“Kuuza, Arete, be extremely vigilant!”

I shouted towards the rear, watching the monsters being obliterated by magic.

Next, I sensed presences. It seemed a considerable force was allocated to the entrance, and even after being blown away, more continued to attack.

“Get out of my way!”

But I didn’t flinch, using ‘Rune Cyclone’ to blow them all away without exception. Then, I spoke again.

“These are all monsters I remember…!”

—The people here have read the documents I created and gained knowledge. I’ve also told them about the monsters’ appearances, so they should be able to deal with them.

I’m blowing away the enemies approaching from the front using magic and my sword… but the monsters I can’t completely defeat try to slip past. However, Phili and the others are dealing with them effectively. They have the knowledge and are fighting well enough.

“I don’t know the entire Demon King’s Castle, but I can guide you—!”

After declaring that, I glanced at the castle interior while observing the still-attacking monsters. The castle interior was based on black, with grand and beautiful decorations. The room was constantly illuminated by magical light, so there was no difficulty in securing visibility.

Next, I shifted my gaze to the corridor directly ahead. That was the correct path.

“We’re heading straight to the Demon King’s location. Follow me!”

Having decided to rush through the shortest path to the Demon King, I stepped forward without hesitation. Monsters still pressed in, but I blew them all away without question.

“It seems there are no traps for now.”

Kuuza’s words. I nodded, then called out to Garuku.

“Garuku, be on alert for traps with Kuuza and the others.”

“Understood.”

Garuku appeared on my right shoulder. I pushed forward, sweeping away the approaching monsters.

My companions followed. Only Sofia, protected by Eina and Sylvie, held a sword but wasn’t exerting her full power.

Both guards were fighting valiantly. Eina stopped the movements of higher-ranking demons targeting Sofia by unleashing light-attribute magic sword techniques, followed by Sylvie, who ended the fight quickly with a series of attacks. Their coordination was excellent, a result of having guarded Sofia together for so long.

The other companions were also coping well. Phili and Kori were working in a team, as were Alto and Kyarun. Nestor protected the magic-users Radi and Ignos, while magic-users like Kuuza provided precise support. It was a testament to having overcome countless battlefields.

After proceeding straight, we reached a familiar fork in the path leading left and right. Without hesitation, I turned right, scattering more monsters. There were many, but the corridor limited the monsters’ movements, making them easier to deal with than outside. At this rate, we might reach the Demon King soon.

Just as I thought that—a new monster appeared in my sight. I stopped there.

“…Lord Ruon?”

I heard Sofia’s voice, but I couldn’t respond. Directly ahead—I was still following the path I remembered, but there was an unfamiliar monster along the way.

“It seems the Demon King has created a new species from my existence.”

At those words, Sofia and the others also became vigilant… A white armored knight stood, blocking the path ahead. However, it seemed to be empty inside, like a type that moves as just armor, such as a Dullahan. Its height was twice mine, so it could be considered a giant monster.

If it were just a monster, I would have mercilessly crushed it with magic, but it was truly unfamiliar. No, that wasn’t all. That was—

“…He’s created quite an elaborate monster.”

Garuku speaks, seemingly understanding why I stopped.

It seems to be a monster imbued with considerable mysterious power.

So, that means it possesses quite a bit of strength, doesn’t it?

I re-gripped my sword and stepped forward. Immediately after, I heard a monster’s roar from behind, so I called out to my rear.

I’ll defeat the monster in front of us. I’m counting on you for the enemies from behind.

Understood.

Phili replied. I said, “I’m counting on you,” and observed the monster.

I stopped out of caution not just because it possesses mysterious magical power. I had a bad feeling. Could it be that this one is—

The monster—a White Knight, one might say—begins to move. It holds a greatsword in its right hand. The hallway is wide enough for it to swing it freely.

First, I used “Holy Lance” and shot through its torso. It was undoubtedly fired with full power, an attack that would normally make a regular monster vanish, but—

As I thought…

There wasn’t a single scratch. Not only that, but it charged without hesitation—meanwhile, I began a new incantation.

While I increased my magical power, the White Knight approached and delivered a horizontal slash. I took it head-on.

It was a blow that would have not only sent a normal person flying but would have cut them in half. However, I dealt with it with ease and pushed back instead.

I held up my left hand. What emerged simultaneously was Light-attribute Advanced Magic, “Gungnir.”

The spear of the gods, like the “Holy Lance,” directly struck the White Knight’s chest. The opponent was blown away, a roar echoed… and I began another incantation.

Lord Ruon!?

Sofia screams, seemingly thinking it impossible for the monster to have withstood the attack.

However, I was convinced. It’s still alive.

The light faded, confirming the White Knight’s survival. Then, I unleashed a follow-up spell on the opponent as it tried to move.

Ice-attribute Supreme Magic, “Snow Yggdrasil.”

In an instant, ice formed, just like the great tree the Corona protected. The White Knight was trapped at its center, and a creaking sound echoed.

As expected, you’re amazing.

Kuuza’s voice. When I turned my gaze, he and Arete, who was beside him, were staring in a daze.

However,

It’s no good…

Immediately after the voice, the ice partially burst, and cracks began to appear.

As I thought… my premonition was correct.

Lord Ruon, what do you mean by premonition—

While Sofia asked, the White Knight broke free from the ice. It showed no visible external injuries.

This is… a very powerful magic barrier?

That’s right, Sofia. But it’s not a normal method. It’s a more special barrier.

With those words, Sofia understood.

Could it be Sage’s Power…!?

It seems so. It must mean the Demon King himself poured the power he possessed into this monster.

Sharing power… if he did such a thing, the Demon King himself would weaken, but perhaps he used mysterious magical power as a substitute?

There are two options.

I re-gripped my sword and told my companions.

Either we attack with those who possess Sage’s Power, or—

Or finish it off with my technique, you mean?

I nodded at Sofia’s words.

However, it’s probably not a good idea to use a technique against anything less than the Demon King himself… We can’t reveal our hand, can we?

“Then it’s our turn.”

It was Eina’s voice. Furthermore, Orudia also stepped forward.

“It seems Phili and Radi will handle the rear. We’ll take the front.”

“Understood… Sofia, stay back.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

As I replied, the White Knight readied his Greatsword.

“You two, I’ll suppress the enemy’s attacks. Strike with your swords in the meantime.”

After giving instructions, I poured Magic Power into my blade. As long as I’m using a Barrier with Sage’s Power, direct attacks won’t work, but there’s a way.

“–It’s coming.”

Eina spoke. At the same time, the White Knight began to advance towards us.