Chapter: 436
When I first entered the forest, I could feel the eerie energy enveloping the entire area, and I felt a sense of expectation.
I know the situation is very serious. Whether I can save someone or not depends on how well I perform.
But you know, wanting to have expectation for new content isn’t wrong, right?!
Do you know how delightful it is to discover something new within a predictable cycle?!
While strategizing through the Academy Dungeon, I came to realize why I had become sloppy.
The thrill that comes when you challenge something nearly impossible and succeed was the very reason I clung to the now shoddy Soul Academy!
Having enjoyed more than what the professors prepared, I hoped they would present me with fresh experiences again this time.
I had faced the Evil God’s forces and caused all sorts of interference, so surely they wouldn’t come unprepared.
Even if it wasn’t something bizarre on the level of Mode, I hoped for something worthwhile.
However, my expectation was betrayed. The scenery of the forest I saw while wandering to the center was not much different from the usual dungeons they produce.
<…Isn't it good if the opponent's schemes are weak?>
My grandfather, who witnessed my disappointment, showed signs of incredulity, but I just couldn’t agree with him.
Logically, I knew he was right, but my emotion refused to accept it.
Thinking back, the Academy is to blame!
That bunch managed to create a pretty decent new dungeon, leading me to expect the same this time!
If it weren’t for the professors, I wouldn’t have faced betrayal in my expectation!
Damn it! Just wait! Professors! I’ll show you how your painstakingly created dungeon gets ruined!
[But you know, Lucy, is it possible that those who occupy this forest have devoted everything to the dungeon? After all, the dungeon would be a better place to unleash their power than the forest, right?]
‘That could be possible.’
[Exactly. So it's not yet time to relax...]
‘But it’s still a dungeon. A dungeon created by dumbasses based on bears.’
If I had entered this forest earlier, I might have harbored some expectation.
However, after seeing the structure of this forest, all my expectation vanished.
Even the corners that were somewhat well-crafted in this forest didn’t stray from the characteristics of the void I knew, so what could possibly be different in that dungeon?
Even if they poured their heart and soul into it, compared to the evilness of Mode, it would be nothing, so how could I hold onto any expectation?!
Recalling the Mode dungeon that even made me spit blood, it made me appreciate its creator all over again.
Damn you, Shoddy God! I don’t care about other rewards, can’t you at least create a decent dungeon and throw it my way?
If you’re the creator of that crappy Mode, you should be able to spare me a few dungeons!
“So who’s going in?”
While I was grumbling in front of the dungeon’s entrance, I regained my senses upon hearing Myrrh’s question.
“It seems only one person can enter this dungeon.”
Though Myrrh had doubts about my leadership when we first met, he was now waiting for me to make a decision.
His demeanor had completely changed during our brief wander through the forest, giving me a slight sense of anxiety.
On the bright side, I could say that Myrrh acknowledged me. Yet, having so many strange individuals around me, I couldn’t help but suspect him of getting caught up in that as well.
“What’s with you?”
I responded by shaking my head at Myrrh’s question, scanning the companions nearby, thinking about whom to take along.
Considering what I had seen in the forest, it seemed unlikely that I would face problems in terms of force. However, there was no telling what could be lurking inside.
“Perverted Apostle.”
It would be wise to take him along, as he possesses considerable force and can counter black magic.
…It is somewhat annoying that I have to move with this disgusting fellow, but it’s the rational choice.
“I’ll give you a chance to die for me. Aren’t you happy?”
“Yes! Of course! I’ll do my best!”
Upon mentioning him, he jumped forward with a confident grin, looking around him.
There lay Karl and the Sloppy Fox, who hadn’t been chosen and were sulking.
Perverted Apostle. Is this guy really feeling superior for being picked before those two? Can an Apostle get away with that?
“…Is this all because I’m weak?”
“…If my true self had just arrived here…”
“Hey you idiots. Don’t think you’re getting any breaks? You’ll have to roll around like dogs outside. Like good little pups.”
Despite my attempt to explain to the dejected two that guarding the outside was important, their gloominess didn’t fade.
Even as Visi and Myrrh looked at the two with pity, it remained unchanged.
As I watched this scene, I held my forehead and promised them a reward if they worked hard, saying I’d give them the Perverted Apostle’s exclusive jewelry.
“I’ll do my best!”
“I’ll live up to the Young Lady’s expectations!”
Seeing the two suddenly perk up at my words, I couldn’t help but think they were really sloppy.
I’m not insulting them. I meant they looked like tail-wagging dogs when I said let’s go for a walk.
Anyway, having successfully cheered them up, I stood at the entrance of the dungeon with my mace and shield in hand.
“Young Lady? Why are you preparing?”
“What? Perverted Apostle. Don’t you want to go in with me? You were all excited earlier, but now you’re saying I’m a burden?”
“No, that’s not it. It’s just that this kind of dungeon can only allow one person to enter, right?”
“That’s the sloppy story of you guys. I’m the exception.”
“…What?”
Faced with the Perverted Apostle’s question, I pondered how to explain it and thought it wouldn’t help to use words, so I just kicked him into the dungeon.
Then I told the others I would be back soon and followed behind him.
“…How…?”
The Perverted Apostle, who had entered before me, stared at my face in surprise.
“Am I seeing an illusion?”
“Can’t even distinguish between me and an illusion? ♡ What kind of sloppy Apostle has this kind of perspective? ♡ I guess he knows about his level compared to the crows I serve. ♡”
“This boiling emotion. It really is the Young Lady. Incredible. How is this possible?”
I shrugged off the Perverted Apostle’s admiration and took in the scenery of the dungeon.
The place we stepped into was similar to the forest we had just seen.
The only difference was that it was a dark place without a single light. And there was a chilling mist spread all over the forest.
As I felt the Evil God’s Energy contained in the mist, I spread my Divine power throughout the surroundings using my shield.
As a result, the mist lifted, revealing the path ahead.
“You’ve grown even more since the last time I saw you.”
“Of course. I’m a genius.”
The scenery in the dungeon was the same as I remembered.
The Authority of the mist spread across the forest was similar too.
This disorienting mist is undoubtedly one of the characteristics of the void’s dungeon.
Hmm. Is this place really no different from what I had monotonously viewed through the monitor?
Then the threats lurking at the end must be the same as well.
Saving a bear shouldn’t be too hard.
“Perverted Apostle.”
“Yes. What is it?”
“I don’t want to stay in this disagreeable place for long, so if you fall behind, I’ll trample you.”
“Hmm. When you say that, it makes me want to fall behind.”
“…”
“Ha ha. Just kidding. I’ll do my best.”
I tore my gaze away from the Perverted Apostle’s laugh and readied myself to sprint.
Closing my eyes. Regulating my breath. Spreading my Divine energy throughout my body. Relaxing my muscles. Mapping out the path in my head before looking ahead again.
“Follow me.”
The moment I took a step, the scenery around me changed.
The overwhelming speed from my body that had reached the realm of superhuman.
Tree roots rose up trying to block me, but they couldn’t catch me.
I know where and what will happen, so why would I worry?
“Young Lady’s strategy is truly remarkable.”
The Perverted Apostle following behind me, seemed to be in awe of my speed, clearly impressed.
As an Apostle of the Arts Church and a strong person traversing this world for a long time, my speed was evidently something he could keep up with.
I expected this, but I still had a long way to go.
Seeing the Perverted Apostle appear relaxed, I chuckled and pushed my speed even further.
I broke through the plants trying to block us, dodging the chilling attacks from the animals emerging from around me, moving forward and further until I reached the heart of the forest once again, ready to face the bear.
The bear, being the master of the forest, was certainly strong.
Its punches could easily tear a person apart, posing a significant threat.
However, if you ask me if I’ve joined the ranks of the strong, I would say no.
A relentless blow that cannot be blocked is something akin to Lasha’s attacks that I faced in the arena.
Unless it’s an attack of that outrageous force, I am confident I can block anything now.
While it’s true I might not have the force to stop someone, I can be the shield that blocks everything.
Once I draw the aggro, the Perverted Apostle will handle the rest for me.
<…Oh?>
As I contemplated engaging in battle with the bear, my grandfather raised a voice of confusion.
‘What is it?’
[It’s strange. I can feel the Lord Jushin’s
‘…Huh?’
What… does this mean?
Why can I feel the Divine Grace of God in the dungeon?
This is the Evil God’s dungeon, so there shouldn’t be any resting areas or anything like that.
[It’s just like... yeah. It resembles that of your friend.]
‘Phoebe? Why is she here? She’s busy strategizing another dungeon right now.’
[I know that too. However, the energy I feel from there is undoubtedly hers.]
My grandfather’s senses are never wrong.
His sense, as one of the heroes, is so precise that no one can match it.
There’s no way that as a Holy Knight he’d be disrupted by the Evil aura.
So why can I feel Phoebe’s energy from afar?
‘…Can you point me in the direction?’
[I understand. If you go northwest from where you are now...]
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