"""Kiaaaahhhhh!!!"""
The cries from the chimera's three beast heads intermingled, forming a discordant sound.
A chimera: a hybrid magical beast with the heads of a lion, a goat, and a bear.
Its body seemed to be based on that of an adult dragon.
A massive form that towered above.
Its tail had a giant serpent, its head raised like a striking cobra.
Contrary to its cumbersome appearance, it closed the distance with remarkable speed.
At the receiving end of the chimera's attack was none other than…Anemoi Babel, the Dungeon Master of the Last Dungeon.
Yet the Dungeon Master, who was being targeted, neither fled nor appeared frightened. Arms crossed, she simply stood there with a puzzled expression.
(Twin Heavenly Resonance Style: [Sky Walk]!!) (Eugene)
I just managed to intercept before the chimera's raised forepaw could reach the Dungeon Master.
"Barrier Magic: [Light Large Shield]!"
*Bang!!!*
A massive impact shook my body.
I had intercepted the chimera's paw strike with a giant light shield.
Meanwhile, the Dungeon Master behind me remained idly standing there.
"""Kiaaaahhhhh!!!"""
The chimera howled again.
Its target appeared to be the Dungeon Master.
(I guess the theory that the Dungeon Master was behind the crazed monster is out?) (Eugene)
It could be an act, but this Dungeon Master didn't seem like the type for such elaborate schemes.
Still, I want to counterattack, but both my hands are occupied with barrier magic, leaving me unable to ready my sword.
Even though I considered retreating to reset the situation, I hesitated to leave the Dungeon Master behind.
I haven't even declared my challenge to the Floor Boss.
Would it be okay to defeat it?
(Hmm, what should I do?) (Eugene)
The chimera's attacks continued while I deliberated.
In my hesitation, I decided to consult the Dungeon Master.
"Uh, Anemoi-san, this Floor Boss(?) If I defeat it, does that mean I'll clear Floor 120?" (Eugene)
"..."
I asked, but there was no reply.
"Um, hello?" (Eugene)
"…How unpleasant. To defy me…" (Anemoi)
The previously pleasant tone turned into one of maximum irritation.
"Dungeon Magic: [Chains of Thorns]!" (Anemoi)
Chains with metallic thorns emerged from the ground at the Dungeon Master's command, entwining the chimera's body.
"""Aaaaarghhh!!!"""
The chimera let out a tortured scream, different from before.
The chains' thorns pierced its skin, causing dark red blood to flow and stain the ground.
It seemed the creature would bleed out if left alone.
"Dungeon Magic: [Bloodied Guillotine]… Die." (Anemoi)
The Dungeon Master declared.
A red blade suddenly appeared in the air, decapitating the chimera.
Three massive beast heads fell with a thud.
(Dungeon magic… This is my first time seeing it.) (Eugene)
Its activation was frighteningly swift.
The moment the Dungeon Master announced the magic's name, the chimera had already been restrained by the thorned chains.
The red blade descended in less than a blink of an eye.
(Could I have dodged it…?) (Eugene)
On my first time? Absolutely not.
Moreover, failing to avoid those thorned chains on the first try would seal one's fate.
"What's wrong, Eugene Santafield?" (Anemoi)
The Dungeon Master inquired, noticing my deep thoughts.
I set aside my earlier musings and shifted the topic.
"The chimera earlier…was it the Floor Boss?" (Eugene)
"Yes. Since the original Floor Boss, the twin-headed serpent, had died, I suppose it was." (Anemoi)
"And you took it down in my stead, Anemoi-san. What does that mean?" (Eugene)
"…Ah." (Anemoi)
The Dungeon Master covered her mouth with her hands.
Looks like she didn't realize this.
"Once a Floor Boss is defeated, it doesn't reappear for a day or two, correct? During that time, the staircase to the upper floors also vanishes." (Eugene)
"S-Sorry." (Anemoi)
She apologized sincerely for once.
Even when she messed up with the Hydra, she had merely sulked.
Seems even she felt guilty about urging me to challenge the Floor Boss only to snatch the kill herself.
"It's fine." (Eugene)
I wasn't particularly attached to this boss fight anyway.
One of the objectives assigned by the club president -Verify with the Dungeon Master- had been accomplished.
As I stretched to signal the end of today's exploration…
"Wait a minute, Eugene Santafield. You've already faced Divine Beasts four times, haven't you?" (Anemoi)
"Three Divine Beasts and one Demon Lord, actually." (Eugene)
"Details don't matter. Alright! You should be fine to tackle Floor 200 now. Come here." (Anemoi)
She grabbed my arm forcefully and tapped my explorer badge with a flick of her finger.
A small sound and a faint light emanated from the badge.
"What did you just…?" (Eugene)
Before I could finish my question…
—Eugene Santafield has gained the right to challenge the Deus Discipline on Floor 200.
"Huh?"
The angel announcement echoed, its tone cold and robotic.
"Is this…even allowed?" (Eugene)
—Uhm…is this even allowed?
My voice overlapped with the angel's.
Based on the voice, it wasn't Rita-san but another angel in charge of managing Floor 200.
"It's fine! I'm the Dungeon Master, so my rules apply. Now, get moving to Floor 200, Eugene Santafield!" (Anemoi)
"Wait, hold on!" (Eugene)
The Dungeon Master tried to leave, saying whatever she pleased, so I hurriedly grabbed her petite arm.
"What now? Isn't this convenient for you?" (Anemoi)
"It feels like I'm cheating or something…" (Eugene)
"You're so serious. Look, you had plenty of leeway against that chimera. Stop wasting time on lower floors. Use the dungeon elevator and head to Floor 200 already." (Anemoi)
"But my party members won't be able to come with me to Floor 200." (Eugene)
"That'll be fine soon. I'm planning to change the rules for the Zenith Tower so that the elevator can go to the highest floor recorded by any member of the party." (Anemoi)
"…Is that really okay?" (Eugene)
It sounded prone to abuse and accidents…
"It's fine, you worrywart☆. Bye-bye!" (Anemoi)
With that, the Dungeon Master vanished like mist.
All that remained was the chimera's corpse.
"Time to head back…" (Eugene)
I boarded the dungeon elevator.
The number of selectable buttons had nearly doubled.
I could actually go up to Floor 200.
(That Dungeon Master is utterly reckless…) (Eugene)
Doing as she pleased.
That must be how eager she is to get explorers to the higher floors.
I don't think it is a good method though.
I hesitated, then pressed the button for Floor 100.
(Maybe Rita-san knows something about the unusual monsters…) (Eugene)
I decided to have a quick word before leaving.
◇◇
"Waaah, another rule change for the Zenith Tower! How many times is that bratty Dungeon Master going to do this-ssu ka?!"
The moment I arrived on Floor 100, I was greeted by the sight of Rita-san surrounded by a mountain of paperwork.
(Looks like my timing is bad…) (Eugene)
Her language was slipping, a sign of exhaustion.
"You should report this way too impulsive rule-changing to the Destiny Goddess, Ilia-chan."
Said the Demon Lord Eri leaning on her hand as she skimmed through a document.
It seemed she was helping Rita-san with her work again.
When I approached, Eri immediately turned to face me.
"Oh? Eugene. What brings you here?" (Eri)
"Sorry, looks like you're busy. I'll come back later." (Eugene)
"It's fine, really! I was thinking of taking a break anyway. Come on over♡." (Eri)
"Eri-senpai~, the documents due today aren't done yet-ssu yo~."
Rita-san said in a low tone to warn her.
"W-What's the harm in a little break?" (Eri)
"What are you planning on doing after sneaking off with Eugene-kun?! Not fair-ssu yo! I'm stressed too-ssu yo!" (Rita)
"N-No way! Eugene is mine; I'm not sharing!" (Eri)
"…I'm not planning to steal your man-ssu." (Rita)
"What about that spear-wielding boy you've been meeting often?" (Eri)
"He has a girlfriend, you know." (Rita)
"Steal him anyway☆!" (Eri)
"I can't do that-ssu yo~!" (Rita)
Is this really a conversation between angels?
Right, one of them is a fallen angel.
So maybe it is fine.
No, it isn't.
"Seems like you're busy, so maybe next time…" (Eugene)
It didn't seem like a conversation I should be listening to, so I was about to leave.
"Oh? Come here, Eugene." (Eri)
"Hey, don't just grab me like that." (Eugene)
She grabbed my arm and pulled me close.
"..."
She gazed at me with a serious expression.
"Eri?" (Eugene)
I felt slightly uneasy, caught in her crimson gaze.
"Eugene...you've angelified quite a lot, haven't you?" (Eri)
Eri murmured softly.