...... It's me. I'd love to create a happy world like this book.

　You cannot create such a world.
　Peace will never come.
　Demons and humans are incompatible and can only kill each other.

　This is what she said, even though she should have known that.

'----'

　His profile looked impossibly sad.

'I'll make .......'
What?

　-- I saw her force herself to laugh.

　Hurt and sadness at the loss of those who were dear to her.
　And yet, she forced herself to smile.
　I thought how nice it would be if I could turn that sad smile into a real smile.

　Because I thought so.

I'll make you one.

　He vowed.
　He would create a world where he could make her smile.
　To be a hero and make the world a happy place.

　That was his (...) and her (..) promise.

◆

　I give Elfie, who doesn't like it, some eye drops and proceed through the labyrinth.
　I'm making good progress.
　I climbed up the ramp-like passage and went up to the second level.

　The room immediately after entering the second level was the Thunder Emperor's Great Spider Web.
　There were thunderous spider webs here and there, and a large number of Thunder Emperor Giant Spiders were waiting for you.

　When they entered the room, the Thunder Emperor Great Spider noticed the lights and began to move.
　As expected, it's troublesome to deal with these numbers.
　Faster than the spiders could attack me, I released fire from a distance with my magic.

''--"Flame Bullet"

　The fire burned the spider's webs and spread to the Thunder Emperor spiders who were on top of it.
　It's not a demon that will die from this level of quicksilver, but the burning of the web caused a panic.

　In the meantime, we pass through that room.
　Only the individuals blocking the path were cut off by both individuals with the jade sword.
　We could have easily defeated all the individuals now, but it's because we should avoid unnecessary battles.

　Even after leaving the room, the demons attracted by the floating light would come in.
　A yellow liquid oozed out of the gaps in the walls and ground.
　It's bolt slime.

''Don't you think slime looks somewhat delicious?
Sip it. It might be nice and fluffy.
............
Don't think about it.

　You take on the slime that blocks your path while talking lightly.
　The bolt slime is a troublesome demon that nullifies blows and slashes, and also streams lightning through its weapons.
　However, as long as you don't get caught by surprise, it's not difficult to deal with them.
　As is the case with all slimes, if you crush the core floating in the liquid, you can easily defeat it.

"'Rock Bullets' (Stone Bullet)."

　Faster than the slime could attack, I'd shoot its nucleus out with a rock bullet.
　The slime, which had lost its nucleus, returned to just liquid with a beshari.

''Great accuracy.''
Thanks. I've honed my sniping skills to the point where I'm sick of seeing them in action.

　In order to survive, I was forced to learn both swordsmanship and magic.
　Maybe it's because my life was on the line, or maybe it's because of the 'proof of bravery', but it didn't take me that long to learn them.
　After learning the basics, I kept hoping for actual battles.
　I'm sure they taught me a few things along the way.

Hmmm. How's the magic?
There's still a fair amount of room for that. I guess we won't have to use that thing we brought with us for this one.

　Thinking of the time right after he summoned the second time, the total amount of magic power also increased considerably.
　It was probably slightly more than the average amount of magic power of a magician.

''Then that's good. Don't take it too far.''
...... Yeah.

　Sniping at the slime, he broke through the Thunder Emperor Great Spider and climbed to the third level.
　So far, Elfie hasn't used his magic eye for attacks once.
　I've been able to deal with demons using only my bare hands, such as Demon King Punch and Demon King Kick.
　With my strength returning somewhat, it's less of a burden on Elfi than in the labyrinth so far.
　So far, so good.

''It's not surprising that a high-ranking demon will appear soon. Be careful.''

　Just then, the labyrinth emitted a light.
　A terrifying amount of light, as usual.
　Perhaps because of the first painful experience, Elfie was shaking his body with a jolt.

　Eventually, the luminescence faded and the labyrinth was covered in darkness again.
　The light disappears completely, just before it does.

''It's coming, Iori!

　Another light appeared, different from the floating light, illuminating the darkness.
　A rock giant approaching with its entire body shining.
　It's a shine golem.

''There's another demon behind you.

　Behind the shine golem, a thunder-clad bird flapped its wings.
　It's the lightning thunderbird.
　The shine golem took up the position as the vanguard, and the lightning thunderstorm bird covered it with lightning as the rear guard.
　It's an awkward combination.

　Although the shine golem has a slow and sluggish appearance, it moves quickly.
　Furthermore, they attacked me with a fist fighting style.
　If you are a half-hearted attacker, you'll duck.

''Queue!''

　Slipping through the shine golem, the thunderbolt of the lightning bird flies in.

''--Huh.''

　Stepping forward, Elfie obliterated the lightning with a mere kick clad in magic power.
　The Shine Golem comes at you, aiming at that point.
　I intervene between them and catch their fists with my "soft sword".
　At the same time, he returned the blade, slashing the lower half of the shine golem's body.

　Although the golem is quite hard, the jade taijin sword sliced through it like paper clay.
　The upper half of the body falling like a daruma.

''Demon King Kiiiiiiic!''

　To the thunderbolt bird behind him, Elfi kicked away.

''Guh!''

　The thunderbird was crushed by the flying rocks and crushed by the lightning bird.
　It would be an instant death.

''That was good coordination.''

　I counterattached to Elfi, who seemed to be good at it, and moved on.
　After that, we encountered more than ten times the demons that formed a partnership, but we were able to defeat them without danger.

　It's not just the magic and physical abilities of Elfie, after all, his skills are also outstanding.
　The same is true of the labyrinth so far, but it's probably because of Elfi's ability that it's so easy to proceed like this.　　
　It was gratifying to see him move at the right time that I wanted.

　From the fourth level, the number of demons coming out of the fourth level will increase even more.
　Called by the floating light, hordes of them are rushing in.
　Most of the demons that came out were coordinated, and their skill level was high.

　Most of the teaching nations that had challenged the labyrinth so far had not advanced above the fourth level.
　It seems that the highest level is up to the fifth level.
　Even those who made it to the fifth level were destroyed by the Lightning Dragon.
　It seems that hundreds of elites were left with only a few.

　If we had come here with a party of adventurers like we did in the Purgatory Labyrinth, it would have been impossible for us to advance above the fourth level.

　From here, I lifted Elfi's magic eye.
　Because of the large number of opponents, Elfi's Magic Eye is effective.
"Heavy pressure crush, ashlar blast to break the coordination of the demons and slash into them.
　With minimal burden on both of us, we were able to break through the fourth level.

　We're going up to the fifth level.
　It's probably only two more floors to reach the top level.
　When they had tried before, the Abominable Light Labyrinth was only up to the sixth level.
　Considering the previous labyrinths, the structure of the labyrinth wouldn't have changed that much.

　However, I was only able to gather information on the current (...) four levels.
　There is almost no information on the fifth level.
　We need to be more vigilant than ever before.

"!
...... This is.

　As soon as we entered the room, we saw it.
　We went up to the fifth level and what was waiting for us was

''Ooh-oh-oh!''

　It was a group of lightning dragons.
　It's not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you can see your own eyes.
　There are six huge bodies that can lightly look down on us, waiting for us.

...... So those who challenged them will be destroyed.

　Because of the lights, you can't even kill the signs to advance.
　When it comes to ...... having to take on this many demons head-on, it's only natural to be destroyed by a half-hearted force.
　If there was someone as powerful as Leo who could use psychic magic, it would be a different story.

''It's rather exciting when it comes out so much at once!
It's not coming up.

　Okay.
　This is where we come in.

I'm going to push through .......
Of course!

　There's enough to go around.
　Now it's just a matter of how much we can proceed without consuming it.

............

　In the midst of the battle, I suddenly remembered.
　Thirty years ago, when I came to the Kingdom of God.　
　I was surrounded by powerful demons at that time as well.

◆

　Thirty years ago, the first labyrinth I defeated was the kingdom's abyssal labyrinth.
　After defeating the demons and demonic tribes that were nesting in the land, and after I was able to fight, I took on the abyssal labyrinth.
　And the next place we headed was the Land of Teaching.

"It's said that the heroes are people from another world chosen by the Holy Light God Melt.
　The Church State must have been chosen because of their religious connections.
　Riusas, Dionis, and Lucifina.
　It was on the way to the churchyard that the three members of the party got together.

　A lot of things happened after the three of us got together before we arrived in the Land of Truth.
　It was also on the way to the Kingdom of God that you first fought the Four Heavenly Kings, the Four Heavenly Kings, on your way to the Kingdom of God.

　--I just wanted to go back to my home world.

　It's about this time that I began to change my mind.

"...... Brave lord!　Please, please save the Famina!

　What awaited us when we came to the Churchland was a plea for rescue.
　One of the holy cities, Famina, had been attacked by the demon tribe.
　People in the city are resisting, but quite a few people have already been killed.

Such is the case with .......

　I remember Lucifina holding her mouth and looking down sadly at her eyes.
　We immediately went to save Famina.


----.

　The devastation was spreading in Famina.

　Here and there, human corpses were lying on the ground.
　There was a child crying, clinging to the wreckage of his parents.
　There was a knight chasing a fatal wound and calling for help, unable to die instantly.

　--I saw many, many crying faces.

----

　I saw Lucifina trying desperately to help someone who was hurting.
　I saw Liuzas trying to help a crying child.
　I saw Dionis interceding with a suffering knight, hiding his expression.

----.

　I wanted to help.
　I had to help them.
　Bring smiles to the grieving people.

　Maybe this is when I got the image in my mind.



"Gu......

　Dionis bleeds and falls to the ground.
　A blow from the demon race boss who had taken over the city had broken through Dionis' defenses.

''Dionis!''

　The moment I was distracted in that direction.

Shh. ......

　Another demonic blow was unleashed.
　It was too late to deal with it, and it was impossible to avoid it.

''--''

　Covering me, Lucifina suffered the demon's attack.
　Blood gushed out of her chest and Lucifina sank into the blood.

''Lucifina!　d*mn it, what can I do about it ......''

　We could lose our friends.
　Who should I save, Dionis or Lucifina?
　When all kinds of emotions get mixed up and I'm stuck.

"--Fool!

　The unleashed magic blasted the surrounding demons together and the flames paved the way.

'Liuzas......'
Get them down to safety while you still can. I'll take care of this one.
Hey ....... Want me to leave you alone?
Yeah, that's right. That's right. You're killing Lucifina.

　Liuzas's cold words that seemed to break up my conflict.
　I felt my confused head return to calm.

'...... I'll be back soon.'
Yeah.

　I won't be the one to get them killed.
　I didn't want Lucifina and Dionysus dead.
　So I suppose.

I got to do it alone.

　I didn't pay attention to what Liuzas said and his twisted smile at that moment.



'Nah ......'

　When I returned to the battlefield after leaving Lucifina and Dionis with the people of the city, the battle was almost over.
　There were a large number of demons lying around everywhere.
　The demon tribe was also down to two people left.

''Liuzas......!

　In the center of it all stood a shredded Luzas.
　Even though he was hurt this badly, he was holding out to protect us.
　That's what I thought at the time.

...... Thank you, Liuzas.

　As I thanked him, I quickly joined the aid.
　The remaining demons were also ravaged by Ryuzas' magic.
　I defeated the approaching demons, while Ryuzas chanted.

　Soon, the magic of Liuzas' magic obliterated the boss of the demon tribe.

''I won. ......
Ha, ha. We did it. We did it. ......!

　Leuzas, bleeding from all over, clenches his fists and smiles happily.
　For some reason, I remember that smile well.

　This is how we saved Famina from being attacked by demons.
　When we returned to Schmelz, we were greeted with an enthusiastic call from Famina.

'Here come the heroes!
The hero who defeated all those demons: ......
It's "Heroic Amatsu!"

　A lot of people called me a "hero".
　...... Heroic is such a waste of time.
　I used to think that.

That's not .......
'......?　Did you say something?
No. I just thought, if this is what makes everyone smile, then being a hero isn't so bad.

　I said that to Lucifina, who was scowling, and immediately became embarrassed.
　Seeing me looking away from her face, Lucifina was smiling happily.

That's right. You have the power to make people smile.

　Perhaps those words were one of the factors that shaped the image I had in my mind afterwards.


　Soon after that, the Pope of the Melt Order came to thank me.

''Amatsu-sama. Thank you for your kindness.''
No. ......
It's another one of those things that Master Mert has guided me to do.

　As he laughed at the Pope for trying to get everything involved with Melt, he asked.
　'Why are you guys fighting,' he asked.

'I'm a demon tribe,'
Oh, you're a demon?
'Yes. I suppose I can't blame you for being so surprised now, but I want to create a world where demons and people can live together. But I want to create a world where demons and people can live hand-in-hand eventually.

　Dionis said.

'Then how is Lady Lucifina?'
'I'm a bit like you, Dionis. I want to create a world where all species can hold hands and live with a smile. That's why I'm fighting.

　Lucifina replied.

　It has already been more than half a year since she started fighting as a brave man.
　I saw a lot of crying faces in that situation.
　Even in the battle in Famina, it's true.

　That's why, right?
I want to create a world where all species can live with a smile.
　These words were burned into my heart.

'Then what about you, Amatsu-dono?'

　I replied to the Pope when he asked me.

'So am I,'
What do you mean?

　At this point.
　I decided.

"I want to build a world where people can laugh.

　Deception, hypocrisy and lies.
　This is the image I had in my mind 30 years ago, when it was full of lies.

"Then ...... hmm?　Where is Lord Liuzas?
'Ah. He would have left the room now, with a hint of blood in his eyes. You must have had a stomach ache.

　Before he knew it, Liuzas was gone, and Dionysus replied with a nod of his head.

'You didn't seem to be feeling well since you came back to Schmelz and ....... Will you be okay?'
...... after all that fighting. If they don't come back, I'm going to go see them.
...... Yes, please.

　Afterwards.
　I had a chance to be alone with Lucifina after I left the Pope.

'Hey, Amatsu-san. ...... Iori, Ms.

　She was the only one I had taught her, my real name.
　Hesitantly, Lucifina called my name.

'What's going on?'
Is it true what you just said at ......?
That ......?

　It was an expectant, anxious look.

'Really ...... Iori-san, that. A world where everyone can laugh at .......
...... Yeah.

　I nodded at Lucifina's words.

'--I'll make it.

　That day, 30 years ago.
　I made that promise to Lucifina.

　--I made that promise to Lucifina, not knowing the silly endings that would follow.

◆

"Demon arm and claw."

　Elfi's five claws gutted the lightning dragon.
　Fifteen minutes had passed since the battle began.
　Now, the last one was killed by Elfi's blow.

''...... style.''

　I exhale in a puddle of dragon blood.
　It took a lot of work, if I should say a quintessential dragon species.
　I didn't know I was going to have to take out even Elfi's magic arm.
　However, fortunately, the magic power consumption is only within the expected range.
　With this, it's enough to fight.

''Huh.''
...... what?

　Assuming the upcoming battle, Elfie let out a small, disgusting smile.

''Kuhu, I ended up having to carry you in my arms after all, didn't I?
............
But you're a little more muscular than before. Mmmm, maybe a little more muscle to my liking?

　During the battle, there were times when I couldn't avoid the Breath on my own.
"I could have prevented it by using Demon Sealing (Il Ataraxia), but I didn't want to spend as much magic power as possible.
　Since it's ......, I asked this guy to help me avoid it.

Don't be so embarrassed.
There's nothing to be embarrassed about.
"Hmm. I'm glad. It's an honor for me, the former Demon King, to be given the Demon King's hug.
I don't need a Demon King hug. Let's go.
Ugh. ......

　We stepped over the dragon's corpse and headed to the next room.
　We encountered another thunderbolt dragon, but this time we defeated it without Elfi's help.
　We kicked off the other demons and made our way up to the sixth level.

...... Hmm. Judging by the density of the magic element, I'm pretty sure this is the top layer.

　The magic element that dances in the air is bouncing around like static electricity.
　The amount of magical elements is about the same as the innermost part of the labyrinth so far.
　Increasing our vigilance, we proceeded to the sixth level.

　A few minutes later, we arrived at the innermost part.

...... It's that room!
You're here.

　From within the room, I can feel a magical power that stings my skin.
　Without a doubt, an existence far beyond the Thunderbolt Dragon is waiting in the wings.

''This is the second gate. I'll be careful.''
...... Mm.

　That's the moment I stepped into the innermost room.

......!

　Multiple purple lightning bolts aimed at us from ahead.
　We evaded them and kept the attacker in sight.

　The one that was there was a huge skeleton.
　It was a huge body of nearly three meters in height, wearing a red cloak.
　It's eyes are lit with a red light and it's staring at us.

"So this is the 'Grand Rich'?"

　They are the highest level of bone-based demons.
　They have powerful magic, physical abilities, and high intelligence.
　Although they're classified as demons from their appearance, they're an existence that could be called a demon race.

　This is the Thunder Demon General?

''Pathetic.''

　Where are the vocal cords, the Thunder Demon General muttered.
　At the same time as he said it, a beehive of purple lightning ran around him.

''Ah, what a mess!　Filthy, filthy, filthy filth!　Humans and traitors should not be allowed to step into my castle with their feet of clay!

　...... Shut up.
　It's easy to deal with unintelligent demons like the Flame Demon General.

''I have five great demon generals, "Thunder Demon General" Zelat!

　With an exaggerated gesture, the Thunder Demon General announces his name.
　I don't care about the name.

　Now, it's time for the second gate.
　Let's make all kinds of preparations for the next step.

"Come on, let's destroy you all.

　The battle against the lightning demon general began, along with the earth-licking Ziden.