Volume 3 Chapter 10 (2/2)

With this, all the monsters under [Evil]'s control vanished. The dungeon then shook; in a few hours, the dungeon as well would vanish.

”Our plan after breaking the crystal was to immediately set up a transfer array and go back to our dungeon but… that doesn't seem to be possible right now.”

I shifted my eyes to the crow monster lying exhausted in Ancient Elf's hand.

The crow monster—the only monster among my followers that could use transfer—was caught alongside Ancient Elf in [Evil]'s trap but unlike her, it partially lost consciousness due to some drug.

”It's alright; its consciousness should return in about 15 minutes or so. I had it eat an Avalon apple and also carefully poured magic power into its body so that it would recover.”

Hearing that made me feel relieved. Empty as the dungeon was, returning on foot would still take time.

I figured it would still be better to patiently wait for the 15 minutes for the crow monster to recover and about another five minutes for it to prepare the transfer array.

…if so, then to better make use of that time, I thought I should give Ancient Elf her name.

”Ancient Elf, it is because of you that we are able to conquer [Evil]'s dungeon. So, thank you. Also, for all your achievements thus far and your distinguished role this time, I am granting you your name and making you my [Monster of the Covenant].”

She was speechless.

And then, after handing the crow monster over to a Mythological Fox, she came to face me eye to eye.

”Before I give you your name, let me confirm: Ancient Elf, will you be my [Monster of the Covenant]; to be with me, to fight with me, to laugh with me, to cry with me for as long as we live? Do you have that kind of resolution?”

To that, Ancient Elf nodded.

”But of course. I am master's. I will always be with you. Even if you say you don't want to be with me, I will always be somewhere near.”

She said such a pleasant thing.

Then, I too should resolve myself.

”Alright. Then, Ancient Elf, from now on you are Aura.”

Aura.

While also being the name of a goddess, it was also a word for one's radiance.

I wanted her to shine and wrap everybody else with her radiance. That wish was attached to her name.

”Aura… My name is Aura. Thank you, master! From now on, I'm Aura!”

She repeatedly murmured the word and then accepted that it was her name. In that moment, our—my and Ancient Elf's—souls were connected. Her power came flowing into me. Not only that, her feelings, her thoughts, as well as information about abilities that were unknown even to her came rushing in.

By Aura becoming my [Monster of the Covenant]—as with Kuina and Rorono—powers that lied dormant were brought to the surface.

I see, so that's why she had the skill Personification of the Planet.

I also underwent chang. Power swelled up from deep within me. When I was aware that I could now use the girls' skills and some of their magic, I somehow understood.

By completing my three [Monsters of the Covenant], I was then finally able to fully wield my strength as a Demon Lord. By my reckoning, as I was, I wouldn't fall behind even against an A rank monster that could grow.

I calmed myself from becoming drunk with power and looked at Ancient Elf, only to see she was in the same state as me.

'This is amazing. Master's power, heart, and soul are flowing in. It's warm. Has Kuina-chan and Rorono-chan always been feeling this sensations? I'm a little jealous.”

Dazed, Ancient Elf, rather, Aura murmured so.

Her face was flushed and colored.

To sober her, I spoke.

”Aura, will you give me your left hand?”

It was to put the ring I failed to give her earlier. It was a platinum ring engraved with a crest that resembled an apple. It also featured a green gemstone.

Perhaps she realized what I meant for her face grew red as she gave me her left hand.

Thus, I put on the ring on her left middle finger. I put it there to symbolize my wish for her to be safe from maliciousness as well as for her to continue working with me.

”From now on, I'll be relying on you even more.”

”Yes! I'll do my best for master now more than ever!”

And like that, I was able to give Ancient Elf the name Aura.

When I looked at the crow monster, it was upright without me noticing. It then began to draw the transfer array as it walked unsteadily.

At that rate, we would be back in Avalon very soon.

Aura and the others were still alright so that meant that my crystal wasn't broken yet.

My only worry at the moment was whether Wight would be able to hold on.

Like that, I stifled my anxiety as I patiently waited for the completion of the transfer array.