"Huh~...... Nemu

　The old man, who hadn't slept well due to the foolishness of the dwarves, woke up too late.
　Before he knew it, the excavation work had begun, and many craftsmen, including the dwarves, were working like mad, digging right above the ledge.
　The speed at which they were working was unbelievable, and the old man no longer felt like saying anything to this crazy speed of work. He realized that it was useless to think about it.
　Xelloss endured the drowsiness from lack of sleep and looked up at the rock wall.

It's about 20 meters high, with a hole and a door at the end of the crack. ....... If this rock wall is a barrier, then the only way to have a door that high is to have a watchtower, right?　But this structure is somewhere ......

　If the rock wall is built as a bulwark, the ruins would be the size of a large city.
　If the dwarves built a settlement around the wall, it means that this underground cave has existed since before that time, and that there were many roads through which people came and went.
　It is likely that the evil gods had appeared and brought refuge to this place, but for some reason they were unable to leave. The cause of this is unknown, whether it is a malfunction in the system created by magical technology or a massive collapse, but at the very least it means that beyond the rock walls, many lives were lost and skeletons were created.
　There is also the possibility that a wraith or demon has been born.

"Oh, you're up late. Couldn't sleep?
"Mr. Nagri, ......, whose fault is that, do you think it is? I can't sleep with all that noise.
Sorry. We're used to it, so we drank like we always do. Ha ha ha ha!
Why are you so cheerful? ....... You were drinking until at least dawn, weren't you?　I don't know the time in the basement.
"We can work three days and three nights without eating or drinking. That's what makes us different from humans.

　The old man realized once again the strength of dwarves.
　They are strong drinkers who can empty a barrel of wine in an hour, and they are strong enough to work all night long without collapsing.
　Most of all, I envy his liver strength, which never gets drunk no matter how much he drinks.
　Xelloss also likes to drink, but he is not a strong drinker.

"Besides, I'll be done by noon. Are you ready to go?
"I'm ready, but you're working unusually fast. It's like a machine.

　In a short time, we'll build a scaffold and use Gaia Control to break down the rocks from above. There are dozens of people working on it, so the work is terribly fast.
　Since all of the work is done with magic, there is no significant damage to people except for those who fall due to lack of magic power.
　In addition, the craftsmen who have used up all of their magic power will recover their magic power with [mana potions] and return to their work.

I'm not sure what to make of this, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
"Well, I'm a professional. "Well, we're professionals. If we do a bad job, we'll all get beaten up. It's your life on the line.
It's funny because it's not a black company. Normally, people would quit their jobs in droves.
I'm working out. I never thought I'd see something like that coming out of a ...... rock though.

　In front of Xelloss and Nagri, the upper part of the castle gate, which was built by digging through the rocky ground, appeared.
　This is probably the gate of the outer perimeter wall, but its construction is elaborate, with beautiful carvings and decorations.

"This gate looks like something I've seen before. ......

　The whole thing was coming into view at a frightening pace, but Xelloss felt a strange sense of déjà vu when he saw the gate.
　I'm sure I've seen this gate somewhere before, but I can't remember where. He felt mildly irritated, as if he had a small bone stuck in his throat.

"What's the matter, young man? What's wrong with you?
No, ...... I remember seeing this gate somewhere, but I can't remember where. Where was it?
"Hey, hey, this is an archaeological site that's being excavated right now.　I've never seen a gate like this before. In any case, all ancient ruins have been destroyed, so it's unheard of for anything decent to be discovered.

　Naguri had a point, but Xellos had definitely seen it before.
　But he didn't know what it was. He was a little bothered by the fact that he couldn't remember what it was, even though it was almost in his throat.

"Wow, there really are ruins!　Huh?　But I've seen it somewhere before.
"These are ruins, remember?　There are no ruins existing in such a complete form anywhere. Are you sure you're not imagining things?
The rest of the party that went inside hasn't come back, right?　Could it be that they were all wiped out?

　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　It seems that all three of them have received a request to escort the expansion of the [Ilmanas Great Ruins]. The request for the escort of craftsmen for a national project is expected to bring in a considerable amount of income that will enrich their pockets.

"Oh, Jhane-san and the others are also requested to escort?
I don't know.　Why is the old man here?
I think it's because he was asked to escort them.
But he's with the construction company. Isn't that strange?　And aren't those craftsmen strange too?

　I was a little hurt by Janne's disrespect for the old man. He was a little hurt by Janne's dismissive attitude toward the old man, and agreed with Iris' opinion.


　On top of the scaffolding, the workers dangled violently as they dug through the rock wall, but the work was still going smoothly. And at a phenomenal speed.

"It's just a construction crew. By the way, you guys haven't been in there, have you?　If you found the ruins, you'd be obligated to report it, right?
No, we wouldn't do anything illegal like that. We're not going to do anything illegal. Mercenaries need to be trusted.
Yeah, I heard some of them went in, but they never came back. ....... It looked dangerous.
Huh?　I wanted to go in.

　It was a dangerous situation.
　If Iris and the others were to enter the ruins, they could be charged with a felony if they were not careful. After all, this was the site of a national project, and if ruins were discovered at the site, a survey team would be sent.
　The mercenaries have to accept requests for escort missions.
　After all, ancient ruins are sometimes inhabited by battle golems or even bad demons. If we are not careful and release those demons, it is quite possible that the country will be damaged.
　Ruins are the object of research that is coveted by researchers of wisdom, but at the same time, they are also a place where demons can easily settle.

The mercenaries are not coming back: ....... Either they've found some treasure and are very happy, or they've been wiped out by demons.
"By the way, Uncle, have you ever seen that gate ......?
"Did you think so too, Iris? I've been wondering about that for a while, too. I'm sure I've seen it somewhere before, but I can't remember where.
I think it was somewhere in Sword and Sorcery: ......
Sword and Sorcery, yeah. ......

　And then I remember. I remember what that gate is.
There are several underground cities in Sword and Sorcery.
　Xelloss and his party of Annihilators were also based in the largest of these underground cities. However, in order to get to that city, you need to be of a certain level.
　At the time of the game, there was a bonus effect for early players up to a certain level, making it easier to level up. And the first underground city you can go to is Ether Lante.
　The city gates were now standing before me. I was half nostalgic, half astonished.


"Are you sure that ...... is really the city of Ether Lante?
"Ether Lante ......, that's it, Uncle!　It looks just like the gates of that underground city!
After all, that world is ....... If that's the case, ...... no, don't give me an answer right now. Anyway, I don't know what's going on in there.

　The city of Etherrante is a circular city ten kilometers in diameter.
　The city's ceilings and exterior walls have been reinforced and strengthened by using the magical power that flows through the bedrock and veins of the earth.
　On the ceiling is a giant crystal called the "Illuminating Crystal," which can be manipulated to control the time of day and night. The light of the crystal has the effect of "holy light" and has the power to purify the demons of the undead.
　The first event for the initial players was to activate the【Illuminating Crystal】.
The first event for the initial players was to activate this [Illuminating Crystal]. The magic power flowing into the [Illuminating Crystal] was blocked for some reason, and they had to investigate the cause of the blockage and head to the control room while defeating the swarming anded and ghost demons.

I'm not sure if it's still buried from the Evil God War?　If that's the case, the Skeleton Mage and the Legion will appear.
It's impossible for a single party to conquer it. I didn't think it was a raid either, and the whole town was a monster room. It was pitch black. ......
It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing. Nowadays, demons and [Skull Legion] are likely to appear. In any case, it's been abandoned for over 2000 years, so it's probably absorbed magic power and become more vicious.
"Uncle, that's a nasty thing to say.　I've got a really bad feeling about this. ......

　They've already excavated the gate.
　The huge door is made of metal, but it is heavily corroded from being buried underground for so many years.
　It must have been beautifully crafted at the time, but now it is cruelly rusted and has no trace of its original appearance.

　--Gong!　Gee gee gee gee!

　Suddenly, the sound of creaking metal echoed.
　The craftsmen who were working on it stopped their work and turned their eyes towards the sound.

"What the hell?
Hey, there's something trying to get out of the ...... door!
What do you mean, "something"?
I don't know, but I got a bad feeling about this!
All units, evacuate. -------- ------!

　The workers began to evacuate at once.
　About two-thirds of the city gates had been excavated, but the huge doors that had blocked them were about to be opened by something equally huge. Several white fingers were sticking out from the top, forcibly trying to open the door.
　The problem was that the fingers were all made of human bones and were trying to crawl out from the inside.

"Oh, Uncle ......, that's .......
I'm not sure if it's ...... [Skull August].　It's also known as a "skull ogre". It's a higher version of the Skull Legion.
I'm not sure what to make of that.
Mr. Naguri, please evacuate the workers. This is where I come in.
Already on it. He won't be able to come out for a while, but can you beat that thing?


"Well, there's nothing you can't do. They're not alive, and there's no need to be shy, so I'll crush them with a flourish.

　It's not as if he's an enemy.
　The magic that is being released is high, but it still doesn't feel strong.

It's not as if he thinks he's an enemy. There may be more like him in the back, and escorting is the job of mercenaries, isn't it?
I'm sure you'll be able to find something to help you.　It's so huge!
If the bones are used that much, it means that the skeletons will be greatly reduced thanks to that demon. Well, I guess we'll just have to smash it to pieces.
Mr. Xelloss ......, aren't you afraid?

　Strangely enough, I'm not afraid.
I'd rather fight a lump of bone than a Great Givurion.
　Even though they are the same size, the Givurion is more troublesome because it is a cockroach. They are huge, but they run fast. It can also fly.
　Compared to that horror, a giant skeleton is just a bone.

"What do I have to fear from a big bone?
"No, they're undead!　Don't you need sacred magic to defeat it?
It can be defeated with a sword, if it has magic in it. It's not that tough, you know.

　That's just the old man's standard.
　Ghosts and skeletons are pseudo-magical creatures born from the transference of a creature's emotions and memories into magical power.
　Everything that sustains the body is supplemented by magic power, and if another magic power intervenes from the outside, they are vulnerable to vanish instantly. However, its strength depends on the amount of magic power it possesses.
　If it's a skeleton, it can be defeated with just a little magic power, but if it's a skull august, it's not so easy.
　As an existence where countless magical bodies have been gathered, the amount of magical power is also extremely high, and that magical power is used to strengthen the many bones that construct the body. Normally, a mage would have to challenge it in a group to win.
　This is only in the sense of 'in this world'.

The artisans' evacuation is over!
The artisans have been evacuated!" "Then let's defeat them. ....... The undead don't burn well, they're not made of much material and they look like human bones, so we'll have to cremate them.
"Uncle ......, a fire in the basement is not a good idea. Won't it cause acid poisoning?
Then we'll use vibrating waves to crush them. I'll freeze it and then ....... Would you like some shaved ice with bones?　Might give you some calcium.
I don't want it. I don't want to eat human bones, and I'm not a ...... foodie.

　While the old man is trying to figure out how to defeat it, he seals the stock one by one using the delay technique.
　The ring, the magical medium of Zeroth, has the ability to stock magic, up to 10.
　He also has swords and knives with the same device, and if you include the number of spells he can stock individually, the total number is well over 100. However, the magic power never ran out.
　We don't know what's waiting for us in the back, and we don't know how many enemies there are.
　The old man was preparing for annihilation.

"Hey, old man!　What are you waiting for? He's coming out!
"It's too much for us to handle. Are you sure you're up for this, Xelloss?　Don't you think we should wait for the army?
You'll be fine. I don't think it's worth worrying about.
No, I know he's strong, but that's what he's up against.　I'm sure you're not the only one.
I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea. Because only uncle can defeat the big ones.

　Iris was the only one who understood.
　She hadn't yet reached her Awakened Skill [Limit Breakthrough]. That's why she didn't carelessly enter the ruins and didn't want to attack the demons that appeared, but chose to watch the situation and provide support.
　They were not expecting such a situation and this was their first experience in fighting against the undead.
　They were nervous about what was about to happen, and their bodies tensed up.

It's so big, Skull August?　No, maybe it's a [Bones Furer]. It's hard... Depending on your level.
It's weak against light attribute magic, right?　If so, will Shining Rain work?
It does, but it's just a lump of bone, so it's not very good. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it. ......
"Uncle, haven't you gained any levels since you came to this world?
I'm already over 1,000, so I need to massacre a lot of big guys to raise my level. Well, it doesn't matter.

　Xelloss had defeated the evil gods and had greatly improved his level.
　He could no longer raise his level half-heartedly, and he would have to continue hunting somewhere in the depths of the Great Deep Green Zone to get to the next level. But I'm already too far gone to even think about it.
　I don't care if it's in a game, but I don't care about levels until I'm in the real world.
　Also, bone monsters like skeletons rarely dropped materials, and to put it bluntly, fighting them was tiring. At best, they would drop large magic stones or [spirit crystals].
You can also get "cursed bones", but these materials can be purified and turned into "holy bone powder". However, I couldn't bring myself to use it as a material because it was originally human bones.
　It is used as a material for medicinal preparations and as a good medicine for infectious diseases. It is highly effective in improving the body's immune system, but when you think of it as a human corpse, it is human nature to want to mourn for it.


　No matter how undead it is, I can't help but lament that it should have been at least a large beast.

Oh, it looks like it's coming out.
It's coming out! They're breaking down the rocky ground. ...... They must have really wanted to play outside.
You guys are so relaxed. Do you really think you can beat that thing?
Well, I'll give it a shot. I'll give it a try. I don't feel any fear.

　That's what I felt while wandering in the Great Dark Green Zone of Fafhran: no sense of fear.
　When a person living in modern society is suddenly thrown into a land of the weak and the strong, most people would feel fear for their lives. However, Xellos did not feel this.
　The only fears he had were of being attacked by a group of armed men and the threat to his chastity by a white monkey. The only other fear was of giant Gs.
　This was only for the first time, and I quickly adapted to the environment. Also, when she was attacked by a wyvern, she was only overwhelmed by its size and eventually defeated it.
　It was as if he instinctively knew the strength of his enemy and knew whether he could defeat it or not. He was so absorbed in surviving in the world of the weak and the strong that his body had already gotten used to it.
　However, since I prioritized living in a different world rather than worrying about something I couldn't understand, I don't worry about it at all now.

"Uncle, you're crazy.　I'm not a match for that thing, it's just plain scary. ......
"Really?　Well, there's no point in thinking about something you don't understand, and if that's the way the world works, it's pointless to think about it.
You may be right, but there's something ...... that's bothering me.
What's bothering you?
Yeah. Our status and Janae's status. I'm wondering if our statuses and Jane-san's might be different.
"Hmmm ......, that sounds interesting, let me listen to it later. I'll concentrate on defeating that thing for now.

　The old man puts aside his concerns and turns his attention to the giant skeleton.
　＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝
[Skeleton Kaiser] Level 520
　HP 15463/15463
　MP 8521/8521
　＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝
　The appraisal came out. It seems to be a different species from the Sword and Sorceris.
　There may be others, but it's impossible to find out now.

That thing is stronger than a hero.　I'm sure there are many more like it in the back, with ratings (levels) higher than the brave.
I'm sure there are a lot of them back there.　I'm not sure if you'll be able to handle it.
Yeah. Honestly, I don't want to fight them.
It'll be easy. But we don't know how many of them are in the back, so let's just purify them.
If light magic is their weakness, I think I can handle it. ....... You can't win with the mercenaries here.　Maybe, but all the mercenaries that went inside before are ......
I'm pretty sure they're dead. I hope there are some survivors, but that's a bit optimistic. The undead are attracted to the living.

　The reason why undead attack living things is largely due to self-preservation.
　It is a pseudo-magical life form made up of magical power. However, due to its self-purification process, human memories gradually fade away.
　It also possesses emotions, and perhaps because of this, it feels fear of its own disappearance. The only way to prevent it from disappearing is to take in other magical bodies or to create and absorb new ones, and to preserve itself, it attacks the living, but this is not absolute.
　When it takes in another magical body, the emotions it has taken in are activated, and the fear of annihilation is evoked by the consolidation of memories. And it will grow into a more and more unmanageable existence.
　The integrated consciousness is naturally insane and has an intense hatred for the living.

I'm off then.
"Have a good day!

　Xelloss walks towards the [Skeleton Kaiser] with a light step.
　It's as if he's going for a walk.

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do this.　It's not like the Big Spider, you know?
That's right ........ I can't believe I'm going up against that thing by myself.
Just watch and you'll see. The Annihilator is the strongest!

　Iris has no doubt that Xellos will win.
　However, Janae and Rena had only seen Xellos fight briefly, so they had no idea how good he really was. They couldn't guess how strong he was, as Iris had said.
　And so, the [Skeleton Kaiser] recognized Xelloss as its target.
　He raises his massive arm and swings it down at Xelloss.

　---Zzzzzzzzzzz!

　The tremendous weight of the attack violently shakes the ground in the cave.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

"[Freeze Flower]".

　Xelloss activated the magic with no chanting.


In the blink of an eye, the Skeleton Kaiser is frozen white, and its joints and connections are frozen, making it impossible to move.
　Then he strikes a further blow.

I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not. -----!

　I shouted the line I've always wanted to say, and slammed my fist into the head of the [Skeleton Kaiser].
　At the same time, the delay technique was released and the stocked magic bared its fangs.
　Apparently, he had a story in mind.

　---Do-go-go-go-go-go-go-go-go-go-go-go-go-go!　

　The [Skeleton Kaiser] was shattered by the vibrating wave attack of powerful magic power.
　No matter how strong it is, it is not resistant to the vibration waves that disintegrate bonds at the molecular level. They are shattered like white snow, and a fantastic scene appears in the ruins underground.
　Also, the magic wave made the dead spirits disappear.

"Wow, it's a magic with inherent vibration waves [Wave Punisher]. That's a lot of power.
It's not true. ...... It's equal to or even better than a brave man. ....... How strong is it? That old man. ......
I can't tell which one is the monster. It's too overwhelming. ...... But it's beautiful.
I don't care what it is, but are there any other demons out there?　Shouldn't we be prepared to intercept them?

　In the event that you're not sure what to do, you'll be able to find out.
　The mercenaries had come here as an escort, and in this case they would have to use all their strength to protect the artisans and residents of the town. However, there is nothing they can do.
　However, there was nothing they could do. All they could do was to deal with a few bony skeletons.

　.

　When they went through the gates of Ether Lante, they found themselves in a dark world.
　There was no light, no darkness, and no sense of what was going on around us.
　Inwardly, I wondered to myself, "What kind of rough going is this? What kind of rough going is this?

"[Light].

　When he uses some rudimentary magic to create a light, he finds himself in a city of the dead where countless skeletons are stirring.
　It's more real than B-grade horror. Some of them are the recently dead.
　This is the end of the mercenaries who went in there for the treasure and were killed.

"Ugh, Bio0zard ......, or is it Ham0ptra?

　The skeletons are filled with zombies, and the undead turn to look at the living at once.
　For these demons, the death of the living is necessary to secure energy, and in a sense, it's the same as eating.
　The skeletons all reacted to Xellos at once and attacked him at once.

"Shining Nova.

Shining Nova. It's the strongest offensive magic in light magic, and it cleanses the surrounding undead and burns them to the ground. The surrounding area is already full of enemies, so don't be afraid to destroy them.
　After all, this is a literal ghost town. I decided that it would be easier to destroy the undead if they were transformed into skeletons and other demons.
　A powerful light covered a corner of the town and instantly purified the undead that were there.
　The skeletons were burned to ashes by the light, and all the spirits of the dead were drowned out by the enormous surge of magical power.

I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm not sure what to make of it.

　If the wall's self-repairing ability is active, then the ruins are still alive.
If the wall's self-repairing ability is working, then the ruins are still alive. The Illuminating Crystals will not function properly unless magic power flows into them, and they cannot light up the city. I decided that there must be a control room somewhere, and if it was the same as the 【Sword and Sorcery】, I would not be lost.
　The problem was that there was only a little light in front of him, and he could only see around him. 　

　Xellos set out to restore light to the city.
　He would destroy the undead that stood in his way, one by one. .......