LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 234.1
Chapter 234.1. Fortress
A long time ago, back in the medieval era. In Europe, there was something called the Hundred Years’ War. There must have been sieges of castles too. I remember watching a mountain castle on TV when I was young. Seeing a real mountain castle built on a hill, I thought soldiers of the past must have been brave. Attacking with swords and spears in hand seemed like madness.
High walls, narrow, winding paths. Even with guns, I thought a castle designed for defense like that couldn’t be taken down. I wanted to tour it, but that was just a dream. In the end, traveling to Europe was out of reach. International travel has become one of the most luxurious plans in the world now.
“That said, I’m here to besiege a fortress myself.”
With a wry smile, I place my hand on the stone wall. Feeling the rough texture, I begin to focus my mana.
[Tunnel]
Magic seeps into the stone wall of the fortress, and it crumbles, leaving a hole. The hole grows large enough for a person to pass through, so I shrug and step inside. Magic really is something great.
It seemed like some sort of magic had been applied to the wall, but my mana overpowered it. Unable to withstand, it collapsed. Inside, it’s empty, with no sign of enemies. A narrow stone corridor stretches on endlessly.
“Even though the interior seems spacious, there’s no enemy here?”
“The scan isn’t perfect, but I think they simply don’t have enough demons,” says my companion.
“Ah, so they chose field battle. If reinforcements aren’t coming, that’s the only option.”
[Wave Dark Lance]
I aim the dark spear toward the shadows of the corridor. The dark particles scatter in the air, hitting a corner of the passage.
“Guugh.”
From the void, a man in noble clothes appears, his head blown off, stumbling before collapsing. The large man had a lizard-like tail, which twitched before going still.
“Hiding in the void won’t help.”
[Ambush bonus, 8x damage, Sakimori-san.]
He must have been planning to ambush me. Hiding quietly, but I saw through it, making him an easy target. Shizuku smiles adorably, waving her arm cheerfully.
[By the way, that was the Demon General Agares, a time-manipulating demon. He must’ve used his unique skill [Fate Interference]. He tried to block the fate of being found and confidently launched his ambush.]
“…This guy was a Demon General? And a Special Monster Core, A-rank? So, have we defeated the enemy? Is it over outside?”
I frown slightly, staring at the fallen demon. This weakling was a Demon General? Was he the boss?
“No, a boss like him wouldn’t be on the front lines. He must be waiting in the throne room, master.”
Says Yukihana, her modified kimono fluttering. She has a point. It’s a convincing argument, but knowing what’s ahead makes me grimace.
“Don’t say unpleasant things. So, if a Demon General is on the front, the one behind must be a Demon King?”
[Indeed, probably Demon King Satan. A-rank. Estimated total stats are maxed out at 10,000. It’s a versatile demon with all resistances, capable of both close and long-range combat.]
“Great answer. What are my current total stats again?”
[They’re sufficient, probably.]
Shizuku, in serious mode, explains, but it’s not reassuring. Lately, battles have been easy, so I didn’t pay much attention, but 5,250, huh… With my gear and Dark Mode, I might be able to fight solo. I might have the edge in skill level.
“Well, I have my comrades now. Sei, come here.”
I snap my fingers, activating the spell. A dark magic circle draws itself in the air, and from it appears a beautiful woman, wearing a white robe embroidered magnificently with gold and silver thread. Kneeling gracefully, she clasps her hands in a prayerful pose, entering Saintess mode.
“Hijiri Sei, at the call of President Sakimori, I have arrived.”
“Ah, thanks. Let’s head off to defeat the Demon King with this team.”
It’s the classic hero’s party. I’m starting to have a little fun with this. Shizuku looks a bit lonely, but you’re the trump card. The secret weapon.
For small battles, Yukihana in the front, Serika and Sei in the middle, and me in the back. It’s been a while, feels like ages since [Adversity Growth] might activate.
Against an A-rank opponent, it should kick in. After defeating that Agares just now, I should have gotten some stat points, too.
“Alright then. Time for a fortress tour. I’ve always wanted to tour a fortress like this.”
[With administrator privileges, applying dungeon parameters to this fortress.]
“Huh?”
Just as I was about to give the signal to move, the space warps into rainbow hues. We all sense something ominous and prepare for it, but our caution proves pointless. The hole we came through closes up, and a narrow passage, just wide enough for two people to walk side by side, extends ahead. The once low ceiling rises.
Before our eyes, the amateurish fortress transforms rapidly into a massive, ancient temple, radiating an aura of deep history.
[Summon All Units]
In response to the sudden change, I alter our strategy and call out to Shizuku. Her sleek, semi-long black hair shines, her calm eyes gazing forward, her small, well-shaped nose and cute cherry blossom-colored lips standing out on her petite face. She emerges gently from the shadows, landing softly on the ground.
“Amano Shizuku has arrived! By the way, I’ve heard that words like ‘has arrived’ and ‘appears’ are technically misused.”