I Reincarnated as My Favorite Villainess Saint (Magic Marza), So I’ll Use Game Knowledge to Smash Every Doom Flag! - Chapter 6

The sight that greeted me when I opened my eyes was utterly surreal.

An endless cave of jagged rock walls stretched before me. Sharp stalactites hung like fangs from the ceiling, with cold droplets plinking sporadically onto the stone floor. The chilly, damp air brushed against my skin, carrying the musty scent of mold and earth.

(Whoa! an actual dungeon.)

The scenery I’d only seen through game screens now spread before my eyes. Before fear could set in, I couldn’t suppress the excitement bubbling up from my former gamer instincts.

Suddenly aware of something odd, I looked down at myself. The constricting crimson evening gown was nowhere to be found.

Instead, I wore a white combat dress fit for a saintess, designed for mobility. Embroidered in silver thread over the chest was the crest of the Crescent family – Lydia’s noble house.

And in my right hand gleamed a silver staff. A ceremonial mace with a light crystal embedded in its tip – sturdy enough to double as a blunt weapon. Lydia’s starting equipment in the game.

(I see. So inside this dungeon, my appearance automatically optimizes itself.)

Having assessed the situation, I tightened my grip on the staff and stepped forward. From the distance echoed eerie, beast-like moans.

If my game memories served me right, this was the “Grotto of Lamentations.” A labyrinth shaped by Elize’s suffering. Which meant my mission was clear – defeat the boss at its heart and free her.

The cave proved darker and more convoluted than expected. Only my footsteps and the dripping water sounded unnaturally loud in the silence.

Then, the darkness ahead rippled like disturbed water. Black mist coalesced into humanoid form. Though featureless, the figure radiated profound sorrow and resentment.

(Here comes the first monster!)

“Wraith of Grief” – a troublesome early-game enemy resistant to physical attacks.

My heart leapt. Not a game. A real monster. The wraith let out a shrill cry as it glided toward me. An icy chill raced down my spine.

I’m scared. But I can’t stop now.

I gripped my staff tightly. Strangely, my body instinctively knew what to do. As if performing a practiced motion, I naturally assumed a battle stance.

“Light of Purification, pierce the wicked!”

As I shouted, the staff’s crystal blazed with brilliant light.

“Holy Strike!”

A bullet of light shot straight through the wraith. Upon impact, it shrieked and dissolved into motes of light.

Nothing remained. Only the oppressive air seemed slightly clearer.

“Hah! hah!”

I panted heavily. My first real battle. My legs trembled slightly. But I’d won.

Lydia’s power wasn’t just cold judgment for magic violators. It was the power to shatter suffering itself and purify corrupted places. I understood this now with my entire being.

From then on, my game knowledge proved surprisingly useful.

“If I remember right, the floor collapses in this passage ahead. Stick to the right wall to avoid it.”

“That rock formation should have luminescent moss with healing properties.”

Guided by memories and muttered reminders, I pressed deeper into the labyrinth. After several monster encounters, I grew accustomed to Lydia’s body. Fear remained, but my determination to save Elize burned stronger.

Eventually, the path opened into a vast chamber.

A dome-shaped cavern centered around a massive throne woven from thorns. Upon it sat a solitary knight.

Clad in pitch-black armor oozing sinister purple aura from its seams, the knight gripped an enormous greatsword. His form seemed the very embodiment of despair.

“Knight of Despair.”

Master of this Grotto of Lamentations – the source of the curse consuming Elize’s heart.

The knight slowly raised his head. Two crimson lights fixed on me from within his helmet.

‘WHY DISTURB MY REPOSE?’

His voice rumbled like an earthquake, both mechanical and reminiscent of a girl’s scream.

(The final boss makes his entrance.! No continues, no save points! What happens if I die here!?)

Internally, I panicked. Cold sweat trickled down my back. Yet I didn’t retreat. Gripping my staff firmly, I met the dark knight’s gaze.

“Repose? Don’t make me laugh. You’re just a curse eating away at that girl’s heart.”

My voice rang clear through the cavern.

“Your despair – I’ll shatter it myself!”

With those words, I kicked off the ground. The final battle had begun.