LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 238.1
Chapter 238.1. End Of The Fortress Battle
Sakimori rushed toward Shizuku, who had collapsed. She was completely charred. If Yukihana’s torn-up battle kimono hinted at a certain healthy eroticism with her tank top and spats, one could joke about it. But Shizuku wasn’t just burned, her very skin was blackened.
Despite the situation, Shizuku hadn’t given up and was still aiming for a chance to attack Satan. The original plan was for Satan to use [High Accelerator], and once its effect ran out, I would strike with my own [High Accelerator]. The idea was to hit Satan in the brief moment before he could retaliate by using [High Accelerator] again. In a world of speed, even a split second could become a weakness.
Shizuku’s role was supposed to be just stalling for time, deflecting Satan’s attacks. But Satan’s power exceeded our expectations. Shizuku was charred in a single strike.
When she fell, I rushed over, thinking I needed to heal her after taking down Satan, but something unexpected happened.
Satan possessed an incredible self-regeneration ability. In an unbelievable turn, the boss was fully healing. His head, which had been blown off, started to regenerate, and his body, even the shattered leg, began healing.
Cursing at how slim our chances of winning had become, I began formulating a new plan when another surprise occurred.
Even though she was charred and had lost an arm, Shizuku refused to stop fighting. She clutched her sword in her mouth and unleashed a devastating fairy sword technique. I knew she was persistent, but I couldn’t help but be impressed. That’s Shizuku for you. Honestly, I’m amazed I ever managed to defeat her.
I feared for a moment that she might have died from using up all her strength, but when I heard her cough softly, I sighed with relief. Supposedly, she could be revived with a resurrection potion, but I’d never seen such a thing. Naturally, I was worried about my partner’s life—not just worried, downright terrified.
[High Heal]
As Sei used her healing magic, Shizuku’s charred skin peeled away, revealing healthy skin underneath. She seemed to be recovering, as her breathing began to steady.
“Kuu, I had originally planned to take him down honorably, with a flurry of punches once time resumed.”
“Glad to see you’re well. With that much banter, I’d say you’ll be fine. I’ll stow you away, so take it easy.”
I crouched down, gently stroked her head, and smiled. Her once lustrous black hair was now a tangled mess—no, it was practically charred. Even though healing magic would restore her, I wish she wouldn’t make me worry so much.
“I need more strength. If I can’t control the ghost of Star Orichalcum, I can’t do the punch-punch-punch thing. I’ll settle for Mithril Chariot for now.”
“Goodnight~”
Even as she jokes around while recovering, I can’t help but admire Shizuku for a different reason. Seriously, she’s something else. I waved her off as she disappeared into the dimensional gap, wiping the sweat from my brow that I hadn’t noticed until now.
“Looks like Shizuku’s going to be okay.”
“Master, I’ve found that Yukihana’s clothes are not okay at all.”
Yukihana staggered over, her torn-up battle kimono slowly repairing itself, revealing less skin. Even with healing magic, it seemed she hadn’t fully recovered yet and was still wobbling.
“I’ll upgrade the durability next time, but honestly, against an enemy that can shred your kimono in one hit, I don’t think you stand much chance.”
“So you’re saying I should worry about my life more than my outfit?”
As Serika answered, inspecting the Demon King’s sword, Yukihana snorted in frustration and staggered again.
“Our enemy’s stats were a bit too high this time. Here, lean on my shoulder.”
“Thanks. Satan’s attacks… it feels like they’ve seeped into my very core.”
Supporting the unsteady Yukihana, I surveyed the surroundings. In the center of the room, a bright red Dungeon Core began to emerge from the space.
“Huh? That’s an awfully red crystal.”
Narrowing my eyes in confusion at the unfamiliar Dungeon Core, I noticed it had a faint black sheen around its edges, its burning crimson light illuminating us. It was entirely different from the usual Dungeon Cores. Could this be an A-rank Dungeon Core?
As the space around us shimmered with rainbow light, I decided it was best to grab it while I could.
Sachi, who had quietly appeared and retrieved the Demon King’s Core, slipped it into her pocket, so there was no issue with collecting it. My only concern now was that once the dungeon was deactivated, we might be surrounded by other demons or monsters. If that happened, we’d just teleport out.
[Acquired Dungeon Core: S Rank]
The Dungeon Core absorbed into my body as particles, and the result appeared in the log. Wait—S Rank?
Shizuku did mention that once you reach A Rank, you encounter boss characters of the same rank. So, since the final form of Satan was S Rank, I suppose it makes sense… But still, an S Rank out of nowhere?
“Well, it looks like we got a lucky result, acquiring an S Rank.”
[So that’s how you’ve been stealing power.]
Just as I was about to share the news with everyone, a thought suddenly invaded my mind. Quickly, I turned toward the source and raised my hand in defense.
There had been no sign of anything, but suddenly a telepathic voice was speaking to me. Focusing my gaze, I saw a small, squirming mass of flesh in the corner of the throne room. It seemed to have witnessed the power of the equivalent exchange store. But what is it? A monster?
“Hello there, uh, what should I call you?”
I figured it was best to be polite and bow for now. Something about this creature seemed dangerous. Just because it was small didn’t mean I could afford to let my guard down.
I debated whether to strike a hard-boiled pose with folded arms and a wry smile, but I decided to go with a more suave, cocky old-man vibe instead.
[I observed your fight and understood your power.]
“So, you’re not going to give me your name, huh?”
The squirming mass of flesh wobbled, responding with self-centered mutterings.
“Makes me want to cry. You watched our glorious battle, huh? I didn’t charge you an entrance fee, you know? Think we could negotiate a fight purse?”
I shrugged, jokingly asking, but the response was unexpected.
[You’re not natural.]
“That’s a familiar line!”
I raised my hand and prepared to unleash a spell—
[Time’s up.]