Mission Complete
"So this is the true form of the Windsor Knights' vice-captain, the Sword Princess Sisilia."
Dusen muttered in a hollow voice. He'd just realized how insignificant his own power was.
He knew knights with titles were on a whole different level from regular knights. But this...?
"...Lihaeton. Did you see it? Sisilia's sword strike."
"As if anyone could see that."
"Betty, what about you?"
Beatrice, who had been thrilled just to escape this damn dungeon, jumped in surprise.
"Something whizzed by, I think..."
"So you at least perceived it."
Dusen let out a wry chuckle. He felt like a complete fool.
Truth be told, he'd assumed joining the Windsor Knights was a done deal. No, honestly, he thought his pure skill held up just fine.
But one glimpse of Sisilia's sword strike had shattered that illusion.
"I didn't even notice until the demon's head came off."
"No time for moping now," Lihaeton said, sheathing his sword. "That's the kind of group we're aiming for with the Windsors."
"So there are at least seven knights stronger than her?"
"Yeah. Don't let something like that break your spirit."
"Break? Nah. But... it's pretty damn bleak. I never imagined the gap would be that wide."
Beatrice found Dusen's reaction a bit ridiculous.
...You seriously didn't know until now?
Dusen looked at Lihaeton and Beatrice with a hardened expression.
"Let's get stronger."
"Obviously."
All eyes turned to Beatrice, who hadn't responded. She clenched her fist in panic.
"Y-Yeah, let's do it."
"Infinite training starts today. Keep up, no slacking."
"That's my line, Dusen."
"Don't get too comfy at number one, Betty."
I... don't wanna...
Then one of the apprentice knights glanced around and spoke up.
"Hey, why hasn't the dungeon ended?"
Even the headless demon's body was still there. And Sisilia, who had severed its head, was nowhere in sight.
"Weird. The dungeon should clear once the demon's dead."
"Maybe there's another condition?"
Beatrice shrugged uneasily. A bad feeling crept in.
"Everyone, let's head out—"
Kekekekeke!
The ghosts they thought were dead came surging back like the tide. Ten times more than before.
Mobs in these "special dungeons" gave way more experience than average. But as hunting grounds? Total trash.
Dungeons came with a bunch of debuffs called "rules." But without rules, and if the mob spawns were good?
Prime hunting spot.
And recommending hunt spots was a vet's duty.
"You should've told me about this room sooner."
Sisilia munched on potato chips—rare in this medieval world—while watching the crystal orb. Specifically, the apprentices battling hard inside it.
"S-Sorry! We should've offered this perk the moment you arrived...!"
Not far away sat a lone severed head. Recardo was sweating bullets as he spoke.
Was worried after chopping his head off, but glad he's hanging in there.
Sisilia wasn't one to miss a golden opportunity like this. She gently scolded Recardo and issued two orders: send in tons of ghosts, but only attack enough to not kill them.
Thankfully, Recardo was an obedient demon.
They're all fighting well.
Sisilia felt a swell of pride watching the apprentices push themselves. Lihaeton and Dusen, whom she'd been keeping an eye on, were impressive. Especially her favorite newbie, Beatrice—surprisingly so.
She's a buffer, huh.
Beatrice's Light Blessing was aimed at the apprentices, not the ghosts. Buffers were rare talents. Even in the Windsor Knights, only Lude and Hyter could fill that role reliably.
Sisilia's internal evaluation of Beatrice shot up. She watched, losing track of time.
How much time passed? Until the chips ran out.
"Hmm... about time."
Sisilia yawned, wiping away tears. She could see the apprentices' swords slowing clearly now. Beatrice was fighting on the verge of tears.
"Kids are at their limit. And you're running low on ghost stock too."
She rose from the plush chair, drew her sword, and approached Recardo's head.
Recardo, who had been dead silent, pleaded desperately.
"I have something to say!"
"Yeah?"
"There's a mole! A mole inside the Windsor Knights!"
"Got it."
"J-Just spare me, and I'll tell you everything!"
Sisilia shook her head.
"Nah."
"I-I'll tell you! I swear! I, Recardo, pledge my full loyalty!"
"No, really, it's fine."
"H-He'll be a huge threat later! If you know now, you can—"
Sisilia rubbed her eyes.
"But spoilers ruin the fun."
"...!"
"Bye. Fun dungeon concept. Shame about the sagging back half."
"Spare me!"
Recardo cried out desperately.
"J-Just spare me, and I'll do anything!"
Sisilia felt a pang of pity. But...
"You're a virus that preys on weak newbies while playing frail. Can't forgive that."
Sisilia hated bullies.
Can't... take it anymore.
Beatrice's grip on her sword went slack. Even a single swing was impossible now. She'd burned through every last drop of her Blessing, leaving her with zero mana.
Was this what endless hell felt like? Kill them, and more came. Kill them, and more came... The ghosts just kept pouring in without end.
Somehow, no casualties yet—that was the real miracle.
"D-Damn it, Betty! Snap out of it!"
"Tell my family back home... I'm sorry."
"I'll tell 'em, so keep buffing! Or we're all dead!"
But guys... isn't this too much...?
Beatrice closed her eyes in sorrow.
"Huh?"
"Finally!"
But cheers made her open them again. The wretched mansion was collapsing. White dust scattered into the warm sky breeze.
Suddenly, the apprentices were back in the forest before entering the mansion.
Dungeon cleared.
"Wooo!"
"It's over!"
The apprentices cheered in joy. One was already sobbing prayers to the goddess. Beatrice recalled he was a hardcore atheist.
"Good work, everyone."
Sisilia approached with a soft voice, bowing her head.
"Training ends here."
Beatrice, still tense even after the mansion vanished, finally exhaled in relief.
It's over...
Steadying her ragged breath, a question resurfaced—one she'd shelved amid the fighting.
-Demons fear the Demon King most.
Back then, too tense, she'd brushed off the answer as trivial. But...
-If I say the Demon King told me, they'd have no choice but to fear.
No human had ever survived seeing the Demon King. So why did the demon fear her? Had it met the Demon King before...?
"Beatrice."
Beatrice, staring at the ground, looked up. Sisilia stood there, expressionless. As if she'd read her mind.
"Looking forward to more."
To Beatrice, it sounded like a warning.
Y-Yeah, time to drop out.
She resolved firmly.
The capital they returned to after so long was still peaceful. The Sacred Flame flickered slightly but held firm, protecting Terezia.
"Looks like the mission went well."
Edward was first on the list. Time to report.
"Yes."
"Any incidents?"
"None."
Edward barely suppressed a grimace, forcing a smile.
"Impressive. First time zero casualties in that dungeon."
"...Is that so?"
"Not hard, but someone always dies in there."
Edward lowered his voice.
"You intervened, didn't you, Sisilia?"
"..."
"I told you. The mission was apprentice training. Even casualties were fine if they grew. Can't let this slide, not even for you."
Despite his words, Edward seemed oddly pleased. Sisilia's eyes gleamed.
"Punish—"
"They all improved a ton."
"...What?"
"Probably gained about 13 levels each."
"Levels? Oh, your metric for growth."
Sisilia's eyes begged for praise. Like a puppy wagging its tail.
She had no doubt. Favorability up from this mission. Zero casualties and massive growth gains. Perfect success, if she said so herself.
"Don't know your exact scale, but 13 levels? That's huge."
"Least 20%, most 45% better."
"Zero casualties, and those results?"
"Yes."
Sisilia smiled faintly. She hated missions, but praise for a job well done always felt good.
"Incredible. Hard to believe."
Edward's skeptical look said he doubted it. Instructor Marcus would vouch for the truth.
But more pressing matters first.
"Vice-captain."
"...Speak."
"Spent some funds on the mission. HQ should cover mission expenses."
Edward nodded, a bit annoyed.
"Obviously. Submit a report with details."
Of course, perfect Sisilia had the report ready. She handed over the scroll.
Edward blinked as he took it.
"About 1300 gold. *Equivalent to roughly 1.3 billion KRW."
For reference, Edward's annual budget was around 1000 gold.
Edward stared blankly at Sisilia. She was already backing toward the door, bowing.
"Take care."
That day, rumors spread in the Windsor Knights HQ: a monstrous roar echoed from Edward's office.