“You’re late!!!”

The Demon Lord’s first words were exactly what I expected.

“Sorry, Eri.” (Eugene)

I apologized for keeping her waiting.

“Sit down there!” (Eri)

“Yeah, yeah.” (Eugene)

When I sat on the bed as instructed, I was immediately pushed down.

Her beautiful eyes, red like rubies, gleamed like those of a predator eyeing its prey.

“Hey, Eri. I wanted to ask about strategies for the Zenith Tower—” (Eugene)

“That can wait. First, you need to pay the ‘price’ for keeping me waiting this long.” (Eri)

Saying that, she stole my lips.

I wrapped my arms around Eri’s back and held her tightly.

The large black wings that were usually on her back were gone for now.

Convenient wings, really.

“Eugene…” (Eri)

Eri looked at me with inviting eyes.

When I slipped off the strap of her purple dress, her white skin was revealed.

“Eri…” (Eugene)

No matter how many times I see her, her beauty is dazzling.

“Fufu…” (Eri)

Eri smiled seductively, and I embraced her, drawn in, pressing her down.

◇A Few Hours Later◇

“About the 500th floor’s Deus Discipline, huh~” (Eri)

After fully satisfying the Demon Lord, I asked her about strategies for the Zenith Tower.

“According to Anemoi, since the 500th floor is the halfway point of the 1000-floor Zenith Tower, the Dungeon Master often shows up as the floor boss to test the explorers’ strength…” (Eugene)

“But if the Dungeon Master-chan herself is already acting as your training partner, then someone else will probably be chosen as the trial opponent this time.” (Eri)

That was Eri’s view.

Incidentally, Anemoi said the same thing.

“Can’t the Dungeon Master freely choose who becomes the opponent for the Deus Discipline?” (Eugene)

I once asked Anemoi that.

“Of course not! The opponents of the Deus Disciplines are Divine Beasts from the age of myths…they’re way above me! And the summoning of Divine Beasts is triggered by the Goddess’s miracle magic, so it’s outside the Dungeon Master’s authority!” (Eri)

That was her answer.

“So then, there’s no way to prepare for it…” (Eugene)

I muttered.

In the end, all we could do was raise everyone’s individual combat strength and improve our teamwork.

“I think I heard before that in the 500th floor Deus Discipline of the Zenith Tower, opponents with some kind of past connection to the explorers appear.” (Eri)

Eri spoke up as if she had recalled something after hearing what I muttered.

“Opponents with a connection?” (Eugene)

“Yeah. In other words, a Divine Beast you’ve fought before shows up again.” (Eri)

“…”

I looked closely at the Fallen Angel in front of me at her words.

“What is it?” (Eri)

“In that case…wouldn’t you be the one I’d face, Demon Lord?” (Eugene)

Eri had appeared as the opponent in the 100th floor’s trial.

No need to mention the connection between us.

“There’s no way it would be me. Because after you clear the 500th floor’s Deus Discipline…you’re planning to use that method to fight the Red Dragon again, right?” (Eri)

“…Yeah, that’s right.” (Eugene)

I already had the agreement of Sumire, Sara, Airi, and Claude on this.

The timing to return to the past would be the day the Red Dragon destroyed the Lykeion Magic Academy.

We’d go back to that day, save the academy from destruction, and rescue Principal Uther.

And hopefully prevent the Empire and Holy Union from starting a war.

“If you want to fight the Red Dragon-chan, then you don’t have time to waste fighting me in a trial. That thing is a Divine Beast capable of destroying the world. Of the enemies you’ve fought, I guess only Cerberus-chan, the watchdog of Hades, would be in the same league.” (Eri)

“Cerberus is really that strong!?” (Eugene)

“It is one of the oldest Divine Beasts, you know? I only heard about it, but in the Divine Realm War, it fought against the Old Gods on equal footing… If I remember right, the Tree Goddess once told me she had Cerberus help her when she fought against the Wisdom Goddess Loki and the Divine Wolf Fenrir.” (Eri)

“……”

So even the watchdog of Hades fought against the Demon Gods, huh.

Why did I have to fight such a Divine Beast all the way down at the 20th floor?

“Well, in the end, the Zenith Tower will summon whatever it deems a suitable opponent for the 500th floor’s Deus Discipline, so we won’t know until then. But I do think it’s good that the Dungeon Master is acting as your training partner. She knows the difficulty of each Deus Discipline. For now, aim for the strength needed to clear the 300th floor like you did.” (Eri)

“That matches what I was thinking. Then, specifically, for Sumire and Sara’s training…” (Eugene)

“Let’s start by thinking about Sumire.” (Eri)

I consulted with Eri about training methods for my companions.

Even if time flowed differently in the Zenith Tower, time was still precious.

I wanted to strengthen our forces as efficiently as possible.

Eri had apparently once been in charge of educating goddess candidates, so she had mountains of know-how in this field.

“Thanks for all the help, Eri.” (Eugene)

I said while looking over the notes I’d taken.

“Well, most of it is just basic Destiny Magic. Up to the 300th floor, that’ll be enough. After that, I’ll prepare training to develop the recommended skills for the 400th and 500th floors.” (Eri)

“…Sorry for relying on you this much.” (Eugene)

The Demon Lord was still confined within the Seventh Sealed Prison.

I once asked, “Want to come out?” but she surprisingly refused.

Even though before she constantly complained about wanting to get out.

“I’m doing this because I want to. Just make sure to come visit me sometimes. Got it?” (Eri)

“…Yeah, I got it. See you, Eri.” (Eugene)

I bid her farewell and left the sealed prison.

After that, I headed to the Zenith Tower and used the dungeon elevator to return to Sumire and the others.

“Ah! Finally, you’re back, Eugy-kun.” (Sumire)

They were in the middle of training with the Dungeon Master.

I only spent a few hours with Eri, but here more than ten days had passed.

I really kept them waiting.

“I learned a lot from Eri, so let’s revise our training methods based on this.” (Eugene)

I called out to my companions.

That’s when Sumire quietly slid closer.

“You smell like Eri.” (Sumire)

“…S-Sumire?” (Eugene)

Her eyes looked scary.

“Oh? What’s the matter, Eug—hmm. Seems you had some fun.” (Sara)

Sara quickly figured it out.

“Eugy! You’re back already! Hm? Did you and Sumire and Sara have a fight or something?” (Airi)

Airi didn’t notice a thing.

“A-Anyway, I came up with new training menus for everyone.” (Eugene)

I forcibly changed the subject and shared what Eri had taught me.

…In the end, I couldn’t completely change the subject, and that night I had to deal with all three of them.

But that’s another story.

■Comments Response:

So Laila Mama was like the theory teacher and Eri was the practical instructor, huh…

-Laila Mama was an angel in charge of intelligence.

Eri was an angel in charge of combat.

■Author’s Comment:

Sorry this chapter is a bit shorter than usual.

*

—— “400th Floor Deus Discipline has ended in the challengers’ victory. Congratulations☆”

The bright voice of the angel, Rita-san, echoed.

It has been two years since we began our training in the Zenith Tower.

At last, we were able to break through the 400th floor together.

“D-Did we…win…?” (Sumire)

“Looks like it…” (Sara)

Sumire and Sara leaned against each other.

“Man, can’t believe we managed to win. Without Eugene’s help.” (Claude)

Claude was using his spear like a cane to support his body.

“Hey, Eugy, help me u~p.” (Airi)

“Here, give me your hand.” (Eugene)

I pulled up Airi, who had collapsed on the ground.

“I can’t move anymore…” (Airi)

“Whoa.” (Eugene)

Airi clung to me, letting her body rest against mine.

I supported my childhood friend with a hand around her waist.

It really was a fierce battle, and she must have been truly exhausted.

Everyone…except me.

“This time, we managed to win without relying on Eugy.” (Airi)

“Yeah. Last time I was the one who pretty much cleared the Deus Discipline alone, so we agreed I wouldn’t step in today.” (Eugene)

The truth is, we already cleared the 400th floor’s Deus Discipline once before.

But back then, I fought almost entirely by myself, unable to coordinate with my companions.

That’s why this attempt was with just the four of them, without me.

“Hey, Airi-chan?” (Sumire)

“How long are you going to cling to Eugene?” (Sara)

Sumire and Sara walked over.

“It’s fine, isn’t it? Just a little bit. We worked hard, so let me spoil myself.” (Airi)

“Well, that’s true. Eugy-kun, I can’t move either…” (Sumire)

Even Sumire hugged me.

“Wait! That’s unfair, you two!” (Sara)

And now even Sara clung to me.

“Uh… Three at once is a bit…” (Eugene)

I was running out of hands.

“Claude-kun, good work☆” (Rita)

“Thanks, Rita-chan.” (Claude)

Over there, the angel was hugging Claude.

A peaceful sight.

By the way, Rita-san was originally in charge of the 100th floor, but since Claude was here, she apparently came all the way to the 400th.

That’s abuse of authority!

But it just so happened that the angel in charge of the 400th floor was on a long vacation, so it worked out.

The angel industry is surprisingly lax.

Mother always seems busy, and Eri said her time as an angel was tough, so I guess it depends on their divine supervisor.

“Airi, it’s about time you let go.” (Eugene)

“I can’t move, I said…” (Airi)

“Liar! You look perfectly fine!” (Sara)

Sara and Airi bickered.

They’ve gotten awfully close.

When they first reunited, they wouldn’t even look each other in the eye, and their conversations were limited to the bare minimum.

Well, they were leaders of countries that were at war.

But now, their relationship has gone back to how it was during our time as classmates at the Lykeion Magic Academy.

“What’s wrong, Eugy-kun?” (Sumire)

Sumire peeked at my face.

“No, it’s nothing.” (Eugene)

Sumire has really grown strong over the past two years of training.

Able to rapid-fire Saint Rank magic without chanting… She’s the main firepower of our exploration party.

If we’re going to challenge the 500th floor, her magic will be indispensable.

(But…once we reach the 500th floor, Sumire will…) (Eugene)

——She’ll return to her original world.

That was the promise we made when we first began exploring.

Now that we’ve cleared the 400th, we’ll probably train with the Dungeon Master for a while.

And then, the next challenge will be the 500th floor’s Deus Discipline.

(I didn’t think…we’d reach this point so soon.) (Eugene)

While I was lost in thought…

Pon

Someone tapped my shoulder.

I turned around and saw a petite girl in a crimson dress, floating with her arms crossed.

“Anemoi?” (Eugene)

“You didn’t participate in the Deus Discipline, so you’ve still got energy to spare, right? I’ll keep you company.” (Anemoi)

“Yeah…then I’ll take you up on that. Can you also prepare a place for everyone to rest?” (Eugene)

“Such a spoiled exploration party. Fine.” (Anemoi)

Anemoi snapped her fingers, and beds and sofas appeared.

I laid Airi and the others down, then faced the Dungeon Master.

…Zuzuzuzuzu…

The space around her churned with an insane amount of mana.

“So, should I use my strength set for the 500th floor this time?” (Anemoi)

The Dungeon Master smiled with an oppressive air.

“Yeah, I’ll need you to.” (Eugene)

We have to surpass that strength if we’re to survive the next challenge.

…The last time I tried, I didn’t last even a minute.

“Fufu… Alright then, here I come. This time, try to last at least 10 minutes.” (Anemoi)

She suddenly raised both hands.

——Dungeon Magic: [Execution of Iron]

A brutal spell was unleashed.

Then I…

(Destiny Magic: [Mind Accel].) (Eugene)

With this spell, I could make instant judgments and react to unknown attacks more easily.

It’s a must past the 300th floor.

Of course, Sumire and Sara had also mastered it.

And one more.

(Destiny Magic: [Future Prediction].) (Eugene)

Not true foresight…rather, a spell that analyzes data and situations to estimate the future.

All of us learned it.

Without these, we’d be wiped instantly by first-strike attacks.

“Whoa.” (Eugene)

I leapt away using Sky Walk.

Zan!

Tens of black spears erupted from the ground where I had just been standing.

(Hm?) (Eugene)

Future Prediction sensed danger.

Glancing upward, I saw hundreds of arrows raining down.

(Can’t avoid the range completely…) (Eugene)

I chose to stay put.

I’d just have to cut down a few arrows.

——Dungeon Magic: [Execution of Fire]

Flames rose around us, sparks flying.

On top of that, countless fireballs rained down.

(Oi oi…) (Eugene)

A battlefield where arrows and fireballs poured endlessly from above.

——Dungeon Magic: [Execution of Beasts]

Shadowy beasts emerged one after another from around the Dungeon Master.

Hundreds of them.

(This much is…well, manageable.) (Eugene)

It was harsh, but still within reach.

——Zoku!

A surge of killing intent.

The Dungeon Master was suddenly right beside me.

(Teleport!) (Eugene)

“Oh? You noticed?” (Anemoi)

“Tch!”

Her claws glowed red and slashed at me with godlike speed.

I barely dodged.

“Too slow.” (Anemoi)

A roundhouse kick from my blind spot sent me flying.

I tried to recover in midair…

“Go on, try dodging this.” (Anemoi)

She was already in front of me, bringing down a red-glowing fist.

I crossed my arms and cast Barrier Magic.

Bang!

The impact shattered my barrier, and I was slammed into the ground.

(Too strong!) (Eugene)

And she was still holding back.

After about 10 minutes…

I lasted longer than before, but was thoroughly toyed with by the Dungeon Master.

◇◇

“I-I’m sorry… Maybe I went a bit too far.” (Anemoi)

The Dungeon Master apologized, having cooled down.

Right now, I was getting healed after being beaten to a pulp.

“It’s fine. You were still holding back, right?” (Eugene)

“Yeah. Depending on the 500th floor’s opponent, the real trial will be much harsher.” (Anemoi)

“Looks like I still need more training…” (Eugene)

Even after clearing the 500th floor, the one waiting for us would be the Red Dragon that destroyed the Lykeion Magic Academy and the Dungeon City.

We’ve grown a lot stronger, but still nowhere near enough to challenge that mythical monster.

We need more training.

“Alright! Then let’s go again.” (Eugene)

“Huh? Don’t you need more rest?” (Anemoi)

Anemoi widened her eyes.

“Next time, I’ll last 20 minutes… You don’t need to hold back at all.” (Eugene)

“You really are…a weirdo, you know that?” (Anemoi)

She gave me a wry smile.

“How rude.” (Eugene)

“Well, I’ll keep you company as much as you want.” (Anemoi)

“Thanks. Nothing beats real combat for training.” (Eugene)

Anemoi and I faced each other, ready.

Just then…

“Wait, hold on!” (Sumire)

Sumire rushed over.

“What’s wrong? Shouldn’t you be resting?” (Eugene)

“Because you and the Dungeon Master are flirting! I’m joining next time!” (Sumire)

“…Flirting?” (Eugene)

“W-We’re not!” (Anemoi)

All she did was beat me to a pulp… Sumire sure says strange things.

“Sigh… I’d rather rest a bit more, though.” (Airi)

“We can’t just leave it to Eugene and Sumire-chan.” (Sara)

Now even Airi and Sara joined in.

“You guys are really energetic. Fine, let’s go.” (Claude)

“Claude-kun, do your best☆” (Rita)

Claude and Rita came too.

“You all just cleared the 400th floor, you should be resting today.” (Eugene)

When I said that, they all gave me exasperated looks.

“Eugy-kun, you always make yourself the exception.” (Sumire)

“We can’t just ignore that.” (Sara)

“This man’s been oblivious since forever.” (Airi)

Sumire, Sara, and Airi all ganged up on me.

Claude just grinned at me.

After that, we challenged the Dungeon Master several times at the 500th floor’s level…and were utterly crushed together.

■Comment Response:

“Here at the 300th floor, time flows at 1/300 that of the surface. So, 300 days here equals 1 day outside.” Which one is correct?

-The flow of time between the Zenith Tower and the surface had been reversed.

I’ve fixed the previous passage.

■Author’s Comment:

I’m currently tied up with work on the manuscript for Volume 6.

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