The dungeon had been cleared, and the notification message proclaimed that the quest had failed, resulting in a penalty.
Seeing this, I didn’t feel despair or disappointment.
Since the moment I had decided to protect my pride over completing the quest from the god, I had expected this outcome.
I hadn’t anticipated that they’d clear the dungeon by brute force rather than following the intended strategy.
It’s... a complicated feeling.
On one hand, I’m genuinely proud of how strong my friends have become through their efforts.
Frey, who has grown enough to stand toe-to-toe with the sword-based boss without backing down even an inch.
Arthur, who demonstrated the versatility of a magic swordsman, effortlessly moving between the front and rear lines.
Faivy, who elevated her divine magic by integrating knowledge from other branches of magic, reaching an even higher level.
And Joy, who proved her determination by dismantling a spell I’d designed to be nearly impossible to survive.
Seeing these abilities, which had grown stronger than I ever imagined, carved a sense of pride into my heart.
If only they hadn’t shattered my dungeon with that power, I could’ve been smiling right now with peace of mind...
...Sigh.
I wonder what kind of penalty awaits.
Something humiliating, like the times I’d failed in my challenges before?
Or will I be forced to relive the nightmare of being a bunny-girl?
Or, maybe, I’ll have to parade around in one of my old dresses from years back?
Thinking about the past, I suddenly remembered all the humiliating ideas this perverted god might have in mind for me.
Is this creature really a god if it gets this much enjoyment out of watching its own disciple suffer?
The future of this world looks bleak.
Ah! Seriously!
Just give me whatever punishment you’re planning already!
Waiting like this is the worst part!
The suspense of not knowing is filling my head with all sorts of terrible possibilities!
Are you doing this just to make me squirm?!
Are you watching and laughing as I fret over this?!
Honestly, it scares me because it seems exactly like what this depraved god would do!
“Lady Allen.”
While I was silently cursing the perverted god in my mind, the Dungeon Studies professor looked up from the screen and spoke.
“Did you account for this method of clearing the dungeon? The dialogue doesn’t match the intended ending.”
‘Of course I did.’
“Of course I did. Why are you even asking something so obvious? Tsk. Professors can be so clueless.”
Naturally, I preferred they cleared the dungeon through the intended mechanics, but I also included scenarios for cases where they bypassed those mechanics.
I’m the same person who used to make life difficult for dungeon creators in every possible way.
Knowing how challengers could go to extraordinary lengths, I didn’t expect things to always go according to plan.
I anticipated variations, and I even designed scenarios for what would happen if they took different paths.
After all, nothing deflates a sense of achievement faster than getting blocked by some “incorrect” method after you’ve worked hard to clear something.
I couldn’t let that happen in my perfect dungeon.
“You’re meticulous.”
‘It’s nothing.’
“Calling that ‘meticulous’—seriously, how dense are you? Completely clueless!”
“Haha, well, my role is to evaluate. Hidden paths make it difficult to give fair scores, you see.”
The Dungeon Studies professor gave a strained smile and explained how they’d grade Arthur’s group.
The points for every floor except the fifth one would be awarded normally since they’d completed those floors as intended, but not the fifth floor.
Ignoring the mechanics of a floor meant to test one’s puzzle-solving skills meant that, technically, the fifth-floor completion wouldn’t be recognized.
“That’s why we usually design dungeons so that non-standard methods result in a dead end. This way, students can realize they’re off track and start again.”
...Wait. So, according to the professor’s words, they didn’t realize they were off track because I’d created an alternate ending?
“Just to clarify, please don’t inform them about this. It would count as a breach.”
‘O-Of course.’
“Such a mean-spirited professor—no wonder you’re so wrinkled.”
“I’m... not that old yet.”
The professor’s lips twitched at my comment, while I glanced at Arthur and his group celebrating their victory on the final screen, their faces lit with joy.
They’ll be fine, right?
Even with the deduction, they’ll still have the top score in the Dungeon Studies exam.
After all, who among the first years could beat them?
So, in the end, the result hasn’t changed.
And I’ve done nothing wrong.
Ding!
What now, pathetic god?
Have you finally decided on my punishment?
Just what are you planning to make me do to satisfy your twisted tastes?
Think carefully. If you make me do something truly ridiculous, I’ll just switch gods altogether!
[As a penalty for failing the quest, you must grant the first clearers of the dungeon any wish they desire. (Anything)]
The first clearers... that’s them, isn’t it?
Arthur, Joy, Faivy, and Frey, those four.
Hah! Whatever you were planning, you miscalculated this time.
I have a bet with them already, so I’m bound to grant whatever they ask, penalty or not.
This punishment is basically a non-penalty.
Considering how much this god loves tormenting me, I expected something far more twisted. But just this?
Have I called you pathetic so often that you’ve truly become pathetic, pathetic god?
Smirking at the penalty, I noticed the last part—(Anything)—and my smile faded.
Hold on.
Let’s think about this again.
Is it possible the pathetic god didn’t know about my bet with them?
Of course not!
This god is an absolute creep, probably stalking me at all times!
I wouldn’t even be surprised if this twisted creep has been watching me in the shower, gasping with heavy breaths!
If he gave this penalty knowing full well about the bet, then there must be something behind it.
Anything.
Whatever they want.
Forced by the penalty.
...This penalty is incredibly dangerous.
Think about it!
What if, by some nightmare, that privilege ended up in the hands of that perverted fox?
Imagining her licking her lips made me wrap my arms around myself instinctively.
I know. I know my friends wouldn’t make strange requests like some lovesick fox.
But things don’t always go as you expect, right?
Just look at the dungeon I designed!
A dungeon that could only be cleared through its mechanics... was brute-forced into submission!
What seems impossible only holds until someone shatters that notion!
All it takes is for someone to make a crazy joke, and I’m finished!
Using my friends to destroy my dignity... is this what it means to be a god?
Is this the ideal representative of the gods?
Hey! Are you gods really okay with this pervert representing you?!
While shuddering at the pathetic god’s cruelty, I heard the voices of Arthur’s group from the screen.
“Alright, we’ve rested enough. Let’s head out and announce our victory to Lucy Allen.”
“Hehe. I can finally achieve one of my dreams!”
“Dream? Joy, what on earth do you want from Lucy Allen?”
I’m curious too, Joy!
What exactly do you plan to ask me that would fulfill a dream of yours?
And why are you blushing and hesitating like that?!
You’re not turning into a lovesick fox or a perverted disciple, are you?
Please tell me that’s not it!
‘Shouldn’t Prince Arthur go first if you’re asking that question?’
‘Me? Nothing much, just that I plan to have Lucy Allen on her knees, begging for forgiveness.’
When Arthur finally listed out his demands, which he clearly kept pent up, the four of us stared at him, unimpressed.
This guy. Pretending to be all high and mighty, but secretly nursing every single grievance.
He’s utterly petty.
A prince with the heart of a miser.
‘What? After everything I’ve suffered at her hands, am I not entitled to this at least?’
‘Well, that’s true, but...’
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‘Yes, exactly, Prince Arthur. You’re entitled to an apology.’
‘...I respect that, Your Highness.’
‘Stop looking at me like that! Don’t look at me like I’m pathetic!’
It seemed he realized he was losing ground in the conversation, so Arthur pointed at Joy, raising his voice.
‘Joy! What’s your request? Considering how you’re looking at me, it must be something respectable!’
‘Huh? M-me?!’
‘Yes! I confessed mine first, so tell us yours! Quickly!’
‘Uh... I... I wanted to ask Lady Allen to spend the day with me in the capital...’
Under Arthur’s relentless questioning, Joy stumbled over her words, yet Arthur’s eyes still held suspicion.
‘That’s it? Just that? Tell the truth!’
‘It’s true! I just...’
‘Joy Partran!’
Cornered and too flustered to even cover her red cheeks, Joy dropped her head, practically whispering.
‘I... I wanted to ask Lady Allen if I could dress her up however I like and have her style me, too. It’s been a dream of mine...’
That’s all?
Seeing her unable to lift her head afterward makes me think she’s being sincere.
Ah. She’s cute.
That’s a request I’d grant even without the penalty...
Wait. Hold on.
Joy is picking out clothes for me?
Not with anyone’s help but by herself?
The sweet, girlish Joy styling me?
A horrendous scene flashed through my mind but evaporated as Arthur recovered his composure and continued.
‘That’s your dream?’
‘Yes... Most noble ladies avoid me because I make them uncomfortable. Knowing how tough it’d be for them, I’ve never dared to ask.’
‘R-right, I suppose.’
Arthur, who’d tried to find someone else as petty as himself, instead unearthed pure innocence and was left fumbling, unsure of what to say.
‘Well, uh... Frey! What do you want?!’
So he decided to change the subject awkwardly.
Strange. I thought Arthur was supposed to be a dashing type in the game, but he’s turned into a comic relief character. Is this my fault?
‘Me?’
‘Yes, you!’
‘Hmm. I want you to compliment me. Tell me I did well. Tell me I’m amazing and a genius. I’d feel really happy if you did that.’
As Frey admitted she’d be overjoyed to hear such words from me while I stroked her hair, I couldn’t help but hide my face in my hands.
So pure, Frey!
Since when did you become such a sweet child with such a content smile?!
It seems the sheer purity of Frey’s wish struck everyone in the dungeon as well.
Arthur, who had intended to interrogate her, stood frozen in place.
‘Everyone?’
In the silence, Faivy, who’d been observing, finally spoke up gently.
‘Let’s go. There must be people waiting for us outside.’
‘Oh. R-right. After all, this dungeon was a popular event. They must be eagerly waiting for the first clearers.’
Just as Faivy’s soothing voice began to wrap things up, Joy suddenly lifted her head.
Her face, which had been blushing moments before, was now filled with a fierce, almost villainous expression that even made Frey take a step back.
‘And where do you think you’re going, Faivy?’
‘Huh? N-no, I was just—’
‘Tell us what you’re planning to ask of Lady Allen.’
Joy’s slow approach turned Faivy’s face pale as she glanced around for help, but Arthur and Frey had already taken a few steps back.
‘Let’s not get involved, Frey.’
‘...Yeah, she seems scary.’
Left alone, Faivy tried to retreat, but her escape ended as her back hit the wall.
‘Strange. The Faivy I know wouldn’t try to escape alone like this.’
‘Joy? No, really, I was only suggesting that people might be waiting outside—’
‘Then why don’t you hurry up and tell us what you want?’
‘That’s...?!’
Clearly reluctant to speak, Faivy had no choice.
Joy, having just confessed her own wish, was too far gone to show restraint.
‘It’s, um, I...’
‘Go on, tell us.’
‘What I wanted to ask was... for Lady Allen to pray for me...’
Backed into a corner, Faivy finally admitted it, on the verge of tears, and Joy smiled contentedly.
‘See? It’s always better to just tell the truth.’
Joy, maybe take it easy on her.
She’s so genuinely terrified that it’s actually scary.