Thinking that saying ‘it has been a while’ might sound strange, Li still offered a respectful bow to the remnant of the Founding King.

The trio of the King, her father and the Chancellor also bowed.

“No need, no need. Such formalities are unnecessary for me.”

The remnant of the Founding King spoke magnanimously.

“Well then, I will not ask why you have come. I have already heard, Li.”

“Yes. Based on the results of that trial, I have come here today.”

“Mm. Then without delay, there is something I must give to you, Li.”

A magic circle began to glow and spin beneath the Founding King’s feet.

What emerged from it was a suit of armor shining in gold.

However, upon closer inspection, something about the gauntlet portion felt strange.

“I possess the title of Beloved Child of the Light God Lufarsla.”

Beloved Child.

That was one of the titles granted during the Oracle Rite.

The most common title was something called a ‘Blessing.’

Above that was ‘Divine Favor.’

Even Divine Favor was a title rarely granted.

Well, Li’s family happened to have quite a few people with Divine Favor, but that was another matter.

Above even Divine Favor were titles such as ‘Beloved Child,’ ‘Shrine Maiden,’ or ‘Saint.’

Incidentally, Li’s own title of ‘Divine Child’ was unprecedented.

“By conquering this dungeon, I was acknowledged by the Light God Lufarsla and granted this.”

Light God Lufarsla.

Li had far too much of a clue about the gauntlet part.

It was Andromeda, her capable familiar.

“However, I no longer possess a physical body. Therefore I wished for someone to inherit it. Li, try pouring mana into it. If the armor recognizes you, then you shall become its master.”

“I must decli—”

Li, honestly wanted to hesitate a little.

Certainly, it was very tempting.

After all, it was golden sacred armor.

Unfortunately, in her previous life Li had been a Cancer (zodiac).

Cancer had it rough.

This golden sacred armor resembled Aquarius in its form.

It even had something like a mantle, which enhanced its sacred and gorgeous appearance.

Li had no way of knowing it now, but it resembled the divine armor of Aquarius.

Aquarius had been Li’s admired zodiac sign.

To be honest, she wanted it.

However, she was worried about the trio standing behind her.

Would it really be alright to accept it so easily here?

She felt certain that troublesome complications would arise.

But reality was cruel.

Contrary to Li’s intentions, the armor of the Light God began to flicker on its own.

As if responding to it, Andromeda appeared even though she had not summoned it.

“Oh! Could it be that?!”

Seeing the Chain of the Light God Lufarsla, the remnant of the Founding King shouted excitedly.

Riin.

With ringing sounds as if resonating, Andromeda and the armor continued to flicker together.

At this point, it could not be helped.

No matter what she said now, there was no way to cover things up.

Li steeled herself.

“Come.”

She released the mana she had been holding back.

Responding to the wave of Li’s mana, the armor of the Light God shone brightly.

Then it turned into particles of light and was absorbed into Li’s body.

“Your name is Aquarius! Become my shield and protect this nation and this world!”

A dazzling light burst from Li’s entire body.

When the light subsided, Li was clad in armor shining silver from head to toe.

Decorated with aqua-blue geometric patterns, it shared the same design as Andromeda, the gauntlet.

That figure was truly like a goddess of battle.

A bringer of victory.

Seeing Li in that form, the Founding King burst into laughter.

“Fuhahahaha!”

The trio of the King and the others seemed unable to speak.

They could only stare at Li with their eyes wide open.

“Li, you are the one worthy of it.”

“I gratefully accept it, Founding King.”

“Heh,” the remnant of the Founding King chuckled before continuing.

“Well? Even in your eyes, Li is worthy, is she not?”

Those words were directed at someone who was not present.

Just as Li wondered about it, a young girl appeared beside the Founding King.

She looked slightly older than Li’s younger sister.

Black hair.

Black eyes.

For Li in her previous life, those were very familiar colors.

“Allow me to introduce her. This child is the true master of this labyrinth, its core.”

It seemed that the Founding King’s gift was not yet finished.