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Merged Chapters by Reigokai

“Hoh, you have already cleared 10 floors, Airi? That’s fast!” (Eugene)

I got into the dungeon elevator with Sara and Airi, and we exchanged information with each other.

Turns out, Airi wasn’t new to dungeon exploration.

“Well, yeah. I cleared five floors over two days with some tips from my combat instructor, took a day off, and then fought the Floor Boss on the 10th floor. Did you and the others go through something similar?” (Airi)

Airi asked, and Sara and I exchanged glances.

“Sara and I were in the Normal Department, so we weren’t allowed to challenge the Zenith Tower for over two months after enrolling.” (Eugene)

“Yeah. And we only tackled one floor at a time, so it took ages.” (Sara)

“It took me more than six months to fight my first Floor Boss. I had to wait until the Sword of Mercy, Curtana, was sent from my homeland.” (Sara)

“It took me over a year to challenge a Floor Boss.” (Eugene)

Sara and I reminisced about the past.

“O-Oh… I didn’t realize it varied so much between people.” (Airi)

Airi seemed surprised by our unexpected answers.

“Wait, but wasn’t Sumire-chan in the Normal Department too? She started dungeon exploration right after enrolling.” (Airi)

“I am impressed you know that.” (Eugene)

Did she hear that directly from Sumire?

“Well, of course! The Empire’s Intelligence Division can easily find that kind of information!”  (Airi)

Turns out it was from the intelligence division.

“…You had her investigated?” (Sara)

Sara sounded taken aback.

“What’s the problem?! I’ve already had every girl near Eugy thoroughly checked!” (Airi)

“Saying that in front of a related party might not be the best idea.” (Sara)

Sara’s wariness grew even more intense.

Sara, who had been in my party, was also probably investigated. Not to mention, she’s the next Holy Maiden, so she’s definitely on the intelligence division’s target list.

“By the way, Sumire is special even among the Normal Department students. She was found inside the dungeon after all.” (Eugene)

“Oh yeah, that’s right. She’s an otherworlder.” (Airi)

“Also, Sumire-chan set the fastest record in Lykeion Academy history by clearing 10 floors on her first day and 20 on her second day.” (Sara)

“Huh? Is that true?” (Eugene)

“You didn’t know, Eugene?” (Sara)

“I didn’t…” (Eugene)

I hadn’t realized our exploration had such a record.

“Well, you were busy fighting Cerberus, so it’s understandable.” (Sara)

“Yeah, I thought I was going to die back then.” (Eugene)

“You wouldn’t die on the 20th floor.” (Sara)

“That’s how much pressure the Divine Beast had.” (Eugene)

We arrived at the 11th floor as we talked.

The 11th floor was a dense jungle known as the Jungle Area.

Unlike the open fields below the 10th floor, visibility became significantly worse.

――Kya! Kya! Kya! Kya!

――Grrrr…

――Rustle… Rustle…

From above, hidden in the trees, we heard the cries of unseen monsters.

“Wow, so the dungeon layout changes every 10 floors! Interesting!” (Airi)

Airi’s eyes sparkled as she looked around.

“If you get too excited, you’ll run out of energy, Princess Airi.” (Sara)

“Don’t worry about me. I’m a Heaven Knight -the Empire’s top force- after all, future Holy Maiden Sara.” (Airi)

Airi responded sharply to Sara’s comment.

The Holy Union and the Empire are rival nations.

These two are destined to lead their respective countries, so their interactions were naturally tense.

“Gaaah!!”

Suddenly, a black shadow lunged at us from directly above.

It was a Leaf Leopard, which made its nest in the jungle and ambushed explorers from outside their field of vision.

It seemed to be targeting Airi.

I sensed it but waited to see how Airi would respond.

“Twin Heavenly Sword Style: [Kamaitachi].” (Airi)

With a swift movement, Airi’s thin, one-handed sword sliced off the leopard’s head before it could even scream.

The monster’s body hit the ground, separated from its head.

“Well done.” (Eugene)

“Heh, that was easy.” (Airi)

Airi sheathed her sword with a click.

Then…

“Kya! Kya!”

“Ki! Ki!”

“Shaa!”

More monsters descended from above.

This time, it was a group.

The Angry Forest Monkeys that claimed the jungle as their territory.

Airi readied her sword, and I reached for the hilt of mine.

“Holy Sword Magic: [Light Saber].” (Sara)

Sara’s light blades sliced through the Forest Monkeys, splitting them in half.

Thud, thud. The monsters’ bodies fell to the ground.

“You’ve gotten good with that Holy Sword.” (Eugene)

“Fufu, right?” (Sara)

Sara smiled happily.

The exploration was going smoothly.

Sara and I had already cleared the 100th floor and were ranked as A Rank explorers.

Airi was lower ranked as an explorer, but she is a Heaven Knight, so she can handle herself.

There was no reason we’d struggle on the lower floors of the Zenith Tower.

So exploration wasn’t an issue, but another problem arose.

“Eugy, this brings back memories. Being together with just the two of us reminds me of the sword training we had with Jubei-ojisan!” (Airi)

“Hey, Eugene, exploring these lower floors with just the two of us feels like the old duo team days.” (Sara) 

“Uh…guys? We’re a party of 3 right now, remember?” (Eugene)

Airi and Sara kept competing with each other.

I had expected them not to get along, but now it was becoming obvious.

“Twin Heavenly Sword Style – Wind Form: [Swallow in Flight]!” (Airi)

“Holy Sword Magic: [Light Saber]!” (Sara)

The two were competing with each other, and quickly took down the monsters.

I had no turn.

We progressed through the floors, moving from the 11th to the 12th, 13th, and 14th floors.

On the 15th floor, a tough Basilisk appeared. I thought about helping, but Sara’s light blade and Airi’s magic slashes beheaded it.

(They surprisingly work well together.) (Eugene)

Despite their differences in personality, their fighting styles complemented each other.

“It’s too easy.” (Airi)

“Well, it’s only the 15th floor.” (Sara)

Airi and Sara turned to me with calm expressions.

Then Airi furrowed her brows.

“Hey, Eugy.” (Airi)

“What’s up, Airi?” (Eugene)

“Why haven’t you been fighting?” (Airi)

“Now that you mention it, that’s true. What’s the matter, Eugene?” (Sara)

They both asked.

It’s true that I barely participated in the battles.

“Well, with this team, I figured I’d be the healer, so I stayed out of the front lines.” (Eugene)

“Really? But we’ve got the future Holy Maiden here, right?” (Airi)

Airi’s words made Sara look uncomfortable.

“Sara isn’t great at healing magic.” (Eugene)

“What?! Even though she’s the future Holy Maiden?” (Airi)

“Eugene! Don’t say that!” (Sara)

“Everyone at the academy knows.” (Eugene)

It’s not exactly a secret.

Or more like, it is not hidden at all.

“I’ve gotten better recently, thanks to the Holy Sword…” (Sara)

Sara’s voice trailed off.

She was referring to the healing magic blessing of Curtana.

But she still wasn’t skilled at healing magic on her own.

“Hey, Eugy. I can use healing magic too.” (Airi)

Airi casually added.

“Oh, right. I forgot.” (Eugene)

Airi possessed the rare seven-colored mana, capable of using all types of magic.

“I’ll be fine, so why don’t you show us your sword skills too?” (Airi)

“Yeah, I’d like to see them too.” (Sara)

Airi and Sara both encouraged me.

“Alright, I’ll start fighting next time.” (Eugene)

Honestly, just watching was getting boring.

After that, the three of us fought together, and the speed of our dungeon exploration increased.

By evening, we found the stairs to the upper floors from the 19th floor.

“Alright! Let’s finish up on the 20th floor today!” (Airi)

Airi suggested.

“Airi, the boss is up there.” (Eugene)

“Of course, I know that.” (Airi)

“If you get too cocky, you’ll regret it, Princess Airi.” (Sara)

“Stop calling me princess, you muscle-head Holy Maiden who can’t even heal!” (Airi)

“What did you say?! Take that back!” (Sara)

“I’m stating facts!” (Airi)

Airi and Sara weren’t getting along.

We should probably split up soon.

“It’s getting late, so let’s wrap up for the day and—” (Eugene)

“Come on, Eugy, let’s go!” (Airi)

Airi had already dashed up the stairs to the next floor.

“O-Oi!” (Eugene)

“Geez, she’s so selfish!” (Sara) 

Sara and I hurried after her.

Airi must still be looking for a fight.

The monsters on the 19th floor were weak compared to the ones in the Empire.

She probably wants to challenge the boss.

Sara likely thought the same; a 20th Floor Boss wouldn’t be a problem for us.

It is probably a Goblin King or an Orc King.

We climbed the stairs with light steps…and then we saw it.

――A massive dragon.

“Eh? Why…?” (Sara)

Sara’s mouth fell open in shock.

“The monsters just got a lot stronger all of a sudden.” (Airi)

Airi’s expression turned serious, switching to battle mode.

“Dragons are supposed to appear above the 50th floor…” (Eugene)

You won’t ever meet one until then…that’s common knowledge in the Zenith Tower.

As we stood there, confused, a voice called out from behind us.

――Fufufu, I messed with the Zenith Tower’s Floor Boss settings.

It was a little girl in a bright red robe.

The Dungeon Master of the Zenith Tower.

“Anemoi-san… What do you mean by that?” (Eugene)

I asked her.

“Hmm, waiting until the 50th floor to see a dragon would be boring, don’t you think? So I changed the dungeon’s difficulty.” (Anemoi)

She winked at us cutely.

I found it anything but cute.

(Dungeon Master, you seriously don’t do anything decent!!) (Eugene)

Cursing inwardly, I readied my magic sword and faced the dragon.

■Comment Response:

>Eugene, don’t look away at your own origins (lol).

>He is the sole son of the Imperial Sword of the Empire, childhood friend of the next Empress, close with the upcoming Holy Maiden, and is actually a half from a high ranked angel. 

>You are the weirdest out of them all.

-Eugene-kun often forgets how special he is…

>Eri and Sumire are flirting with each other…

>She did do the same with Sara, so maybe Sumire attracts women?

-Sumire is somewhat sinful, isn’t she?

■Author’s Comment:

I have been writing while watching Yuru Camp’s 3rd season lately.

• ZAP – Chapter 133: The Future Empress and Future Holy Maiden

“Airi! Sara! Hide for now!” (Eugene)

“Got it, Eugene.” (Sara)

“What?! We’re not going to fight?” (Airi)

Sara nodded right away at my suggestion, while Airi looked confused.

“Just come here, Airi.” (Eugene)

“O-Okay…” (Airi)

I grabbed Airi’s hand and pulled her into the shadows of the trees.

――Good luck~, Eugene Santafield!

I heard the Dungeon Master’s teasing voice, which annoyed me a little, but I shook that off.

The dragon hadn’t noticed us yet.

Then, first, we need to assess the situation.

From afar, I could tell how massive the dragon is.

It is as large as a giant ship, definitely a full-grown dragon.

It has big wings and distinctive red scales.

Its appearance is an easy tell.

“A Red Dragon, huh…” (Eugene)

“You don’t see them much in the South Continent.” (Sara)

“They’re more common on the North Continent, right?” (Airi)

Sara and Airi said, and I nodded.

Red Dragons are ferocious and aggressive.

It would eat anything: livestock, humans, other monsters.

Its personality is straightforward, and it would often attack whatever prey there is without hesitation.

Dragons in general are intelligent creatures, but this one is said to have a simpler mind in comparison.

Even so, it is still a flying disaster capable of burning down entire towns with its fiery breath.

“If one of these appeared in the Empire, it would take an entire division to take it down.” (Airi)

I agreed with Airi’s assessment.

We were just three people, and this was only the 20th floor.

There’s no need to push ourselves. We could regroup and return later with more people.

“Well then, I’m going.” (Airi)

But Airi, my childhood friend, began walking towards the fire dragon as if taking a casual stroll.

“H-Hey!” (Sara)

Sara panicked, but I followed Airi, knowing it was pointless to stop her.

“You’re coming with me, Eugy?” (Airi)

“Stopping you is a waste of time, right?” (Eugene)

“Yep. You have already cleared the 100th floor, so I need to catch up.” (Airi)

“It took me over two years, Airi. You’ve only just arrived.” (Eugene)

“I’ve watched the Zenith Tower closely through the Satellite System.” (Airi)

“Right. The Empire’s military can monitor the tower.” (Eugene)

“Yeah. There’s even a unit in the Intelligence Division that watches the satellite feed 24/7.” (Airi)

No wonder Airi was so quick to adapt to the monsters in the dungeon.

(Wait… Could she have watched me at the time when I made that promise with Sumire…?) (Eugene)

I felt a little embarrassed at the thought.

“Eugy, the fire dragon noticed us.” (Sara)

“We’re almost in the boss’s territory. Don’t forget the declaration.” (Eugene)

“I know.” (Airi)

Airi announced into her explorer’s badge:

“I, Airi Grandflare, challenge the boss of the 20th floor.” (Airi)

――Explorer Airi’s challenge has been accepted. Oh well, do your best.

(Huh?) (Eugene)

I expected to hear the voice of the management angel, Rita, but this voice was different.
It sounded mechanical, so I can’t tell who it is, but that way of speaking… Could it be?

Just then, Sara appeared beside me, her Holy Sword drawn.

“Oh, you’re joining too?” (Eugene)

“Since I’ve come this far, I might as well.” (Sara)

“As expected of the Holy Maiden of Caldia. So kind.” (Airi)

“Even to a selfish Imperial Princess like you.” (Sara)

“Who are you calling selfish?” (Airi)

“You’re not aware?” (Sara)

Airi and Sara bantered back and forth.

They seemed confident. 

I gave them a suggestion.

“Airi, I’ll be the decoy. You look for an opening to strike. Sara, take care of the dragon’s wings.” (Eugene)

“?!!”

Both of them looked surprised at my suggestion but quickly understood.

“Got it, Eugy.” (Airi)

“Understood, Eugene.” (Sara)

They moved swiftly to the dragon’s flanks.

I stood right in front of the fire dragon without drawing my sword.

(Now then…) (Eugene)

The most dangerous part of a fire dragon is its fire breath.

Its power rivals that of a Monarch Rank spell, capable of melting rocks.

But I’ve spent a lot of time with Sumire, who is an Ifrit.

Her accidental outbursts of magic are always at the top of the Saint Rank.

And so, I am the perfect decoy for this dragon’s breath.

GAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!

The fire dragon roared.

The roar alone could instill fear, paralyzing its prey.

To the dragon, I must have looked like I was frozen in fear.

“Shaaaaah!”

The dragon opened its massive jaws to swallow me whole.

(I was hoping to make it use its breath first to tire it out, but oh well…) (Eugene)

Giant fangs approached, but just before they snapped shut, I used Twin Heavenly Sword Style: [Sky Step] to escape.

“Grr…”

The dragon glared down at me, clearly frustrated that its prey had escaped.

It swung its massive claws, aiming to crush me.

“Barrier Magic: [Giant Shield]!” (Eugene)

I summoned a towering shield made of magic that’s taller than myself.

I lowered myself deeply and braced for impact.

POOM!

A heavy sound echoed, and I felt a powerful shock.

I nearly got blown away but managed to hold my ground.

The Giant Shield was tough and heavy. A spell that can even withstand charges from cavalry in war.

But a dragon’s strike is still strong. The shield cracked, and it wouldn’t hold up against a second blow. However, that also means it was the right amount of sturdiness.

“Holy Sword Magic: [Light Saber], [Triple Slash]!” (Sara)

“Gyaaaa!!!”

The dragon let out a piercing scream.

Sara’s three light blades pierced through the dragon’s wings while it was distracted by me.

Now, the dragon can’t escape into the sky.

The dragon turned its furious gaze to Sara.

The Floor Boss’s target switched.

“…”

I could see the dragon’s throat swelling as it gathered magic for a breath attack.

“Sara! It’s going to use its breath!” (Eugene)

“I know!” (Sara)

Sara, realizing she couldn’t dodge at such close range, prepared to block the attack with her Holy Sword’s barrier magic.

I was about to help her, but…

“Twin Heavenly Sword Style – Wind Form: [Cornered Rat]!”

Airi’s strike pierced the dragon’s weak spot: the Reverse Scale.

“GRUAAAAAAHHHHHH!!”

The dragon let out a final death cry.

“…Guh…raa…”

The fire dragon’s voice faded as it collapsed, spewing blood.

Airi gracefully landed after pulling her sword from the dragon’s body.

――Congratulations… The Floor Boss has been defeated.

The lifeless, lazy voice echoed in the air.

(That voice… it’s definitely Eri, right?) (Eugene)

Looks like she is helping out Rita-san.

So the Demon Lord finally took over the Zenith Tower’s announcements, huh.

“Thanks, both of you. That was an easy fight thanks to your help.” (Airi)

Airi smiled as she ran towards us.

“Good job, Airi. That was impressive, taking it down in one strike.” (Eugene)

Her method was a bit reckless, but now wasn’t the time to point that out.

However, there was a serious student council president here who wouldn’t keep quiet.

“Princess Airi! What were you thinking, charging at the dragon just before it breathed fire?! Eugene and I had already drawn its attention! There were countless other ways to attack safely!” (Sara)

Sara had a point.

“But it was about to use its breath! I thought taking it out in one hit was the best option. It would have been you and Eugy who would get hit by the flames!” (Airi)

Airi’s logic wasn’t wrong either.

“Right, Eugene?!” (Sara)

“Right, Eugy?!” (Airi)

They both turned to me.

“”Who do you think was right?!””

They asked at the same time.

…Asking such a hard answer.

“…”

After a moment of hesitation, I spoke.

“Airi, you should trust us more. I was the decoy, and Sara knew how to draw the dragon’s attention. We had it under control.” (Eugene)

“…I see, so you’re taking her side, Eugy?” (Airi)

Airi pouted. I had to calm her down somehow.

“Airi, check the fifth rule of the Explorer’s Code in the academy handbook.” (Eugene)

“Eeh, what a pain. Fine… Rule 5: Fear the Enemy?” (Airi)

“The Zenith Tower is a long dungeon, so caution is crucial. Now that you’re at this academy, follow the way of doing things here.” (Eugene)

“I see. That’s the opposite of the Empire’s teaching: Fear no enemy, fight and die for the Empire.” (Airi)

“Eh…? That’s how the Empire trains its soldiers…?” (Sara)

Sara looked disturbed.

That’s right.

The Empire is a pretty hardcore military nation after all.

“Alright, I’ll trust the team more and work on coordination.” (Airi)

“That’s the spirit.” (Eugene)

It seemed like Airi had accepted the lesson.

“Shall we head back?” (Eugene)

“Yeah, we beat the boss.” (Airi)

“I’m exhausted.” (Sara)

We boarded the dungeon elevator.

Since it was late, nobody else boarded, and the elevator descended slowly.

“Thanks for today, Eugy…and Holy Maiden-sama.” (Airi)

“Just call me Sara. I’m not a Holy Maiden yet anyway.” (Sara)

“Then I’ll just be Airi instead of a princess.” (Airi)

“”…””

Sara and Airi exchanged slightly awkward glances.

“Nice to meet you, Airi.” (Sara)

“You too, Sara.” (Airi)

They both looked away, embarrassed.

The sound of the elevator descending echoed quietly.

After a while, Airi broke the silence.

“Still… It’s been tough finding people to go dungeon exploring with.” (Airi)

She muttered something unexpected.

“Really? I’d think plenty of people from the Empire would want to join you.” (Eugene)

“Sure…but I want to work with different kinds of people, like today.” (Airi)

“Most of the students from the Legendary Hero Department…already have teams… Or more like, weren’t you going to join mine with Sumire and Sara, though?” (Eugene)

“Huh? Oh yeah, I’m definitely joining. That’s already settled.” (Airi)

“It is?” (Eugene)

That’s news to me.

“That’s not it. I went through the trouble of moving away from the Empire to come to the Lykeion Magic Academy, so I’d like to meet new people, you know? But it’s harder than I thought.” (Airi)

“Well, given your status…” (Eugene)

It wouldn’t be easy to invite her or accept her invitations. 

“Then why not join the student council?” (Sara)

Sara suggested.

“Eh?” (Airi)

“The student council’s enforcement division often requests for people to fill their numbers when they are short-handed in their exploration parties, so that works perfectly.” (Sara)

“Student council… huh.” (Airi) 

Airi put her hand on her chin, considering it.

“By the way, Eugy, what club are you in?” (Airi)

“The Animal Club.” (Eugene)

“What do you do there? Is it fun?” (Airi)

“You usually take care of the monsters you’re bonded with… But in my case, I end up checking on mythological creatures, evil spirits, and cleaning the Demon Lord’s room, courtesy of the Principal. Fun? Well… It’s okay, I guess.” (Eugene)

Eri is probably listening to this conversation.

I should be careful about what I say.

“Yeah, that doesn’t sound like something I’d want to do.” (Airi)

Luckily, Airi didn’t seem interested in joining the Animal Club.

Sara elbowed me with a knowing look.

{You always enjoy yourself there though?) (Sara)

{That’s not all my job entails, I’ll have you know.} (Eugene)

“Alright! I’ll think about joining the student council.” (Airi)

(Yeah, she’s definitely joining.) (Eugene)

From her tone, I could tell Airi had already made up her mind.

As expected, a few days later, Airi, the future Empress, officially joined the student council’s enforcement division.

After that, she quickly began to make records in the Zenith Tower, reaching the 21st floor in no time.

■Comment Response:

>Maybe Anemoi-san is actually lonely?

>It has only been scenes in foreign countries lately, so maybe she wanted attention?

-Anemoi-san has high hopes for Eugene, so she is messing with him. 

>The Empire’s intelligence division has investigated Eri too?

-They can’t enter the 7th Sealed Prison, so they know almost nothing about Eri.

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