Wof, Age 13 (7)
When I use the Relic [Danger Detection], the area beyond the stone pillar is pitch black.
“Hahahaha…”
I thought that might be the case, but it’s almost funny how blatant it is.
Rururuuuu
“……”
I stared into the depths, stepped forward as if to protect the girls, and readied [Vanish].
Something slowly appeared.
It had the face of a white monkey with a single red eye.
Its body was majestic like a white lion’s, and its tail was split into three.
The three separated tails were long, flexing like whips.
Each tail was different. A tail of burning fire. A tail wreathed in lightning. A tail of swirling wind.
Those are Relics.
It’s not just humans who can use Relics.
Monsters can use Relics too.
Especially Silver-rank, Gold-rank, Gem-rank, and Treasure-rank monsters always possess multiple Relics.
Its appearance… if I recall from my previous life, it was called a Nue?
It resembles one.
Rurururuuuu
Let’s tentatively call it a Nue.
The Nue swayed its three tails warily, keeping an eye on me.
Shaaaa!!
“!”
Suddenly, with no warning motion, it struck out with its burning fire tail.
I instinctively blocked with my dominant hand.
Gyaaaaaaaaahhhh!!!
The Nue let out a shriek.
That’s because I used [Vanish] to make the tip of its burning tail disappear.
The Nue glared at me with killing intent and leaped back.
It whipped its lightning tail, unleashing a bolt of electricity.
I maximized [Vanish] and erased it.
!
The Nue’s eye widened.
I instinctively swung [Vanish].
Something was erased.
!?
“It’s useless. It won’t work on me.”
There’s nothing that the Relic [Vanish] cannot erase.
Shaaaaahhhh!!
The Nue grew angry. It unleashed blades of gale-force wind with its wind tail.
But I dodged and erased them.
The Nue became wary and kept its distance.
This monster is troublesome. Just then, someone behind me groaned.
“Ngh… Nnnn…”
This is bad. One of the girls might wake up.
There’s no time to drag this fight out.
Instant kill—those two words flashed through my mind.
That would be the best option. Sigh, it can’t be helped.
Ahh, I really don’t want to.
Using this… I hate it from the bottom of my heart.
But, to kill the Nue instantly, I have no choice but to use this.
There’s no other way.
I used the Fourth Relic [■■■■■].
Rururururuuuuuuuuuu!?
The Nue shuddered in fear. But it was already over.
Please, don’t let anyone wake up.
No one must see.
No one must know.
No one must hear.
No one must speak of it.
For everyone, everywhere, it both exists and does not exist.
Through those purple eyes, I saw the Nue’s [Danger Detection] register white.
Of course it would. I raised my hand, then lowered it.
I killed the Nue instantly. Killed it in the blink of an eye.
“…Frustrating…”
Killing the Nue instantly was impossible with my current abilities alone.
I couldn’t have done it without the Relic [■■■■■].
Only because I have it can I wield such power. Realizing that about myself is pathetic, and I feel dejected.
“…Right. The girls.”
I pulled myself together. There’s no time to be depressed right now.
I heard groaning, but it seemed the girls weren’t about to wake up.
I was relieved that they hadn’t woken up. Truly.
The next problem was how to get out of here.
“We’re probably deep inside the Dungeon…”
Getting the girls out from a place like this without waking them…
Impossible. No matter how I think about it, it’s impossible.
No, wait. Hold on. That’s right. It hit me.
“…They might have one.”
After bowing my head deeply in apology, I rummaged through their belongings.
This feels really bad.
No matter how necessary it is, I can’t stand doing this.
Especially searching through girls’ belongings… Found it.
“Found it.”
It was a small stone.
It was transparent, unshaped, and distorted as if chipped off something.
It was wrapped in cloth, and its center shone with rainbow colors.
“A Legacy…”
Gulp. My hands trembled with tension.
I’m going to break this now.
A Return Stone.
It’s a Legacy that teleports you to the first floor of the Dungeon when broken.
Anyone can use a Legacy. And they’re expensive.
I have no idea how much this costs.
“Hyaaah! I’m sorry!”
I slammed it onto the floor with all my might.
I’m sorry.
As the stone shattered, it emitted light, and our figures vanished.
When the light faded, I saw a rocky ceiling I vaguely recognized.
I know this place. It’s the first floor. I glanced at the girls.
They weren’t awake. I sighed in relief.
It pained me to leave them behind, but I headed for the exit alone.
It was already completely dark outside.
I was past curfew.
On the way, I expected to get scolded, but the gatekeeper wasn’t there.
Strange.
The gatekeepers are supposed to be stationed here 26 hours a day on shifts.
Could something have happened?
“Hey! Over here! There’s someone here!”
“A survivor!?”
Voices came from behind me. It was Gauro-san’s voice.
Thank goodness.
It’s alright now.
I quietly slipped out of the Dungeon.