Chapter 16

Academy Dungeon 5th Floor (Tōma Yumeno)

The 5th floor we descended to was filled with even more intense magical energy than the 4th floor…

“What… what’s going on? Why is there so much magic?”

The teacher was also in a panic.

When we think about the time it took to defeat Baalor after he attacked the committee members and Sayamura, the magical energy should have been thinner by now.

Yet, the magic here is denser than on the 4th floor where Baalor was…

“Everyone, evacuate! Before we’re found!”

This is bad. Clearly, a stronger monster is here.

“Run!”

“Don’t push!”

“Hurry! …It hurts.”

“What? I can’t move forward!”

Everyone tried to turn back, but something blocked their way on the stairs, stopping them from advancing.

That’s probably a magical barrier.

It wasn’t here just a moment ago.

It’s clearly meant to prevent us from leaving.

Can something like this happen?

There must be a very high-level monster here.

This is bad…

Why though?

Could it be that the boss who popped up in this dungeon isn’t Baalor?

Could a monster above A-rank have appeared and summoned Baalor?

This is bad…

No matter how I look at it, I’ll need to have Amagi-san give her all, and I’ll need to do everything I can. Otherwise, this won’t even become a fight.

I don’t have time to worry about my classmates…

‘…Abyss Fall…’

“Unique Skill: ‘Absolute Defense’”

My guess was right.

The spell, spoken in a hoarse voice that doesn’t seem of this world, creates a scene like the abyss, a dark attribute magic.

“The Nightmare King, Nightmare Lord…”

It really is a dangerous one. This one’s S-rank.

But did that spell protect the students?

‘Ho… Defense…’

“You will not lay a hand on my students easily!”

Sensei… you’re amazing.

A barrier spread out to completely cover the stairs leading down from the 4th floor.

As expected, it’s probably Sensei’s unique skill.

‘How long can I endure this… Abyss Fall!’

“Ghh…”

A tremendous spell. Even though it’s probably a spell that can be cast repeatedly by the opponent, it’s a terrifying force.

The magical energy spread around is also massive.

“Ugh…”

My classmates are struggling. They’re enduring thanks to Sensei’s magic, but the dense magical energy itself is causing damage.

“Yumeno-ma, can you go?”

“Yeah.”

Only Amagi-san and I are still standing. We’re the only ones who can do something about this.

“That’s really strong, right?”

“Yeah. The Nightmare King, Nightmare Lord… an S-rank.”

“Huh??”

Uh-oh, did I mess up?

I answered because Amagi-san asked, but hearing it out loud might make everyone despair over the situation.

As expected, the expressions of my classmates and Sensei have turned to fear.

Yeah, I messed up. Sorry.

The only comfort is that Amagi-san hasn’t been intimidated.

As I thought, we have to handle this ourselves.

Yeah, it’ll be fine. I can do this. I just need to trust myself.

I’ll do what I can.

Looking at Amagi-san, I think she’s definitely above A-rank.

If we support each other well, we can fight.

The only real dilemma is whether or not to use… my second unique skill.

This is what made the demoness chase me. For me, it’s a skill where the pain outweighs any joy or fun.

It’s strange. Normally, a skill that allows you to act affectionately with a reason should be a privilege, right?

I guess I didn’t explain it yet.

My second unique skill is “True Love”!

It’s embarrassing, so I won’t say it again.

This skill activates affection-based actions and grants buffs to both the person and me.

Actually, I used it when I healed Sayamura on the 4th floor…

Well, there’s no side effect where people become infatuated with me, so I hope you forgive me.

I’m just ordinary. I’m just ordinary. I’m just ordinary.

I’ll do what’s necessary to survive and win the battle.

I’m sure Amagi-san will understand.

“Amagi-san, I’m going to use my second unique skill. I should be able to fight with it.”

“Really? Are you sure? Wasn’t that the skill that caused you to leave the S-rank team?”

“Yeah, that’s right. I got harassed because of this. But it will definitely strengthen us. That’s why I want to use it.”

“Understood. I’ll be happy if you fight with me, since it’s tough for me alone.”

Even in this situation, Amagi-san is so kind to be thinking about me.

“Yeah. It might be a bit embarrassing, but can you accept it? I might get scolded if I mess up.”

“Eh? Embarrassing? Well… if you can fight… hmm, what are you going to do?”

Suddenly, Amagi-san seemed confused.

I guess it’s understandable. It is embarrassing, but I have to explain it properly.

“I’ll explain it simply. My skill is ‘True Love,’ and if I perform an affectionate action, it gives buffs to both me and the person.”

“A-affectionate action?”

“…Sorry, you probably don’t want to do that with someone like me…”

“No!? If you’re willing to, and if you’re not uncomfortable with it… then…”

I’m definitely not uncomfortable.

She said yes, so it’s embarrassing, but I’ll just go ahead and do it. It’s even more embarrassing with classmates watching, but there’s no helping it, right?

I moved closer to Amagi-san and…

“Mmm?”

I embraced her and kissed her.

“Mmm? ♡”