"No!"
Marcille's ears shot up in agitation.
"I need this power! I still have things I must accomplish!"
"I know exactly what it is you want to do."
Kairo Retsu took slow, deliberate steps toward her.
"You want to bridge the lifespan gap between races, don't you? You want everyone in this world to live for a thousand years…"
"Then why—can't you hand over the role of dungeon master to me?"
Kairo spoke with sincere conviction.
"I can help you realize your wish! And I'll fulfill my own along the way."
"Think about it. It's not like what you really want is to be dungeon master, right? You even hate eating monsters… And being dungeon master means you'll constantly have to be protected by monsters, or those elves will target you again…"
Kairo enunciated clearly, each word striking home.
"But I am different! I can take that risk!"
He grinned wide.
"I'm stronger than most monsters already—and I don't dislike monsters!"
"Come on! Really think this through!"
Kairo beamed brightly at her.
"You've got centuries of life ahead of you. If you spend them constantly dodging assassinations, that's just plain sad, isn't it?"
"If you give it to me, I can help you!"
He continued energetically.
"I'll extend everyone's life to a thousand years. You won't have to worry about monsters anymore. You could even retire somewhere peaceful and quiet with your companions…"
Hearing all this, Marcille's expression clearly began to waver.
But then—
The Winged Lion reached out and stepped protectively in front of her, still wearing his unchanging gentle smile.
"Marcille, don't forget—what his wish is."
"!"
Marcille jolted at the reminder and suddenly recalled Kairo Retsu's desire.
If something like that came true… sooner or later, it would endanger everyone!
There's no way she could let Kairo become the dungeon master!
"Damn it, Winged Lion. I almost had her."
Kairo looked slightly annoyed.
"Aren't you the one who wanted me to be dungeon master? Why aren't you backing me up, you two-faced demon?"
"Well, Marcille is my current master, after all."
The Winged Lion smiled and gently rested his paws on Marcille's shoulders.
"Besides… hasn't she already broken open the top of the dungeon?"
"Tch, what a pain…"
Kairo scratched his head and then drew his Charge Blade, sword in left hand, shield in right.
"If words won't work… then I guess violence really is the final language."
"Winged Lion—let's be honest. You've probably already figured out who we hunters really are, haven't you?"
He grinned.
"A guy like you, who pays so much attention to the dungeon, couldn't possibly have missed us suddenly showing up here with Laios."
"…So you really are wishing for that?"
The Winged Lion's smile turned wry.
"Marcille, do you know why this man desires what he does?"
"It's because he doesn't care what becomes of this world."
The Winged Lion said softly to her.
"He's not from this world. So its fate means nothing to him."
"The species he wants to create here don't even belong in this world. If he becomes dungeon master, his wish will turn this world upside down."
Hearing that, Marcille's expression shifted—fear and hesitation rising in her eyes.
Kairo noticed. Her pupils had turned into ∞—infinity symbols.
The Winged Lion wasn't just using words. He was pulling at her desire itself—warping her emotions.
Convincing the dungeon master was never going to be easy, especially if you weren't close.
And between Kairo and Marcille…
They weren't close at all. No use hoping otherwise.
"That's right—I don't care about this world. I only care about the dungeon."
Kairo smiled.
"I don't understand the outside world and don't intend to. But I can guarantee this one thing—"
"Winged Lion. If you choose her… she'll never reach beyond this dungeon!"
Kairo's eyes gleamed.
"So pick me. I can take you out of this place."
"But… isn't Marcille's wish just about to come true?"
The Winged Lion's hands still rested lightly on Marcille's shoulders.
"The barrier has already been broken. All she needs to do now is bring the dungeon to the surface… and then it can envelop the entire world."
He smiled.
"All wishes realized. Isn't it beautiful?"
"You…"
Kairo rubbed his face with one hand.
"You completely missed my point."
"Of course Marcille wants to go to the surface—Laios hasn't stopped praising her genius."
Kairo went on:
"But she can't. She simply can't do it!"
"It's not because she lacks the power—it's because we're here!"
Kairo's voice rang with conviction.
"If you don't choose us, then no one—no matter who becomes dungeon master—can go to the surface!"
"Whoever takes that role, we'll block them. Whoever tries to lead you out—we'll oppose them."
He grinned darkly.
"Because we have that right—and that power. As long as we say no… no one can act against our will."
"Go ahead and try."
Kairo's gaze dipped toward Marcille.
"Let's see if your monsters can accomplish their goal."
"..."
Marcille clutched her staff tightly in unease.
She didn't believe that someone she barely knew—like Kairo—would really try to revive Falin or lengthen the lives of every race if he became dungeon master.
"If he gains the dungeon master's power…"
The Winged Lion whispered near Marcille's ear.
"His wish might harm the people you hold dear in this world."
"Your precious companions. Your family. All those races you want to extend the lifespan of… they could all fall under his threat."
"So… what do you want to do?"
The Winged Lion gently steered her thoughts.
"I… I have to protect Falin and Laios… and the others!"
Marcille's eyes became clouded. She raised her staff—pointing it forward.
"Only I can do it!!"
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