Every dungeon has a boss.
Lurking within the deepest part of the dungeon, these entities guard the way out; defeating one yields rewards and, more importantly, grants passage back to the surface.
I pushed against the massive door. Despite its imposing size, it gave way with surprising ease. I stepped into the chamber, and a heavy clatter echoed behind me. I spun around to find the door firmly shut.
I was trapped.
"Master, something’s here," Puppeteer warned.
"Yeah, I know," I replied, my eyes fixed on the back of the room where a presence loomed.
A thunderous roar erupted, sending vibrations through my entire body.
"What is that...?"
The monster was colossal, its elongated body easily exceeding five meters. A revolting mass of undulating segments and countless legs, it slithered with a sickening grace.
〈Lumoahaze〉 An enormous centipede-type monster of S-Rank Difficulty. It sprays a potent internal toxin. Upon contact, this poison can dissolve even metal.
I used Appraisal to gauge its traits. The skill was invaluable, revealing details I couldn't have known just by looking. I would have to be extremely wary of that poison.
"Pulsating Greatsword."
I shifted Puppeteer into its greatsword form. Between its power and its Unique Ability, Autonomous Function, this wasn't an impossible fight.
The Lumoahaze screeched and charged. I dodged the initial rush and looked for an opening.
"Puppeteer-Style Sword Technique: Great Wheel Slash!"
I leaped into the air, coming down with a vertical spinning strike.
Clang!
The blade bounced off with a jarring vibration. "It's too hard!" I shouted. Its hide was tougher than I had ever imagined.
I swung again and again, but my blade couldn't find purchase. The Lumoahaze let out a series of shrill, cackling screeches, as if mocking my futile efforts.
Maybe I challenged the boss too soon...
I found myself slipping toward that dark conclusion. This loop was a failure. I should just die here and use the experience for the next time. After all, death only meant rewinding time. I could just give it my all in the next timeline. At the very least, I had gained valuable intel.
"Master, what are you doing giving up already?!"
Puppeteer’s sharp reprimand cut through my defeatism. It had seen right through me.
"You promised! You promised you'd make me human!"
That was right. I was only standing here because of that promise. It was true that I could restart if I died, but the Puppeteer in the next timeline wouldn't be this Puppeteer. The bond we shared, the promise we had made—it could only be fulfilled in this specific timeline.
"Sorry. Sorry for making you worry."
Giving up wasn't an option. If I didn't struggle until the very end, I would never truly conquer this dungeon.
"I'm going to get serious now."
"Master!"
The Lumoahaze’s exterior was impenetrable, but there had to be a soft spot somewhere. It would have to be on the inside.
"Hey, you oversized bug! My life is right here. Come and get me!"
I activated Provocation. The monster shrieked and lunged with a predictable, mindless fury. It was exactly what I wanted.
"Puppeteer-Style Sword Technique: Galloping Dragon Thrust!"
I charged headlong into its maw. I didn't care if it swallowed me—in fact, I welcomed it. I would tear it apart from the inside!
I plunged into its throat, thrusting my blade and ripping through its flesh with everything I had. Blue blood geysered over me as I carved my way out. Before I knew it, I was standing on the floor again, back outside the beast.
Monster Subjugation confirmed. Skill Points acquired.
The carcass of the Lumoahaze, split down the middle, slammed into the ground.
"We did it, Master!"
Hearing Puppeteer’s cheers, the reality finally sank in. I had defeated the dungeon boss.
"I... I actually did it?"
It felt surreal. Until now, I had never once defeated a powerful monster on my first try. Usually, I had to die dozens of times, learning every movement through trial and error, before I could grasp victory. To take down the dungeon boss on the first attempt was almost unbelievable.
"Master, come on! Cheer! You just cleared the boss!"
"...Yeah. You're right."
Memories flooded back—the betrayal, the exile to the dungeon depths, the endless life-and-death struggles against the Bugbears. Then meeting Ageha, Eudite, and finally, Puppeteer. And now, I had finally achieved my goal.
"YEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"
I couldn't help but let out a triumphant roar.