Chapter 8

Elphiszerk Gildergard.

Her position in the Demon King's Army is unknown, but she is a demon with power surpassing the Four Heavenly Kings. Since she was the one I fought before being betrayed by my comrades, she remains in my memory. The fact that she hasn't changed in appearance is likely due to the slow aging process of demons.

I never thought she had survived that situation.

"Hmm."

Elphiszerk looked at me with a serious expression. The same intimidating presence that shook my opponents during our past battles was there. Her golden eyes seemed to see through my heightened alertness.

"Could it be, you—"

"———"

I instinctively braced myself as Elphiszerk opened her mouth. Could it be that she realized my true identity?

Elphiszerk said with a serious expression.

"Are you so captivated by my appearance that you've fallen in love with me at first sight?"

"…What?"

I couldn't help but ask, taken aback by the unexpected words. What did she just say?

"There have been many men who were captivated by my appearance since long ago. You must be one of them, right?"

"No."

I answered immediately without thinking.

What is she talking about? Her words were so far off the mark that I couldn't help but feel disappointed. If this is an act to throw me off, she is a terrifying woman.

"…M, really?"

Why does she look a bit disappointed?

I'm starting to doubt if she is really the demon I fought thirty years ago.

"…Who are you, really?"

I broke the awkward silence and started the conversation. I know who she is, but I don't understand why she was being pursued by the Earth Demon General.

Elphiszerk is a demon—she belonged to the Demon King's Army. It's strange that she was fighting the Earth Demon General, who is also part of the Demon King's Army.

"Perhaps you've already realized, but I am a demon. My name is Elphiszerk Gildergard."

The name is exactly the same as the one I heard back then. Although her personality is unexpected, she seems to be the real deal.

"…If you're a demon, why were you being pursued by the Earth Demon General?"

"I have left the Demon King's Army. We can be considered enemies now. That impolite dragon attacked me as soon as it saw me."

She left the Demon King's Army and is now an enemy. Given that she was targeted by the Earth Demon General, it seems she isn't lying. The dragon called her a "traitor" when she was fleeing.

"Eventually, I was cornered in a dead end. Thanks to your timely arrival, I managed to escape."

The Elphiszerk from the past should have been able to defeat that dragon, but it seems she has weakened. The ground collapsing might have been due to the aftermath of their battle. Whatever the circumstances, things have become complicated.

"So… Who are you?"

Elphiszerk asked without any hostility. It seems she doesn't intend to fight me for now. I braced myself, ready to fight at any moment, and decided to answer her question.

"…I'm Iori. I'm here because I have business in the dungeon."

"Hmm. You don't seem to be from the kingdom. You must be an adventurer or something."

"Pretty much."

Elphiszerk nodded in understanding.

"Did you stop the dungeon's movement?"

"Yes. I took it from the dragon while fleeing."

Elphiszerk took out a small sphere from her pocket. It emitted a faint, eerie rainbow light. It was undoubtedly the dungeon core.

"What? You needed the dungeon core?"

Noticing my gaze, Elphiszerk showed me the sphere and asked. I need to get the dungeon core from this demon.

Should I answer honestly or hide it?

"Then, I'll give it to you."

Elphiszerk said lightly to me, who was hesitating.

"…Is that okay?"

"Yes. I brought it, but it was of no use to me. You should take it gratefully."

With a light toss, Elphiszerk handed me the dungeon core. I could feel the immense magical power emanating from it.

"…Got it. Thanks."

I put the dungeon core in my pouch for now. Surprisingly, I achieved my goal so easily.

"So, Iori, do you have anything else to do in this dungeon?"

"No, my goal was the dungeon core, so now I just need to escape."

Technically, there is one more thing, but I'll leave it for now. If I can regain my power using the dungeon core, I can do most things. That would make my revenge easier.

"That's convenient. Iori, help me."

I couldn't help but ask, taken aback by her sudden proposal.

"…Help?"

"Consider it a joint effort."

According to her, the teleportation array leading outside is on the 14th floor. We are currently on the 15th floor.

Elphiszerk took the dungeon core from the 15th floor and headed to the 14th floor to teleport. She was fighting the dragon on the 14th floor to escape.

"Most likely, that dragon is waiting for me at the teleportation array."

"…It didn't pursue us because it thought you would go to the teleportation array?"

Given that the dragon could use language, it must be intelligent. It wouldn't be surprising if it was lying in wait.

While considering her words and planning our next move, I thought about the dragon targeting Elphiszerk and me getting caught in the crossfire. Perhaps we should escape through a different route.

"There is another way to escape by going up to the entrance of the dungeon, but—"

"That's not practical. The dragon can move through the ground using magic. If we flee to the upper floors, it will catch up before we can escape."

Moreover, Elphiszerk continued.

"That impolite dragon has a rather sticky personality. It won't let either of us escape. If we split up, it will finish one of us and then chase the other."

Her words seemed to see through my thoughts. But she didn't seem to be lying. Indeed, a rock dragon of that size could catch up to me even if I tried to escape on foot.

"You must be skilled to come this far into the dungeon alone. If we work together, our chances of escaping will increase."

Elphiszerk extended her hand, her eyes saying, "Work with me."

"…I can't use strong attacks to damage that dragon."

I had fully assessed my own abilities on the way here. I'm far from my prime. I can't even use my unique magic to its full potential, even with magic stones and enchanted items.

"That's not a problem. My magic can damage the dragon. You just need to buy me some time."

Elphiszerk shook her head, assuring me.

It's not a bad deal, but it's too convenient.

"…You're willing to team up with a human you just met?"

To her, I'm a stranger, and a human who opposes demons. Yet, she shows no caution. It's too suspicious.

What is she planning? If she becomes an obstacle, should I eliminate her now?

Looking me straight in the eye, Elphiszerk said:

"You helped me, didn't you? It doesn't matter if you're human or demon, does it?"

"———"

As if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Huh?"

Humans and demons don't matter? What is she talking about? I don't understand.

"Besides, I have a good eye. You are a worthy ally."

Elphiszerk said confidently, not trying to flatter or win me over. She seemed sincere.

At least, that's how it appeared.

"———"

Should I accept or reject her offer? After some thought, I made my decision.

"…Alright. I'll help you until we get out of this dungeon."

"Good, a wise decision."

Elphiszerk smiled and nodded condescendingly.

"……"

I didn't trust her. In fact, her words made me trust her even less.

My former comrade, Lucifina, used to say something similar. Humans and demons are the same. She mocked me, saying, "Did you really believe that?"

If she has something planned, that's fine.

If she intends to betray me, I'll betray her first.

I won't be deceived again.

I won't make the same mistake twice.

I'll use her to get out of here alive.

◆

"Elphiszerk, can you really use magic strong enough to defeat that dragon?"

After making plans to escape, we walked towards the upper floor where the teleportation array was located.

"Hmph, who do you think I am?"

"I don't know, that's why I'm asking."

"Mu…"

Well, I know her strength.

She's not one of the Four Heavenly Kings, so what was her position in the Demon King's Army?

"Rest assured. I can't use my full power now, but I can still use magic strong enough to slay that dragon."

Not using her full power, huh. If she had her full power, defeating that dragon would be easy.

"By working with me, I'll make sure you get out of this dungeon. Just relax and enjoy the ride."

"…Yeah, I'm counting on you."

She says that, but how much can I trust her? I'm prepared for betrayal. The dragon was targeting Elphiszerk, and I can use that to my advantage.

We are in a temporary alliance, not friends. We are just using each other. As a demon, an enemy of humans, I can't trust her, no matter how friendly she seems.

Even my travel companions betrayed me easily after years of journeying together.

I remain on guard, ready for any change in her attitude. I won't be caught off guard. If she shows any suspicious behavior, I can cut her down in one stroke.

"What's wrong? You're watching me closely."

"No… nothing."

She seems to have a sharp intuition despite her weakened state. I can't let my guard down.

"Hmm… So, you really did fall in love with me at first sight?"

"No."

"Mu… I see."

I can't let my guard down.

We continued our conversation as we climbed the stairs. We reached the 14th floor and walked towards the teleportation array.

"We're almost there. Stay alert."

"…Yeah."

The thinning mana has caused all the monsters to disappear. The weaker ones have died out, and the stronger ones have left the dungeon in search of mana. It's fortunate that we only have to fight the Earth Demon General.

Following her lead, we entered a large, circular room. The walls were carved out, and a sturdy path led to the back, likely to the teleportation array.

We stepped into the room. There was no presence, but I knew.

"You're there, aren't you? Come out and face me."

"——Hm"

A voice echoed throughout the room, and a massive, rock-covered arm emerged from the center. The Earth Demon General rose from the ground, creating ripples like a surface breaking the water. A colossal dragon, far larger than a rock spider, stood before us.

"It seems you've made up your mind to die."

I gripped the magic stone and drew my sword. The Earth Demon General's body was entirely covered in tough rock, and even "Demon Slayer" wouldn't damage it.

"Fool. You will be the one to fall to us."

Elphiszerk taunted the Earth Demon General with a smug smile. The dragon turned its gaze to us, snorting in disgust.

"Tiny human. You will pay for interfering with me."

As Elphiszerk said, it seems the dragon is targeting me as well. I expected as much.

"Bring it on, Earth Demon General. Elphiszerk, stand back. I can handle this alone."

"…What?"

I already knew the dragon's personality from Elphiszerk. Its actions and words confirmed its confidence in its own strength. That's why I provoked it.

"Don't you get it? I'm saying I can handle a bumbling fool who lost the dungeon core alone."

"——!!"

My provocation seemed to work. The Earth Demon General's massive body trembled with anger.

"Iori, follow the plan."

"…Yeah."

Elphiszerk retreated to the back. I'll follow the plan we discussed. That means I have to fight the Earth Demon General alone.

"Very well…"

The Earth Demon General glared at me with its massive eyes and roared.

"My name is Earth Demon General Balgild! Perish, human!!"

The Earth Demon General's roar echoed.

Yeah, that's right.

Now that I have the dungeon core, I have no more business here.

So, disappear, Earth Demon General.

And so, the battle with the Earth Demon General began.

Next chapter → 10/6 21:00