When we ascended to the fifth floor, a space shrouded in impenetrable mist stretched out before us.

The fog was so thick that we couldn't see more than a few steps ahead. Moving forward through it seemed like it would be a real challenge.

That's what I thought… until—

"Is this… teleportation magic?"

It happened right after we climbed the stairs, surveyed our surroundings, and steeled ourselves. Suddenly, that familiar pitch-black space appeared before us.

For some reason, I instinctively knew that this was the work of Quattro, one of the Demon King's Ten Fingers.

It might be a trap.

But when I thought about it logically, there was no real benefit for them to set a trap here.

So, I figured it was probably safe… but still…

"Ivy, do you think it's okay to go in?"

"Mimi…"

Ivy closed her eyes, furrowed her brow as if deep in thought, and then—

"Mii!"

She clapped her hands energetically, clearly signaling "It's okay!"

If she said so, I trusted her judgment.

With our confidence solidified, we decided to step into the dark space.

And inside, we found—

"Yo."

Quattro greeted us with a casual wave.

Beside him stood a strikingly handsome man with two horns protruding from his head and vibrant red hair, watching us with keen interest.

"To be honest, the fifth and sixth floors are packed with traps and tricks. They're designed to drain the hero party, sapping their time and willpower. That was the plan, anyway… but I figured you wouldn't be worn down by such tricks, so I set up a shortcut. Never thought you'd actually use it, though."

Quattro and the man, who I assumed was the Right Fifth Finger, sat beneath a parasol, sipping tea with an air of elegance.

Even after spotting us, they made no effort to stand or change their demeanor.

In fact—

"No need to stand around. Why don't you sit?"

Quattro snapped his fingers, and that same black void appeared again.

A sharp crack echoed through the air like a branch snapping, and then, before us, appeared a matching set of tables and chairs.

Faced with such an invitation, I instinctively turned to look at Rey.

She wore the same stunned expression I probably did, and our eyes met in mutual confusion.

'W-What should we do?'

'What should we do…? For now, let's just sit.'

After a quick whispered conference, we cautiously took our seats.

Despite the metal frame, the chair was unexpectedly comfortable. It even felt warm and cushioned, like leather. Probably an expensive piece.

"Relax. If you defeat us here, the throne room where the Demon King awaits lies just ahead."

Quattro gestured to a grand staircase draped in crimson carpet.

Beyond the stairs, the air was thick with a dark, swirling mist. It seeped from the upper levels, oppressive and palpable.

That must be… pure magic.

The sheer density of the power made my chest tighten just looking at it.

Beyond that mist waited the Demon King.

If we made it past this encounter, the final battle awaited us.

But first… I sipped the tea they'd served. To my frustration, the taste was exquisite—unlike any tea I'd ever had.

"Would you like some pastries?"

"No, thank you."

"Not necessary."

"I see. What about you, Belial?"

"I shall partake… Ah, I am Belial, the Right Fifth Finger—one of the Demon Generals."

Belial introduced himself as he reached for a pastry, while Rey and I exchanged glances.

She was visibly tense.

They looked at ease, but we remained on high alert. Sipping tea didn’t calm our nerves in the slightest.

Quattro kept his expression neutral as he munched on his pastry. With his black eyepatch, only one eye was visible.

"I hoped we might build some camaraderie, but I guess that didn't appeal to you. What a shame."

"Why try to build camaraderie when we're about to fight?"

"A matter of perspective. When I take a woman to bed, I like to know her history first."

"W-What?!"

Rey, already tense and defensive, gaped at the unexpected remark, her cheeks turning crimson.

"Crude metaphor aside, understanding your opponent is important. The history of the defeated ends with them, while the victors continue to shape the narrative as they see fit. That's how history is written."

"Are you suggesting you're critical of the heroes?"

"Not at all. I'm just marveling at how wonderfully biased history can be when penned by the victors."

"That's pretty close to criticism."

Perhaps it was the memory of the Ten Fingers who'd been discarded or the ambushes we'd endured, but I couldn't bring myself to like Quattro.

"Well, if conversation isn't your thing—shall we begin?"

BOOM!!

The table between us hurtled through the air, propelled by a sudden kick.

"Hah!"

I struck it lightly with my fist, sending it back toward Quattro.

His eye widened slightly as the table's leg slammed into his stomach.

A cloud of dust rose from the impact. From within, the sound of someone clapping their hands to clear the air echoed faintly.

"You've gotten stronger. Your movements are sharper now."

Quattro emerged from the smoke without a scratch.

And beside me, a second battle was about to unfold.

Rey and Belial stood facing each other, eyes locked.

"For the Demon King's sake… I will kill you."

"The one who dies… is you!"

Rey drew her orichalcum sword, and Belial brandished his black blade. The clash of steel lit the air with sparks as the two warriors charged into battle.

“Lament of the Wailing Flash”

“Light Arrow.”

Following just behind them, Quattro’s magic and mine clashed.

And thus, the final battle before the ultimate showdown began—.