Finally...
Takumi let go of the flag-spear in his hand with relief, looking exhaustedly at "Saber Alter" whose chest was pierced by the flag-spear.
Having experienced seven battles, Takumi had summarized some patterns.
All opponents' physiques were only slightly stronger than ordinary people. Depending on their body type and physique, their strength would be reduced or increased differently.
But they wouldn't be terribly strong either.
Because none of them had weapons. The gap between armed and unarmed humans was very large. Even if Takumi was missing an arm, this gap still existed.
However, although Takumi later gained some experience in one-handed combat, he was unskilled after all. This led to him using a lot of strength and time in each battle to find an opportunity to stab the opponent to death. After fight after fight, he was now extremely tired.
Unfortunately, his special ability also disappeared without a trace. He was now a completely ordinary person. Otherwise, fighting would be easier.
Oh, forgot to mention.
Although his state would refresh after clearing each level, a small amount of fatigue would accumulate each time. Takumi couldn't distinguish whether it was physical fatigue or mental fatigue; anyway, he was tired.
Also, there was the "friendly side" disappearance event that Takumi had always cared about.
After probing time and again, Takumi also discovered it.
As long as he solved the opponent on each floor, once he moved his gaze away from the "friendly side," the friendly side would instantly disappear without a trace.
Method unknown.
Quietly watching Saber Alter turn into a black shadow and disappear before his eyes.
Takumi couldn't figure it out.
He could now confirm with 99% certainty that these acquaintances appearing here, except for The Count, were not the genuine versions.
The remaining 1% was for the sake of authority.
But why?
The original Prison Tower was a quasi-Singularity created by Goetia's curse, attempting to kill Fujimaru Ritsuka silently.
Then with the Count's help, Fujimaru Ritsuka conquered the various Judgment Halls represented by the Seven Deadly Sins step by step.
Finally, unknown whether the Count went easy or something else, Fujimaru Ritsuka defeated the Count and obtained the pass to return to reality.
Then what is this for me?
Seven Deadly Sins?
Does this match?
All the way down, Takumi could only see abstraction and memes. Although various scenes inexplicably felt fitting to the wondrous character settings, apart from lewdness and anger, Takumi completely couldn't see anything matching.
"Was that big black guy before the great hero Heracles? Judging from his physique, he was indeed impressive."
"But what surprised me more is that you finally stopped fighting like a beast snatching food as in the beginning, finally using your wisdom in battle."
The Count was still sitting on the chair commenting on Takumi's battle, with imperceptible relief in his eyes.
To be honest, if he hadn't been seeing Takumi's progress in battle all along, he would have thought this savior of humanity was just a silly and sweet reckless fool.
—Feeling a bit like finally "hoping one's son becomes a dragon." Want to cry.
"Remember, wisdom is always humanity's strongest weapon."
The Count clapped his hands lightly, his voice carrying traces of sighing.
"I have always been thinking diligently, okay? Do I only look reckless in your eyes?"
Looking at the Count acting like "my kid finally grew up," Takumi said very dissatisfiedly.
One must know that if he just relied on recklessness all the way down, he definitely wouldn't have reached here.
If nothing else, that big guy "Heracles" wasn't someone he could casually beat recklessly.
After realizing that the IQs of various opponents here seemed relatively low, and they basically had no combat experience, just relying on physical advantage to fight.
Knowing he couldn't compare with them in hardware, Takumi started to play tricks.
"Heracles," who only knew how to charge around like a bull, was solved by Takumi's quasi-bullfighting tactics.
First constantly dodging to consume his stamina and figure out his movement characteristics. Then at the end of the battle, Takumi propped the bottom of the flag against the corner of the wall, relying on "Heracles'" own strength to stab him to death.
"Is it not?"
The Count spread his hands, full of surprise.
He thought his hints were obvious enough, but until now, Takumi still hadn't discovered the truth of this "Prison Tower."
Takumi was anxious for a while, but having no clue until now, he didn't have the qualification to refute.
Could only stiffly change the subject:
"I have already passed the Seven Judgment Halls. I should be able to return to reality now, right?"
"Indeed, one can obtain salvation by passing the Seven Judgment Halls in the Prison Tower. So, please."
The Count nodded, clearing the path to the higher level, gesturing for Takumi to continue going up.
For some reason, the smile on his face returned to the previous look full of mockery.
Seeing this, Takumi opened his mouth, wanting to ask something more.
But finally closed his mouth, not asking meaninglessly anymore.
The Count wouldn't answer him. Just as he said before, let Takumi find the answer himself.
The weird places were so obvious and numerous; Takumi was basically certain in his heart that this Prison Tower hadn't reached the end yet.
But how exactly would it unfold later?
Takumi could only hope going up one more floor would answer him.
With the mood that it wasn't over yet but couldn't help hoping it would end here, Takumi walked towards the higher level.
And behind Takumi.
The Count's eyes flickered for a moment.
...
...
Stepping into darkness.
Rough wooden bed, cold iron bars, humid moldy smell in the air...
"Back to the cell again..."
Although anticipated, Takumi's lifted heart inevitably fell again.
"What exactly is going... Count?"
Takumi subconsciously looked at the place where the Count appeared every time, but was surprised not to see that green figure.
"Count? Count! Count——"
The sudden disappearance of the Count, who had accompanied him climbing the seven-story tower, made Takumi flustered instantly. He constantly called the Count's name, attempting to call him out.
But Takumi could only hear his own calls constantly echoing in the entire endless space.
The echo lasted for more than ten seconds, making Takumi's heart sink to the bottom.
'The Count disappeared... just like other Heroic Spirits who helped me...'
A familiar suffocating feeling swept Takumi's body, making his breathing instantly rapid, unable to help bending over to take deep breaths forcefully.
The whistling wind traveled deeply in the corridor ahead. Wailing sounds from unknown places rang out just right. Cockroaches and rats scurried across the ground. The dripping water sounded like a death knell...
Only when he was alone did Takumi finally feel the terror of this "Prison Tower."
"Hah... hah..."
Covering his eyes and recovering for a long while, Takumi finally barely returned to a normal state.
'Everything here isn't over yet. The Count definitely hasn't left either...'
Takumi was unwilling to believe another possibility.
As for how to verify.
Takumi looked at the closed cell door.
'...Continue going up.'