The Lich King's Declaration
I was considering bringing both Charlotte and Cecilia along for the raid on the second ancient dungeon. Cecilia would serve as my guard, while Charlotte, as a witch, would be incredibly useful for utility, especially her portal magic.
Our destination was the Forest of Spirits in the Prapatana Magic Realm. Since it was a magic realm, the distance was quite formidable, but there was no helping it. The hidden piece was waiting there; I had to get to it somehow. As a side note, the Forest of Spirits was located near the Twin Star Towers where Time Reverses. With any luck, I might even run into Renrin.
"We must journey to the Prapatana Magic Realm," I declared. "It will take far longer than our expedition to the Frozen Lands. I have selected two companions to accompany me on this trek."
The two of them stared at me with exceptionally expectant eyes. I pointed a bony finger at them. Instantly, their gazes locked onto one another. They narrowed their eyes in unison, sparking an invisible war of nerves. Honestly, what is so great about a pile of bones that makes them bicker like this?
"Let me make this clear beforehand," I warned. "I will not take only one of you. It must be both. And if you have any intention of fighting along the way, I shall go alone. Your answer?"
"I will not fight, my Lord," Charlotte replied in her usual monotone.
"...I won't fight," Cecilia muttered listlessly.
Their individual abilities were outstanding. As long as they refrained from tearing each other's throats out, the expedition would proceed smoothly.
"Pack your belongings in advance. We will be away for a long duration, so prepare thoroughly."
Once they departed, I mentally reviewed my strategy. With the Solar Holy Sword, Dragon Tongue with zero cooldown, and the second dungeon core in my possession, I should be able to roast Calandas alive.
The second ancient dungeon was the legacy of an anti-mage. Here, 'anti-magic' literally meant magic that opposed all other magic. The Grand Sage's reverse-calculation magic from before was similar, but strictly speaking, they were entirely different concepts. Reverse-calculation involved deciphering the opponent's spell formula, calculating it backward, and injecting mana to disrupt it. Anti-magic, however, possessed a fundamental nature that naturally opposed all other forms of mana.
All records of anti-magic had vanished without a trace, leaving the public completely ignorant of its existence. Just as Luna was a unique mana exclusive to the Moonlight Sword, anti-magic was the sole domain of this ancient dungeon core.
Of course, I'm not a mage. Since I wasn't a magic caster, any ancient grimoires detailing anti-magic would be useless to me. I planned to hand those over to Charlotte; my sole target was the dungeon core itself.
The dungeon core of the Grave of the Ancient Dragon had been a Dragon Heart. This time, the core was the very essence and crystallization of anti-magic: the Mana Eater. Upon absorbing the core, the Mana Eater would parasitize the host's body. While it sounded like a parasite, calling it a mere parasite was somewhat of a misnomer.
The Mana Eater possessed no fixed physical form; depending on the external mana it encountered, it could manifest as a solid, a fluid, or even pure magical energy. It operated on three distinct theses, each possessing vastly different properties.
The first, the Thesis of Affirmation, transformed into an equivalent amount of mana upon contact, completely neutralizing the opponent's spell. The second, the Antithesis of Negation, reflected the contacted magic back in its exact spell formula. The third, the Synthesis of Integration, absorbed any useful mana from the contact and spat out the impurities.
Nullification through equivalent mana. Reflection of the exact spell formula. Absorption of only pure magical energy. These three functions comprised the dialectical triad—Thesis, Antithesis, and Synthesis—of the Mana Eater.
This will definitely work on Calandas. With this in my arsenal, I wouldn't have to fear the Lich King at all. And it wasn't just him; as long as my opponent was a magic caster, I would hold an absolute, overwhelming advantage nine times out of ten.
"I am fully prepared, my Lord. We may depart immediately."
I turned my head toward the sudden voice. Clad in a linen tunic, a woolen coat, and leather trousers, Charlotte had already changed into her travel attire. I wondered if Cecilia was still getting ready, but when I glanced to my side, I nearly jumped out of my skin.
"...How long have you been standing there?"
"I've been here from the very beginning," Cecilia replied.
Apparently, she hadn't even bothered to go pack and had just lingered by my side the entire time. She was so utterly silent that I hadn't even sensed her presence.
"Are you not going to prepare, Cecilia?"
"Please call me Lia."
"...?"
"Lia."
"...Right. Lia."
Before replying, Lia lightly brandished the Moonlight Sword.
"This is all I need. We can forage for food along the way. Actually, I don't even need this that much. You can have it, Master."
She spoke of handing over a legendary weapon as if she were offering me a piece of candy. Honestly, I had coveted the Moonlight Sword in the past, but now there was no need. My initial desire to seize it was driven by my intent to kill her. But now that she was my ally, it made little difference who held it. Above all, adding the Moonlight Sword to my arsenal alongside the Holy Sword would just complicate things. Dual-wielding was seriously over the top.
"No," I said, maintaining my dignified tone. "It suits you far better."
Cecilia wielding the Moonlight Sword was easily on par with an Abyss Palace boss. An ally of this caliber was impossible to find anywhere else.
"Thank you, Master. I will use it well," Lia said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Does she seriously not realize that was her own sword to begin with?
*Vwoong!* It was then that a vibrant pink portal tore open in the distance. The color alone gave away the traveler's identity, and sure enough, Rosesha stepped through, her eyes curved in her trademark seductive smile.
"We meet again, Darling," she purred.
The gentle wave of her hand carried a subtly suggestive allure. The surrounding subordinates quickly bowed their heads to her, but Rosesha casually waved them off.
"Oh, stop that. I despise empty formalities. My, hello there, Insect. You're looking much healthier."
"Kirik! Great Chief's female, greetings-dak!" Balutak clicked, bowing his head.
"Hehe, yes, yes. And... hello to the two humans as well?"
"I greet the esteemed Lord of the Abyss Palace," Charlotte greeted formally.
"...Hello," Lia murmured listlessly.
Looking at Rosesha, a lingering question surfaced in my mind. It was only yesterday that she had vanished abruptly without a single word.
"You departed without a word yesterday," I noted. "What brings you back so soon?"
Rosesha's eyes widened in surprise before she let out an understanding, "Ah~" and nodded.
"I'm sorry, Darling. I wasn't sulking, so don't take it to heart. I just suddenly remembered something incredibly urgent at that moment."
It was a blatant excuse, but I chose to play along.
"So, what is your business here?"
"My, what a cold question! I simply come whenever I miss you. After all, you and I share that kind of relationship, don't we?"
"Do you have no actual business to discuss?"
"Hehe, well, I didn't come entirely empty-handed. You know, don't you? The humans have taken quite a liking to you—it's enough to make me jealous. Anyway, I came to congratulate you on being designated as Rank 2 by the Empire."
There wasn't a single trace of wounded pride on Rosesha's face as she spoke. I had been slightly worried she might harbor some resentment over the ranking, so I felt a wave of relief.
"Honestly, I agree with their assessment. Considering you are a single entity, I always believed you could easily surpass the twins—even if the Elder is a bit of a stretch."
"I have no great desire for ranks," I replied flatly.
"You really are one of a kind, Darling. All the other Dungeon Lords are utterly obsessed with their standing, yet you couldn't care less. And it's not just a facade; you truly mean it."
Well, that's because I'm not actually a boss monster. I possessed absolutely none of the instinctive, competitive drive for self-improvement that the other Dungeon Lords had. If anything, being suddenly thrust into Rank 2 was nothing but a massive burden.
"Oh, right! I brought this. It's a portal medium connected to the Underground Tomb and the Twin Star Towers."
Rosesha pulled out a scroll and waved it in the air. ...Wait, what did she just say?
*Riiip!* The moment she tore the scroll, a massive blue portal and a pristine white portal manifested on my left and right. Damn it. I didn't mishear her. The blue portal was as colossal as a house, making it instantly obvious who was about to step through.
*Thud.* A colossal leg stepped out of the portal and shook the ground. Seeing Dalon finally reveal himself, my head tilted slightly in awe. He must have cast a shrinking spell, as the Giant King's height was reduced by half. Then again, if he had entered in his true form, he would have brought the entire dungeon crumbling down. This was his own way of showing consideration.
"H-Hieeeek!" Isabella shrieked, clutching her head.
"The Giant King, Dalon..." Lia murmured quietly to herself.
Isabella looked as though she might faint from sheer terror, while Lia merely observed him with quiet detachment. Even though he was heavily shrunken, his presence was still overwhelming; if Lia saw his true form, even her listless eyes would have widened in shock.
"It has been a while, Bargore. Have you been keeping well?" Dalon's deep, booming voice echoed through the chamber.
Dalon crouched down and extended a massive fingertip. I bumped it with my fist in a silent greeting, prompting him to straighten his upper body once more. Honestly, I'm terrified out of my mind, but seeing his friendly green level indicator allowed me to maintain my majestic composure. Dalon leisurely surveyed his surroundings.
"This old man is always a bit of a burden due to his size. Would you mind if I imposed on your hospitality for a short while, Bargore?"
"You are always welcome," I replied smoothly.
While we spoke, the twin dragon lords, Renrin, burst out of the white portal. The moment they spotted me, they giggled like children and began spinning around me in circles.
"Bargore! It's been so long!" Ren chirped.
"Rin, it's Bargore," Rin corrected.
"Bargore! It's been so long!" they cheered in unison.
Rosesha's level glowed a deep, affectionate pink, while Dalon and Renrin displayed warm, friendly green indicators. I could easily guess why they had gathered here. They had undoubtedly heard the rumors and come to offer their congratulations. In their otherwise tedious, immortal lives, such a sensational piece of gossip was far too entertaining to ignore. Sensing my questioning gaze, Dalon was the first to speak.
"I heard the news of your promotion and wished to see your face. Why don't we catch up and share a drink as fellow lords of the Abyss Palace?"
"Me too! Me too!" Ren squealed.
"Rin wants to chat with Bargore too!" Rin chimed in.
"But first, allow me to offer my congratulations. I feel quite proud to see that even the humans have finally recognized your true worth."
"I agree!" Ren nodded.
"Rin agrees too!" Rin echoed.
For the Rank 3 and Rank 4 lords to speak in such a manner meant they had implicitly accepted me as their superior. In their minds, they probably viewed this as a sign of deep respect. But I absolutely hate this! When absolute monsters who could swat me like a fly started treating me with such deference, it only sent my anxiety spiking through the roof. I couldn't help but feel incredibly suffocated by this entire situation.
"How was the Empire's Grand Sage?" Dalon asked curiously. "I heard you dispatched him with absolute ease."
"Pardon my intrusion, but may I speak on this matter?" Charlotte interjected, stepping forward.
"Ah, yes. Little human. Speak freely," Dalon rumbled warmly.
Oh, please, no. Keep your mouth shut, I beg of you! Completely oblivious to my internal screaming, Charlotte began to speak.
"My Lord did not even deign to lift a finger; he extinguished the Grand Sage's life with a single glance. Even a battle between a dragon and a common lizard would have been more competitive than that pathetic display."
"Ho... A single glance once again?" Dalon mused, deeply impressed.
"The practical Rank 2! It's true! Is he stronger than the Elder?" Ren gasped.
"Rin is scared! Our neighbor is so strong! He feels even stronger than the Elder! He said he could kill the Elder too!" Rin squealed.
I feel like I'm sitting on a bed of hot needles. The sheer dread I had felt during the meeting of the 72 Lords was washing over me once again. It transcended mere discomfort; my stomach was actively turning inside out. At the arrival of these legendary lords, Isabella and Balutak had shrunk back, huddling together in a distant corner. Honestly, I wanted nothing more than to run over and squeeze myself right between them. While this was slightly less terrifying than the grand assembly, my soul was still trembling. And above all, there was Roxanne—that absolute lunatic. Since almost the entire upper echelon of the Abyss Palace was gathered here, it wouldn't be surprising if she suddenly crashed the party. Swallowing my anxiety, I locked my gaze onto Rosesha.
"I trust you did not invite Roxanne as well," I said, keeping my voice low and steady.
"Oh, Darling, what do you take me for? We have known the Elder for centuries; do you think I am ignorant of her volatile temper? Of course I didn't invite her."
A long, icy sigh of relief naturally escaped my skeletal frame, manifesting as a puff of frost.
"Do not worry too much, my friend," Dalon rumbled reassuringly. "I have already sent a letter to soothe Lady Roxanne. I assured her that the humans are merely ignorant, and that her position as Rank 2 remains absolutely unshakable."
"Indeed. I sent one as well," Rosesha chimed in. "Fearing she might fly into a fiery rage, I packed it with all sorts of flowery compliments. The Elder absolutely adores that kind of flattery. As long as it's beautifully decorated, she even appreciates the handwriting."
"Me too!" Ren cheered.
"Rin too!" Rin echoed.
Even if it's just letters, I pray to God it calmed her down. For a split second, I wondered if I should send her a consoling letter of my own, but the thought vanished as quickly as it came. A vivid image of her screaming, *'Are you mocking me?!'* while reducing my dungeon to absolute rubble flashed through my mind.
...Wait. Come to think of it, isn't the Forest of Spirits located right next to the Twin Stars Tower?
"Renrin," I called out, my voice carrying its usual authoritative weight. "May I share your portal when you return? I have business to attend to in the Forest of Spirits."
"Ohh! Yes, yes! You must come visit us!" Ren cheered, bouncing on her heels.
"Rin welcomes you! We love Bargore! You can come with us right now!" Rin added.
The twins nodded their heads vigorously. I could simply hitch a ride with them once this social gathering concluded. Unintentionally, I had completely solved our transportation issues. Unlike the grueling trek to the Grave of the Ancient Dragon, this ancient dungeon raid might be wrapped up in record time.
Just then, the distinct sound of another portal tearing open drew my gaze. For a terrifying split second, I feared it was Roxanne. I wasn't the only one; a collective, sharp gasp echoed from the other lords. Fortunately, the portal's color was a dull gray, not pitch black. It was Calandas's portal. While he was infinitely preferable to Roxanne, he was no less hostile. From the moment the Lich King stepped through, my eyes locked onto his steady advance.
"You are all gathered here, just as I heard," Calandas rasped, his voice dripping with cold arrogance.
Calandas approached us, radiating a dense aura of death energy. There was absolutely no way this bastard had come to offer his congratulations.
"What do you want, skeleton?" Rosesha spat, glaring at him with narrowed eyes. "Why are you here?"
Wielding her sharp tongue on my behalf, she clicked it in annoyance.
"My, what a look to give an uninvited guest," Calandas sneered. "And here I thought we were comrades of the Abyss Palace."
"I asked you a question. What is your business with Bargore?"
"It is not just Bargore. I have come to deliver a declaration to all of you."
Calandas slowly scanned the gathered lords. An ominous dread settled in my chest. I already know what this bastard is going to say. In fact, almost everyone present had likely anticipated it.
"The Decay Cave where Death Breeds shall soon launch an invasion against humanity," Calandas declared. "Our objective is their utter extinction."
The air in the chamber instantly turned suffocatingly heavy, as if a massive boulder had been dropped onto our chests.
"I do not seek your assistance," he continued, his empty sockets scanning our faces. "However, I expect you to refrain from interfering. I shall carry out this grand crusade alone."
Calandas's gaze drifted over to me, eventually locking onto the Holy Sword strapped to my waist.
"Especially you, Bargore. I must express my deepest gratitude. Thanks to your actions, I was able to hasten our grand crusade."
"..."
"At the same time, let this serve as a warning. From this moment on, you will sit back and do absolutely nothing. If you dare to ignore my request today and interfere..."
Only then did his level catch my eye. A level up in the nineties? What was worse, any trace of fear he had previously harbored toward me had completely vanished. The colors hovering above his head were a sharp orange and a deep, bloody red—stark indicators of wariness and pure hostility. A ghostly blue light flickered within his hollow sockets. Calandas's voice dropped to a chilling, deathly whisper.
"One of us will die."