My Status as an Assassin Obviously Exceeds the Hero's

We instantly killed the boss of the 80th floor and smoothly advanced to the 90th floor.

The 90th floor boss also had an ability to nullify magic, and it was some giant golem-like thing that the Night Blade God's blade couldn't cut through, but we killed it with magical power this time as well.

The golem's final desperate strike hit me dead-on when I let my guard down, but Ria immediately formed a barrier and I walked away unscathed.

If that attack had hit me, even my defense wouldn't have been able to prevent fractures, so I really owe Ria my thanks.

"...Three more floors."

Yoru sped up even more, and we were now on the 98th floor.

Yoru's fatigue was nearing its limit.

"Master... even if I manage to reach him, I probably won't be able to fight. Take care of Miss Amelia."

I patted Yoru's neck instead of answering.

"Ria, just in case, if you see Yoru, me, and Amelia, put a barrier on Amelia too. Don't forget to put one on me either."

In battle with the Demon Clan, we couldn't be sure how much collateral damage there would be.

It was insurance, but it would probably be useful.

"Understood!"

The presence of the Demon Clan grew stronger and stronger.

They were definitely nearby.

The dense magical power made me feel nauseous, but after Ria put up the barrier it eased.

"...! There he is!!!!"

Finally, Yoru had caught up to the Demon Clan — Aurum Trace.

A boy with green hair and eyes, smiling like a child.

Even through the barrier you could feel the tremendous magical power.

He matched Yoru's description of Aurum Trace perfectly.

Floating beside Aurum, collapsed and powerless, was Amelia.

"Oh—! I never thought you'd catch up to me. You've been unconscious for like three days from magic exhaustion, right?"

The moment he looked at us he started jabbering things no one asked.

His mental age matched his appearance.

"As expected of the Demon King's right hand, lord black cat. I didn't expect you to transform into Tachy. But you're exhausted, you can't fight anymore, right? Don't tell me the Human race and Beastmen are going to stand up to the Demon Clan?"

Aurum kept laughing, clutching his stomach.

I took the Night Blade God in both hands.

"Heh heh! When I first learned about you I thought I'd just kill you, but I've changed my mind."

His smile dropped.

A dense killing intent filled the area.

Ria trembled and hid behind Yoru.

"I'll torment you to death in front of your beloved princess. I can kill you and use you to torture her—two birds with one stone."

"Try it if you can. It's my first time seeing a Demon Clan member. Make it entertaining."

Behind Aurum was the staircase to the 99th floor.

We couldn't let him escape.

I sent a thought to Yoru to use the chaos to block the exit, then gripped the Night Blade God tighter.

My palms were sweating.

He could say anything with his mouth, but for the first time since coming to this world I felt the fear of death.

I wasn't shaking, but I was certainly prepared to die.

"I'll shut that insolent mouth of yours for good."

"I'll stop that creepy face of yours from moving again."

They paused for an instant, then both dashed forward at once.

Giiiin—

The sound of metal clashing rang out.

Wind howled around the two of them.

Before I knew it Aurum had a long spear in his hand.

Across from us, Aurum blinked in surprise, then smiled very happily.

"I see now. I understand why you talk big against the Demon Clan. You're the first human to actually withstand my attack. This might be fun!"

He shoved with brute force and my body was blown back.

I spun once and landed safely on the ground.

Even though his arms were thinner than most girls', his power might even surpass Commander Saran.

If that's so, he's the strongest I know.

"We don't have time to think! Come on, one after another!!"

A madness mixed into that childlike high voice.

Aurum's pupils dilated and his emerald eyes shone wildly.

Despite his childish form, he was a battle maniac.

"Gah!!"

I crossed the Night Blade God in front of me and blocked a downward spear strike from high above, but the impact cracked the ground and my legs sank slightly into it.