Chapter 201 Living Calamity ④ 

Part 2

　God is omnipotent.
Therefore, it can only be bound by its own words.
These were Sytry’s words.

　The gods in this Treasure Shrine are manifestations of Mana Materials, but perhaps that’s just how gods are.
Speaking of which, whether it is a lie or not, the extraterrestrial god who used to be rooted in the Level 10 Treasure Shrine――【Star Temple】 that used to exist in the ruins of the Imperial Capital also limited its power through its own words, and as a result, it was defeated by Ark’s ancestors.

　The fox-mask Onii-san who felt a sense of danger led us to the very deep end.
There were many fox-masks staring at us here and there in the corridor, but they didn’t attack us, probably because we had a guide with us.

　The 【Lost Inn】 was still decorated like a real inn.
Wooden floors and magnificent wooden pillars.
The vermilion and white interior reminded me of a shrine in the east of the Capital.
Maybe it was inspired by this place.
　The fox-mask Onii-san, who seemed to be quite high in the hierarchy of the Phantoms in this Treasure Shrine, said in a friendly manner.

“I have already told you many times, but we are very curious about Humans.
We do not get visitors very often.
The only one who came twice is you, “Kikkikan no Nai Onii-san (No-Sense-of-Danger Onii-san)”.
Because of you “Kikkikan-san (Sense-of-Danger-san)”, my “Imouto (Little Sister)” has grown fond of Aburaage.
I have already stopped looking for an apology from you.” (Fox Onii-san)

　The girl, who followed behind me as if I was being detained, was unresponsive.
But apparently, her wound had already healed.

 

“We are fair and impartial.
If you do not wish for death, then you will not die.
We do not attack by surprise either.
The newbie that “Kikkikan-san (Sense-of-Danger-san)” killed――Understood that but did not really get it.
You did not really understand what it said in human language either, did you not?” (Kitsune Onii-san)

　Something tells me I am also starting to not understand human language either.

’
　Or rather, it died? Isn’t this the first time I have killed a Phantom, by any chance?
　It is a little disheartening, but…… Well, it was kind of a self-destruction, so I hope you will tolerate it.

　At the end of the place where I was led was a huge vermillion door.
It seems that the structure of the inn has changed since…… The last time I was here.
　Kruz that followed silently, leaked a big sob and sat down.
She looks as if she is about to die at any moment.

　The fox-mask with a sense of danger said exasperatedly.

“This is… The normal reaction.
“Kikkikan-san (Sense-of-Danger-san)”, what is wrong with your head?” (Fox Onii-san)

“Even I…… Resolved myself.” (Cry)

“”

　Although I was comfortable, the Relic did not inhibit my thoughts.
I was ready to get down on my knees and do a Dogeza at any time.
　After that, I want you to stop calling me, Kikkikan-san.
However, I can’t butt in because I am in a lower position.

“Kruz, go wait outside.
I will talk with it.” (Cry)

　Powerful Phantoms are made of extremely strong Mana Materials.
Just coming in front of the door was enough to make her almost dead, if she actually comes face to face with it, Kruz might not be able to handle it.

’
　I was the only one who was comfortable.
I think everyone should equip themselves with a 『Perfect Vacation (Comfortable Vacation)』.
It is a very valuable item though.

　Kruz looks up at me breathlessly.
She looks like she is about to throw up, and tears are welling up in the corners of her eyes.

“Don’t worry, I am just going to talk to him.
I will somehow figure things out.” (Cry)

　At this point, I was already ready to give up.
All I have to do is what I can do as I can disappear with a single breath of air.
　If I don’t have a sense of danger, it is probably because they have already taken it away.
I just want to *gorogoro* laze around, you know.
I have decided.
If I make it back alive, I am definitely going to *gorogoro* laze around.

　The fox-mask Onii-san opened the door.
I took a deep breath and made my way towards the atypical god.

 

 

§　§　§

 

 

’

 

　At that moment, Kruz was sure that she was going to die.
What she could feel through that door was a Mana Material so powerful that she was sure of her death.
　It’s so different from the Treasure Shrine I’ve conquered so far.
It’s like the despair I felt the first time from the Phantom that appeared first seems like nothing.

　It is said that Treasure Shrine above Level 8 is a hellish place.
　Indeed, the enemy is a god.
The world itself.
The laws of physics themselves.

　My body was refusing to move.
My instincts had given up on living.
I couldn’t take a single step because I felt like I would vomit if I wasn’t careful.

　I understood.
The vessel known as Kruz Argen had been filled with Mana Material.
　The amount of Mana Material you can tolerate improves as you grow.
This was a new situation for Kruz, who had been growing slowly and steadily.
　If I take my time, my vessel should grow and expand, but even if I did, it will quickly be completely filled up in this place.

 

　However, in the midst of all this, Yowaningen did not change his complexion at all.
　Yowaningen is weak.
Once you get used to it, you can detect the Mana Material people possess.
At the very least, the Mana Material Yowaningen has should have been less than Kruz’s.

’

　But in reality, Kruz is here cowering while Yowaningen is calmly proceeding through the door.

　Kruz can’t imagine how big his vessel should be to be able to do that.
　But surely this is what a Level 8――Someone outside of human boundaries is all about.

　Even if I was level 8, I don’t think I would make it out alive.
I couldn’t even imagine what kind of monster lurked behind this door.

　But for some reason, Kruz had a strange conviction.

　Yowaningen will――Come back.

 

　The tall fox-mask that remained in front of the door laughed quietly and said to Kruz, who was cowering and struggling to move even a finger.

 

 

“You do not need to worry.
“Kikkikan no Nai Onii-san (No-Sense-of-Danger Onii-san)” follows the rules to a hateful degree.
You, ordinary Spirit People, on the other hand, should rather worry about yourself.” (Kitsune Onii-san)