Considering sending Charlotte and Cecilia on the second ancient dungeon raid.

Cecilia will serve as a guard. Charlotte, being a wizard, is quite useful with her portal magic and other abilities.

Our destination is the ‘Forest of Spirits’ in the magical realm of Propatana.

It’s a fair distance since it’s a magical realm, but there’s no helping it. There’s a hidden piece there, after all, and we absolutely must get there.

By the way, the Forest of Spirits is located near the Dual Star Tower, where time flows backward. I might just happen to run into Renlin.

“We need to get to magical realm Propatana. It will take longer than last time during the apocalypse. I’m thinking of bringing two companions for the journey.”

The two looking at me with eyes full of anticipation. I pointed at the two of them with my fingertip.

Then the ones designated glanced at each other.

They squinted their eyes, engaging in a silent standoff.

What’s the point of their constant bickering?

“I’ll say this in advance: I’m not bringing one of you. It’s definitely going to be two. And if either of you plans to fight, I’ll go alone. What’s your answer?”

“I won’t fight.”

“…I won’t fight either.”

Each of them possesses outstanding abilities.

As long as there’s no fighting, it should go smoothly.

“Pack your bags in advance. We’ll be staying for a while, so be thorough about it.”

I sent the two away and resumed pondering my plans.

The Sun Holy Sword and the cooldown-free Dragon Words.

If I can obtain the second dungeon core, I could even handle Calandas.

The second ancient dungeon was the legacy of a counterspell magician.

Here, ‘counter-magic’ means just that—magic that counters all other magic.

In the past, the Great Sage’s reverse calculation magic was similar, but strictly speaking, it was different.

Reverse calculation involves deciphering the opponent’s spell and injecting magic power in reverse.

In contrast, counter-magic inherently opposes other magics.

Records of counter-magic had vanished without a trace and were unknown to the world.

Just as Luna wields unique magic that only the Moonlight Sword can control, counter-magic was a unique possession of the ancient dungeon core.

‘But I’m not a wizard.’

Since I’m not a wizard, ancient tomes dealing with counter-magic would be utterly useless to me.

I plan to pass that stuff on to Charlotte; my sole aim is just the dungeon core.

The dungeon core of the Dragon’s Grave is the Dragon Heart (wish-granting jewel).

The dungeon core I target this time is the essence and embodiment of counter-magic, the ‘Mana Eater.’

When absorbed, the Mana Eater parasitizes the body.

At first glance, it may seem like a parasite, but it’s slightly misleading to just call it that.

The Mana Eater has no specific form and can transform into solid, liquid, or pure magical energy depending on the external mana.

There are three theses (versions) of the Mana Eater.

Each thesis has drastically different effects.

The first ‘positive’ thesis transforms into a quantity of magical power that corresponds to the contact magic power and annihilates the opposing magic.

The second ‘anti’ antithesis reflects the contacted magic in its original spell form.

The third ‘synthesis’ thesis absorbs useful magic power from the contacted magical power, expelling impurities.

‘Annihilation’ with the same quantity of magical power.

‘Reflection’ of magic in its spell form.

‘Absorption’ of only pure magical power.

These three are the synthesis of positive, negative, and combined theses of the Mana Eater.

‘Calandas is definitely getting devoured whole.’

With just that, Calandas will be no threat.

It’s not just Calandas either; assuming my opponent is a wizard, I’d most likely hold an advantageous position.

“We’re all set. We can depart immediately.”

I turned my head at the suddenly heard voice.

Wearing a tunic made of linen, a wool coat, and leather pants.

Charlotte had changed into her outing clothes.

I thought Cecilia was still getting ready, but upon looking to the side, I was startled.

“…Since when were you next to me?”

“I’ve been here since the beginning.”

She had been alongside me the whole time instead of packing.

No presence at all, so I hadn’t noticed.

“Aren’t you getting ready, Cecilia?”

“Please call me Ria.”

“…?”

“It’s Ria.”

“…Alright. Ria.”

Before Cecilia could respond, she waved the Moonlight Sword.

“This is all I need. We can get food over there anyway. Honestly, I don’t really need this. You’re welcome to give it to your master.”

Her offer to hand over the Moonlight Sword sounded like she was giving candy.

Honestly, I had always wanted the Moonlight Sword, but it didn’t feel necessary right now.

The first time I aimed to seize the Moonlight Sword, it was to kill Cecilia.

However, since she is now my ally, it doesn’t matter whether I have it or she does.

Moreover, it would not be good to acquire both the Holy Sword and the Moonlight Sword.

Dual wielding is simply overkill.

“No, it suits you better.”

Cecilia with the Moonlight Sword is boss-level.

I can’t find an ally quite like her.

“Thank you, Master. I’ll use it well.”

The corners of Cecilia’s mouth curved ever so slightly.

Does she not realize it’s her sword?

Woooh!

At that moment, a pink portal opened from a distance.

Just by looking at the color, I could guess who it was, and sure enough, Roseha walked out with her trademark smile.

“Good to see you, darling.”

Her gently waving hand was strangely suggestive.

The officers around bowed towards Roseha.

As Roseha continued to wave her hand, she soon waved it dismissively.

“Don’t do that. I hate pretense. Oh, hello, Insect. You look much better now.”

“Greetings, the female of the great chief.”

“Hehe, yes, yes. Uhm… hello to the two humans?”

“We are honored to meet you.”

“…Hello.”

Watching Roseha brought forth a question that I had been holding inside.

She left without saying a word just yesterday.

“What’s up with you, leaving like that without a word?”

Roseha widened her eyes and let out a small ‘ah’ as she nodded.

“I’m sorry. I’m not sulking, so don’t worry too much. Something urgent came to mind back then.”

It was obvious she was trying to cover something up, but I let it slide.

“So what brings you here?”

“Oh, what brings me? I come to see you whenever I miss you. We are, after all, that close, you and I.”

“You don’t have any special purpose?”

“Hehe, it’s not just an idle visit, I know you know. Humans are quite fond of me, to the point where it’s a little envious. Anyway, I came to congratulate you on ranking second among humans.”

Roseha bore no signs of wounded pride on her face.

I was a bit worried that she might be holding something inside, but I felt relieved.

“Honestly, I agree. Considering that you are a single entity, you could surpass the elder… although I don’t know if you could surpass twins.”

“I have no great ambition regarding ranking.”

“As expected, you are remarkable. While other bosses are all obsessed with rank, you genuinely aren’t. It feels sincere.”

Well, I’m not a boss.

I have none of the instinctual drives for elevation that other bosses possess.

Instead, feeling pressured by suddenly being ranked second only overwhelmed me.

“Ah, right. This is a teleportation medium to the underground mausoleum, the Dual Star Tower.”

Roseha pulled out some scroll and waved it around.

…What did she just say?

Swoosh!

As the scroll tore, blue and white portals emerged from either side.

Damn it. I didn’t mishear, huh?

The blue portal was large enough that I instantly recognized who it belonged to.

[Lv. 94]

Thud.

A massive leg landed on the ground from the portal.

Seeing Daron emerge made my head tilt involuntarily.

Had he used a shrinking spell? The Great King Daron now stood half his original height.

Well, had he come in his true form, he would have wrecked the dungeon. Seems like it’s a courtesy of sorts.

“Hyiiiek!”

“Great King Daron….”

Isabella looked like she might faint from shock, while Cecilia murmured softly to herself.

Even though he had shrunk so much, if she saw his true form, Cecilia would surely be wide-eyed.

“It’s been a while, Barugore. Have you been well?”

Daron curled up and extended a fingertip.

After I returned a fist bump, he stood upright again.

Honestly, I was scared too, but I managed to keep my composure upon seeing his green level.

Daron casually glanced around.

“This old man is worried since his body has grown too large. Would it be alright to impose for a moment, Barugore?”

“Of course, anytime.”

While we spoke, the white portal also revealed the twin Renlin.

As soon as they spotted me, they giggled like children, circling around me.

“Vergore! Long time no see!”

“Lin. It’s Barugore.”

“Barugore! Long time no see!”

Roseha had a deep pink level.

Daron and Renlin carried a slightly darker green level.

I understood why they had all gathered.

They probably came to congratulate me after hearing the news, just like Roseha.

When they heard such juicy gossip, it was only natural they wouldn’t just sit idle.

Daron noticed my gaze and spoke first.

“I’ve heard about your situation and stopped by to see your face. Shall we have a little chat among the members of the Mukangong?”

“Me too! Me too!”

“Lin too! Want to chatter with Barugore!”

“Before that, let’s celebrate. It seems you’ve been acknowledged for your true worth even among humans, and I feel proud.”

“I agree!”

“Lin too! I agree!”

If even the third and fourth ranks spoke like this, it was a tacit acknowledgment of my higher rank.

In their minds, it must be mere respect for me.

But honestly? I don’t want it.

Absolute beings who could squash me like a bug are acting like this, which only heightens my tension.

I keep feeling like I did during the 72nd Assembly.

It’s so uncomfortable I might just vomit.

With the arrival of the Mukangong lords, Isabella and Balutak shrank back in unison.

Honestly, I’d wish to slip into that space alongside them.

Even if it’s somewhat less than during the 72nd Assembly, I’d feel just as rattled.

Above all, that crazy Roxanne.

With most of the Mukangong gathered, it wouldn’t be strange if she barged in unexpectedly.

Focused by my anxiety, I fixed my gaze on Roseha.

“Roxanne wasn’t summoned, right?”

“You really think I would invite her? After all, how long have we known the elder? Do you think I wouldn’t know her personality? Of course not.”

A sigh of relief naturally escaped my lips.

“Don’t worry too much. I’ve sent her a letter reassuring her. Humans don’t know anything, so I told her that my second place is firmly secure.”

“Right. I sent one too, just in case she might get furious. Filled it with flowery language. The elder loves that kinda thing; he likes to be pampered even if it’s just in writing.”

“Me too!”

“Lin too!”

It may just be a letter, but I hope it calms her anger.

As for sending a letter of consolation myself, the thought was fleeting.

After all, images of overturning the dungeon filled my head.

…Wait a second.

Speaking of which, the Forest of Spirits is near the Dual Star Tower, isn’t it?

“Renlin, may I use the portal together when we return? I have matters to attend to in the Forest of Spirits.”

“Oh! That sounds good! Let’s go play!”

“Lin welcomes! Barugore likes! You can come over anytime!”

Renlin nodded vigorously.

After entertaining guests, it seems I can go back with Renlin.

Unexpectedly lightening the burden of travel entirely.

Unlike the Dragon’s Grave, this ancient dungeon raid might just end quite quickly.

At that moment, the sound of a portal opening drew my gaze automatically.

For a moment, I thought it might be Roxanne, and it seemed I wasn’t the only one, as the lords inhaled sharply.

Fortunately, the portal’s color was not black but gray—Calandas’s portal.

It was better than Roxanne but hostile nonetheless.

Once Calandas emerged from the portal, I followed his steps with my gaze.

“It seems all are gathered as heard.”

Calandas approached us, brimming with confidence.

There’s no way he’d come to congratulate me.

“What do you want? Why are you here?”

Instead of me, Roseha shot him a piercing glare.

“Oh, isn’t this gaze of a guest unwelcome? We are comrades of the Mukangong after all.”

“I asked, what business do you have with Barugore?”

“I’m not here for Barugore. I’ve come to inform all of you.”

Calandas surveyed the area.

I had a bad feeling about this. I could already guess what he was about to say.

No, it wasn’t just me; most likely, everyone expected it too.

“The corrupted caverns where death breeds are soon planning an invasion of humanity. The objective is to exterminate humanity.”

The atmosphere grew heavy as though a boulder had been placed upon it.

“I seek no assistance from you. I only hope that you do not impede me. I will carry out the mission alone.”

Calandas’s eyes, which had been scanning the surroundings, settled upon me.

To be precise, on me and the Holy Sword.

“Especially you, Barugore. I owe you thanks. You’ve allowed me to expedite my mission.”

“….”

“At the same time, I must warn you. Going forth, ensure you just watch without interference. Should you disregard today’s request and meddle…”

[Lv. 94]

I belatedly noticed his level.

An increase of one level from the 90s. Moreover, the sense of fear directed at me had completely vanished.

Orange and red. A mix of caution and hostility gazing at me.

A turquoise glow, resembling conversion, flickered in his eyes.

Calandas’s tone turned chillingly grave.

“One of us shall die.”