Chapter 150
Deep within the dungeon, in Elibel’s laboratory―――
「…Alright, I think that should be enough insurance for now…」
While operating the terminal in her hand, Elibel mutters to herself.
This should suffice for insurance preparations.
「…Are you referring to the Fafnir matter?」
Berg, who’s also using a terminal, glances in her direction.
「Yes. I’ve asked Tsumugi to stay permanently in Fafnir.」
Upon hearing Elibel’s words, Berg tilts his head in confusion.
「But… is it possible? That Rias’s true goal isn’t our dungeon, but Fafnir?」
「It’s not out of the realm of possibility. In fact, she probably intentionally leaked that information to throw us off.」
She murmurs, “That woman would pull something like that,” scratching her purely white skull thoughtfully.
「After all, the fact that Rias, who kept her whereabouts hidden from that old hag for two centuries, would purposely let her enemies know about her plans to revive the Death Dragon… It’s all very suspicious.」
Suppose, for a moment, Elibel continues.
「If I were Rias… I’d undoubtedly use ‘Fafnir’. With dungeon destruction, one could instantly reach the depths and capture all opposing forces on the surface. Plus, Fafnir’s location, nearly in the center of the continent, is ideal for harnessing the stellar vein’s magic and transmitting information.」
That’s exactly why.
To keep that a secret, she intentionally leaked the information.
Likely even calculating that Léna-Lloyd would inform Elibel.
「Is that why you’re involving Tsumugi?」
Elibel nods in agreement, “Yes.”
「The concept of ‘Dungeon Destruction’ was originally based on Pathless’s abilities.」
Indeed, Elibel’s “Dungeon Destruction” technique traces its origins to Pathless’s “Dungeon Alteration” ability.
The original goal was to reproduce the same “Dungeon Alteration” power as Pathless. However, due to a lack of samples, they ended up developing the attack-oriented “Dungeon Destruction.” It’s quite ironic.
「But… precisely for that reason, if it’s Tsumugi inside the dungeon, she should be able to neutralize it even if the ‘Dungeon Destruction’ is activated. Her ‘Dungeon Alteration Ability’ is without a doubt top-tier among her Pathless kind.」
All of Earth’s subordinates are exceptional, but within that group, Elibel believes that Pururu and Tsumugi stand out as particularly “extraordinary” and “special.”
After all, unlike the subordinates that came from the outside or the golem homunculus that were created later, these two spontaneously emerged from Earth’s dungeon itself.
Moreover, she’s laid “nets” throughout both Earth’s dungeon and the Sage’s dungeon.
All that’s left is to wait for the enemy to get caught in the trap.
「But, do you think it’ll really go that smoothly?」
「Well, it probably won’t be that straightforward.」
She easily agrees with Berg’s words.
「…I suspect they still have another trick up their sleeve… I can’t imagine that woman, who never let us get the upper hand, would give up just because one or two of her schemes were thwarted.」
Her skeletal hand tightens with anger.
The flames in her eye sockets burn brighter and more intensely.
It seems to express Elibel’s rising fury.
「But… no matter how many schemes you’ve prepared, I’ll crush them all and settle the score with you, Rias!」
The moment of reckoning draws ever closer.
「―――! Miss Elibel! We have a response!」
「…They’ve come.」
And just as Elibel predicted, the enemy is caught in the net―――
Now, it’s time to strike back.
Within the first layer of Fafnir’s dungeon―――
「Phew….」
The young girl, Tsumugi ―the Pathless― tries hard to suppress her racing heartbeat as she faces off against a man and a woman.
―――To think that a “Dungeon Destruction” event would really happen…
Cold sweat clings to her back.
That was way too close for comfort.
She managed to reflexively counteract it with her “Dungeon Alteration” ability. If she hadn’t previously been informed by Elibel about the enemy’s information, along with the composition and theory behind “Dungeon Destruction”, she wouldn’t have stood a chance.
The thought of being even a moment too late sends shivers down her spine.
She’s genuinely grateful for Elibel’s foresight and intelligence.
Right now, she’s willing to let Elibel give her “three licks” (One lick = the act of licking Tsumugi’s favorite spot once).
That sage is truly a genius.
Tsumugi narrows her caramel-colored eyes at the foes before her.
One is a massive man resembling a bear.
The other is a girl roughly the same size as Tsumugi.
Both are dressed in traditional attire from Wano Country.
All the attendants of the Continental Congress had their faces and names shared by Dos the previous day.
No one matching these two’s characteristics was among them.
（Maybe they just disguised themselves as adventurers to enter the imperial capital? The inspections for adventurers in this country are pretty lax…）
Tsumugi lived in this land for over a year.
She has a fair bit of knowledge regarding the imperial capital.
The burly man speaks up.
「Who the hell are you? Were you the one who interfered with our ‘thing’ just now?」
While toying with the treasured sword in his hand, he poses the question with fierce, beast-like eyes.
Tsumugi flinches for a split second but forces a smile and responds.
「…What do you mean?」
「Don’t play dumb, kid. Don’t try to outsmart me.」
Without hesitation, he sees through Tsumugi’s lie.
「When I look into someone’s ‘eyes’, I can usually tell what they’ve been through. And by the looks of yours, you’ve been through quite a few battles, haven’t you?」
「…!」
Tsumugi keeps her mouth shut, and the man, known as Lau, grins, revealing sharp canine teeth.
「Yep, eyes like that… They’re earned by experiencing various kinds of hell.」
Lau takes a step closer to Tsumugi.
「Besides, you said something earlier. ‘No, don’t try to destroy Fal’s home,’ right?」
Lau recites Tsumugi’s words verbatim.
He’s got an unexpectedly sharp memory for his appearance.
He takes another step closer.
「Fal, that’s a shorthand for Fáfnir, right? Not the name of the dungeon, but the name of its ‘master’? Among the adventurers, there are rumors that Fáfnir’s master is the ‘Golden Dragon’. Guess those rumors might not be entirely wrong.」
He inches even closer.
「You’re giving away too much info, brat.」
Tsumugi takes a deep, calming breath.
Stay calm.
She’s managed to negate the initial goal of “dungeon destruction.”
So, the next thing to do is…
「Hey, Lau? Who have you been talking to all this time? Are you dumb? You looking to die?」
As tension builds between Tsumugi and Lau, Suiren interrupts their conversation.
「Is this the ‘invisible friend’ Aoba mentioned? If so, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were so sensitive about not having any real friends…」
She feigns wiping away tears with her sleeve.
Annoyed, Lau snaps.
「Shut up! It’s not like that! From your reactions, it seems you really can’t ‘see’ her, huh?」
「…What do you mean?」
「Suiren, she’s probably the ‘Pathless’ mentioned in the guild’s report. The girl with long white hair… it matches the physical description. There was also info that she might only be visible to specific individuals. No doubt about it. Hahahaha! Isn’t this interesting?」
「Huh? Wait a sec. Wasn’t there an official statement from the guild saying that she was driven away by ‘Silver Demon’? You’re saying that report was fake?」
Lau chuckles amusedly, while Suiren looks puzzled.
「Who knows? But here she is, right in front of us. And for some reason, she seems to be siding with Fáfnir. Plus… It feels more like she was ‘lying in wait’ rather than just happening to be here.」
In just a minute-long conversation, Lau has almost precisely determined Tsumugi’s position.
His beast-like appearance belies his calm demeanor and sharp observational skills.
The title of the Wano Country’s top adventurer isn’t just for show.
「What? I’ve never heard of a Pathless siding with a dungeon…」
「Exceptions are common for adventurers, Suiren! Don’t lose your cool over something like this!」
Lau rebukes Suiren’s confusion.
「Besides, the fact that she came out without hiding means she’s ready to fight – and that’s just fine by me!」
With a grin that stretches from ear to ear, Lau sheathes his Futsunomitama, a treasured sword, and draws his primary weapon from over his shoulder.
The blade is exposed as it’s drawn from its sheath.
At a glance, it appears like any typical Japanese sword, but its size is what sets it apart.
The sword is roughly as long as Lau’s towering height of over two meters.
In the hands of the bear-like Lau, the weapon is so enormous that one might mistake him for an ogre or demon.
「UOOOOOOOOOOHHHHH!」
With a fierce battle cry, Lau slashes at Tsumugi in a single swift motion.
But in the next moment, Lau’s blade meets nothing but air.
「――――Huh?」
He looks ahead.
Tsumugi stands several meters away, untouched.
「…Is this…」
Lau tries to strike Tsumugi again.
Yet, just as he attempts to cut her down, the “distance” between them inexplicably grows once more.
Such a strange sensation.
「Fascinating… So this is the Pathless’s ‘Dungeon Alteration’? First time seeing it in action.」
However, his years of experience as an adventurer allow him to quickly discern its nature.
「You’re altering space, aren’t you? No… It’s ‘distance’, right? Am I right?」
「―――!」
Bingo.
His astute observation leaves Tsumugi momentarily speechless.
What Tsumugi has used is an application of her Dungeon Alteration ability, specifically “Distance Alteration.”
She’s reduced the distance between her and her rear, effectively adding that same distance between herself and Lau.
No matter how much he tries to close the gap, he can never quite reach her.
It’s an ability that effectively keeps her in an endless loop of distance from her opponent.
However, it’s crucial to note that this ability is limited strictly to within the confines of the dungeon.
「How about this? ‘Winds! Be the arrows of the storm and pierce my enemies!’」
Lau chants.
Immediately, countless gusts of wind blades launch from around him.
A high-level wind spell: “Wind Slash.”
「―――!」
Tsumugi’s face stiffens.
In the next instant, the floors and walls surrounding Tsumugi are brutally slashed, but she herself remains unharmed.
「Heh… Did you alter space itself this time? Impressive. The Pathless really can do anything, huh? Or maybe it’s just ‘you’ who’s an anomaly? Either way, I’m absolutely thrilled!」
With a ferocious grin, Lau’s adventurer spirit shines through, delighting in the rare prey that stands before him: Pathless.
On the other hand, what Tsumugi feels is,
（…Scary. This guy, he’s incredibly strong… Maybe even stronger than the elderly demon I met here before…）
It’s pure fear and trepidation.
To begin with, Tsumugi has barely experienced any combat.
Her abilities as Pathless are tailored mainly for evasion and interference, not confrontation.
Fear. Overwhelming fear.
I’m scared. I’m scared. I’m scared.
Her teeth chatter, unable to stop shaking.
「Huh? Did I scared, ya?」
Lau precisely discerns Tsumugi’s inner turmoil.
Yes, she’s absolutely terrified.
This is her first real fight, and she’s paralyzed with fear.
Yet, there’s a more potent emotion burgeoning within her.
「…I won’t let you」
「What did you say?」
Lau, looking puzzled, focuses on her.
She shouts back,
「I won’t let you destroy Fal’s home! Never! I will protect Fal!」
Yes, Tsumugi made a vow.
She swore never to let a friend perish again.
The golden dragon, her very first friend who wished to live alongside her, she pledged to protect him.
Fear.
It’s her first battle, and the terror threatens to overwhelm her, even make her sick.
But more than that…
The fear of losing a friend is infinitely more terrifying.
She doesn’t want to go through that pain ever again.
To protect her friend…
Driven by that singular purpose, Tsumugi feels a surge of magic coursing through her.
Fear can be overcome.
「―――’Alteration’, Summon the 10th floor’s Turret NO. 32!!」
「…!?」
Suddenly, rock turrets materialize around Tsumugi.
Ten in total.
「FIRE!!」
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOOM!
The deafening sound of explosions.
A barrage of shells, fired all at once, homes in on the adventurer standing right in front of her.
This is another of the dungeon alteration abilities.
The “summoning” of traps from other floors.
「Cough, so you can do something like this, too…?」
From amidst the smoke and flames, Lau, smeared in soot and scorched, emerges.
He brushes the ashes off himself and grins.
（―――No way. He survived that?）
Tsumugi can sense it through her magic detection.
This man took most of the blast head-on.
What kind of physical capabilities does he possess?
「Pant… Pant… Are you… even human?」
Tsumugi can’t help but ask, feeling dizzy.
Repeatedly using the “Dungeon Alteration” ability drains her magical and physical strength without mercy.
「I’m as human as they come. Though, I might be a bit… ‘special’!」
He leaps.
Once again, Lau lunges at Tsumugi with terrifying speed.
He closes the gap between them in the blink of an eye.
「―――Alteration! Summon the 35th floor’s Illusory Space!」
A last-minute alteration.
Immediately after, a sweet scent tickles Lau’s nose.
「What—!?」
「Wait, Lau!」
He halts abruptly.
The figure before him isn’t the Pathless girl.
It’s Suiren.
Lau was about to slash at “Suiren.”
「Hey! Why are you trying to slash at me? If I get hurt, Aoba will be devastated! Do you understand that!?」
「Did she alter the path? No… did she force a teleportation?」
Ignoring Suiren’s protest, Lau contemplates the recent turn of events.
「Huh? What are you talking about? YOU suddenly changed direction and tried to attack me!」
「What…? That’s how it looked to you?」
「Eh…?」
「I thought I was going straight for Pathless… But…」
「Wait a minute… Does that mean—」
What’s going on?
Suddenly, from beneath Lau’s feet, skeletal hands emerge, grabbing onto his ankles.
More undead creatures start to surface around them.
「What the?!」
『Kukuku』『What’s the matter? Let’s play.』『Hee hee hee hee』
『Mister, come this way—the way of our call.』『Hahahaha』
The chilling voices of the undead.
They elicit a deep, primal revulsion.
「Undead?! Why now…? ‘Waters of healing, bring solace to the wandering souls!’」
Suiren chants, invoking a spell that produces holy water effective against the undead.
Water bursts forth from her hands, showering the undead around them.
But— they don’t disappear.
Unfazed, they continue to swarm the duo.
「Why aren’t these creatures affected by the holy water?」
「Are they not monsters… or…?」
Then, Lau recalls the sweet scent from moments ago.
「…An illusion?!」
Spot on.
Tsumugi had invoked and adapted illusionary space from the middle floors, transforming the once innocuous surroundings into a place where various illusions play tricks on the mind.
Proof? Monsters that weren’t there before now lurk about. There are also misplaced treasures of gold and silver.
Moreover, the haunting sounds of the undead, the palpable presence of monsters, the allure of golden treasures—everything feels so real, as if truly present.
The illusion is uncannily lifelike.
「The precision of this… Who the hell crafted this spell?」
Lau is beyond amazed—bordering on respect.
Such is the sophistication of the illusion.
―――By the way, a certain sage who created this illusionary barrier intended to enjoy a fantasy realm filled with youthful girls. However, due to multiple complaints right before its unveiling, it was reluctantly shelved and placed in the middle floors. But let’s not dwell on that now.
「Suiren! Use a support spell!」
「Yes! ‘Waters, shield us from the malice of evil!’」
A thin film of water envelops Lau and Suiren.
The advanced-class water magic: “Water Guard.”
It’s a support spell that guards against magic that might affect the brain or nerves.
「Now, we won’t be deceived by illusions.」
「You’ve really done it this time, Pathless…」
The illusions that had unfurled before their eyes gradually fade away, revealing the dungeon’s original appearance.
「———Found you.」
In a corner, Lau spots Tsumugi.
But for Suiren, Tsumugi remains invisible.
「Seriously, why can’t I see her? Lau, can’t you do something about this?」
Suiren grumbles in annoyance.
Lau shakes his head.
「…Can’t do it. With my current state, sharing vision is difficult. I can tell you where she is, but you’ll have to deal with it yourself.」
「What?! Don’t joke with me. I won’t give you any buffs!」
「Whether you like it or not, there’s nothing I can do. Just deal with it!」
Suiren protests vehemently, but Tsumugi, unperturbed, initiates another “Dungeon Alteration.”
「―――’Alteration’, Summon the 25th floor’s Magic Circle NO. 12!」
Once more, the dungeon morphs.
Beneath Lau and Suiren, a massive magical circle appears.
「What the?! What’s this?!」
「Damn!」
BOOOOOOOOOM!
An explosion.
This was one of the most powerful magic traps located in the middle layers.
Crafted by Elibel, it’s a gender-specific trap—colloquially known as the “Normies Killer.”
A dark reflection of its creator, this trap responds and detonates only when a male-female pair is within the dungeon.
However,
「Damn it all!」
From the midst of the flames, a large man emerges, holding a petite girl.
Unlike before, he now bears burns.
The girl seems to have lost consciousness.
「Guha.. Hah… Hah… Did you think that was enough to take me down…?」
「Obviously!」
Lau exclaims,
I won’t die from something like this!
「……Now then…」
But Tsumugi’s next words leave Lau frozen.
「———Maybe another thousand times will do?」
「……What?」
This time, Lau genuinely gapes in disbelief.
「―――’Alteration’, Summon the entire middle layer’s Magic Circle NO. 12!」
「hold… hold on…」
Just, wait.
Seriously, just wait.
Ignoring Lau’s mumbles,
Magic circles appear on the floor, the walls, the ceiling.
Countless copies of the same circle that had appeared earlier now emerge everywhere.
「What… the hell…!?」
Even the unflappable Lau can’t hide his shock.
Can Pathless really modify the dungeon this freely?
No, that’s not it.
There’s no doubt that this particular entity is “abnormal.”
「Will this do the trick?」
「Wait! That’s way too much———」
Immediately afterward, the symbols radiate a blinding light— and detonate.
A deafening blast.
The walls tremble, and the very fabric of space vibrates with the symphony of explosions.
It’s as if one could hear the whispers of a certain sage saying, “Why won’t couples just explode?” or “Why are couples so persistent?”
Given the excessive number of traps, the darkness behind it is just too profound.
It’s asking for trouble.
But Tsumugi’s modifications don’t end there.
She can still sense her opponent’s presence.
「―――’Alteration’, Summon the 13th floor’s Magic Circle.」
What appears next are lances made of molten lava— a trap conceived by a certain Black Ant Queen.
「―――’Alteration’, Summon the 22th floor’s Fixed Artillery.」
Following that, massive arrows made of mineral materialize— a trap designed by a ravenous spider monster.
「―――’Alteration’, Summon the 43th floor’s Isolation Barrier.」
Furthermore, a barrier, crafted by the eldest daughter who’s currently outside, appears. This barrier weakens the physical body.
「―――’Alteration’, ―the 43th floor’s――」
A curse, conceived by her younger brother, begins to corrode the body.
「―――’Alteration’」
Every trap set up in the middle layer…
「’Alteration’」
Every trap that the dungeon’s denizens have pooled their knowledge to create…
Is now unleashed upon the enemy in front of her, all at once, with intense concentration.
「’Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration”Alteration’」
The endless dungeon modifications.
Her body screams in protest.
Her magical power drains rapidly.
Dizziness.
An intense headache.
Nausea.
Yet Tsumugi doesn’t stop.
She can’t stop.
She had sworn to protect that friend of hers.
And then―――
After what feels like hundreds, maybe thousands, of middle-layer trap onslaughts, the storm ceases.
Nothing remains in its wake.
Only remnants that might once have been human linger.
Tsumugi’s relentless assault has eradicated every trace of the intruders.
「Haa… haa… I’m exhausted…」
With the battle over, Tsumugi slumps to the ground, struggling for breath, completely drained and on the brink of collapsing.
She looks again at the aftermath of her actions.
This was the first time she had executed so many dungeon modifications in succession.
「… I hope the dungeon is okay…」
Although the dust makes it hard to see, the walls and floors don’t seem heavily damaged.
Well, it’s expected because every time the walls or floors get damaged by explosions or bombardment, she modifies that part with an unused part from the dungeon’s middle layer.
However, the part of her father’s dungeon she swapped out likely suffered substantial damage.
But since she exchanged it with a deeper, unused middle layer, it should be repairable before any new intruders arrive.
「Phew… Not much magic left in me, but at least they’re down for good…」
Tsumugi’s magical power is almost depleted.
Between negating the “Dungeon Destruction” and her consecutive “Dungeon Alterations”, she’s really pushed herself to the limit.
But if it means protecting her friend Fal, it’s a small price to pay.
Her drained magic will eventually return, and if needed, she could always borrow some from her father, Earth.
「Well, time to head back.」
Who knows? Another enemy might show up just like before.
It’s best to recuperate while I can.
With that thought, Tsumugi turns to retreat deeper into the dungeon.
But then, in a split second…
From a pile of rubble, a battered man emerges.
「Damn it… pant… You little…!」
He’s covered in wounds, one eye is crushed, and he’s missing an arm.
But he’s alive.
Even after facing all those attacks, the light in Lau Lan Fan’s eyes hasn’t dimmed.
Clutched in his hand is just the severed “hand” of the girl who had been by his side.
「…no way.」
Tsumugi murmurs in disbelief.
Her momentary lapse in attention means her reaction is too slow.
「Never let your guard down, you damn brat!」
Lau charges forward, discarding the hand he’s holding and drawing the treasured sword, Futsunomitama, with his remaining arm.
―――I won’t make it!
There’s no time to put distance between them or switch places.
Tsumugi’s magical power is nearly gone.
Without her “Dungeon Alteration”, she’s just a regular girl, as fragile as she looks.
There’s no way to defend against his onslaught.
「RAAAAAAHHH」
With a final scream, Lau’s almost crumbling blade is thrust towards Tsumugi.
（―――I’m sorry, Fal… I let my guard down…）
Inside her mind, Tsumugi offers a silent apology to her friend.
She closes her eyes, bracing for the inevitable blow.
But then…
CLANG!
A sound echoes.
The clash of metal against metal.
His blade doesn’t reach Tsumugi.
Or more precisely, it’s stopped just before it can.
A golden hexagon appears, halting his sword.
It extends from Tsumugi’s golden hairpin.
「What… the hell is this?」
Lau’s battered lips voice his confusion.
And Tsumugi is equally baffled.
「Uh, what… is this?」
More golden hexagons materialize, overlapping and merging, forming a massive “arm”.
The arm moves as if it possesses its own will.
『――It’s okay, Tsumugi.』
「Huh?」
She hears a voice.
A familiar, reassuring voice that brings her immense comfort.
The golden arm thrusts out, sending Lau flying with immense force.
BOOM!
He crashes against a wall with a thunderous sound.
『I’ve been watching all along… Now, let me be your strength.』
The voice belongs to the true master of this dungeon.
It’s the voice of Fáfnir.
In the final floor of Fáfnir, 『The Golden Chamber』―――
The Golden Dragon, Fáfnir, has been intently watching Tsumugi’s battle all this time.
Oh, how Tsumugi has grown stronger.
A young girl, trying her best to defend his dungeon and protect him.
Fáfnir’s heart fills with pride watching her growth.
But then, the moment arrives.
The battered man charges straight towards Tsumugi.
This is bad.
Tsumugi barely has any magical power left.
She can’t dodge that attack.
―――Tsumugi…!
Watching her, Fáfnir feels a tightness in his chest.
Such a fragile girl, fighting fiercely to protect his dungeon.
And yet, why is he hiding in this place?
No, he knows the reason.
He glances at his own form.
Colorful pipes are connected to his body, submerged in a fluid similar to a cultivation tank, extending his life, portraying a painful image of his existence.
―――I can’t even take a single step out of here.
Tsumugi is fighting so hard, and all I can do is watch helplessly.
What kind of situation is this?
What kind of situation… is this!?
This is ridiculous!
Such an injustice cannot be allowed!
I want to help!
I want to help her!
Please!
If there’s a god out there, hear my plea!
Take me to that girl!
Let me help her – the girl who saved me!
The golden dragon cries out, unable to move even a finger.
A cry from his very soul.
He doesn’t want to lose that small, warm light that had once wished for him to live, even when he yearned for death.
Fáfnir wishes fervently, with all his heart.
And in response to his desperate plea… something manifests.
In Fáfnir’s first layer…
Lau shakily rises to his feet, making a gravelly noise.
He’s battered and unsteady, but there’s no hint of weariness in his eyes.
He can still fight.
His eyes seem to declare it.
But then…
「…Tch. What’s the deal, huh? Pathless shouldn’t have any abilities other than ‘Dungeon Alteration’…」
Spitting out blood with evident disgust, Lau mutters.
Indeed, Lau’s claim is accurate.
Pathless pour all their inherent power into the unique ability, “Dungeon Alteration”.
Possessing any other capability is inconceivable.
That golden arm obviously emanates a different kind of power from “Dungeon Alteration”.
The nature of its magical power is just too different.
It’s an eerie feeling, like something that shouldn’t mix is blending.
『―――It’s true. This isn’t Tsumugi’s power.』
The voice echoing inside Tsumugi’s head responds to the query.
It’s a voice that gives Tsumugi great comfort—the voice of the golden dragon she had just been conversing with.
「…Fal, is that you?」
『Yes.』
Slowly, following the golden arm, golden scales start to emerge.
『I borrowed a bit of that young dragon’s magical power. Using your hairpin as a medium, I constructed an avatar here.』
He states plainly.
「But is that even possible?」
『It is, Tsumugi. All because it’s you.』
She’s an irregular Pathless born from a dungeon, essentially a “double familiar”, having powers both from Earth and Fáfnir.
That’s why she has both the conduit of Earth’s familiar and that of Fáfnir within her.
An advanced version of the “Dungeon Alteration” ability.
Essentially, a “Familiar Alteration” ability.
Tsumugi can become a familiar of both Earth and Fáfnir.
Serving as a bridge connecting the two dungeons, Tsumugi’s magical corridor comes into play.
Using it to receive Earth’s magical power, combining with Tsumugi’s “Alteration”, Fáfnir was able to come to her aid.
『Your struggles reached me through the magical corridor.』
Seeing her determination and effort, Fáfnir was moved.
To help the girl who wanted to live alongside him, he used the little magical power of his body, which needed absolute rest.
Convincing the dungeon core, which was protesting fiercely within him, even if it might shorten his life.
But even so—for just that one girl, the Golden Dragon took action.
『To connect and link, huh? I see… your master, that young Earth Dragon, indeed gave you a fitting name』
Originally, a Pathless shouldn’t coexist with a dungeon.
But precisely because of that…
When two conflicting entities join hands…
Just like the spring in a clock, each acts as a cog, turning an even bigger gear.
Subtraction turns into addition, allies band together multiplying their strengths…
Their power magnifies manyfold.
『Tsumugi, I want to lend you my strength too. I want to help you.』
Upon hearing those words,
「……Yes.」
The white girl nods firmly.
She’s overwhelmed with joy.
「…Mm!」
She wanted to be helped.
That’s why she was aided.
The united power.
A result brought by the girl known as Pathless.
And then…
The symbol of that power…
The Golden Dragon, the true master of Fáfnir, reveals himself.
Lau’s body goes rigid.
Even battered and beaten, his eyes, which once held light, are now frozen in terror.
「Heh…haha…」
What slips out is a dry, involuntary laugh.
He probably realizes that he’s done for.
Slowly, the Golden Dragon raises its massive arm.
A gigantic lump of golden mass.
「This sucks…」
He mutters.
Then, that golden mass envelops him.
Boom!
A wet, crushing sound.
And just like that, the hero of Wano Country, Lau Lan Fan, meets his end.
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