—— "Victory goes to the challenger of the 500th Floor Trial of the Gods!"
The angel announcement echoed through the Zenith Tower.
"…You got me. Congratulations, Eugene."
Eri gave a wry smile.
The black sword I held had stopped just short of Eri's neck.
(I…won?) (Eugene)
More than 100 days had passed since the 500th Floor Trial of the Gods began.
The number of attempts had easily surpassed a thousand.
"That was so hard!! Eri-san is way too strong!!" (Sumire)
"But…somehow, it really can work out." (Sara)
A short distance away, Sumire was supporting Sara by the shoulder.
"So…this means we cleared it." (Airi)
"Looks…like it." (Claude)
Airi and Claude were barely standing, using their sword and spear like walking sticks.
"......"
At my feet, the Dungeon Master Anemoi was collapsed from mana exhaustion.
I silently cast healing magic on her.
Victory would have been impossible without Anemoi's cooperation
Even with her help we still almost couldn't win… This was a hard-fought victory only after exhausting every possible trick.
Clap clap clap clap…
I heard applause.
"Everyone, you endured a harsh trial, but you have overcome it well. The Goddess must also be pleased." (Laila)
Appearing before us was the small angel…the Throne, my mother.
She returned to the Divine Realm long ago, but it seems she was watching from above.
"Haa…"
I reached the limit of how long I could keep standing and sat down on the ground.
Fwaaaah…
A warm wind blew.
The dark forest surrounding us turned into a shimmering gold.
Eri snapped her fingers with a pin.
A soft light enveloped us.
"Eri, you healed us?" (Eugene)
"The trial is over now." (Eri)
All my wounds vanished in an instant.
As expected of genuine angel healing magic.
"Thanks." (Eugene)
I gave my thanks and stood back up.
I stretched my arms widely.
Only now did it finally feel real… We cleared the trial.
"Eugy-kun!!"
"Eugene!"
Sumire and Sara…likely healed by Eri as well…ran over to me.
And then…
Zuzuzuzu… zuzuzuzu…
A massive gate rose up from the ground.
The golden gate emitted a faint seven-colored glow.
"This is…" (Eugene)
"The World Gate, a portal between realms. The Divine Gift granted on the 500th Floor." (Eri)
A sacred relic that can take you to any place.
A legendary gift that was last used 500 years ago.
"Now we can return to before the war starts!" (Airi)
Airi's voice was bright.
"I'm so glad… We really made it this far." (Sara)
Sara's eyes were wet with tears.
"To think I'd get to see this with my own eyes." (Claude)
Claude looked deeply moved.
And then…
"Sumire." (Eugene)
I called my partner's name.
"Eugy-kun…" (Sumire)
Sumire looked at me with an expression impossible to describe.
I told her…
"Sumire…with this, you can return to your original world." (Eugene)
"......"
Sumire did not answer my words.