Erend's forehead wrinkled as soon as he heard the words that came out of Harill's mouth.
"A power that comes from another world?" Erend asked in a confused tone.
"To be precise, that power comes from my world. More precisely, it is my strength," Harill added.
That made Erend even more shocked.
"The power that Systema gave me is that kind of power. You got Dragon power, right? It's pretty amazing," Harill said.
Then, he added. "But if you compare it, my strength which only controls shadows and darkness will not lose to you. Hahaha."
Harill said it with pride and laughter. Erend didn't doubt his words one bit.
"I think so," Erend said. "That was proven after I had trouble fighting you earlier."
"HA HA HA!" Harill laughed as if proud of himself. But soon the laughter stopped.
"Yeah. Such is my power. It is the power that made those Elves like that."
Erend saw the sad look on Harill's face when he said that. He looks was sorry for everything that happened.
"But, I don't think it's your fault. In the first place, how did that power arrive in that world?" Erend said.
"I didn't think it was possible either. Yet that's what happened," Harill said.
"Apparently, there is a being who can travel to parallel worlds and enter the past to some extent. With that, he took the last bit of my power from my world that was destroyed."
The facts revealed by Harill turned out to be even more surprising the more he revealed them.
Erend wasn't sure if he could understand all of that at once.
"They, the parties that attacked the home of the Elves took a bit of my power and used it to spread misfortune. As you saw back then."
"They don't just use the curse once. That's why the Elves already know what happens when the curse is used again."
Erend recalled again the horrific scene when the Elves turned into mindless zombies who could use Magic.
It was a terrible disaster. Imagining it made Erend think back to Aurdis' sad face.
"Not only is it a curse from another world, but it is the curse of my power. A power bestowed by Systema. So, of course, the effect of the curse is enormous and cannot be overcome by that magical water source."
Erend nodded in understanding. If it was the power of Systema, then it was obvious that the effect would be that terrifying.
"If they use that curse again..." Erend muttered worriedly.
"Well, about that, you don't need to worry. I suspect they will do something like that again. But I will give you something so you can handle it."
Erend looked back at Harill with very focused eyes.
If there was something that could stop the effect of the curse, then it was obvious that Erend had to get it.
Harill then opened the palm of his right hand. From the look on his face, he seemed to be concentrating.
Erend waited quietly and silently. After a few moments passed, above Harill's pale palm appeared a jet-black orb.
"Turns out it took longer than I thought. It must be because I haven't used this power for a very long time," Harill said.
"What's that?" Erend asked while looking at the black orb.
"This is part of my power. With this, you can stop the Undead's curse," Harill answered.
"Actually, casting the curse on the Undead is one of my powerful Skills. I don't know how but that being managed to take the essence of my Skill and use it."
Then Harill held out the black orb in his hand towards Erend.
"Please accept this. With this, you can have the Skill to easily deactivate the Undead's curse and bring back the creature cursed by it."
Erend immediately received the black orb by extending his hand without thinking.
After the black orb entered his hand, Systema's notification popped up.
[ Skill Obtained: Undead Curse (Lv.1) ]
"Thank you," Erend said.
"That skill is not part of your Systema power. However, I have received permission to give it to you. But you can only use that skill to remove the Undead's curse. You can't turn them into Undead," Harill continued his explanation.
Erend nodded in understanding. Then ask. "But, I still have to Level up this Skill. That means..."
"Yeah. If you want to remove a stronger curse, then you have to Level up that Skill. The being that uses that curse also has a way to increase its strength. You know that Systema's power works like that."
"Yeah, I know. I'm grateful to you though. Is there anything I can do for you?" Erend asked.
Harill chuckled. "There was nothing you could do for me. After my world was destroyed and everyone I cared about died, I'm here to be the Dungeon Boss. What else could I want?"
"Did... after you died, Systema trap here and become the Dungeon Boss?"
"No no no, it's not like that. I am here based on my own will," Harill replied.
Erend was relieved because before, he was afraid that getting Systema's power came at a price like that.
"I can only hope that you don't make the same mistake as me. Next time, I will tell you what mistake I made in my previous life. Until then, it's unlikely we will meet again."
After finishing saying that Harill stood up and clapped his hands once.
"Now then, I will be waiting for you in Dungeon Level 2. Then we will meet again."
"Exactly how hard is it to get to Level 2?" Erend asked.
"That will be quite difficult. I am only the first Boss you face. After this, there are still 3 more Bosses before you clear Level 1."
Erend stared dumbfounded. "W-What?"
"Ah, I mean, my first phase form is the first Boss you face," Harill said with a smile.
After that, he snapped his fingers.
"Well then, until we meet again, Erend Drake."
Harill then just disappeared in front of Erend.
~~~