Published: January 22, 2026
"Now, in the hero party advanced explorer division of the martial arts tournament, only the final match remains! The matchup is just as most expected――!"
On the fourth day of the martial arts tournament.
As I meditated with my eyes closed in the waiting room, the announcer's voice reached me.
At last, the final match.
My opponent is Oliver.
We were born in the same village and have been pushing each other to improve ever since.
Since becoming explorers, a gap in our physical abilities began to appear, and by the time we reached the lower floors of the Great Labyrinth, the difference was insurmountable.
Even after I converted to an enchanter following various twists and turns, Oliver continued to grow.
In a pure power contest, I can't match him.
But I haven't done nothing either.
As an enchanter, I've gained various experiences and have kept a bird's-eye view on Oliver's movements.
I know his habits better than he does.
What I do now isn't any different from what I did with Fuuka.
I'll just face him with my strengths.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for waiting! It’s time to call the two warriors who will fight now! First, the current hero party leader who reached the unprecedented 94th floor of the Great Southern Labyrinth and is also known by the epithet 'Sword Saint,' explorer Oliver Cardiff!"
When Oliver’s name was called, he walked toward the center of the arena from the opposite side.
From the spectator seats, loud cheers erupted.
"Opposing him is the ace of the silver rabbit of the night sky, known by the title 'Dragon Slayer' for single-handedly defeating deep-layer floor bosses! Orun Dura!"
My name was called next, so I also headed from the waiting room to the match center.
Cheers could be heard from the crowd, but the loudest came from the area reserved for the silver rabbits of the night sky members.
This battle is not just about me.
If I win here, the silver rabbits of the night sky will gain even greater advantage going forward.
For that reason, I absolutely cannot lose.
"Long time no see, Orun."
Once we took our designated positions, Oliver spoke to me.
It's truly been a long time since we talked properly.
When I was kicked out of the party, Oliver spoke, and the day after he defeated the black dragon on the 50th layer, I mostly talked one-sidedly.
We haven’t had a conversation in over two months.
Not exaggerating, this might be the first time since I became aware of the world that I haven’t spoken like this.
"Yeah, long time no see. I’ve heard of Dawnlight’s success. Gathering that amount of magic stones in under two months—impressive."
"…Is that sarcasm?"
In response to me, Oliver’s expression didn’t change as he coldly replied.
"No sarcasm. I just thought it would take longer for you guys. Seems my successor is quite capable."
Since I’ve been active as an explorer in Tsutolairu, I’ve heard some information about explorers operating outside the Great Southern Labyrinth.
I even looked into Philly Carpenter, the enchanter who joined the hero party as my successor.
Yet, I found no information about her.
Well, enchanters hardly get mentioned.
So it’s not strange there’s no information, but the final decision on party makeup is up to Marquis Forgus.
Would he have allowed an unknown enchanter to join?
Looking back now, this personnel decision feels strange as well (.......).
"Yeah, she’s excellent. Her support magic is several ranks above you."
"…I see. So, are you about to start conquering the 94th floor?"
"…I wouldn’t tell an outsider like you."
"That’s true."
"The questioning’s over. Get ready. Like always, I’ll crush you."
Oliver said this and his aura shifted into battle mode as he drew his sword.
"I know you’re obsessed with conquering the Great Labyrinth. I also know you can’t afford to lose here. —But I have my reasons for not losing either. I’m winning today!"
He said that and shifted his focus.
Drawing a longsword from his left waist, he assumed a stance.
"Both are ready. The final match begins!"
â—‡
Right at the start, we closed the distance.