The Villainess Who Was Dumped Got Married into My Family, a Mob Noble from the Frontier, and Turns Out, She's an Amazing Capable Wife? - Chapter 34: The Blazing Demon

Chapter 34: The Blazing Demon

What was the purpose behind its creation, a magic circle leading to the lowest level?

In Edward’s route, it’s triggered by evil Alicia’s scheme, and in others, due to the main character or other characters’ blunders.

There are other paths and choices, but let’s skip those details.

Walking a bit from the teleportation magic circle, you’ll reach an open area.

There, a majestic space resembling an ancient temple spreads out, and in front of a huge door at the back sits a giant made of mythril.

As if it’s guarding something or waiting for someone.

Defeating this mythril golem, the guardian of the gate, automatically opens the door behind it, revealing a pedestal inside with a pendant, considered one of the holy relics.

Initially, it’s seen just as a valuable-looking pendant, with characters sending it to the protagonist saying, “This will definitely look good on you, I’m giving it to you as a token of my gratitude.”

Its true value is revealed towards the end of the story.

When a disaster strikes and the capital is in danger, one of the holy relics shines, lending its power to the protagonist, thus saving the capital from crisis.

Depending on the character being pursued, there might be episodes to collect other holy relics, and the number of relics needed to clear the game changes, but only one pendant is needed in Edward’s route.

It’s quite obvious that Edward’s route is given special treatment.

Maybe it’s easier, and that’s why it’s considered special treatment?

It feels a bit off to call it that, but since Edward’s route includes a formidable villain and cool scenes and illustrations, it’s definitely treated better.

Regardless, I remember those who played it saying unanimously, 

“Prince is too easy to deal with.”

“Did I possibly do something bad?”

While walking aimlessly straight ahead from the teleportation, in a space lit by magical lights at the lowest level, Mariana tilted her head in wonder.

“Maybe… no, definitely something not good…”

Alicia sighed, holding her forehead at the careless situation.

Agreeing with this, I thought I’d train her on these aspects during the summer boot camp.

If Mariana’s lingering protagonist aura causes trouble for Alicia, I won’t hesitate to enforce rules.

Alicia is my priority, and our peaceful life is what matters most. 

Regardless of what Vorsea says, if Mariana disturbs our peace, she doesn’t belong in our journey.

“It seems like this is the only way, but should we keep going?”

“If that’s the only option, we have no choice.”

In dungeons, stepping into traps like this usually means a dead end.

Waiting for rescue is impossible, and since monsters dissipate into mist within dungeons, surviving by eating them isn’t an option either.

So, what should you do?

Just keep moving forward on the path in front of you, that’s all.

If you’re lucky, you might find a passage leading either to a higher or lower level, offering some hope.

“Typically, these teleportation traps lead to much lower levels or to a different room on the same floor, so it’s important to remember your location well.”

“I see.”

“But either way, if we get caught in a trap, we could die, so let’s be careful from now on. If this was a regular dungeon, Mariana, you could have killed us.”

“S-Sorry!”

“I wish I could say don’t scare her too much… but this is no joke.”

There aren’t many dungeons that have been fully explored.

They are still unknown and can be as merciless as nature itself, so we need to be careful.

But I still go to dungeons.

It gives me the kick of being in another world.

“Ragna, we’re okay, right? As you seem very calm.”

“It seems like a dungeon made by an ancient wise man, and I remember reading somewhere that if we defeat the last guardian, we can return to the surface.”

“You remember? Are you sure that’s okay?”

“I’ve sworn to protect you no matter what, so it’ll be fine.”

“That’s reassuring, so… t-thank you.”

“It sounds a bit cheesy, though.”

Ignoring Mariana’s sigh, we continued walking.

And finally, we reached the innermost part.

In a huge space surrounded by thick, round pillars resembling an ancient temple at the lowest level of the dungeon, I stood with the girls behind me, just looking straight ahead.

If my memory is correct, a mythril golem should be sitting in front of the door at the back.

That is, if what I know is correct.

“…But, who might you be?”

I muttered involuntarily.

The scene in front of me was entirely different from what I remembered.

Something humanoid, engulfed in flames, stood in front of what seemed to be a mythril golem melted into a puddle.

“…?”

When my voice caught its attention, the humanoid turned around with a sly smile.

“!!!”

At that moment, I felt an intense murderous intent.

Following my instinct, I deployed a barrier, and the humanoid swung its arm, unleashing fierce flames towards us.

Gowaa!

With a roaring sound, the barrier managed to block it, but the magical power within the flames was too vast.

The flames that veered off continued to burn on the floor, clinging to it.

“Awawawawa… Is that thing in front of us the guardian!?”

Whether it’s a guardian or something else.

Even though mithril golems are known to be highly magic-affine and tough, the being in front of us, capable of melting such a golem, is definitely dangerous.

“…Both of you, just stay back for now.”

Dealing with fire attributes is particularly troublesome.

Magical flames use magic power as fuel, so they don’t run out of oxygen, but inhaling the heated air can burn the lungs if one doesn’t have resistance.

“Be careful of the fire attribute… wait, Alicia, are you okay?”

“Fire… noo… stop…”

In front of the blazing flames, Alicia had collapsed, touching the scar from a burn on her face, almost in a state of confusion.

I see, it’s fire.

It must have triggered her trauma.

Even though she’s been acting tough, the fear of defeat must still be deeply ingrained in her.

“Mariana, can you use any defensive water magic?”

“I can use Aqua Veil…”

“I want you to deploy it with all your might and stay by Alicia’s side.”

“Yes, I will!”

I’m counting on you, sage’s progeny.

As long as the two of them aren’t caught in the crossfire, we’ll manage somehow.

“What will you do, Sir Ragna?”

Mariana asked, looking worried. I turned around and answered with a smile.

“I’m going to take that guy down.”