第５３掘：暴虐の魔王とスライム (Part3)
And before I knew it, I was called a Demon Lord.
What a laughingstock. That I, a human, should be called a Demon Lord instead of a member of the Demon race...
But that matters little.
If I can reduce the tragedy of that time even by a fraction, I will swing these fists.
And then there was the war between the Roschur and Gartz kingdoms I’d heard rumors about.
How foolish. It was likely just a matter of territorial disputes and the greed of those with insatiable desires.
The fact that the country allowed such things to happen is a sin in itself.
For problems like these, the best solution is to replace the heads of the nations.
I had set out for that country with such thoughts in mind, but by the time I arrived, the conflict had already subsided.
Hoh, so they still possessed self-cleansing properties? Perhaps this country isn't a lost cause after all.
As I wandered through the Roschur kingdom, I heard a strange tale.
They said that the Saintess Elju had taken the dungeon into her own hands, only to perish shortly thereafter.
A ridiculous story. A dungeon can only be handled by a Dungeon Master.
Seizing control is not something that can simply be done.
Well, I am the only one who knows this, having killed a Dungeon Master with my own hands.
I see. It seems there are still pests in this country.
Very well. I had run out of purpose, so I shall pray this serves as a good way to kill time.
It was fine to declare war through the Beast of Domination.
But what is this dungeon?
I should be on the first floor, yet as far as the eye can see, there is only a grassy plain stretching to the walls and a single path leading forward.
There are no monsters, nothing at all.
For now, since I can see stairs in the distance, I use my magic to fly and bypass the floor in one go.
"What is the point of creating a sky inside a dungeon?"
The question escaped my lips before I could stop it.
It’s strange—this is a far too strange dungeon.
"Guhya!?"
When I descended to the second floor, I fell ungracefully to the ground.
It’s been a long time since I let out such an embarrassing sound.
What is the meaning of this? I cannot fly? No, is it that I cannot release my magic?
When I conquered numerous dungeons, I recall encountering traps like this.
Traps of this nature seal only the emission-type magic of intruders.
At first glance, it is a very effective trap, but it also prevents the monsters from emitting their magic.
It is a double-edged sword, then.
However, one only needs to enhance their physical abilities within their own body...
What... you mean to tell me my skills are sealed too!?
No, that’s not it. I haven't forgotten how to use my fists or my sword.
Is this a trap that seals skills acquired after the fact?
No, it’s not about being acquired later; perhaps it is that any skill of the emission type is nullified.
I calm myself and manage to enhance my physical abilities.
Perhaps it failed before because I tried to cover my entire body at once.
"Nice to meet you, is it? Should I call you the Fresh Blood Princess?"
As I was going through this trial and error, a man—no, was this a monster?—approached, accompanied by a slime.
"Hmph, 'Fresh Blood Princess' is just a moniker. I have a proper name: Deryu Le Cossel."
"My apologies. Then, may I call you Lady Deryu?"
"Hah, what a rude fellow you are. When someone has a family name, it is common courtesy to address them by it."
I try to project my intimidation, but it doesn't carry.
Damn it, whether it is magic or skills, I had forgotten that emission-type abilities are sealed.
"Shut up, little girl. You break into someone's home uninvited and then demand courtesy? Are you an idiot?"
"Tch!?"
What was that? I felt a sickening sensation.
Presumably, this monster is a doppelganger, the shadow of the Dungeon Master.
I had assumed he was merely coming to watch from his throne deep within, but what is this overwhelming pressure?
"Well, unlike you, I have a certain amount of decorum. I add 'Lady' to names, don't I, Lady Deryu? If you don't mind, I would like you to leave as you came. Or is this a visit rather than a conflict? If it is a visit, I am not yet open to the public, so I would appreciate it if you refrained."
"What do you mean, 'not open to the public'? That just means you intend to invade this country, doesn't it?"
"No, that is incorrect. Are you not aware of the rumors from the Roschur kingdom? This is a dungeon officially recognized by the Roschur kingdom, you know?"
"Don't talk nonsense! Spouting gibberish about controlling a dungeon—I made a mistake in declaring it a control-type rather than a training-type. I know for a fact that no one but a Dungeon Master can do such a thing, because I am the one who killed the Dungeon Master. Do not underestimate me!!"
With that, I cut off the argument and lunged to strike.
No matter how much my magic and skills are sealed, the difference in our levels cannot be bridged.
I intended to beat this monster to death quickly and move on, but...
"What!?"
The slime had stopped my fist.
How is this possible? A mere slime should not be able to stop my fist...
"Good grief, you were the one who started the violence. I didn't want to do this. It’s all so troublesome."
"I-impossible!? A mere slime, even if it is a special mutation... this, this cannot be!?"
The slime begins to wrap around my body.
Why? I cannot move!? This is madness, my magic and skills should be sealed!!
It shouldn't be able to do anything—does that mean this slime is stronger than me!?
"You have a face that says you don't understand, brat. I don't know what kind of experiences you've had, but don't be surprised by something like this. The world is much wider than that. Well, let's set that aside. For now, are you the type that can live without breathing?"
"What did you say!?"
The moment he asked, the slime covered my face.
Is he aiming to suffocate me!?
The core!! If I can just crush the slime's core!!
I try to grab what I intuitively sense is the core, but because of the slime's unique body fluid, I cannot get a grip on it!?
"Heh, you're trying to find the core calmly in that state. Well, good luck with that."
The shadow of the Dungeon Master looks impressed, but showing no real interest, he pulls a book from his pocket and begins to read.
How dare he make a fool of me!!
I will release my magic all at once and blow this pathetic slime away!!
I focus my consciousness, but nothing happens... Why... damn it, the emission-type abilities are sealed!!
"Sigh, I'm getting bored. If you can't even break through this, you won't be able to pass the defensive lines ahead, and you'll be pulverized before you even get close. Let's end this. I'm busy, too. Alright, do it."
"Pikii!!"
I hear the slime cry out.
Then, my arms begin to move against my own will.
What is happening!?