Chapter 31
「It's getting colder......」
「The atmosphere has clearly changed. ...... The end is in sight.」
Three days later, everyone proceeded as usual.
And finally, the end came into view.
The peculiar aura and intense coldness unique to the deepest part of the dungeon grew stronger.
Even after Mars confessed, their atmosphere remained unchanged.
If anything, the distance between them seemed closer.
Half of it is curiosity.
「Is the world over there really that different?」
「Hazuki!」
Since he had kept it a secret until now, Mars probably didn't want to say it.
Lilia understood and scolded Hazuki. After Hazuki spoke, she seemed to have realized it.
「No, it's okay. I won't hide it anymore. Well, it's different from this world. There are no carriages, and a lot of life relies on machinery.」
「Machinery? You were reacting to the car at Lutille's place, so is that what's running?」
「Right. It's a better one, though. The roads are also well-maintained. And you can even go by machine to the sea and the sky.」
「Even to the sky!? Ah, so a fighter plane refers to that!」
「Yep. Well, when ordinary people travel in the sky, they ride something different.」
Using a fighter plane for travel is probably not common, Mars continued.
「In terms of convenience, this world is much better. But there's a charm in inconvenience too. It may be inefficient, but it gives you a sense of living by your own power. That's what I've come to think since coming to this world.」
「I think convenience is also nice, you know? I'd love to fly in the sky too.....」
「Well, it's not like complete freedom. It's just a matter of getting to and from a certain place.」
「There are a lot of convenient things in that world that we don't know. I'm a little envious.」
There are countless points of inconvenience in this world.
For example, lighting. The foundation of the common people's lives still relies on fire.
The age of electric civilization hasn't arrived yet.
So naturally, there are no electronic devices either. It would be the biggest inconvenience for modern people.
Whatever you do takes more time and effort compared to the modern world. Even cooking rice can result in failures.
Take ethics, for example. There are many individuals who lack the spirit of following the law.
Examples of fights in taverns escalating to murder are not uncommon.
Excessive bragging and showing off can also lead to death. If you try to show dominance, you'll physically be dominated in return.
「There's no point in longing for things that don't exist. This world also has its own strengths, you know.」
「Yes. There are plenty. Magic, for starters. The average physical abilities are also better here, I guess. ――And all of you here.」
「Uh, it's a little embarrassing, when you say that!」
Blushing, Lilia lightly tapped Mars on the back.
This world is incredibly free.
If you're willing to take responsibility, you can do whatever you want.
It is because many places lack a fixed social infrastructure.
No one guarantees anything for you. But on the other hand, no one blames you for anything either.
There are no suffocating paths like going to college or getting a job, and that felt strangely pleasant.
Since there are no wrong paths to take, regardless of where you're born, you can live a normal life.
Although, one could argue that the standard of living is lower.
「Nemu is curious about that world too-nya. If Mars-nyan can come here, can we go there-nya?」
「I wonder ...... There might be a possibility.」
Mars was about to say "After we die," but stopped himself.
Nemu probably hasn't reached that level of understanding.
「By the way, Sion, are you okay?」
Since Mars confessed, Sion's attitude visibly sank.
She hardly participated in the conversation and seemed absent-minded.
Honestly, Mars believed that Sion would leave the group after this journey.
Long-time companions didn't seem to view Mars's past life as something fatal, but Sion, who had only known him for less than a month, had a different perspective.
Naturally, Mars should be an eerie existence when viewed from a normal perspective.
Accepting someone who says they came from a different world is a stranger story.
Everyone accepted him because they knew Mars's inherent goodness, but Sion wasn't quite there yet.
「It still feels uncomfortable, doesn't it?」
「N-No, it's not like that. ......」
「Are you scared of me?」
Sion shook her head.
「I couldn't help but associate it with my own future that I never shared with anyone when I heard Mars-sama's story. It's definitely not someone else's business. I'm sure it's one of my possible futures. Thinking that way, I can't help but feel scared...」
「Sion-san, you'll be fine. There's still a chance to make things right.」
Second chances come around.
If you have a good encounter, life can turn around in any way.
Mars knew that better than anyone.
◇
「What a dangerous atmosphere this place has. ...... Hazuki-chan, light up the area. Everyone, prepare for battle.」
A little further ahead was a mysterious space.
In stark contrast to before, it was a beautiful space covered in pure white tiles.
The shape was square.
The size was at most comparable to a dome stadium, so there wasn't a significant difference in size compared to previous dungeons.
However, the most striking difference was that almost the entire area was covered in water.
In other words, there was a massive pool.
The depth was unimaginable, but the water was clear and beautiful.
In the back, there was a golden door. It was the treasure vault door of this dungeon.
Observing the surroundings from the entrance of the floor, Mars and the others spoke in low voices.
「...There's nothing here yet, but should we freeze it?」
The water's surface was calmly rippling, with no sign of any living creatures.
「...Let's do that. Lilia, can you also provide electrical shocks simultaneously? Hazuki-chan amplifies everyone's magic power.」
「Understood!」
Mars and Nemu focused on enhancing their physical abilities, while Lilia and Hazuki strengthened their magic.
It was a simple magic to increase the overall amount of magical power, but it didn't work on Sion.
For reasons unknown, the spell had no effect on her.
「Sion, for now, wait here. We can't easily reduce your remaining lifespan. And if there are no signs of enemies coming after freezing the area, I'll carry you and head straight to the treasure vault. Everyone else, too.」
「We're not going to fight!?」
「Well, if possible, I don't want to fight.」
Perhaps we can freeze it and reach the treasure vault without any trouble?
It won't be that easy, but I felt like there was a possibility.
The timing of the dungeon's collapse would be after reaching the teleportation magic circle in the treasure vault.
And no monsters have ever escaped from a collapsed dungeon.
So if we can infiltrate the treasure vault, we can defeat the enemy without fighting?
That way, the Sea God will disappear, and peace will return to the sea.
「Certainly, if we can go without fighting, that would be the best option. This time, we'll focus on stopping the movements.
「Well then, are we almost done here?」
「If things go well, though, it won't be that simple. Even Kelpies can melt ice, after all. And these are higher-level creatures.」
It's just an idea to test.
After buffing everyone's magical power and storing unnecessary items in the "Treasury of Dreams", their preparations for battle were complete.
「Phew...... This is the final stretch. Let's all make it back alive.」
Mars confirmed that everyone nodded, and he waved his hand forward.
First, a barrage of twelve lightning arrows from Lilia flew through the air. Following that, Hazuki's ice magic exploded.
They don't know how deep it froze, but the surface was frozen solid.
The lightning should have exploded within the pool.
「...Is there really nothing there?」
「Eh, no, I don't think that's the case, but. ......」
Absolutely no response. Neither to lightning nor to ice.
Could it just be a giant pool? Such a question crossed their minds, but could that be possible on the final floor?
Even the group, who originally intended to hurry to the treasure vault, involuntarily halted their steps.
And it was right after that.
Something enormous emerged from the center of the pool.
And with the force to send the ice flying to the ceiling, it revealed itself in front of Mars and the others.
「Plesiosaurus!?」
What appeared was a plesiosaurus.
It was close to the image of Nessie.
It looked very much like the dinosaurs Mars knew, but according to the known data, it should have been a dinosaur that was at most just over five meters long.
However, what stood before them was easily over ten meters in length with just its neck.
「Is this a dragon!? Is the Sea God a dragon!?」
Lilia shouted loudly.
Dragons are undoubtedly the strongest creatures.
However, they are also an ancient species that is believed to have already become extinct.
As a characteristic, the number of individuals is remarkably small, and there were species that adapted to various places.
Mars once encountered a dragon zombie in the Great Norn Tomb.
But it was clearly weaker than when it was alive.
It was because its own body was destroyed every time it moved.
However, this Sea God was different. It was complete.
――This is bad. This creature is simply strong.
Can we come up with a plan?
The opponent doesn't have any particular weakness. It didn't react to Mars's magic that seeks out weaknesses.
Its gaze pierced Mars and the others.
It seemed to have finally recognized them.
Its attitude was dignified, exuding an aura befitting of being called a "God."
「Nemu-chan, can you keep up?」
「Of course-nya!」
「Hazuki-chan, prioritize creating a foothold for us with your magic! Lilia, provide support!」
Marth will use "Body Strengthening" to the limit.
「Sion, can you create a water pillar for us!? If Hazuki-chan freezes it, it will become our foothold!」
「Understood!」
Although it has no physical weaknesses, considering the size of its body, the attacks should be large and easy to dodge.
A single hit would likely result in instant death, but they want to believe that Mars and Nemu can avoid it at the last moment.
They'll manipulate it with three-dimensional movements and gradually inflict damage.
「Nemu-chan, focus on gradual attacks and don't worry about delivering the finishing blow. Make sure you can escape from any situation without getting too involved.」
「You mean the hit-and-run tactic we practiced-nyaa? Understood-nyaa.」
They conduct combat training as part of their daily routine.
Formation training, in particular, has been emphasized the most.
Everyone remembers it instinctively without needing to be told.
When it comes to frontline combat, Lilia and Hazuki focus on support.
When the main focus is on the front line, Lilia and Hazuki are always there to provide support.
Depending on the situation, they might also use offensive magic.
「We have no choice but to give it our all! If we lose, the world will come to an end!」
If they don't overcome this, "Jet-Black" will eradicate everyone who is alive, and the current world will be destroyed.
There are people who have been involved and those who want to bring happiness to this world.
Therefore, they cannot let it be destroyed.
And above all, they can't die if they want to continue living with everyone.
First, Mars takes the lead and runs on the ice.
Including the use of clone magic, it allows for the trickiest movements.
This is because he can move in the trickiest, including the use of clone magic.
In this battle, the most challenging part is to keep fighting.
Just the movement of the Sea God causes the foothold to collapse.
Hazuki's magic is not limitless, so they had to finish it off quickly.
As a strong opponent, there's no need to be on guard. He targets the vulnerable neck of the seemingly defenseless Sea God.
He was using "Body Strengthening", but he will assess the situation first.
It's not going smoothly, and he feels like he's being repelled as if cutting through rocks.
「That's tough! Nemu-chan! Its hardness is greater than that of rocks! Be careful!」
「Understood-nyaa!」
If it's just rocks, Mars and Nemu don't consider it a significant problem.
The problem lies in getting stuck and unable to move.
It is indeed impossible to slice through rocks so easily.
The two of them leap and jump on the ice pillars, launching hit-and-run attacks against the Sea God.
As Mars approaches, targeting its eyes, the Sea God opens its massive mouth.
――Crap!
Mars saw a light deep inside its mouth.
Regardless of the dragon's various types, they have one thing in common.
That is their special move, the Breath.
They generate it within their internal organs and use it in combination with magic to launch long-range attacks.
Dragons are already formidable creatures, and having such a technique makes them even more powerful.
After a rumbling sound, something resembling a laser burst forth.
It was moving at a speed that Mars, who was in the air, couldn't completely dodge.
If he was hit by that, he would surely die.
Quickly, Mars created a clone and forcefully kicked himself away, evading the line of fire.
The laser that flew over his head hit the wall, leaving a hole without encountering any resistance.
「Water Cutter...! Everyone, make sure you don't get hit by that!」
Mars doesn't know if they can hear him, but he shouts while leaping.
High-pressure water can easily slice through even diamonds.
And the enhanced version of it is the breath of the Sea God.
In terms of output alone, it has enough range and power to slice through large buildings.
If they had been caught in a sideways sweep, there's a chance that all of them would have been killed in a single blow.
Mars backflipped, landed, and immediately started running again.
――I've already used up my clones. I can only use it one more time.
And yet, Mars doesn't feel like they're dealing any significant damage.
Nemu was in a similar state.
Neither of them had been able to give the Sea God a decisive blow.
――—It's impossible to defeat it without saving!
「Hazuki-chan! Freeze this thing and its surroundings with all your might!」
「O-Okay!」
「Nemu-chan, stay back!」
「Nyaaah!」
Seeing Nemu distancing herself and getting out of the pool, Hazuki freezes the Sea God.
He knows it won't have much effect.
「――Just freeze for a second, that's all we need!」
Mars applies another layer of "Body Strengthening" and gives up on avoiding injury to himself.
If worst comes to worst, even if his arms get broken, it doesn't matter. He has lost count of how many times he had broken his bones.
Mars jumps high into the air and takes out a different magic sword from his own "Treasury of Dreams."
Mars defines his greatest strength as versatility.
To put it plainly, Mars can only use physical attacks by increasing his muscle strength.
However, since his basic abilities are excellent, the type and attributes of the weapon he wields make a significant difference in the outcome.
It possesses overwhelming versatility different from Hazuki's high-output but limited-use magic or Lilia's inability to fight effectively in close combat with her bow.
Unless facing an opponent for whom physical attacks are ineffective, Mars can handle it.
This time, although it has the shape of a sword, it actually functions more like a magic staff.
He can use powerful magic, but only once.
Its output is stronger than Hazuki's full power.
「I'm counting on you, the other me!」
In front of the Sea God's face, Mars swings the sword above his head, summoning a clone.
The clone appears behind the Sea God's head.
With both himself and the clone coordinating, they launch a simultaneous attack from two directions.
They deliver a powerful physical blow and an electric shock to both its body and insides.
No matter if it's a dragon or any other living creature, he can't imagine they can survive having their head crushed.
The full force of their strike cleanly hits the frozen Sea God, and its head shatters into pieces.
◇
「D-Damn it, it hurts!」
The bones on the right side of his body are cracking.
Mars can tell that his left arm is at least fractured.
The shoulder and rib bones supporting his arm are also broken.
His physical body is being damaged more severely than ever before.
The pain is so intense that he can't even check the status of the Sea God, and he's writhing on the ice.
Although he's using the magic of 'Pain Dulling,' he doesn't feel much effect.
His right arm is no longer functional.
However, he can feel a definite sense of accomplishment from defeating the Sea God.
In an instant, the impact was so intense that his right half became useless. And it was doubled.
「L-Lilia! What happened to the Sea God!?」
「Its head is smashed! We did it!」
「Thank goodness. ......」
Lying on his back, Mars takes a breath.
His right half, which had become so hot that it felt feverish, cools down pleasantly on the ice.
――I've got one more thing to do.
Even if he can't get the Magic Book of Immortality here, if he can remake the world, he should be able to do anything he wants.
A smile breaks out naturally.
It was because of a clear ending and clear reward in sight.
「Mars-nyan, are you okay-nya?」
「Just barely... I'm exhausted.」
「Nemu wants that kind of powerful technique too, that kind of boom-boom move-nyaa!」
Nemu comes over to Mars, who can no longer move and speaks with a slightly dissatisfied tone.
「I'm not very strong in regular combat, so I prefer Nemu-chan, who is generally strong. Besides, I've defeated fewer enemies than you up to this point.」
Nemu is an average hitter, while Mars is a home run hitter. Regardless of the magnitude of a single strike, Nemu has superior average abilities.
In fact, Mars always ends up in bad shape when he fights seriously.
His own body can't keep up with his attacks.
Struggling to get up, Mars looks towards the Sea God, whose head is hanging loosely on the ice.
He can't stay on the ice forever.
With Nemu's help, he stands up and slowly walks toward the others.
「A-Are you okay? Your arm looks all limp and twisted, though!?」
「It's probably completely broken. I'm sorry, but please heal it. Even with Pain Dulling, it's too painful.」
「Of course! I'll heal you right away!」
Lilia and Hazuki work together to heal him.
As always, Mars feels a little guilty for worrying everyone.
But he doesn't know any other way to protect someone except by putting his body on the line.
「To think that you can really defeat a Sea God ......!」
「It's almost like we're killing each other, though. It's always like this.」
Sion approaches tremblingly and grips Mars's hand.
His body is also shaking.
「Now we just need to collect the treasure inside that golden door and it will be over. Everyone, good job! 《Jet-Black》 said he will wait, so let's have a celebration tomorrow, a day off!」
Everyone felt relieved.
No one doubted that they had conquered it.
「......Nya? Is it Nemu's imagination-nyaa.....?」
「What's wrong?」
「Nemu felt like the monster from earlier moved-nyaa.」
「No, no, it's impossible in that state. It can't become undead, and there's no spellcaster either.」
There's no way it could be considered alive by any means.
It must have appeared to move due to factors such as post-mortem stiffness, gas movement inside the body, or slipping on the ice.
Mars was convinced of this, and the others also dismissed it as impossible.
However――
The supposedly dead Sea God's head extends upwards.
Then, something passed through its neck.
Like a reverse playback of a snake swallowing its prey, something spherical and enormous is moving.
A giant eyeball about two meters in size emerges from the Sea God's mouth and falls onto the ice with a thud.
「Another eyeball monster!?」
「Is it the same as the golem in the previous mine ......!?」
It has a dead fish's eyes, without any bloodshot appearance, and it looks at Mars and the others with a lifeless gaze.
「Maybe that's the main body. I'm not sure, but it might have been wearing that dragon ......? Just like the previous golem.」
「Then I'll burn it again! It wasn't that strong anyway!」
「Nemu doesn't want to touch that thing, so she'll leave it to you-nyaa. It looks so slimy-nyaa!」
「Master is in this condition, so we must not let our guard down.」
Contrary to her words, Lilia was slightly careless.
「Everyone! If that is indeed the Sea God's main body, then this is where the real battle begins! Didn't it not manipulate water until just now!?」
「Certainly!」
That's right, even though it's called the Sea God, it was just a dragon until a while ago.
It didn't use any special techniques.
In other words, the real battle hasn't started yet.
The eyeball begins to be enveloped in water.
And that water starts to undulate and move as if taking a shape.
It's like a giant transparent jellyfish.
The eyeball swims within it.
Lilia tries to aim with her bow, but its movement speed underwater is unnaturally fast, and she can't hit it. Lightning attacks also don't seem to work. However, it's only the eyeball, so it's not clear whether the attacks are effective or not.
「Oh, come on! It's so sluggish, I'll just freeze it!」
Hazuki launches an attack, but it was blocked by a wall of water.
The water freezes first, preventing the cold from reaching the main body.
Although she tries to freeze the entire area, the Sea God manipulates the temperature and quickly melts it away.
Lilia also wears a bitter expression.
Just when they thought it was over, despair takes hold.
Magic doesn't work. Mars can't move.
「――We can't reach that core.」
Lilia murmurs in despair.
The entire giant pool is the Sea God's body.
「W-What should we do?」
「Maybe we have to forcibly advance and escape to that room-nyaa?」
They think of a way to pull out the core, but nothing comes to mind.
First of all, since Maru can't move, even if they come up with something, it's impossible to execute.
「Everyone, leave it to me. I'll do something about it.」
「W-What do you mean, you'll do something?」
「I have magic that I can use only once in my lifetime. Perhaps it can bring the core outside. However, I can only do that much. So please deliver the finishing blow.」
「Once in a lifetime ...... special magic?」
「Yes. It's my secret weapon. It's the reason why mermaids are guardians of the sea.」
――It's a trump card, isn't it? If it were true, I really don't want her to use it, but right now, there's no time for such thoughts.
Since I'm useless as I am.
「Please, I'm counting on you.」
Something bothers Mars, but in his dulled state of mind due to the pain, he can't find the answer.
Instead, he focused his thoughts on resolving the imminent despair.
「Here I go!」
Sion points both hands toward the pool where the Sea God resides.
And she begins to sing.
Her mysterious singing voice, resonating throughout her body, is different from any magic they've witnessed before.
Vaguely, Sion's body emits a faint light, and that light gives Mars a warmth different from physical warmth.
「Beautiful ......」
Hazuki murmurs softly. Though it's not a situation to be admiring, Mars also feels the same way. There was a certain otherworldly beauty emanating from Sion's entire body.
Then, rather than in his ears, her gentle voice that seeped into his heart reminded him of a calm sea, and despite the dangerous situation, his heart felt at ease.
Then, the water in the pool surged upward.
The water that the Sea God had just controlled had now come under Sion's control.
Despite its tremendous volume and amount of water, Sion effortlessly manipulated it.
She poured a large amount of magical power into the water and controlled it with a sensation of expanding her own body.
It was a magic that required an enormous amount of magical power.
And then, the eyeball that was the Sea God's main body was sent flying toward Mars and the others.
Without the control of water, it was just an eyeball.
Nem, though reluctant to do so, cut it into pieces, and Hazuki burned it. The Sea God was completely silenced.
Once again, the final floor fell into silence.
The trembling water swayed without any will of its own, simply following the laws of physics.
「It's over!」
「Nemu's hands feel weird-nya! It's all because of that eyeball-nyaa!」
Hazuki and Nemu sat down on the floor, their bottoms hitting the ground while making a commotion.
Lilia also collapsed from her knees.
Barely able to raise his upper body, Mars also took a breath.
「Sion-san, you were amazing! Thanks to you, we were able to conquer it!」
「T-That's good to hear.....」
「Sion-san?」
「I-I'm a little tired. ......」
She lay down on the floor and took deep breaths, struggling to regulate her breathing.
Her complexion was poor. She had exhausted herself completely and looked worn out.
「A-Are you okay?」
「Y-Yes, I'm just tired. ......A-Anyway, let's go to the treasure vault. There might be something everyone wants...」
Everyone stumbled to their feet and reached for the golden door.
「Eh?」
Without paying any attention to the treasure, they headed towards the place where the "Forbidden Magic Book" was located.
This time, it was scattered on top of a mountain of gold coins rather than on a shelf.
And instead of Mars, who had limited mobility, Lilia confirmed it.
Immediately, Lilia's voice turned into a stunned exclamation.
「Eh? What? No, no, eh?」
「W-What's wrong?」
「U-Um, well...」
Lilia was completely flustered. She couldn't find the right words, nor did she know what expression to make.
「Whaat!? T-This is a Magic Book of Immortality! It grants eternal youth and immortality!?」
Lilia's eyes welled up with tears.
Amidst sobs, Lilia burst into tears.
Mars was also on the verge of tears, being moved by her emotions.
It had been a long journey. Even though he had only recently mentioned it, Mars had desired immortality ever since meeting Lilia.
Knowing the loneliness of dying alone better than anyone else, he had thought of wanting to die together.
It had been nothing but a fairy tale. But now, that miracle was in their hands.
「Ooohhhh! OOhhhhh! Finally, finally is it!?」
「Nyaa!?」
Hazuki and the others, who were searching for accessories from within the treasure, also approached and rejoiced.
While they still had to conquer the World Tree's dungeon, their initial goal had been fulfilled.
The exhilaration after the battle heightened everyone's spirits, and their voices were cheerful.
「I-I'm glad that I was able to contribute to everyone's goals...」
With a relieved expression, Sion collapsed limply.
Her legs turned back into fins, and her face turned pale.
「...... Sion-san?」
「Don't tell me that once in a lifetime means that you have used all your magic power!?」
The magic power of a mermaid is difficult to recover and only depletes the vast amount they are born with.
Using magic throws off the balance of recovery.
The lifespan also depends on the remaining magic power.
In other words, Sion sacrificed her life to take control of water from the Sea God.
「W-Why would you do such a thing!?」
「I wanted to be useful. I've lived for a long time, but I've never been of use to anyone until now. That's why, just once. Mars-sama, if you were in the same position as me, you would surely do the same, right?」
Sion chuckled with a vague voice.
She had no regrets.
Even if it meant dying, she wanted to share her life with someone.
「If you don't die, you may recover. The fundamental structure of magic power as lifespan may change, and you might become like us.」
Lilia said it with a serious expression.
「Is that... using the immortality magic on Sion-san, right?」
Seeing her nodding, Mars hesitated for a moment.
But that hesitation disappears in an instant.
「Let's do that. Either way, this magic book can only be used by one person.――Let's bet on changing the world. Besides, it's not left up to chance. If Sion-san can survive now, we can somehow manage.」
――I won't allow it to end up the same as The Little Mermaid until the end.
I'm not just a prince.
But Sion-san will have a voice to speak her thoughts, legs to move freely and live a long and enjoyable life with everyone. I won't let her turn into foam.
「Nemu agrees-nyaa. She doesn't want any more of our friends to die-nya.」
「Right!」
They don't have any regrets.
However, if they were to abandon someone who risked her life for them, they would surely regret it for the rest of their life.
「Sion-san, is that okay with you? We can't abandon someone who has sacrificed herself for our sake.――Are you going to continue adventuring together with us from now on? Will you accept that?」
「B-But....」
「I promised to make you happy for the next 700 years or more, didn't I?」
「...... Yes」
――This takes us back to square one.
But that's fine.
We can clearly see the direction now.
Either way, if we don't defeat "Jet Black," we have no future.
The end of our journey is just around the corner.
The moment to define the meaning of our rebirth is right in front of us.
I will live together with everyone. And for that, we will protect the world.
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