S-Class Dungeon’s Mistress - Chapter 188

Chapter 188

"Krrraaargh!!"

Abaddon's roar shook the entire dungeon. The eyes of the Demon King's army, who had been in the midst of battle, momentarily focused on him. Through the eye slits of his helmet, a startled pupil was revealed.

Thud, clatter. Two black horns rolled across the floor. Simultaneously, the power accumulated over hundreds of years dispersed into the air.

Caladium picked them up and placed them on his shoulder as if decorating himself. The symbol of the demon instantly transformed into a trivial hunting trophy.

"Now you can hang this on your necklace."

He smiled pleasantly while watching Abaddon writhing in pain.

"Caladiiium!"

I'll kill you. I'll tear you to shreds right now. Abaddon lunged at Caladium with a face swollen with bulging blood vessels.

Even without his two horns, his strength had not disappeared. He believed, without a doubt, that he could annihilate the young and insignificant Caladium in an instant if he wished. His magical power was still among the top three in the demon realm, and his fists could demolish an entire castle in a single strike.

However, unfortunately, killing Caladium did not go according to his plan.

Caladium smoothly moved his body, dodging Abaddon's attack. He sustained minor wounds from the explosively released magical energy, but that was all.

Dodging here and there with a sly agility, occasionally using his powers to attack—this was quite different from Caladium's usual combat style. Typically, he would recklessly punch and pour out his powers regardless of the opponent's attacks.

In fact, he was mimicking Lisianthus's movements.

Imitating that annoying manager was humiliating, but he had no choice. Both he and Abaddon were physical-type demons who enjoyed fighting with brute strength, and though he was reluctant to admit it, Abaddon was far superior in raw power.

Stubbornly adhering to his usual combat method against such a demon would be foolish. During his time in Hel Heim, he had been unable to shed his pride and continued making such mistakes, but now he had no intention of repeating past errors.

Thus, Caladium flew up, dodging Abaddon's fists and spewing hot flames whenever an opportunity presented itself. Abaddon's rough skin gradually became scorched by his magical energy.

"You little rat...!"

Excited, Abaddon breathed roughly and swung his fist with a roar.

Caladium's changed movements felt somehow familiar. A sense of déjà vu rose in his mind, stained with rage. Simultaneously, a headache struck him. It felt exactly like someone forcibly rummaging through a part of his mind.

At that moment, a massive energy exploded on the opposite side.

Kwaaang!

"Ueeegh...!"

With a death throe, Uriel's body disintegrated into dust. The battle's victor was decided.

Through the acrid dust, a tall man walked elegantly. Except for a shoulder wound, he was perfectly intact. Hair like melted moonlight slowly swayed, and golden eyes gradually revealed themselves.

The moment he saw those eyes, Abaddon's heart sank.

The unrealistically beautiful face, the dense magical energy filling the castle—he knew them all. It was unbelievable that he hadn't noticed until now.

You obscured my eyes with your power.

At the moment of realization, a sharp pain pierced his heart.

Swoosh! With a vivid sound, blood spurted like a fountain. When he slowly lowered his head and looked down, he saw an arm protruding through his chest. It belonged to Caladium.

"That's why you shouldn't let your guard down."

Caladium muttered irritably, gripping something squishy in his hand. In one swift motion, he pulled it out from Abaddon's body.

It was the heart, where magical power accumulated over nearly a thousand years had gathered.

A momentary silence followed.

The demons of Greenville and the Demon King's army blankly watched the great demon's death.

Abaddon did not die immediately despite having his heart torn out. Bleeding profusely, he sat on the floor, staring somewhere with disbelieving, trembling eyes. The direction where Lisianthus was located.

His parched lips quivered, producing his final voice.

"Be... Bell..."

That was his end. His white eyes rolled back lifelessly.

"Hm?"

And Greenville's darling, Bell, peeked his head out in the direction of the gaze. His expression seemed to say, 'Did you call me?' His ruby-like eyes sparkled innocently, looking incredibly cute.

"―It's over."

Adelaide whispered in a small voice.

There were still many tasks ahead. They needed to declare victory, eliminate remnant forces, and discuss with Lisianthus about handling the Los Halde dungeon.

But now, the war was truly over.

The mere fact brought a wave of relief. Simultaneously, the thread of consciousness she had been desperately holding onto suddenly unraveled.

Her wounded body slowly tilted backward. A soft hand immediately caught her.

"Adel."

Lisianthus called her name with a worried voice, examining her. She had fainted in his arms. Considering her condition, it was almost miraculous that she had endured this long. She had apparently pushed herself due to a sense of duty.

"Nng, nng nng!"

Bell approached, wagging his tail pitifully. Julliard, who had recovered his strength, also asked if she was okay.

Lisianthus raised his head and scanned the Demon King's army. They were apparently shocked by Abaddon's death and attempting to flee. Understandably so. Witnessing two devils, they would naturally want to escape if they wished to survive. They would also need to report the current situation to the Demon King.

Not so fast.

Lisianthus waved his hand with an indifferent expression. Though the gesture was light, its consequences were not.

"Aaaaaargh!"

"No, please... spare me...!"

"Kheuk, ueeeek!"

The upper-level demons of the Demon King's army twisted in pain as if their entire bodies were being torn apart. They desperately tried to escape, but it was impossible.

The demons instantly turned to dust. Some screamed for mercy, others burst into tears, but Lisianthus's power showed no mercy.

Until now, he had hidden his true nature to be favored by Adelaide, but ultimately, his essence was incredibly ruthless. Naturally so.

The Lord of Darkness, Belial.

He was the most powerful demon, infamous for his cruelty, the former Demon King.

'Agapanthus.'

Lisianthus muttered the current Demon King's name with a cold gaze.

Unable to properly manage his own army and being manipulated by Abaddon—how unsatisfactory. The young one seemed quite spirited, so he had peacefully handed over the throne, but the actions of the one calling himself Demon King were far from impressive.

Until now, he had considered it a matter beyond his concern, but if they touched something precious to him, that would change everything.

Lisianthus slowly lowered his eyelashes and looked at the woman in his arms.

The only sanctuary he had found in over 700 years. So precious and valuable that he would give everything and still find it not enough. For her sake, he would soon have to make a decision.

How quickly pleasant times pass.

He briefly sighed and slowly raised his head. The demons of Greenville dungeon, looking bewildered, filled his view.

"Shall we return?"

To Greenville Dungeon. Lisianthus suggested with a slight smile. Though it was a name he had given, it still sounded quite pleasant.

---

Adelaide had an incredibly long dream.

For some reason, Maximilian appeared and scolded her harshly. It was exactly like the daily nagging she used to hear during her time in Morpheus.

"Make sure to take your supplements on time, and don't be picky about food. Well, there's plenty of delicious food around, so I suppose that's not a concern. But don't just lie around too lazily!"

However, there was a difference. It was something the real Maximilian would never have said.

"...No, wait. I misspoke. Adelaide, actually. The truth is... it's okay to be a bit lazy. You don't have to excel at magic, swordsmanship, demon realm political science. You don't need to be perfect at everything. If you're happy, what use are all those other things?"

Master Maximilian?

Adelaide gaped, trying to speak but unable to produce a sound.

"I never learned properly, thinking that just becoming a queen would bring happiness. I'm sorry. Back then, instead of pushing you, I should have stayed by your side..."

Her voice gradually faded. Maximilian's face quickly blurred, and darkness descended, obscuring her vision.

Thump, thump. Her heart began racing rapidly. Seized by an inexplicable anxiety, Adelaide gasped for breath.

"Huk!"

And the world brightened.

Blink, blink. Adelaide's eyelids fluttered up and down.

'Where am I...?'

She slowly rolled her eyes, surveying her surroundings. A cozy, comfortable bedroom came into view. Her own room.

Sleepiness gradually receded, and reason returned.

She had definitely been in the Los Halde dungeon just moments ago. She had witnessed Lisianthus subduing the berserk Uriel, and not long after, saw Caladium extracting Abaddon's heart.

Caladium!

The moment his name crossed her mind, her consciousness suddenly sharpened. Simultaneously, she felt anxious—worried that he might have left.

However, Adelaide quickly realized there was no need for concern. Her legs felt somewhat heavy, and she noticed red hair spread across the white blanket. Caladium sat in a chair beside the bed, his upper body draped over her legs.

Whew. She exhaled a long breath of relief. Then carefully examined his face peeking through his hair. Long, delicate eyelashes obscured his beautiful eyes. His back rose and fell subtly, indicating he was asleep.

'He must have been very tired.'

Even when she moved and sat up, he did not wake, seemingly in a deep slumber. Adelaide slowly reached out toward his hair.

And at that moment, silver-gray eyes snapped open.

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