Chapter 949 – An Unexpected Loophole

000

＂Haaaaa!＂

Amelia’s final blow lands.

The armor she was wearing was in tatters, and the only parts of the armor that were still attached to her body were parts of her arms, the parts that made up the skirt, and other parts of her body other than the vital parts. Br〉

With Vivian’s advice, Amelia succeeded in drawing her magic power from her own emotions, and gradually gained the upper hand in the fight against her own black self.

And, perhaps inspired by Amelia, Black Amelia also clashes with Amelia with even more hostility and murderous intent.

As a result, the moment her hammer and sickle collided, both sides broke apart, but Amelia did not move behind her anymore.

As follows, when a guillotine-like blade falls on her head, Amelia forms a shield using her divine magic to block it.

Just as with her hammer and sickle, her blade and shield clashed and shattered, but without putting her gaze there, Amelia took one step forward of her, slamming her own elbow into her opponent’s abdomen. It was a stabbing.

When a heavy impact rings out, her body bends forward, and she almost flies backwards.

Instead of letting her fly, Amelia catches her body and kicks her to her knees again where she had just hit.

After being hit in the stomach twice in a row, no matter how evil she is, she can’t stand properly.

As she stumbled and tried to fall forward, Amelia lifted her right leg and kicked her in the head with her heel.

Boom!

A shock so strong that cracks appear in the ground strikes from above.

With each attack, each part of her body is filled with divine magic, so the impact is several times greater than that of a normal attack.

It must be a tactic that can be used because you know that the opponent is not human.

After seeing that the dust rose from her and that she was no longer moving on the ground, Amelia also stumbled behind her.

After a long and intense battle, I was finally able to defeat her.

＂Okay… That’s it…＂

As Amelia said that, she unconsciously sat down on the ground.

Should I say she was relieved, or should I say that all the energy she could use had really drained from her body?

Either way, it was clear that she was too exhausted to stand or move any longer.

Then, a clapping sound was heard from behind her.

“It’s great growth! I only gave her a little bit of advice, but I never thought she would immediately make her teachings her own.”

Vivian smiled as she said that, approached Amelia, and placed her hand on Amelia’s head.

Then, Amelia could feel the wounds and fatigue on her body disappearing.

＂Thank you… Without Your Majesty’s advice, we would not have been able to win…”

Hehe. I’m glad you said that.”

Once Amelia’s condition is restored, she removes her hand from Amelia’s head, and Amelia also closes her eyes, releasing her Saint Princess transformation and returning to her normal appearance. 〉

Her tattered armor disappears, and when her original clothes return, she stands up.

“Okay, then your ordeal ends here. The other people haven’t left the labyrinth yet… Will they move first?”

“Movement…? Where? “

＂Should I say spectator seats?＂

When Vivian smiled and snapped her fingers, the place where the two were standing changed.

The arena-like atmosphere around her disappeared, and Amelia noticed that a soft sofa-like chair had appeared right behind her.

And in front of her, several large illusions appeared, showing the inside of the labyrinth she was walking through with the others at the same time.

＂This is…＂

“Here you can see how other people are currently coping with their ordeal. Now, let’s wait and cheer on her companions. Ugh. I think I should get some rest too.”

As Vivian said that, she sat down on one of the sofas and stretched her legs.

Then, given that no one else exists in this space, you would have known that you were the first to pass the trials prepared in the labyrinth.

And, as Amelia looked at the illusion, she could see that Lila and Sasha were still in the same place they entered while going through the labyrinth.

However, either of them seemed to have found a way to escape their ordeal, and each of them went through their ordeal with a motivated expression.

“I think those two will end soon.”

Vivian also says the same thing and nods while looking at Sasha and Layla.

“Ah, Mr. Kuon and Ms. Nagi have also entered the labyrinth.”

And then, Amelia sees the two people on another screen.

Had Kuon and Nagi already entered the ordeal prepared for them? They were facing an ordeal with a huge tree and numerous phantom soldiers.

Amelia couldn’t tell what ordeal was prepared just by looking at it, but she was rooting for the two.

And finally-

“What. The most dangerous thing is over there.”

Vivian exclaimed and raised his hand to point at the illusion with a slightly amused expression.

Then, there-

＂Eh, eh…?＂

A scene unfolded that even Amelia was troubled by.

This is because Cleon was shown there, surrounded by numerous young girls, comforting them or playing with them.

＂What on earth is Cleon doing…?＂

“It’s an ordeal I prepared for. Well, the purpose is… To push him to his limits physically and mentally.”

As Vivian spoke, she lifted the teacup she was holding in her hand to her mouth.

“Well, is there a reason to push it to that limit?”

“Yes. If he wants to become stronger, he must taste his limits once.”

Amelia spoke as if she was a little worried, but Vivian answered her with her smile.

＂Because the warrior Resia was like that too.＂

＂…＂

When she says that, even as Amelia, she is at a loss for words.

Obviously, Cleon would have had no choice but to accept Vivian’s response.

But it’s for him…

＂Why are the girls… They seem to be taking after us…?＂

“Don’t you think that could bother him more?”

When Vivian smiled and said, “Kissy,” Amelia closed her mouth a little and pretended to think, but then she couldn’t reply.

001

After Kuon and Nagi entered the labyrinth, what greeted them as soon as they walked a short distance was a trial room prepared for them.

＂Welcome…?＂

Kuon said this as he recalled entering a labyrinth-like stone chamber, but the surrounding scenery looked completely different from when he entered.

The place where Kuon and Nagi were standing was like a vast wilderness.

When the wind blows, dust mixed with dirt rises, and animal carcasses that appear to have been eaten by wild animals can be seen everywhere.

However, I could see that there was a small patch of grass only where the two people were standing, and that behind the two people there was a tree that was slightly larger than the trees that could be seen elsewhere.

＂What the hell is this…?＂

When I spoke with a slightly trembling voice while also being curious, Kuon was shaking his head as if he didn’t know.

However, one thing is certain-

The magic power of the earth flowing from this tree behind her is the only natural magic power remaining in this land.

And, because of that tree, there was only grass left in this place where they were standing.

Except for him, in the wilderness, polluted black magic seeps into the ground, contaminating the spiritual veins and contaminating all living things that grow there.

What kind of ordeal is this?

That was the moment when Kuon approached the giant tree and tried to take his hand.

I felt something like a strong magical power twisting along with the feeling of keying and the hair on my whole body standing on end.

When Kuon looked back in surprise, he saw soldiers who had opened the teleportation door and appeared there.

＂Kingdom Army…!?＂

And, from the armor they were wearing, and the badges attached to their armor, it was clear that they were soldiers belonging to the kingdom.

When Kuon was surprised that she had appeared as a transfer, the soldiers of her kingdom ran towards her as soon as they saw her.

＂As expected, you are here…! Esca, is this the place where the last water of life exists?”

＂Eh, Esca…?＂

Kuon looked surprised at being called by that name.

Then-

[Yes. What happened to other places?]

Eska’s voice, which I had heard once, rang out and answered on behalf of the soldiers.

“Other places are already… The advance and momentum of the imperial troops is too fast. Moreover, he is even using magic armor…”

It seemed that Kuon and Nagi were not visible to them.

Then, Kuon will realize that they are not real kingdom troops, but illusions created for this ordeal.

“I guess this is an illusion created based on Eska’s memories.”

＂Well, I see. And if you look at the mention of the imperial army…”

At Nagi’s words, Kuon nodded his head.

In other words, this was 30 years ago.

This is a memory from when Saint Escatology participated in the war against the empire as a member of Hero Resia.

＂I don’t know much about Eska… What kind of memory is this…?＂

When Nagi said that, Kuono put his hand to his chin and thought deeply, looking a little worried.

＇Water of Life＇ ＇Wilderness＇ ＇Magic Armor＇ ＇Cooperation with the Kingdom Army＇.

Based on the keywords presented, I’m trying to recall what Iona read in the book about Hero Resia’s adventures that she left behind earlier.

At that time.

Thump… Cooung… The sound of footsteps shaking the ground was heard.

When Kuon and Nagi, startled, turned their heads towards the direction from which the sound was coming from, there was a large army of the Empire approaching here to cut down the last remaining trees of life.

Not only simple infantry, but also a magic sword knight holding a magic sword in his hand, and a huge magic armor following him.

It was not difficult to tell that they were elite troops sent to occupy this place.

＂Imperial soldiers…!＂

＂You must retreat, Eska! If Eska falls, Lesia also…!”

The kingdom soldiers say that and try to open the portal once again, but-

[No. This last remaining water of life must be protected. If this water of life disappears, the forest barrier that blocked the empire’s advance will completely disappear. … If that happens, the clan of barrier magicians remaining in the forest will be annihilated. We cannot allow them to lose their lives here.]

In response to Eska’s response, the army of her kingdom looked at her and noticed her hesitation.

[The Imperial Army’s advance must stop here. Please, lend me your strength!]

“… All right! We can no longer let the imperial troops do whatever they want within our homeland!”

And, perhaps because Esca’s persuasion had changed his mind, the person who appeared to be the squad leader leading the kingdom’s army said so and drew his sword.

[I will unfold the barrier that protects the water of life. And I will continue to use as much healing magic as I can on you. As long as I don’t fall, you won’t fall either!]

When Esca raises his voice like that, the soldiers raise their morale and draw their weapons.

“The saint and the divine protection of light are with you!”

At the same time as those words were said, the kingdom’s troops rushed towards the enemies who were being pushed back both in number and quality.

Kuon stares blankly at the scene, then suddenly comes to his senses.

“Nagi, put a barrier around the tree!”

＂Ah, yes!＂

At Kuon’s call, Nagi would also nod his head.

Although there was no amulet or tool, it was to raise magical power and somehow spread a defensive barrier to protect the tree.

＂The story of Esca protecting the Water of Life with the kingdom’s troops is something I’ve never read in the adventure stories of Lecia and the others… But perhaps doing it this way is the right thing to do…”

As Kuon thought so, he began using healing magic on the already wounded soldiers who had gone outside the barrier to fight against the imperial forces and protect it.

After the bright light spread, their wounds began to heal.

Her answer to whether Kuon’s thoughts were right was not answered anywhere, but she had no choice but to do what was possible.

002

＂…＂

Her experience cooking with young children may have been invaluable.

She joins forces with them to decide what kind of dish to make, divides their roles to prepare the ingredients, and places them on the table one by one, telling them to be careful when using fire.

And, in a way, that meal was one of the most perfect meals she had ever made in the past, and was able to satisfy all the gathered children.

If you have a good meal, move to a sunny place and rest for a bit, you will start to fall asleep one by one thanks to hunger.

And, should I say that it was just as Cleon expected.

One by one, the girls began to fall asleep, lying on the floor, bed, or sofa.

Smoothly and according to plan, as if I had taken medicine with my meal.

＂…＂

And Cleon looking around.

First, it was confirmed that all visible children were asleep.

＂… Phew…＂

As I relaxed a little while saying that, Cleon also sat down on the sofa.

“… Is this the end of the ordeal?”

Just as the voice that guided them through the ordeal had said, all the children were put to sleep.

If that is not a lie, then this ordeal will end and the illusion will disappear.

＂…＂

I’m quietly waiting for the ordeal to end – 1 minute… 5 minutes… 10 minutes…

Cleon felt doubtful about the illusion that did not disappear no matter how much time passed.

＂Haam…＂

Moreover, the surroundings have become quiet, the sound of sleeping children breathing, and the warmth of sunlight pouring in.

When all those elements start to come together, a sudden flood of magic comes to Cleon.

Now that I think about it… I remembered that I had expended a lot of stamina while running around earlier.

＇… Since all the children are asleep… I guess I’m considered to have cleared the ordeal… Should I take a break too…’

Rather, if the next ordeal does not begin immediately, it is something that I would welcome.

At least, you can rest for a while.

Let’s only wear the mask for 20 minutes… No, 30 minutes.

Thinking like that, Cleon closed his eyes.

Really, it was just a moment.

And the next time you open your eyes.

“Ah, Cleon has woken up!”

＂…＂

It’s like seeing all the other children awake and running around the house while the sky outside the window is completely black.

＂Aaaaa!!!＂

Feeling the despair of someday betrayal, Cleon screamed.

And, Cleon had not yet noticed that there was an eye in the shadows looking at Cleon.