Chapter 143: A Smile in the Faintness of Time

It was late.

The fireworks display had finally dragged to a close. Since the hour was well past reasonable, we’d decided to stay the night in Enoshima. Sleep, however, refused to come. I found myself wandering the shoreline, my boots sinking into the sand as I paced the beach.

I listened to the rhythm of the waves, letting the wind tug at my clothes.

The midnight seaside was deserted. I was alone—or so I thought, until a familiar presence flickered behind me.

"Heh. Reima-san, all by yourself again?"

"…You’re one to talk, Levi-san."

"Well, I’m the mysterious straw-hat-wearing lady who only appears at night!"

"What kind of character archetype is that supposed to be…?"

"It’s my identity!"

She struck a pose, her face so full of smug pride it was almost impressive.

I’d been feeling dark—no, depressed was the better word—but seeing that look on her face eased the weight on my chest, if only a little. It was strange how much I’d let my guard down around her, but her personality just had a way of doing that to people.

"Now then, Reima-san, why the solitude? Did something happen?"

"Nothing much. I just wanted to feel the night breeze."

"The atmosphere is lovely, isn’t it? The dark sea, a gentle wind… and me!"

"You could’ve left that last part out."

"Ouch, how cruel! You don't get to meet a girl this beautiful every day, you know?"

"Don't say that about yourself."

I found myself playing along with her exaggerated antics. Her reactions were just entertaining enough to keep the conversation going.

"So," she said, her tone shifting slightly. "What’s weighing on you?"

"Is it that obvious?"

"Completely. Totally. One hundred percent."

"…You’re too perceptive for your own good, Levi-san."

"Well, I am me, after all!"

"…………Sigh."

"What was that sigh for!?"

Good grief. Her every reaction was so over the top. I couldn't exactly tell her that to her face, though, so I kept my mouth shut.

"Fufufu. Since I’m so sharp, let me guess what’s wrong before you say a word."

"I’d love to see you try."

"You will! You will! ——Now, to be blunt, Reima-san…"

A gust of wind cut her off.

It was a sudden, violent surge, strong enough to snatch things away. The straw hat Levi-san had been wearing was whipped into the air, vanishing into the dark. In the next instant, my eyes locked onto what had been hidden beneath.

"…Horns?"

"Oh dear. I didn't expect you to see those yet. I was actually hoping to enjoy our little chat a bit longer."

Protruding from her head were two white horns.

They weren't the polished silver of Gram, but they were pure white—an anatomical impossibility for any human.

In that heartbeat, a gargantuan pressure slammed into me. I wondered how I could have been so blind. Her mana was overwhelming, a suffocating aura of pure violence that rivaled what I’d felt when I first confronted Behiko.

"Well, since the secret’s out and your affection meter has gone up, I suppose I should introduce myself."

She laughed, her demeanor unchanged. She offered a gentle smile… but now, it masked a hint of madness.

"I am… the Demon Lord of Envy, Levi Leviathan. I’m a colleague of Behi-chan—the one inside you—or more accurately, I’m a fellow Doomsday Beast. I decided to come out and play alongside the manifestation of the [Oceanus of the End Sea]."

I knew that name.

It was a Dungeon I’d heard about at [Tenka] while working with Ouma.

Actually… it was the very place I had intended to conquer next.

The girl in front of me continued to smile with the same kindness she’d shown when we first met. But now, in the shadows behind her, the unmistakable silhouette of a Serpent loomed.

"Allow me to officially issue a challenge. Hero of Mythologia, I am presenting you with a trial."

Her voice was as clear as a bell. She leaned forward slightly, looking up at me through her eyelashes.

"The trial is simple: defeat me. Please, try your best to strike down the Strongest Beast, the Serpent… because if you don't, Japan is going to sink."

Having dropped that bombshell, she let her mana spike.

She stretched her back with a satisfied groan, muttered a quick "Alright," and let a predatory grin spread across her face. The atmosphere curdled. The air itself grew heavy with a crushing pressure.

"Well then, before the trial starts, why don't we have a little warm-up?"

"—Tch. [Summon] Diabel Satan!"

I forced my mind to sharpen. Based on the information I had, I called forth the companion best suited for defense among my available roster.

The Demon Lord of Envy, Leviathan.

My allies in Mythologia had spoken of her often.

Satan of Wrath called her the one with the most magnificent physical form.

Phoenix of Sloth said she possessed a heart like a diamond, unbreakable by any force.

Mammon of Greed described a back covered in impenetrable shield-scales and a mouth filled with terrifying fangs.

And Baal, the lord of Gluttony, claimed she was the Strongest Beast to ever walk the earth—a creature that knew no such thing as fear.

"Kihah! To think I’d be facing you, Serpent of Envy!"

"Satan-kun? That’s a surprise… but more importantly, what are you wearing?"

"It’s a hobby! Looks cool, doesn't it?"

"It’s incredibly tacky!"

I’d summoned him so abruptly that Satan was still in his casual attire. His white T-shirt had the words "Amazing Demon" printed on it in a pathetic font. During our last barbecue, there had been no need for him to fight, and I’d summoned him with heavy restrictions… but I didn't have the luxury of worrying about his fashion sense now. With him on the field, I couldn't call any other companions. I had to rely on him.

"Contractor, our first joint struggle in ages—see that you handle me well!"

"Yeah. I know."

Satan’s form began to shift.

Distorted black horns erupted from his head, curving back toward his shoulders. Golden lines pulsed rhythmically across his exposed arms. Obsidian wings tipped with cruel talons unfurled from his back as a suit of midnight-black armor encased his body.

"Ahahaha! This is better than I expected, Reima-san! Do you have the other little ones with you too?"

"…I don't have the breathing room to bring them out."

My mind was a mess. A part of me still refused to believe she was the enemy, but my instincts told me that if I didn't fight here, everything would end.

"Really, this is a treat. Envy versus Wrath… shall we hold a contest to see who the superior Sin is?"

As a final courtesy, a barrier expanded to coat the area.

No, it wasn't a courtesy. This wasn't a barrier designed to protect the surroundings; it was a cage meant to let her exert her full power. Cold sweat trickled down my spine. Behemoth had only wanted to look at the sky. But Levi was different. She was standing before me as a clear, present threat.

"[Weapon Summon] Laevateinn. You’re up, Dia."