The stairs led to a dimly lit, ancient stone chamber.
Like the tenth floor, it simply stretched out. Unlike the tenth floor, however, there were no raging flames. As Arti had predicted, it was a space perfect for magical experiments, devoid of residual magic.
It was certainly perfect… but there was one problem.
In the center of the room stood two unfamiliar men.
One was a handsome man with pure golden hair. He looked a few years older than me. He seemed like a quiet knight.
The other was a middle-aged man with streaks of white in his hair. He wore a dull, worn-looking long coat over a yellowish-brown coat, suggesting a life of hardship. A silver sword peeked out from the gaps in his coat, indicating he was also a knight.
I immediately used “Gaze.”
[Status]
Name: Hein Helvishein HP 321/333 MP 34/102 Class: Knight
Level 24
Strength 10.21 Stamina 8.95 Dexterity 9.29 Speed 11.88 Intelligence 12.21 Magic 7.77 Aptitude 1.98
Innate Skills: Optimal Action 1.21 Wind Magic 1.77
Acquired Skills: Swordsmanship 2.02 Divine Magic 1.23
[Status]
Name: Hopes Jokul HP 253/282 MP 0/0 Class: Knight
Level 20
Strength 4.41 Stamina 6.25 Dexterity 11.72 Speed 8.21 Intelligence 13.41 Magic 0.00 Aptitude 1.12
Innate Skills: Weapon Combat 1.89 Crafting 1.45
Acquired Skills: Swordsmanship 0.78 Divine Magic 0.00
The blond-haired man was Hein, and the white-haired man was Hopes. Both were highly leveled and skilled knights.
As I observed them, I realized something. The blond man’s face looked familiar. He was the man who had been with Rustiara on the first day. He hadn’t said much then and hadn’t stood out, but there was no doubt.
I turned to Rustiara and indicated the presence of a man she might know.
“Huh?”
Rustiara exclaimed in surprise.
In response, the two men in the center approached and bowed.
“We’ve been expecting you, Milady.”
First, the blond man, Hein, spoke.
“Oh, Mr. Hein?”
“Yes, it’s Hein. I’m here on business.”
As expected, he seemed to know Rustiara.
However, Hein then shifted his gaze from Rustiara to me.
“That boy from before… So, you are Milady’s beloved…”
He muttered.
“Milady’s beloved.”
This meant he was like Radiant.
Yet, Hein’s expression towards me was gentle. He didn’t glare like Radiant, and I even felt a sense of anticipation. I couldn’t understand his true intentions.
For now, I decided to correct Hein’s misunderstanding.
“No, I’m not exactly Rustiara’s beloved–”
“Ah, Mr. Hein, I’m sorry… I really want to be with Christ. I want to live with him… As you know, my time is short. Is it a sin, then, to want to be with the one I love until that time comes?”
Rustiara cut me off, preventing me from explaining.
Her language returned to the polite tone she used when we first met, and she spoke with a dramatic flair, pretending to lament.
It seemed she was going to proceed in that direction after all.
Frankly, this was the direction I had hoped to avoid.
Upon hearing Rustiara’s words, Hein slowly drew his waist-worn sword.
“Hmph… We can no longer see through your lies. However, whether it is truly for love, or a lie, or just a game—our actions will not change.”
“It saddens me, Mr. Hein. You say I am lying? To feign love… I could never do such a shameful thing!”
Rustiara’s acting was so convincing that tears welled up in her eyes.
Hmm.
This woman is definitely in the wrong.
Personally, I’d fully support Mr. Hein.
But I had to be pragmatic.
In terms of talent, Hein was inferior to Rustiara. Moreover, Hein seemed like a professional, while Rustiara was a free spirit.
Considering whether they would be useful to me, I had no choice but to choose Rustiara.
Hein calmly responded to Rustiara’s dramatic performance.
“Because of this ‘love’ excuse, the higher-ups are in chaos. We can’t make any significant moves, and it will take about a month just to reach a consensus on how to proceed. Sigh… The ‘Levan’s Tenets’ are quite troublesome.”
“Ah… You believe I’m using the word ‘love.’ That is a sad misunderstanding…”
It seemed Rustiara was exploiting something called ‘Tenets.’ It must have been related to what she said before about it being easier to have fewer pursuers that way.
More importantly, the words ‘higher-ups’ and ‘month-long consensus’ were unsettling. Rustiara had said she wasn’t of high status, but judging by Hein’s words, she didn’t seem like just any young lady.
“Therefore, I intend to escort Milady back to the Cathedral through a duel, as befits a knight. Following this procedure would not violate the teachings. Now, Hopes, please.”
Hein then addressed the white-haired knight standing behind him.
Hopes stepped forward with a slight smirk. He gave off a somewhat frivolous impression.
“You got it. But, Hein, aren’t you supposed to do this? I thought this was your role.”
“It is not anyone’s individual role; it is the role of one of the ‘Seven Knights of Heaven.’ Furthermore, I must keep Milady under surveillance. We cannot afford to be careless. Although she has only been missing for a few days, she may have grown to the level of a ‘Seven Knight of Heaven.'”
“Well, you’re certainly suited to watch over Milady, but… Fine. You there, handsome fellow, you’re up for a duel.”
The conversation finally returned to me.
As I responded, I drew my sword.
“Let me say this first. Whether or not I am Rustiara’s beloved is irrelevant to me. However, Rustiara is a companion, so I want to help her achieve her dream. That’s all.”
I wanted to make that clear.
Romance was difficult for me. I couldn’t act like Rustiara, so I wasn’t confident I could play along.
Therefore, I decided to feign ignorance regarding romance.
“O-Oh… I see. That’s cool, kid.”
Hopes looked embarrassed by my earnest declaration and called me cool.
It made me feel embarrassed, so I wished he wouldn’t.
To avoid showing my fluster, I proceeded calmly.
“And, to be honest, I don’t want to duel.”
“That won’t do. If you don’t duel, we’ll interfere with your labyrinth exploration. We’ll pursue you even if you return. It’s embarrassing, but it’s my job. Really, I apologize.”
Hopes replied while scratching his head.
There was no pretense in his words; he seemed genuinely apologetic and bothered. Still, a professional’s awareness of his duty was clearly visible in his eyes.
Since they declared they would interfere like this, it was simply a spark that had fallen upon me.
Although I wanted to avoid it as much as possible, there was no choice but to proceed to the next plan: a ‘practice match.’
“Since it’s your job, I won’t criticize you specifically. I was prepared for this as a condition for making Rustiara my companion…”
With that, I took a step forward.
The practice match would begin.
Even if I lost—well, Rustiara would just return home.
I didn’t feel overly anxious about it.
Of course, I had no intention of losing, either.
“Alright then, it’s a duel. We bet Milady, winner take all. Don’t worry, I won’t take your life.”
“Understood. I don’t intend to either.”
Hopes also drew his sword, and we both bowed to each other.
Since it was on the ‘true path,’ the duel was officially established.
The air between Hopes and me grew tense.
“–Magic ‘Dimension – Decisive Calculation,’ Magic ‘Form.'”
If things went as expected, I should win.
While Hein was formidable, with Hopes’s stats, he wouldn’t be able to catch up to my speed. However, his skills included ‘Crafting,’ which might surprise me and shake my chances of victory.
Hopes and I slowly closed the distance.
I adopted a natural amateur stance.
Hopes’s stance was similar.
He didn’t shift his weight to a half-stance, simply holding his sword in his right hand.
The distance shortened until our swords could reach each other.
—Our sword lines flashed.
We moved simultaneously.
However, it seemed to me that Hopes had deliberately matched my pace.
Our swords traced the same arcs and clashed.
The resonant clang of metal filled the stone chamber like a bell.
Then, the second strike.
This, too, followed the same trajectory. A second bell-like sound rang out.
Then, the third strike, the same trajectory.
And the next, and the next.
And the next, and the next, and the next, the same chime continued—
“—!”
I realized.
Hopes’s swordsmanship was purely defensive.
While talented, he was inferior compared to Hein or Radiant. He lacked an innate swordsmanship that only he possessed.
What he could do was adapt to his opponent based on his accumulated experience, and patiently wait for an opportunity to counterattack.
I continued to increase my sword speed without rushing.
The opponent was patiently waiting for an opening, so there was no need to fluster. I just needed to be flawless, seamless, and superior.
Hopes lacked raw speed.
Although his dexterity and swordsmanship surpassed mine, Magic “Dimension – Decisive Calculation” compensated for that. Overall, there was no reason for me to fall behind.
The lines my sword drew became faster and faster.
Hopes tried his best to keep up.
However, the limit soon arrived.
When you’re doing the same thing, the outcome is decided by the difference in speed.
Before long, a sword that Hopes couldn’t parry was pointed at his throat.
The continuous clashing of swords ended, leaving only the echo in the room. I declared victory.
“—I win.”
“Yeah, seriously… I lost. …Ah, sorry, Hein.”
Hopes struck a pose of surrender and apologized to Hein.
Seeing this, I sheathed my sword.
“You did it, Christ. As expected of the knight I chose. How about it, Mr. Hein? Knight Christ has dedicated his victory to me.”
Rustiara congratulated me gracefully.
Yeah.
This is creepy.
Hein accepted this without any visible reaction.
“Indeed, it appears so. In that case, we have no choice but to withdraw for today. Hopes, come here.”
“Whoa, sorry sorry. In a straight fight, I didn’t stand a chance.”
Hein moved from the center of the room and motioned for Hopes to join him.
It seemed they would no longer obstruct us.
“Hmm. He possesses at least the minimum required strength.”
“Hey, hey. You beat me, and you call it the minimum… Even an old man like me can get hurt by that.”
“This way, Milady can temporarily be entrusted to Christ.”
Hein ignored Hopes’s words and looked at me.
His eyes were still gentle.
“Then, Mr. Hein, aren’t you going to challenge my knight?”
“There is no need. Hopes, apart from him, I must strictly adhere to the ‘Tenets’ as an example… Besides, even if it is just Milady’s unrequited love, this seems to be a genuine romance. As her educator, I wholeheartedly support you.”
“Ah, I am truly grateful that my passion has reached Mr. Hein.”
Hein and Rustiara were exchanging facade-filled sparks.
Although their words were polite, I sensed an intensity that showed no carelessness.
Meanwhile, Hopes next to me muttered, “Apart from him, though…” looking dejected. I felt like I finally understood his position. He’s older, yet he’s pitiable.
“If Christ possesses power comparable to the ‘Seven Knights of Heaven,’ then it’s a different story. If that becomes known, the higher-ups will be somewhat relieved. Milady isn’t intending to disrupt the ceremony, is she?”
“Yes, of course. I will return once for the Christmas festival.”
“In that case, Christ Eurasia will be treated as the hero whom that Rustiara has favored. I will be returning once to report that.”
“That’s what I’ve been saying since we spoke in the Cathedral. Hurry up and go.”
Rustiara said this, waving her hand dismissively as if to shoo Hein away.
The two knights chuckled wryly and slowly walked toward the 19th floor.
As they passed me, Hein quietly murmured.
“—Please take care of Milady.”
His voice was gentle, unlike the stern tone from before. It was a voice of heartfelt affection.
Surprised by the gentle tone, I looked at Hein’s face.
He was smiling.
His sweet, fairy-tale prince-like charm was enhanced by his smile.
It was a smile so captivating that even I, a man, was mesmerized. I nodded lightly in return.
Hein confirmed this with a nod and departed towards the stairs leading to the 19th floor.
Once their figures were out of sight, Rustiara let out a sigh of relief as if a burden had been lifted.
“Phew… I can’t believe he was waiting here. What a surprise.”
The acting from moments ago vanished like mist, and she returned to her usual self.
Maria, who had stood back, not fully grasping the situation, approached me.
“A-Are you alright, Master?”
“Yeah, I’m fine, fine. It was like a game.”
“What were those people? And, you… about someone being a lover…”
“Those people are apparently from Rustiara’s family. And the ‘lover’ thing was all a lie, so don’t worry about it.”
“A lie…?”
Maria repeated my words, her gaze fixed on my eyes, as if trying to find some hidden meaning. But this was simply the plain truth.
“Yeah, a lie. If knights like that appear, just watch like it’s a little play, Maria, and stay back.”
“…Understood.”
I wasn’t sure if she truly understood, but Maria nodded.
“More importantly, it’s about ‘Connection.’ Let’s try that magic.”
I walked to the edge of the room to proceed with the original objective of setting up the magic.
Hearing this, Rustiara approached with interest.
“Oh, the one you’ve been talking about.”
I had explained it to Rustiara on our way here. She seemed intrigued by what the high-level dimensional magic, “Connection,” might be.
“This place is quiet, and the magic power in the air is scarce. It’s the perfect spot. —Magic ‘Connection.'”
I consumed MP and generated a magic portal.
On the tenth floor, it had dissipated quickly, but on this twentieth floor, the construction of the magic was smooth.
I had also grown accustomed to the visualization required for construction, allowing me to succeed in casting the magic in a short time. A portal of several meters stood against the chamber wall.
“Alright, success.”
I pushed open the magic portal and confirmed that the living room of my house was beyond it.
“Wow, is this a magic portal? Let me try going through. —Whoa, amazing.”
Rustiara, amused, went through the portal and back again.
Her rough handling of it caused me to expend MP reinforcing the portal.
“Don’t handle it roughly! That portal is fragile—Ah!”
On the next-to-last opening and closing, the portal before me dissipated into mist.
It happened just as Rustiara was on the other side, leaving her stranded.
“Eh? Isn’t this bad, Master?”
“—Magic ‘Connection’!!”
As there was no other choice, I cast the magic again.
Praying that the portal on the other side had not disappeared, I recreated the portal on this side.
I could feel my remaining MP rapidly decreasing.
Then, I tested whether the portal was still connected to my home.
As I slowly opened the portal, I saw a sweating Rustiara on the other side.
“Ah, Christ. It suddenly stopped working, and I got startled…”
“You broke it…”
“W-Was it, indeed? Um… I’m sorry.”
“Don’t rush me. Come back here, quickly.”
I pulled the apologizing Rustiara’s hand and moved her to this side.
“But why didn’t the portal in our house disappear? It seemed quite sturdy…”
“That one was created this morning with a lot of MP and time. Of course, its completion level is different.”
“Ah, I see.”
“Sigh, that took more than half my MP…”
“No, really, I’m sorry. I regret it.”
Uncharacteristically, Rustiara’s spirits seemed to drop, and she looked contrite.
Maria then interjected.
“If you lost so much MP, wouldn’t it be better to go back and rest? Since ‘Connection’ was successful anyway…”
Maria was right.
Even though I progressed straightforwardly, it had taken time to reach the 20th floor.
It was a good point to stop, both physically and mentally.
However, Rustiara would likely not agree.
She enjoyed the floors beyond this one.
“Um, yes. That would inconvenience me, you see.”
Rustiara hedged her words, disagreeing. Maria then countered.
“Besides, I’ve accumulated some Experience Points, so I’d like to go to the Church. If I don’t Level Up, I can’t be of use to Master.”
“Oh, if that’s the case, I can Level You Up. I can do something like a Priest, you know.”
“Eh, Rustiara-san…? But, it still feels like it would be more reassuring with a professional…”
“No, it’s fine, it’s fine! I’ve leveled up Christ before, too!”
That was a stretch.
I smiled wryly, recalling the forceful leveling-up on the first day.
Maria saw my expression and looked at me with concern.
“Master—”
She had given her opinion, but it seemed the decision was mine.
After a moment of thought, I replied.
“You can have her Level You Up. Rustiara can really do it. And as for my MP, it’s not completely depleted. I can last until it’s time for work at the tavern. Let’s proceed a bit further.”
“Is that so…? If Master says so…”
I took a pause.
Maria clearly wanted to return immediately, and she muttered her disappointment.
Seeing this, Rustiara addressed Maria in a deliberately cheerful tone.
“We won’t be disturbed here, and it’s a good time for Level Up. Come on over here, Maria-chan!”
I checked Maria’s Experience Points, and she had accumulated enough for a Level Up.
Rustiara also possessed a skill similar to my ‘Display,’ so she could likely tell.
Maria looked slightly sulky and walked over to Rustiara.
“……..”
“H-Hey! Don’t be angry, Maria-chan. It’s Level Up, Level Up.”
“I’m not angry.”
“You are angry…”
From my position, I couldn’t see Maria’s face, but Rustiara’s expression conveyed her displeasure.
Then, after a while, a white light enveloped Rustiara and Maria.
“Alright! You leveled up!”
“Thank you. Now…”
Maria clenched her fists powerfully.
[Status]
Name: Maria HP 102/102 MP 112/122 Class: Slave
Level 8
Strength 3.42 Stamina 3.52 Dexterity 2.66 Speed 2.01 Intelligence 3.55 Magic 5.71 Aptitude 1.52
Condition: None
Experience Points: 512/10000
Maria was motivated by leveling up.
However, honestly—
Compared to my status, it was obvious.
Although our levels differed by only three, there was an absolute difference in our abilities.
[Status]
Name: Aikawa Uzunami HP 350/352 MP 221/553 Class:
Level 11
Strength 6.69 Stamina 6.78 Dexterity 7.74 Speed 10.12 Intelligence 10.01 Magic 24.07 Aptitude 7.00
Condition: Confusion 8.12
Equipment: Aris Family’s Treasure Sword
Otherworldly Clothes
Sturdy Coat
Otherworldly Shoes
Maria likely didn’t want to lose her place in the labyrinth.
Her happy face exploring the labyrinth flashed in my mind, and I couldn’t bring myself to say what I should.
“Master! Well then, let’s go. I must have gotten stronger too. This time for sure—”
Christ and I could see it, but Maria could not.
Maria was eager.
Behind Christ and Maria, who were descending to the 21st floor, Rustiara continued to cover her mouth with her hand.
