Author: Yume Neiji

Moore leads me to the basement of the royal castle. We went down a long spiral staircase and then he opened a wooden door.

“Hoh-, this is some kind of a cellar huh.”

“This way.”

Beyond the door is a large room with walls and ceiling covered with ice. The floor is filled with white cold air, and vegetables and meat are placed throughout the room. Moore didn’t even bother looking at it and continued to lead me to the far end of the room.

“This is it.”

In a strangely open space, it was placed in the farthest back of the large room. No, it would be more accurate to say that someone was there. I was speechless for a moment seeing what he wanted me to see. 

A woman was inside a rectangular piece of ice. Her appearance is not flatteringly beautiful, but she is somehow charming and strangely enough, something about her made me feel at ease. She is dressed in white and lies with her hands folded on her chest, as if asleep. However, I was more drawn to the frozen person holding her in his arms. He was an old man in a white robe, Moore, the Great Mage.

“This is my main body.”

“Still alive?”

“No. Already dead.”

“…………”

I was speechless. Yes, he certainly said that the main body is at the bottom floor, but he didn’t say he was alive. 

Moore sits down on the floor and lovingly strokes the ice. I also sat down on the floor to listen to the story.

“This is my first wife, Maria.”

“She look kind.”

“Mmmm. She was famous for being extremely good-natured. She was always carefree and no matter where I was or what I did, she would smile at me and forgave me. She was the best woman. Too good for such a worst husband like me.”

Out of nowhere, he brings out two glasses and a bottle of liquor. The label on the bottle was so tattered that I couldn’t even tell what was written on it. I knew right away that it was quite old. He poured a glass of liquor and held it out to me.

“How about a drink?”

“Thanks”

When I took a sip, the moderate sweetness spread in my mouth yet a strong scent pierced my nose. It’s a truly delicious drink that I can’t put into words.

“You already know my purpose, but you don’t know who I am or how I’ve lived.”

“Well, that’s right. That is why I want to ask, who are you really?”

Moore grinned at me. He had given me a clear hint. He knew I would take the bait.

Clink.

Placing his glass on the floor, he straightens his posture.

“Let me introduce myself again, my name is Moore Shigemoto. The man who was once called the Great Mage.”

Shigemoto…… Shige moto…… Huh?

I had a vague feeling that was the case. He is probably the child of Shigemoto Heiji, my closest friend.

“My father told me a lot about you that I was sick of it you see. Well, he said that he used to live in a foreign country called Japan, and that something strange struck Tokyo leading him to end up here.”

“Did Shige-san know that I would be reincarnated in this world?”

“I think he saw it as a possibility. I remember him saying that he wouldn’t believe that he would be the only one who was reincarnated. Thanks to that, my father took me around the world.”

Moore pulls out an old notebook from the subspace on his right. He held it out to me.

“This is?”

“Heiji Shigemoto—my father’s diary. Well, he said that if I ever met a man named Shinichi Tanaka, I should give it to him.”

I took it and carefully flip the page. I think it’s important to read this to get to know Moore better.

『I’m Heiji Shigemoto. I was born and raised in Japan. Ah no, in this case, I should say that I was born in another world and raised in Japan. In any case, I should say that I have been reincarnated in another world. To be honest, I’m still a little confused.』

The characters were written in Japanese. I turned the next page.

『I was born as the third son of a servant couple who worked for a nobleman. The eldest son was good, so he worked in the nobleman’s family. The second son became an adventurer because he was competitive and strong. Thanks to that, my house is relatively wealthy. I am able to keep a diary in this way thanks to my parents and siblings. I want to give something back, but right now, I’m too young so I can only rely on them. Well, it’s kind of frustrating. 』

When I turned the page, the date has skipped. It seems like a year has passed since the last time he wrote on the diary.

『It seems that I have the talent of a mage. And thanks to the lord, he has allowed me to study magic with his son. Both my parents and my two older brothers are delighted. I think this will allow me to return the favor.』

The next page is a month later.

『I was beaten by the lord’s son. It seems that I was more talented at magic than he was. Thanks to that, he was jealous. I’m going to keep a low profile from now on. 』

The next page skipped a few years.

『There is a sad event, my brother, who is an adventurer, died. This world is too full of dangers. I don’t think I’ll be able to write anything more today. 』

The next page seems to be a few days later.

『I have become a servant of the lord’s son, and my parents and brother are happy with the increase in salary.』

The next one was a few years later.

『Young master’s swordsmanship has been recognized and he was given a position. I decided to accompany him to provide support. From today on, I’m a soldier.』

From there, he continued to work as a soldier for a while. It seems that the lord’s son and the others have joined the elite group of the military.

『Young master has been wounded, and there is no one in the squad who can use healing magic, including me. It’s a very tough situation. Still, as a former doctor, I managed to do the best I could. I pray that he will survive. 』

On the next page, it was written that the lord’s son survived. Thanks to this, Shige-san was deeply appreciated by the lord’s son. Looks like the kingdom at that time was in a state of civil war. Some lords revolted and fought fiercely with the king’s camp. It is written that the lord’s son is steadily achieving success on the side of the king.

On the next page, my name finally appears.

『I’m now 25 years old. I still remember it in my dreams from time to time. The strange events that happened in Tokyo and Shinichi’s death. I saw him get killed that day just before I lost consciousness. I’m sure he is also reincarnated in this world. I can’t help but feel that way.』

On the next page, the name of the lord’s son is revealed.

『At last, Pedro-sama has defeated all the anti-royal forces, and now the bloody war is over, and the world is peaceful. Rumor has it that His Majesty will create a new title for him, it said that he will be called “Hero”. This will keep the Rodman family safe. 』

I looked up from the diary and looked at Moore.

“Was Shige-san Pedro’s servant?”

“Apparently, yes. By the time I was old enough to understand, my father had already been traveling around the kingdom as an adventurer. I only found out he was Pedro’s servant after he died.”

I opened the next page.

『Pedro-sama has given me a fiefdom and the title of baron. However, as there is something I have always wanted to do, I passed it all to my eldest brother. This should be enough to return the favor. I decided to ask for a leave from Pedro-sama and decided to go on a journey. I’m ready.』

I see. Then from here, he will start to move from place to place huh.

『I fell in love with a girl I met in a certain village. She is somewhat similar to my wife in the previous life who died and left me behind. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way, and I don’t know how to treat it. It’s going to be a sleepless night for a while. 』

From there, it was all about the girl for a while. It seems that he stayed in that village for quite a long time. His daily state of mind is written in detail, and I am embarrassed to read it. The diary of the day he married his wife is very festive.

『My son has been born. I’m naming him Moore. It means “to live strong and long” in the old village language. He doesn’t need to be a great man, all I want is that he live a long and healthy life.』

Shige-san’s feelings at that time was conveyed through the diary. It must have been because he was separated from his wife and children by death that he longed for it.

On the next page, time flew by several years.

『Moore is now six years old, and I think it’s time to start traveling again. I’m going to find Shinichi somewhere in this world. He’s like a son to me so I can’t leave him alone. I have to find him…….』

Did Shige-san think about me that way?

I didn’t know until I read this.

『Moore is a magic genius. Who knows, maybe this kid will change the world. I’m going to pass on all the knowledge and skills I have to him. 』

Moore’s intelligence is described in detail. I don’t want to call him a over doting father, but he’s elation about his son is a little shocking. Even so, I could see that he was spending a happy time traveling with his wife and child.

From there, it was all about Moore. Forty years have passed since the first page, and suddenly, the content changes.

『I can’t find Shinichi. I thought he was reincarnated in this world, but is that assumption wrong? However, I think it’s strange that he, who died at about the same time and place as me, is not reincarnated here. Perhaps the difference of just a few seconds before death has a big impact on reincarnation. If so, he could be born after I die. 』

Shige-san continued to search for me while adding his own interpretation. In reality, Naoki’s forceful reincarnation caused our time frame to be separated. However, he had no way of knowing such a thing, and it seemed that it had continued to trouble him.

From there, Moore’s exploits were written again, and a certain page caught my eye.

『My son is going to marry his childhood friend, Maria. To be honest, I’m worried. Moore is quite talented as a mage and adventurer, but as a man, he’s shockingly airheaded. As a father, I feel really sorry for her because she’s going to have to go through a lot of pain.』

Moore seems to have been quite popular to woman huh. Well, if it weren’t for that, he wouldn’t have twelve wives. Shige-san must have mixed feelings about it.

Glancing at Moore, he blatantly looks away. Apparently, he is also remorseful.

『Sure enough, Moore cheated on her. I apologized to Maria many times. She just laughed it off saying, ‘Moore is kind, so it can’t be helped.’ What a strong child she is! I’m sure my son will regret it when he lost that great love. 』

Shige-san seemed to already have a vision of the future. I wonder what he would say if he saw Moore now. I wonder if he would get angry, reprimand him saying, “I told you so!”

The next page is several decades later.

『I contracted an epidemic. It seem that I don’t have much time left. Here are my final words. I decided to entrust to my son, Moore, the search for Shinichi. Now that he is called the Great Mage, he will surely fulfill it. That’s my only regret now. Oh, I wanted to at least get that massage again. Shinichi was so good at it……』

The diary ended there.

I snapped it shut and held out the diary to Moore. But he shook his head and refused to accept it.

“So to speak, it is my father’s soul. It is something that you, a friend from his previous life should receive. I’m sure my father would have wished for that.”

“But, isn’t this something that connects you and Shige-san…….?”

“It’s fine. I’ve read enough of it over the last thousand years.”

He gulped down the glass of liqour and exhaled deeply.

“Maria died of the same epidemic as my father. Until then, I had been arrogant. Feeling the pleasure of being praised as the Great Mage, I was happy to get money and woman as I wanted. I forgot my promise to my father, even more, I didn’t realize Maria’s love. I was simply covered in ugly greed.”

He pours liquor into his glass.

“When she died, I was in the company of a woman in our other home. I had been living there for months without returning to the main house. I didn’t even know that Maria had caught an epidemic. You may think I was a fool. I agree. I am also disgusted that I was even known as the Great Mage.”

Moore must have felt deep regret. Even as he spoke, the muscles on his face were trembling. I understood his painful feelings so I couldn’t look at him directly.

“That’s when I finally really understood what love was, and I realized that I had been kept alive by her all along.”

“So that is why you’re trying to bring her back to life?”

“I knew it was foolish, but knowing that my father had been reincarnated, I thought it was not impossible to bring a person back to this world.”

After losing Maria, he traveled the world in search of the way to revive the dead. At the same time, he was also looking for me. He thought that if I was a reincarnation like his father, he might be able to get a hint to bring her back to life. He continued on that journey and eventually met the God Tree.

“I gave up everything to get to the bottom of the dungeon, my family, my children, my friends, my status, my honor. Thanks to that, I finally found a way to revive Maria.”

He made a deal with the Demon King Eva and was ordered to bring back a human who can break the barrier. However, by then, Moore was exhausted. After several years of long and arduous travel, he traversed the Great Dungeon. He had reached his physical and mental limit, and finally held Maria there and ran out of strength.

“I was created on the verge of his death.”

“That is why even if the main body died, you could still exist huh.”

“This is a skill called ‘Pseudo-Body’ that I acquired during my dive in the Great Dungeon. Right now, I have no soul and I’m just a doll with memories. I took on the main body’s appearance before he died and I don’t grow physically.”

After becoming Eva’s subordinate, he returned to the surface and continued to search for the being who would break the barrier. As a result, he finally met me after a long and mind-boggling time.

“I couldn’t believe my ears when God Tree-sama asked me to guide a man named Shinichi Tanaka because it was the same Shinichi Tanaka my father was looking for. Then I realized. It was all part of a great flow to lead you here.”

“You mean, it is fate that Shige-san was sent ahead of time, that Maria died, and that you were asked to guide us?”

“Yes. It makes so much sense that I’m already satisfied.”

Moore’s body began to glow and disappear.

“H-hey!? What are you doing!?”

“I wanted to tell Maria that I loved her. No matter how much she punched or kicked me, I wanted to keep apologizing. I also wanted to say thank you.”

“Wait! Didn’t you want to revive Maria!?”

“I knew from the beginning how stupid and arrogant that was. But I kept struggling, unable to accept reality. Making excuses that it was for Maria’s sake even though I knew she didn’t want that.”

A large part of his body was gone. All that’s left is from the chest up.

“Oh yes, I forgot to mention something. That the elf lady deserves to be recognized as my successor. As a proof to that, I intend to give her the robe that the main body is wearing and the Staff of the Wind God. Please give them to her.”

“I understand.”

“I’m glad I was able to meet you for the last time. Well, I regret a little that I should have gone after getting the massage my father had talked about. Also, if you ever meet my descendants, I want you to help them, for they seemed to have fallen into ruin.”

“Okay.”

With a smile on his face, he turns into a particle of light and disappears completely.

All that is left there was his glass.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

---

Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next

---

The carriage crossed a stone bridge over the Red River and entered the city. The view from the window was not so different from the city on the surface. Many of them are smiling as they shop.

“It’s peaceful.”

“Yes. People live relatively peacefully in this royal capital.”

“Are you saying that there are places that is not like this?”

“Unfortunately, even though we are all demons, that doesn’t mean we all get along.”

Humans and demons don’t seem to be much different when it comes to that area. Suddenly, I saw a large amount of food being sold in what seemed to be a market we are passing by.

“I’d like to go buy some ingredients from the Demon Realm.”

“I will show you around the city properly after an audience with Her Majesty the Queen, so please bear with me for now.”

Well, I guess it can’t be helped. It’s quite bothersome, but I’ll put up with it.

“By the way, does your queen know what we came here for?”

“Of course. It’s to obtain the proof and becoming the next God of Destruction.”

“What do you think about that?”

“This is just my personal opinion, but I think I can accept any kind of God as long as I continue to live my current life. Well, I suppose I can say this because I have never met the Lord in person.”

Arim was born and raised here. The God of Destruction had long been sealed away by the time he came of age, thus to this day, he has remained so without the loyalty of a subordinate. The number of those who experienced the battle with the gods has dwindled, and the power of the God of Destruction has only been passed down to them like a legend. That is how much of an awful time they have spent here.

“The blood of the Demon Clan is slowly and surely fading, and we no longer have much power from when the demons fight against the gods.”

When I looked out the window, I saw a family that looked like a human. 

Are they descendants of those who once made it this far?

“Did you take in the adventurers who made it to the bottom level?”

“Yes. If you trace the bloodline of us vampires back to Her Majesty, it naturally becomes thicker. That’s why when adventurers show up, we treat them with great hospitality, make them have families here and make sure they don’t leave.”

“Is it okay for you to tell me such things?”

“It’s a well-known fact. We tell that to everyone who comes here.”

It is said that humans who come here are given special rights. They can receive a large amount of support from the government. They are also free to choose as many partners as they like as long as they are not married. They can also return to the surface whenever they want.

However, there are two conditions attached if they want to go back to the surface. First is that they shouldn’t tell anyone anything about the bottom floor. Secondly, they need to bring a new person with them every time they come back.

This is why Moore had told us beforehand not to talk about the bottom floor huh.

“But, why shouldn’t you tell anyone?”

“Fufufu, it would inspire the spirit of adventure that way, right? Moreover, if they know beforehand that there are demons and demon kings at the end of the dungeon, no one will come.”

In other words, by deliberately keeping it a secret, they are luring adventurers to go to the bottom floor. Plus, even if they did tell, no one would believe that there is an underground world here.

While we were talking, the carriage came to the black royal castle in the center of the city. After passing through the sturdy, luxurious gate, we arrived at the main entrance which is decorated with a solemn statue of a demon.

A knight who had been guarding there opened the door. Arim and Moore stepped out first.

“What a grand presence worthy of a Demon King’s residence huh.”

It is a castle with an atmosphere of facing a final boss. It’s intimidating just being here. In addition, there was a strange feeling from the top of the castle. There is something incomprehensible there for sure.

“Ugh-, my shoulders get stiff from sitting for a long time.”

“I agree. My chest feels heavy right away too.”

“Why would you tell such a lie? Putting on an unnecessary front will only lead to self-loathing later on.”

“Please stop it Freya-san. Liz-san is doing her best even in that way to fight back.”

My comrades also got out of the other carriage. They are whiny and noisy wherever they go. But strangely enough, that makes me feel at ease.

“Well then, I will escort the Savior to Her Majesty.”

Arim bowed and lead the way.

　◇◇◇

Inside the castle, the floors and walls were all black. The air is cool and smells like burning incense. Yet, it evokes a solemn and tense atmosphere. It’s like coming to a big museum.

Occasionally, I saw paintings and statues that looked like works of art, but they were all difficult to understand and look like they were made at random. It’s like the first time you see a Picasso painting.

“This must have been painted by a very skilled painter. I can feel the emotion in the painting.”

“Pero-sama seems to have a good eye. This painting is called, ‘Ah, my flesh’. It’s the last masterpiece that a rare genius painted.”

The painting was painted with black oil paint on a white background. To an untrained eye, it will be impossible to connect the picture and the title together. But my son seems to understand. Arim also talked about the beauty of the painting with a smile. Well, Art is hard.

After that, I parted ways with Erna and the others. I was led to a large room that looked like an audience room. Sitting on the throne was a woman. She had long, glossy raven-colored hair that reflects light. A bewitching and beautiful appearance and such crimson eyes that awe and fascinate the viewer. She is wearing an armor that is lavishly decorated with gold and she had a black clothing with an unusually small amount of fabric making her figure all the more eye-catching. Having expected her to look like Eva, I was completely let down, I guess. The queen was a mature woman that exudes intense sex appeal.

“Her Majesty, I have brought the savior.”

“Understood. You may now step back.”

“Yes.”

Arim bows to the queen and leaves the room. The queen then turned her gaze to Moore, who was on one knee while bowing his head.

“Well done. I’m glad you have accomplished it and came back. This time, I will fulfill your wish.”

“Thank you very much. My thousand-year of hard work will finally pay off.”

“Alright, alright. Then….…”

Her gaze catches mine. For some reason, the queen went silent as she observed me. Perhaps she is looking at my status with some kind of analysis skill.

If so, I’ll also take a peek.

[Analysis result: Eva Kreis: One of the Four Demon Kings who bind the vampire clan. A loyal subordinate of the God of Destruction. Eternal Queen of the Kingdom of Bloodfall. Rarity: SSG, Overall Ability: SSG]

[Status] Name: Eva Kreis Race: Crown Vampire Magic Attributes: Wind, Darkness, Evil Magic: ― Skills: Eyes of Truth, Spatial Teleportation, Blood Manipulation, Soul Interference Evolution: ―

She has less skill than I thought. Instead, it somehow conveys that she is very powerful. In addition, the rarity and ability are the same, both are SSG. G is probably the G in GOD. If that’s the case, she should be superior to the first-class angel I fought.

“You seem to be acquainted with my clone. And in addition, there is Eugrapia working behind the scenes. I guess what I was worried about has finally happened outside.”

The queen mumbles as she looked past me and stared blankly. Since the conversation isn’t progressing, I decide to start the conversation myself.

“I’m Shinichi Tanaka. I’m sure you already know, but I’m here to receive the proof of the God of Destruction.”

“I know that. However, I have one question for you. Why do you seek the proof of my Lord? Is it because the world is in crisis? Or is it because you want to save your son? Or is it to save Earth, which is your home?”

I answered her question right away.

“It’s for my own sake. Right now, I need power to make everything you have said come true.”

“I see. That’s a very arrogant and satisfying answer.”

The queen rose from her throne and walks over to me. Then, she looked at me intently with her big eyes.

“As expected of someone recognized by my Lord.”

“W-what are you talking about….?”

She grabbed my arm and looked at the bangle I was wearing.

“The robe and this bangle contain the will of the God of Destruction, and it is designed so that only the true owner can wear it at the same time.”

“So these belong to the God of Destruction?”

“Yes, before he was sealed away, he threw three tools to the surface to help him escape from this prison.”

Three? If so, is there another tool?

The queen continues.

“The fact that the two of them have gathered in one place means that the Lord has recognized you as the next God of Destruction. At last, his wish has finally come true.”

“W-wait. Sorry, I can’t keep up with the story because you’re jumping too far ahead. Please explain it properly.”

“He had long desired a successor. He always said that he wanted to be freed from the role of the God of Destruction. However, no one showed up who met the requirements.”

She sits back on the throne again and crosses her legs.

“Of course that was expected. The God of Destruction is an entity shunned by other gods. He is the ultimate judge who judges gods who have committed crimes and destroys foolish intelligent life. Therefore, a spirit of solitude and compassion that does not favor either the Gods or non-God is essential. But is there really someone like that? God is kind to his own race. And when it comes to humans, they are simply handed down to the gods. That person was already exhausted you see.”

So, to sum it up, the God of Destruction wanted to give his proof to someone else. But there was no one who deserved it. And that’s when I arrived bearing two of the three tools that can only be worn simultaneously by the God of Destruction himself, or someone with the qualities to be his successor. The conclusion I could draw was that the moment I put on the bangle, I was destined to become the God of Destruction.

“A-Anyway, if that’s the case, then it’s easy. I want to be the God of Destruction.”

“I would also love for you to fulfill my Lord’s wish.”

“It’s just…… “, the queen added and her expression turning solemn. “The other Demon Kings will be against it. They will not allow the Lord to cease to be the God of Destruction.”

“What would happen if I meet up with the another Demon Kings?”

“You will be used as the key to free the Lord and will be killed afterwards for sure.”

It seems that in order to break the seal that sealed the God of Destruction, there are other conditions besides being human. Otherwise, they would have released him a long time ago. All in all, I seem to meet that condition. That’s why both Eugrapia and Naoki sent me out. Even the queen speak like that.

“However, the Lord’s seal is not in my territory, and either way, we will have to persuade the other Demon Kings.”

“So that means that I have no choice but to meet them, knowing such risk huh.”

The queen nods silently. We’ve finally come this far, and there’s no way I’m going to dismiss it now.

“I understand. Please make arrangements for me to meet up with the other Demon Kings.”

“Understood. You can take it easy in our kingdom until then.”

After the audience with the Queen, I and Moore leave the room.

“She’s more like a Demon God than a Demon King huh.”

“Did you see her status? She is someone in the realm of the gods that we can’t tread. Moreover, the queen is someone at the top of the list. Her very existence is on a very different level.”

I found out when I met her in person. It’s true that she’s different. This is just an analogy, but let’s say if Eugrapia and Naoki are humans, then they are dragons.

In fact, my hand has not stopped shaking since earlier. It was as if my instincts, even my soul, were in fear. 

I suddenly stopped in the middle of the cross-sectional aisle.

“By the way, Moore, can you tell me who are you?”

“…………Hmm”

He also stopped, turns around and strokes his beard. He seemed to understand the meaning of my question.

“Well, I also thought it was time to tell you.”

He mutters and nods his head.

He then said, “I have something I want to show you” and then he led me to a certain room.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

---

Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next

---

From the fiftieth floor onwards, it was an incomparably harsher place than before. However, the environment has not changed drastically. The strength of the magical beasts that came out jumped dramatically though. 

The passageway had many pit-like holes, exposing reddish-brown dirt. I unleashed a lightning strike there. The Death Ogre hiding in, collapsed and its body is burning. Its height is about 4 meters, had dark skin and a single horn growing from the forehead. This one is a high-ranking ogre. A monster that can fight dragons on an equal footing. Such monster was roaming here.

“Huff-, I want to get back to the surface soon. When will we get to the bottom?”

“Fufu, we’ll be there soon. I told you before that it wasn’t that deep.”

Erna and Moore are sitting, leaning against the wall. It’s been about three months since we set out, and the only time I’ve been in the dungeon for this long was when it was just me and Erna.

“Father, I think this is edible.”

“Mmm, let’s dry it and make it into a preserved food.”

“Tanaka-dono, the meat here is quite fatty and looks delicious.”

“It’s not bad. We’ll have it for lunch today.”

“…Okay.”

“Right. I need to remember to save the materials.”

The four of them discuss the part that can be eaten while dismantling it. Although I said that the magical beasts became stronger, it is still a miscellaneous fish for the current me. They are nowhere near the strength of the angels.

I grilled the meat we just caught. The meat of the Death Ogre was surprisingly fatty and delicious.

“Moore, on what level is our goal exactly is?”

“Ah? Fua-fu-fua”

“I can’t understand what you’re trying to say.”

Looks like I asked the question at a wrong timing. Then, suddenly I saw multiple reactions from my enemy search skill. I thought it was about time they come.

“Erna”

“I know.”

Standing up, Erna raises her wand and prepares for the horde coming from the inner part of the passage. Multiple footsteps were approaching. The first thing that appeared was an ant about a meter long. Gradually increasing in number, it began to cling to the walls and ceilings, covering them completely. 

The name of these magical beasts is Hell Ant. It is the highest level of the ant race. Their personality is extremely ferocious, and they try to prey on all the creatures they see. Its body is so hard that steel blades can bounce off. What is particularly troublesome is that they act in groups. They always move in groups of 10 or more, and if even one of them is killed, they emit a smell that warns the others of danger. When that happens, their companions will jump out of their burrows and rush in at once. On the surface, it is recognized as a disaster-class magical beast and is extremely dangerous.

“For the past three months, under the guidance of Moore-sama, I have stepped into new realm. Behold my powerful and unparalleled magic, Fairy Arrow!”

Countless shining silvery arrows appeared. In the Sacred Beast Defense Battle, it is the magic that defeated a Zazi. Now there is about 30 of them. The arrows fired without a sound, quickly piercing the ants one after another. Because of the tracking function, she never missed a single one. All that remained are the corpses of the ant, which has become a mountain.

“Your power is about to reach mine now. I’m sure you’ll surpass me soon.”

“You are being humble again. I am nowhere near as good as you Moore-sama.”

“…… I’m not as good as you.”

Moore straddled the ant, “Let’s hurry ahead.”

　◇◇◇

We reached the fifty-fourth level. At this point, there are few enemies, only the familiar stone passageways. The walls were furnished with faintly glowing blue crystals, and only a strange silence lay there.

“This feels weird.”

“Tanaka-dono, was there a reaction to the search?”

“None. It’s eerily empty of enemies.”

I glanced at Moore, but he just walks forward without saying anything. He said we would soon reach the bottom, maybe it is just around the corner.

“!?”

Suddenly, a reaction appeared in my search. But it wasn’t a hostile response. And there is only one. It is heading towards us without hesitation.

“Moore, something is getting closer to us.”

“Don’t worry, it’s probably a welcome.”

A welcome? Is it a subordinate of the God of Destruction who is at the bottom floor?

If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be a good opportunity to find out what kind of person the other person is?

Clank. Clank. Clank.

The sound of footsteps is getting closer and closer. Then, around the corner, a man in black armor appeared. Pale skin with red eyes. His long, black hair was tied at the back of his head, and his bangs were neatly trimmed. He had such a handsome face that you could easily mistake him for a woman. He stopped in front of us, gets down on one knee and bows his head.

“We have been waiting for you, our savior.”

The man’s eyes clearly looked at me.

“Hey, Moore! What does he mean by savior!?”

“Calm down. He is just calling you that because you have broken the seal. There is nothing else to it.”

I can understand that they want to be grateful to me because they have been sealed for a long time, but it is just too embarrassing to be called a savior. I looked behind me and saw Erna and the others grinning at me.

“Shinichi is a savior huh.”

“I’m proud that Father is a savior.”

“It’s interesting that someone from Homeless is a savior.”

“God of Destruction and Savior…… That’s Novel.”

Kuu-, I…… my iron heart should not hurt no matter what is said. I didn’t expect that being called a savior would be so damaging.

“So, how did you know we are coming?”

“It is the power of my Queen. Even while sitting on the throne, she knows what kind of being has set foot on this land. Therefore, it is known that the Savior has broken the seal and has come here.”

I guess it’s like a reconnaissance skill. If that’s the case, it seems safe to assume that she knows why I came here. So far, there has been no sign of hostility from this man either. I could decide that there is no problem with following him them.

“Well then, I will take you to my Master.”

The man stood up and began to walk in front of us. For the time being, I looked at his status with my analysis skills, he appeared to be a vampire. Well, that made sense. Eva’s race was a vampire. Her subordinates are also determined to be vampires.

I asked a question that has been bothering me along the way.

“What’s ahead?”

“A nation of what you call monsters. Well, we call ourselves demons.”

“Demons huh……”

The generic term “monster” is only given by humans. It’s not surprising.

“Maybe everyone sees us, the ones underground, the same way as the ones in the surface.”

“Is there a difference?”

“Broadly speaking, we are the same. But in reality, there is a slight difference. We don’t desire for blood.”

“You don’t desire blood?”

His words caused a stir not only in me, but also in my comrades. It’s natural for vampires to want blood. Even Eva lives by drinking human blood. But the vampires here don’t ask for blood. It’s not a very believable story.

“Do you know the story of the gods who trapped us here?”

“I’ve heard the gist of it from the God Tree.”

“But did you know that the Creator God was against sealing us?”

“It’s the first time I’ve heard of it.”

All I heard from the God Tree was only the general outline. I don’t know the details of how the Creator God felt and how the God of Destruction was defeated and sealed. However, I don’t see any connection between the fact that the vampires in the bottom level don’t want blood and what that has to do with the story. The man smiled and then held out the water bottle on his waist. When I opened the water bottle, I could smell the harsh smell of blood. Inside it was a thick red liquid like blood.

“It’s the water that springs up in our country.”

“Is there blood coming out of the ground?”

“Blood is a misnomer. So to speak, it’s the excrement of this giant sacred beast.”

He puts his hand on the wall and continued,

“When the Creator God sealed us in, he created an environment in which we could live without inconvenience, not just vampires. He gave the same amount to other demon races.”

“Why would he do that?”

“I don’t know the details because I didn’t live at that time, but maybe the Creator God had mercy on his brother, the God of Destruction, and his subordinates.”

I see, so that is why the vampires here underground can live without starving…… Hmm? Wait… Did he just say that the God of Destruction and the Creator God are brothers?

“Brother!? What do you mean by that?”

“Oh, we’re almost at the stairs, I’ll explain that to you when we get there.”

The man dodged my question and led us to the stairs. We then went down the stairs that appeared to be the last.

“Oooh!!”

“This is the bottom level of the Great Dungeon!?”

At the end of the stairs, a strange sight unfolded before us. There, a vast purple meadow sway in the breeze. A brilliant crimson full moon shines in the sky. And there are also lights that are twinkling faintly like a star.

—Then, I immediately noticed that something is wrong. The ground is gently distorting, and we are taken inside.

“Don’t tell me….this is…”

“Yes, as you can imagine, it is a spherical space.”

Yes, we are inside a huge sphere. I didn’t know there was such a place in the bottom of the Great Dungeon.

“Then, those lights that shines like a star are coming from people?”

“Yes, there is no such thing as a starry sky here.”

I’m speechless. I’ve seen a lot of things since I was reincarnated, but this is the first time I’ve seen anything like this. I had heard urban legends about the existence of an underground world on Earth, but I didn’t know that I would actually see it in another world.

“Uwaa! What kind of creature is this!?”

There was a dark green creature that looked like a ball at Erna’s feet. It was about 30 centimeters in size and had only one large eye. Tentacles grow all around it, and some of the long tentacles are dexterously used like limbs.

“It’s a pet animal that is loved in the Demon Realm. It is called Nyoropi and has a friendly personality.”

“Hehe… this is a pet here huh……”

The man crouches down and holds out his hand, then Nyoropi approaches his hand and rubs it with its tentacles. I secretly wondered what it tasted like.

“Sorry to keep on asking, but what is the Demon Realm?”

“That’s the name we gave this place. If we don’t have a name for it, it’s kind of inconvenient you see.”

He smiles wryly when he answered Freya’s question. Since it’s the place for demons, it can be said to be a world of demons indeed. Thinking about it, it made sense.

“I’m late to introduce myself, but I’m Arim Ferm, the eldest son of the Duke of Ferm. I will take care of the Savior and his party. Please to be your acquaintance from here on.”

“I’m Shinichi Tanaka. She is Erna, then Pero, Freya and Liz.”

“I have heard of the names of the Saviour and his party. Now, please follow me.”

There were two carriages at the place he led us to. It is painted black and golden, pulled by a jet-black six-legged horse. Me and Moore got on the first one. Erna and the others got on the second carriage. 

Arim, who was in the same car as me, gave instructions to the driver, who was clad in a black cloak. Then the carriage slowly started to move.

“How is the Demon Realm, Savior?”

“Stop calling me that, I’m embarrassed.”

“May I call you Tanaka-sama then?”

“That’s fine.”

The view from the window is different. I can see flowers that glow yellow green on the purple grass. The river was red and bloody, and there was a swarm of bats flying in the sky.

“Why don’t the demons that came to the surface come back? Life here is good, isn’t it?”

“Well, it is a fact that they can’t go back even if they want to. As you all have seen, the path to get here is long and difficult. You can’t travel back and forth with half-baked abilities. Only those who are called high-ranking demons can go back and forth to the surface.”

I heard that high-ranking demons get caught in the net that seals them. As such, only low and mid-level demons can go to the surface. But it seems they cannot reach the surface alone. They can only do so in groups. In other words, once they are on the surface, they cannot come back unless they go back in group again.

“Eva-sama’s clone has parted ways with the Demon Realm, so many of the vampires who accompanied her have no choice but to live on the surface.”

Maybe Federer was trying to get back here. However, it is impossible to think about it with that ability of his. He couldn’t return to Eva’s country, and he couldn’t go back to the Demon Realm. So he just ended up wandering in the Great Dungeon. Now that I think about it, he may have been a poor guy.

“Please take a look. That is our Royal Capital.”

I could see a big city on the horizon. Rising in the center of it is a Black Royal Castle. Even from here, its ominous presence can be seen.

“I’m finally back……”

Moore muttered, narrowing his eyes.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

---

Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next

---

We reached the 50th level.

This was a small, empty floor measuring just fifty meters on each side, unlike the previous ones.

Has there ever been a floor this small? 

In fact, it felt unnatural. In the center of the room was a purple orb floating on a pedestal. And as before, there is a magic circle was generated around it. It makes me depressed to think that I will have to endure that pain again.

“Hoh~, it looks like someone else was here before us.”

“Someone else?”

At that moment, with the sound of clattering footsteps, Eva emerged from the dark corner of the room.

“It’s been a long time, Moore.”

“Yeah, it’s been a while. I’m glad you are doing well.”

Moore and Eva greeted each other lightly and looked our way. We are confused because we couldn’t grasp the current situation.

“Why are you here?”

“Don’t be so alarmed. I only come to ask you how resolved you are.”

“What do you mean by resolve?”

“I already know that you have broken the first barrier. But, do you truly understand the real meaning of breaking it?”

Real meaning? What does she mean by that?

I looked at Moore and the later just shook his head in exasperation.

“Eva, you are one of the Four Demon Kings, aren’t you? You are not opposed to removing the barrier, are you? A second betrayal will not be tolerated.”

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to betray or anything. I’m just saying that I don’t agree with releasing those people without him being informed of anything.”

Moore scratches his head and wrinkles his brows.

“Hmm, I understand what you’re trying to say. But if Shinichi becomes a god, he’ll know about it whether he likes it or not. As for explaining it to him, it’s just a matter of whether it’s sooner or later. After all, the choice has already been made.”

“You are still as selfish as ever, and you don’t care about others. What have we learned in the last millennium?”

“Why, this old hag! You’re the one who says whatever you want without even considering my feelings. It’s been that way since the old days. You’re arrogant and quick to point out small things, and it seems your personality hasn’t changed.”

The two of them glared at each other while holding their fists. But in the end, they sighed at each other and put their fists down.

“Do as you like. I don’t have the strength to argue with you anymore.”

“Hmph! After a thousand years, you finally realized your stupidity.”

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I’ve waited too long.”

After a few conversations between the two of them, Moore rolls on the floor and slept in sulk. Eva muttered, “You fool!” at the sight of him. Then she approached me.

“Leave that selfish old man alone. I will explain everything to you.”

“I’m grateful for that…… but you two seem pretty close.”

Eva chuckled at my words.

“It’s nothing. He was my husband.”

H-husband!?

All of us were so surprised that we broke out into a cold sweat.

Erna spoke in disbelief.

“B-but…. Moore-sama had twelve wives but I don’t think Eva-san’s name was among them……”

“I know that very well. His first wife was Maria. Elise is next. I’m his third wife. But at that time, I’m known as Lily so there should be no mention of the name Eva in the records.”

I see. As a young man, Moore was very energetic. It’s scary that he would even take a demon as a wife. When I looked at him, I saw that he was farting while scratching his buttocks.

“He may be an old man now, but he used to be a good-looking, reliable man. That’s what I fell in love with him, but now he’s nothing but trash.”

「「「「「 Trash?」」」」」

It sounds like a terrible thing to say. However, is this what an old couple looks like?

“He’s changed a lot since he lost Maria. To think that he went all the way to the deepest level of the Great Dungeon to bring the dead back to life. What a foolish man he is.”

“So, the person he wants to bring back to life is the woman called Maria?”

“…………”

Eva went silent for a moment. Should I say silence means yes?

“If that fool hadn’t changed his mind, he would still be working to achieve that goal. That’s why he deliberately hid the secret of the bottom level from you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Someone at the bottom level offered him a deal. It was for him to remove the two barriers in exchange for bringing Maria back to life. I can’t believe he still hasn’t given up after a thousand years.”

She said as she gave Moore a sidelong glance. On the other hand, Moore blurted out, “Heh, I’m a selfish man anyway”, without looking at me.

If that’s the case, then Moore had another reason for taking us to the bottom level besides what the God Tree had asked him to do.

What kind of being made a deal with him? And why does he want the barrier lifted?

“You have already peeked at my status, haven’t you?”

“Well, only once though…”

“As you already know, I wish for the resurrection of the God of Destruction. That’s because I am his loyal servant.”

Suddenly, the words of the God Tree crossed my mind.

“The subordinates of the God of Destruction, who once fought the gods, are also sealed on this planet.”

That’s right, the subordinates of the God of Destruction are also sealed on this planet.

Then, where are they? Are they still sealed?

The answer to that was already out. They are probably at the bottom level of the Mohed Great Dungeon.

“The Four Demon Kings were created by the Lord, and we are his loyal and strongest subordinates. They are the absolute rulers of demons and monsters, commanding an army of tens of thousands. You are about to unleash them onto the world once again.”

“But I heard that the three demon king died in the last great war.”

“That can’t be true. The true forms of the Four Demon King, including myself, are still alive and well. What was destroyed was merely a fake created by a skill. They are nothing more than a shadow in the sun.”

I see. That’s how it is huh. I’m convinced. The subordinates of the God of Destruction are still inside the barrier. And so, using their clone, they managed to slip through the “net” that the main body couldn’t cross and made it onto the surface. As a result, the Great War between Humans and Demons began. The Demon Kings killed the sacred beasts and planned to release themselves and the God of Destruction by breaking the barrier. It feels like the story is finally coming together now. 

“If that’s the case, isn’t it a big problem to break the barrier?”

“No, I don’t think what you’re thinking will happen. In the first place, we, subordinates, only wish for the resurrection of the God of Destruction. We don’t have any particular interest or attachment to the mundane world. We just don’t like the idea of our Lord being sealed away by the righteous gods.”

As she said this, Eva’s eyes were stained with anger. In other words, even if the Demon Kings break out of the barrier, they are unlikely to harm humans on the surface. In fact, I felt like I could even draw them into our side. The enemy of your enemy is also called your friend. If the Demon Kings hated the gods, we may be able to form some kind of alliance to defeat Gohma.

“I mean, that shouldn’t be the case if you become the God of Destruction.”

“Please explain it more clearly.”

“We, Demon Kings, serve the God of Destruction. So, if you become the next God of Destruction, we will naturally become your subordinates. However, it depends more on whether or not you can really become a god. And no matter how much we want our Lord resurrected, I don’t think they’re willing to give up the Lord.”

Eva smiled, “That’s why it is necessary to explain this beforehand.”

I finally understood. She had come to warn me of the presence of demon kings who would be in my way. Certainly, if I hadn’t been told this first, I might lose my head later.

I looked over at Moore, who was sitting cross-legged and facing me.

“I’m not trying to deceive you or anything. I didn’t have to tell you in advance because I was planning to get between you and the Demon Kings and make things work behind the scenes. Unnecessary knowledge would only cloud your eyes.”

“What are you talking about, you old fool? You were probably planning to sell these guys out to the Demon Kings anyway.”

“There’s no way I’ll do that. I’m not that cruel. You’re complaining just because I left out a few explanations, you old hag.”

Seeing the two of them fighting each other makes me think that they are still on good terms. However, I would like to decide on what to do with the barrier sooner. 

Erna and the others are tired of their squabble so they spread out their playing cards and played a game of concentration.

“This and this! I win!”

“Oh my gosh, was it there?”

“Look closely. This elf has scratched the cards.”

“How sneaky! Ten points deduction for cheating!”

It looks fun, so I want to join in. But I can’t just leave Moore and Eva to keep on fighting. As it’s getting more troublesome, I’ll just decide on my own.

I stepped into the magic circle and walks to the orb. Gravity and severe pain weighed on my bones making it creak. It’s already my second time. I know how much damage it can do so it wasn’t that hard now. I have to break the barrier anyway. In that case, it’s better to get it done quickly.

“Phew, I managed to endure it huh.”

I exhaled heavily as I reached the orb. Moore and my comrades didn’t seem to notice this. In terms of time, it all happened in a matter of minutes. Well, that’s to be expected, I guess. As I picked up the orb, the magic circle disappeared.

Eva, who had sensed what has happened, widened her eyes. 

“The barrier has been lifted……?”

“Mmm, I decided to get it done while you guys were fighting.”

“I see…… This means that my role here is over.”

“Role?”

“The reason why I came to this world was to eliminate the Sacred Beast and break the barrier. Now the Sacred Beasts are already our ally and all the barriers have been lifted. There was nothing more to do. I can now rest in peace in the human world.”

Eva smiles gently, as if she has been liberated from a curse. Unexpectedly, my heart started to flutter. Moore must have been struck by her smile as well.

“By the way, do clones have a lifespan?”

“More or less, yes. I heard that it varies greatly depending on the main body. In my case, it is around 10,000 years.”

10,000 years!? What a long time!

I was so surprised that I couldn’t close my open mouth. That’s when Moore butt in.

“You’ve successfully broken the barrier huh. My long-cherished wish will now come true.”

“Hmph! What are you trying to achieve by reviving Maria now? Do you really think she’ll still love you when you’re old?”

“So annoying. This is my only goal now. I have nothing else.”

“You’ve really fallen to the bottom, Moore. Trying to get that girl back just to live. Huh! I can’t believe you’re the man who once shone as the great mage.”

“What do you mean? Say it again, old hag.”

“I’ll tell you as much as you want, you old bastard.”

The mood was getting worse again, so I stepped in to calm them down. It’s also a problem that they get along too well. No, wait… I wonder if it was right to say that this is really a good relationship. It’s possible that I just assumed that and they really hate each other so much that they don’t even want to see each other eye to eye.

“I’ve told you what needs to be told. I’m going back to the surface.”

“Is that really all that you came here for?”

“I don’t mind going to the bottom level with you, but I don’t want to meet the main body if possible. And please don’t equate me with the main body. We’ve been separated for thousands of years, so there should be big differences in our personalities.”

I nodded at Eva’s words. I guess she wants to tell me not to treat the main body in the same way as I treat her. Saying goodbye, Eva made her way to the staircase that led upstairs.

Moore calls out to her back.

“When we get back to the surface, shall we have a drink together once in a while?”

“Another silly old story? Hah! Never mind. I’ll only put up with your whining.”

She walked up the stairs without looking back. Moore continued to stare blankly at the stairs.

After that, we set off for the fifty-first level.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

---

Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next

---