A few days had passed since we visited the Aldrin Great Forest.
　We slept in our rented room for a while, making preparations for the Void Labyrinth.
　Yesterday, everything was finally ready to go.

　The arrangements should be perfect.
　I'm sure the guy doesn't even know we're there.
　So, the rest is up to me.

　Today, we're out in the Great Forest.
　The barrier is set up so that no one but those present can detect us.
　Inside the warding are me, Elfi, Berdia, and a few human breeds (Wardogs), including Sepul and Coo.
　They all know that we will be taking on the void labyrinth.
　They know that we are going to challenge the void maze, and they are cooperating with us.

"We never thought we'd be able to handle a dragon seed. When I saw it for the first time, I thought I was going to fall down on my knees.
"............

　Inside the wards is Verdia, who has been unhumanized.
　In order to get to the void labyrinth, the cooperation of Verdia was essential.
　And in order to pursue certainty, the cooperation of the human dog breeds was necessary.

　In the warding, there is a magic item that is similar in shape to a cannon.
　This can launch the objects inside it into the sky according to the amount of magic power it contains.
　Naturally, so can people and dragon species.
　It is said that when the warriors of the Great Forest were heading to the Void Labyrinth, they would ride the bird-shaped demon they had tamed and have it launched by this cannon.
　It is probably because the altitude is too high for the bird's physical strength to be able to withstand a normal journey.

　If it was Verdia, its physical strength wouldn't be a problem.
　But it would take some time to reach the labyrinth.
　In the meantime, they would also receive attacks from the labyrinth.

　There is a high probability that 'that guy' is waiting for me in the Void Labyrinth.
　Even if that's not the case, there are many dangers in the Void Labyrinth.
　Without a doubt, the Demon King's Army is probably taking some kind of action to warn us.
　The fewer risks we commit along the way and the less physical strength we expend, the better.
　That's why I decided to use this cannon in order to head into the void labyrinth more safely.

　I asked Sepul to help me with a few things.
　This is one of them.

　I knew I could trust Sepul to do this.
　I saw it with my own eyes, and I thought for myself.
　So I decided to get Sepul to help me.

'The launcher is ready to go. With the magic power that Elfi-san poured into it, it's starting up fine. ...... And even so, that's a tremendous amount of magic power. The warriors would take a week to put this much into it, even if it took several people. That's ...... in an instant.
"Hey, buddy, great!

　Sepulchre and the others are praising Elfie with their mouths.
　It's true that this guy's amount of magic power is incomparable.
　I've never seen anyone with more magical power than this guy.

"Hmmm.
".........

　Elfie and Verdia look proud at the same time.
　If you praise them too much, these guys will get carried away, so I'd like them to keep it low-key .......

''It's not just Iori-san, your partner was a great guy too!
Huh, of course. Dog girl. Do you mind if I worship you?
'Yes!　Long live your partner!　It smells a little weird, though!
'I don't smell funny!　I don't... I'm not ...... supposed to!　Iori, tell him you won't!

　Elfi and Coo were making a squealing noise.
　Except, Verdia was not angry at Coo's words and actions, but seemed somewhat happy to see him.
　Maybe she was happy that Elfie seemed to be enjoying himself.

'Buddy, are you taking a bath ......?'
It's all in there!
'Well ...... then why does it smell like this? I don't know. What's that bracelet for, buddy?
Don't touch me!　Get away from me!　Don't smell it!

　Coo is happily chasing after Elfie, who is running away.

'Hey, Coo!　You're being rude to Mr. Elfi!

　Coo's ears drooped as Sepul scolded him, and Coo shunned.

'...... I'm sorry,'
No, don't apologize to me. I don't give a d*mn about any of it.
'I know!　Thanks, funny smelling buddy!
"You're fighting me now, aren't you!

　With Elfie exchanging a familiar exchange, we proceeded to make preparations.
　The rest of us have progressed to the stage where we are getting into the cannon.

'Sepul-san ...... Sepul, thanks.

　He bows to Sepul.

'No need to thank me, brother.

　Coo and the human breeds who helped him get ready are gathered around.
　As he looked at them, Sepul said.

'All of the people here have been helped by Amatsu-san thirty years ago.
----
So don't thank me.

　The human breeds are going to go and talk.
"Please take care of the void maze. But please don't die.

...... Yeah. I'm off.

　And so we were launched high into the sky.

◆


　With a tremendous amount of force, he flies into the air.
　I cling to Berdia and endure to avoid being shaken off.
　It must have been a great amount, Elfi must have put a lot of magic power into it.
　In the blink of an eye, the great forest goes away.

'...... It's about time we were noticed.

　Immediately after Verdia said that, there was a hint of penetration through what looked like a membrane.
　At that moment, the space around it shook.
　The shaking spread like a ripple, and a large number of demons blew out from within.

　Are these the demons that attack when you get close to the labyrinth?
　Apparently, they usually hide inside the wards.
　They seem to sense that the enemy is approaching and come out to the surface.

Keep pushing forward like this: ......!

　With the momentum of being launched, we fly away, leaving the demons behind.
　The demons are chasing us, but our speed is overwhelmingly higher than theirs.
　We rush towards the place where the void labyrinth would be located.

　Then again, there was a feeling of penetration through the membrane.
　At the same time, the landscape that I was seeing suddenly changed.
　A huge structure came into view in front of me.

''......!''
This is the modern-day limbo of the void.

　It was a huge castle.
　The castle was floating in the sky.
　It is surrounded by a circle-shaped ward.
　I'm sure that layer upon layer of warding is what makes the castle float in the sky.

''It's a whole lot different than it was before .......

　It was bigger than that time.
　Besides, it wasn't a castle like this before, it was made of magic crystals.
　The crystals disappeared within a few hours of taking the labyrinth core, but .......

...... Hey. It's not just a matter of time before they fall off.
...... Possibly.

　That's not a castle built with magical power by any means.
　It's a castle made normally and made into a void labyrinth by floating it with wards.

''For several generations before me, the void labyrinth was made up of magic power crystals fixed in the sky. It's impossible for an ordinary sorcerer to make a building float in the sky.''
So it was Ortegia who did that?
...... He's not this handy. "Rain, by its very nature, can't build a building like this either."
............
'Come to think of it, it seems that Hilde Garda, who first created the void labyrinth, dropped the labyrinth on Melt's head as soon as she realized it was going to be attacked down. I heard that Melt crushed it with a single blow.

　I exhale at Elfi's words.

'How about blowing it off, right here and now?
'Not now. The strength of that warding is uncommon. It would be possible to drill a hole and get in, but it would take too long to destroy the entire warding. Unless, of course, there are no wards, that is a different story.
I'm just saying ....... So, worst case scenario, if we take the labyrinthine nuke, we have to blow up this castle?
'There must be a way to move the labyrinth. We'd better explore that before we take the labyrinth core.
...... Right.

　If only I had the time to do that.

　It was a few seconds after the conversation had died down.
　A ripple appeared in the space right in front of us, and a number of demons riding the dragon species jumped out from inside.

''Intruders!　Don't let them get anywhere near the labyrinth!''

　The demon race attacked all at once, with the demon race spitting out magic and the dragon race spitting out breaths.
　Elfi was the first to unleash his magic eye, but it was blocked by the wards that covered the bodies of the demon race.

''It's just as I reported!　That silver-haired woman is going to shoot the evil eye!　Deal with it with defensive wards!

　The demon clans are manipulating the dragons and moving to be on the lookout for Elfi's demon eyes.
　As I thought, it was countered.　

''...... a little dangerous.''

　Verdia ducks the attack, but there are too many enemies.
　I'm not going to be able to get to the bottom of it.

''Iori.''
Oh. "Usurpation of Magic Skills (spel dibauer)."

　He nodded and annihilated the wards covering the bodies of the demons.

''What?!''
"Fall in. -- "Devil's Eye, Heavy Pressure Crush"

　Gravity knocked them down, and the demons in front of them fell to the ground with the entire dragon.
　With this, the path to the front opened up.
　However, countless demons and demonic tribes are approaching from behind.
　There was no time to take it easy.

　Berdia pushes forward towards the labyrinth.
　However, the labyrinth is covered by a ward.
　In order to get inside, we have to do something about that ward.

'That's my job!　Leave it to me!

　Eyes glowing red, Elfi looks through the wards.
　Not just warding, the larger the magic, the more likely it is to become frayed.
　This void labyrinth, if the ward is this big, there should definitely be a part of it that is thin on magic.

''...... What is this disgusting ward?''

　Looking at the wards, Elfie says something to me.
　But I don't have time to worry about that.

　I'm going to defend against their attacks from behind with Il Ataraxia.
　It's only a dozen or so seconds before they catch up with us.
　If I hadn't used my cannon, we would have been surrounded by them.

...... Okay, I found it. Verdia, stick it over there!

　With that, Elfi shot his magic eye into a section of the ward.
　I roared and Verdia rushed into it.
　I also usurp the magic technique (spell divouer) in that area and thin the warding.

"......!

　And then Verdia broke through the warding.
　With an impact, we jumped off of Verdia and landed in the labyrinth.
　Belldia also tries to enter, prying open the hole in the wards.
　That's the moment I thought we'd made it in safely.

''...... na!''

　The wards shook softly with a buzz, and the body of Verdia, who was about to enter, was flung outward.
　And in the blink of an eye, the vacant wards were repaired.
　Berdia was left outside the labyrinth.

''Huh!　Berdia, I'll make a hole in it in a minute.
No, we don't have time for that.

　Elfi immediately rejects my idea.

''Verdia-chan, once you escape from the labyrinth's attack zone, you'll be able to escape. And once the labyrinth's wards disappear, I'll send you a signal. Come for me immediately.
"...... Okay.

　Kokuri, says Verdia, nodding.
　But a horde of demons are coming towards us from behind.
　As if he could see through my anxiety, Elfi laughed.

''It's my chosen pet, you know?　It's easy to slip through a siege like this. There's no one else on board.

　As if to prove those words from Elfie.

"Hellfire Armor."

　A tremendous black flame blew out from Berdia's entire body.

''...... master, Iori. Do your best.''

　As I say that, Verdia leaves the labyrinth at a tremendous rate.
　The demons attack, but they are blocked by the black flames and cannot reach Berdia.
　It's not just that, it's that the flames have burned him to death and he's falling.

　...... I didn't expect you to have a trump card like that.
　I wanted you to say it first.
　So I looked at Elfi.

It's amazing ...... you were able to do that: ......
You didn't know that?

　Even as they are exchanging such exchanges, the demons are coming towards us.
　If it's them, they'll be able to get through the wards and into the labyrinth.

''Let's go, Elfie.
Hmm.

　Together with Elfie, I stepped into the final labyrinth.

◆

　It was pitch black inside.
　It might be a magic item that absorbs light, or something that is planted in the walls or the ground.
　Using a magic power-granting item (magic item) to illuminate the surroundings.

　The interior of the void labyrinth had a complex structure.
　There are a large number of stairs to go up and side streets.
　It was impossible to tell which was the legitimate path, and there were also a large number of traps set up.
　Step by step, we had to proceed with caution.

　Many of the traps that have been set were similar to those of thirty years ago.

　Floors and stairs that, when stepped on, would cause the scaffolding to disappear and be dropped to the ground.
　A room where the floor disappears in a constant cycle, a room where the entrance closes the moment you enter and the floor opens at the same time.
　Classic pitfalls that do not use any magic, etc.
　The fact that it's dark all around makes it even more dangerous.

　It's quite disgusting.
　In terms of first-time killing and instant death, this is the most dangerous labyrinth so far.
　Rather than relying solely on Elfi's magic eye, I'm also wary of my surroundings.
　The two of us duck through the trap and move on.

''Even though it's troublesome just to be in the air, this really is a disgusting labyrinth, isn't it?
It happened to you, didn't it?
'There was indeed, but I was trying to make a truce, you see. We didn't use the labyrinth much.

　We avoided the traps and continued upward and upward.
　Thanks to Berdia, we were able to come to the middle of the labyrinth from the beginning.
　As soon as possible, a thick magical element is starting to drift in.
　Naturally, there are many demons.

　The demons in the Void Labyrinth all have a means of flight.　
　Many of them would launch a surprise attack from above their heads.

''Keeeeeeee!''

　A two-meter tall bat attacked from the sky.
　It is a wind bat (air bats), a demon that deals with wind-attribute magic.
　The strength of each and every one of them is not that strong, and even if they could swarm, it would not be difficult to deal with them.

　But in this labyrinth, it's a different story.

Let's run, Elfie!

　Seconds after the wind bat emits its cry, its feet disappear underneath it.
　We dashed up to the wind bat and used our magic to annihilate it as it passed by.

　Apparently, some of the floor disappears in response to the wind bat's voice.
　As long as I can run past them before the floor disappears, I can manage it, but it's quite a dangerous trap.

''This, even if the warriors of the Great Forest were able to enter the labyrinth, there would have been quite a few casualties inside.

　The Warriors of the Great Forest are strong.
　Their fighting power on their own is not inferior to that of the Cathedral Knights.
　In addition to their high physical ability to begin with, the warriors do not neglect training.
　Even the demon king's army is at a level that they can't be trifled with.
　Even so, this labyrinth is going to be tough.

''After all, floating in the sky is the worst thing for those who can't fly.
Yeah, .......

　I detect the presence of demons ahead of me and use my magic eye to destroy them before they squeal.
　I also look for a way to continue on, break through the traps and guide Elfi through.
　So far, so good.
　Just like 30 years ago, we're not sacrificing anything.

　Before, it was only with the help of my friends and a few sub-humans.

　Us, the party of the brave.
　And the best of the warriors.
　The fifteen of us took on the labyrinth.

　We approached the labyrinth on a bird-shaped monster that the sub-humans had captured.
　By the time they got inside, three of them had died.
　Once inside, Liuzas detected the magical traps and the warriors used their wild intuition to detect the other traps.
　Still, four people died inside.
　If the void labyrinth of thirty years ago was what it was now, there would have been more deaths.

　The number of demons increased with each step forward.
　Some demons, like wind bats, attacked in conjunction with the labyrinth, while others boasted considerable combat power.
　There are also many dragon species, like the pterodactyl (wyvern) and the flame dragon (flame dragon).
　There were also ancient species of demons that even Elfi didn't know existed.
　The level of the demons is uncommonly high.

　However, Elfi slaughtered all of them.
　I almost didn't have to deal with them.
　It's also because I knew the types of demons that would be coming out and made countermeasures against them beforehand.
　But even more than that, Elfi's power to recover the 'body' was overwhelming.

　You don't even need to use your magical arms to tear apart demons with your bare hands.
　You don't even need to use your demon legs to blow the demons away with a mere kick.
　With the use of the Demon Eye, even the dragon species could be annihilated in the blink of an eye.

　They're already stronger than most of the Four Heavenly Kings I've fought in the past, right?
　At the very least, it's better than Vanishing and Distorting.
　It's hard to judge the 'thousand changes' and 'judgment' we fought 30 years ago.

"He hasn't got his heart back, and yet he's as strong as this? If this is the case, a human being can't win without calling out to the heroes.
That's not very polite.

　Elfie says while puffing out his cheeks.

''There are plenty of examples of humans defeating the demon race without summoning a brave man. Even my predecessor, the Demon King, Lord Sharnach, was defeated by a human.
Come to think of it, I've heard that story before.
'The strength of man is the swarm. That number and the ingenuity to win is most frightening. But, well, I'm one of the strongest demon kings of all time. It's true, you'll have to summon something like Iori to beat me.

　Ortegia, who defeated such an Elfi, is the current Demon King.
　The human side will have quite a tough battle.

''Even so, it feels like it's been a long time.

　Elfie suddenly muttered to himself as he walked.

'What?'
It's just me and Iori, walking around like this.
'Well, yes. We've got Verdia around these days, and we don't have much to do together.

　Come to think of it, we haven't acted together since we took on the Abominable Light Labyrinth.
　Thinking about it, it certainly feels like I've missed it.

'It's been a long time since we met in the Abyss Labyrinth. When I look back, it seems like it was a short but long time.
'Hmm. I have crossed the four labyrinths and buried many others. It's been a very intense period of time in my life. This time, I'll be crushing the last labyrinth. That's a big milestone.

　A major milestone, huh?
　Yeah. In more ways than one, yes.

The magnesium is getting thicker. You're going to be able to reach the top floor in less than half a second. Are you prepared, Iori?
...... Yeah. It's going to be a tough fight.

　I say to Elfie, keeping a wary eye on my surroundings.

'Elfie. --help me.

　A weak statement, I thought.

"Of course.

　Without pause, Elfi nodded.

'Feel like you're riding on the back of a dragon, Iori, you can do only what you have to do. I will support you.
...... Yeah.

　We've moved on.




　Then, we walked for fifteen minutes.
　From the density of the magic element, I could tell that the labyrinth core was nearby.
　But there were countless rooms and stairs leading to the top.
　We ducked the traps, kicked away the demons, and narrowed down the path one by one.
　Then, the only one left was the stairs leading up.

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

　With each step, he moved upward with caution.
　Shoulder to shoulder, there was no trap on the stairs.
　He reached the room above without incident.
　Carefully, that was the moment I stepped into the room.

　An empty, circular room.
　Not even a labyrinth core, nor a demon general or demons existed.

'...... So that's what it is.'

　Immediately afterwards, the entrance closed noisily.
　At the same time, his feet collapsed with a crash.
　We lost our footing and we were falling headlong.
　When I looked down, I saw a sea of clouds spreading out.

''--''
Mm-mm--

　We explored every avenue we could get through.
　The only thing left to do was this room.
　So you're saying that all the passages didn't lead up from the beginning.
　Whoever built this labyrinth has a really good character.

Please.
Yes, sir.

　I duck the words briefly and use my wind magic to move right up to Elfie.
　Then, Elfie grabs me and kicks the sky with his magic legs.
　With a thump, thump, thump, thump, I run up in the sky and get closer to the outer wall of the void labyrinth.

''In terms of the density of the magic element, it's right above that room. Can it last that long?
I'll be fine.

　Keep moving up and up and up.

''-- Demon King Kick!

　Elfi slammed a kick into the outer wall.
　The wall collapsed with a roar, and from there we entered the room.

　It was a large circular room.
　The ceiling was high and bulging into a dome shape.
　At the far end of the room, we could see an entrance that led to the next room.
　There was also a staircase leading to the top in another place.
　Apparently, there is still a top.

　But there is someone you have to deal with before you can proceed that way.

...... I never thought anyone would really reach this far.
'You didn't get away with your usual worrying ...... of Lady Lefise.

　Inside the room, there were countless demons.
　There are humanoid, animal-shaped, and various forms of them.
　You can see from the atmosphere they wear that they are strong men who are used to fighting.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of it. I'm sure you've got a lot to do with this. If you value your life, retreat from there, warriors.
............

　Elfi says such words, but the demons do not respond.
　Each and every one of them have their weapons at the ready and are pointing their skin-grinding killing intent at us.
　Naturally, there seems to be no room for conversation.

The only thing that can be done is to get your hands dirty. Please use that power to your fullest extent.

　One of the demon clan members quietly announced that.
　Immediately after, a tremendous wind blew in the room.
　With a beating sound, something appeared in the room, ripping through the space.

''You're the demon general of this generation?''

　What appeared was a huge dragon species.
　White scales covering its entire body, deer-like horns protruding from its head, and a long, thin catfish-like beard growing out of its mouth.
　Sharp clawed arms and legs sprouted from its long snake-like body.

　--Tempest Dragon.

　It is a dragon species that lives mainly in the skies and controls the magic of the wind attribute.
　I've dealt with a few of them on my way here.
　However, the Heavenly Wind Dragon in front of me is several times larger than those individuals.
　It had a huge body that could rival the Earth Demon General.

　This is the "Wind Demon General".
　The last demon general to protect the last labyrinth.

''--Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!

　The Wind Demon General roars as he glares at us.
　A tornado covers his body as he makes a gurgling sound.
　Following that, the demons began to move.

''Sorry, but we're going to kick them around.

　Thus, the battle against the Wind Devil General began.


　--Lucifina's figure remained nowhere to be seen.