Academy Dungeon: 5th Layer Boss Room (Tōma Yumenoma)
Finally, I’ve made it this far—or rather, gotten here almost too easily.
There weren’t any formidable monsters on the way, nor did we run into Yabuki and the others who had gone ahead.
But what awaited us was a powerful dragon radiating overwhelming magical energy—and Yabuki and his party collapsed around it.
“Yabuki-kun!”
“This is… terrible…”
“Principal Minazuki, President Shiraishi, prepare yourselves.”
“No way…”
I activate an analysis spell.
Monster Data
Name: Megiddo Flare Dragon
Species: Dragon
Strength: Unknown (Approx. SS Rank)
Traits: Ecology unclear. Some speculate it hatches from inorganic, box-shaped eggs. The origin of these eggs is a mystery. It’s said that upon hatching, it emerges fully grown and immediately becomes hostile, but the truth is uncertain.
“Megiddo Flare Dragon?”
[Are you serious…?]
[Box-shaped eggs… That’s it. Someone said Yabuki poured magic into one, and then this thing appeared.]
[Why would they do that? Did they mistake it for something else?]
The exact details are unclear, but this seems to be the case.
At this level, even using teleportation to evade its attacks might be futile. But we have no choice.
Surrounding us are the fallen members of Yabuki’s party, scattered like debris.
“Tōma -kun, I’m going in! Please take care of the others.”
“Understood.”
“I’ll take command here. Shiraishi, set up a defensive barrier. Sayamura, you’re on healing duty. Amagi, provide cover. Yumenoma, focus on rescuing the injured, then assist with distractions. Give me… five minutes—no, three!”
““““Got it!””””
“I’ll land the finishing blow. Tōma , Amagi—I’m counting on you both to endure it.”
“Understood. Let’s go.”
We spring into action.
The atmosphere prickles with tension, likely due to the dragon’s magical aura. But I’m used to this kind of pressure by now.
Thanks to my “Iron Will” trait, fear doesn’t even register.
Leading the charge is Sakura-san.
No time for hesitation or second thoughts—I just follow her lead, providing full support magic to everyone.
[Wait, are you seriously fighting that thing?!]
[This is way beyond the level of that Rock Dragon from earlier!]
[Principal, stop this! This is reckless!]
[But Principal Minazuki is an S-Rank, right? Even though she rarely takes action…]
[If she uses her full power, maybe there’s a chance? Still…]
[No, we don’t have a choice. We have to fight if we’re going to save the injured students. They’ve already made their decision. All we can do is cheer them on.]
[Right! Let’s go—give it your all!]
Timing my actions with Sakura-san’s assault, I launch a barrage of spells at the dragon to divert its attention.
While it’s distracted, I use teleportation to retrieve Yabuki and the others one by one, moving them to the protective barrier Shiraishi has set up.
One down. Two. Three… Just one more to go.
I conjure a water-based spell and hurl it at the dragon.
Notice me! The spell isn’t strong, but it’s heavy enough to draw attention!
The dragon generates a fireball and hurls it at my water sphere.
Now’s my chance!
I teleport to Yabuki’s side, lift him up, and prepare to retreat—
“Tōma -kun, dodge!”
“Huh?”
Sakura’s warning jolts me, but when I look up, another fireball is already hurtling toward me. A second attack?
I do the math in my head—it’s too late to evade.
Damn it…
I cast a levitation spell on Yabuki and send him flying toward Shiraishi’s barrier.
As for me, I layer magical barriers over myself.
I have to endure this.
Teleportation takes a moment to recharge before it can be used again. Normally, I’d use that time to cast minor healing spells, but there’s no time for that now.
The fireball closes in, radiating incredible heat. Time to rely on my “Iron Will” again.
“Tōma -kun!”
“Yumenoma-kun!”
In the slowed-down world around me, I hear Eriina and President Shiraishi calling out.
Oh, right—Sakura called me by my last name earlier. That’s a penalty, isn’t it?
With such ridiculous thoughts in my head, the fireball slams into me.
The world erupts into flames.
No—it’s me who’s engulfed by the flames.
Hot…
The fire clashes against my barriers, and I hastily summon water magic to counter it, but it’s not enough.
There’s some darkness magic mixed in here too…
I manage to withstand it, but I can’t completely nullify the force.
The impact sends me flying.
“Shining Burst!”
Sakura unleashes a powerful spell at the now-exposed dragon, preventing it from following up on its attack against me.
As expected of Sakura-san. That was close.
I’m left with severe burns all over my body, unable to stand, but I focus on recovery.
We bought enough time, right?
Principal Minazuki is probably preparing a magical assault. If the dragon dodges, it would be devastating—but if it’s still recovering from Sakura’s attack, she might hit it.
I stop healing for a moment.
Moving hurts like hell. My body isn’t fully recovered, and I’m pretty sure I have broken bones.
Still, this works to my advantage.
Before the dragon can recover from Sakura’s attack, I’ll strike. The magical recoil might knock me out, but I’ll pour everything into this attack.
“Doom Symphony!”
