Descent into Bone Hell
The moment we arrived at the Heretic's Tomb, we didn't even have time to unpack before joining the subjugation team. A surge of powerful magi had erupted from the tomb entrance out of nowhere. So we pushed through the crumbling stone archway into the dim underground depths. I'd heard it was a massive subterranean tomb dug out before executing the heretics. But did they really need arms wide enough to fit all these people? And how far down did it go? We trudged along the worn, crumbling walls, but no answers came.
"Lady Ludia, are you alright?"
"Y-yeah. I've been resting in the carriage the whole time."
Ludia, Mari, and I were positioned about midway through the subjugation team, following along. I'd figured since we joined late, it was polite to hang back from the front lines—but
—Oh? You just got here and already diving into the tomb? That's bullshit. Nah, just stick with the main group. I'll tell Captain Chest too.
—Exactly, Lady Ludia, Lord Huu. My sister's taking point, so no worries.
Yunet talked us out of it, and Mari backed her up. In the end, we went with it.
"Are you alright, Lord Huu?"
After trudging down for a while, Ludia peeked over and looked up at me. Those big, round eyes of hers, rolling like they were about to tumble out.
"...Krkhkh..."
"...?"
Every time I wondered why I put up with this crap, I'd remember—oh yeah, it's for her—and chuckle to myself.
(Itchy as hell! Gotta vent some steam up or down already! Krhahaha!!!)
"Y-yeah..."
"Only we two can hear that voice... Not sure if that's a good thing or bad."
Ludia forced a smile, sweat beading on her forehead, while Mari muttered with a sigh. Should've just said "I'm fine." My fault for blurting "itchy as hell" without thinking. All my fault! At least the mood didn't sour like before. But seeing their cheeks flush red... Sigh. Should I tell 'em not to worry? Remind 'em of that hot spring talk from yesterday to tough it out?
(Relax! After this, we'll scrub every nook and cranny clean in the hot springs like promised! It'll be a night of heavy panting! Uhahaha!!!)
"L-Lord Huu... We never made that kind of promise..."
"Wh-when did I ever say that?!?"
Screeech! Mari's voice echoed thunderously through the dungeon passage. The whole subjugation team's eyes snapped to her—mine and Ludia's too.
"Eep!"
Sorry... Mari... But you're no good under the spotlight, huh.
As the stares piled on, her face burned crimson.
—Mari~ Keep it down? Save the boyfriend talk for topside fun~
And then Yunet's echo rang out from afar.
"Grrr..."
Mari clenched her fists, trembling all over. Lips bitten tight, ears red as fire—pissed or embarrassed, who knew.
Ugh...(Phew... Sorry, Mari. No, it's this damn mouth of mine...)
Gotta apologize, right? As I reached for her shaking shoulder—
Grab.
"...?"
"Lord Huu... Just play dumb right now."
Ludia snatched my hand quick and shook her head.
"...."
Yeah, better shut up and keep walking. Before Mari keels over fully cooked.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Down here, time loses all meaning. And stuck in this dim, damp tomb... well...
"....?"
Feels refreshing. Like breathing fresh mountain air in some pristine valley. Energy surging through me, body light as a feather.
Just me?
"Whew... The magi's incredibly thick. Feels different from last time."
"Ugh. Might have to channel Holy Power soon. Feels like my whole body's being crushed..."
"Hang in there a bit longer. You'll need it when combat hits."
"......"
Guess it's just me. Watching Ludia and Mari struggle beside me...
Should I bail now? But thinking of how far we've come, that's no easy call either.
—Everyone! Battle stations!
But bad luck loves company. Yunet's voice—uncharacteristically sharp—rang out from the front.
"It's them, Lady Ludia!"
"Hah... Please... just end quick..."
Ludia gripped her staff tight; its tip glimmered faintly. But her hands still shook—mentally not ready. Then she fumbled in her pocket, popped something, and swallowed.
(What're you sneaking yummy bites for, bitch?!)
"P-painkillers..."
"....?"
Thought it was calming pills or something. Why painkillers, though? Calming effect? Amazing she's held up this long while scared shitless.
"Lord Huu! Most monsters here are skeletons! Smashing beats slashing!"
Before I could ask for one if they taste good, Mari's advice hit.
I sheathed my drawn sword and unbuckled the scabbard from my belt.
(Krhahaha!! I'll smash 'em like spanking bitch asses!!!)
"Kh...! Always so untimely!"
Mari glared, fuming. Embarrassed me earlier and still at it?! her eyes screamed.
Ugh...(No, I...)
You think I'd smack asses with this? Unfair! Feels self-loathing, yapping nonsense next to her steeling herself.
"L-Lord Huu... They don't have asses..."
And Ludia takes it dead serious.
"......."
First, clear these punks. Talk later.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Grraaaaa---!!! You damn bastards--!! Kreeee--!!
A rattling army of bones surged like waves. An undead horde without fear. They pressed on, shields and weapons crushing their bodies, shattering them.
"Mari! Lord Huu! Cover me!! Judgment of Light incoming!"
Front lines weren't broken. But plenty of skeletons exploited gaps. Even shattered, if they could crawl, they did—if arms left, they swung blades. Melees erupted everywhere, so Ludia gripped her staff two-handed and yelled.
"No, Lady Ludia! Big moves here collapse the dungeon!"
But options were slim. Collapse meant burial alive. No massive booms like last time.
So Ludia just swung her Holy Power-wreathed staff around.
"Hyah!! Then what?! Kyaa!!!"
"Lord Huu! Lady Ludia!"
(Big-tits bitch!! Behind me!!)
Krunch!! Scabbard arcing a semicircle, skeletons charging Ludia exploded into chunks, scattering.
(Don't leave my back!)
"Saved..."
Last time zombies from one direction. These rude fucks poured from everywhere. I herded Ludia to the wall, planted myself in front.
(Come on!!! I'll pulverize you before touching my bitch!!)
"L-Lord Huu! Shouldn't we run?!?"
(Krhkhkh!! Smart even now! That big wisdom sack telling ya?!)
Kraka-crack!! One swing, they crumbled like cookies. Durability shit, but endless waves shrank the team's formation. Numbers win, huh.
Then—
Boom!!
—Front line's broken!!!!!!
"??!!!"
Shockwave rattled space, frantic yells followed. Front collapsed.
"Lord Huu!!!!!"
Mari bellowed. Her cool, stoic eyes wavered. Lips pressed tight. Worried for Yunet.
"Lady Ludia, you're in his hands! I'll restore the front!"
Grooooaaaa---!!!!
Before she charged, a white torrent—bone river or what?—burst ferociously.
"Hah! Think you can stop me!!!"
Mari ground her teeth, furious. No retreat. Brows furrowed, gripped sword two-handed. Stepped forward, shoulders squared. Aiming to dive into that milky flood.
...Dangerous alone?
Squeeze.
"..?"
Something slender grabbed my shoulder from behind.
"G-go! We have to! Save Sis... Lady Yunet!"
"....."
Ludia, who'd just trembled behind. Hands and voice still shaky, but her big eyes in my sight—steady. Sparkling even. Her resolve flowed into me.
(Krhahaha!! It's the day!! My day!!)
Protect 'em. Cute scaredy-cat, shy one, and that weirdo-head too.
Heart pounding. No heart, but thump-thump.
Shiiiing--!!!! Swept scabbard wide. Skeletons around halved instantly, collapsing like scythed wheat.
(Watch how awesome this body is today!!)
No matter the swarm. From all sides. Everything slow to me. Body memories surfaced—whose, dunno, but familiar. Hot energy welled inside.
"Lord Huu! No Holy Power here!"
Aimed scabbard at the onrushing flood; golden energy gathered along it. Forming a round dot at the tip, swelling.
Swelling more.
"L-Lord Huu! It'll collapse!!"
Ludia and Mari yelled, sensing it.
But—
"Shut up and prep to run, bitches!"
"??!!"
This move? Best card right now! Trust me!
Hwooo--!!!!!!!! Tip grew heavy; thrust straight at the flood.
Kaaaa-BOOM!!!!!!
Golden sphere burst, slicing underground dark—a straight light wave roared forth.
Grraaaaa--!!!!!!!!!
Hit skeleton horde; grotesque shrieks exploded. Tug-of-war at first—light barely pushing.
But gold devoured, then—fwoom... KAAAAA!!!! Light swept front instantly.
Path cleared. Empty void ahead—like nothing there—but smoke and ash swirling edges proved they existed.
"I-impossible..."
"Amazing, Lord Huu..."
Not just them—soldiers around speechless.
"......"
Wait, what'd I just yell? Staring at the void, blanked out—then recalled my outburst. Run, bitches?? That was me. Right? This damn ring?? Heart—thump-thump shock.
(Move it, you lot! Time to fetch the crazy bitch!!)
"...?!! L-Let's go!"
"Right behind you, Lord Huu! Mari!"
I bolted before they snapped out. Please. Forget that line!!