Chapter 5

“So, what should I do?”

After completing the soul binding, Tiamat now had to transform Yujin into a dragon as per their contract.

Initially, he needed to become a dragon to escape from here and use the power of dragons. With his current strength alone, escaping the Labyrinth created by the gods was impossible.

「First off, take your hand off my heart and go near my bones.」

“Can we still talk if I take my hand off your heart?”

「Since we’re already bound by souls, would it not work? If you wish, we can even peek into each other’s hearts.」

“…I see.”

Although the thought of having his mind read made Yujin feel uneasy, there was nothing he could do about it. The contract was set this way after all.

While thinking that, when Yujin took his hand off Tiamat’s heart, Tiamat spoke.

「See? We can still communicate, right?」

“That’s correct.”

「Good. Now, go near my bones.」

Following her words, Yujin started approaching Tiamat’s bones and placed his hand on one of the ribs embedded in the ground.

“Is this fine?”

「That’s it. This next part is important. I’ll now arbitrarily transmit my knowledge to you.」

“Transmission of knowledge, huh… Ugh!”

Suddenly, an overwhelming wave of information hit Yujin’s mind. It was Tiamat directly transferring her knowledge through his soul.

Because of this, Yujin momentarily felt like his brain was melting. His head grew hot, leaving him unable to do anything.

How much time had passed? Around thirty minutes since Yujin had been standing there blankly, doing nothing, when Tiamat spoke.

「…Hmm, are you alright?」

“…Yeah, I’m fine. Just a bit dizzy.”

「Sorry. I temporarily forgot the information processing limits of mortals. Seems like I tried to cram too much knowledge into you.」

“No, you don’t need to apologize. After all, it’s necessary knowledge, isn’t it?”

「Yeah, that’s true.」

It was the method to evolve a human body into a dragon’s. To a human mage, it was akin to a fragment of absolute truth—a magical knowledge that had been forcibly injected into Yujin’s mind all at once.

Had he not been an Awakened One, his brain might have really melted. But Yujin remained calm.

‘Hmm… I understand the method itself, but it’s more complicated than expected.’

He only thought about the ‘method of transforming into a dragon’ that Tiamat had conveyed. Though the amount of information was overwhelming and included knowledge he didn’t know, he grasped what to do.

Just, it was complicated. He hadn’t thought it’d be simple, but it was far more so than anticipated.

Moreover…

“This magic circle won’t be easy to create with just my mana.”

What Tiamat had given was a form of alchemical knowledge. Transforming a human body into a dragon’s using a dragon’s bone as a catalyst.

A magical field created to transform one material into another, which shared many similarities with alchemy—or rather, it was knowledge that would be a dream for alchemists.

Of course, alchemy itself was a kind of magic, and its roots were realized through magical circles and such. Initiating magic or processing materials magically through a catalyst was all done through a magical process involving magical circles.

However, such magical processes often required more than just a simple magical circle—they were tough without various tools and apparatuses aiding the alchemical magical process.

But Tiamat’s magical circle enabled all these processes solely through the magical circle without needing any apparatuses. And because of that, the magical circle applied to this process became complex, requiring a lot of mana.

Though Yujin might somehow figure out how to weave the magical circle with the existing knowledge if he spent enough time, his mana alone was insufficient to activate the pure magical circle.

「Ah… I see. Then let’s start by holding my heart.」

“You mean Tiamat’s heart?”

「Yes, use the magic power residing in my heart. Think of it like extracting power from an orb, how does that sound?」

“But the magic power residing in Tiamat’s heart is incredibly powerful. Can I even extract and use it?”

The magic power residing in Tiamat’s heart… frankly speaking, couldn’t be compared to the trivial mana Yujin possessed. Although Yujin wasn’t exactly lacking among awakened mages in magic-related fields, he was no match for the magic power emanating from the heart of someone who could be considered the leader of dragons.

Could he guide those lofty waves according to his will with merely the skill of manipulating trivial mana? Yujin doubted it.

「Of course, normally, you wouldn’t be able to use my power. But if I allow it, wouldn’t it be different?」

“…Hm, alright then. Let me give it a try.”

However, upon hearing Tiamat’s words, Yujin nodded and returned to her heart, placing his hand on the bone.

Yujin began extracting the magic power from Tiamat’s heart held in one hand.

Woooom!

The noble magic power began to flow smoothly according to Yujin’s will. Feeling this, Yujin exhaled deeply.

“…Phew.”

Even after just moving it slightly, a sense of omnipotence filled him. What would it feel like if he swallowed this heart and made this power his own? A fleeting greed arose but was quickly shaken off.

He mustn’t forget what he needs to do. Getting intoxicated by the sensation of power would reduce him to something less than an animal.

He slowly began to move Tiamat’s magic power to start inscribing the magic circle.

And the magic circle would be inscribed on the pillar. Crimson magic power engraved itself like circuits onto the colossal bone-like pillar.

They looked like letters sometimes and, as previously mentioned, resembled circuits at others. Unfathomable strange symbols gradually etched themselves into the bones.

Only, the speed was by no means fast. The slowly spreading magic circle, starting from where Yujin had placed his hand, seemed unlikely to fill this massive bone even after a long time. Originally, Yujin had only used magic for Gate exploration as an Awakened One and was ignorant of alchemy, so this was bound to happen.

「Keep going. I’ll help a bit more.」

At that moment, Tiamat said so and began doing something.

“….!”

Whoosh!

Yujin felt his head becoming extremely clear. As his cognitive abilities accelerated, the speed of creating the magic circle skyrocketed.

「I temporarily boosted your potential. Sharpened your senses and maximized your focus. You could consider it enlightenment.」

Yujin didn’t even hear those words. He was already fully immersed in creating the magic circle.

The magic circle rapidly spread across the bones. Thanks to the highly conductive nature of dragon bones, the magic flowed without any hindrance.

Thus, the giant bones began to be covered by the magic circle.

***

The Great Maze.

A prison created by victorious gods during the Transcendent War to seal away the traces of fallen Transcendents and defeated entities.

Within the maze, countless things lie dormant.

Traces of dead Transcendents, Transcendents restricted by the Maze’s rules, treasures and goods matching the crises and trials encountered within the maze.

Each of them equally stimulates the greed and adventurous spirit of mortals.

Resources obtainable within the maze, absurd treasures imbued with fragments of Transcendent power, and the power gained through selection by imprisoned Transcendents—all naturally attract mortals.

Thus, the gods opened the doors of the maze to mortals in response to their desires.

Mortals, expecting to gain new opportunities and power within the maze, willingly chose adventure.

The era of great maze exploration thus began.

Countless opportunities lie dormant within the maze. Grabbing even one could make one a winner in life, enjoying wealth and glory.

The wealthy sought more than they already had, and the poor ventured into the maze seeking new opportunities.

However, countless crises and trials also lay dormant within the maze. Various monsters within the maze, increasing trials as one progressed deeper, and the machinations of Transcendents trapped inside who harbored ill will towards outsiders…

While the methods by which Transcendents interfere with mortals are limited by the maze’s rules, they remain fatal to mortals.

“Ugh… Uh…!”

For instance, this girl faces such a situation.

A white-haired girl, seemingly in her late teens, writhed in agony. Like many who challenge the maze, she emerged bearing some aftermath from her attempt.

The only difference between her and countless others was her noble lineage.

As proof, high-ranking priests and women dressed in knight’s armor surrounded her.

And these people watched the girl with evident anxiety and bewilderment.

“…Sigh.”

Soon, a blonde woman in priest robes closed her eyes tightly and turned her head. Her expression carried resignation.

Seeing this, the woman dressed in knight’s armor asked,

“…Lady Purifying Saint? Why are you…”

Purifying Saint.

One who received a portion of the divine power of Friphian, the Goddess of Purification…a Disciple of a Transcendent.

With the authority of one of the celestial gods, her status was high. Compared to other saints and disciples of various deities, she was unmatched in the field of purification.

Curses, diseases, contaminations…there were very few things she couldn’t purify. However…

“Very few” meant “not none.”

There were certainly things beyond her reach.

Transcendent.

Even though she bore the power bestowed by a Transcendent, it was something beyond a mortal’s capability to erase.

“…It’s impossible for me.”

“…W-what do you mean? Impossible?”

Yet, to the armored knight, it sounded absurd. How could a curse not be lifted by the saint chosen by the Goddess of Purification?

Despite the knight’s desperate questioning, the Purifying Saint shook her head.

“…Even I can’t purify everything. Moreover, this isn’t a simple curse.”

“If it’s not a simple curse, then…”

“…A demon.”

“…!”

Demonic beings, or Evil Gods as they are called, are entities standing in opposition to the gods.

Possessing power contrasting the gods’ divine energy—magic energy wielded by Transcendents.

Their names were invoked, referring to those who lost in the Great War and were sealed away in the Great Maze.

“Did a demon place a curse directly?”

“…No. According to the maze’s rules, demons cannot impose curses without restraint on mortals that even I cannot purify.”

Indeed. Transcendents trapped within the maze can only exert limited influence on mortals in the form of trials. These trials cannot be designed purely to torment mortals.

Moreover, if mortals fail a trial, they must face death according to the maze’s rules. Upon overcoming a trial, transcendents must reward mortals accordingly, suffering losses in return. Thus, transcendents generally offer trials that mortals can handle, most of which are mere pastimes to alleviate boredom.

Additionally, whether to accept a trial is entirely up to the mortals. Failing a trial results in death according to the tower’s rules.

This was the mercy of the gods. If transcendents were allowed to determine the consequences of failing a trial, mortals would end up being broken toys for amusement.

At least, dragons or giants, who mostly disregard mortals, might mercifully kill or release them. But not demons.

Indeed, most transcendents offering trials are demons. Unlike dragons or giants, who rarely offer trials due to lack of interest in mortals, demons endlessly enjoy inflicting trials on mortals.

If demons were allowed to decide the consequences of failing a trial, what would happen?

Every mortal challenging a trial would endure endless suffering before dying.

On the other hand, if there were no consequences for failure, mortals would recklessly challenge trials without discernment. Hence, the gods compromised with death as the penalty for failing a trial.

Consequently, it’s unusual for even the Purifying Saint to be unable to remove a curse.

Transcendents can only exert limited influence on mortals. To exert greater influence under normal circumstances requires offering a trial.

Upon failing a trial, the price is death, and success grants a reward.

However, what about the girl before them? She appears too tormented to have received a reward, yet surviving failure would have meant death.

It’s common for mortals returning from the maze to suffer from injuries, curses, or illnesses. Yet, carrying a curse that even the Purifying Saint cannot remove suggests direct intervention by a transcendent.

“Then…”

“…The reward itself was a trap.”

“…!”

At that statement, they looked at the girl’s right eye.

In place of the eyeball bloomed a flower.

A pure white, beautiful flower.

Its fully blossomed petals partially obscured the girl’s face. Had it not been for her pained expression, it might have appeared mysteriously enchanting.

“…This flower…”

“Yes. Before venturing into the maze, wasn’t there no such flower on ‘Her Highness’?”

“…Yes.”

The knight nodded. The Purifying Saint sighed and continued.

“This flower itself is the curse… no, it is the demon itself.”

“…Eh?”

“Literal meaning. This flower is the demon.”

“…What…”

“According to the maze’s rules, when a mortal overcomes a trial, the transcendent trapped within must bestow a reward. But can a curse serve as a reward?”

“…”

“There’s no way. The maze wouldn’t permit it. So, this flower itself must be the reward. Only…”

The Purifying Saint glared angrily at the flower.

“…It was a trap, as I mentioned earlier.”

“…”

“The demon who bestowed the reward to Her Highness… he offered himself as the reward.”

“…!”

The knight’s eyes widened upon hearing this. She looked down at the girl… no, the princess.

“What…”

“I sensed it. This isn’t merely infused with demonic power. The demon itself resides within.”

“…”

“It’s impossible to purify. A transcendent. Naturally, it cannot be erased by the power granted to a mere mortal.”

“How could this…”

The knight collapsed in despair.

Crash!

At that moment, someone burst into the room and flung open the door.

A strikingly handsome man with the same white hair and purple eyes approached the bedridden girl with a distorted expression.

“…Your Highness, Crown Prince.”

“…I’ve heard the entire story, Lady Saint. So, you’re saying that…”

“…A demon has taken root in my sister.”

“…That’s correct.”

“…How is such a thing possible? The maze wouldn’t allow it…”

“…Sometimes, dangerous rewards beyond mortal control emerge within the maze.”

“…”

“But if controllable, it can become a powerful weapon. This demon is likely categorized as such.”

The Crown Prince glared furiously at the saint.

“But it’s a transcendent! Moreover, an evil god, a demon! If the gods were sane, how could they allow a prisoner to roam free?”

“Prince! That’s blasphemy against the divine!”

“Silence!”

The priest roared at the prince’s words questioning the gods’ sanity, causing the senior priest to flinch and step back.

The righteous fury emanating from the Crown Prince made even devout believers retreat.

“My sister is possessed by a demon and is dying! Is divine blasphemy more important than that?”

“…I…”

“…Prince, please calm down and listen.”

The prince clenched his lips upon hearing the saint’s words. Despite everything, he couldn’t lash out at the saint chosen by the gods and instead asked through gritted teeth.

“…How did this happen?”

“…I believe it’s not a complete transcendent. It’s likely the seed of a demon killed during the Great War, preserved as a reward.”

Besides the trials set by transcendents, various trials akin to missions are also bestowed upon mortals within the maze, accompanied by corresponding rewards.

Though deceased transcendents cannot directly issue trials, relics imbued with their power can be obtained as rewards for overcoming such trials.

“What do you mean?”

“When a deceased transcendent’s remnants lack self-awareness, they are deemed harmless and brought outside. They likely judged that it couldn’t manipulate the user.”

“…”

“But… Princess’s body is rapidly changing. Perhaps, a new demon may soon be born on earth.”

The Purifying Saint observed the princess’s body and concluded that she was departing from humanity. She might transform into something akin to a demon.

“…So, you’re saying…”

“…We may need to make a decision soon. Before it’s too late.”

Meaning, she might need to be terminated before a new demon is born.

She refrained from stating it outright only because the subject was the empire’s princess and the saint herself was relatively gentle among the gods’ disciples. Had the Warrior God’s disciple been present, they might have already crushed the princess’s head, seeing her transformation into a demon.

Some of the priests present had hinted that the princess should be killed immediately. However, the saint wanted to at least give her family time to accept it.

“…Is there no treatment?”

The Crown Prince inquired about treatment options. But the saint, as the Purifying Saint, had no viable solution.

“…Perhaps a transcendent could help, but… currently, the gods’ power is limited due to the aftermath of the Great War and the creation of the Great Maze. Relying on divine assistance is unrealistic.”

“…”

“Even other transcendents within the maze… Dragons and Giants show little interest in humans. Even if they helped, obtaining a reward capable of eliminating a transcendent’s seed would be difficult. Not to mention demons.”

In essence, there was no method. Yet, the Crown Prince couldn’t let go of hope and asked again.

“Then… is there a way to overcome it?”

“…Powerful energy is needed.”

“…Powerful energy?”

“Yes. Princess’s own ‘aura’ isn’t sufficient. It’s impossible for mortal-level… so-called inferior energy to withstand the demonic magic.”

“…”

“But… if a transcendent-level powerful energy… like divine divine energy, a Giant’s aura, or… Dragon’s mana were continuously infused… there’s a possibility to overcome the demonic magic.”

The saint continued with a somewhat grim expression.

“Though I’ve received divine power, the energy I possess is still mortal-level. I fall short of divine divine energy.”

“…”

“As I mentioned earlier, assistance from a transcendent is necessary. Even if curing is impossible, to overcome and control the demonic energy within Princess…”

However, no transcendent exists on earth currently. The gods, affected by the Great War and the Great Maze, can only exercise limited influence from the heavens. Other transcendents are either dead or imprisoned within the Great Maze.

The Crown Prince eventually hung his head.

At that moment,

“Then, is there a way to buy some time?”

“…Your Majesty!”

At that moment, a middle-aged man with a crown and white hair entered the room.

The saint, who had briefly bowed to the Crown Prince, knelt before him.

“I greet the Sun of the Empire.”

“Enough with formalities, Lady Saint. Rather, if there are remnants of a dead transcendent, can we buy some time?”

“That… yes. If we have artifacts imbued with transcendent power, we can delay the process.”

“…Understood.”

Nodding at that, the Emperor looked at his daughter lying on the bed in agony.

“…Then, we must find answers within the maze while buying time.”