Just as it was proven by the disappearance of the dimensional effect of the Overgeared World, Traukas lair was classified as a separate dimension. The inside and the outside were completely independent. It meant that the beginning and end were separated.

The green dragons death didnt directly affect Grid, so Grid wasnt aware of what was happening outside the lair.

On the other hand, the dragon group noticed it. Shortly after Revola left, they confirmed that the green dragons life had ended and felt that Revolas energy had rapidly strengthened. This didnt mean that dragons were superior to Grid. It was simply that the lair dimension had a structure that favored dragons.

In any case... Haranbeka wasnt worried about Revola. He mightve lost to Grid, but this wasnt a reason to belittle Revolas skills.

Haranbeka acknowledged Grids abilities and was starting to feel a lot of interest. It was a situation where the group, which originally numbered 24, couldnt afford to handle Grid for all types of reasons and left one after another. The strength that shouldve ensured victory was weakening like it was all a lie.

The first one or two times could be dismissed as a coincidence, but at this point, it was right to say that it was a situation that Grid intended.

...I have a personal question. Haranbeka, who had been quietly observing the situation, staring straight at Grid. Are you confident that you will be able to deal with the aftermath after twisting the structure in which this world is built?

Haranbekas question was straightforward.

I have been studying the concept of games since the end of the Age of Oblivion. I observed the physiology of you players, explored their conversations that drifted on the wind and understood what they are generally after.

The purpose of a game is to constantly become stronger by targeting mighty enemies.

Rebecca shouldve been the common enemy of you and the players, but you made her your ally.

If you succeed in neutralizing us in this situation.

Can you players have fun in this world after that?

Most games had a clear sense of purpose. For the most part, that goal stemmed from the worldview. In the flow of the story, there was a final boss that must be defeated. This gave the players a basis to immerse themselves in the game. Surprisingly, Haranbeka understood this.

Grid was inwardly impressed and thought for a moment. Then he replied, My parents created a mountain hiking club.

...Hiking what?

The two people couldnt enjoy a proper hobby because they were taking care of their naughty children. Then after belatedly discovering this world, they resumed the hobby that they had given up.

Was it the Former Euljiro Mountain Hiking Club?It was a club created with the merchants whom his parents had become friends with after running a fruit store. They were busy working every day in reality. Additionally, due to their age, they had problems with physical fitness and gradually gave up on mountain hiking.

For some, it was a hobby that was normal and easy to come across, but Grids parents only rediscovered it after experiencing Satisfy. They said that their goal was to conquer all of Satisfys famous mountains.

Grid clearly remembered his parents eyes shining as they revealed their aspirations.

Not all people have the same goals. There are more people who want a normal life without fighting. Games where the goal is to fight against a strong enemy are common anyway. There is no reason to pursue it here.

...But you cant deny the fact that there are many players who will push back against it, right?

You dont have to worry about that.

Suddenly, a dark smile spread across Grids face. It was an arrogant and ominous smile that went beyond confidence.

For a moment Haranbeka mistook the being in front of him for Baal. In fact, he had a ridiculous doubt that it wasnt Grid who defeated Baal, but rather that Baal had swallowed up Grid. It was because depending on how one interpreted it, the smile on Grids face was sinister enough.

I will become the new goal of those who must have a goal.

Hah...

Haranbeka was speechless for a moment.

I will be the goal of the players.

It was nothing less than a declaration to replace the heavenly gods, the Old Dragons, and Chiyou. It couldnt just be described as arrogant. Then why? Haranbeka didnt think that Grid was arrogant. On the contrary, he felt relief.

Only One God Grid. I finally understand you. From now on, I wont question you. Therefore, I wont be deceived. I will acknowledge you as a threat that must be prevented.

The group of dragons, now led by Haranbeka, surrounded Grid.

[I, the Faithful Dragon Haranbeka, will prevent a disaster with my like-minded companions.]

'...I thought they dont use Dragon Words when it is advantageous?

Grid looked at Nefelina with resentment, but even Nefelina couldnt fathom Haranbekas resolve. The nature of those who were an Absolute had peculiar aspects. It easily went beyond the realm of understanding.

From now on, it became difficult for Grid to even utter a word. It was because a tremendous onslaught poured in nonstop.

***

-All nobles must know honor and exercise restraint.

-Be loyal to the kingdom and serve the king, but know how to be grateful to the people.

-Try to be an example for all.A noble becomes a pillar that supports the kingdom only when he or she earns the respect of the king and the trust of the people.

The words that his father engraved into himas he went further up the river of reincarnation, all types of memories became blurred, but the words in his heart came to mind clearly. Therefore, Hayate didnt show signs of tiredness. He suppressed all his confusion and walked straight forward.

The memory of cutting the scales and heart of Fire Dragon Trauka had long disappeared. He also forgot his tower colleagues, who had been with him for nearly a thousand years.

The memories of killing a wounded dragon.

The scenery of the city that was swept away from the fall of that bastard.

Even the last glimpse of his loved ones who had lived together in a peaceful city...

Hayate couldnt remember anything. He even forgot the mission of a Dragon Slayer.

The hell released from its distortionit was the oblivion caused by a world created so that the dead can live happily. Hayate would completely forget all the pain and sorrow he had experienced in his life. The moment he threw himself into the river of reincarnation because he missed the happiness and joy he rarely felt, he might regain his memories, but it would only be for a moment.

At the end of the river, he would forget himself and be reincarnated as a completely new person. He knew it instinctively. Therefore, he couldnt throw himself in the river. He was obsessed with the duty of a noble that only he remembered.

...The more I look at you, the more amazing it is. Im sure you have lost most of your memories, but it is amazing that you are still maintaining your ego.

Hayate walked silently along the riverbank.

A boy approached him as he was unable to assimilate into hell.[1]

His white skin, like porcelain, shone even brighter thanks to the halo above his head. The wings on his back were sacred and warm.

An angelHayate realized that the boy who followed him was from heaven.

I think I am fascinated by your noble spirit.

The boy didnt hide his identity.

Come with me to Asgard. I, the chief of the angels, will personally guide you onto the path of the angels.

Was he certain that he wouldnt be rejected?

Raphael held out his hand so confidently.

......

Hayate ignored him and walked past him. Raphael was unperturbed. He kept smiling like he had experienced this many times. Is your ego wary of a new life? Its fine. It is a very natural phenomenon. How easy is it to completely abandon yourself and start anew? However, be courageous. You deserve to be a holy being.

......

Eh, are you going to keep ignoring me? Raphael was a bit flustered. No matter how much he talked, Hayate didnt give him a single glance. This made Raphael both curious and suspicious.

Thats right. He was aware of Hayates identity. After watching all day, he vaguely felt the quality of Hayates soul. Based on various circumstances, he came to deduce the souls identity.

I cant wait to see Grid after he is reunited with you as his enemy (angel)!

The number one Archangel, Raphaelhe had reigned as a heavenly power for many years since his birth. Thanks to Rebeccas laissez-faire attitude and Judar, who was always contemplating something, he established himself behind the scenes and manipulated many gods.

He was now demoted to hell, but his self-esteem was still high.

In fact, there is no need for a conversation. Isnt that right? Go up to heaven with me.

Raphael pulled out his spear. He planned to kill Hayates soul and take him up to heaven.

The Black and White sisters, who were watching the situation from a short distance away, hurriedly approached him.

Archangel, didnt you say that you cant return to heaven until you have completed your mission?

I can do that later. I will be praised if I take him back right away.

There was no time to stop him. Before the Black and White sisters could arrive at Raphael, his spear had already stretched out like a flash of lightning. It was an attack that stabbed Hayate in the neck...

However, it was blocked. It was by Hayates sword, who still didnt have any focus. It was also very smoothly. It wasnt the Dragon Killing Sword.

Hayate was holding a ceremonial long sword that seemed flashy in appearance. It was because the ego left to now was that of a nobleman, not a Dragon Slayer. However, it was solid. The sword didnt shake in the slightest as it collided with the archangels spear.

What...? Raphael couldnt hide his surprised expression as he hurriedly retrieved his spear and raised it. Hayates blade fell toward him.

Kuock...! Raphaels knees bent slightly. It was the price of not being able to fully endure the power of the sword that fell toward him.

The Dragon Slayer was this strong? Additionally, isnt he now in a soul state?

As the name suggested, the Dragon Slayer was an existence who hunted dragons. Additionally, Hayate was a human being. He might be very strong against dragons, but he didnt have much of an advantage in fighting other Absolutes. If it was actually a few days ago, Hayate wouldve never overwhelmed Raphael.

However, Hayates status had risen greatly as the 1st place contributor in defeating Fire Dragon Trauka. This meant even his soul was strengthened.

In hell, Hayate was like a blind man. His blue eyes, which were still out of focus, didnt contain Raphaels image.

Nevertheless, Hayates swordsmanship dealt serious damage to Raphael and it brought an incomprehensible humiliation to Raphael.

1. Since Raphael is specifically described to have the form of a boy here, I will use male pronouns for him from now on, unless he is shown to change genders like Sariel