Chapter 135: The Key

"An inferior version of the Demon God King... me...?"

"I've been thinking for so long about how to defeat the Demon God King. The conclusion? Create a warrior with abilities similar to his. Since Ajax, who possessed the opposite power, was defeated, there's no other way."

"But I can't beat him, right? Why not?"

"The abilities I gave you were modeled after those of the 'Demon' and the 'Oracle Beasts.' They don't match the originals. For example, 'Godspeed' won't make you as fast as a Chimera, and 'Hellfiend Armor' won't give you Titan's level of magical defense."

"Is the Demon God King different?"

"The Demon God King possesses nearly all the abilities used by Demons. His powers aren't weaker than those of other Demons. But you, a human, can't possibly use the same abilities as a Demon or an Oracle Beast. So I only gave you what could be adjusted for human use."

Ah... that makes sense. I never really felt like I fully inherited the 'Leader's' incredible power. So it's just that human bodies have limits, huh...?

"So does that mean defeating the Demon God King is impossible forever?"

"No. There is a way to beat the Demon God King. That's why I called you here."

Lazus raised his hand. A magic circle unfolded on the ground, and from within it emerged a translucent flaming bird.

"Phoenix!"

"Originally, I was the one who tamed this spirit. Now, you're the one who tames it."

The phoenix soared upward, circling above Lazus's head.

"Wait... did you send that thing to me...?"

It's me. I needed you to master this phoenix. This spirit—it's the first key to defeating the Demon God King.

A few golems arrived, each carrying a large goblet. The phoenix alighted on the shoulder of the largest golem.

The golem set the cup down where it was, then quietly stepped back.

"What's this...?"

"The Sacred Chalice of Divine Flame," I made one of these magical artifacts.

Lazus was approaching the chalice, arms raised as if pouring magic into it. Though bodiless, he seemed to manipulate magic effortlessly.

I couldn’t figure out how the hell I was supposed to summon the monster I’d tamed, not after seeing the magic circle unfold and the phoenix appear a second ago—but here in this dungeon, Lazus seemed capable of anything.

Just as I'm thinking that, a white flame erupts from the chalice.

The phoenix perched on the golem’s shoulder soared high—straight into the flame of the Holy Grail.

"Whoa!?"

White fire sparks scatter through the air, the flame within the chalice blazing brighter than ever.

A phoenix emerged from the gushing flames, wrapped in a radiant, ethereal white fire. It looked bigger than before.

"What's this...?"

"You should be able to control this 'Oracle Beast' now."

I activate my鉴定...

Phoenix of Divine Flame

Spirit Type Level 3901

[Unique Skill]

Immortal, Godfire

Something’s getting stronger!

Unfolding the summoning list board onto my palm, I checked it.

[Tame]

Divine Entity Vishnu SSS

Divine Dragon Hydra SSS

Titan, the Stone Giant, SSS

Flame Dragon King Shiva SS

Guardian Lavelia SS

Rakshasa Ravana SS

Beastkin Species: Hanuman S

Spirit Species: Phoenix of Divine Flame S

Fairy Species: Sprigan AAA

Beast Species: Chimera AAA

Metal Giant: Gigaus A

Dragon Species: Flying Dragon B

...Phoenix went from AA all the way to S, huh? Added "Divine Flame" to the [Unique Skill] list—what kind of power is that, though?

"You need twelve summoned beasts to defeat the Demon God King. And they must be A-rank or higher—stronger ones, too."

"Twelve summoned beasts...?"

"You've already tamed eleven A-rank or higher summons. Just one more... that one needs to be the strongest monster."

"Where the hell is a monster like that gonna come from? Not gonna pop up on demand, right?"

"That's why I called it here."

"Then...?"

"Yeah. It's right here. The monster most essential to defeating the Demon God King... is in this 'Dimensional Labyrinth'... just one floor beneath us."

"What kind of monster?"

"Let's talk while we walk. Phoenix, come on!"

Lazus calls out, and the phoenix leaps from the golem's shoulder, following Lazus. After walking a while, they reach a staircase leading downward—so they keep going.

The stairs were dark, but the phoenix’s flames lit up the path ahead.

The next floor was a place shrouded in red mist, visibility poor. As they walked, they found a slightly open space, just like on the upper floors.

"Where’s the monster?"

"Hmm... things got a bit complicated."

"What do you mean?"

"Normally, this labyrinth is designed so you can't escape once you enter. But today, I’ve disabled that feature—because you’re here."

Seriously... controlling the "Dimensional Labyrinth" like it’s just a toy.

"Is there a problem with that?"

『Uninvited guests have shown up too』

I jolted, snapping my gaze toward the mist. A presence—someone—was approaching from the opposite direction of the stairs we’d come in on.

Was it the red fog delaying our spatial detection…?

Blocked by the mist, their form was blurry at first, but as they drew nearer, details emerged.

Two figures in silver armor. Different color, but the design closely resembled the Black Knight’s armor.

『Those guys are…』

『Demons. And not just any—looks like “God Generals.”』

They’d noticed us too. Appearing human—white man and tall Hispanic woman, no different from anyone else.

『Hey, aren’t those the ones?』

『The younger one on the right—the one we’re after. The other’s that fugitive alchemist who escaped ages ago, right?』

『Grab both, and we’ll earn a huge reward. Haven’t had a good fight in ages.』

The man drew back, flames erupting around his body.

『Don’t go overboard and kill them. We were told to bring them back alive. And only they know how to get out of here.』

『I know, I know!』

He yanked his sword from the sheath at his hip and swung it down toward us.

Flames burst from the blade, merging with the fire already surrounding him—forming a massive fireball that surged straight at me.

『Barrier Art!』

I raised a glowing shield in front of me, trying to block the flame attack—but it was stronger than expected. The shield shattered.

My innate skill, “Barrier Defense,” kicked in just in time. I barely blocked it.

『Oh! Blocked it…? Not bad. Thought you’d be weaker.』

"Can't afford to play around! If we don't catch them and get out of here fast, some other 'God General' is gonna steal the credit for invading this world!"

"Che. I *said* I know, dammit... Hey! You two! Gojo and Lazus, right? I'm Hyperion, a Demon General. This one's Temis. We're not here to kill you. Just surrender quietly!"

They didn't come to kill us...?

"What now? You really gonna go through with this?"

"Would be nice to just send you back, but... "

Yeah, fair enough. But we might get useful info from them. Better keep 'em alive and capture 'em.

"We're not here to kill you either. Drop your weapons and surrender."

"Hahah! What's this? Talking big?"

"Never felt our power, have you?"

"Think you're hot stuff because you beat some weakling like Hubris who couldn't even become a Demon God? Let me show you what a *real* Demon God is."

They're talking trash about Black Knight... Ajax. Lazus stayed expressionless, but I could feel the quiet rage.

"Shut 'em up."

"Ah... thanks."

I started walking toward the two Demon Gods.