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Without a word, Leone simply smiled wider. If her reactions were more human, I would’ve been even more suspicious, but her smile was too indistinct. I wasn’t convinced one way or the other.

Regardless of her true identity, though, determination blossomed within me. When faced with an opponent who exuded such confidence, the instinct of a martial artist was to crush them, no matter what.

Sorry. Hang in there a little longer, I silently apologized to Sellen before swinging my sword toward Leone, deliberately putting force into my forearm to make my swing rougher and more aggressive.

In other words, I swung my weapon like a club rather than a sword. Fortunately, the durability of the Sword of Seven Sins was impressive, allowing me to use force like this without having to worry about scratching it.

After a few more exchanges, Leone began to tilt her blade to an angle to deflect my attacks.

Clang! Clang!

I noticed the change but decided to play the part of the fool, acting like I was angry at my opponent’s defensive maneuvers.

I swung my sword with reckless abandon as if I had lost my mind in a fit of rage.

After a couple of these reckless attacks, I felt faint cuts begin to appear on my body. At the same time, Leon’s defense grew increasingly lackluster, as if her heart was no longer in the fight.

When next our swords clashed...

KAANG!

Leone tilted her sword to deflect mine and then pushed upward, sending the Sword of Seven Sins flying from my grasp. In an instant, my upper body was left completely bare. I had no weapon with which to defend it.

Fwip!

Leon pointed her blade at my throat.

Is she really planning to kill me?

I quickly pushed that thought aside and swiftly transitioned into a brawling stance.

“——!”

For the first time, Leone’s expression shifted. It seemed she had finally realized my intent.

Too late.

I relaxed my knees and my body dropped. To her, it likely looked like I was collapsing, not dodging, but it did its job; I evaded Leone’s sword completely.

Then, channeling strength into my loosened calves, I kicked off the ground, ready to strike back.

THUMP!

Leone’s chin lay exposed, and I instantly closed the distance to my opponent. I wasn’t sure if this was the right expression, but... she’d left me one delicious opening.

White Sun Form, Third Technique.

Rising Flame.

WHAM!

It was a clean, direct hit that could shatter even a jaw made of iron.

But...

It didn’t feel satisfying. Instead of the crunch of bone shattering, it felt as if I had merely struck a shield...

And she didn’t even get knocked back, let alone stagger. All my attack did was make her head tilt slightly to one side.

“...”

She pulled her head back into position, and our eyes met.

Leone flashed me a grin before suddenly bursting into laughter.

“Pft-ahaha!”

Her left hand shot out toward me.

Whooom...!

Her outstretched palm seemed to fill the entirety of my vision.

The golden palm technique.

Difficult to block. Too late to dodge.

My best option? Meet it head-on.

White Sun Form, Second Technique.

Flaming Wheel.

My flaming hand collided with Leone’s palm.

The shockwave rippled out in every direction, yet neither of us fell back an inch.

All we could hear and feel was each other’s breath.

The fight continued.

I batted away her unnaturally pale hand and threw a knee.

Pak!

She easily brought up her own knee to block it.

“Pffft...”

This time, it was me who burst out laughing.

It felt like I had finally met my match, which... thinking about it now, wasn’t this the first time I’d met someone my age who could fight me head-on with no weapons?

It no longer mattered to me whether or not she was a puppet. I was simply grateful for this encounter, and I let my excitement show through my body.

This is what’s great about fighting an equal. I don’t have to worry about distractions or pesky mind games, I can just fight on instinct.

Of course, Leone could still be holding back, like how I’d hidden my White Sun Form by using the Sword of Seven Sins.

However...

“...”

As soon as I saw Leone’s laughing face, I knew all my worries were for naught.

Papapapak!

Fists, palms, hands, nails, fingers, feet.

Even the bones themselves.

A trained human body was nothing less than a weapon.

Leone and I were locked in close combat, using those weapons to attack each other.

We swung our hammers called fists, raised our shields called palms, and stabbed with our daggers called nails.

Leone’s dagger aimed for my eyeball, and my hammer hurled forward to crush her ribs.

We both blocked and we both dodged.

Leone’s martial arts were like mine: Every move was meant to be a lethal strike.

Knowing how powerful my opponent was, I didn’t allow myself to be attacked easily.

With no final blows dealt by either party, the seconds dragged on—50, 100, 150...

Then, at the 200-second mark...

Fwoosh...

My vision blurred, overtaken by white light. A pleasant heat rushed through my entire body, passing through every nerve, and my awareness of my body heightened several times over.

My heart pounded as I broke into a wild grin, and I couldn’t stop my laughter from escaping again.

It had been a long time since I had entered White Flame.

Now, Leone’s movements felt much slower.

I promptly slammed my fist into Leone’s face.

WHAM!

Thud!

Unlike earlier, when she’d barely flinched despite being hit head-on by rising flame, this time she flew back. She crashed into the ground and rolled.

But it wasn’t a critical blow.

Not a moment later, Leone sprang back to her feet and spat out a thick glob of blood and part of a tooth.

Was she really a puppet?

Leone tilted her head and asked, “What is that form?” Despite bleeding from her mouth and nose, her sharp, clear eyes remained locked on me.

“A martial art I learned.”

“What?”

“I’m saying if this keeps going, I’m going to win.”

“I see.”

Is she really just going to accept that whatever reply?

Evidently. Leone didn’t question me further, she just laughed while extending a hand toward me.

“You’re a funny guy. How about I show you a bit of my real power?”

With the hand raised toward me, Leone spread her palm.

Another grasping palm?

No, this was different.

We were a good ten feet apart, way out of range of her grasping palm unless her arm could stretch like rubber.

That meant she was about to pull another weird trick out of her sleeve.

Gu-gu-guk...

I was stunned by the ominous scene in front of me.

Dark energy condensed in Leone’s hand.

The power felt familiar.

Demonic energy?

There was no way.

That was a power that shouldn’t be wielded by humans, let alone a puppet.

As countless thoughts raced through my mind...

[Leone—!]

Headmaster Alderson’s shout echoed through the sparring ground.

Crack.

As if reacting to that cry, a crack appeared in Leone’s palm.

Seeing that made the reality of the situation hit me hard.

The fact that the opponent I’d been facing so far had not been a human but a puppet...

“...Tsk.”

The crack spread through her body like cracking porcelain.

Did she feel no pain?

Leone’s placid expression showed only regret.

Crumble...

Her body slowly crumbled to the ground as bits and pieces broke off. She turned her face to me. “I had fun.”

I was too dumbstruck to respond.

She waved at me nonchalantly and said, “Say hello to Dellark for me.”

“What?”

I stood there, puzzled. But I received no response because Leone had already collapsed away.

I felt a rare moment of bewilderment.

What the hell.

A quick glance at Sellen showed that she was just as surprised. The Lord of Blood and Iron, who she had been fighting, hadn’t crumbled like Leone, but he lay twisted in a grotesque position, like a puppet with its strings cut.

[Ehem.]

Alderson’s grave voice echoed through the room.

[It seems the puppets went berserk. That was my oversight. I apologize.]

“...”

[...That aside, you both have proven yourself strong enough to pass the fourth floor.]

Alderson’s voice was followed by the usual mechanical voice.

[Congratulations. You have passed the Floor of Duels.]

Then, Alderson spoke again.

[...I grant you both permission to re-enter the Treasure Vault.]

***

[Those who have passed the Floor of Duels are once again granted access to the ‘Treasure Vault’.]

[Please select one reward.]

After passing the Floor of Duels, Sellen and I returned to the vault for an additional reward each, but...

...

My mind was not on rewards.

That was definitely demonic energy.

There was no way I was mistaken.

Despite my looks, I had seen demons, fought a high priest, and even been to Hell and back.

There was no way I could confuse it, that unmistakable aura.

Demonic energy.

It was a dark, sinister power that only demons and their followers could wield.

Yet a fragment of that power had been found in a puppet.

Which meant...

Is Headmaster Alderson a cultist?

Forced laughter escaped my lips.

If he was, Juan becoming a grand master paled in comparison... and the repercussions would be so much greater.

To think the great Alderson Maveur, one of the Archmages of Seven Colors and headmaster of the academy, was a member of the cult?

“What are you doing?”

“...Huh?”

I snapped out of it at Sellen’s voice. She was giving me a weird look.

“Aren’t you going to pick?”

“Oh.”

“What’s with that face? Was that Leone puppet that strong?”

My face must have looked more serious than I’d thought if it had even worried Sellen.

I shook my head slightly and replied, “It wasn’t weak.”

“Really? The Lord of Blood and Iron turned out to be more manageable than I’d expected. Though he was insanely strong for his age. He couldn’t use his blessings, and his mana control felt limited.”

“...”

From the way she spoke, it seemed she hadn\'t noticed Leone’s demonic energy. If that was the case, could it be that the “help” Sellen had asked of me had nothing to do with Headmaster Alderson?

No, I shouldn’t jump to conclusions. In Bednicker, Sellen had seemed unaware of the high priest’s identity despite knowing the future.

So, I decided to ask. Keeping my voice low, I began, “You know, I was wondering if puppets can also use demo—”

“Have you finished choosing?”

Just as I was about to get to the point, the Headmaster suddenly appeared, cutting me off.

Sellen, who had been listening intently to me, naturally turned to look in his direction.

“I’ve chosen.”

“I see. Let’s see if the young hero of Goodspring’s judgment is as keen as they say...?” Alderson trailed off in surprise when he saw the lump of black metal in Sellen’s hand. “Ah, you chose that antique.”

The metal was about the size of her palm. It was thick and elongated, and it appeared to be made from an unusual alloy, one I had never seen before.

“I picked that up in a black market twenty years ago by chance. The outside looks like a rectangular metal with a smooth surface, but the inside has a very intricate structure.

Sellen’s expression hardened slightly.

“...You’ve disassembled this thing already?”

“Indeed. But do not worry, I put it back together just like it was before.”

“...”

“But... do you actually know what that item is?”

Sellen paused for a moment before answering, “I’ve been interested in lost technologies since I was young. I’ve studied them a little.”

“Hmm. That is understandable for someone from Goodspring.” Alderson nodded and continued, “So, what will you do now? Do you plan to climb further?”

“No.” Sellen shook her head. “I used up all my stamina fighting the puppet. I’m not sure I can face any more trials.”

“Very well, then I’ll have you out of the tower immediately.”

“What?”

“There are teaching staff on the ground. Just follow their directions to your accommodations, and then you can head straight to the banquet hall. Good job.”

“W-wait a second—”

Swish.

Just like that, Sellen’s form vanished from the Treasure Vault.

“...”

“...”

I stood on the side and watched it all unfold.

Alderson focused his gaze on me, staring at me with a complicated look.

“...You did not stop me.”

“What do you mean?”

“You must have realized I wished to forcibly send Sellen away.”

“That you did.”

“Why did you just watch? You could have dragged her into this mess...”

Was that really so important right now?

There was a lot to discuss, but it seemed Alderson prioritized the immediate question.

So I gave him what he wanted by just answering honestly. “She really is exhausted. I don’t think she’d be much help if anything unexpected happens, so I decided I might as well send her out to safety first. She didn’t even notice anything, so I’m the one who needs to have his mouth shut.”

“...Hoho.”

Alderson shook his head. “It’s like I’m talking to a mercenary who\'s been through thick and thin. What kind of life have you lived?”

“...”

“Never mind that. Just treat it as me talking to myself, sorry.”

Alderson pursed his lips and seemed to hesitate over what he should say next.

Frustrated—I wasn’t one for drawn-out conversations—I asked outright, “Headmaster Alderson, are you a cultist?”

“My! There is no way...!” He’d found his voice again, but with a very startled tone like he’d been struck by a sudden shock. His white beard even trembled.

Of course, I thought.

If he were a real cultist, there’d be no reason for him to be so wary of my gaze.

I took a moment to collect my thoughts and came to a conclusion.

“In that case...” From this point on, my words were speculation. “Have you been making things like demons in this tower?”

“...”

Alderson fell silent. His expression remained neutral, but I saw him drawing in a breath.

His reaction suggested that I had struck a nerve.

“Headmaster Alderson. As an aspiring hero, a member of Bednicker, and most importantly, a citizen of The Empire, I must ask: are you perhaps out of your mind?”

“...We are ignorant about demons,” he finally said, his voice low.

Did he think that explanation justified it?

“Did you know? To them, all intelligent beings on this continent are considered ‘mere humans.’ From the seven races to even the sub-races, they are all ‘mere humans’ to demons.”

“...”

“It may sound absurd and foolish, to group together entities that differ so much in appearance, characteristic, habit, history, and culture... Yet we are making the same mistake.”

“What do you mean?”

“There are far more types of demons than our continent has races, and demons are more diverse as well. The cult only worships a small fraction of demonkind. The rest, most of whom we don’t even know exist, live their own lives in their own land. Forget wishing to harm us, they couldn’t care less about the continent.” Alderson’s voice grew more fervent as he continued, “Yet we lump them all together and call them demons...! Do you think this is a normal way of thinking?”

“...”

“I began to wonder, If there are so many different types of demons and their numbers surpass all the intelligent beings on the continent, then maybe, just maybe, might there be good demons too?”

I couldn’t help but let out a small laugh at the Archmage’s nonsense.

Alderson was glaring at me now, but I just turned to face him directly.

“Excuse me. You’re joking, right?”

“...I’ve spent half my life studying demonology. No one in the Empire knows more about demons than I do.”

“Really? But don’t they say it’s ‘better to see once than hear a hundred times’? Headmaster Alderson, have you ever seen a demon lord?”

“...Of course not.”

Obviously. If he had ever seen a demon lord firsthand, he wouldn’t be spewing such crap.

“You mentioned ‘good demons.’ To me, that sounds as absurd as hot ice or a stone sock.”

In other words, I was telling him to “stop with the bullshit.” It was a pain in the ass to continue phrasing my words so indirectly, but I had no choice since he was an archmage of The Empire.

But that didn’t stop a hint of snark from slipping into my tone.

“Do you want me to teach you how they really see us humans? You think they see us as equals?” I scoffed. “Of course not. Weaklings? Prey? Were either of those true, I would not be speaking so harshly.”

What, then, were humans to demons?

If we were neither equals nor prey to be devoured nor livestock to be raised, then how exactly did they see us?

“We are their toys.”

“...”

“Nothing more, nothing less. Things to be played with to kill time and to be thrown away once we’re of no use and no fun.”

“...There are children who treat toys like friends.”

That made me laugh, but it wasn’t a joyous laugh—it was a dry, mocking laugh. I hadn’t expected an archmage to come up with such a childish retort.

“So, Headmaster, are you saying that you think humans and demons can be friends?”

“Is it wrong to think that way?”

“You are free to think whatever you want, but I’d advise against revealing it. There will be idiots swept up by that kind of crazy bull. Not to mention that your position is not to be taken lightly either.”

“Crazy bull...”

This time, it was Alderson who laughed quietly.

He looked at me with bloodshot eyes and asked, “Even if this idea came from the Lord of Blood and Iron?”

...What?

____