Akatsuki Translations

The Dungeon of Sin, Proudia was a sky fortress.

Normally, dungeons emerged from underground or were transformed ruins. But Proudia was different. Only Proudia was different.

As if to obstruct the Sun God’s blessing, the warm sunlight illuminating the earth, this dungeon floating in the sky was visible to all who lived in Proudia. When offering prayers to the Sun God, it inevitably entered the corner of one’s eye. However, most city dwellers tried not to look at it directly. They desperately averted their gaze.

Not because it was frightening or horrifying.

But because, if they were not careful, they might find their hearts drawn to its beauty.

The Dungeon of Sin, Proudia was far too beautiful. If one didn’t know better, no one would think it was a terrifying den of evil from which monsters overflowed. Mocking the human dwellings crammed onto limited land beneath the sky, a colossal palace reigned among the heavens. This was 【The Dungeon of Sin, Proudia】.

For some time after this dungeon appeared, there was almost no way to enter it.

The reason was clear: there was no means to reach it.

No matter how skilled the craftsmen were at building tall ladders, they couldn’t extend them to the clouds. Teleportation magic couldn’t reach it either. It didn’t help that teleportation magic itself was still immature at the time.

When the Dungeon of Sin, Proudia first appeared, there was no way to cull the monsters overflowing from its depths, resulting in a constant 【Flood】 of creatures pouring out. The City of Sin, Proudia became a terrifying battlefield, forced to fight against the hordes of monsters raining down from the sky.

Proudia created the powerful 【Solar Aegis】 out of necessity.

They were only able to somewhat contain that hellish state of war because the third 【Heavenly Demon】 devised a teleportation technique to Proudia called the 【Stairway to Heavenly Hell】.

This teleportation device, which made it possible to utilize the magic power at the destination rather than that of the individual, enabled free passage to and from the 【Sky Dungeon Proudia】.

And so, finally able to set foot in Proudia, adventurers for seven days, along with members of the knight order and priests, all cooperated to push the monsters back into the depths.

Like other dungeon cities, stability and balance were thus achieved.

However, Proudia was not content with being sealed. Tenaciously, it devised a new means of attack.

That was the Dungeon of Sin, Proudia’s active period: The 【Sun-Devouring Ceremony】.

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The time was deep into the night, when the sun had long since set on the Dungeon of Sin, Proudia.

At the entrance to the dungeon, there was a solitary figure.

“Hurry! We have no time left!!” shouted 【Heavenly Fist】 Gronzon Seira Dylan fiercely. Responding to him were his subordinates, the 【Divine Warrior Monks】, a unit directly under the 【Heavenly Fist】 within the Sun Knights. They were running through the midst of the monster-infested dungeon.

Each of them was a first-class priest, as well as an elite warrior combining the blessings of spirits with skillful martial arts.

One of them, the leader of the warrior monks, bowed his head before Gronzon.

“Gronzon-sama. We have completed the monster extermination and adventurer guidance,” he reported.

“Any injuries?” Gronzon inquired.

“A few. Nothing that will have lasting effects.”

“You incompetent fools! Make sure everyone is properly healed! I will not allow the Wise Heavenly King’s ceremony to be tainted with blood!!”

“Understood.”

“Good! Now focus on guarding Babel!”

With those words, the warrior monks returned via teleportation magic. Left alone, Gronzon surveyed the inside of Proudia. With his subordinates gone, there was no presence in Proudia other than Gronzon himself.

It was natural for the number of adventurers to decrease at this hour, but even so, one would usually encounter a few groups of adventurers. Proudia’s title of the largest city on the continent was not for show, and its adventurer population was also the largest on the continent.

However, on this day alone, there was truly no human presence to speak of. This was true not only here but also in the middle and deep layers.

Everyone in Proudia had been evacuated.

“Now then…” Gronzon surveyed the dungeon once more.

Proudia’s interior was, like its exterior, undeniably beautiful. Yet, there was something distorted about it. It was as if all the aspects that humans find beautiful had been gathered and forcibly connected. As a result, while the brain perceived it as beautiful, it also rejected it.

This place felt wrong.

“Mere appearances, a grotesque palace of evil imitating beauty…” Gronzon muttered.

Since Gronzon had taken the seat of 【Heavenly Fist】, he had overcome the 【Sun-Devouring Ceremony】 countless times. He fully understood the threat of this dungeon. He had witnessed with his own eyes how the previous 【Heavenly Fist】 had been devoured by Proudia. Because of this, the way this dungeon tried to beautify itself made him feel unbearably sick.

There were various forms of dungeons in this world, but he was convinced that this one was the most abominable.

However, he had to set aside his personal feelings for now. First, he must fulfill his mission.

He clapped his fists together, driving away the aversion unnecessary for battle.

Suddenly, a presence appeared beside him. Gronzon reflexively took a fighting stance.

“【Heavenly Fist】,” a voice called.

“Ah, Giestar,” Gronzon recognized.

The one who appeared was 【Heavenly Garb】 Giestar Seira Kranfran. The man, wrapped in a pitch-black hood and exuding an uncertain presence, whispered to him in an androgynous voice.

“Our work here is done. We can proceed to the deep layers without major obstacles. For now, at least.”

“Has ‘Proudia’ noticed us?” Gronzon asked.

“Certainly not. Though, once the 【Sun-Devouring】 begins, the situation will likely change dramatically.”

“Hmm, as expected of you.”

In response to Gronzon’s straightforward praise, Giestar nodded quietly, then moved to a corner of the entrance hall and fell silent. Instantly, his presence faded, and though he should have been there, it became impossible to focus on him.

Gronzon didn’t know much about his true identity or circumstances. Probably no one except the King knew the details. Given the blessing of the 【Heavenly Garb】 by the 【Wise Heavenly King】, he possessed the power to transform into any form. Because of this, he was capable of both reconnaissance and assassination, quietly and surely disposing of those who would harm the Wise Heavenly King.

Perhaps to fulfill duties that could be called covert operations, successive 【Heavenly Garbs】 concealed their true identities. In peacetime, if their identities were known, they risked retaliation. It was unclear if Giestar was even his real name. His surname was likely arbitrarily assigned.

Therefore, for his safety, Gronzon didn’t know his true identity and didn’t try to find out. He wouldn’t ask either.

“Well, they’re here,” Gronzon thought as the entrance’s teleportation formation began to glow.

He turned at the presence of his colleagues.

“…Still as unpleasant a place as ever. Proudia with its thick makeup,” remarked a blue beastperson girl, the world’s strongest swordswoman and the Wise Heavenly King’s confidant, 【Heavenly Sword】 Yuri Seira Bluesky.

“Kahaha! I like it! It’s endearing, like a woman desperately trying to hide her wrinkles!” laughed an elegant, tall elf, the world’s most knowledgeable magic user and a driving force of the world, 【Heavenly Demon】 Greylei Grein.

“Coming from you, an elf, that remark is too mean-spirited. You should stop,” suggested a half-human, half-elf, the successor to the strongest Hero in history and wielder of 【Magic Severance】, the【Hero】 Diz Gran Fenex.

“Hmm! Everyone’s in good health!” Gronzon exclaimed.

“You’re too loud, Gronzon! This is why those who only know violence are no good!” Greylei retorted.

“You’re quite noisy yourself, magic maniac,” Yuri countered.

“This group has the worst compatibility in generations. Though our combat ability is high,” Diz observed.

“…………” Giestar remained silent.

【Heavenly Garb】, 【Heavenly Fist】, and the others – a total of five. The world’s most powerful party had assembled.

Among them, the 【Hero】, equipped with dazzling armor and two swords of platinum and crimson-gold, quietly declared:

“Well then, shall we go?”

A battle for the world’s survival was about to begin.

“Please don’t take charge, 【Hero】. You’re the weakest one here,” Yuri interjected.

“Then, will you do it, Yuri?” Diz asked.

“I absolutely refuse to give orders to that magic maniac,” she replied.

“I don’t want to be ordered around by a blind fool like you either, kahaha!” Greylei laughed.

“…………” Giestar remained silent.

“Alright, by process of elimination. Gronzon, please,” Diz concluded.

“I’m worried!!!” Gronzon exclaimed.

The sound of fists cracking echoed through the dungeon.

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At the same time, in the City of Sin, Proudia’s 【True Babel】 Sky Garden

Looking at【True Babel】, the high tower at the center of Proudia, from the outside, one would find no unnecessary decorations or spaces protruding outward. Even the residents of Proudia wouldn’t imagine that such a “garden” could exist on Babel, which resembled a pillar piercing the heavens.

However, a garden did indeed exist in 【Babel】.

But it was not a place to admire flowers, fountains, or masterful works of art.

“I ADDRESS THE WARRIORS GATHERED HERE!!!!” a sharp voice rang out.

The Sky Garden of 【True Babel】 was a semi-transparent magical platform created on the tower’s exterior. A spiral slope led to the top, with platforms set at various points, and a massive hall on the roof large enough for over 100 people to move freely.

In this place called a garden, the voice belonged to a female swordsman with black and gold hair. She was 【Lightning Empress】 Ikaza Gran Sparkray, one of the most famous adventurers not just in Proudia, but in the world.

She looked down from her high vantage point. In her view were countless warriors.

Compared to the total personnel of Proudia’s knight order, the Sun Knights, and the adventurers, the number wasn’t large at all. But everyone here was a carefully selected warrior.

“THOSE STANDING HERE ARE THOSE PERMITTED BY THE WISE HEAVENLY KING TO FIGHT AGAINST THE WORLD’S MALIGNANCY. THERE ISN’T A SINGLE HALF-HEARTED PERSON AMONG YOU!! EACH OF YOU MUST HAVE THAT PRIDE!! ESPECIALLY THOSE HERE FOR THE FIRST TIME, YOUR PRIDE MUST BE STRONG!!”

But then, she said, as if cutting through the air:

“BE WARNED!! FROM TODAY ONWARD, THAT PRIDE WILL BE SHATTERED TO PIECES!!!”

No one in this place took those threatening words lightly. Not a single person could fail to properly receive the strong warning from the woman at the pinnacle of adventurers.

“YOU WILL SEE HELL!! SOME OF YOU MAY NOT EVEN BE ABLE TO COMPLETE THE TASK BEFORE YOU!!! YOU MIGHT END UP REGRETTING STANDING HERE!!”

As if describing an unavoidable natural disaster, she foretold the trials to come. Even glorious gold-ranked adventurers couldn’t avoid it, she said.

It seemed like a declaration of despair. But in the 【Lightning Empress’s】 eyes, there was no fear or pessimism. There was only a fiery heat and a spirit that invigorated just by looking at it.

“BUT YOU ALL HAVE THE RESOLVE TO RESIST HELL! THE STRENGTH TO OVERCOME DEFEAT! THE COURAGE TO FACE DESPAIR!! THAT IS WHY THE WISE HEAVENLY KING HAS APPOINTED US AS THE 【GUARDIANS OF BABEL】!!!”

At the mention of the Wise Heavenly King, many in the place straightened their backs. They were reminded of the reason they stood here, at the core of the world and the dwelling place of the Wise Heavenly King. The fact that they were entrusted with its protection stirred them.

“SHOW THE KING AND THE ONE TRUE GOD!! THAT WE ARE WARRIORS WHO WILL NOT CEASE OUR RESISTANCE EVEN IN THE FACE OF DRAGONS!!!”

In response to Ikaza’s roar, the warriors present responded, and a whirlpool of angry shouts dominated the scene. In the face of the “war” with Proudia that was about to begin, morale was reaching its peak.

“…She’s impressively dignified. Ikaza-san. Even in front of the Sun Knights,” Ur remarked.

“Well, she’s a gold-rank and has been given an official position,” Shizuku replied.

Ur and Shizuku, who were also listening to the speech in the Sky Garden, watched with impressed expressions. Ur remained calm despite the excitement of the scene. But he wasn’t viewing Ikaza’s speech with cold eyes.

He simply had too much anxiety running through his head to get excited.

“I feel so out of place,” Ur muttered.

Around them was a mixed force composed mainly of the three organizations that made up the city: the Sun Knights, the Knight Order, and the Adventurers’ Guild. Each person lined up was a seasoned fighter, all outranking Ur. He couldn’t match their experience nor their training.

It was a bit awkward to blend in with such a crowd with a nonchalant face. Especially since being included here was already an exception.

『HAHAHA! What’s the matter? You should be getting used to being in out-of-place battlefields and doing reckless things by now, right?』 Rock chimed in.

“I don’t want to get used to that kind of thing,” Ur retorted to Rock.

The three present were Ur, Shizuku, and Rock.

The three of them were huddled in a corner of the adventurers’ guild group among the gathered mixed force. Of course, they were all fully equipped, but Rock’s attire was a bit new.

“That sword?” Ur inquired.

Rock was gripping a black greatsword. It looked like an ominous cursed sword. If he were to equip it in his skeletal form without his ornamental armor, he’d surely become the embodiment of malevolence.

『I… got it from Diz’s old man,』 Rock replied.

“What happened in these three days?” Ur asked.

『My master got something similar, didn’t she?』

Looking over, Shizuku was indeed wielding a curved sword—【Heaven’s Weeping Edge】—given to her by Zain. It matched well with the combat attire for magic users she was wearing, which prioritized mobility. She smiled and answered.

“I received it from Ur-sama’s foster parent.”

『Looks like you both had quite the experience. Ur hasn’t changed at all though, HAHAHA!』

“I learned how to brew a special tea, so I’ll treat you to it when this is over, Rock,” Ur offered.

『Isn’t that the one that made your sister writhe in agony?! You can’t fool me!!』

It was a foolish conversation, but it helped to relieve some tension. Ur mentally thanked Rock.

“Though our time was short until today, I suppose we’ve powered up as much as possible?” Shizuku mused.

“Seems Echelle had some business with Eckstein too…” Ur mentioned.

『Where did that monk go?』

“He said it would be awkward to have knights from another country here, let alone the already diverse adventurers on ‘that side’.”

『Makes sense. So, it’ll be the three of us moving together then?』

Ur, Shizuku, and Rock were the members who had gathered on site as 【The Walkers】. Having been surrounded by quite a large number of members recently, it felt a bit uneasy to move with such a small group.

“But it feels nostalgic… nostalgic? Oh my? I don’t have many memories of this group, do I?” Shizuku realized.

“After Rock joined, you quickly entered the magic academy. And when we all reunited, Lynne was with us. I barely remember it either,” Ur explained.

『HAHAHA! Well, we’ll manage somehow!!』

“I hope so…” Ur muttered.

Ur glared at the dungeon Proudia towering in the sky.

The Sky Dungeon Proudia still floated far above. It continued to exist as if dominating the firmament—or rather, it was supposed to.

“IT’S MOVING!! EVERYONE, GET READY!!” Ikaza’s voice rang out.

As the warriors readied their weapons, the Proudia in the sky slowly began to “move”. Perhaps due to its immense mass, its movement appeared slow, but in reality, it was descending at a terrifying speed, straight towards them!!

“PROUDIA IS FALLING!!!”