The Saint fell into the pitfall and vanished from sight.

Alberta and Patricia panicked at the sudden turn of events.

But Li immediately issued firm instructions.

“Ally, Patty. Both of you, use the teleportation device at once and return to the entrance.”

The two understood her words, yet confusion showed on their faces.

“What will you do, Li-sama?”

“I will go after Erika.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to wait for the instructors?”

“No. We don’t know how long that pit will remain open. We’ll split up and act separately.”

“Understood! Patty and I will report to the instructors, right, Onee-sama?”

Li gave Patricia a small nod.

As expected of a noble daughter from a military house, she regained her composure quickly even in an emergency.

“There’s no time for debate. I’m counting on you both.”

“Understood,” the two answered in unison.

Before their reply had fully faded, Li was already running toward the hole into which the Saint had fallen.

“Tori-chan, come to me.”

This was precisely the sort of situation where the authority of the Omniversal Archive Heaven’s Library proved useful.

As magic circles spun into formation, Li leapt into the darkness of the pit.

“My master, do not act recklessly.”

Mid-fall, Trismegistus appeared beside her.

“I have to save Erika. Please lend me your strength, Tori-chan.”

“Naturally. However, this is not a dungeon trap.”

“...What?”

“If it were a dungeon trap, it would not be this deep. And the speed of descent is slow, is it not?”

Now that he mentioned it, she realized it was true.

It felt less like falling and more like descending in an elevator.

More like floating than plummeting.

“Most likely, this is a transport mechanism created by one who has conquered the dungeon.”

“Conquered it? Then the Founding King?”

“Indeed. One who conquers a dungeon gains limited authority over it.”

“Then beyond this…”

“There is likely a hidden chamber left behind by that Founding King.”

It was a startling revelation.

The Founding King was still revered not only by nobles but by the people as well.

And now, something he had left behind lay ahead.

Li certainly worried for the Saint’s safety.

Yet at the same time, the thought of what awaited them stirred excitement in her chest.

“Master, we are nearing the exit.”

Just as Trismegistus said, Li dropped from the pitch-black shaft and landed on what appeared to be grassland.

No—

It only looked that way because of the abundant greenery.

“Is this… a garden?”

“Hmm. Judging by its style, it is quite old. Master, there is a life sign to your right.”

Li approached and found the Saint lying face-down on the lawn.

‘Why face-down rather than on her back?’

Puzzled, Li used Andromeda to gently turn her over.

“Uhehe… I said I won’t eat bugs anymore…”

‘What kind of dream was she having?’

Li could not even begin to imagine.

The only thing she understood for certain was that the Saint was drooling.