Giiiii…
I opened the black door with a heavy sound.
Then I slipped my body through the gap and hurriedly closed it behind me.
Beyond the black door was a staircase leading underground.
I slowly descended the dark stairs, where there was almost no source of light.
Past that was an even darker corridor.
"…Kerakerakera…"
I could hear the laughter of evil spirits.
"Tekeri… ri… Tekeri… ri…"
That one was some kind of mythical creature whose name I didn't even know.
It usually slept, but today it was awake.
(Every time I come here, I never get used to it.) (Eugene)
I walked straight ahead, deliberately not looking toward the strange cries or the blasphemous gazes.
My destination is the prison at the very back: the cell of the Fallen Angel, Eri.
By the time the odd voices and presences faded away, I finally reached the place I was aiming for.
An exceptionally powerful seal has been placed on it since this sealed prison holds a Demon Lord.
(Huh?) (Eugene)
As I tried to temporarily release the seal like usual, I realized it had already been undone.
No way…she didn't escape, did she?
I slowly entered through the door and restored the seal.
A voice came from inside.
"P-Please help…"
It was Sumire's voice.
"Sumire!!" (Eugene)
I rushed toward the sound in a panic.
"…Eh?" (Eugene)
A foolish-sounding voice slipped out of my mouth.
"Eugene?"
"Eugy-kun, help me!!"
There was Sumire…being pushed down by Eri.
Her clothes were a little disheveled, but that was all.
She wasn't injured or anything.
"What are you doing?" (Eugene)
I asked since it didn't seem like an immediately dangerous situation.
"Eri-san attacked me!" (Sumire)
"I was taking mana from Sumire." (Eri)
Sumire shouted with a desperate expression, while Eri spoke casually.
"You could've just done a normal Mana Link." (Eugene)
I sat down on a nearby chair in the room.
At least, even three years in the past, Eri and Sumire still seem to get along. That's good.
"Sumire felt different than usual, so I wanted to check☆ You two have gotten yourselves into something interesting, haven't you?" (Eri)
"..."
Sumire and I silently looked at each other.
I spoke in a low voice so Eri wouldn't hear.
'How much did you tell Eri, Sumire?' (Eugene)
'Nothing! The moment she saw me, she told me to come here and pushed me down! Then she suddenly did a Mana Link kiss, and started touching me all over. It was the worst!' (Sumire)
"Oh my, oh my, you enjoyed it, didn't you☆" (Eri)
She can hear us, apparently.
"I did not!" (Sumire)
"Eri, why would you do something like that?" (Eugene)
Even between girls, that's sexual harassment.
"Well, of course. When the inside of Sumire has become a different person in just a short time, wouldn't you be curious? I already checked earlier, so I've more or less figured things out." (Eri)
"A different person…?" (Eugene)
"Yes. It's like only her mind aged three years, perhaps? To think the World Gate had a hidden function like that." (Eri)
(She knows everything…) (Eugene)
What a difference compared to the Dungeon Master.
This is going fast.
"Eri, I have a favor—" (Eugene)
Just as I was about to speak.
"Before that, there's something we need to do, right?" (Eri)
I was pulled sharply.
And just like that, I was laid down on the bed.
"Eri, this isn't the time for—" (Eugene)
As I tried to object…
"Tomorrow is going to be 'rough,' isn't it? Shouldn't you take my mana beforehand? The mana of a Demon Lord." (Eri)
"!?"
Looking down at me, Eri's words drowned out my protest.
(Right… Tomorrow is…) (Eugene)
A red dragon will descend upon the surface.
And the Lykeion Magic Academy and the Dungeon City will be ravaged.
I came back to the past to prevent that.
"You know it already, don't you?" (Eugene)
Eri's face slowly drew closer, until it filled my entire field of view.