257 That's why they fight one another.

The traps set by the bastard named Ts'doari are highly concealed, and it is impossible to find and deal with all of them, even if the team includes a trap expert. But for the raiding members, most of whom can deal with the traps that have been set, it is not so difficult to proceed.

Purple, are you okay?

Yes, I'm fine, Wolfe. Even if all you're doing is attacking me out of consciousness, you're not doing enough to hurt me, are you?

The demons that are transforming into jewels have been ordered to deal with the threat of traps approaching from different directions. It's a little disconcerting to find a poisoned arrow perched next to your face, or the remains of a spear sticking out of a wall lying in front of you, but there's nothing wrong with that.

Lord, I'll take the brunt of this. ......

"Are you ready for your turn?

I'd like to be annoyed by Duvraeus' overprotective whispering at times, but I try not to let my emotions get the better of me by stepping a little harder on his shadow, which is blending in.

He said that our progress through this place has been reported to a man named Ritual, who we missed at the time. Based on this information, Ritual will take effective measures against us, so we are told to keep the robed ones out of sight as much as possible.

Even if Duvraeori is expected to be a member of the raid, we can still sway him by whether he is lurking in the shadows or wearing a robe. Even if they know that I'm around, they can still try to take me for granted.

"It looks like they don't like the robe either! Wolfe will protect you!

"Yeah, I'll take care of myself, okay?

The person in charge of wearing the robe is basically told not to make any major moves until the middle level. This is because if Lakra attacks or defends with wards, or Mikus throws a knife, his identity could be revealed.

That is why, as much as possible, the one who reveals his true face must step forward and take on the traps and attacks of the enemy. I can handle the threat of traps and enemies against me with my own demons, but I can't afford to cover for others.

Well, there's no point in worrying about that, is there? Because with Wolfe alone, none of these traps and mooks will be a problem.

Lord, there's an enemy around the bend ahead.

Wolfe, is that a man up ahead?

Yes!

Before the enemy could jump out of the corner, Wolfe jumped ahead of them and neutralized them. If it was a trap, it might not be noticed, but if it was a person, the smell would still be there. Duvraeori's nose and ears would be able to detect even the darkest elements of any country before they could be detected.

"That's pretty warm security for the heart of the enemy, isn't it? Is he just taking it too seriously?

"Shishou never misjudges the threat of the enemy!

...... Isn't that right? I know exactly what I'm talking about, don't I?

"My Lord, the man said that this upper level would only serve to buy time. The enemy's main objective must be the middle level.

"I know. Can't you at least afford to be a little cocky?

He stomped on the shadows on the spot. I don't need to be reminded of such obvious things every time. This demon's fault is that it takes everything too seriously.

"...... No, yes. I'm sorry.

"Purple, there's a big difference in attitude between the Wolfe and the Duvreoli.

This is my tool, and you are his disciple and his treasure. What's wrong with that?

I know that Wolfe cares for him very much. I know that Wolfe cares about him very much, and it's only natural that he would choose to give his life to Blue to save his life. And it's not a bad idea to take care of those he cares about. It's natural that he chooses to enjoy the easy way, since he looks so pretty.

"I pity you, Duvvléori.

It's better that way. It makes the reward more worthwhile.

As I continued to progress through the upper levels without any problems, I began to encounter fewer and fewer forks in the road. The number of traps had dwindled, and the human enemies were nowhere to be seen. If the map I had in my head was correct, I should be able to reach the middle level by now.

The door is quite grand, isn't it?

I continued down the corridor and found a door in front of me. It was larger and more ornate than the ones I had seen so far. There was no warning from Duvraeori, so Wolfe quietly put his hand on the door and opened it.

What lies beyond the door is a chapel-like space. It is not of Yugra, but of a monotheistic religion that died out long ago. Well, this underground ruin was built to escape from the Demon King, so there's no way that the influence of the Yugra religion that flourished afterwards would have reached here. However, the walls are decorated with a number of spears that are not appropriate for a chapel, perhaps in preparation for a siege.

The evil that started it all for me appears before me, and I am left to hold it back. Is this also my destiny?

In the back of the chapel, there are about a dozen figures, and in the middle of them is the figure of Ceraes, carrying a terrible spear. Ceraes is not dressed in the attire of a Yugoslavian archbishop, but in armor that looks like a knight in battle.

What is more alarming is the spear, which is definitely one of the magic spears. I remember that the demon tribe under Kuro used to carry one, but I never had the chance to get involved with them, so I don't know their capabilities.

"Oh, I'm a lucky guy, aren't I? Did I just meet the person I want to kill the most?

Of course, they're all people I'd rather kill if I could, but I have a particular grudge against Serraes here. I have a particular grudge against this Serraes, since I was on his side, and yet he drove him to the brink of death and made me feel that way.

"My Lord, that spear...

"You're not ready yet, are you? We were able to get to the middle level quickly thanks to the Wolfe, but the rest of the team will need a little more time, right? (Why don't you stay quiet while the Wolfe can handle it?

Ceraes had previously been defeated by Harkdok, an opponent he had almost managed to capture. Compared to Nektohar and Arkreal, it's definitely a lower grade. If that's the case, the Wolfe alone are enough to keep the other team's advantage at least a little.

"Serraes ......, you're the one who ...... the Shishou!

"Wolfe, calm down, will you? I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

"The Star People of Yuggra: ....... I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this. It was a mistake to let that great sinner live in the first place, don't you think?

I guess you can pretend I never gave you that advice.

If you're treating him as a pure enemy, that's a natural attitude for a person to have. But this man treated him as a tool, as a means to an end, as if he were just trying to get rid of me. That's disrespecting him, and it's unforgivable.

The demon unfolds, setting off attacks from the left, right, and front at the same time. Claws, fangs, horns, and all manner of sharp-edged, deformed arms flung themselves at Serraes and his cronies.

No use.

But the arm was flung back in front of Ceraes and the others as if it were blocked by an invisible wall. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and how to get it.

I'm sure you'll agree.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. ...... This is still strange.

"Wolfe, did you just go easy on me?

I'm not going all out, but I'm going as hard as I can to crack Lacra's wards! It's so hard!

Lakra's wards are the strongest of all the Yugra clergy. The only ones who can easily break through those wards are Ilias, Duvraeori, and Wolfe. From Wolfe's point of view, since my attack was blocked by the ward right in front of his eyes, it must have been powerful enough to break through it.

But still, I couldn't break that ward. If Ceraes was capable of such a high level of warding, there should have been an explanation or two from the Yugra cult beforehand. The only thing I can think of is the power of the magic spear in his hand, not the power of Ceraes personally.

"I've heard that before. I've heard that the Kuro Demon Lord had some very belligerent magic spear wielders, who especially enjoyed fighting in single combat, and even comparing their skills with the same weapon.

You're talking out of your ass.

"If you don't give him the information, he'll just stall and stall.

I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not. I'm not sure if you've ever heard of this, but I'm sure you've heard of it.

I'm sure you'll be able to tell me what you know.

I'm not that familiar with it myself. I think it's ...... a spear that has the ability to fight each other only when various complicated conditions are met, which is disgusting.

I'm not sure, but if you don't meet the conditions, you can't do the fighting itself? I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out. I'm not sure what to make of that. I'm sure you'll agree.

I'm not sure what to do. And then try to throw it straight at Ceraes.

"Hmph.

Serraes flicked the flying spear with the spear in his hand. I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out.

So, the spear only allows for spear combat?

Perhaps the many spears hanging on this wall were to fulfill the condition. The spears are activating their abilities when they meet the conditions that the opponent can pick them up. In the event that you've got the ability, you can't even fight if you don't follow the rules that your opponent has prepared. .......

I'm not sure what to make of that. Then good luck with the rest!

"Why don't you fight, too?

I'm not very good with a spear!

I'm not good with spears! - If you say so, none of us here use spears.

I'm not good with spears! I've heard that some clerics are proficient with clubs and spears, so it's not surprising that Ceraes had trained with spears in the past. However, when he fought with Harkdock and the others, he mainly used magic, so it's not like he's the best at spears.

"Wolfe is going!

"Yes, but you shouldn't use that spear. But you shouldn't use that spear, because the enemy has prepared a weapon that could be defective or have a trap in it.

He stopped Wolfe from reaching for the spear on the wall and handed him a spear made of jeweled demons. He waved the spear a few times and nodded, checking its feel.

"Work!

Thank you, but I'm not sure if I can withstand your full power, so be careful, okay?

The spear was made by compressing an advanced demon. It's much harder than steel, but Duvraeori should be able to bend it easily. I'm a little worried about how well it can withstand Wolfe's speed and strikes.

Wolfe leaps a few small steps, explodes the magic around his feet, and dives headfirst into Ceraes. If you're not sure what to do, you can always ask for help.

"What?

It seems that the spear's ability is functioning properly.

But the thrusting spear was flicked off at Ceraes' throat. This is not a defense by Ceraes, but an effect of the spear? ...... Wait a minute, what did Neil Ryates say? I'm not sure what to make of it.

I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out. ......

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. I'm not sure what to make of that. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and what you can do to help.

I'm sure you've seen the situation, Purple Demon King. This is a magic spear that allows you to engage in single combat with the first person you strike. The only ones who can fight here are you and me, and until we win or lose, none of us can even leave this chapel.

It's a good thing that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this. If this is the case, then of course the door behind Ceraes will have the same effect. If you can make a single combat, you can even prevent him from escaping. You've fallen right into the trap, I'm afraid.

Remove one of the gem demons from your clothing and transform it into a spear. Shake it a few times like Wolfe and feel it. It is indeed a work of art, a good spear if I do say so myself.

Okay, I'll play by your rules, okay? I've never fought with a spear since I was a human when I touched one for fun, right? I don't have the skills to make use of it because it's ...... so don't get your hopes up.