The Final Trial

It turned out that Setsuna was special by birth.

No, theres also the possibility that this is just Leona causing yet another misunderstanding. For instance, she could keep her promise but also go with something roundabout like [I didnt say that I would restore you, I just said that I would so something].

Well, I guess its unrelated to me. I dont particularly feel like bedding Setsuna or anything.

So, Kehma. What next?

Weve achieved our mid-goal of having Setsuna bop Leona on the head. Now we just need to entertain Leona a bit more and have her leave.

Alright then, lets entertain Leona a bit more with our expulsion strategys final trial.

*

The Dragon Pond, a trial of collapsing footholds over a sea of magmawhat was so hard about it, you ask? Well, we used actual magma so even the places youre supposed to stand were burning hot. Leona and the others easily made it through, entering the room of the [Final Trial].

With the room dark, the only thing visible was a Golem lit up by a spotlight.

[Now, its finally time for our Final Trial. Your current score is woooah! A record high of 960 Points~!]

Holding the microphone, the Golem gestured grandly with its arms. Now that theyd made it to the ending, they were also a bit reluctant, but

Hey, Onee-sama. Was there anything mentioned about points earlier?

I dont think so to start with, even if its a record, Im pretty sure were the first ones since we are here to check over the newly made floors functions, Michiru.

Really. You two, dont fuss over the details, okay?

Setting aside the score that held no particular meaning, Leona and the others squared off before the final trial.

With a clap, the room lit up and the final trial came into sight.

[The Final Trial is a True/False Quiz!]

There were two passage-like gates before them. One had a paper door with a [O] on it while the other had a [X].

[If you think the question youll be hearing is correct, go through the [O] door! If you think its wrong, go through the [X] door!]

Oooh! By the way, what happens when you choose the wrong door? Flour? Muddy water?

[A pitfall trap that leads directly out of the dungeon. There shouldnt be a need to worry about any injuries. Getting something in your eyes might hurt though.]

Hmm.

Leona appeared to be thinking about something. She was probably considering whether being right or being wrong would be more interesting.

[And if two out of the three of you answer correctly, since you will have succeeded 1000 Pointsall of the Succubi will receive a one-year supply of their beloved eggplants! Moreover, as an extra special prize, I will award you a giant eggplant made out of stone!] [1]

With the design of [Eggplant Made to Look Like a Cow With Chopstick Legs], something often seen as Lantern Festivals, an actual cow-sized statue was carted out on top of a wagon. The reaction Leona had was very different compared to the two Succubis.

Thats an eggplant!?

Ah, oh my, that eggplant cow is super huge.

[By the way, its also a storage for more eggplants!]

Oooh!

When the Golem opened the small window on its front, there were more eggplants within it, but that was all.

I have to get this right!

I have to get this wrong!

Suira and Leona clenched their fists.

And then looked into each others eyes.

Leona-sama. A one-years supply of eggplants is very attractive. Being able to eat eggplants every day would overjoy everyone in Succubus Village.

Kuh, please spare me!

[Hmm? Whats this, a quarrel? Youve all just barely been able to make it to this Final Trial together, so please stop. Or Leona, do you intend to break away and leave? It comes with a free travel set if you buy right now. Ill even throw in a portable Othello game.]

That works too. Suira. If you two answer correctly, I wont return to the village. Okay? At least not for a year, until the eggplants are all gone!

We traveled together to find a peaceful place to live, but if thats how it is, we can only part ways here!

Egged on by the Golem, Leona gave them an ultimatum.

[Well then, Ive placed the travel set in the losers area, so use it how you will.]

Huhuhu. So then, whats the question?

[Ooh! Lets see, you only have one chance at answering the question due to the conditions of the set, so all three of you will have to dive into the one you think is correct at the same time Alright, now for the question!]

Hurried by Leona, the Golem read the question aloud.

[This dungeons name is [Cave of Hope]. True or false!?]

The Golem gestured towards the doors.

However, the group of three all tilted their heads to the side.

*

I tried making this as easy a True/False question as possible, but Suira, Michiru, and even Leona all looked clueless.

[ Umm, what was the name again?]

[I dont know!]

[Un, its a really difficult question I think I heard it at one point?]

Even though Leona would have chose the incorrect answer left the dungeon of her own will she doesnt know the right answer?

Hey Kehma. The answer is [X], right?

Yeah, it is Well, you should obviously know it, but uhh, is it such a difficult question?

I guess they didnt care about knowing the name of the place theyre living in? You dont really need to know the name of a dungeon to live in it!

I guess thats true?

But crap. Seriously. The heck. Our strategys success rate suddenly fell to 50%. I have to do something about this.

[Come to think of it, I did hear the name at one point. This dungeon is un, cave of something. It definitely sounds like thats it.]

[I see, so theres a good chance that cave of hope is the correct answer then!]

[Then we just need to go into the [O] door to get the eggplants!]

With that, Michiru started crouching to jump forward. I decided to hurry up and stop them.

*

The Golem blocked Michiru, who was just about to start moving.

[Woah there, hold on, Michiru. Are you truly sure about your choice?]

Eh, what do you mean?

[Are you alright with deciding on your answer without hearing the hint?]

Hint! There was one of those!? Please tell me it!

[Sure. The other two can listen as well]

With that, the Golem thought for a moment.

[This cave has various traps. Among them are traps that became the origin of this caves name. The room that cannot be left once the sword in its pedestal is taken is one of such traps. In that trap, a certain pair of adventurers]

Then, while the Golem was talkingin a place the Golem could not seea Clay Golem appeared.

It stood in front of the [X] door and made an [O] with its arms.

Next, it stood in front of the [O] door and made a [X] with its arms.

[Hmm? Is there something behind me?]

Following Leona and the others eyes, the Golem slowly started looking behind itself. However, by the time it did so, the Clay Golem had already hidden itself.

[What, theres nothing there? Lets see, where was I]

When the Golem turned its back back towards the gates, the Clay Golem appeared yet again. It repeated the same gestures again this time as though to confirm it. Then, it disappeared.

[and thats what happened. Got it?]

The Golem asked in confirmation.

Leona nodded.

With that, breaking into a runSuira and Michiru plunged into the [X] door, with Leona going into the [O] door.

Footnotes:

Apparently this is a thing that exists.