After leaving the A rank party, I aim for the deep part of the labyrinth with my former students
That place resembled the deepest layer of the Achromatic Darkness.
Even within this “tower,” it must have been a place close to the Achromatic Darkness.
Amidst the heavy presence of the Otherworld that filled the air, Papa looked down on us from atop a small raised structure that resembled an altar.
"I didn’t expect you to betray me, Marina."
"It’s not betrayal. I was always part of Clover. And besides—you broke our promise."
"Promise?"
"You promised that as long as I kept quiet, you wouldn’t harm Finis or the others!"
With a sigh, Papa shook his head.
"I made no such promise. The fact that the ‘Festival’ begins here was decided more than a hundred years ago. …This is the highest of all ‘towers,’ after all."
"Either way, the ‘Festival’ is already over. Hurry up and return the tower to normal."
At Marina’s words, Papa made an overtly disgusted face—as if truly exasperated.
"As expected of a failure—how foolish. The ‘Festival’ can no longer be stopped. This ‘tower’ will become the center of the world, and my throne."
"Ankelias won’t come here."
"I’ll drag him out. That so-called Abominable Being, the Immortal—whatever he is, if I force him out of his role as observer, he can be controlled. Just like you all: arrogant, foolish beings. That’s what Ankelias is."
This man called Papa clearly knew a lot.
He seemed very knowledgeable about the Otherworld. Judging from his tone, he might have even already come into contact with the God Ankelias Marina had met.
"Good grief… come back, Marina. I’m about to become the god of this world. You seem to lack the proper awareness of being my property."
"I’m not a thing!"
"You are a thing. You were created for me. As a homunculus bearing the Stigmata of Existence, you even have the ability to bear the ‘Egg of God.’"
He said that much, then added, "Wait…" and turned his gaze toward us.
His gaze was filled with a vile, lecherous intent.
"Ah… it seems I was a little careless."
Narrowing his eyes, his lips twisting into a sinister arc, Papa continued:
"There’s no need to limit myself to a homunculus, is there? The more vessels bearing the Stigmata of Existence, the better. What a fortunate find. Rejoice—you have earned the privilege of bearing the king’s favor and hosting the ‘Egg of God.’"
Disgust churned in my chest at his wicked and arrogant thoughts, and I moved to shield my companions behind me.
Don’t you dare look at my lovers with those eyes.
"Yuke Feldio… you still think you’re the protagonist of this story? Fine. Either way, your tale ends here. The hero’s saga will fade, and the king’s story will begin. The true story of this world, written by me, spun by me, belonging to me."
"What the hell are you talking about…!"
I glared at him, and Papa sneered faintly.
"You don’t understand? Of course you don’t. Not someone like you—someone who’s been chosen."
"You’re right. The only thing I do understand is that you’re my enemy."
"That’s fine. That’s how it always is. In the end, only the one who claims victory can be the protagonist. This story will end happily—through my victory!"
A chill crept up my back.
It wasn’t just bloodlust—it was an abominable presence that filled the air.
Something even more horrific than the Otherworld’s presence filled this place.
"…Here he comes! Prepare for battle!"
At my shout, my comrades drew their weapons, and Gopro-kun leapt up.
At the same time, Papa floated up lightly and landed at the foot of the altar.
"Ankelias won’t come! There’s no point in fighting any longer!"
"The Long-Lost Day, Another Regretia—you found it for me. All that’s left is to connect the Abyss Gate and pour in the Culling from our side."
"I won’t let you!"
Marina drew her greatsword and charged forward at high speed.
Charging in without waiting for orders… she’s as troublesome as ever. But… it was a good signal to begin the fight.
"〈Physical Enchant〉, 〈Weapon Enchant〉, 〈Protection〉, 〈Little Blessing〉!"
I cast enhancement spells on Marina’s back as she rushed in.
"Thanks, Yuke!"
Hearing Marina respond in her usual tone, I couldn’t help but smile—even though the final battle had already begun.
"You’re grinning… makes me a little jealous."
"I was just thinking—yeah, that’s Marina."
"You’re right. Clover’s not complete without Marina."
Jamie smiled faintly and raised her staff.
"That guy’s presence… it feels really bad. I’m counting on you, Yuke. I’ll do my best too."
"Yeah. Let’s stop him."
I nodded to Jamie and cast enhancement magic on Nene, who was already dashing ahead.
Since Nene tends to be reckless, I reinforced her defenses more than usual.
For Silk, who stood a little farther back with her bow drawn, I cast agility enhancement, 〈Missile Protection, Blessing Against Arrows〉, and 〈Refresh Mana, Continuous Magical Recovery〉.
After all, maintaining the manifestation of the legendary spirit Bibliôn must consume a fair amount of mana.
"Yuke, what about that altar—what do we… do?"
"Hard to say. I suspect it’s some kind of magical artifact."
"If we’re allowed to break it, I’ll take that old bastard down along with it… using a big spell."
There was a faint edge of disgust and menace in Rain’s words.
Ah, come to think of it… that man’s gaze… it was just like that Besio Salas guy who once directed his lust at Rain.
Remembering that made me feel that same nauseating, killing intent.
This fight… now, for another reason, we absolutely couldn’t afford to lose.
"Kyauh…!"
Marina, who had been charging at the front, was suddenly struck by something and went rolling across the floor.
Without a chant, I cast healing magic as I moved to stand in front of her to cover her.
"Initiate check!"
I pulled a [Light Shield Scroll] from my belt and activated it.
Immediately afterward, something semi-transparent slammed repeatedly against the magical barrier.
It gave off a sickening, almost instinctive sense of revulsion.
"Sorry, Yuke! Looks like there’s something weird here!"
"I can tell! What the hell is this…?"
"Weird… mana…!"
"I can also sense the presence of deranged spirits!"
Hearing Rain and Silk’s words, I added my own.
"Don’t tell me… is this the power of the ‘Culling’…!?"
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