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[Lv. 84]

Originally, Astoria, the Marquess of Astorea was level 83.

Comparatively, Charlotte’s undead transformation raised it by 1.

If it had been a successful two-in-a-row, creating a Dullahan would now be child’s play for Charlotte.

And what if I added my evolution magic to this?

[Lv. 86]

A whopping 86.

When it comes to actual power, I’ve become twice as strong as my previous level 83.

“Thank you once again.”

At this point, Charlotte seemed merely grateful, no longer surprised.

After all, she had seen quite a bit of this by my side.

The flame color of Astoria is green, a step lower than the others.

Of course, I was grateful for even this. It could stand to be compared to a hero, and anything more would be greedy.

As Astoria, standing on Charlotte’s shadow, gradually faded away, she seeped into the shadows.

“Lord, is it permissible to indefinitely postpone the undead transformation of the great sage?”

“Do so.”

Since it was a corpse that had exploded, preparation was secondary; Charlotte’s growth as a necromancer was important.

Well, even if it succeeded, a downward adjustment would be unavoidable, just like with Balmunk.

If it was a complete corpse, it could become a lich comparable to Calandas.

If I had been a bit more greedy, it could have reached Calandas level, but alas.

I was only a bit disappointed, but there was no regret.

If I hadn’t used enhancement magic in that situation, I would have been dead.

‘By the way, the dungeon is starting to feel like the real Seven Lairs, isn’t it?’

Vice Commander Charlotte is a witch worth targeting for levels above 90 in the future.

Guardian Balutak has boss-level potential in the Seven Lairs, and the Insect has limitless growth potential.

The subdued Isabella is currently the strongest boss, excluding the Seven Lairs.

And is there also Wilhelm and Astoria, plus the great sage lich who will join us someday?

Just thinking about it felt as if I had a thousand troops backing me.

With the 9th Legion of Carleon even now, bringing Cecilia would be a breeze.

By the way, I heard the return of the 9th Legion is indefinite.

Carleon said that the queen ordered them to be sent back once they have served all their needs.

It just means that Roseha trusts me. Truly, Roseha has a big heart.

Though they said it’s indefinite, I planned to send them back as soon as Cecilia showed up.

Honestly, it’s uncertain whether Cecilia will come at all.

It seems like she might invade, so I’m just preparing for it.

“Charlotte, do you think Cecilia will invade?”

It seemed to be an unexpected question as Charlotte blinked her eyes.

If she read the news, she’d surely know about Cecilia’s exploits.

After a brief pause, Charlotte spoke up.

“Are you talking about the Shining Star of the Empire?”

“Yes.”

“…I do not believe she is a worthy opponent to be wary of.”

It was a somewhat expected answer.

Just looking at the public’s evaluation of Cecilia gave me that impression.

The focus on the term ‘Shining Star’ tended to downplay her significance.

Besides, she was still young and inexperienced, so that perspective was only natural.

I wondered if Charlotte interpreted Cecilia’s 8th dungeon conquest like this too.

As if by doping with potions, she managed to barely clear it with item advantage.

I bet that thought was way off base.

“It’s not bad to be cautious. Let’s strengthen our defenses for a while.”

“I will comply.”

Based on her prime, Cecilia’s level is 95.

She’s the hero who overwhelmingly surpasses even the Seven Lairs.

At this current point, her level is likely higher than that of a great sage.

She simply hasn’t had her debut yet, so the world doesn’t know, but her prowess is unparalleled.

‘It just so happens that I could end up being that debut match.’

If she does invade, she will surely show up taking potions.

Then wouldn’t it be easy to blow her up like the great sage?

Well, that’s the case if the potions don’t get digested.

Even in the game, they reflected digestion times, making it so that the explosion bug applied only within 5 minutes.

After that point, enhancing spells would be impossible.

Moreover, with the properties of potions, she would undoubtedly come after digesting them.

For 100% effectiveness, digestion is a prerequisite.

If she had any sense, she would enter after digesting the potions and wouldn’t overconsume while in the dungeon.

This means, without any trickery, I had no choice but to block her head-on.

Somewhere within me, there was a glimmer of hope.

After losing two heroes along with the great sage and the marquess, would she really take on more risk?

Cecilia’s death would absolutely be the catalyst for the empire’s downfall, wouldn’t it?

‘…Or maybe not.’

I also needed to consider the possibility of her covering up the confusion with the raid on the Shrine of Faith.

If successful, Cecilia would be a hero for humanity and a focal point.

It’s all or nothing. You die and I die.

Of course, relying on gamble in state affairs is insanity.

I leaned more toward keeping the internal situation under control for the time being.

That said, I couldn’t let my guard down, as surprises like Wilhelm’s encounter could happen.

Please don’t come.

For both my sake and humanity as well.

According to the official story, Calandas would invade humanity before long.

If I lost Cecilia in an already shaky state, I would have no means to oppose him.

There’s no Seven Lairs to hold back Calandas’ invasion chapter.

Considering that even Roseha stood by and watched, it became clear that Calandas would run amok like a playground.

If he devoured the empire, the next target would be the Seven Lairs, meaning my life would be in danger.

This isn’t something I can just sit back and watch.

‘If I were to lose Cecilia too…’

The holy sword that opposed Calandas was with me.

I had an inkling, but should I really step forward?

To oppose the Seven Lairs in the name of saving humanity would be tantamount to turning all 72 Lords into enemies.

I desperately hoped Cecilia would manage to sort things out herself.

And before that, please don’t come to me…

***

The hero Astin has aged.

The hero Leon has also aged.

They thought they had merely grown older, not frail.

The reason they decided to join in the raid of the Shrine of Faith was to prove their vitality as active heroes.

Yet, despite both of them being right there, the task force would be commanded by the Empire’s Shining Star.

The two heroes decided to stay at the palace for training.

It was an opportunity to see why they were supporting that rookie.

…And so, here in the present.

“I learned a thing or two.”

Cecilia bowed.

Before her, the two men stared at her with blank expressions.

“…Huh.”

Recalling what had just happened, a chuckle escaped Leon’s lips.

The two heroes had failed miserably, unable to withstand even three hits against the Shining Star.

Leon swallowed hard as he looked at Astin, who sat down in despair beside him.

He seemed to be brimming with a sense of powerlessness more profound than despair.

They couldn’t even blame it on the passage of time.

Even during their prime, they certainly couldn’t have assured victory, and this wasn’t even a fair 1v1.

Facing an active hero in a 2v1 against the Shining Star was absurd.

Leon stuck his tongue out as he looked at the composed Cecilia.

‘Truly, she can be called the Empire’s treasure.’

Leaving shame aside and facing reality was quite the blessing.

Cecilia had already far exceeded the realm of humans.

Her fighting style and overwhelming strength reminded one of Lucas.

It felt like she was expressing that she was indeed Lucas’ disciple with every movement.

She was destined to become the backbone of this raid, shouldering the empire in the near future.

“I had only heard rumors, but they were underestimated. This young at such a level, it’s astonishing.”

“Now do you believe me?”

Cecilia’s slightly dazed expression was in stark contrast with him.

Her face appeared a bit fuzzy, as if she just woke up.

Her breathing was steady and without a hint of strain.

“Hah, yes. I believe and more.”

“If you still don’t believe this, then what stubbornness is left?”

Cecilia will someday surpass Lucas and become the strongest hero in history. Both believed it without a doubt.

Naturally, the Death Knight from the Shrine of Faith came to mind.

The monster from the Seven Lairs that might perhaps be Lucas.

Truly, if that were the case, the disciple would unknowingly meet their demise at the hands of their master.

On the contrary, if they died, they would unknowingly be killed by their master.

The two shook off the trivial thoughts from their minds.

Yes, all of this is for the greater good.

“Here you go.”

Cecilia received a towel from the chief maid who had approached her in the meantime.

Not a single drop of sweat had glistened on Cecilia, as she glanced at them and passed the towel.

Then she naturally spoke up.

“Is the great sage still out of touch?”

“…His whereabouts are unknown.”

This raid of the Shrine of Faith was pivotal for humanity; thus, every force was mobilized.

Even the great sage who had left the mundane world was summoned, yet inexplicably, news of him had completely ceased as of two days ago.

Well, it could be understood that he frequently disappeared without a trace.

But the marquess last seen with him had also vanished without a trace.

Upon hearing that news, everyone belatedly recognized the severity of the situation.

“We might not even be able to attempt it.”

“What good is it to say? How can we conquer the Seven Lairs with him gone?”

If by any chance the two had died, the raid would undoubtedly fail.

Cecilia slowly shook her head at this.

“That won’t happen.”

“Hah. What is this, youthful confidence? Allow me to advise you as an elder. Overconfidence often leads to misfortune. Shouldn’t one be even more cautious when lives are at stake?”

“Saint artifact.”

At those lowly spoken words, Leon’s eyes widened in surprise.

Cecilia’s half-closed eyes starkly contrasted with his.

“I’ve been given the Holy Relic.”

“What?”

There’s a saying.

The Seven Lairs does not fear humanity, but fears the Holy Relic.

For the Empire, if asked what their most valuable national treasure is, undoubtedly the Holy Relic would be at the top.

The Holy Relic had not once been shown since the Great Unification War.

It had been enshrined in the sanctum of the order that held ownership over it.

To suddenly give such a Holy Relic to Cecilia…

No matter how much it was a loan, didn’t they refuse during the False Resurrection raid?

What would make the order change their minds?

As Leon pondered for a moment, he came to a comprehension.

It was probably a deal: give her the Holy Relic, and she must retrieve the Holy Sword.

Moreover, the order had been itching to rid the Shrine of Faith, which had become an eyesore.

The Shrine of Faith.

Just from the name of the dungeon, one could infer it’s a top priority for eradication.

For whatever reason, giving the Holy Relic to Cecilia was akin to giving wings to a tiger.

Both thought that it was worth targeting not just the Shrine of Faith but higher-ranked ones as well.