ZAP – Chapter 135: Legendary Hero Department – Part 2

◇Lily Whitewind’s POV◇

–A Divine Beast is about to appear near the dungeon elevator on the first floor of the Zenith Tower. All explorers, please be cautious.

The angel announcement echoed throughout the labyrinth.

After we defeated the Floor Boss on the 50th Floor, we got on the dungeon elevator, and it was about to arrive on the 1st floor.

(A battle with a Divine Beast… A Deus Discipline. huh…) (Lily)

I haven’t cleared the 100th Floor yet.

I tried once before, but I was unfortunately defeated.

Since then, I’ve been refining my skills, improving our team’s coordination, and planning for a rematch soon.

I thought I’d challenge a new swordsman from the Legendary Hero Department who I’ve been wanting to compete against for a while as the final preparation.

The swordsman’s name is Eugene Santafield.

The son of the Imperial Sword from the Grandflare Empire.

He didn’t stand out at first, but there’s hardly a day now when you don’t hear his name.

He continuously overcame the Guard Dog of Hell, Cerberus; the Demon Lord, Erinyes; and the Nine-Headed Evil God Dragon, Hydra, back to back.

Moreover, he fought and either defeated or repelled the 3 Great Demonic Beasts of the South Continent: the Colossal Beast, Haagenti; the Darkness Bird, Raum; and the Black Mermaid Vepar. But not only that, he also fought the Dark Dragon, Glasya Labolas, and won or you could say fought back.

Looking at his record alone,you would think it is a lie.

Even a con artist would fake a more modest background.

But the students of the Lykeion Magic Academy know it’s not false.

They say that the Holy Maiden Orianne-sama is pushing through opposition from the other Holy Maidens and arranging a marriage between Eugene and Sara-sama, the next Holy Maiden, and that from the Empire, no less than Princess Airi, the next Empress, has arrived.

He might be the most talked-about man on the South Continent right now.

(He looks like a refined gentleman, but…) (Lily)

He doesn’t seem like a swordsman with such an incredible battle record.

“Lily Whitewind? Something wrong?” (Eugene)

I found myself staring at Eugene’s face for too long.

I asked in order to cover it up…

“Are you going to fight the Divine Beast on the first floor?” (Lily)

“Hm… Not sure. What does everyone think?” (Eugene)

Eugene didn’t decide right away but asked for his party members’ opinions.

“I’d like to fight! I didn’t get a good match with the last Divine Beast, Hydra.” (Airi)

The one giving a brave opinion is Princess Airi.

She’s a beautiful princess, but it’s become clear recently that she has quite a combative personality.

“Facing the Deus Discipline without preparation is dangerous. You just cleared the 50th floor, Airi.” (Sara)

The Student Council President Sara-sama offered a cautious opinion.

A sensible response typical of her.

“What about you, Sumire?” (Eugene)

“Hmm, I’ll go along with Eugy-kun.” (Sumire) 

The one who gave a vague response was Sumire-san, the reincarnated otherworlder.

It seems she’s not particularly fond of fighting.

“We just fought a Dragon Zombie. Aren’t you tired? How’s your mana?” (Eugene)

“Hmm, not at all~? Actually, I held back on the magic.” (Sumire)

“I-I see…” (Eugene)

Eugene looked a bit surprised.

(She scorched the entire 50th floor, and that was holding back…?) (Lily)

I’m sure my face is twitching.

A Dragon Zombie regenerates from minor wounds, so you have to deliver a decisive blow to defeat it.

After we weakened it to a certain degree, Sumire-san used her fire spell, [Phoenix].

An enormous bird of flame ten times the size of the Dragon Zombie appeared.

The fiery bird stretched its wings, blazing across the sky, incinerating not just the Dragon Zombie but every tree and blade of grass on the 50th floor, turning the ground to ash.

(That was holding back…?) (Lily)

A chill ran through me. I was truly grateful that Sumire-san wasn’t combative by nature.

“What about you, Lily?” (Eugene)

“Me…?” (Lily)

They asked for my opinion, too. I thought they’d ignore me since I’m in a different exploration team.

“If you guys are going to fight, I’ll help.” (Lily)

I’ll have to face the Divine Beast on the 100th floor eventually anyways. 

It’s a good opportunity to test my skills.

“I see… Hmm.” (Eugene)

Eugene pondered a bit.

The only one clearly opposing fighting the Divine Beast is Sara-sama.

So I figured they’d decide to fight.

“Then, let’s challenge the Deus Discipline if we can merge with other teams.” (Eugene)

It was a negative response.

I thought it was surprisingly prudent of him.

“If that’s Eugy’s decision, then so be it.” (Airi)

“That’s for the better.” (Sara)

“Roger that, Eugy-kun.” (Sumire)

(Ah… He’s aligning with his team members’ opinions…) (Lily)

He is leading a team with the next Empress and the next Holy Maiden after all.

Must be tough.

I personally prefer a party leader who enforces their own decision rather than one swayed by the team’s opinion though.

Eugene Santafield doesn’t seem very manly to me.

The dungeon elevator arrived on the first floor just as I thought this.

The doors opened.

The first floor is usually crowded with explorers, but with the announcement of the Divine Beast’s summoning, there were hardly any left.

The ones who remained were familiar faces: our Legendary Hero Department classmates.

“Ooi, Eugene, are you guys going to fight too?”

A cheerful guy with bright orange hair and light blue armor approached us with a smile.

It was Claude Percival, another Legendary Hero Department student.

“Are you taking on the trial too, Claude?” (Eugene)

“Yeah, with them.” (Claude)

He gestured to two others: Soran Stormbreaker and Leonhart Arkfeather, fellow classmates.

It seemed they were warriors from the Blue Waters Federation. I wonder if there are any people from the Holy Union here.

“Oh, Lily, are you also fighting the Divine Beast?”

“Arina! You’re here too?” (Lily)

“No, I was just trying to leave, but I got caught up in this…” (Arina)

“Sara-sama seems to be fighting as well.” (Lily)

“Eh, then I better stay.” (Arina)

Alright, got one on board.

“So, who will we face in this Deus Discipline?”

“Right, it’s hard to form a strategy without knowing that.”

“Hey, it’s here!”

“?!!”

A loud shout turned all our gazes to one spot.

A rainbow-colored magic circle glowed at the center of the first floor.

And from it emerged…

A giant white tiger.

It was two sizes larger than the Dragon Zombie we just fought.

And it quietly looked down at us.

What’s crackling around it… Is it lightning magic?

A white tiger wrapped in lightning?

“Arina, do you know that Divine Beast?” (Lily)

“No, I’ve never seen it before. It feels like I might have seen it in a textbook…” (Arina)

“That’s the White Tiger, Byakko. A Divine Beast worshiped on the Eastern Continent.” (Eugene)

Eugene Santafield was standing next to me before I knew it, and filled me in.

“You’re well-informed.” (Lily)

“It’s the Guardian Beast from my homeland after all.” (Eugene)

“Wait, I thought you were from the Empire—” (Lily)

As I started to ask my question…

–Explorers on the first floor, are you certain you wish to challenge the Deus Discipline?

The voice of the Angel-sama asked us.

We had received countless warnings until now.

And yet, we still remained.

In that case, naturally…

“”We declare our intent to take on the Deus Discipline against the Divine Beast, Byakko!!””

Their voices harmonized.

When I looked where it came from, Princess Airi and Sara-sama had raised their swords with resolve.

–Challenge acknowledged. Good luck to all explorers.

The announcement echoed across the first floor of the Babel Tower.

“Hey, Claude. The Empire and Holy Kingdom beat us to the punch.” (Soran)

“Does it matter? We just need to take him down ourselves.” (Claude)

“Claude’s right, Soran. If you’re a Hero, you should prove it with your strength, not just words.” (Leonhart)

Saying this, the trio from the Blue Waters Federation already advanced toward the Divine Beast.

Wait, not good. I can’t fall behind.

“I’m heading out too! Arina, I’ll need your support!” (Lily)

“Eh?! Right away?! Oh, Destiny Goddess…bless Holy Knight Lily… [Holy Cross]!” (Arina)

Arina’s support magic wrapped me in light.

Holy Cross is one of the Holy Knights’ trump cards. It boosts defense, grants regeneration, protects against status ailments, and enhances physical abilities.

Few can use this even among the clergy of the Holy Union.

Feeling lighter, I charged toward the Divine Beast.

I glanced over at Eugene. He was hanging back, protecting Sumire-san. 

It seems he isn’t that assertive when fighting a Divine Beast.

(That’s a bit…disappointing.) (Lily)

I expected him to be more gallant.

I honestly have lost interest in Eugene Santafield.

Maybe this whole duel thing doesn’t matter after all.

I caught up to the trio from the Blue Waters Federation.

“You’re fast, Lily-chan.” (Claude)

Claude Percival joked.

“I won’t let you steal the march.” (Lily)

“Too bad, it doesn’t look like we’ll be the first to strike though.” (Claude)

“Huh?” (Lily)

There were figures leaping over us, heading toward the Divine Beast.

“Twin Heavenly Resonance Style: Wind Form – [Swallow in Flight]!”

A blue slash flew toward Byakko.

“Holy Sword Magic: [Light Saber]!”

A white blade shot forward.

The attackers were…

“Airi-chan and Sara-chan, huh? Their speed is plain unfair.” (Claude)

“H-How are they in front of us?!” (Lily)

They were supposed to be behind us.

“The Sky Walk sword technique Eugene uses is apparently a movement technique. They can both use it.” (Claude)

“What?! That’s so unfair!” (Lily)

“Not that it seems their attacks did much damage.” (Claude)

Indeed, Byakko’s sturdy fur and surrounding mana aura shielded it.

…Grrrr…

A low growl reached my ears.

The crackling sound of thunder magic intensified.

“Graaah!!” 

It roared loudly. 

A flash illuminated the area in an instant, causing a slight tingling sensation.

I noticed some people had collapsed around us.

“An omnidirectional lightning spell, huh… We can’t approach carelessly.” (Claude)

“So you are fine.” (Lily)

I observed, impressed that Claude hadn’t fallen.

By the way, I am safe thanks to Arina’s Holy Cross.

“It’s thanks to the barrier magic Eugene taught me. It didn’t completely block it though.” (Claude)

“How much has he been teaching everyone…?” (Lily)

I was a bit baffled as I thought this was an opportunity.

Everyone was keeping their distance from Byakko due to the lightning magic.

I readied the Dawn Sword lent to me by the Holy Knights.

“Holy Knight Sword Style: [First Blade]!!” (Lily)

I slashed Byakko’s foreleg as I dashed past.

A slicing sound echoed, and I felt my sword tear through its fur and flesh.

I turned and saw red blood dripping from Byakko’s foreleg.

(Got it!) (Lily)

My sword was effective against the Divine Beast. I won’t repeat the disgrace of my last trial.

As I felt confident…

“Graaah!!” 

Byakko roared again.

(Lightning magic incoming!) (Lily)

If it’s the same as before, Holy Cross should protect me.

I activated my own barrier magic just in case.

I should be safe now.

(Alright, bring it on.) (Lily)

I thought, but then, I saw something unexpected.

Hundreds, no, thousands of spears floated behind Byakko.

“Lily-chan! Get out of there!! Byakko controls not just lightning, but metal magic too!” (Claude)

Claude Percival’s voice rang out in alarm.

(I-I have to run!) (Lily)

I tried to back away from Byakko.

But the spears launched before I could escape.

There was no way to dodge as the iron spears rained down like a storm.

Holy Cross has strong magic defense but isn’t as effective against physical attacks.

(Oh… I’m dead.) (Lily)

I resigned myself to my fate.

Unable to escape, I braced for the impact of the spears that would end me.

(Aah, I messed up… I hope it won’t hurt too much…) (Lily)

Arina, revive me later with a Resurrection Drop, alright? I’ll pay you back.

I closed my eyes.

And then, I lost consciousness…

…Or so I thought.

(Huh?)

Am I…not dead?

I could move my fingers.

There was no pain.

I cautiously opened my eyes.

“Are you alright, Lily Whitewind?”

“Eugene Santafield?! Wait, weren’t you far behind…?” (Lily)

“It looked dangerous, so I used barrier magic to protect you.” (Eugene)

Iron spears were embedded like a hedgehog around us, yet there’s a clean untouched hole only in our place.

The strength of his barrier magic was incredible.

And what surprised me the most…

“From that distance? Instantly?” (Lily)

“Yeah, at this close range, it’s doable.” (Eugene)

How powerful is your sword style’s movement technique?

…Grrrr…

The white tiger was watching us.

With wary eyes.

“Hey, maybe we should back off for no—” (Lily)

I started to suggest, uncertain of what attack might come, but fell silent.

“A Divine Beast that wields both lightning and metal, huh… Nice.” (Eugene)

He is completely different from before. He had wild eyes and smiled as if having fun.

Gone was the gentle man who worried about me earlier.

Eugene’s eyes were fixed only on the Divine Beast, Byakko.

In other words, he is in battle mode.

(So…this is what he looks like when he’s ready to fight…) (Lily)

I watched captivated as Eugene stood, holding his crimson-glowing sword in a stunning stance.

■Comment Response: 

>Eugene’s playboy tendencies are spreading smoothly, lol.

-Twin Heavenly Playboy Eugene.

>I thought Airi had way too many losing heroine factors. 

-I had a plot where I planned on making her a losing heroine. The pattern where Eugene would abandon her.

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