Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

However—his body was charred black by the scorching flames.

That white prey.

An existence that can rise again no matter how much it is destroyed.

Even after losing much of his flesh and blood, he turned around and began to destroy his male beast.

Tell him what the pure white flame of "fear" is.

He could neither tolerate nor accept that existence. To allow that existence would be tantamount to denying the meaning of his own birth, and even losing the reason for his existence in this world. This was the only point he understood instinctively.

He doesn't want that, he doesn't want that, he doesn't want that.

This was the only thing he couldn't bear. Even if he couldn't remain in anyone's memory, even if his life was fleeting, he still had to leave behind the meaning of his birth in the world.

This is a distorted wish, a perverse prayer.

But that's exactly what "Zagnat" is all about.

As if resonating with his thoughts, the "collar" placed around his neck emitted a light.

As if fueling his emotions, or perhaps driving him to lose control, it continually amplified its destructive impulses. Now, the voice of "Mother" was far beyond his reach. He ignored the constant demands of this voice, prioritizing his own "will."

That was a side effect of the beast tamer's (Jarro's) magical artifact.

It was a strong sense of self that he, as a pathogenic immune system, would not normally have been able to develop.

The "Extermination Apostles," who only knew how to kill, failed to realize that what now controlled them was "selfish desire." The unwavering killing intent focused on their sole prey was enough to make them independent. This generation of "Zagnat" was no longer a martyr who obeyed his mother's will.

He was liberated.

It's not just about breaking away from the beast tamer's legacy, but also from the voice of the dungeon.

Instead of being an "annihilation apostle" to exterminate the aliens in the labyrinth, he is reborn as a "monster" who fanatically pursues uniqueness and only wants to kill him.

therefore.

Only "that guy" absolutely must be killed.

That guy's life must be ended.

With only this thought in mind, Zagnat slowly and surely approached his prey.

At the same time, this "gift" also triggered an "unknown (abnormal situation)" that even the dungeon did not expect.

It even allowed him to surpass his innate abilities and achieve "evolution".

—Without a right arm. That way, they can't kill that "white prey."

—I need "arms". I need "claws" to slaughter that guy.

Zagnat's crimson eyes gleamed with an eerie light.

The next instant, he attacked his kin who were crossing his field of vision.

The screams and destructive impacts, along with the sounds of chewing, overlapped in layers.

In the darkness of the restless labyrinth, a terrifying and ominous sound echoed.

Volume Fourteen Interlude: Reminiscences of Justice

"Ideals and reality? What's wrong, Rio? Did Alyssa or Kaguya indoctrinate you again?"

A young girl sat in a chair, happily swinging her feet that couldn't reach the floor.

A few days have passed since the argument with Kaguya.

Ryu, who was constantly troubled from morning till night, went to consult with Leila, a member of the Astrea Familia, a member of the Dwarf race.

A colleague, whose height was less than 120cm, laid out suspicious tools on the table, fiddling with them here and there. After skillfully disassembling the parts, she continued her repair work without looking up, a frivolous smile on her face.

"For that kind of thing, all you have to do is put on a serious face and keep nodding and 'uh-huh.' Just pretend you understand, crawl into bed, fall asleep, and wow, it's amazing! All your worries will disappear completely."

"I'm seriously discussing this with you, Lyra. Although I have an extreme aversion to Kaguya, dismissing her words as nonsense because of that would only narrow my perspective. Besides, what Alisha said also bothers me. I need to absorb more different opinions and confront this issue head-on, otherwise I won't be able to find the answer to this problem..."

"Ugh—Elves are really hard to deal with!"

Leila spoke rudely and didn't listen to what Liu said.

Its appearance was as innocent and cute as that of a dwarf, but the words that came out of its mouth did not match its appearance at all.

Surprisingly, she was actually two years older than Ryu. She declared, "Isn't it cool?" She dyed her short hair pink, and a cunning smile always appeared on her face.

From her appearance and behavior, it's clear that the little human named Lyra has a very peculiar personality.

"It doesn't matter if we don't force ourselves to find the answer, right? Especially since it's the correct answer that others want."

At first glance, one might think that she and the elves, who are synonymous with obsessive-compulsive disorder, would not get along. However, surprisingly, when Ryu has any troubles, the order in which she discusses people with is first Alicia and second Lyra.

Lyra's opinions were straightforward and blunt, sometimes offering Ryu, an elf, ideas she had never even considered. Her sharp remarks even earned her special respect within the [Family].

Liu often unconsciously relies on Leila, who seems carefree at first glance but can inspire her and reveal the truth in a single sentence.

"Whatever it is, just listen to it. It's the same whether Kaguya or Alisha says it."

"Layla, isn't this a bit too much..."

"The truth depends on what the parties involved think."

"!"

Ultimately, what you choose to consider as "truth" is up to you. Only you can find your own "truth." So just listen to what others say, think it over, and come up with a "truth" that you can accept.

These words were unlike Lyra's usual style; they had a proverb-like quality to them.

So perhaps this is the "truth" she's telling, even though she's also good at lying.

"...If only you could always be this serious."

"So what, Rion? When have I ever not been super serious and kind?"

"Please ask yourself honestly and think carefully about what you taught me..."

That's right.

This little human always teaches Ryu all sorts of random things.

Methods for seeing through lies are one thing, but there are also examples of negotiation techniques and intimidation based on extortion, and even gambling winning strategies combined with cheating. "If you want to eliminate those scumbags, how can you catch them if you don't understand their thinking or their cards?" "You can't be a champion of justice just by talking nicely~" Such arguments may have some merit, but in short, they are all dirty tricks that are unsuitable for the righteous faction.

Five years have passed since I joined the [Family], which has caused Ryu to learn a lot of unnecessary knowledge.

"Because Leon is an elf girl who doesn't understand social etiquette, that's why I need to take care of you."

"...Compared to you, I don't deny that I'm somewhat lacking in social skills..."

Leila first smirked mischievously, then finally raised her face and looked up at Liu standing beside her.

"Listen up, Leon. Knowledge is a weapon, and intelligence is valuable information. Whether it's unorthodox or unsystematic and boring knowledge, everything you learn and remember can become a force to help you. So learn everything, and use everything."

You have to learn everything and use everything.

This is Leila's catchphrase.

"You have to use your brain until your ears bleed. If you don't have any equipment or items, gather resources from the dungeon. If you still don't have any, pick up dropped items. You can use anything as a substitute. Even if a single item is useless, combining them can be very useful."

"Use your brain..."

"You might not be good at it, but you still need to learn about human nature. It's not just useful for negotiations, it's also incredibly useful in the dungeon."

The characteristics of the monster, the rush to produce weapons, survival skills, and the psychology of teammates.

At the time, Lyra shamelessly said: "As long as you can understand everything and make up for everything, you can become a treasure in the fight against the dungeon."

It's as if they're trying to establish a certain concept for Ryu, joking with their mouths but taking their attitude very seriously.

"Excessive knowledge might waste your time overthinking, but it's still much better than ignorance. And then, it's okay to spend a little more time; the point is to transform knowledge into 'wisdom'."

"How to transform knowledge into 'wisdom'...?"

"That way, you can help others besides yourself. And you can also become a super powerful spirit that everyone admires. Then, Kaguya won't say you're childish anymore."

At that moment, Leila looked like both a mischievous child and an older sister protecting her younger sister.

"...Did you become stronger this way too?"

"Yes. I should say I'd die if I didn't use my brain, because I'm a dwarf."

"..."

"Hey, just listen to this. Just remember a little bit of what's useful to you."

Finally, the dwarf girl, even more frail than Ryu, shrugged her thin shoulders and concluded the topic.

Liu never forgot what she said that day.

"While it may not be exactly evidence, look at me. I spend all my time swindling suckers like you and doing cunning things, and now I'm a recognized Lv.3, a rising star among the Dwarfs."

"Does it seem like I heard something I can't pretend I didn't hear?"

"Finn Dimna, who aspires to be a racial hero, should be proposing to me soon, huh... "

"If I remember correctly, the Brave seems to have been avoiding you..."

Seeing Leila's wicked grin as she fantasized about marrying a rich man, Liu couldn't help but sigh.

This is also a story from the past.

It is a precious memory that returns to Liu's mind, and also "sadness".

The words and teachings of Leila were deeply ingrained in Ryu's heart.

The words of her companions, the treasures of the Astrea Familia—all live on in Ryu's heart.

but……

Ryu doesn't know if their "will" has been passed down to her.

It is unknown whether this legacy was passed down to her after losing something important and losing "justice".

Volume 14, Chapter 12: The True Labyrinth Deathmatch

The sound of metal clashing was incessant.

Like a labyrinth shrouded in darkness as night falls, countless sparks burst forth.

The adventurer's disordered breathing and the monster's roar echoed all around.

"──────!!"

"...!?"

A white, turbid sword, the same color as the underground city, was suddenly raised high and slashed down.

Bell barely managed to defend against the attack unleashed by the skeleton warrior.

"The 'Earth-born People'...!"

Following the skeleton sheep, another skeletal monster has appeared.

The skeletal bodies were as tall as Bell, or even taller. They were all armed with weapons made of bone, and they fiercely thrust forward, wielding swords and spears. Hordes of "earth-born" and other warrior-type monsters surrounded Bell and his companions.

The surprise attack came suddenly.

As Bell and his companions focused on the monster's aura, a cracking sound reached their ears. The crack wasn't in the wall, but in the ground. Skeleton warriors, appearing at their feet in astonishment, attacked like "living corpses" resurrected from a graveyard.

Surrounded by a horde of "earth-born" creatures in a surprise attack, Bell and his companions couldn't even escape. Meanwhile, other monsters, hearing the sounds of battle breaking the silence, gathered around.

Now, a net has been formed around Bell and his team.

"Roar!!"

Bell couldn't hide his anxiety as he faced the "earthlings" wielding large, kite-shield-like shields and fiercely slashing at him.

It is stronger than any monster ever seen before.

Forget skin, they didn't even have muscles, yet their "strength" surpassed that of lizardmen or cunning wolves, and their "agility" was unmatched even by large-scale (savage warriors). Their fighting style was more like that of an adventurer than a monster, convincing Bell that they belonged to the category of formidable enemies. He aimed at the "magic stone" hidden deep within his ribcage and thrust out the "Adventurer's Remains Sword," but his opponent swiftly struck a bone sword, deflecting the fatal wound.

It cannot be killed instantly.

Ryu taught him the "one-hit kill" technique, but he missed many times.

If it were a one-on-one battle with a monster, Level 4 Bell would definitely win. But this is a dungeon, and the greatest weapon is "numbers". If you spend too much time on a single monster, you will be forced to fight a large number of monsters in a row.

The standard for the [Ability Value] of the 37th floor is Lv.4, and the "Basic Ability" is rated D or above.

That standard is based on the premise of collective exploration of the maze (team action).

Coincidentally, the feelings that Welf and others experienced repeatedly in the "lower levels"—the significance of the management organization (guild) setting floor standards—were also felt in this "deeper level."