Fortunately, the resurrected Evil God seemed far from fully awakening.
After impaling a nearby Demon with its platelike tentacles and drying it out, it maintained a semblance of peace while its tentacles writhed.
This was their only chance to move.
(But what should we do?)
The hidden boss, “Fragment of the Evil God,” found at the deepest part of the hidden dungeon “Labyrinth of Sealing Evils.”
This entity possessed overwhelming power, enough to instill despair even in veteran “Nekoneko” Players.
The “this thing” before them, though different in size, bore an almost identical appearance to that boss.
Did they stand a chance of winning in their current state?
I desperately tried to recall the data on the Evil God from “Nekomeko Wiki.”
Its greatest threat lay in its incomprehensibly powerful attacks.
“Genocide Wave.”
Technique 1, which made one question the creator’s sanity.
A terrifying wave unleashed from the Evil God’s maw.
Seeing the Evil God open its mouth was a precursor to this attack.
It required about a minute of charging, so if its head were destroyed before then, the attack could theoretically be avoided.
However, given the difficult-to-target position of its head and its absurdly high Endurance, aiming for it was not realistic.
While the charging time was long, the attack range was vast, affecting the entire Sealing Chamber.
Furthermore, it penetrated obstacles, rendering hiding useless.
It boasted immense attack power and possessed a piercing attribute that nullified defensive and counter skills.
Even a Level 300+ character would almost certainly not survive a direct hit.
The moment it was used, the annihilation of all allies was certain.
Players might escape with Shukuchi or take a chance with teleportation skills like Illusionary Mirage.
Being able to consistently evade this attack was the first hurdle to defeating the Evil God.
“Do your best.”
“Kill Beam.”
Technique 2, which further questioned the creator’s sanity.
A deadly beam fired from the gem on the chest of the Fragment of the Evil God.
Besides a brief gathering of light in the gem just before the attack, there were no other preparatory movements, and no specific activation conditions.
Moreover, its attack Speed was incredibly fast; by the time one saw the light, the attack had already hit, making evasion difficult.
It possessed overwhelming attack power, and a direct hit would result in instant death even for a Level 300 character.
Even a glancing blow on armor could lead to instant death.
While it was easy to defend against if one timed it correctly, defending also resulted in instant death.
As it was a light-attribute attack, it could be mitigated with accessories.
Of course, even with mitigation, it was still instant death.
One would want at least resistance equal to or greater than voiding light-attribute attacks.
If countermeasures were in place, it could actually become a breakthrough.
“Paralysis Tentacles.”
Innumerable tentacles grew from the Evil God’s body.
They normally just writhed, but upon approaching a certain distance, they would all attack simultaneously.
Their attack Speed was relatively fast, and there were simply too many of them.
While the power of each individual strike was low, the HP absorption and forced Stun made them troublesome.
The latter was particularly fatal; upon being hit, skills were forcibly canceled regardless of resistance, causing a Stun.
During this time, if other tentacles struck, further Stuns would occur, leading to a Stun lock.
Simply put, one hit meant death again.
Taking one hit from these tentacles would forcibly cancel skills, but it would not dispel Magic activation reservations.
There was a possibility of survival only if Air Hammer had been reserved beforehand.
(No, this is impossible…)
I shook my head midway and stopped the mental playback.
The “Fragment of the Evil God” had many other attacks, including magic orbs launched from its arms.
This was not an enemy that could be defeated with their current equipment, let alone with adequate preparations.
Their only hope was a swift battle, but…
(Those tentacles, you know…)
The “Fragment of the Evil God” was of the type where each part had its own HP.
However, its core was the red gem on its chest, and defeating it by reducing that to zero would result in victory, even if other parts remained intact.
Given its resurrection, it should die if the red gem on its chest were destroyed.
At this size, perhaps its HP wasn’t as high as the game’s final boss.
If attacks landed properly, it might not be impossible to defeat.
However, damage to the main body would be absorbed by the tentacles as long as they remained.
The number of tentacles already exceeded several dozen, and their individual HP was not high, in fact, it was low.
But the tentacles regenerated quickly, and even if all tentacles were destroyed, they would quickly respawn after a short time.
To eliminate the tentacles, they would need overwhelming numbers of their own.
(We alone don’t have enough hands…!)
As things stood, it was impossible for them to win.
Therefore, they needed to explore other options.
“Mitsuki, do you think it’s possible to reseal this thing?”
“It’s not impossible, perhaps, but it would be difficult. I felt the flow of the labyrinth change earlier. It seems the door to the ‘Sealing Chamber’ opened in conjunction with the fragment’s revival. If we can lure it in there and perform the appropriate actions, sealing it might be possible, but… we do not know those methods.”
Mitsuki replied, folding her cat ears in a troubled manner. I hadn’t held out much hope, but it seemed sealing was indeed impossible.
(No, wait a minute?)
Even if sealing were impossible, they might be able to temporarily confine it within the “Sealing Chamber.”
If they could buy enough time, they could gather “the power of numbers.”
After all, they had over 40 adventurers here, plus the knights Maki had brought.
“So- Soma!”
Midway through my thoughts, the Evil God began to move.
Slowly, it advanced towards them.
But that was actually advantageous.
I quickly reached into my bag and pulled out a store-bought knife, throwing it towards the Evil God.
Of course, I wasn’t expecting any damage from it.
The knife fell well short of the Evil God, and it posed no threat to the creature.
However…
“W- Wha- !”
As Maki exclaimed in surprise, the Evil God plunged its tentacles into the knife.
The HP of the knife was absorbed by the countless tentacles and it was destroyed.
(As I thought.)
Though I had lost a weapon, I had gained valuable information.
The resurrected Fragment of the Evil God did not discriminate targets.
The game’s setting, where it randomly attacked anything with HP, was still in effect here.
This significantly increased the possibility of buying time.
“I have a favor to ask of you two.”
Resolved, I turned to Maki and Mitsuki.
“Please gather as many pieces of equipment as possible from the knights and adventurers and bring them to the ‘Sealing Chamber’.”
A moment before, a mitarashi dango I had tossed into the air was pierced by a beam and instantly vaporized.
“Tch!”
I hurriedly retreated, turning a corner.
I overturned my black bag and scattered “Stylish Skulls” to create a diversion.
However, before my eyes, the black skulls were continuously shot by magic orbs and destroyed.
Initially, the skulls had served as effective blockers, but the opponent was gradually learning.
It seemed to have recognized that these obstacles could be destroyed.
But it still bought a little time.
While the skulls were being destroyed, I reached into my bag to prepare new decoy items.
I had asked Maki to go to the knights and Mitsuki to the adventurers to gather equipment.
Although I hadn’t explained in detail, Mitsuki, with whom I had a long association, seemed to understand my intention.
I left all explanations to Mitsuki, and we moved immediately.
However, it would naturally take time to explain the situation to the adventurers and knights and gather equipment items.
Meanwhile, someone had to draw the Evil God’s attention.
When I say “someone,” Rifa was out of the question, and neither Mitsuki, who had great popularity among adventurers, nor Maki, who could command the Knights’ Order, were suitable.
It was a natural consequence that I took on the role of bait, and I had no complaints.
Not that I had complaints, but…
(This is, honestly, tough.)
Having actually fought it, I realized that the Fragment of the Evil God had been greatly weakened.
Or rather, since it was a different fragment from the one in the game, perhaps “weakened” wasn’t the right word, but it was undeniably weaker compared to the game’s final boss, the “Fragment of the Evil God.”
Considering the differences, the size was the first thing that came to mind, but its Endurance and attack power seemed to have decreased accordingly.
The decrease in Endurance was particularly significant; when I swung Fire of Sh with the intention of clearing the tentacles, they were torn off with a single blow.
The tentacles’ HP seemed even lower, which was good for the plan, but it also meant I couldn’t carelessly attack the tentacles given the durability of Fire of Sh.
Regarding the decrease in attack power, the potency of the long-range attacks from its arms indicated the extent of its weakening.
However, even weakened, the laser beam was still more than strong enough.
A direct hit would likely still be fatal.
So far, I had managed to avoid it with decoys, but I couldn’t afford to let my guard down for a single moment.
The biggest relief was that it hadn’t shown any signs of using the “Genocide Wave,” which I had feared the most.
It seemed its awakening was indeed incomplete.
The Evil God’s head was bowed, and its eyes were not even open.
For now, its head functions seemed to have not recovered.
Naturally, it wouldn’t be able to unleash the “Genocide Wave” from its mouth.
This could be said to have resolved my biggest concern.
However, new problems had also emerged.
“Tch!? It’s here!”
As I turned, I saw the Evil God, using its tentacles like spider legs, rounding the corner.
However, the number of tentacles had more than doubled since earlier, easily exceeding a hundred.
It seemed that with the HP recovered from absorbing items, it was gradually regaining its functions.
(It will be bad if it absorbs more items.)
If its head functions recovered and it could unleash the Genocide Wave, even a group of us would be wiped out in an instant.
Considering that some items would be absorbed even within the Sealing Chamber, I wanted to avoid using more items as decoys, but…
“Soma!!”
As I was contemplating, a lightning strike zipped past me.
It struck and disintegrated the food items I had scattered.
“Ringo!”
Standing further down the corridor was Ringo.
A Bear was also perched on her shoulder.
“We’re ready. Hurry to the Sealing Chamber.”
Behind them was Mitsuki.
It seemed the preliminary preparations were finally complete.
“Good, you saved me!”
Seeing this, I breathed a sigh of relief and ran towards Ringo and the others.
Ringo’s lightning strike covered my retreat.
“…Hurry.”
The lightning strike effectively destroyed the tentacles, but the Evil God was not so easily deterred.
Still, taking advantage of the brief lull in the Evil God’s assault, I activated a skill and dove into the corner where Ringo and the others had emerged.
“What about the others?”
“We are the only ones left in this labyrinth.”
“I see. I’m sorry to have put you through such danger…”
As I began to apologize,
“…It’s fine. If you leave us behind, we’ll get angry.”
“That’s putting it mildly.”
–Tap, tap.
Beating me to it, they said that.
I couldn’t tell what the Bear was trying to convey, but it probably meant “don’t worry about it.”
I ran, spilling skulls from my black bag.
Conveniently, this area was close to the Sealing Chamber.
If this continued, I should be able to lure the Evil God in successfully.
Thinking so, I saw the door.
It was indeed open.
“Then, when it enters, close the door. Until then, make sure it absolutely doesn’t see us.”
As I said this, pausing for a moment,
“Good luck.”
Mitsuki bowed her cat ears and ran off.
“…Don’t die.”
Ringo briefly clenched my hand and then let go.
Waving back at the Bear, who was waving from her shoulder,
“…Now then.”
I began the final preparations.
Dropping mitarashi dango at regular intervals as if creating a path, I entered the door.
“Whoa, amazing…”
As expected, with the equipment of dozens of people, the amount was immense.
It was piled up like a mountain. It was quite a spectacle.
Unfortunately, this was not the time to stare in awe.
“This is the finishing touch!”
Finally, I thrust my hand into my bag and forcefully overturned a Cooler Box.
The contents spilled out and hit the ground.
Dishes and bottles shattered with a loud noise, but that was fine.
Confirming the results, I nodded deeply.
In reality, food items had low HP and weren’t very effective.
Frankly, there was no need to spill the food items from the box, but it served as a good kickoff.
Keeping an eye on both behind and in front of me, I waited for it to arrive.
If I were attacked in such a place with no escape, I would be helpless.
I wanted to escape this place as soon as possible, but if I moved immediately and it didn’t come to this room, it would be the worst.
I remained in place, grappling with this dilemma.
The fear of when I would be attacked gnawed at my nerves.
My impatience accelerated.
Around the time I started to doubt if the Evil God was even pursuing me anymore,
“…It’s here, huh.”
Finally, the resurrected Evil God appeared.
I felt a sense of relief at its terrifying form.
It stepped into the room without hesitation.
There were many “baits” for the Evil God inside the room.
With this, it wouldn’t escape.
The gem on the Evil God’s chest glowed, and before its light could pierce me.
“Illusionary Mirage!”
I escaped the room with random teleportation.
“Whoa!”
My body tensed for a moment from the explosion of Petit Explosion.
I hastily looked around and was relieved to find that I was outside the Sealing Chamber, in what was likely a nearby corridor.
It seemed the wall breakthrough had succeeded on the first try.
The tension finally broke, and I felt like collapsing on the spot.
But it wasn’t over yet.
I had to hurry back to the Sealing Chamber and check if the door was closed, but…
“It seems your part went off without a hitch as well.”
Before I could, Mitsuki ran up to me.
“You say ‘your part,’ so the door…?”
“Yes, without any particular problems. It’s likely busy in there right now, extending its tentacles.”
At her words, my tension truly eased.
The plan had, for now, succeeded.
“This should be enough to buy us time. Let’s hurry and evacuate as well.”
I wouldn’t say there were no lingering concerns, but there was nothing more I could do.
Following Mitsuki’s words, I hurried towards the exit.
Upon exiting, the adventurers greeted our return in full force.
To think they had gone to such trouble for us, I felt a little teary-eyed.
Raiden stepped forward, representing the adventurers.
“Well, things have gotten pretty chaotic, huh. But well, now that it’s come to this, we’re all decided. The enemy is powerful, but there’s nothing to be afraid of. Let’s show the Evil God that numbers are the greatest power.”
He always said good things, even though he hadn’t done anything himself this time.
I felt a slight sense of dissatisfaction but nodded.
“First, can you tell us how to fight if the Evil God appears?”
“Ah, well…”
Following Raiden’s suggestion, we spent time discussing countermeasures for the Evil God’s appearance.
It was heartwarming, yet not entirely so, that the adventurers other than Raiden and the knights were listening.
I understood their fear of the Evil God, but weren’t they all a bit too tense?
An hour passed without anything happening.
The other entrance had already been destroyed with quest explosives.
If anything were to come out, it would be through this entrance.
After discussing the plan for the Evil God’s appearance, we formed a semicircle formation around the entrance.
I had wanted to talk to Sahzan during this time, but they all had grim expressions, making conversation difficult.
Around me were Ringo, Mitsuki, Bear, and Maki.
Among them, Maki, who was the least accustomed to this world, asked nervously,
“Is it really coming?”
“We locked it behind a door, but it probably won’t hold. Yes, it will likely come.”
When I said that, Maki’s anxious expression deepened.
“Can we win?”
“It’s okay. They say it’s the strongest enemy in this game, but we’ve beaten it once. We have a countermeasure, so there’s no problem.”
“R- Right.”
Even Maki seemed to harbor some fear of an unknown opponent.
Since I had to draw in the Evil God, I had entrusted all explanations to others to Mitsuki.
Perhaps Mitsuki had exaggerated the threat of the enemy.
(Honestly, if it’s going to come, it should hurry up.)
Just as I was getting lazy and thinking this, Mitsuki’s ears perked up.
“As expected, that door wouldn’t stop it.”
The moment I said that and stood up, Mitsuki let out a warning cry.
“It’s coming. …No, what is that!?”
The next instant, from within the labyrinth,
“Wh- What is that?!”
“The Evil God? Is that the Evil God?”
“That’s just a, just a Yellow Slime!!”
The strongest enemy in “Nekoneko,” the Yellow Slime, appeared.
