#534 The Surviving Party Members

Hello, it’s me, Mamoru of the Heavenly Four, also known as “Mamoru from the Shadows.”

Our team's best member, Lord Belphgamilia, got eliminated early, leaving us in a pinch.

Can we conquer this dungeon where the greatest dragon lives without Lord Belphgamilia’s superb abilities?

“You’re pathetic, Mamoru,” says Aeshma the Wild, a Heavenly One like me. “You’re a disgrace to the Heavenly Four if you keep relying on Lord Belphgamilia’s powers like that! Let's take this as a chance to show that the Heavenly Four is powerful even without him!”

She’s as true to her principles as ever.

However, this attitude could also be a source of trouble!

"First, we’ll knock down all the enemies in our path! Hellfire Spirit Slayerrrrr!”

Aren’t you being over the top?

Can you keep that momentum up without ever feeling worn out?

“I’m beat...”

“See? I told you so!!!”

Aeshma ran out of stamina because she went on a rampage without planning!

“As hopeless as ever... Since this is the Dragon Emperor’s dungeon, the monsters here are reasonably vicious. I wouldn’t be surprised if this were a five-star dungeon.”

"Leviasa?”

“If anything, we won’t be able to move forward without going all out. I’d say Aeshma made some sound judgment.”

It’s as Leviasa just said. Aeshma has been giving everything she's got, and we've been able to keep going without being worn out.

We passed Sensei the Lifeless King’s area thanks to her efforts.

If only Lord Belphgamilia hadn't said the taboo words, this would’ve been just an ordinary dungeon for us.

“It was all thanks to Aeshma that we were able to clear the previous areas. But as a result, she has exerted all her mana. She won't be able to go on any longer in that state...”

“True.”

“But as someone who has made a massive contribution, we cannot leave her behind. I shall escape with Aeshma. Leave her to me."

“I see.”

“The rest is in your hands, Mamoru. With the army’s pride on the line, you must make it to the end for all of us.”

“Got it.”

...

Leviasa...

Did you just pull a fast one on me by using Aeshma as an excuse?!

Damn it!

I sensed Leviasa’s ulterior motive earlier, but I couldn't even retort to her and her argument of caring for the fatigued!

I can’t believe she would show off her competence in such a manner!

Why can’t she direct that into actually contributing to the army instead?!

Ah, wait. This means...

I'm the only one left on my team!

It’s just me and me alone! Can I manage this all by myself?!

I feel awfully anxious, but the army’s fate depends on my efforts from here on out. To make up for my predecessor, Lord Ravillian’s mistake, I must conquer the Dragon Emperor’s dungeon at all costs, even if I have to do it alone! 

* * *

It’s me, Silver Wolf, the S-class adventurer.

I lost two of my comrades on the Lifeless King’s floor.

Ah, but they’re not dead. Rest assured.

I bet they’re still dancing to the lively rhythm and messing around with their flehmen’s response to a strong odor.

That leaves us with two survivors: Golden Bat and me.

“What a pathetic bunch.”

Golden Bat is said to be the most skilled S-class adventurer at the moment, not only because of his keen bat hearing but also because of his superior abilities.

His combat ability, traversing ability, wit, and stubbornness are all unrivaled.

Even I, who share the same ranking as Golden Bat, have often felt inferior to him.

“Who would’ve thought our original group of five would dwindle to two. Don’t you think the guild's standards have become lax that such a group of people can be classified as S-class, hm, Silver Wolf?”

“Why are you asking me?”

“Because you keep in touch with the guild, so I'm sure they want your opinion when they select a new S-class adventurer, no?”

And you’re completely out of touch with them!

As an S-class adventurer, you must contribute to the industry by nurturing the next generation of adventurers and working with the guild to protect the profession.

But since a certain someone is abandoning their duty, that portion of the burden is shifted onto me.

“I became an adventurer for my own sake. I don't care about others. If anything, the talents of the best are squandered in the service of others. I think that’s what negatively impacts our profession. What about you?”

“I don’t know, man...”

“I'm only saying this because it's you. There are many adventurers as there are stars, but you alone are the only one good enough to come close to me.”

“Huh???”

“The other S-class adventurers surpass others in name only. The fact that you and I are the only ones left standing provides good evidence to that argument. You should follow my example and adventure for yourself. That is the way a great adventurer should be.”

I don’t feel touched hearing those words from an opponent I had never beaten.

Sure, I reached S-class not only because of my own talent but also with the help of others.

But that’s precisely why I want to be on their side so as to repay the favor.

...Of course, I won’t say that out loud because people will make fun of me for acting like a dog who wants to build its pack.

Anyway, as someone like me, who became strong by relying on others, I cannot stand people like Golden Bat, who can do everything on their own.

Just the fact that the two of us are proceeding with the competition...

Makes my stomach churn!

* * *

I'm Zoth Syra, the Witch of the Abyss.

I’m starting to feel lifeless now.

I thought I was acting like the witch I thought I was.

People called me a "taboo violator" and a "heretic potion compounder,” but I never took offense to being called such names.

Maybe I was acting all mean and nasty to fit others' impressions of me.

I realized that when I met Garra Rufa.

Now she’s a crazy one.

What happened to her, you ask?

The dragon took her away, having been pissed off that Garra Rufa had created an abominable creature on her territory.

“What are you doing?! Foul! You’re disqualified!!!”

And then, they dashed out of sight.

Garra Rufa, who was in the dragoness’s tow, said, “No! There’s a way to stop them! That's why there’s no need to panic! I’m not mad! Even if I were, I’d be a lady named Mad!!!”

That last part didn’t make sense.

But that made me think, once you meet the real deal, all the fakes will be outshone immediately.

Looking back, I spent my youth being pushed around by Sis Mahi, then by Platy and the others at the farm, then by my own pupil Puffer after becoming Mermaid Queen to be her Prime Minister...

What a manipulated life I’ve been living! 

How can such a person be so proud to call herself a heretic?

Sigh...

I never realized this myself, but maybe I’m just good at looking after others.

Perhaps I’m better suited to leave my mark as a prime minister rather than studying how to bring ruin to the world.

Anyway, what should I do now?

I’m the only mermaid left. 

It would be impossible for me to conquer more of this dungeon by myself.

I’m just an ordinary person, after all.

But, since I've been given the title of prime minister, I can't afford to end this on an embarrassing note...

Giving up is out of the question, so what should I do, really?

“Eh, I suppose I’ll keep moving forward.”

I get up and start walking.

The mess Garra Rufa made helped me escape the area guarded by the black dragon.

All that’s left for me is to go as far as I can.

* * *

“Ah.”

“Ah.”

“Ah.”

And so, chosen ones gathered.