Volume 17 Chapter 16 The Heart Of The Stars：Second Layer
"Is this the Second Layer of 'The Heart of the Stars'?"
We passed through the door and entered a new level.
It doesn't look much different from the First Layer.
The color of the outer walls seems a bit different, but it's basically a red theme.
"Wait, before we move on, let's summon another 'shield' first."
Goldred said.
"Since they wiped out the Dark Demon King."
Yeah, he really took him out without mercy.
"Are you doing that 3rd spell thing again? You said it uses a ton of points, so you didn't want to do it too much, right?"
"Yeah. But if I hold back on point usage and end up getting taken down myself, that defeats the purpose."
Fair point.
"Spending 33,333 points, activating [Change] for 'Relic Holder', 3rd spell──[Change][Type: Creature][Category: Legendary]."
Goldred pulled out a sculpture from his pocket and held it up.
Just like when he summoned the Phoenix Blaze King and Dark Demon King.
The overflowing light was sucked into the sculpture──
"Come forth, beast of the stars with the title of 'King'!"
A new monster appeared.
It was about 100 meters long... the same size as the Phoenix Blaze King.
Its whole body was covered in blue armor, with 3 horns sprouting from its forehead── a 4-legged beast.
"[Golden Beast King (Zarafa Oug)]. A magic beast that the legendary hero Radvain defeated with the legendary sword 'Faiza the Skyrend Sword'."
Goldred explained.
"This guy has power equal to the Light Dragon King and Phoenix Blaze King. He'll do just fine as a shield."
"Hero Radvain..."
I remember that my Refaid of The Light Dragon Emperor Sword was also a sword used by heroes long ago.
"Radvain is from the same bloodline as Revain and Elvain. He should currently be connected to the Geera family of the Uralis Kingdom... If I remember correctly, your friend is a descendant of that line."
"Yeah. He's the current heir of the Faiza Sword."
"...Hmph. If that cursed Geera bloodline is here, I would tear them apart."
The Golden Beast King growled.
──Looks like we've got a dangerous ally(?).
* * *
After that, I was moving forward with Goldred.
The Phoenix Blaze King and the Golden Beast King were leading the way, acting as our shield.
"I heard the 'Voice of the Stars'."
I said to Goldred as we walked.
"The stars seem to be asking for help. From me... or maybe from all the holders of the 'Relic (Heaven's Legacy)'."
"What are they trying to say?"
Goldred looked at me.
"Don't you want to save the stars? Like, if this planet breaks apart, we who live here might end up dead too. So──saving the stars should be our top priority."
"Saving the stars? My top priority is 'fulfilling my own wishes'."
Goldred's response was cold.
"Your talk is just a series of assumptions. Sure, the stars might be in some danger. But is it enough to cause the planet to collapse? Or is it something less severe? We need to figure that out."
"Well... that might be true."
"If what you say is right and the stars are on the brink of collapse, then we definitely need to prioritize saving them."
"Then──if we manage to reach the Final Layer together, and at that time the stars are on the verge of collapse..."
I stared at Goldred.
"Will you fight alongside me? To save the stars?"
"...I'll think about it."
Goldred is a mysterious guy.
Plus, he's a man who took terrible revenge on those who once oppressed him.
Before, I had a temporary 'alliance' with holders like Jig, Lisa, and Flora, but can I really do the same with Goldred?
It might be difficult.
It might be impossible.
But still, I──
If I can, I don't want to fight.
After this, when I reach the Final Layer and get information about the crisis of the stars──if I can, I want to cooperate.
I know it's a naive thought.
"What's wrong? Lost in thought?"
Goldred looked at me.
"But, it's almost time to fight."
"Eh?"
"That's right, Phoenix Blaze King, the Golden Beast King."
Kyuuiiin.
Howlllll.
Two creatures ahead cried out and howled.
And from further beyond, an overwhelming pressure surged toward us.
I see, so this is the appearance of the 'guardian' of this layer.
A new [Arch Legion] has appeared──
"To think the soldiers were wiped out... I guess the stars really do summon powerful beings."
A girl in blue knight armor appeared.
"Who are you...?"
"I'm the [Blue Commander] belonging to the [Arch Legion]. My individual name is Farnekē. That's my introduction done."
She said it bluntly.
"This one is the same as those from earlier──."
I drew my sword and got ready.
No, those earlier ones were said to be 'unnamed.'
In contrast, this one has a name... which means she might be 'stronger' than those earlier ones.
"Hmph."
Goldred smirked beside me.
"[Blue Commander]──a higher class within the [Arch Legion]. To see one appear this early in the Second Layer..."
"We deal with intruders early on. We won't let you reach the Final Layer."
Farnekē said.
"We came to save the stars. We don't want to fight."
I told her.
"Is there really no way to let us through?"
The earlier [War Horse Knights] had a no-nonsense vibe and attacked in a group, so I couldn't bring it to 'persuasion.'
But now, it's just one opponent, so maybe we can resolve this through discussion.
"It's useless."
As if seeing through my thoughts, Goldred said.
"They will never yield the path."
And then,
"Crush."
Farnekē thrust her right hand toward us.
Crash!
One of the protective items I was wearing shattered into pieces.
This feeling is──!?
Can this girl also use [Destruction] like the [Green Cavalry]?
"If it's the [Arch Legion] we're up against, my defense can't be invincible, huh──."
The tension rises.
"You're not getting scared, are you, Rain?"
Goldred asks.
"──A little. I'm not a warrior. I'm just an enchantment magician behind the scenes."
I smirk.
"It's okay to be scared. It's better to admit your fear than to put on a brave face."
Goldred looks at me.
"You're pretty trustworthy as a partner."
"Partner──."
Of course, that's a relationship based on calculation.
It's not like we truly trust each other from the bottom of our hearts and become comrades.
Still... to be honest, I felt a little happy about it.
Is that a foolish thought...?
"Now, let's see if you have the strength to save the stars, if you're qualified── I'll be the judge of that."
Farnekē announces.
"Then, let me show you. Our power."
I winked at Goldred next to me.
"Our teamwork──."
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