He's here!
Psychic Magic?
No good, it's overwhelming...
Arisa must be using her Psychic Magic.
Fear Resistance
There! The Resistance Skill.
Used Skill: Fear Resistance
Zen Lv. 41
Zen?
Zen Lv. 41 Titles: Undead King Skills: Unknown
Where have I heard that name before?
The hero in that play!
I've come to retrieve you.
Mia.
Nice to meet you, Master Sorcerer.
My name is Satou, and I'm a merchant.
I have no need for some mere merchant,
but it seems a Hero's descendant is quite remarkable.
I'm impressed you can stand and talk, unshaken, while withstanding my Fear.
Zen Lv. 41 Titles: Undead King Skills: Unknown
Who does he think is the descendant of a Hero?
I had intended to let you live, but should you defy me, I will show no mercy.
I'd rather avoid any violence, but Mia is a friend of mine.
I'm not going to let you take her anywhere without her consent.
Can I ask you to leave?
An asinine question.
If you want to protect Mia, you'll do so by strength of arms.
My madness is not so shallow as to be stopped with pithy protests.
Pochi Lv. 9
Tama Lv. 9
Nadi Lv. 9
Well, since you're insisting...
Used Skill: Hand-to-Hand Combat
Used Skill: Abduction
Skill Acquired: Shadow Resistance Skill Acquired: Shadow Magic
Wha—?!
Used Skill: Spatial Mobility
He can control shadows?!
Impressive. A martial artist who claims to be a merchant, eh?
But to think, you'd be capable of such movements, at your level...
Well, I never met a sorcerer who could control shadows before,
so let's call it even.
You still babble, despite your situation.
How courageous.
Get your damn hands off my master!
A wraith?!
I'm rather offended that you'd associate me with such low-level undead.
Okay!
This should work!
Impossible!
That's right! This is impossible!
Nothing should be able to interact with my Shadow Whip except a Magic Item!
Used Skill: Poker Face
The difference in level is too high...
It's fine. Run.
How could I just leave you behind and run?
I'm not trying to protect you because we're friends,
but because our master wants to set you free,
so that takes priority here!
But...
No ifs, ands, or buts!
We'll make you a path to escape.
Is she going to use some sort of unique skill?
Okay.
Master Sorcerer.
Sorry, but could you humor our ignorance and reveal your identity to us?
Zen Lv. 41 Titles: Undead King Skills: Unknown
Although it's pretty obvious already.
The highest rank of undead...
An Undead King.
At times you're a merchant, other times a martial artist.
But I suppose this means you're actually a gunman?
I may have even more tricks up my sleeve.
Interesting, Satou. Let us add "Hero" to your many identities...
Master!
Jump to the side!
Go!
That was actually a close one.
To think she'd have a unique skill...
And that hair color...
It seems you're reincarnated, as well.
He resisted it...
It's not working at all.
Strength beyond one's capacity brings only ruin.
If you would keep her from becoming a plaything for the gods,
then keep her from using that unique skill.
I'll tell her once she's awake.
Indeed. Now, I suppose I shall leave.
It's useless.
To defeat one who has transcended, such as myself,
you must have the means for defying the unjust laws of nature itself.
Satou!
Mia!
If you do not fear death, then visit the Cradle.
It would give me pleasure to see you push your wisdom and courage to their limits,
in an attempt to strike me down...
Master!
Arisa!
Liza! Lulu! Get some treatment for the others!
Try and get a hold of that ex-priest Horn or Zena-san!
Don't worry about me!
I swear I'll be back, with Mia!
It's only a bit at a time, but my endurance and stamina are starting to drain...
That's right... Mia.
No map available for this area.
What is this, a video game?!
Impossible!
That's right, it's impossible!
How were you able to escape my shadow prison?!
Someone like you should be unable to struggle against it!
Could you make up your mind about whether you're shocked or impressed?
Used Skill: Fabrication
Well, I have a light amulet,
so magic doesn't work on me.
Trials must be administered with fairness.
There are no grounds for cheating.
Only someone who has conquered the Cradle should reach this room.
Those are the rules.
You think you're some kind of game master?
You insult me with that claim! My Cradle is no plaything!
Only a proper Hero can conquer it, and reach this room!
Only someone like that has earned the right to battle the Undead King.
Oh yeah, that's what he calls himself...
As long as I bear God's blessing, I can never die!
Getting Mia out of here is the priority.
Now then, it's time I have you exit the master chamber.
Where am I?
Trazayuya's Cradle
You insult me with that claim! My Cradle is no plaything!
Is this the Cradle he was talking about?
Mia is somewhere inside that massive tree...
I'd say this is adjacent to Count Seiryuu's territory.
At least I won't have to worry
about the route to get Mia home if I can rescue her.
Used Skill: Fear Resistance
Crimson Needle Bee Lv. 3
Crimson Needle Bee Lv. 2
What is this?
There's an explanation in Elvish...
"Caution. As this is an institute for Elvish martial training,
Used Skill: Elvish Language
the life support mechanisms will only work on other elves."
"There are no restrictions upon whom may enter the training grounds,
but you do so at your own discretion."
"The management of the training grounds is not responsible
for any injury or loss of property incurred during use"?
I don't want to get blown away again, so I guess I'll follow the rules.
Weed Goblin Lv. 1
An ambush...
Weed Goblin Lv. 1 Titles: Wandering Demon
Or I guess, an encounter.
There are 200 floors to the Cradle?
The floors are in groups of ten,
and with every twenty, this massive spiral staircase seems to lead upwards.
There are monsters stationed in front of each access point to the stairway,
and I suppose that they get stronger the higher you get.
Compared to the Devil's Labyrinth under Seiryuu City,
this Cradle feels a lot more game-y.
It's like something a fan of RPGs for home consoles would create.
If that's the case, I should limit myself to the first ten floors
while keeping an eye out for monsters...
Dryad Lv. 21
There.
Stop hiding, and get out here!
Shut up!
Dryad Lv. 21
I'm annoyed because I don't have enough MP.
Dryad Lv. 21 The Tuner of the Lower Floors of "The Cradle" Naive, Innocent
She came out.
I can probably open a shortcut to the upper floors if I can beat her...
So sleepy...
If someone who was into classical dungeon crawlers designed this place,
there's bound to be a gimmick like a shortcut setup somewhere.
If you wanna fight, it'll have to wait until next time.
Sorry, but that's not an option.
I'm gonna tell Toya on you!
And don't expect any mercy!
Wh-What...?
Become mine, human!
Sorry, but if you want to propose, I'd recommend waiting 14-15 years first.
I'm hungry, so feed me!
All I've got on me is jerky...
I don't want human food! Give me MP!
I'm not ready to permanently have my capacity lowered...
It only hurts at first. You'll feel good after that.
Smooch!
Satisfaction!
Acquired Title: Dryad's Victim
Let's forget about this.
Just... think of it like being bitten by a dog.
Don't want that title. Wish I could turn it down.
I'll open up the corridor for you as thanks!
Won't you use it?
Trazayuya's Room
Trazayuya's room?
Some kind of hidden room maybe?
Can't hurt to take a look.
Oh, thanks.
A laboratory?
Then the person who created this Cradle place is Trazayuya.
Is that who that dryad meant when she said Toya?
We elves have such a slight attachment to life,
and when faced with life or death situations,
have strangely little will to struggle...
Because of that, many of our young have died within the labyrinth.
This Cradle was created in order to instill
a will to survive in elves when they face danger.
It seems that in a mere hundred years, no one has forgotten about my failure.
My long life will be ending soon.
I am going to seal this place away,
until the day my fellow elves require it again.
I have faith that some day, elves will lead the races of the world once again.
"Trazayuya Bolenan."
He's the same lineage as Mia and the manager...
That's probably why this placed needs Mia.
Huh? Welcome back!
Hey, I was hoping to make my way upwards. Is there a portal anywhere?
Yep!
Stand in the middle of this Fairy Ring.
Which floor do you wanna go to?
If possible, I'd like to go to the room where the Cradle's master is.
That's not happening! No way, buddy.
In that case, as far as I can.
'Kay. That'd be floor 100, the Guardian Knight's Chamber.
The guardian on that floor is tough, so be careful.
Yeah, I'll be fine.
Here we go, then!
Activate!
The marker is floor 100, the Guardian Knight's Chamber.
"Immortality That Began With a Death March"
A moment please, I ask!
No. 5 Lv. 7
No. 7 Lv. 7
No. 6 Lv. 7
No. 5 Lv. 7 Race: Homunculus Skills: Magic Manipulation, Polearm Race-Specific Power: Foundation
No. 7 Lv. 7 Race: Homunculus Skills: Magic Manipulation, One-Handed Sword Race-Specific Power: Foundation
No. 6 Lv. 7 Race: Homunculus Skills: Magic Manipulation, Spear Race-Specific Power: Foundation
Aren't homunculi supposed to be
No. 6 Lv. 7 Race: Homunculus Skills: Magic Manipulation, Spear Race-Specific Power: Foundation
some sort of artificial intelligence made with alchemy?
If that face is any indicator, these were based on Mia?
You did well to make it this far, explorer!
Wow, that's a flat reading.
I'm just a merchant, though.
Merchant?
Explorer, I congratulate you on making it this far!
Trying to force the conversation backwards, huh?
Defeating the guardian that resides in this chamber
shall earn you the right to venture onward.
All victors shall be granted recompense from our master.
Feels a bit like I'm watching an elementary school play.
Come, Iron Golem, you must wage battle.
Give no quarter.
Iron Golem Lv. 30
No. 6, No. 7, use "Body Strengthening" and station yourselves to the left and right.
We're using Formation Z!
E M E T H...
It can't be...
EMETH Truth
Just like in our world's mythology, huh?
METH Deceased
Inconceivable! I cry out in consternation!
This is the reason I had suggested its weakness be concealed.
More importantly, I insist we further the stability of our functions, immediately!
No. 5, No. 6, I would ask that you leave this to me,
and advocate that you go on!
No. 7! I swear that I shall never forget you, as I commence my retreat.
Perhaps we should opt for
"Let us retreat" instead of "Go on ahead," I would counter to No. 7.
I guess their personalities have slight variations...
Fire!
Used Skill: Evasion
Used Skill: Hand-to-Hand Combat
I mean, I just can't leave a beauty unconscious out in the open, can I?
No, I can't.
Just can't do it.
There's all kinds of weapon and potions...
Pretty expensive stuff, too.
I guess I'll just take what I need...
Master...
Master... I apologize.
Master!
This is kind of like the room that dryad was in...
Maybe she can rest a bit easier now...
Used Item: Well Bag
Water!
Next is MP, gimme!
You gave some to the me that was down below, huh?
The other you?
They're all me!
You humans are weird, with how you're all separate.
Us plants and spirits, we're all connected.
Although we lose contact without any MP.
Can I ask you for transportation further up?
Oh, of course. Give me one sec.
It would seem that the line connecting us might be severed.
Right now you can only go as far as the 180th floor.
That should be good enough. Please.
You got it!
Bugs were eating it?
No wonder it was disconnected.
Mountain Mantis Lv.20 Mountain Mantis Lv.20 Mountain Mantis Lv.20
Used Item: Halberd
Used Skill: Polearm
The next staircase is ahead...
Used a little too much strength!
I never imagined it would take you so little time.
Really?
Well, hopefully you'll give Mia back without a fight, then.
No. That can never happen.
By coming here, you have earned the right,
but you lack the credentials to face me.
Therefore you must face an enemy whom you have no chance in defeating,
and earn the title of Hero.
Your reward will be this Holy Sword, Gjallarhorn!
Trying to lead me around with a carrot?
Indeed. If you were to hand over the lost Gjallarhorn to any king,
he would reward you with glory beyond your imagination.
I can't figure out what he's after...
They will be your opponent.
Seven of those homunculi...
No. 5 and 6 that escaped before are with them.
No. 7... isn't there.
At this rate, you'd simply be killed by your fearsome foe.
The title of Hero belongs only to those who are willing to step beyond mere safety.
Thus, allow me to grant you all with God's blessing...
Some kind of buff magic?!
Unique Skill: Limit Break was resisted.
And he used it on me, too?
Well then, I hope to see a suitable battle to the death.
Mia!
Deeply Held Attachment That Started With a Death March