schmelz.
　There is a big hole in the sheer cliff.
　That is the entrance to the Labyrinth of d*mned Light.

　Centering on the cliff, the area around the labyrinth is forbidden to enter.
　Naturally, no one other than the Order of the Cathedral, which manages the labyrinth, is allowed to approach it.
　The neighborhood is guarded by knights all year round, and it would be impossible for an ordinary person to even enter the labyrinth.

　Breaking through those guards, we had come to the entrance area of the Abominable Light Labyrinth.
　Currently, we are on a large rock that overlooks the entrance.
　There is no tail and the knights on guard have not found us.
　A cursory examination revealed no signs that Leo was trying to set us up.
　At least it won't be a ...... situation where the moment we try to enter the labyrinth, the cathedral knights will be zipping out .......

　Me and Elfie waited for the watchful knights to move, oblivious to the signs.
　The knights are taking turns doing the watch.
　I don't know how they do it, but I heard that Leo is going to take advantage of that changeover time to make the guards disappear from the entrance of the labyrinth for a few minutes.
　If nothing happens, he's going to put the knight on guard asleep and push his way through.

'The entrance hasn't changed, has it?'

　The entrance to the Abominable Light Labyrinth, which I haven't seen in thirty years.
　It's a cave at the bottom of a cliff.
　From the gaping hole, a darkness spreads out like the mouth of a monster.
　It is because there is no light source inside.

　The entrance is covered by a ward, and you can see that the magic element that seeped out of the inside is accumulating at the entrance.
　It's the evidence that a considerable amount of magical elements have accumulated inside.
　I heard that the last time the Church State swept the demons inside the labyrinth was several months ago.
　Looking at the amount of magic element, it's not funny that a large number of demons are clamoring for it.

It's ...... quiet.

　Elfie, who was sitting on a rock next to me, muttered as he stroked his silver hair.
　Just as Elfie said, the area around the labyrinth is thin and quiet.
　That's just as well. There's only the knight on guard and us here.
　But I understand what you're trying to say.

　I'm not sure if this is because of the tense atmosphere that stings your skin, or if it's because you are about to take on the labyrinth.
　Probably not.
　I didn't sense a premonition or a hint of a presence--but

It's like we're on the brink of a storm.
...... Right.

　It was a feeling I experienced when I was a brave man.
　A few hours before I dove under the death line, I had a feeling that stung my skin.
　A premonition that something would come.

　Hopefully.

...... kuku.

　I hope you'll come with me.
　Lucretia Gilburn.
　I've already decided how I'm going to kill you.
　You are the second party member to be commemorated, after Dionysus.
　As a milestone, I'm going to make you suffer and then I'm going to kill you.

　Nearly an hour has passed since then.
　At the time Leo said, there was some kind of mistake or the guards in front of the labyrinth disappeared.
　I'm sure it's too much of a monkey ...... to be honest, but it's probably because of Leo's help.
　From the way he talked, it sounds like he's doing something racy.

　I jumped off the rock and landed below.
　Approaching the unguarded entrance, I reaffirmed the structure of the wards.

　It's a warding that was set up jointly by several wizards.
　It's quite sturdy from both sides, anti-magic and anti-physical.
　It would take quite a bit of time to break the wards using normal methods.

'What do you think? Can you do it, Iori?
No problem. But you only have a split second to turn it off. Don't miss a moment.

　But we can eliminate the wards in a way that we wouldn't normally get.
　I'll have Elfi use his magic eye to see the starting point of the warding and determine the most effective location.
　Now that the three labyrinthine nuclei have been captured, I should be able to create a hole in the ward for about two seconds with the "Usurpation of Magic Skill (Spell Divoure)".

　While I was analyzing this, an unpleasant chilling sensation passed behind me.

'You're being watched by .......'

　Without looking back, he tells Elfie in a whisper.
　He seemed to have already noticed, and Elfie gave a small nod.

　From my senses, there are more than two people watching.
　From the way the signs disappear, I can tell that they are not the Cathedral Knights.
　From the fact that they are at a reasonable distance, they don't seem to have any intention of messing with us right away.

''...... Are they the magicians of the kingdom?''

　I can't answer Elfi's question immediately.
　Up to this point, Liuzas hadn't let us grab his tail.
　Why would he come here and do something that would make us notice him?

'I can think of three possibilities. He screwed up in some way, and we were onto him.

　It's unlikely.
　The opponent is, by all means, the best in a country.
　It's hard to imagine anyone making such a mistake.

Secondly, he's trying to get us to notice him and do something about it.

　It's not impossible, but I can't think of much of an advantage to doing so.
　This one is wary from the edge, and I'm sure they know that too.
　We've made all the necessary preparations before today.

　So, there is another possibility.

'Someone else, who is not a magician of the kingdom, is watching us--or.
Maybe it's .......

　I don't think he's a human ...... from the Church State.
　The level of the knights isn't low, but they haven't messed up to be found.
　First of all, if they had been found, they would have come right at us.

　It's unlikely that people from other countries are also unlikely.
　It's unlikely that anyone from the Allies and the Empire would come out at this time.

　When it comes to .......

''After all, we shouldn't have let that woman from earlier get away.
...... It was human. There was no indication that he was using a magic item.
'If he was aware of your presence, it's possible he was taking precautions against the evil eye.
............ muu

　Anyway, there was no point in pondering.
　It would only be a matter of time before the replacement knights would arrive.
　This is one of the patterns that I had assumed in the meantime.

Let's go.
Hmm.

　Let's raise the level of caution to another vector.

"-- "Spel Divaur.

　Instantly, part of the warding that covered the entrance disappeared.
　A sluggish and murky air drifted out from inside.

''Let's go .......''

　We stepped into the Abominable Light Labyrinth.


◆

　It was dark inside the labyrinth.
　As the name suggests, it's a space that abhors light.
　A small amount of moonlight was shining through the empty wards, but that too disappeared in less than a second.
　It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to see the future.

''Yi, Iori......''

　Breathing slightly hard, Elfie leaned in closer.

'It's all right. I'll get the lights on in a minute.

　One of the magic items that I had prepared beforehand to grant magic power.
"I took out the Cantera of Floating Light from the pouch and filled it with magic power.
　When a red glowing sphere appeared, it began to float around us.
　It's a handy item that can illuminate your surroundings without your hands getting blocked up.

　The floating light illuminates the rugged walls of the labyrinth.
　You can see your feet clearly too.

''The items made by humans are very useful.
Thirty years ago, that was a little less convenient.

　The amount of magic it consumes and the number of lights that come out at once is a far cry from the amount of magic it consumes and the number of lights that come out at once.
　I recall using multiple of them.
　It was always Liuzas' role to use the magic power granting items (magic items).

''Now we can move on.
...... It's from here.

　One of the troublesome aspects of the Abominable Light Labyrinth was that it was usually covered in darkness.
　That means that if you turn on the light, the demons inside will naturally notice you.
　Without light, you can't advance without it, so you have no choice but to continue on while attracting the demons.

''Shiii.''

　Immediately, I saw the Thunder Emperor Giant Spider (Blitz Spider) coming from the front.
　A giant giant spider, so large that it could look down on a person.
　The yellow and black patterns were clearly visible in the floating light.

'Let's go,'

　Shakily moving its legs, the Thunder Emperor Giant Spider approaches.
　It avoids the spitting thread and cuts off both the head and body with its jade taiji.
　The Thunder Emperor Giant Spider still jumps at me with only its head after being split apart.

Demon King Kick.

　He ate Elfi's kick and crashed into the wall of the labyrinth and was crushed.
　This power with no magic, just a kick.
　So if this guy grabs you, you can't escape.

''Hm. A demon king kick and a demon king punch will be enough for a while.''

　Elfie has a smug look on his face as he swings his arms and legs around.

''Don't let your guard down. Boltslime can't communicate with blows, and the reason why the Thunder Emperor Giant Spider is so troublesome is when it attacks you from a long distance. If you're not careful, you'll complete the former Demon King's guru roll.
...... sounds kind of yummy.

　It's a distracting reaction, but you can tell that Elfi isn't letting his guard down.
　His magic eye is shining and he is always on guard.
　The expression on his face is more serious than ever.
　If it's at this rate, it will be fine.

　I thought ......, but I decided to ask him just in case.

''Elfi.''
Hmm?
Did you stick the eye drops I gave you?

　This labyrinth abruptly releases all the light it absorbs at once.
　If you look directly at the light at that time, your retina will be burned out and you will go blind.

'No problem. My eyes are not soft enough to be burned by the level of light from the labyrinth.
...... Are you sure you're okay with this?
'I've been in this labyrinth many times. Even then, my Demon King's Eye easily flashed the light here--

　A moment.
　The walls, the floor, the ceiling - everything inside the labyrinth emitted a tremendous amount of light.
　It's a light emission without any warning, but it doesn't work on me, which I've already countered.
　The amount of light that exceeds the limit is shut out by the effect of the eye drops.

　I'm also naturally wary of attacks aimed at the timing of the light.
　There is no sign of anything in the vicinity.
　It looks like there won't be an attack at this time.

　I suddenly turn my gaze to Elfi beside me.

'Ugh ...... oooh!　My eyes!　My eyes!

　He was holding both eyes and rolling around.

'Ouch ...... it hurts so much ......'
You're an idiot.
'Cause!　It really didn't hurt the last time I was here!

　You know what?　Bye.

Get up now. There's a demon coming your way. I don't have time to crawl around.

　I forced Elfie, who was holding his eyes and crying, to stand up.
　I force him to put the eye drops in and we move on.

◆

　A boy with black hair and a girl with silver hair.
　The two people in the report could be seen walking into the Abominable Light Labyrinth.
　After confirming that the two disappeared completely, three shadows appeared from the darkness of the night in a zulu.

''-- That's Elfiszak Guildegard. The Fallen Demon King?
That was probably a brave man next to me.
That one?　He looked like just a man, though.

　Two wings sprouting from its back.
　Reddish-black skin and large, gleaming yellow eyes.　
　Two arms with claws as sharp as stakes.

　An inhuman being. A demon that avenges people.
　--The demon race.

Don't be fooled by appearances. You're just as brave as the old man, Amatsu.
I know. But you're a brave man like Amatsu and a former demon king. Are you sure you can kill them at the same time?
"What the hell, Dar. You scared?

　The demon tribe called Dar frowned blatantly.

'Wrong. I was just wondering.''
'That's why those three are coming out. I don't like that traitorous half-elf and his big face to the mixers, but he's only real in his abilities.

　As they were letting the words slip out, one of the demons warned them, "That's enough.

''Now that we've found Elfiszak, we have one thing to do.
Yeah.

　These three are scouting demons sent by the Four Heavenly Kings "Vanishing".
　They are the elite who can cross the Great Sacred Gate that surrounds Schmelz and infiltrate this area without being detected by the Sacerdotal knights.
　They have been given the task of scouting due to their high ability, but they are also powerful enough to lay waste to humans in battle.

"Dahl, the Scattered Blade.
Caesar, "Splintering Hand".
Belladora, the "Ice Flash".

　Led by their leader, Belladora, they are Gracia's men.

"Caesar. Go and report to Lady Gracia." Tell her I found what I wanted.

　At his companion's words, Caesar nodded.
　He puts magic power into the magic granting item that was handed to him and begins to send a message to the distant Gracia.

　--That moment.

''--!''

　A gloriously warding covered the surroundings of the three of them.
　At the same time as the perception, the three of them realized that their strength was rapidly draining from their bodies.
　The moment they were trying to figure out what was going on.

"Real slash."

　A line ran down Caesar's body.
　It shifted from the head to the crotch, and soon its body was split in two.

''Nn ...... goree!
...... Hou. If they cut you in half, you won't die?

　A fine tentacle was born from the cross section, trying to connect Caesar's torso, which was split in two, together.
　Then, countless sorceries flew in with chilling words.

''Tsk.''
''Caesar ah!''

　The remaining two managed to evade, but the regenerating Caesar received a magic spell and disappeared completely.
　Caesar's life force is strong, but once all the fragments are erased, there is nothing that can be done about it.
　The only thing that awaits you is death.

"...... What is it with you people?

　The two Belladora and the others found themselves surrounded by robed humans.

I'm sure you're not a member of the cathedral knights ...... no, you're not a member of the church. I'm sure you're not the only one with a robe and a selection of robes from the kingdom.
Hmm. Shall we not have the unholy mouth to call our names?

　The kingdom's highest fighting force, the "selectors".
　The selector and first seat, Harold Ravens, said coldly.

''...... I see. So you've been watching to protect the brave men.
Ha!

　The selectors let out a laugh at the misguided words of Belladora.
　In the meantime, the anti-magic wards that have developed around them are undermining the power of Belladora and her team.

You don't need to be selected. You are in the way. You are in my way.
!

　Starting with Harold's words, the selectors began to move in unison.
　Belladora's eyes were peeled away by their agile movements that didn't seem human.

''How dare you ...... Caesar!
''Don't deviate, Dar!

　Dahl, his head bloodied from being hit by his companions, landed on the ground with a gush of wind from his entire body.
　He reaves the blade of wind at the approaching selectors.
　It was a blow that a human would have easily severed.

''Nah.''

　The selectors easily evaded the blades while flapping their robes.
　On the contrary, multiple sorceries flew at Dar at the same time as they evaded.

''Guh!''

　Although they cut off the sorcery with their wind-blown blades.

It's so slow.

　Harold's blade, which had been buried in his bosom, slashed through Dahl's chest.

''Gaha.''
It's a wonder ...... that I had to use it on you guys when it was made for the demon tribe. How much money and time do you think it took?

　Even while spewing fresh blood, Dahl released his trump card.
　--name "Scythe".
　It's a small scale wind blade that is so small that it's difficult to even see.

''Tch.''
''!''

　A moment later, the selectors surrounding Dahl evaded the scythe.
　Nope. Some of them couldn't dodge and took damage.
　However, all of them avoided the fatal wound and had already moved on to the next attack.

''Not just magic, but also flesh battles ......
Die.

　Harold's blow obliterated Dar's body.

'...... you.'

　Belladora's tongue clicks as he looks at his companion who has been beaten to death.
　Indeed, the selectors are strong.
　But if they were in perfect condition, these three would have been able to fight well enough.
　The troublesome thing is the warding that covers them.

　The anti-demonic wards.
　It's an abominable human-created warding that takes away the power of the demon race.
　It also contains a significant amount of magical power.
　As Harold said, it will cost a tremendous amount of money to deploy one of these.

'Did you know we were coming ......?

　Otherwise, it's a funny level of boundary.

...... Well, okay.

　Cutting off his own thoughts, Belladora said.

'...... kill everyone.'

　Instantly, the temperature inside the ward dropped rapidly.
　At the same time, with a cracking sound, Belladora's body was enveloped in ice.
　Belladora's name is "Ice Shooting Flash".
　The ice he manipulates has both high offensive and defensive power.
　Even if Caesar and Dora were to work together, they would not be able to match the seriousness of Belladora.

"Don't let your humanity get the better of you.

　Dozens of ice blades unfolded around Belladora.

'......!'

　Harold and the others instantly put up a protective barrier.
　The fired blade pierced the defensive wall like a bullet.

''Shoot .......''

　Magic pierces Belladora's body from all sides.
　But.

It's not working.

　The armor created from ice was playing off any magic at all.
　Even though he was weakened by the anti-magic wards, Belladora's power was still overwhelming.
　With a blade created from ice in hand, Belladora attacked the selectee.

'...... I see, it is indeed strong.'
......

　Gnarly, a lecherous smile appears on Belladora's face.

''-- for a human.

　The tide reversed and gradually the selectors began to be pushed.
　Belladora lays waste to the selectee with a sneer.
　Although the fatal wound is avoided, the blade of ice is snatched from the selectee's body.
　It's only a matter of time before they are wiped out like this - that was the moment Beladora thought.

''

　The selector, who had only been pushed, retreated from Belladora with an agile move.
　It was at the same time that I felt a sense of discomfort in the movement that was left over.

　--the man appeared.

　Dusky red hair, twin eyes that peeked out with beastly ferocity.
　The magic wand in his hand and the jet black robe as given to court magicians.
　It's a man in his fifties with a severely cold expression on his face.

"...... ki, wanderer.

　Belladora knows this man.
　She has never seen him in person, but she has heard of his "bad reputation" on many occasions.　
　But she has heard of his "bad reputation" many times.

　In the past, he fought side by side with the hero Amatsu.
　He is a sorcerer who has been described as the strongest human being.
　His name is...

"...... 'Great Magic' Leusas Gilburn."

　I've heard of it.
　That this man in front of me is a monster who single-handedly destroyed an army of 10,000 men.

----

　Magic power blows out of Liuza's body.
　Even though he was greatly diminished from his prime, his talent was genuine.
　The selectors were waiting for Ryuzas' magic to be perfected.

　Red eyes stare at Belladora.
　--No.
　Those eyes were not looking at Belladora.
　They were staring at someone far behind him.

'Oh, nore: ......'

"This self, who was called the Ice Shooting Flash, is not in my eyes.
　That fact infuriated Belladora.

''Don't lick it, human style aaaaah!''

　Releasing all the magical power he had, Belladora created a giant ice blade.
　It is large enough to pierce dozens of people at the same time.

''Fall away, relic of the old era, ah!''

　With a scream, the blade headed towards Ryuzas.
　In contrast, Liuzas simply waved his staff.

"'Lost magic, disaster and funeral flames'.

　Everything was swallowed up by the flames.
　The blade, the ice, the armor, the belladora, everything.
　When the flames were extinguished, there was already nothing left.


　The knights on guard were put to sleep and a silent ward was set up around them.
　It would be after dawn that this battle would be exposed.
　By then, it would be enough to end it all.

'--Let's go.

　The silence is over.
　The storm is coming.