Chapter 5: Dash

The Great Dradott Mountain Range. A dungeon said to be inhabited by numerous dragons, among the most powerful of monsters. Once you set foot inside, it was said, you would never return alive.

Its history was long, and it had been spoken of as a forbidden area since ancient times. Conquest was impossible, and simply culling monsters to prevent overflow was the best that could be done.

“To think we’d be setting foot in such a place… you never know what life will bring, do you?” Emmy murmured, seemingly lost in thought.

“Oh, getting cold feet, Emmy?” Ange teased, a smirk playing on her lips.

“Aren’t you the one who looks tense, Ange?” Emmy retorted, narrowing her eyes.

“Now, now, you two! Not here, please!” Tortte interjected, sighing in exasperation at their bickering.

Facing uncharted territory, a sense of tension was palpable, yet this playful banter was likely their way of easing that tension.

Even if it was just feigned composure, it was better than despair. I smiled faintly, finding them quite reliable.

“While your chatter is amusing, please listen up. There are things we need to confirm before we challenge the Great Dradott Mountain Range,” I said, clapping my hands lightly to get their attention.

They ceased their playful squabble, their expressions becoming serious as they turned their attention to me.

“As you all know, the Great Dradott Mountain Range is designated as a forbidden dungeon. It has existed since ancient times, and due to the ‘Distortion of the World’ not being purified and its subsequent fusion with other dungeon clusters, its structure has become incredibly complex, deemed unconquerable,” I explained, reiterating the daunting nature of their challenge.

“So, it means the mountain range itself is monstrously huge, beyond what we can see?” Emmy asked, seeking clarification.

“Yes. Using conventional methods, I can confidently say that conquest is virtually impossible,” I affirmed, emphasizing the scale of the task.

Simply defeating monsters wouldn't be enough; they also had to contend with nature itself in the form of mountain climbing. In the shallower parts of the dungeon, monsters wouldn't be too powerful. However, the deeper they delved, the greater the danger would become.

Furthermore, spending too much time on the conquest carried the risk of the dungeon’s structure changing. This was a common problem when multiple dungeons merged.

“There’s also the method of purifying the fused dungeons at the periphery, but that would only be a palliative measure. To conquer the Great Dradott Mountain Range, we need to strike at the core, which is said to be at the very center of the dungeon,” I stated, outlining their ultimate objective.

“…Hearing you say it again, it sounds like we’re casually talking about something that could easily get us killed,” Emmy muttered, her voice subdued.

“Indeed. However, we must accomplish this, and I don’t believe it’s impossible. I have you all with me now, after all,” I replied, my voice filled with confidence.

“Hmph. You can rely on us as if we’re a sturdy ship,” Emmy declared, puffing out her chest.

“Emmy, are you sure you won’t regret saying something so boastful?” Ange teased, a smirk playing on her lips.

“Tortte, this is what’s called bravado. If you call her out on it, she’ll get angry later,” Ange whispered to Tortte, warning her not to take Emmy’s words at face value.

“Do you want me to get angry right now!?” Emmy exclaimed, her voice rising in mock indignation.

The three of them were putting on a lighthearted display, easing the tension with playful banter. I couldn’t help but smile, but I quickly composed myself and continued with the briefing.

“Alright, alright, you three. I’ll say it again, please don’t push yourselves too hard. I will guide us through the dungeon, but even my guidance may not be completely accurate. Therefore, the decision of whether to abandon the conquest or not will be entrusted to you,” I stated, giving them autonomy in making critical decisions.

“Eh!?” Tortte exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise.

“We get to decide?” Ange echoed, her voice filled with disbelief.

“I will focus on conserving energy and ensuring your survival. If you become reckless and find yourselves in a situation beyond your capabilities, I will order a retreat. However, in that case, please understand that I will not deem you qualified for dungeon conquest,” I explained, setting clear boundaries and expectations.

“…Is it okay to decide to retreat?” Tortte asked, her voice laced with concern.

“Yes, as long as you are alive, opportunities will come again and again. We must survive and fulfill our mission. Therefore, I absolutely will not tolerate any reckless actions that would throw away your lives,” I stated sternly, emphasizing the priority of survival.

Only at this point did I convey the gravity of the situation, my tone becoming stricter. Seeing the three of them stiffen their expressions in response, I relaxed slightly and sighed.

“Even if we don’t achieve our goal in this conquest, it’s fine. What’s important is to know the limits of your own abilities. The decision of whether to advance or retreat will continue to be crucial going forward. Someday, there may come a day when you have to conquer dungeons on your own, without me. Please challenge this dungeon with that in mind,” I concluded, framing this expedition as a learning experience.

“…So, Master is going to be our guide this time, right? Meaning we’re not equals yet,” Emmy remarked, her tone slightly provocative.

“I wouldn’t go that far… but I can’t say I’m confident enough to let you out of my sight just yet,” I replied, my voice honest and measured.

“Understood. In that case, we need to produce results that will put Master’s mind at ease,” Ange declared, her expression shifting to one of determination.

For some reason, the three of them exchanged glances and nodded at each other, their faces filled with an unusual fervor.

“Emmy, Tortte. Let’s decide on our formation first. Individually, we may not measure up to Master, but by combining our strengths, we can maximize our capabilities,” Ange proposed, taking the initiative in strategy.

“I’ll take the front! I’m sensitive to presences, and I think scouting is suited for me,” Emmy volunteered, stepping forward eagerly.

“Then, I’ll stay behind Emmy. By deploying barriers for defense and footing, I can assist in traversing the dungeon. Therefore, I would like to ask Tortte to take command of the overall operation,” Ange suggested, outlining their roles and responsibilities.

“M-me!? Are you sure I’m good enough? Command, you say…” Tortte stammered, her voice filled with self-doubt.

“To make the most of Tortte’s 《Blessing》, it’s best for you to be in the rear, and you have a good eye for observing us. Being at the front, our field of vision may be limited, so we’d like Tortte to watch over us from a step back. At worst, even if we get injured, Tortte can heal us as long as you are safe and sound,” Ange reasoned, explaining the rationale behind her proposal.

“…Okay. If you say so, I’ll take command,” Tortte agreed, her voice still hesitant but now filled with resolve.

“I trust you, Tortte,” Emmy added, offering her support.

“Yes. But, Ange, make sure to stop Emmy if she gets too heated, okay?” Tortte requested, turning to Ange with a concerned look.

“Very well, I shall take on that responsibility,” Ange replied, nodding solemnly.

“Huh!? Ange! You get heated too, you know!” Emmy protested, her voice incredulous.

“Master, please act as my bodyguard. Please be the safety net in case I judge that something is beyond the two of them, or if our judgment is too slow,” Tortte requested, turning to me with a serious expression.

“Yes. Well said, Tortte. That’s the right approach,” I replied, nodding in approval at Tortte’s strategic thinking.

“I will say it again, as I have many times before, as long as you are alive, opportunities will come again and again. Let’s all survive and achieve our goal. ──Now then, let the conquest begin,” I declared, signaling the start of their challenging expedition.

＊　＊　＊

Dungeons are places where the real world is distorted by the Distortion of the World, transforming into alternate dimensions.

To some extent, the scenery resembles the original location, but the scale varies depending on the dungeon. That’s why the scenery can seem unchanging no matter how far you advance, mentally exhausting those who venture within. This is one of their more insidious traits.

In the case of the Great Dradott Mountain Range, it was an endless expanse of mountains and forests. No matter how much they climbed, the summit remained elusive, and if they lost focus, they could easily lose track of their location.

Leading the way through this disorienting dungeon was Emmy, her steps sure and unwavering. Being a demon, she was acutely sensitive to the presence of the Distortion of the World. Her scouting ability, leveraging this trait, was frankly superior to mine.

“Forward, three medium-sized monsters! Detour possible! Detour route is to the right!” Emmy reported, her voice clear and concise.

“Will detouring affect our progress deeper into the dungeon?” Tortte asked, quickly assessing the strategic implications.

“Won’t significantly affect it!” Emmy replied, her answer decisive.

“Then, detour!” Tortte commanded, making a quick decision.

“Roger!” Emmy acknowledged, adjusting their course accordingly.

Their voices were loud enough to potentially carry, but Ange was providing cover. Enveloping them in a barrier, she was blocking any sound from leaking out.

I had taught her the basics of 《Barrier》, but refining it to this level was entirely her own achievement. It was a feat possible only through her exquisite control of magical power.

“Current path is shortest! But, there’s a large-sized monster directly in our path!” Emmy reported again, her voice conveying a hint of urgency.

“Can we handle it?” Tortte asked, quickly evaluating their combat options.

“Possible!” Emmy replied, her tone confident.

“If possible, defeat it, but priority is to break through! We’re charging through!” Tortte commanded, prioritizing speed over unnecessary combat.

“Leave it to me!” Emmy declared, accepting the challenge.

“《Blessing》, going your way! Ange, cover our rear!” Tortte added, coordinating their combined assault.

“Emmy, it’s okay if you miss some!” Ange called out, offering a pragmatic perspective on their combat efficiency.

“Hah! Just watch from behind and be amazed!” Emmy retorted, a cocky grin spreading across her face.

The light of 《Blessing》, cast by Tortte, flew towards Emmy, vanishing into her form as it empowered her.

As Emmy sprinted forward, a massive shadow slowly lumbering into view. It was an Earth Dragon, a wingless dragon species known for its immense size and strength.

A high-ranking dragon, Earth Dragons lacked speed but possessed robust bodies and sturdy scales. Ordinary attacks were said to be ineffective against them, and many tales recounted adventurers being defeated in counterattacks.

The Earth Dragon turned its sluggish gaze towards them, showing no signs of alarm. Perhaps this nonchalance irritated Emmy’s nerves, as she kicked off the ground with explosive force, charging straight at it.

“Don’t get cocky, you overgrown slowpoke!” Emmy roared, her voice echoing through the forest.

The gauntlets on Emmy’s hands emitted a faint glow. Maintaining her momentum, she delivered a devastating blow, twisting her entire body into a punch aimed squarely at the Earth Dragon’s face.

Comparing their sizes, the Earth Dragon was easily more than four times Emmy’s size. Yet, such a powerful blow was delivered to its massive frame. The Earth Dragon, reeling from the unexpected impact, staggered back, as if unable to comprehend what had just happened, before tilting and collapsing.

A ground-shaking rumble spread through the area, and the earth trembled. Finally registering the pain, the Earth Dragon unleashed a terrifying roar. It had likely never imagined that such a tiny creature could send it flying with a single punch.

Taking this as an insult, or perhaps identifying Emmy as a threat, the Earth Dragon swiftly righted itself, its earlier sluggishness vanishing completely. However, it was too late.

“Ange, footing!” Emmy shouted, calling for Ange’s assistance.

Responding instantly, Ange swiftly deployed barriers, creating a foothold beneath Emmy as she fell back towards them. Securing her footing mid-air, Emmy assumed a stance, preparing for a follow-up attack.

Bending her knees, gathering power, Emmy leaped towards the Earth Dragon, which had just risen to its feet.

Sensing Emmy’s approach, the Earth Dragon stomped the ground with force. The earth cracked, and countless cone-shaped earthen spikes erupted from the ground.

Charging straight ahead would mean certain impalement, but Emmy’s momentum remained unchecked.

“As if I’d be stopped by something like this!” Emmy roared, her voice defiant.

The light emanating from Emmy’s gauntlets intensified, shining even brighter. The fist, swung with a trail of light, collided with the earthen spikes, and instantly, the spikes crumbled into dust.

Emmy’s 《Purify》. The purifying light nullified the magical earth manipulation, reverting it to its original state.

“──Just stay down, and sleep!” Emmy declared, her voice filled with triumph.

Evading the obstacles, Emmy delivered a momentum-fueled heel drop directly onto the Earth Dragon’s brow.

A sound of something shattering echoed through the forest. The Earth Dragon lowered its head as if collapsing in defeat, its massive body slowly crumbling to the ground. As if uninterested in its demise, Emmy simply stared straight ahead, her gaze unwavering.

“Path secured! Let’s move on!” Emmy announced, resuming their advance, and we followed her, dashing through the forest.

The aftershocks of the Earth Dragon’s fall seemed to have agitated the surrounding dragons, causing a commotion. Emmy clicked her tongue in annoyance.

“Tch, this is bad. The commotion is bigger than I expected. At this rate, our path will be blocked,” Emmy grumbled, her voice laced with concern.

“Emmy, I’ll take the lead. This situation is unfavorable for you, who excel at point breakthroughs,” Ange interjected, offering a change in strategy.

“Ange, got it! Let’s get through here quickly! Tortte, take over scouting!” Emmy responded, swiftly adapting to the changing situation.

“Roger! But 《Blessing》 will be less effective!” Tortte acknowledged, warning about the trade-off.

“Tortte, just give us directional guidance, that’s enough. We’ll break through in a straight line,” Ange stated, outlining their new approach.

“Alright, let’s go!” Tortte declared, signaling the shift in tactics.

Ange, who had been focused on supporting Emmy, stepped forward, reforming their formation. Ahead, they could see countless dragons jostling and clashing with each other.

The types varied, and none were stronger than the Earth Dragon they had just defeated, but they were still formidable opponents that couldn’t be taken lightly. Amidst the chaotic melee, some dragons noticed their presence. The first to charge out was a dragon resembling a turtle, with countless thorns protruding from its shell.

“A Turtle-Edged Dragon. Emmy, I’ll handle this one,” Ange announced, stepping up to face the new threat.

“Leave the ones that are hard to punch to me! Show them your brute strength!” Emmy replied, her tone challenging.

“Brute strength is your specialty, isn’t it? How many times do I have to tell you, mine is refined technique,” Ange retorted, her voice laced with mock exasperation.

The Turtle-Edged Dragon, true to its name, resembled a turtle in appearance. However, contrary to its appearance, it was agile, its primary attack method being to impale opponents with thorns protruding from its shell and crush them to death.

Ange took a step forward. The Turtle-Edged Dragon, locking onto her as its target, charged forward with force. Just as they were about to collide, Ange’s figure blurred.

Simultaneously, the Turtle-Edged Dragon was sent flying into the air. Its front legs were cleanly severed, and it seemed unable to comprehend what had just happened.

Ange followed up with a swift attack. The dragon frantically tried to retract its head into its shell, but it was too late. With a sickening thud, its head fell, followed by its body crashing to the ground.

“You’ve improved considerably,” I murmured, acknowledging Ange’s growth.

A faint smile played on Ange’s lips as she whispered those words. She was likely feeling her own growth.

They had truly become strong. Emmy, who had just sent a massive Earth Dragon flying with a single punch, and Ange, who was steadily improving her skills by incorporating the techniques I had taught her – I couldn’t help but feel proud of them both.

The two of them continued to advance, punching and slashing their way through the swarming monsters, carving a path forward. Gazing at their backs with narrowed eyes, I was suddenly snapped back to attention by Tortte’s scolding voice.

“Master! Don’t just stand there daydreaming, let’s keep moving!” Tortte called out, her voice sharp.

“I wasn’t daydreaming, Tortte,” I retorted, a hint of amusement in my tone.

Tortte kept an eye on me while never averting her gaze from Emmy and Ange.

She was constantly aware of the surroundings, diligently scouting and gathering information. The two in front, prone to getting caught up in the heat of battle, often neglected situational awareness.

It was Tortte who calmly covered for them. She subtly continued scouting while deploying 《Barrier》 to provide support and hinder any enemies that posed a threat to the two in front.

“Emmy! Ange! Don’t get too caught up in fighting monsters! Keep engagements to a minimum, or we’ll exhaust ourselves!” Tortte instructed, prioritizing resource management.

“I know that! Tortte, can’t you speed up our pace!?” Emmy retorted, her voice strained with exertion.

“We need to break through before we get surrounded! Please try to push yourselves a little more!” Ange added, echoing Emmy’s sentiment.

“Ugh, geez! Pay a little more attention to your surroundings! Hey, stop! I said be careful, don’t speed up!” Tortte exclaimed, her voice a mix of exasperation and concern.

The three of them bickered and bantered, yet they continued to advance, sometimes even using monsters as stepping stones. This was already a death zone, yet they were acting so casually. It was impossible not to laugh.

This trio’s teamwork was truly remarkable. So far, they were exceeding my expectations. The monsters they were casually defeating were strong enough to overwhelm even well-trained knights.

That’s why I could truly appreciate how strong they had become. Feeling a surge of joy at this realization, a smile naturally spread across my face. It seemed my assistance wouldn’t be needed for a while yet.

The more I felt the reassurance that I had companions I could rely on, the more memories of the past resurfaced. Once, I too, had comrades who fought alongside me, side by side.

A treasure I could no longer retrieve, a treasure I had lost before realizing it was the most important thing of all – bonds.

“…I don’t want any of these children to be lost,” I murmured, my voice barely audible.

Therefore, I prayed that they would grow stronger.

Strong enough to never lose anything again. Strong enough to never falter or hesitate in crucial moments.

Strong enough to protect everything they wished to protect, to never let anything slip through their fingers.

Watching over their backs, I earnestly prayed for their safety and success.

＊　＊　＊

“Sorry to keep you waiting, everyone. Dinner is ready,” I announced, signaling the end of their first day of dungeon exploration.

“Finally! I’m starving!” Emmy exclaimed, her stomach audibly rumbling.

“Thank you, Master,” Ange added, her voice polite despite her weariness.

The sky was dyed in the hues of dusk, the sun gradually sinking below the horizon. Before nightfall made movement more difficult, we had set up camp, and I had prepared dinner.

I had left the combat, exploration, and camp preparations to the three of them, taking charge of the meal instead.

That said, the meal was simple fare – dried meat, hardtack, and a basic soup, far from our usual fare. Yet, for them, who had been running around all day, it was a feast. They devoured the soup as if competing with each other, then patted their stomachs with satisfaction.

“Haaah… dungeons really are no walk in the park, are they?” Emmy muttered, reflecting on their day’s experiences.

“It’s only the first day, Emmy,” Ange pointed out, her tone calm but firm.

“I know that! I was just voicing my感想!” Emmy retorted, slightly defensive.

“That’s precisely why, Emmy. This is still the shallower levels of the Great Dradott Mountain Range. If you’re already complaining now, reaching the deepest levels will be nothing but a pipe dream,” Ange replied, her tone unwavering.

“I said I know that! You understand it’s not easy, right? Experiencing it firsthand, I just realized that no one but us could probably pull this off,” Emmy explained, trying to justify her earlier comment.

“…That’s true. Being able to rest here without worrying about monsters is indeed thanks to us being able to deploy barriers,” Ange admitted, acknowledging the unique advantages their group possessed.

“Maybe if Saints as reckless as us started popping up everywhere, things might change though,” Emmy added, her voice laced with a hint of self-deprecating humor.

“If people like that started appearing all over the place, I’d be scared instead…” Tortte murmured quietly, her voice barely audible.

Hearing Tortte’s words, Emmy and Ange nodded in agreement, as if to say, “That’s true.”

I found myself absentmindedly observing the three of them. Perhaps dwelling on the past during the journey had been a mistake. I couldn’t deny that my focus had slipped somewhat.

Lost in thought, I noticed Tortte turning her gaze towards me.

“…Master has been fighting battles like this alone all this time, hasn’t she,” Tortte murmured, her voice filled with a newfound understanding.

“What brought this on, Tortte?” I asked, tilting my head slightly in curiosity.

“Because you casually go to dungeons and come back, I didn’t realize how tough it actually is,” Tortte explained, her tone filled with awe and respect.

“The premise is different. Our goal this time is the deepest level of the Great Dradott Mountain Range, but the dungeons I had been challenging were peripheral dungeons in shallower levels, so it wasn’t this difficult,” I clarified, explaining the difference in scale and difficulty.

“That’s just combat, right? Including movement and rest, any dungeon must be tough,” Emmy interjected, her voice firm.

Even Ange, who had been bickering with Emmy, nodded repeatedly in agreement.

“Conquering dungeons is not something that can be achieved simply with stamina and brute force, I’ve realized anew. And also, Master’s outrageousness,” Ange added, her voice laced with a hint of amusement.

“Well, yes, I’ve nearly died countless times myself,” I admitted, downplaying the dangers I had faced in the past.

“Master nearly died…!?” Tortte exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock.

“Ah, that was before I met Tortte, you know? Meeting Tortte was after I was banished to this remote region by the church. By then, I had already acquired enough skill to conquer dungeons with relative stability,” I clarified, explaining the timeline of my past experiences.

“How did Master conquer dungeons before you developed your current methods?” Ange asked, her expression serious and inquisitive. I lowered my gaze to my hands, delving into my past memories.

“I used to hire adventurers,” I replied, my voice tinged with a hint of regret. “But it wasn’t always successful. Some were villains who tried to deceive and betray me.”

“That means… they tried to kill Master inside the dungeon?” Tortte asked, her voice filled with alarm.

“No, they probably wanted to capture and exploit me. I wasn’t following the church’s directives, so even as a Saint, I couldn’t be said to be under the church’s protection. It was right around the time when Saints were being withdrawn from the regions, so it’s understandable that some might have been tempted,” I explained, offering a nuanced perspective on their motivations.

If they could capture me and make me do their bidding, they could escape the monster menace and secure prosperity.

With Saints being withdrawn from the regions, it was unreasonable to expect people not to target me. Everyone wanted to protect themselves. Some would inevitably stray from the right path out of fear for their future.

“After that kept happening, I stopped hiring adventurers and started delving into dungeons alone. I nearly died many times. It wasn’t just monsters that were the enemy in dungeons, after all. Back then, I hadn’t met Moril-san yet either, so I didn’t have convenient Artifacts,” I continued, recounting the dangers of my past.

“You were truly all alone…” Emmy murmured, her voice barely audible. I nodded in response.

“The church probably would have preferred it if I had died, but well, I didn’t die, and as a result, I am here now, so I don’t think it was all bad,” I stated, trying to maintain a positive outlook despite the hardships I had endured.

“Master is too positive…” Tortte muttered, shaking her head in slight disbelief.

“I have a reason to move forward. Having been born as a Saint, I want to embody my ideal. That is my greatest reason for living,” I declared, my voice filled with conviction.

Because I had been told by that person, who was more wonderful than anyone else, to become the most splendid Saint.

Therefore, I would never die until I fulfilled my wish. I would live, survive, advance as far as I could go, and challenge everything with all my being.

My purpose in life had been decided long ago. Therefore, there was no need to hesitate. I would walk this path to become the ideal Saint. That was my everything.

“…I’ll definitely catch up to you,” Emmy muttered, her voice low but firm.

“Huh? Did you say something, Emmy?” I asked, tilting my head slightly, unsure if I had heard her correctly.

“I said I’ll catch up to you! Otherwise, Master will just keep pushing ahead alone!” Emmy declared, her voice louder this time, her eyes fixed on me.

“That is true… That is quite concerning, so indeed, I cannot leave you behind,” I replied, acknowledging her point and reinforcing my commitment to their training.

“If we leave Master alone, the damage is likely to increase!” Ange added, echoing Emmy’s concern in her own way.

“Indeed,” Tortte agreed, nodding in unison with Ange.

“That’s also true,” Emmy chimed in, completing the circle of agreement.

“You three, wouldn’t you consider reconsidering how you treat me?” I asked, a hint of amusement in my voice.

“Nope,” Emmy replied instantly, her tone dismissive.

“Not at all,” Ange added, her voice equally firm.

“Nope-siree,” Tortte chimed in, her voice lighthearted but resolute.

Oh dear, it seemed I would need to set aside some time later to discuss this.

But that would have to wait until we returned alive. For now, I would focus on conquering the dungeon. And so, time passed in this place that was hard to believe was inside a dungeon, in a way that was surprisingly peaceful.

＊　＊　＊

Within the dungeon, avoid combat as much as possible.

The three of them seemed to have deepened their understanding of why this principle was paramount on the first day itself. Before long, they had refined their method of traversing the dungeon even beyond my initial instructions.

They used monsters as stepping stones when they encountered them, and created footholds with barriers to overcome difficult terrain. They advanced relentlessly, never stopping.

When combat was unavoidable, they assessed the compatibility of the enemy and decided whether Emmy or Ange would take the lead, minimizing their overall consumption of resources.

Basically, Emmy, who was in charge of scouting, would aim for a decisive first strike or incapacitate the enemy swiftly.

When facing opponents resistant to physical attacks, Emmy would use 《Purify》 to purify magical energy, making it easier for Ange’s barriers to be effective in defense and offense.

Supporting these two was Tortte’s 《Blessing》. Furthermore, Tortte positioned herself slightly behind, constantly assessing the situation and making strategic judgments. This was their basic strategy, which became increasingly optimized and refined as they progressed through the dungeon. Watching their growth was truly gratifying.

However, this was the forbidden dungeon of the Great Dradott Mountain Range, deemed unconquerable. Even with their rapid growth, progress wouldn’t be achieved overnight.

The initial brightness in their expressions began to fade, and their conversations dwindled.

“…How far do you think we’ve come?” Emmy murmured, her voice weary.

“…I don’t know. How many days have passed?” Ange replied, her voice equally subdued.

“…Three, four days? I don’t think it’s been five days yet,” Tortte offered, trying to keep track of time.

“I see… so this is what it means to delve into a forbidden dungeon. I’m really feeling the weight of the words ‘uncharted territory,’” Emmy muttered, her tone filled with a mix of awe and fatigue.

The three of them, sitting within a barrier I had erected for a rest, were conversing quietly, reflecting on their journey so far.

This was precisely what made conquering overgrown dungeons so difficult. If they could be purified regularly, the complex internal structure could be avoided, but the Great Dradott Mountain Range had accumulated too much of the ‘Distortion of the World.’

Even I couldn’t fully grasp its internal structure. In other words, we had no idea when we would reach the goal. Even though I had explained this beforehand, experiencing it firsthand was a different story altogether.

The place where you arrive is unclear, and that is cruel enough to exhaust your spirit.

"…Was my brother’s decision really correct?"

Suddenly, Ange murmured weakly, a sigh escaping her lips. Doubt born from realizing the sheer difficulty of the dungeon.

The Holy Kingdom was gathering Saints and knights, who were originally supposed to protect the frontier, to defend the nation's core. This was being led by Ange's brother, the Crown Prince and regent. Seeing what neglecting dungeons could lead to, it was inevitable she would ponder this.

"Ange, if you want to know if it was wrong, then survive. There is no way to know the answer other than to see where it leads," I stated firmly, offering guidance.

"…You're right. Please pretend you didn't hear that last murmur," Ange replied, regaining her composure.

"Understood. So, what do we do from here?" I asked, prompting them to make a decision.

Advance or retreat? Could they return alive? Were they overestimating their abilities? They had to decide.

If they were to continue challenging dungeons in the future, their decision here was crucial. If they couldn't survive, there would be no next time.

However, being overly cautious wouldn't yield results either. Watching them to see how they would decide, it was Tortte who spoke first.

"Emmy, how much further do you think it is to the deepest level?" Tortte asked, seeking Emmy’s expert opinion on their progress.

"Based on my senses, about halfway, maybe? If we're going to turn back, now's the time, I think. If we want to play it safe, that is," Emmy replied, offering her assessment and a cautious option.

"Ange, do you think we should turn back?" Tortte then inquired, seeking Ange’s perspective as well.

"I think we should reconsider after reaffirming the objective we aim to achieve. Our ultimate goal is to reach the Dungeon Core and subjugate the Guardian of the Dungeon," Ange stated, bringing the focus back to their primary mission.

After listening to them both, Tortte closed her eyes and began to ponder deeply.

"…Both of you, how much strength do you have left?" Tortte asked, assessing their remaining resources.

"I can still go. We can still advance and have enough strength left to retreat," Emmy replied confidently, downplaying her fatigue.

"Me too," Ange echoed, echoing Emmy’s resolve.

"Ange, you looked completely exhausted just a moment ago," Tortte pointed out, not entirely convinced by Ange’s bravado.

"I'll return those words right back to you? You're not just putting on a brave face, are you?" Ange retorted, mirroring Tortte’s skepticism.

Emmy and Ange exchanged lighthearted banter, trying to project an image of ease. During this exchange, Tortte remained deep in thought, her eyes still closed.

Then, Tortte slowly opened her eyes.

"My decision is, I think this is the time to turn back," Tortte announced, her voice calm but firm.

"…You're taking the safe route?" Emmy asked, her brow furrowed slightly, seeking clarification.

"If we die, that's the end of it, right? As a backup plan, we can cull monsters while returning, while we still have strength left. I think turning back here is the best option," Tortte explained, outlining her reasoning.

Emmy frowned slightly at Tortte's answer but remained silent. Deciding that this timing was best to shift to a backup plan, abandoning the ultimate goal, was a sound judgment, I thought.

"There's no doubt the enemies will become stronger from here on out. Just confirming that much means this conquest has already yielded results, I think," Tortte added, trying to find a positive spin on their decision to retreat.

"I agree. The monsters we've faced so far haven't been a problem, but I sense a far stronger presence ahead," Ange concurred, supporting Tortte's assessment of the increasing danger.

"It feels like chickening out, which is irritating, but… considering our prioritized objective, I think it's the right call," Emmy admitted grudgingly, acknowledging the logic of retreat while still expressing her competitive spirit.

"Yes. But, before that, there's something I want to confirm with Master," Tortte said, turning her gaze to me.

"What is it, Tortte?" I asked, curious about her question.

"We've reached this point with almost no help from Master. Of course, I understand that Master was prepared to protect us even if we made mistakes. Even so, I believe Master has been mostly conserving your strength, haven't you?" Tortte inquired, her voice insightful.

"That's right. Thanks to your excellent performance, I've been able to take it quite easy," I admitted, acknowledging their impressive progress.

"Then, if we continue to advance while Master conserves your strength, we should be able to conquer the Great Dradott Mountain Range, right?" Tortte asked, her eyes shining with a hopeful glint.

At that question, I couldn't help but let my lips curve into a smile, no matter how much I tried to hide it.

Even when acting as a teacher, I tried to keep my emotions from showing as much as possible, yet now, my true feelings were betrayed by a smile.

"Our goal is to conquer the Great Dradott Mountain Range, and we don't necessarily have to achieve that solely with our own strength. What's important is how we achieve our goal," Tortte stated, reframing their approach.

"Well, we're still just fledglings, after all. Not as ridiculously strong as Master," Emmy added, acknowledging their current limitations.

"Therefore, I think we should borrow Master’s power now. That is my answer," Tortte concluded, her voice filled with a renewed sense of purpose.

"──That was an excellent answer. Everyone, full marks," I declared, my voice filled with genuine praise.

There was something I simply couldn't do alone. And that was to provide a safety net for any unforeseen disaster.

If I were to fall, what would become of the village protected by my barrier? If no one was monitoring the Great Dradott Mountain Range, wouldn't dragons eventually overflow?

If I didn't have to consider the consequences, I could have challenged dungeon conquest much earlier. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to be irresponsible… because Tortte existed.

When I picked up this child, I considered having her succeed me. Whether that would actually happen or not, ever since I started raising Tortte, I became able to think about those around me.

And then, Emmy and Ange joined us. Initially, I had my concerns, but looking back, I was truly fortunate to have met them.

Because they were here, I could be a teacher. I felt the responsibility to fulfill that role.

And now, having grown strong, they were becoming my strength, as if trying to repay my kindness. That made me indescribably happy.

Right now, I was undoubtedly the happiest person in the world. It had to be true. To be blessed with such outstanding disciples, if this wasn't happiness, then nothing was.

"That is the best strategy I had in mind. It was important to see how far you could go on your own, but being able to make that judgment was also crucial," I explained, praising their strategic decision-making.

"Master gets to conserve your strength, and we get practical training, right?" Emmy summarized, her tone now more enthusiastic.

"Training… saying it like that makes it sound like we can relax a bit," Ange murmured, a hint of relief in her voice.

"But we can't let our guard down. Or Master will get angry, right?" Tortte interjected, reminding them of the continued seriousness of their situation.

"Of course. Any disciples who are careless like that will be re-educated," I stated, my tone firm but playful.

"See!" Tortte exclaimed, pointing at me as if to say "I told you so."

"Well, for now, making it so we can conquer dungeons on our own is a goal for the future," Ange said, shifting their focus to long-term growth.

"I'm looking forward to that day," I replied, my voice filled with anticipation.

If that day ever came, I would likely be overwhelmed with joy to the point of dizziness. If I could wish for anything, it would be for them to definitely strive for that day.

"Master. We will definitely take you to the deepest level in perfect condition, for sure," Tortte declared, her voice filled with conviction.

As Tortte said that, Emmy grinned mischievously, her expression challenging and confident.

As if influenced by their resolve, Ange’s expression sharpened, becoming keen and focused.

And Tortte closed her eyes in prayer, placing her clasped hands against her chest.

"Please reach it. To fulfill Master’s wish," Tortte murmured, her voice earnest.

It was their vow. A vow that was likely as weighty as the one I carried myself. That was why my heart felt lighter. It had been a long time since I had felt this kind of lightness.

I had always been pushing myself to my absolute limit, advancing with blood in my mouth.

My only thought was to fulfill my promise. No matter how painful, I had continued to grit my teeth, never considering giving up.

Even now, that promise still bound my heart, and the weight I carried had only increased.

Yet, the reason such strength was湧き出してくる—welling up—within me now was surely because of the disciples who were following behind me.

I wanted to be the ideal Saint. Even if that ideal was something that was rejected by the world around me.

That's what I had thought, but being acknowledged by others was giving me more strength than I had imagined.

…Ah, Jessica. I can still smile properly now, you see.

Life isn't just filled with suffering. Even though it still gets painful, and even though I vowed to come to greet you no matter what, I feel like I can stand straighter now.

I desperately want to tell you about this buoyant feeling in my heart.

"Yes, please witness my wish being fulfilled."

＊　＊　＊

The next day, we advanced through the Great Dradott Mountain Range at a pace that was not much different from the previous day.

Throughout the journey, I remained mostly in a supporting role, and the dungeon was conquered by the power of the three disciples.

The enemies were becoming stronger as they delved deeper, but that ironically backfired, as Emmy became even better at detecting them and devising routes to evade them.

When they encountered difficult terrain to traverse, Ange created paths with barriers, and Tortte appropriately processed the information provided by the two of them, making strategic decisions.

It was incredibly smooth progress. A balance of caution and boldness characterized their advance, but amidst this smooth progress, Emmy suddenly stopped in her tracks.

"Wait a minute, what's this…" Emmy murmured, her voice filled with a strange sense of unease.

"Emmy, what's wrong?" Tortte asked, concerned by Emmy’s sudden halt.

"Is something the matter?" Ange echoed, her voice equally curious.

"There's some kind of weird presence… could it be…?" Emmy muttered, her expression a mix of confusion and apprehension. Ange and Tortte frowned, concerned by her reaction.

Continuing forward, what came into view was a massive, clearly supernatural structure.

Buildings constructed by stacking hewn stones exuded an imposing presence, radiating a solemn, almost sacred aura. Up until now, they had been surrounded by nature, but here, something felt distinctly out of place.

"Excellent, we have successfully reached this point," I declared, my voice filled with quiet satisfaction.

"Master? What exactly is that…?" Tortte asked, her eyes wide with wonder and a hint of trepidation.

"I've seen something similar in the Demon Kingdom. An ancient temple, or maybe a shrine… Why is there one here?" Emmy muttered, her voice filled with disbelief.

"Emmy, it's probably because this is a dungeon that has existed since ancient times," Ange explained, offering a logical explanation.

"Master! What does that mean?" Tortte pressed, seeking further clarification.

"Moril-san told me that these ruins were likely built by the gods to collect the 'Distortion of the World'," I revealed, sharing the knowledge Moril had imparted.

"Collect the 'Distortion of the World'…?" Tortte repeated, her voice filled with confusion.

"Yes. Well, that's assuming it's functioning properly. Moril-san also mentioned that similar ruins exist in the Demon Kingdom, but those ones are broken, she said," I added, elaborating on Moril’s insights.

"The ones in the Demon Kingdom are the Vivres’ stronghold. Comparing it to this, I think it's true that theirs is broken. The atmosphere is similar, but it still feels different," Emmy noted, drawing a comparison based on her own knowledge.

"But, if the 'Distortion of the World' gathers, dungeons are created, right? So why are there ruins here?" Tortte asked, still struggling to grasp the concept.

"Tortte, dungeons, as they are now, can appear anywhere if certain conditions are met. But these ruins were likely built to prevent that. In other words, by causing dungeons to appear in designated locations, they were supposed to prevent the 'Distortion of the World' from spreading out uncontrollably. The 'Shrine of the Gods,' which I explored before, also had similar ruins at its entrance," I explained, connecting this new discovery to past experiences.

"I see… But, who on earth could have built something like this…?" Ange murmured, her voice filled with awe.

"Moril-san said it was likely left behind by the Goddess for humanity’s sake," I replied, relaying Moril’s theory.

Creating such ruins was something impossible for people of the current era, Moril-san had said. Therefore, if the Goddess had built these ruins to fix the locations of dungeons, it made sense.

"…So, that means that’s the entrance to the deepest level of the Great Dradott Mountain Range?" Emmy concluded, her voice hushed with anticipation.

"Yes, that's right," I confirmed, nodding in agreement. "…Now then, let's talk about what comes next."

"What comes next?" Ange echoed, her brow furrowed slightly.

"You have successfully brought me to the entrance of the deepest level in perfect condition. We are just one step away from the Core. The problem is, that one step will be endlessly far… From here on out, I will take over," I declared, my voice filled with renewed determination.

As I announced this with renewed vigor, the three of them seemed to gulp audibly, their gazes fixed intently on me.

"Whoa… that's kind of scary…" Tortte murmured, her voice trembling slightly.

"…Is this Master's true power?" Ange whispered, her tone filled with awe and a hint of apprehension.

"Just getting fired up is already incredible…" Emmy muttered, her voice equally impressed and slightly intimidated.

"May I explain, you three? Though, what we do won't change. However, I will be taking the lead from now on. Therefore, there is a possibility I may leave you behind," I stated, outlining the shift in strategy and its potential consequences.

"…Well, that's irritating, but it might be true," Emmy admitted grudgingly, acknowledging my superior speed.

"If you are left behind, please return to the entrance or stay in a relatively safe area, deploy a barrier, and wait for me. There is no need to fight. Just endure, I will definitely return," I instructed, emphasizing their safety and the importance of waiting for my return.

"…Is it really necessary to emphasize that so much?" Ange asked, her voice slightly skeptical.

"I am going to be running at full speed, you know?" I replied, pointedly emphasizing the "I" part of my statement.

Hearing my deliberate emphasis, Emmy, who had been looking slightly doubtful, suddenly stiffened her expression.

"So, you're that confident in your speed… Interesting. I'll definitely witness Master’s true power with my own eyes!" Emmy declared, her voice now filled with excitement and competitive spirit.

"That's the spirit. Now then, are you all ready?" I asked, confirming their readiness.

"Yes, I'm ready!" Emmy replied, her voice filled with eagerness.

"No problem," Ange added, her tone calm and composed.

"I'm ready to go anytime!" Tortte declared, her voice filled with determination.

Hearing their replies, I nodded once, then stretched my body as if loosening up, testing my readiness.

Then, I took several deep breaths, focusing my concentration. First, I enhanced my physical abilities with magic power, then layered 《Blessing》 on top of that, further amplifying my physical prowess.

It had been a long time since I had exerted myself to this extent, and I felt a slight tremor of excitement. In situations where I had to consider the aftermath, I inevitably placed limitations on myself.

But now, such limitations were unnecessary. I just needed to push straight ahead.

"Now then, let's begin the conquest," I murmured, as much to myself as to them, before kicking off the ground and leaping into the ruins.

Amidst the scenery blurring past me as I accelerated, I simply moved forward, relying on my senses to guide me towards the presence of the deepest level.

The wind howled like a beast’s roar. I deployed a barrier to deflect the headwind as I ran. I dashed straight towards my destination, descending into the abyss.

"That idiot! Is she really an idiot!? Just keeping her in sight is all I can manage!" Emmy’s frustrated yell echoed behind me.

"Tortte, run faster! We're going to be seriously left behind!" Ange’s urgent voice followed.

"Master, you moron! You two, enhance 《Blessing》 even more! Or rather, I don’t have余裕 to do anything else—!" Tortte’s scream, sounding almost like a shriek, trailed behind.

Screams of desperation echoed from behind, but as long as they were still following, there was no problem.

Leaving everything behind in my wake, I continued to dash forward. Some monsters, quickly sensing our presence, tried to block the path, but I evaded them as if slipping through the cracks.

Oh, there was a large dragon. It would be difficult for the three of them to avoid this one; I should defeat it. I launched a kick at the dragon that was blocking my path, sending it flying away effortlessly.

"Wait, that was stronger than the Earth Dragon I kicked away, wasn't it…?" Emmy’s voice, filled with disbelief, reached my ears.

"This is… a monster!" Ange’s awed whisper followed.

"I, from now on, will never make Master angry…!" Tortte’s trembling voice concluded.

I thought I heard some rather harsh impressions, but I would just have to pretend I hadn't heard them.

"There are quite a few enemies ahead. I’ll be wall-running, so hold on for dear life!" I called back to them, increasing my pace even further.

"Master-! A path! Run on a proper path—!" Emmy’s desperate plea echoed.

"Where I run is the path," I retorted, my voice firm.

"Aaaaaah! I thought I was used to it, but I'm still not used to it at all! This absurdity!" Emmy’s protest followed, but I couldn't afford to stop.

How far had I pushed forward like this? I was too engrossed to keep track. My memory was hazy.

"We're here. This is the staircase leading to the Core," I announced, finally halting my headlong dash.

"…Haa, haa… This is… it?" Tortte gasped, her breath ragged, the three of them looking utterly exhausted.

Before us lay a massive staircase. The presence emanating from it was very similar to the one I had been sensing from the dungeon itself. No doubt, the Core was ahead, and the Guardian awaited.

"First of all, are you all alright?" I asked, checking on their condition.

"I thought I was going to die countless times. And we were just running…" Emmy groaned, her voice strained.

"There were countless moments where one wrong step would have easily meant death…" Ange added, her voice equally weary.

"…I'm going to work on building up my stamina more when we get back," Tortte murmured, her voice filled with determination.

"You all seem to be fine. Once you catch your breath, I think we should proceed deeper," I stated, preparing to move forward.

"How is it that you’re not even out of breath…? Are you really human? No, you must be a monster, Master. You’ve definitely given up on being human," Emmy muttered, her voice laced with disbelief.

"I am, without a doubt, just a human. If you can still make jokes like that, you must be alright, let’s proceed," I replied, brushing off their awed comments and signaling our continued advance.

Confirming that the three of them were well enough to continue, I started descending the stairs.

Honestly, conquering a dungeon of this scale was a first for me as well, so this was uncharted territory even for me.

With each step I took down the stairs, the back of my neck prickled, and a chill ran down my spine.

The master of the presence deep within was likely aware of our arrival. I could feel its consciousness directed at us, as if it were exerting pressure.

Even just that subtle pressure was enough to make me notice that the three disciples’ breaths had become slightly shaky. Looking back, their complexions were pale, bordering on ashen.

The opponent ahead was someone they absolutely could not defeat on their own. They had likely realized that instinctively. If fear took over even slightly, they might flee, or simply collapse where they stood.

I deployed barriers around each of them, enveloping them in a protective aura. Noticing this, the three of them looked at me, and I offered a reassuring smile and nod.

"It's alright," I reassured them, my voice gentle but firm.

I wouldn't let you die. I had brought them here because there were things they needed to learn, and I would fulfill that responsibility to the very end.

The three of them said nothing, but nodded in response, their expressions regaining a bit of their strength. The sound of their footsteps echoing in the silence as we descended the stairs resonated around us.

And at the bottom of the stairs, there was a space that stretched out endlessly.

Deep within that space, something was suspended from the heavens, radiating a brilliant light. The beautiful light emanating from it was mesmerizing, but the presence I felt from it was ominous, malevolent. Depending on how you looked at it, it could even resemble a small sun.

"There it is. That is the Dungeon Core of the Great Dradott Mountain Range," I stated, identifying their ultimate objective.

From the Dungeon Core, light radiated outwards like veins, illuminating the entire space.

Then, that light dimmed. The cause was something lying prone in this space slowly rising to its feet. Whether the space was distorted or truly boundless, the shadow, boasting a size that was easily discernible, revealed its form as it was bathed in the light.

I had thought it was a shadow because its body was jet black.

Its eyes were like golden moons, emitting a faint, eerie glow.

Though it was a dragon, its skeletal structure resembled that of a human. Its size was so immense that I estimated it to be at least eight times my height.

Its eyes, shifting eerily, fixed on us. Its mouth opened in a grin, revealing fangs that exuded an aura of pure malice. A terrifying presence, so overwhelming that it felt as if we could be instantly killed just by being bitten.

When it spread its wings wide, it resembled a demon, a眷属—kenzoku—familiar of an evil god spoken of in mythology.

If I were to name it, it would be an Evil Dragon. It was that malevolent, that wicked, and yet, it also possessed a divine, almost awe-inspiring quality.

Undoubtedly, it was the strongest opponent I had ever encountered among dragons, no, among all monsters.

"…M-Master…!" Tortte called out to me, her voice trembling with fear. Emmy’s gaze was fixated on the Evil Dragon, unable to tear her eyes away, and Ange was also frozen, trembling in place, unable to move.

Tortte, using her staff for support, turned her gaze to me. In her eyes, undisguised anxiety swirled.

"I told you, didn't I, Tortte? It's alright," I reassured her, my voice calm and steady.

Extending my hand to the side, the ring on my arm emitted a light, and a single sword materialized in my grasp.

A plain, unadorned sword, with a simple hilt.

I had to thank Dwayne-san and Moril-san from the bottom of my heart. Without this sword, even for me, facing this opponent would have been a daunting task.

Indeed, it was likely the strongest being I had ever encountered. Just a single touch could steal a life.

But that was no reason to cower. The end of this prayer would not be my death.

And to prove that, this was the perfect opponent. Facing such a threat, I could stand here in perfect composure. Truly, I was nothing short of blessed.

"Emmy."

Emmy, who had been standing there as if her soul had been ripped from her body, snapped back to reality, her eyes meeting mine.

"Ange."

Ange, who looked like she might crumble at any moment, bit her lip, regaining her strength at my call.

"Tortte."

Tortte clasped both hands to her chest, gazing at me with eyes filled with hope and prayer.

"From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all," I said, my voice filled with heartfelt gratitude.

Thanks to you, I was able to reach this moment.

Without any worries, I could unleash my power with all my heart. Facing such a threat, there wasn't a single element of fear within me.

If miracles existed, then this was the miracle you had bestowed upon me, I wanted to say.

Therefore, this was my return gift. The possibility of the future that I could show to you, who believed in me.

"Please witness it without averting your gaze. This is, without a doubt, my full power, my true might," I declared, my voice ringing with conviction.

As I brandished the sword, the Evil Dragon’s eyes narrowed. A crushing pressure, as if my very body was being squeezed, was directed at me. Undeterred, I began to chant.

"──《Purify》"

The oppressive pressure weighing down on me lessened, and my breathing became easier.

The malevolent atmosphere surrounding me reversed itself, transforming into something pure and serene.

"──《Barrier》"

To prevent the purified air from escaping, I enveloped it in a barrier, concentrating it around the sword in my hand, as if to clothe it in purity.

As if reacting to the pure air, the sword emitted a faint light.

"──《Blessing》"

Using the sword as a catalyst, I offered my wholehearted blessing.

Stronger, purer, more radiant. This was a vow of exorcism to sever the Distortion of the World.

As my prayer intensified, the light emanating from the sword grew brighter and brighter.

Amidst that brilliance, an ominous sound echoed.

I clearly saw cracks spreading across the surface of the sword in my hand.

──‘This is fine.’ I sighed with satisfaction, applying the final touch.

A Saintly Sword, crafted to amplify Saintly power. The cracks spreading across it meant that it had exceeded the power the catalyst could withstand.

As the power, relentlessly amplifying, pushed the sword to its limits, the sword began to self-destruct, and finally, the sword reached its breaking point and shattered.

Even shattered, the Saintly Sword, having maximized Saintly power, continued to emit light, drifting around me like luminous scales.

Maintaining that state with purification, I contained it within a barrier, giving it form. And thus, in my hand, a sword fashioned from pure light materialized.

If I were to dare to name it──"Saint Spirit Sword Saber."

A Saint Sword, a catalyst that had amplified power to its limit, reformed into the shape of a sword once more using barriers. This was the pinnacle of my power, a state I could only reach by completely exhausting a precious Saint Sword.

Seeing the 《Saint Spirit Sword Saber》 that I had unleashed, the Evil Dragon, which had been glaring down at me, roared. It unleashed a horrific cry that threatened to shatter eardrums, and then swung down a clenched fist.

The fist slammed into the ground, unleashing an impact that seemed to shake the very world.

However, the Evil Dragon would soon realize. That I was no longer there.

"Surprisingly slow."

The 《Saint Spirit Sword Saber》 was the amplified essence of Saintly power itself. While wielding it, the effectiveness of Saint magic was amplified exponentially.

Therefore, I could evade the Evil Dragon’s attacks even after seeing them coming.

The only problem was the short duration I could maintain this state. About three minutes. If I couldn't defeat it before that time limit, my defeat would be inevitable.

"Well, I don't feel like I can lose, though."

I truly felt that from the bottom of my heart.

Right now, I felt like I wouldn't even lose against a god. I could face this battle with such a pure and serene feeling. I even had the余裕—room to spare—to call it enjoyable.

However, I tightened my grip on my soaring emotions. I couldn't afford to get carried away. I couldn't show my three disciples, who were watching over me, a careless side of myself.

The Evil Dragon, spotting me, opened its massive maw wide. Darkness gathered there as if condensing, intensifying power crackling like electrical discharge, unleashed to swallow me whole.

A breath attack, a mass of pure energy solely for destruction. But there was nothing to fear.

I raised my sword, and the barrier deployed in a cone shape cleaved the breath attack cleanly in two. Still moving towards the breath, I leaped forward, instantly closing the distance to the Evil Dragon.

The Evil Dragon, sensing my approach, launched a tackle using its massive body. I deflected the blow, gently cushioning the impact with a barrier, adhering to the Evil Dragon’s body as I did so. Descending along its shoulder, down to its arm, I swung the Saint Sword.

The Evil Dragon’s arm was severed from its root, flying far away. With a dull thud, the arm fell to the ground, and a scream of agony echoed through the space.

However, in the next instant, flesh bubbled and surged, reforming into the shape of the arm with a squelching sound. As expected of a Dungeon Guardian. Attacks of this level were instantly regenerated.

"At this rate, it'll be a war of attrition. In that case, next, I'll take out its legs."

Evading the regenerated arm as it tried to slam down, I slipped beneath it, aiming for its legs. Sliding along the ground, I slashed off one of the Evil Dragon’s legs. As it lost balance and began to topple, I leaped onto its body once more, scrambling upwards.

"Kneel."

Reaching the head of the Evil Dragon, which was writhing in agony, I slammed my fully enhanced fist into its brow.

The moment its brain shuddered as if experiencing a concussion, I leaped off towards the ground, then used that momentum to launch another jump kick, blasting it away.

Its body had begun to regenerate, but it wouldn't be getting up again anytime soon. Confirming that, I took a moment to regulate my breathing.

Monsters that had become Guardians by the Dungeon Core were living creatures, but at the same time, they were also existences closer to phenomena meant to protect the dungeon.

That’s why, if the Dungeon Core was still accumulating the Distortion of the World, they could revive simply by replenishing that distortion. In this case, there were two ways to defeat a Guardian.

The first was to purify the Dungeon Core first.

This was the traditional method, where knights would hold down the Guardian with an all-out assault while the Saint endured until they could purify the Core.

The other method was──to deliver a "powerful blow that outpaces the Core's regeneration."

The 《Saint Spirit Sword Saber》 could only be maintained for less than a minute now. Either way, if time ran out, defeating it would become difficult. In that case, I should just end it now.

"──Oh, Mother Goddess, have mercy on this distorted life."

Chanting the prayer, I dashed towards the Evil Dragon.

"──Embrace it in your loving arms, and bring salvation to this being."

The light that had been maintaining the sword's shape dissolved, concentrating into a single point that enveloped my hand.

"──I am your child, your servant, your proxy to carry out your will."

The jet-black Evil Dragon thrashed wildly, as if hating my approach, trying to keep me away.

"──If prayer can be answered, grant power for salvation here!"

Weaving through the storm of attacks, I scrambled up its body, climbing higher and higher.

Despite its violent thrashing to shake me off, I finally reached its head.

Clenching my fist, now enveloped in light, I focused all my resolve into a single strike, slamming my fist into the Evil Dragon's head.

In the next instant, light propagated from my fist, engulfing the Evil Dragon’s body. It tried to flail its limbs in resistance, but its body gradually began to shrink.

A roar echoed through the space. That roar was filled with rage. However, the light intensified, as if to drown out even that roar.

Eventually, the light completely enveloped the Evil Dragon, then contracted, becoming a small orb of light.

──〝《Primal Absolution》〟

The power of purification, amplified to its limit by blessing. With this, the Distortion of the World was erased, and the barrier was condensed, compressing it. By repeating this process, the target was returned to its primal state.

A special attack effective against those corrupted by the Distortion of the World, and against Guardians, who were particularly influenced by the Distortion of the World, it could even be considered a guaranteed kill.

My trump card, a technique that could only be unleashed with power amplified by the Saint Sword catalyst.

I extended both hands to the orb of light, now small enough to fit in my palm, and cradled it against my chest.

"──May you sleep peacefully."

With those words of prayer, the light slowly faded. That silent conclusion signaled the end of the battle.

"M-Master──!"

Looking back at the three disciples, they were initially frozen, speechless and dumbfounded. Tortte was the first to realize that the threat had passed, letting out a cheer and rushing towards me.

Followed by Emmy and Ange, they all rushed towards me, and as I embraced the three of them who leaped at me all at once, my lips naturally curved into a gentle smile.