Published: September 9, 2025
Please note: This chapter contains some chūnibyō-style statements and phrases. If you’re uncomfortable with that, please be cautious.
Correction made on 12/23 regarding typos.
This is Satou. I believe surprises are only acceptable when they bring joy. These days, I’m doing my best to avoid any unexpected mishaps.
â—‡
The Upper Layer 66th Sector consists of only one room.
It’s a huge plaza with the summoning magic circle of the floor master. It’s spacious enough to dismantle five whales simultaneously, and the ceiling is nearly 100 meters high, so it feels far above.
Because it’s so vast, it looks like flat ground at first glance. But aside from the central area, the floor is scattered with rocks about 2 to 3 meters wide, rolling like gravel, so there’s no shortage of cover. Although, I doubt these rocks will provide much of a wall against the floor master’s attacks.
“What’ll you do? Should I take the role of summoning the floor master?”
“I’m fine! I’ll do it!”
It was the most dangerous role, so I offered, but Arisa, with her eyes shining brightly, refused.
“I confirmed with Seol yesterday, but apparently after summoning, you can’t move for about ten seconds.”
“I see. Still, don’t let your guard down; cast defensive magic before you go, okay?”
“Yeah, I know. You worry too much.”
While replenishing the magic power lost from opening the gate through magic transfer, I warned Arisa.
Everyone is slowly taking their positions along the outer edge of the now-cleared central plaza. The magic used will change depending on the type of floor master that appears, so Mia is positioned where Nana and Lulu can protect her.
“Everyone! Positions are set! Let’s begin!”
I relayed Arisa’s voice to everyone using wind magic.
The room is so vast that sound doesn’t carry well.
Arisa placed the demon core, which acts as a trigger, into a mysterious patterned jar on the altar. The AR display identified it as the Holy Grail.
“I am one who challenges the impossible! A mortal who defies the gods, demons, and laws of the world! Here and now, I demand a battle with the lord of this layer to prove it! I shall come to you bearing three proofs! I am the challenger! Trial, appear here this moment!”
In response to Arisa’s chūnibyō-style summoning phrase, a red light seeped from the summoning circle. By the time her incantation ended, a fierce light so intense it was painful to keep eyes open crackled above the circle.
Then, it appeared, as if welling up above the summoning circle.
â—‡
“Ah, pardon me. I’ve hitched a ride on your summoning circle. The lord of the layer should be arriving soon, so don’t mind me and challenge him.”
The figure appearing above the summoning circle was a gentleman about 180 centimeters tall. He wore a finely tailored white three-piece suit, a white coat, matching white gloves, and held a staff over a meter long. Cradling a top hat under one arm, he spoke to Arisa casually.
Arisa, standing beside me, grabbed my arm with trembling hands.
“Hmm, you can see me? I have no intention to silence you. The only ones I want to defeat are gods and their zealots. Sorry, but I have no interest in dominating puppets of gods, so please refrain from challenging me.”
The dog-headed Demon King with purple body hair spoke with pity.
Strangely, my danger sense did not react. He seems serious about not interfering.
Unfortunately, the AR display couldn’t identify his skills, but his level was the highest I’ve ever seen. Still, it’s only about half of mine, but someone this strong will use attacks that can break through my defense magic, so I have to handle this carefully or someone will get hurt.
“D-Demon King…”
I supported Arisa with one hand as she lost balance from shock. Maybe I caught her veil with my finger, because it lifted slightly and her hair was exposed to the outside air.
“Oh? You should be able to see it.”
The Demon King, who was about to leave, stopped and turned back, his eyes settling on Arisa’s hair.