Merged Chapters by Reigokai

“Eugene……you’ve angelified quite a lot, haven’t you?” (Eri)

“…Huh? Angelified?” (Eugene)

I reflexively repeated the Demon Lord’s words. 

It wasn’t something I could just ignore.

“Yep. Aren’t you aware of it already? Don’t you feel any changes in your body?” (Eri)

Thinking about it, I did notice something.

“Recently… I don’t get tired as much.” (Eugene)

“Anything else?” (Eri)

“That’s about it.” (Eugene)

When I answered…

“You don’t feel hungry as often or get sleepy even with less sleep, do you?” (Eri)

“…Now that you mention it.” (Eugene)

I hadn’t been consciously aware of it, but it seemed true.

“Knew it.” (Eri)

The Demon Lord said while stretching her body.

“What’s angelification like, Eri?” (Eugene)

“Hmm, think back to the purpose of the angel race.” (Eri) 

Eri prompted and I recalled something I’d been taught long ago.

“If I remember correctly…watching over and protecting the people of the mortal realm?” (Eugene)

“Correct. The ‘protection’ part relates to the white mana you’re familiar with, tailored for healing. But without a designated weapon, you can’t attack others.” (Eri)

“Yeah.” (Eugene)

I am well acquainted with that.

“And the other part: Surveillance. Angels can function without sleep, food, or rest.” (Eri)

“…What?” (Eugene)

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

No sleep, no food…no rest?

“Angels must adapt to any situation when commanded by the Gods. Surveillance missions lasting years are common. There’s no time for things like eating.” (Eri)

“But… You and Rita-san still eat meals…” (Eugene)

I often brought Eri meals weekly, and I’d seen Rita-san enjoying tea.

“Well, Eri and I eat for leisure-ssu yo. It’s not necessary for us-ssu ne.” (Rita) 

Rita-san casually stated.

“F-For leisure?” (Eugene)

It was a shocking truth. Angels ate meals…as a hobby.

“Still, I’m surprised Eugene’s angelification has progressed this far.” (Eri)

“Eugene-kun’s a half-angel, right? Maybe it’s Laila-senpai’s blood influence-ssu ka ne?” (Rita)

“Probably. Laila-senpai is highly trusted by many Goddesses and often assigned as a negotiator. Her standing in the Divine Realm must’ve risen since I was there. That’s probably affecting Eugene, too.” (Eri)

“It’s rare for someone of Laila-senpai’s caliber to still be actively working-ssu yo ne.” (Rita)

“True. She could’ve retired comfortably by now, yet she’s still out there working. Such an unusual person.” (Eri)

“And she takes good care of her juniors. She’s kind…but terrifying when angry-ssu.” (Rita)

“Tell me about it. She scolded me so many times during missions. She’s like a demon angel.” (Eri)

“…I think you are the most dangerous one for being bold enough to go after her son, Eri-senpai.” (Rita)

“Excuse me, could I say something?” (Eugene)

“Hm?” (Eri)

“What’s up-ssu ka?” (Rita)

I interjected as the conversation started to derail.

“In the end, is there any downside to angelification?” (Eugene)

Being able to function without sleep or food sounded incredibly useful, especially for exploring the Zenith Tower.

“Well, Eugene, it might not be ideal for you.” (Eri)

“Yeah, not recommended-ssu ne.” 

“…Why not?” 

I asked for the reason.

“Eugene, angels…cannot grow.” (Eri)

“Their power is predetermined by the Goddesses. Completing missions can grant you power, but training to grow stronger like humans isn’t possible-ssu ne.” (Rita)

“…What?” (Eugene)

No growth?

Then, all the sword training I’d done recently has been for nothing?

“Don’t look so gloomy, Eugene.” (Eri)

I must have looked pretty depressed, Eri gently poked my forehead and smiled.

“But…” (Eugene)

Not being able to grow any further would mean the end of my journey as a swordsman.

“Preventing angelification -or rather, reverting to being more human- is simple.” (Eri)

“How? Tell me!” (Eugene)

I leaned forward.

“Eat meals every day, sleep every night, and take regular breaks.” (Eri)

“…That’s it?” (Eugene)

“Just live like a normal human. That should stop the progression.” (Eri)

“…Got it.” (Eugene)

Basically, living an inhuman life meant forfeiting humanity itself.

(…Sumire and Airi were exhausted when they left.) (Eugene)

That must be how normal humans react.

“I’ll go back to the dorms and rest tonight.” (Eugene)

“Aw, you’re leaving? Come on, let’s rest over there for a bit.” (Eri)

Eri said, linking her arm with mine.

“Senpai~, you haven’t finished your promised tasks yet-ssu yo~!” (Rita)

Rita-san glared at Eri.

“Just a little won’t hurt.” (Eri)

“No-ssu! You always take forever to come back when you leave!” (Rita)

Staying any longer would just disrupt Rita-san’s work.

“See you later, Eri. I’ll visit the 7th Sealed Prison later.” (Eugene)

“Don’t forget! I won’t forgive you if you do!” (Eri)

“Eri-senpai, you’re so lucky-ssu ne, having a cute younger boyfriend.” (Rita)

“You should find someone nice too.” (Eri)

“Then introduce me to someone~.” (Rita)

“As if I could when I am sealed!” (Eri)

“I can’t hope for any meetings when I am working in the Zenith Tower-ssu yo~.” (Rita)

Listening to those voices, I left the 100th floor of the Zenith Tower behind me.

◇◇

“Hey, Eugene, just getting back?” 

“Claude, huh. Yeah, I’m heading back to the dorm now. What about you?” (Eugene)

I ran into Claude on my way home.

“I’m off to do some exploring. I thought I’d drop by Floor 100 while I’m at it, but Rita-chan’s been busy lately. Would it bother her if I stopped by?” (Claude)

Claude was carrying a small gift as always. 

What a thoughtful guy.

“Ah, yeah, she has been bu—” (Eugene)

I trailed off mid-sentence as I realized something.

She mentioned feeling lonely lately, and she seems to like Claude. She’d probably be happy if he visited.

But then again, Claude already has Leona and Teresia as girlfriends, not to mention his fiancee, Princess Tifania.

Is it really okay to encourage him to get closer to Rita-san?

That said, Rita-san seems to be overwhelmed with work…

“Eugene?” (Claude)

Claude looked at me, puzzled.

“…W-Well, I think she’d be happy if you brought her a little treat and paid her a visit.” (Eugene)

“Alright, I’ll do that.” (Claude)

Claude said, then headed off toward the Zenith Tower.

(Hmm…) (Eugene)

Was this really the right thing to do?

I returned to the dorm with no clear answer, and collapsed onto my bed.

Seems I was more exhausted than I realized.

Sleep overtook me quickly, and I slept longer than usual.

◇◇

When I woke up, it was nearly noon.

…I didn’t feel hungry.

Still, based on what Eri said yesterday, I should eat properly.

To feel human.

Today’s classes don’t start until the afternoon.

Might as well grab something to eat before then.

Where should I go?

(Guess I’ll just hit up the school cafeteria.) (Eugene)

I opted for the safest choice since I have no particular cravings.

◇Lykeion Magic Academy: Grand Cafeteria◇

The cafeteria was relatively empty since it wasn’t lunchtime yet.

I ordered the daily special and found an open table to sit at.

The daily special menu consisted of:

-Star greens and mistwood berry salad
-Pearl mushroom soup
-Grilled horned rabbit
-Fired wheat bread
-Golden honey jelly

After the first bite, a sudden wave of hunger hit me.

(Am I not even aware of hunger anymore when the angelification progresses…?) (Eugene)

I resolved to be more mindful moving forward.

I slowly savored each bite.

It’s fine. I can still enjoy the food.

Halfway through the meal…

“Mind if I join you here?”

“Huh? Sure, go ahead.” (Eugene)

Someone chose to sit directly across from me despite the abundance of open seats.

A tall figure with a muscular, well-trained body and a sharp, blade-like aura.

And yet, I hadn’t noticed him until just now.

“Club President Robert, is something the matter?” (Eugene)

“I just wanted to have a chat with you for a bit.” (Robert)

Sitting before me was the head of the Lykeion Magic Academy’s largest faction, the Swordsmanship Club, Robert Crown.

■Comment Response: 

>What happened to Chimera-kun’s materials? Isn’t it wasteful to leave them?

-I debated this, but since Eugene wasn’t the one who defeated it, the materials returned to the dungeon soil.

>It’s been a while since we’ve seen Rita-chan! She’s as adorable as ever!

-Rita-chan is a character I’m pretty fond of. I want her to be happy. 

It might be time to bring out the angel from Floor 200 soon.

• Chapter 143: Eugene Receives a Proposal

“I wanted to talk with you.” (Robert)

President Robert had no food with him even though he was in the cafeteria.

Did he already finish eating, or is he yet to begin?

“What can I do for you?” (Eugene)

Could it be another invitation to join the swordsmanship club?

“Don’t be so formal. However, I’ll get straight to the point. I’m planning to challenge the Deus Discipline on Floor 200, and I’m recruiting a temporary party.” (Robert)

“The Deus Discipline on Floor 200… That’s a rematch, isn’t it?” (Eugene)

Though I hadn’t seen it firsthand, there was a rumor that the swordsmanship club’s first team had recently failed the Deus Discipline.

“Embarrassingly, yes. I judged that it might be difficult to clear  Floor 200 with just the swordsmanship club.” (Eugene)

President Robert smiled bitterly as he spoke.

“So you’re forming a temporary exploration party. But why me?” (Eugene)

I wasn’t particularly close to President Robert.

“As the president of the swordsmanship club, I can’t exactly ask the martial arts or spearmanship clubs for help. That’s why someone like you, Eugene-kun, who isn’t affiliated with any combat club, is a good candidate. This isn’t about getting you to join the swordsmanship club; it’s strictly a temporary unit. It’s not a bad offer, is it?” (Robert)

“Well…” (Eugene)

Honestly, I thought I’d take on the Floor 200 much later.

But if it’s with a joint team that includes the swordsmanship club, the chances of success are significantly higher.

“What do you think?” (Robert)

President Robert looked at me expectantly. Judging from the fact that he approached me personally, he must be having trouble recruiting people.

“Understood. However, I’m only speaking for myself. I can’t say what Sara and Sumire will decide.” (Eugene)

“Of course. I won’t force anyone who isn’t interested. And having just you on board will be a great help, Eugene-kun.” (Robert)

He seems to value me quite highly.

But one thing bothered me.

“The 18th of the swordsmanship club specializes in coordinated group swordsmanship, right? Wouldn’t an outsider like me just get in the way?” (Eugene)

Back in military school, I learned how to operate in units. However, ever since enrolling at the Lykeion Magic Academy, I have mostly operated solo or in small groups.

I hesitated about joining a large group like the swordsmanship club.

“You don’t have to worry about that. In fact, the first team of the swordsmanship club has a slight bias toward offense. They’re strong when attacking, but if their formation breaks, it takes time for them to recover. That’s why we wanted someone like you, Eugene-kun, who can both attack and defend solo.” (Robert)

“I see.” (Eugene)

So I’d essentially be part of a mobile unit.

That wouldn’t be a problem.

“We’re planning to depart in seven days. The meeting point will be the first floor of the Zenith Tower. I’ll be waiting for you.” (Robert)

With that, President Robert left.

(The Deus Discipline on Floor 200…) (Eugene)

I decided to talk to Sara and Sumire first. I set out to find the two of them after finishing my meal.

■Comment Response:

>Isn’t there almost no chance an angel can get a boyfriend who is older than her? (lol)

-If it is a resident of the mortal realm, that would be the case. 

Rita-chan is ■■ old despite her appearance. 

■Author’s Comment: 

This time it was extremely short which I am sorry for.

I will try to recover quickly. 

Previous Chapter l Next Chapter