Sairin Yuusha no Fukushuu Hanashi

Episode XIV: Beyond the Dead Swamp

"What did you think of the way Dionis fought?"

"A continuous attack that does not give the opponent a gap. It's troublesome, but if it's just that, there's a way to do it."

Conversation on the road to the labyrinth.

"But isn't that all?"

"Oh."

I know how to fight Dionis very well.

He was fixing basic combat styles to a high standard, including water attribute witchcraft, body surgery, and swordsmanship.

For this reason, the situation allows both the avant-garde and the rear guard to do so.

"Unlike that ridiculous personality, is it a solid way of fighting?"

"That's the thing. Nevertheless, instead of having any fatal weaknesses, he doesn't have the strengths to slip through"

Because there are no gaps in the way you fight, you exert tremendous power over opponents who beat you with strength.

If you return the back, it means you don't have the power to hit the reverse hand against the lattice.

Even when he was one of us, Dionis was only able to buy time for his opponents.

He is also defeated if his opponent had a trump card that stood out, even if he had won with his overall strength.

Strong downward, but vulnerable to a blow that exceeds his overall strength.

That's him.

"Thirty years ago, if we fight from the front, we can win."

Even one Elfi would have a winning chance if he could take a distance and shoot in the devil's eye with maximum firepower.

"But..."

"The problem is, it's not like it was thirty years ago."

From a series of water bullets in an earlier battle, I couldn't read the change in his strength.

Because that method of warfare, which just scatters destruction, is, as always, something that only goes underground.

But I only showed you once, that magic that stuck a sword through Elfi's leg from a handless state.

I didn't understand what I did just by looking at it.

"We fought together for a few years, but I've never seen Dionis use such magic."

"... if so, do you mean the artistry you've worn in the last thirty years"

"Does Elfi know what that is?"

"... if you just get your sword out of a space of nothing, I have a few thoughts. It's too much to be identified."

Elfi is right.

He was hiding his sword with cover-up magic, removed from storage magic.

I can come up with some means, but I don't know until one of them.

"I was just distracted by the water bullets and ate them earlier. Even if you can't identify it, you can deal with it with the Devil's Eye."

Pointing to his golden eyes, Elfi said so confidently.

I am somewhat anxious not to know what kind of attack it is, but if I were on guard from the start, I would be able to.

The way we fight is the same as usual.

I'm the avant-garde, Elfi's the rear.

The art of diving through that water bullet is ready.

The anxiety that remains is that we have to fight him on the field, but I can't think any further.

Soldiers here won't follow us, and we don't have time to wait for backup from the outside.

I have the information on the labyrinth, and I have all the gear I can get.

All you have to do is take revenge on Dionys.

It passes beside the ruined 'Required Stone' pedestal and comes all the way to the entrance of the labyrinth.

It's dark inside and I can't ask how it's going from the outside.

- Let's go.

We set foot in the Dead Swamp Labyrinth.

The condition of the Dead Swamp Labyrinth was different, but the entrance was not very different.

There seemed to be no magic vegetables coming at the entrance, and the darkness continued.

"You, you didn't like the dark. Are you okay?"

"Fool. That's why I'm telling you. I just don't like being alone in a dark, quiet place."

…………

"... so now it's okay"

Witchcraft illuminates the surroundings, cavernous labyrinths, and we move on.

Immediately after entering the labyrinth, Elfi removed the 'disguised bracelet'.

The enclosed magic overflows at once.

Just being next door is enough to convey that awesome amount of magic.

He's regaining his arm and gaining more magic.

"... poisonous swamp"

Moving on for a while, I saw a purple swamp ahead.

Not so deep, but surrounded by purple smoke.

If you touch it, the meat rots and the bones dissolve.

Smoking the smoke emitted by the swamp won't help.

It's a nasty poison swamp.

However, poison control has been carried out in advance.

I bought multiple detoxification potions, and a 'non-toxic necklace' that would put up a small junction to deactivate poison on me just because I was wearing it.

I've already fitted in the 'non-toxic necklace' and nothing happens when I smoke.

Mindful of his feet, he stepped into the mud.

It conveys a cold, slippery feeling.

It's not affected by poison, so it's just hard to move.

"... that's so nasty and disgusting. Minutes un-body and don't want to just move around your neck and arms."

"Never, ever stop."

If they float next door with only their necks and arms, when they meet the demon raid, they can't kill them by mistake.

When something happens to it, you won't be able to react without the body for a minute.

Besides, the Demon General of this labyrinth is Dionys.

There is no way to make a swamp that is deactivated simply by fitting a magic grant.

"Elfi. Maybe it's time for a trap. Anything?"

"............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. That's a trap."

I can't feel anything on the wall, even if I stare.

It's a level where you magically examine Elfi's said location and finally realize he exists.

If you weren't a senior magician, you wouldn't be able to spot that trap.

It's time to proceed with caution and reach the trap.

From the left and right walls, a silent, thin laser was fired.

"- Huh!"

"Hmm."

That in itself is not a great power and can be played with a jade machete.

Elphi and the others are bare enough to prevent it.

Unpleasantly, the laser was released for the 'Detoxifying Necklace'.

If it is destroyed, you will die in a poisonous marsh.

Furthermore, the laser is fired at different times from various angles.

If you notice the first shot, the laser will be released from somewhere else.

I suppose you're relieved that they destroyed the Magic Grant and ended it.

"I see. This trap is certainly effective in this darkness."

I shrugged like Elfi was impressed.

The books I read also mentioned this place.

But this place is just a first-time killer, not so dangerous if you know the trick.

Moving back, the magic vegetables began to drift in the air.

Thanks to the magic vegetables, the labyrinth is lit up and the lights are no longer needed.

"From this point forward, the nature of the poisonous marsh changes"

"The effect of corrosing Magic Grants (Magic Items), was it"

Not only is it fiercely poisonous to the human body, but the poison ahead also acts on magic.

After prolonged exposure to Poison Swamp or its temper, Magic Grants (Magic Items) will no longer work.

"Five hours or so is the limit. Sooner than that, we'll cross this poisonous swamp zone."

It's the green marsh that's at the end of my vision.

Besides that, the road is narrower.

In proportion to that, the swamp goes deeper.

The Imperial Army, which came to the Labyrinth, seems to have been poisoned by this narrow road and corroded with magic grants.

Step into the green swamp.

"It's a demon, Itsuki"

"Oh."

From the swamp ahead, a herd of "Acid Snakes" popped up.

Make sure it follows and the "toothworm" falls apart from the ceiling.

I can't afford to be in a demon.

I got ahead of him and he was slaughtered by demons.

The ghost tribe had been on the Demon King's Army in the past.

But I couldn't keep up with that cruelty and disobeyed the Demon King Army.

Since then he has always taken the position of neutrality.

From the Demon King's Army, he hated 'traitors', from humans, 'enemies of the past', and the ghost tribes were chased where they lived, and the numbers were reduced.

To break the situation, the ghosts decided to stick to the human side.

The representative of that ghost tribe was Dionis Harberg.

Gentle tone and gentle appearance.

He was admired by the ghosts as' the man who became strongest in his efforts'.

"I will end this battle and try to create a world where my people won't get hurt...!"

Dionis thinks of his people, he had a strong feeling.

When they bought that strength and came into our party, they used to say that wish.

But there is a place to look down,

"I'm not ready. From me, I can only see the future of your death."

I used to say this to me with frustration when I pulled my leg.

I remember my subordinate, Bertoga, agreeing with it and making it a sinister atmosphere.

Still, in the fight, Dionis gradually admitted to me...

"You are strong. He's certainly the strongest brave man. I believe you can make peace with the world."

"I can't do it alone....... so dionis. Will you help me...?"

"Not at all... that's not what you talk about, Amazu. Of course. You're already my precious companion."

- That's what I believed.

Slash and lay down the demons that push you, and proceed to the back of the labyrinth.

There is no hierarchy in this labyrinth, it just spreads sideways.

An hour and a half has passed since I entered the labyrinth.

Due to the thickness of the magic vegetables, it should have progressed to about a third.

During the time I was here, many traps were set.

Beginning with a laser at the entrance, there were various objects, including pitfalls leading to the bottom of Naruto, bottomless marshes, and a hidden transfer formation leading somewhere.

Pitfalls and bottomless marshes have no magic, so they cannot be discerned by Elphi.

Harnessing the experience of diving into the labyrinth many times, I discover traps without magic.

"Elfi. That place, the demons have been avoiding it since just now. Maybe it's a trap."

Copy that.

That's how the two of us work together and move on.

The road is even narrower, to the point where me and my little elphi can finally walk side by side.

In contrast, demons keep coming from the front.

If they had come in large numbers, the rear guard wouldn't have worked well and the avant-garde would have been hit first.

The reason we're moving forward without difficulty is because of the high power of the individual.

After a short walk, the demon stopped appearing.

In front you can see a large open room.

There was a donut-shaped land in the room and a huge swamp of green in the center.

"The Imperial Army has only been able to reach this point. There will be a mighty demon of the Dragon Seed Multiple Class in this room."

Having eaten time so far, the Imperial Army could not crusade the demons ahead.

A majority was killed by demons and retreated.

More than half died in the process and only a few were able to get out of the labyrinth.

"Can't we just ignore the demons and go through?"

"When you enter the room, it looks like the demon puts a water junction at the entrance and exit. You'll be attacked while you're trying to break it."

The demons that emerge are described as boasting a level of giant that can be demon generals elsewhere.

I don't know if I can get away with it, even as I ignore it.

"As much as I can, I'll handle it with demon stones. If I can take him down, that's fine. In case you can't, Elfi asks you to prepare for the Devil's Eye. If you can ignore it, you can ignore it."

"Um, got it. Iori, don't be impotent."

"I know."

With Elfi, he stepped into the open room.

Nothing happens.

I can see the passage leading to the back on the other side.

If nothing happened, it was a good time to go a little further down the doughnut-shaped ground.

"... after all, why don't you let me through"

The room vibrates.

Parallax and soil smoke pouring down from the ceiling.

The central marshlands thrive heavily.

Running to the other aisle, but as far as a quarter came, a water junction was placed at the entrance and exit.

――――――

From the swamp, a giant head appeared.

Purple splash splashes.

"Wow, I got it in my mouth.... bitter."

"Silly, keep your mouth shut"

――――――

It was a giant squid (like) who showed up.

A triangular kite-like torso with a huge purple eyeball underneath.

More than one foot can crush the building in a single blow, growing from around the head.

"... it's a demon I've never seen. Elfi, you know what?"

"" The King Squid. "A rare species whose majority has been destroyed by human attacks. I ate it when I was the Demon King, but it sucks."

You don't eat rare seeds.

――――――!!

I know you didn't react to the word "unsavory," but the king squid has launched an attack.

From multiple directions, my feet descend as much as I look up.

"Let's go!"

Leave the drop point at full speed.

Immediately afterwards, he is struck by a tremor so difficult to stand on.

My legs are swung down like a chase there.

"…" Demon of Destruction (Blake Magic) "!"

A thrown demon stone blew a thin green foot with a biscuit and a suction cup to pieces.

――――――!!

The king squid shivers his body.

But soon afterwards, the blown legs flourish and begin to regenerate.

"I see the Imperial Army can't defeat...!"

"Io, aim for the eyeball! No matter how much your legs attack, they'll regenerate soon!"

"... oh!"

There are twenty Demon Stones left.

How much can you save on this chemical opponent?

He glanced at the giant eyes of the king squid and grabbed the next demon stone.

The night before the final showdown.

Me, Lucifina, Dionis, and Lewsas were all gathered in one room.

"Hey, Amatsu. What have you got there? Potion or what?"

"Sounds like a potion to pass on to the ghost tribe. Beltga gave it to me."

"Oh. I've had a couple of drinks too. It works perfectly, so you should drink it early"

In preparation for tomorrow, Dionis proceeded to start drinking the potion I received from Bertoga.

It tasted strangely sweet, unlike regular potions.

But I drank it to the end because I got it from my buddies.

"… how was it, Master Amatsu"

"Hmm? Oh... what a strange flavor it was"

"That's what it is. Now you're ready for tomorrow."

"Yes."

"Oh, little one."

Dionis smiles nicely.

I don't notice Lucifina and Luisas snorting satisfactorily in the sense of completeness.

"No... they haven't received some gear that was supposed to arrive, even if it's secure."

For the final showdown, some gear was supposed to arrive, but it hasn't arrived due to some obstruction along the way.

Some of them were quite useful objects, such as The Gem That Comes Shoulder Replacement for Fatal Injuries, which was excavated a long time ago.

"It would be the work of the Demon King's Army anyway. They're in a hurry, too."

"I guess..."

Other than that, there is all sorts of trouble with not getting the information that is supposed to arrive or the army that is supposed to be arriving hasn't arrived yet.

At that time, I only thought it would be a sabotage of the Demon King's Army.

Then they reviewed the operation, confirmed the opponent's strength, etc.

"I think it's time to get some sleep ready for tomorrow"

At the end of all those reviews, Lucifina and all of them try to get up in those words.

Stop it, I asked them this.

"When the battle is over and you are at peace, do you have any dreams afterwards".

In contrast,

"Oh? Especially not. A study of witchcraft, later enough to go see my sister. I was left alone."

That's what Luisas replied blurring.

"... I'd like to rest for a while. I've got entertainment I'm interested in."

Lucifina replied that quietly.

"I want to tell all the ghosts, so I want to go back once, and then I want to travel around so that there's no discrimination."

That's what Dionis replied.

How did you hear that, it doesn't make any particular sense.

I just wanted to ask.

"I 'm--"

To my words, the three replied as if they were aligned.

"I wish it could come true," he said.

"-Come on, you're gonna be a grilled squid!"

Elfi's demonic eye burst into the king's squid (Kraken), who couldn't move because I smashed both eyes.

My head explodes and pieces of flesh splash.

Multiple legs rumbled around bitchy and blisters splashed all over the room.

Somehow, Elphi's use of the Devil's Eye was accommodated at once.

Instead, the remaining number of demonic stones has been reduced to fourteen.

"Io, it looks like you've broken the line."

"Oh."

The junction between the entrance and exit disappeared, allowing them to pass freely.

It had been about three hours since I entered the labyrinth.

We have two hours left, but from the thickness of the magic vegetables, there's not much left.

We recovered only the immense demonic nucleus that rolled from the carcass of the king squid and hurried ahead.

Kick the demon and drink potion in between to restore magic and health.

Moving on for a while, there was a small room.

"There's probably a trap. Be careful."

"Uhm."

Vigilant, the moment inside, the entrance and exit were blocked.

When I wondered if the room wobbled, the ceiling dropped with momentum.

"-"

"Leave it to me!"

Elfi gave himself a good bow and jumped up in momentum.

"- Demon King Punch!"

A clenched fist pierces the ceiling.

The crack went in, and the next moment it was shattered and scattered.

"What's that move?"

"Hmm? It's a punch the Demon King rolls out. Let's go, Iori."

"... oh"

Destroying the ceiling opened the entrance and exit that were closed.

The landscape you can see from it was different from what it was like to be a cave until then.

The floor is covered with marble cobblestones, sculptures on the walls and chandelier-like lights on the ceiling.

"... don't remind me of Demon King Castle"

More like a castle than a labyrinth.

However, the amount of magic vegetables drifting against the appearance has increased even further.

There was no trick in that aisle.

Demons don't even come out.

Moving on for a while, there was a huge door.

It is a red door and the abyss is decorated with gold.

"... right here"

I don't even have to think about it.

- There's a labyrinth nucleus ahead.

I remember Dionis saying this.

"- I don't regret it, I want to die full."

"What the hell, that. Sounds like a death flag."

"Death fla...?... See, I want to go to the underworld when I die"

Underworld.

It's about the post-mortem world.

There is supposedly a post-mortem world, the underworld, in this world.

It is said that there will be a man there with no regrets, a full death.

"What happens if I die regretting it?"

"Come on...? I heard it before, it's going to dissolve in the magic drifting in the underworld and disappear."

So, Dionis said.

"I will make a world where no one will look down on me, and I will die a full death."

It sounds giddy and painful, and the door opens.

From the room ahead, a soothing air drifted.

As before, decorative castle-like interiors.

The room is circular, surrounded by beautiful water, and scaffolding is present in its center.

The red carpet leads to the back of the room.

Ahead is the throne decorated to the point of evil taste.

When I saw the person sitting on it, I thought.

Ever since I was betrayed, I've sworn to my heart.

Never, I won't let you die full of it.

In regret and despair, I will kill you.

- Hey, I've been waiting for you.

On the throne, Dionis said so slowly.