When I first entered the forest, I sensed the eerie energy that lingered throughout it and felt a surge of anticipation.
I know the situation is extremely serious. I also understand that whether I succeed or fail will determine whether I can save someone or not.
But you know, it’s not wrong to have expectations for new content!
Do you know how exciting it is to find something new in the same old repetitive cycle?!
While I was tackling the new content of the Academy Dungeon, I realized why I had become so jaded.
The thrill that comes from challenging something almost impossible and succeeding—that was the reason I kept holding on to the Soul Academy, even though it had turned into a garbage game in the end!
As I surpassed what the professors had prepared, I felt joy. I hoped they would once again bring me something fresh.
For all the trouble I caused while dealing with the Evil God’s forces, I thought there’s no way they wouldn’t have prepared something.
Even if it wasn’t something as bizarre as a mode-level entity, I expected something special.
But my expectations were betrayed. The scenery I saw as I wandered through the center of the forest was no different from the typical dungeons they create.
<...Isn’t it good if the opponent’s scheme is sloppy?>
The old man, seeing my disappointment, made a face like it was absurd, but I simply couldn’t agree with him.
Logically, I knew he was right, but emotionally, I just couldn’t accept it.
When I thought about it, the Academy was the problem!
They had made quite decent new dungeons, so I got my hopes up again thinking it would be the same!
If it hadn’t been for the professors at the Academy, I wouldn’t have been betrayed by my own expectations!
Damn it! Just wait and see! Professors! I’m going to show you how the dungeon you put your heart into gets violated!
<By the way, Lucy, is it possible that those who occupy this forest have put everything they have into the dungeon? Wouldn’t the dungeon be a better place to unleash their power than the forest?>
‘That could be possible.’
<Right. So now is not the time to relax...>
‘But it’s still a dungeon. A dungeon made by idiots who based it on a bear.’
If I had entered this forest earlier, I might have kept my hopes up.
But after seeing the structure of the forest, all my expectations were completely dashed.
Even the sections they put effort into creating still couldn’t escape the nature of the Void, so what could be different inside the dungeon?
Even if they poured their heart into it, compared to the wickedness of the mode, it would be nothing, so how could I have any expectations!
Even I, who am like rotten water, can remember how much the mode dungeon made me cough up blood—makes me realize how amazing the creator of that was.
Damn, you lousy deity! Enough with the other rewards, just make me a decent dungeon and throw it my way!
If you’re the creator of that damn mode, you should be able to give me a few dungeons!
“So, who is going in?”
I had been grumbling in front of the dungeon entrance when Myrrh’s question snapped me back to reality.
“It looks like only one person can enter this dungeon.”
When we first met, Myrrh had doubts about my leadership, but now, he was waiting for me to make a decision.
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His attitude had changed completely during our short time in the forest, and it made me feel a bit uneasy.
In a good way, I could say Myrrh had acknowledged me, but considering how many weirdos have surrounded me until now, I couldn’t help but wonder if Myrrh was just another one of them.
“Why’s that?”
I shook my head in response to Myrrh’s question and looked over the group to decide who would go.
Based on what I had seen in the forest, it seemed unlikely that we would struggle in terms of strength. However, we never knew what might be lurking inside.
“Perverted Apostle.”
This guy, with considerable power and the ability to counter black magic, would be a good choice to take along.
...It’s annoying to think I’ll have to move with this disgusting guy, but it’s the most rational decision.
“I’ll give you a chance to die for me. Aren’t you happy?”
“Yes! Of course! I’ll do my best!”
He immediately leapt forward as soon as his name was mentioned, spinning his head around with a confident laugh.
There, I saw Cal and the foolish fox, who had been left behind.
Perverted Apostle. Could it be that this guy is feeling superior just because he was chosen before those two? Can an apostle act like that?!
“...Is this all because I’m weak?”
“...If only the real one had come to this place...”
“Hey, idiots. Don’t think you’re just being left alone to rest, alright? You’re supposed to roll around outside like a dog. Act like one.”
I told the two of them, still feeling down, that keeping watch outside was important, but their gloom didn’t disappear.
Even though Vishi and Myrrh were looking at them with disdain, they still kept sulking.
Seeing them, I slapped my forehead and thought I might as well tell them something that would excite them. I promised that if they worked hard, I’d make sure to have the Perverted Apostle make accessories just for them.
“I’ll do my best!”
“We will meet your expectations, young lady!”
As soon as I said that, they both immediately lifted their heads, and I couldn’t help but think that they were really pathetic.
Not that I cursed them. I was just thinking they looked like dogs wagging their tails when I told them to go for a walk.
Anyway, after I managed to cheer them up, I took a mace and shield, standing before the dungeon entrance.
“Lady? Why are you preparing?”
“What? Perverted Apostle, don’t you want to go in with me? You were all excited before, and now you’re saying I’m in the way?”
“No, it’s not that. It’s just that a dungeon like this usually only allows one person to enter.”
“That’s just your story, you useless guys. I’m the exception.”
“...Huh?”
I hesitated at Perverted Apostle’s question, unsure of how to explain. Then I realized it would be pointless to explain with words, so I kicked the Perverted Apostle into the dungeon instead.
After telling the others I’d be back soon, I followed him in.
“...How.”
Perverted Apostle, already inside, looked at me with a bewildered expression.
“Am I seeing an illusion?”
“Can’t you even distinguish an illusion from reality? ♡ For someone with such bad perception to be an apostle ♡ No wonder a crow would serve someone like you ♡”
“This rising emotion... it really is you, young lady. I’m amazed. How is this even possible?”
I shrugged off the Perverted Apostle’s admiration and took in the dungeon’s scenery.
The place we had arrived at was similar to the forest we had seen earlier.
The only difference was that it was a dark place with no light. And there was a chilling mist spreading throughout the entire forest.
Feeling the Evil God’s energy in the mist, I spread my divine power around me, using my shield as a base.
The mist cleared up, revealing the path ahead.
“You’ve grown since the last time I saw you.”
“Of course. I’m a genius.”
The scenery inside the dungeon was exactly the same as what I knew.
The mist with the Evil God’s power was the same too.
This mist, which disturbs perception, was definitely one of the Void Dungeon’s characteristics.
Hmm. So this place isn’t much different from what I’ve seen endlessly beyond the monitor.
Then, what’s hiding at the end of this place will be no different either.
Saving the bear will be easy.
“Perverted Apostle.”
“Yes, what can I do?”
“I don’t want to stay in this disgusting place for long. If you fall behind, I’ll crush you into the ground.”
“Hm. If you say that, I may want to fall behind.”
“...”
“Haha, just kidding. I’ll do my best.”
I tore my gaze away from the Perverted Apostle’s smile and prepared to move forward.
I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, spread my divine power throughout my body, relaxed my muscles, and mentally mapped out my route.
Then, I looked ahead again.
“Follow me.”
The moment I took a step, the scenery around us changed.
The overwhelming speed created by my body, which had reached the realm of the superhuman.
Roots of trees rose up to block me, but they couldn’t hold me back.
I knew exactly what was going to happen, so why would I worry?
“The young lady’s tactics truly are on the level of prophecy.”
The Perverted Apostle, following behind me, couldn’t help but utter a gasp of admiration.
As a member of the Apostle Order and a powerful being who had roamed the world for so long, he clearly saw my speed as something worth acknowledging.
I expected it, but there was still a long way to go.
Seeing the relaxed Perverted Apostle, I smirked and increased my speed.
I broke through the plants trying to block us and dodged attacks from animals leaping up from the surroundings.
I kept going, and eventually reached the center of the forest once again, ready to face the bear.
The bear, the owner of the forest, is certainly strong.
It’s so threatening that a single punch can tear a person apart.
But if you ask me if it’s on the level of a true powerhouse, I would say no.
An attack that can’t be stopped would be something like Lasha’s strike from the arena.
Unless it’s that kind of out-of-norm strength, I’m confident I can stop anything now.
I might not have the strength to block someone, but I can definitely be the shield that blocks everything.
Once I draw the aggro, the Perverted Apostle will take care of the rest.
<...Hmm?>
As I was moving toward the battle with the bear, the old man’s voice, filled with curiosity, rang out.
‘What is it?’
<I sense the divine power of the deity coming from inside.>
‘...What?’
What’s going on?
Why do I feel the divine power of the deity inside the dungeon?
This is the Evil God’s dungeon, so there shouldn’t be any rest zones.
<This is definitely... right. It’s similar to your friend’s energy.>
‘Faivy? Why is Faivy here? She’s supposed to be tackling a different dungeon right now.’
<I know. But the energy I feel here is definitely hers.>
The old man’s perception can’t be wrong.
His senses, as one of the heroes, are so precise that no one can match them.
He couldn’t have been disturbed by the Void’s energy.
Then, why am I sensing Faivy’s energy from so far away?
‘...Please tell me the direction.’
<Got it. Head northwest from where you are...>