Don't worry. The place is only twisted in the entrance, from here on out it's a normal space. We'll move after we get settled.

　The hooded sorcerer said.
　Odette-Slay and the other two are sitting on the ground.
　All three of them seemed to be getting calmer and calmer.

''I'll explain it to you in the meantime. I told you that the cave we're going into has an undead outbreak. The only types are low-level ghosts and skeletons. Since they are low-level ghosts, they won't be able to possess you if you're strong in your temperament. The skeletons are also the only ones that appear on this level, only the weak ones. If you still think it's dangerous, run to the passage. The passageway has protection, so the demons won't be able to come out for the most part.

　The sorcerer said and removed the hood that covered his face.

''Let me introduce myself again. I am Demeter, the C-level sorcerer Demeter of the 'Magic Guild'. You are the children of noblemen, but with this 'Elysian', that position has no meaning. History has proven that the Ancient Magic is very dangerous depending on how you use it. You will be fully aware of that here.
The point is, be on your guard.

　Mr. Barnes took over from Demeter the sorcerer's words.
　He looks around at us and closes one eye mischievously. Maybe he was trying to relax us. Snarky, though.

"You get used to the twists and turns at the entrance. I've gotten used to it, too.
No more flattery, please. General. I'm sure everyone will calm down by now. Let's go.

　The sorcerer Demeter ducks his robe and walks away.
　Mr. Barnes shrugs his shoulders and smiles at us.

　Then we resumed our movement towards the upper level of Elysium.







This is the Cave of the Holy Sword. It is also the place for your examinations.

　After about ten minutes down the spiral passage, the sorcerer Demeter stopped.

'This is the examiner's job now. Explain it to me, Demeter.
I'm sorry, sir.

　The sorcerer Demeter bowed to Mr. Barnes and then looked at us.

'I'll tell you first. If you think it's impossible, give up promptly.
　This area is where the trainees of the 'Magic Guild' also come for orientation. As long as you're in the passage, there's not much danger. However, demons usually appear in the cave. This is an ancient ruin. And it's not completely understood. Because in the face of danger, there is one person every few years who dies in the face of danger, obsessing over the honor of his house and other things. Let me warn you.
"....there's no way you can have that kind of line in front of an illegitimate son of a marquess...
So, you want to walk back up to the ground by yourself?　Gilles Van

　Demeter, a C-level magician, said quietly.

''The passage is relatively safe, but on rare occasions, demons can appear. In the middle of a battle, if you fall into the central vertical hole, you will die instantly. Even if you don't die, you can't even go to the rescue if you're pulled into the lower levels. Do you understand those things?
.....
Okay. Just listen to me.

　Zirvan clenched his teeth, but he felt his minutes were not good, so he just pulled back.

''Your objective is to reach the Holy Sword at the far end of the cave. As I said before, only weak ghosts and skeletons will appear. I'll leave it to you to decide whether to fight or run away. The first one to reach the back of the cave will be the winner of the test. You are free to use your magic. That's all I have to say. Any questions?
No sabotage, right?

　Countess Gaile raised her hand.
　Demeter, a C-level sorcerer, hmmm, snorted.

Of course but we can't see everything here either, you know.
No.....
"If you hurt yourself, I'll fix you up. If you give up, I'll help you. This isn't like it is on earth. Remember that.
Who's going to make sure you get to the back room?

　It was Odette who raised her hand next.
　Demeter, the sorcerer, nodded.

I'll send the messenger myself. I'll send my own messenger to check it out. You are free to use your own messenger, but even if the messenger reaches the back of the room, it is not considered to be clear. You have to reach the holy sword yourself.
I understand.
Who are you?　Is the question a good one?

　Demeter, the sorcerer, looked at me.

''Then I have a question for you. The Holy Sword is an important 'ancient artifact' when it comes to holy swords, but why is it sealed in this place?　If it's a holy sword, it's usually in the royal palace, and if it's to be hidden, it's usually in a deeper place.
'Huh!　What the hell are you talking about, man?
"Well I think you should read the air.

　I guess it wasn't a good idea.
　I wanted to ask you about it.

'Because the holy sword here is useless.

　But Demeter, the sorcerer, answered my question.

''There are such 'ancient artifacts' too. If you're interested, you can look them up after you become an official guild member.
Thank you.
'Interesting. It's as if you're looking way beyond the exam.
...What?
'The others are thinking about clearing the test. But, Yuki-Grossaria, you don't seem to be interested in clearing the test. Isn't it?
'No, sir. I'm here for a promotion and a baronetcy.
Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. Forget it.

　With that, Demeter the Magician looked around at all of us.

''I'll give you five minutes of maneuvering time from now on, you can come up with a strategy by yourself or have a meeting with your friends if you have them. Show here that you are wise and skilled enough to be a guard knight for the princess's highness. That's all.






'It's not a strange thing to ask. Yuki-Grossaria.
'I'm sorry. Odette-Slay.

　During operation time.
　Me and Odette-Slay were forehead to forehead in the corner of the aisle.

'Did Yuki bring an errand boy with her?
No. I didn't know what Elysian was like. 'And Miss Odette?'
My demons take a long time to summon... and then...

　Odette-Sleigh gave a cursory glance.

From this point forward, you won't be using honorific language.
Do you have the honorific?
"Until we conquer the Cave of the Sacred Sword, we are partners. Let's be equals. Besides, I've heard that honorific speech is slow to transmit information.
'Okay ... no, I get it. Odette.
Yes. It's a pleasure to meet you, Yuki.

　We looked at each other and nodded.

'So, what's the plan?'
"The cave's passageway splits in two along the way. One is a straight path with many undead and the other is a relatively small detour.
'There are lights inside, so you won't get lost. Do you want to take a detour?
No, I think it's the closer road.
Are you sure you're okay?
I can use "Boosted". Undead are slow to move. I think I can run through them all at once.
I can use 'Boosted', but it's only for a short time. The only other things you can use are the "Summon the Dark Snake" and "Stone Blows" from the "Ancient Magic".
The only undead here are skeletons and ghosts. Then it's no problem.
I understand. And.....

　Odette-Slay took my hand and said.

'If we win, you'll be the Knight of Iris.
...What?

　That's a different story.
　I thought we were talking about playing the finals later?

I've told you that I'm a childhood friend of His Highness Iris.
Yeah.
She was ... well, I can't go into detail, but she was looked down upon by the other princes and princesses because of her constitution and the fact that her grandmother was a bastard.
'I know about the constitution. I heard about it in the barony.
You really do have Iris' trust in you, don't you? That's why I think of you as my guardian knight.

　Odette took my hand in hers.

''I want Iris to be happy. That's why I believe that the person who is strong enough to protect her should be her guardian knight.
All right. But we'll talk about it later.

　As for me, I'm not obsessed with being Princess Iris's guard knight.
　 I'm sure people aren't made to say "thank you" to each other. That's because they're "Nosferatu".

It's time. Let's go.

　The sorcerer Demeter and General Barnes are calling.

'We'll talk after we pass the test.
I understand. Yuki.

　Me and Odette got one last warning from Demeter the sorcerer.
　Then we headed off to explore the Cave of the Holy Sword.





''Then we will begin the examination. Both sides, give it your best shot!

　The sorcerer Demeter swung his arm down.
　It's a signal to start the test.

''──'Body Strengthening (Boosted)!
Hey!　I'm still chanting... aaaaaaah!

　I don't wait.
　I start running with Odette on my back.
　The ceiling of the cave is high. It's high enough for one person to carry.

"We'll make up the ground. "We'll make up the distance. Chant as we go.
'Oh, you can't say that!　I've never been carried on your back by a lord before... or a lady!
We're partners in the exam. It's not uncommon for you to carry a child on your back.
'A child!　You're the same age. You're meh!

　At my back, Odette starts chanting.
　When I turned around, Zirvan and Gaiel were just chanting a spell.

　It's big that you can activate it just by writing a crest.
　The speed to invoke it is much faster.

Mmmm!　Mmmm!

　Odette, who was chanting, tugged on my hair.

'I see them. Three skeletons in front of you. They're not armed. Maybe it's because we're on the top floor.
Moo.

　So stop ruffling your hair.
　It's before the test. Martha washed my hair and then I got it all done.

"Retreat, you unholy dead! "Back away, you filthy dead bastards!

　I swung my dagger as I ran.
　The cutting edge grazed the skeleton's finger.
　The next moment...

"...heeeeeeeeee!"?

　The skeletons gave way at once.

'What?　The skeleton has gone backwards...?　Why?
The undead don't like silver weapons.
'I know that. But I wouldn't have reacted so violently!
"Te.

　Za-za-za-za-za.

　The skeletons are moving away. Now.
　I started running in a 'body strengthening' state.

''Hey........?　Yuki...!　Please explain...!

　You can't.
　This is a skill I brought with me from my previous life.

　My 'Myster Blood' has a purification ability.
　So if you touch a weapon with my blood on it, the undead will be purified (.........).

　In my previous life, when I was bleeding even a little bit, the undead would see the signs of purification and run away. Because of that, I remember being mistakenly told that if the undead were afraid of me, then I must be their ruler.
　This is one of the reasons why I was nicknamed "The Vampire Lord".

　I thought about hiding it this time, but it's impossible.
　The same thing would happen if I was injured in a battle with the undead.
　Then I'll just use it from the start and finish the test quickly.

"Hold on tight. Odette.
Hey.... Yuki...!

　I went to the back of the cave at once with Odette on my back.