Inside the dungeon elevator heading to the 200th Floor.

The sequence of events after arrival had already been explained on the first floor, and we even had a simple rehearsal.

Since the first team of the swordsmanship club and all the support members couldn’t fit in a single elevator, we boarded a different one from Club President Robert.

We were set to regroup in about ten minutes.

I checked the Heaven Sword and God Katana at my waist.
No issues with either.

As for mana, I received it from the Ifrit, Sumire, and the next Holy Maiden, Sara, before getting on the elevator.

Because of that, my hair was already a fiery red, and a faint glow surrounded my body.

It is because it wasn’t my own mana, so I couldn’t control it precisely.

(…This is kind of embarrassing.) (Eugene)

As I fidgeted with my burning red hair, waiting for the elevator to reach the 200th floor, someone spoke to me.

“Eugene-kun, you’re really motivated, huh? It’s our first time talking, but nice to meet you☆”

The one who spoke was a petite woman with messy hair and thick-lensed glasses.

She was wearing a white robe meant for magic researchers, an outfit completely unsuitable for someone about to take on a Deus Discipline.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Eugene Santafield. You’re President Ada of the Magic Tool Development Club…right?” (Eugene)

Though it was our first time speaking, she was famous, so I recognized her face.

She was an upperclassman in the Legendary Hero Department and, if I remembered correctly, a classmate of President Robert.

“Yep, that’s me~. But man, your body is fascinating. I’ve never seen someone whose hair changes color so drastically from Mana Link. Your mana conductivity must be really high. Hmm, I’d love to study it in detail if I had the time. Now that we’ve met, let’s get along from here on…” (Ada)

“Um… What are you doing?” (Eugene)

President Ada was touching my body and hair without hesitation.

Isn’t her sense of personal space a little off for a first meeting!?

“Oi, Ada-kun, you’re bothering him.”

“Whoa, don’t pull so hard~!”

Someone pried President Ada off me.

An elf mage with red-orange hair.

She had big, bright upturned eyes and was smiling at me.

“Rebecca-senpai, it’s been a while.” (Eugene)

“Seriously. I was waiting for you to invite me to tackle the Zenith Tower, but you’ve been cold, huh?” (Rebecca)

The next person to speak to me was Rebecca, the executive committee chair I met at the academy festival.

I had once asked Rebecca-senpai for a favor —to help me explore the Zenith Tower someday— in exchange for listening to her request to participate in a special match against the martial arts tournament champion.

But that promise ended up getting brushed aside.

Rebecca-senpai has apparently been faithfully waiting.

I felt a little guilty.

“Sorry, a lot of things came up…” (Eugene)

“Haha, I know. I’ve been hearing all about your exploits, Eugene-kun. Let’s work together today.” (Rebecca)

“Yes, please take care of me, Rebecca-senpai.” (Eugene)

A shimmering butterfly flitted past my eyes as we exchanged greetings.

(A Moonlight Butterfly…?) (Eugene)

A creature from the forest domain of the Last Dungeon, said to cause hallucinations upon sight.

It wasn’t supposed to be inside the dungeon elevator.

In other words, someone deliberately brought it here. And the person who would do something like that is…

“Hey! Carlo! What the hell are you thinking, summoning a Moonlight Butterfly in such a cramped space!?” (Rebecca)

“Ow… Don’t just kick me out of nowhere, Rebecca-chan.” (Carlo)

As expected, it was Carlo-senpai from the animal club.

Rebecca-senpai and Carlo-senpai have apparently also been invited by President Robert.

Still, I had to say something as a junior of the animal club.

“Carlo-senpai, Moonlight Butterflies are dangerous. What if someone hallucinates and starts fighting an imaginary enemy?” (Eugene)

Sumire who is an Ifrit and Sara, who wields a Holy Sword, were here with me.

If either of them went on a rampage, it wouldn’t be a joke.

“Haha, it’s fine. This Moonlight Butterfly has been selectively bred to not use illusion magic. It’s perfectly safe.” (Carlo)

“That’s possible!?” (Eugene)

I was shocked.

He said it so casually, but wasn’t that kind of a huge deal?

“…Wait, but what’s the point of a Moonlight Butterfly that doesn’t cause hallucinations?” (Rebecca)

Rebecca-senpai crossed her arms skeptically.

“Wow, so pretty.” (Sumire)

“It doesn’t run away from people.” (Sara)

Sumire and Sara were marveling at the butterfly.

Flitting around them, glowing as it danced, it created a breathtakingly magical sight.

“Wouldn’t it work as a decorative pet?” (Carlo)

“…I see. This could definitely… sell well.” (Rebecca)

Rebecca-senpai nodded in admiration at Carlo-senpai’s words.

“Hey, Carlo! How much for one of these Moonlight Butterflies!? I’ll sell them for a high price for you!” (Rebecca)

“They’re not mass-produced yet. Besides, it’s more of a passion project than a money-making venture…” (Carlo)

“Ugh! Why are you so bad at business!? If you don’t cash in early, others will copy you, and you’ll regret it later!” (Rebecca)

Rebecca-senpai started lecturing Carlo-senpai.

“Hey hey, Carlo-kun. I’m interested too. Mind giving me one of these harmless Moonlight Butterflies? In exchange, you can take any prototype magic tools from our lab.” (Ada)

President Ada cut in.

“Really? Sure, you can have one.” (Carlo)

“Yay!” (Ada)

Carlo-senpai and President Ada, both researchers at heart, seemed to get along well.

“You two just trade stuff so carelessly… Ada’s prototypes either break or explode, you know?” (Rebecca)

“That’s a bit harsh, Rebecca-kun.” (Ada)

“Come on, Rebecca-chan, don’t sweat the small stuff.” (Carlo)

The seniors were having a lively discussion.

I later learned that the three of them were actually classmates in the Legendary Hero Department.

I stepped away after my greetings, not wanting to interrupt.

“Hey, Eugy.”

Someone poked my back.

“Airi? What’s up?” (Eugene)

When I turned around, the exhaustion I saw on her before was gone. She was back to her usual self.

Airi also came for the Deus Discipline on the 200th floor.

However, we agreed she wouldn’t take the frontlines too much.

“Those people have helped you before, right? Should I introduce myself too?” (Airi)

She was looking at Carlo-senpai and the others.

“There’s still time before we arrive, so why not?” (Eugene)

“Yeah! I’ll go then! Thanks, Eugy!” (Airi)

Airi jogged over and started talking to them.

(Oh… They’re all surprised.) (Eugene)

I assumed Carlo-senpai wouldn’t recognize the next Empress, Airi, but it looks like I was wrong.

I gazed absentmindedly, relieved that Airi seemed to be doing well.

“Eugy-kun, you and Airi-chan are so lovey-dovey~” (Sumire)

“Eugene, isn’t it about time you fed the fish you’ve already caught?” (Sara)

A chill ran down my spine.

There was no need to turn around. Sumire and Sara were right behind me.

“Um… about Airi…” (Eugene)

Before I could even get the words out…

“It’s fine, Sara-chan. Airi-chan is already on the ‘caught fish‘ side now. I mean, they did stay out all night last time.” (Sumire)

“Oh, that’s true. But if we leave Eugene alone, he’ll immediately start eyeing a new fish. That’s why we have to keep an eye on him…and make sure he understands.” (Sara)

Sumire and Sara continued their relentless assault.

“Aah, yeah, and just earlier, he was getting all cozy with that cute club president… I can’t let that slide.” (Sumire)

“Sumire, that was just President Ada being overly friendly…” (Eugene)

“He also had a nice little moment with President Rebecca… I definitely can’t let that slide.” (Sara)

“Sara, that was just a conversation about an old promise…” (Eugene)

“Eugy-kun.” (Sumire)

“Eugene.” (Sara)

My protests didn’t reach them. Sumire and Sara stepped in closer.

“…Y-Yes?” (Eugene)

My back was against the wall before I knew it.

“……”

“……”

What was this?

The pressure from Sumire and Sara felt on par with a Divine Beast or the Dungeon Master.

That said, this kind of situation wasn’t all that rare.

In fact, it happened quite often.

Every time I returned from Eri’s place, these two were always in a bad mood.

Which meant I had to calm them down, but…

“Um… What are you three doing?”

Airi returned after having finished her greetings.

And when she did, she found me backed into a wall by Sumire and Sara, staring blankly at the scene.

As I debated how best to explain this…

—You have arrived at the 200th Floor.

A mechanical voice echoed through the elevator.

Then, the doors slowly opened.

“Let’s go, Sumire, Sara, Airi.” (Eugene)

“Yeah, got it.” (Sumire)

“We’ll continue this later.” (Sara)

Sumire and Sara instantly reverted to their usual expressions.

“Hey, hey, Eugy! What were you doing just now!? It looked so fun! Is that how you strengthen the bonds of your unit!?” (Airi)

Airi asked excitedly.

She interpreted the situation in an incredibly positive light.

I was cornered against a wall just now.

I stepped into the 200th Floor as Airi spoke to me.

President Robert and the others had already arrived.

One of the swordsmanship club members was confirming that no one was missing.

In the meantime, I surveyed our surroundings on the 200th Floor.

The ground, the walls, even the sky, it was all a dull gray.

The 100th Floor was bleak as well, but this was on another level.

There was nothing here.

Then, an emotionless voice rang out.

—Welcome, brave explorers. You have earned the right to challenge the Trial of the Gods. Whether or not you exercise that right is up to you. Consider carefully and give your answer. Will you take on the challenge?

President Robert looked around at everyone before speaking.

“Anyone with concerns, speak up now.” (Robert)

No one objected.

President Robert gave a small nod.

“We shall challenge the 200th Floor’s Deus Discipline!” (Robert)

He declared boldly.

At that moment, the scenery around us shifted.

The gray ground transformed into rugged, rocky terrain.

The gray sky became thick with heavy clouds.

A massive seven-colored magic circle gleamed before us.

Then, the Divine Beast appeared.

■Comments Response:

“Did they just talk until morning…? Or did they, you know…?

-That’s still unclear for now.

>The three of them will be pretty pissed off.

>I thought Eri wouldn’t even flinch.

-Eri just pretends to be composed, but she’s actually very jealous.

All the Zero Sword heroines are jealous types.

■Author’s Comment:

Lately, the cast just keeps getting bigger.

During my last series, I tried to avoid adding too many named characters, but for a school setting, I’ve come to think that making more characters freely actually makes it easier to write.

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