After the qualifiers were over, it was time for a lunch break, and while everyone was mingling, we were pouring our magic power.
　After all, it's nice to have Sherry and Lou around because they have a lot of magic, and it's over in an instant.

After all, it's so much faster when we're all working together.

That's good to hear. But this facility really doesn't get very good mileage out of it. We have to put so much magic into this place, it's not something we normally use.

Well, yeah. It wasn't designed for a large number of people to kill each other. This dungeon was only designed to allow for one-on-one killings once a week or so.
　It wasn't designed to be a freestanding dungeon in the first place.

''Alright, now that our magic power is full, let's prepare for the special match at noon.
　As I say this, I'll control the dungeon core.
　The special match is a lunchtime entertainment that serves as a test of demon generation.

Frank, Hermann and Mr. Bernold, right?　Wouldn't it be boring as a spectacle if we didn't have a demon the size of a dragon?

''Yes. ....... Well, let's go with a dragon that's likely to enter the arena that those three can deal with!
　I didn't want it to be too big, so I manipulated the dungeon core to create a slightly smaller, stronger dragon.

''Wow~''

Oh, I see they're out. Okay, let's watch the game.
　If we could hear everyone's surprised voices, then it must mean we made it.
　After confirming that a dragon had been created in the dungeon core, we moved to the bleachers.


"Oh, there's still a dragon!
　When I came back, I found a beautiful purple dragon camped in the middle of the arena.

But why isn't it moving?

It's like a dungeon boss. The battle doesn't start until someone enters the boss's room. In this case, it starts the moment Frank and the others enter the arena.
　This arena is like the boss's room from the outside.

Yeah. I should probably explain to you guys sooner rather than later.
　I looked around the auditorium at Sherry's suggestion and saw that the knights who had been making a lot of noise earlier had frozen with their hands on their swords.
　Indeed, that's a pity.

''We've got a game this afternoon, so let's get started.

"Yes. Hey, guys, can you hear me?　Now we're going to have a special match while everyone else is eating lunch!　The participants were Hermann and Bernold, who were seeded this time around!　Oh, and as a special guest, my friend Frank, who is very good at magic, will be joining us as a guest!　Then you three can go inside and start fighting!''
　I explained it briefly while magically making my voice echo in the arena .
　Everyone knew what they were going to do for lunch, so this explanation should be fine.

"Oh, here we go.
　As the three of them walked into the arena, the dragon began to move as the knights cheered.
　Wow . That's faster than I expected . It's dodging Hermann's slashes with ease.
　Frank's magic is hitting, but he's ...... focusing on speed, so he's not doing that much damage .
　It's going to be hard for Bernold to attack a flying enemy.
　It's a good idea to work well together to cut off the dragon's wings, but the three of you are outnumbered.

It's not just a matter of time before they'll be able to get their hands on it.　How fast, sturdy, and intelligent they are: ......

It's a dragon. Well, I don't think any of the three of you are in your element yet, so you'll be fine.
　Hermann hasn't used his skills yet.
　Even if he started to use his magic eye, it would tip the scales a bit towards the three of them.


　SIDE: Bernold.

''d*mn it ......, knights are really helpless in times like these. At least if you can handle those wings ....... But it's a pain in the ass to slash those wings at that speed.

I think if I use my skills, I can keep up with that speed!
　The evil eye. ....... Does that thing get the jump on you?

Yes. Yes. I'll keep his attention on her.
　Herman hasn't fully mastered the magic eye yet.
　There's always an opening with the magic eye.
　I guess that's where I come in.

"Master Frank!　You need to aim your magic at the face as much as possible!　It's a blindfold.
　Even if it doesn't do any damage, he'll still be able to avoid an attack in the eye.
　That would draw less attention to the helmsman.

　And so the operation is launched.
　Herman will release his magic eye. As he does so, Master Frank narrows his target to the dragon's face.
　of course the magic won't work, but that's okay.

　Hmm?　Here's ...... No, you want Mr. Frank.


Hm!　Hey, over here!
　I used my sword to block Master Frank's attack with the claws of a dragon.
　d*mn it, ...... I can hold out as long as I can.

But that's not a problem.

"Ze!
　The dragon sensed the danger and tried to fly, but Hermann, who had anticipated it, hit it with a solid slash.

''Gaaa~''
　Losing its wings, the dragon collided hard with the ground.

Well done. That one's no better than a big lizard.
　I can attack a non-flying dragon as well.
　Now it's our turn.

Ah, dodge!
　I didn't mean to let my guard down, but I went to ...... and found that there was a ton of ice coming from the dragons.
　Dragons are ice?

Are you okay?
　I was squarely in front of the dragon's magic and the helmsman rushed at me.
　Besides, I'm okay and I'll calm him down.

Yes, I'm fine. Master Rihanna will fix you up with an injury like this. But still... ...... him.
　More shocking than the loss of my defensive left arm was what was happening to the dragon in front of me.

''What?''
"Ugh, no. ......

Who are the lizards?　With this body, you can fight in this small space, right?
　Yes. The dragon was turning into a man.

　SIDE: Leons.
　Just when I thought Herman had cut off the dragon's wings, a dragon that had turned into a man had sliced Bernolt's arm off .

"Hey, hey, ...... the dragon turned into a man, ...... is that what Leo expected?

'No, no. ......'
　I don't know what's going on at all.
　What do you mean?　How could that dragon ever be human?
　I didn't have that information when I did the appraisal and .......

'So, then, isn't ...... in danger?'

"Well, well, ...... if it happens, the three of us won't die and ......
　Yeah. Fortunately, we're not gonna die in this dungeon, so we're okay. Okay.

Enough magic for this afternoon?

Yeah, ...... I'll trust the three of you.
　We have to believe now.

　SIDE: Frank.

　After the dragon became a man and took out Mr. Bernold's left arm, we were looking at each other.
　You move first, you die. There was a hint of that in the air.
"Watch out, both of you: ....... It's smaller now, but it smells bad.

Yes, it's ...... amazingly magical.
　Being a person has condensed his magical power, and when he looks at the woman in front of him with his demon eyes, he looks very colorful .
　There's no doubt that it's a magical power as strong as Shelly's .

''Hm?　Where's the momentum from earlier?
　That's what I hear, and no one moves.
　No, they won't budge.

There's no way to move. ...... So, I'll go first.
　I couldn't track it with my eyes.
　I thought the dragon-man was on the move, and then...　and clashed with Herman.

''You're a user of the magic eye of ...... time. Then we should be on the lookout for the Demon's Magic Eye, the Distant Magic Eye, the Magic Eye of Remembrance, and the Magic Eye of Knowledge.
　This dragon is truly unfathomable .
　Just when you think he's starting to talk, he uses knowledge and language as if he were an older warrior with a lot of experience .
　You have created a monster. ......

Well, good. You're the biggest threat. So let's kill you first.

　That's ......
Hermann, run!
　Seeing the magic power begin to move rapidly with the demon's eye, he shouted to Hermann to run away and attacked with all his magic power .
　It was a close call . If my judgment had been delayed even a little, I would have ended up like Mr. Bernholt just now.

That guy has a ...... demon's magic eye. And his magic is as powerful as that of a dragon ....... Are these the two we should be wary of?
　Naturally, the unharmed woman stared at me as she brushed away the shattered rocks.
　My feet are hobbling ...... but I have to somehow maintain my normalcy .



Just the two of you?　Is it really?
　While we were distracted, Mr. Bernhardt swung his sword from behind.
　Of course, the woman changed her hand as she did with the dragon and caught the sword.
　You will be able to find out the best way to get a good deal more about it.

"G......Well, you certainly shouldn't underestimate it. All three of you are good warriors.
　Just when I thought I had broken away from Mr. Bernold's pause, he smiled as if to say he still had room to spare and sent me a compliment from above .

''Hmph . I'm not happy to hear that from someone who's holding back.

Yeah, that's right. Then I'll have a real fight on my hands.

What the hell is this: ......
My body is so heavy. ......
　As the dragoness announced her seriousness, her body suddenly became heavy and she couldn't move.
　What did they do to you?

''That's right. This is a skill that can only be used by a past dragon king. Can't we move now?

"No, not yet!
　While I was completely crawling on the ground, Mr. Bernhardt and Hermann stood up strongly underground.

As expected, can the two vanguards move? But will they be able to keep up with my moves?

"Hermann, go to ...... and use that. I'm gonna end this in one fell swoop.
　Does that mean that ...... is a skill Hellman has recently acquired with her?
　Will it work?　No, I'm gonna catch her off guard.

I understand.

You still have something to hide. Then I'll kill you quickly so you don't have to use it.

I won't let you.
　When he saw her move, Hermann saw it coming and caught the attack before it happened.
　Then Mr. Bernholt and I quickly attacked.

"Perfectly coordinated, but it's not nearly enough to take me down.
　The woman who was a dragon parried all her attacks with impunity.
　The more we try, the less I see a future against this thing.
　Did Leo want us to experience this despair?

But you haven't beaten us yet either, have you?
　When I was half ...... or almost giving up, he grinned and challenged me.
　Ugh, you're kidding ...... she's still going to do it.

'Yeah, ...... that's good,'
　Again, provoked, the dragoness moved again, faster than I could see.

"You first.
　As she said this, the dragoness behind Hermann thrust her arm out, aiming for Hermann's heart.
　Naturally ...... the hand of the dragoness penetrated Hermann's heart cleanly.
　It did, but ...... as if there was no resistance, the dragoness fell forward and slipped past Herman.

''What!''

That's it!
　Hermann swung his sword at the fallen and confused Dragoness.

"I guess you couldn't avoid ....... But I see what you guys wanted to do. You can handle it with one arm.
　One arm...... we've been trying to open up a gap here, and one arm is the limit.
　He's now a one-armed man, but without any more tricks, we don't stand a chance.

Okay. Okay.... I'll kill you all easily.

Shit. ......

'Yes!　It's over!
　The moment all three of them gave up, all current ...... Leo showed up .


　SIDE: Leons.

"What's up with you, ......?　Its magic: ......
　The woman in front of me was more surprised by my magic than by my sudden appearance.
　I made it in time. I honestly didn't mean to summon such a powerful dragon.
　Maybe the dungeon core had some extra magic left over.
　And there was a roo with more magic than me.

"Who am I?　It's your master.
　He's the guy who built this dungeon, so this guy shouldn't be able to go against me: .......
　Honestly, if we fight, I can definitely win, but it could get messy .
　Somehow, it would be nice if this could be put to rest: .......

'Lord?　You gotta be kidding me. No, we're in a dungeon. I see. ...... Is this what happened to your predecessor too?

The previous generation?　What do you mean?
　I mean, isn't it rebellious to be perceived as the Creator?


　Maybe this is a development: .......

'There's no point in playing dumb. There must be a blue dragon in that dungeon you built recently.
　Blue Dragon?　Somewhere in ...... Ah, the training grounds of the Order!

...... I'm pretty sure he was there. Could that be a person, too?

''Of course. That man is Segul, the fifth Dragon King. He is the greatest dragon of all time.
　Such a strong dragon is the boss of the 30th floor!　Sure, it may be the highest difficulty dungeon, but it's ...... too much.

''Heh, heh ....... I didn't know the demons in the dungeon were brought in from the real world.
　I thought it was a demon created by creation magic.

No, it was created by the creator. The previous demon king used the same technique you did. The alleged creators from the past seem to have created one of them.
　I see... ...... So you didn't use the dungeon core to generate demons, but you had to generate them yourself?
　Then I'll do it.

I see. ...... Thanks for the help. That was helpful.
　This guy looks about the same as Belle, but from what I know, he's going to live a hell of a long time.
　He's going to be very useful to us.

"No thanks. I'll kill you now.

Kill me?
　Oh, I knew it would happen: .......

'Yeah, killing you will free me and my predecessors.

I apologize for calling you out on your own, but there's no other way to get to .......
　I don't think there's any point in this fight: .......

'None!　As long as you live, I am your servant!

How could you resist me then?

Because this is the field that allowed me to be free.
　Field?　You mean the boss's room?　If that's the case, does that mean that demons can do whatever they want as far as they're entrusted?

I don't know, ......, but does that mean you have to kill me to forgive me?

Aye, the world of dragons is a world of the weak and the strong. I will not be answerable to a weak man.
　Hmmm ...... So it's okay if I'm strong?

Okay, I'll tell you what.
　I worked with Bernolt and the others to fix the dragoness' arm.

What did you mean by that?
　The dragoness was surprised at her healed arm and kept a wary distance from me.

''Now you can do your best, right?''

'Yes, but ...... no, it's nothing.'

Copy that. I'm sorry, could you three guys just stand back to the side?

Yes, sir.
I understand.
Watch out for that.

Okay. Come on in.
　When I saw that the three of them had separated, I held out my hand and challenged them.
　It's okay. I can handle this guy's speed.

"I don't know what you're up to, but I'm going to give it my all.

Gruaaaah!
　I think she's going to turn into a dragon and fight me.
　Because this one has more offensive power?

But I think the humanoid is easier to fight against me, don't you think?
　It must be hard to fight me with such a big body that knows how to shift.
　I shifted onto the dragon's head and punched it as hard as I could.

"d*mn it: ....... Then how about this!
　Holding his head in his hands, he now performed a strange move that blocked Frank and the others from moving .

''Yes ...... it's a little heavier, but it's within the margin of error.
　I slowly make my way to the human-turned-dragon with an unconcerned face.

"d*mn it ...... don't come here!　Don't come over here!

What?
　I stopped dead in my tracks when the girl suddenly started to scare me.

"If you're scared, why don't you just admit defeat?
　As I said this, I started walking again towards the frightened girl.

'Okay, so ...... well, you can just lose ...... loosen up and let it go ...... loosen up. Wow!

What?
　I was one step closer to the dragon girl and she started crying loudly.
　The crowd went silent at that.
　It doesn't feel like I've beaten the best.


　It's more like ...... I'm bullying a girl who's crying and begging for forgiveness .
　Is this my fault?

'Well, uh, ......, anyway, let's get the afternoon finals started!
　I didn't know what to do, so I took the girl in my arms and moved to the bleachers.
　The girl started crying more the moment I held her, and I decided to start the afternoon's tournament, leaving her to Belle, who was standing behind me.
　Yup. This couldn't be helped.