Dark Knight Kroki

　On the outskirts of the free city of Thessesia.
　The sound of explosions echoed in the plains away from the streets.

'We did it, Kroki-san!

　Kyouka squealed with joy.
　The magic Kyouka had released had hit the target.
　It was the first time she had been able to hit the target with magic for the 36th time.
　It was a normal thing for any other magician to do, but it would be an accomplishment for her.
　After all, she had never been able to use magic properly before.

''Err ...... Mido-san. All that's left is practice, I guess.

　I say to Kyouka.

'It's fine with Kyouka, Kroki. You're my teacher!

　Kyouka takes her hand.

'No ......, I haven't done anything that could be called a teacher .......

　I'm embarrassed to be called a teacher.
　I didn't actually teach him anything significant.
　It all started when Kyouka asked me to teach her magic at dinner last night.
　But I don't think a magic teacher can serve.
　I refused, but Kyouka insisted and bowed, so I agreed to just give her advice.
　So the next morning we moved to the outskirts of Tessesia.
　There was only himself, Kyouka, and Shirone and Kaya here.
　Raina left, as if she couldn't afford to leave Elyos any longer.
　Rigena and the Lizardmen have them waiting on the Kish River.
　Novis and the others have not been allowed to accompany them.
　And I saw Kyouka use her magic, but it's nothing.
　It's simply too much force. It's a magic that can be done with a little bit of magic power, but it's overloaded with magic power. That's why the magic goes out of control.
　That's why I advised Kyouka to relax her shoulders.
　Of course, it's not going to work when I tell her to relax her power.
　I'm not going to be able to tell you what to do, but I'm not going to tell you what to do.
　However, this is just a matter of feeling, so you have to practice again and again to get it right.
　And finally, after the thirty-sixth time, I was able to activate the magic as I wanted.

''I'll try it again. Fireball!

　However, the magic fireball released from Kyouka's staff flew in a different direction.

''Magic erased!''

　Hurry up and counteract the magic that flew in a different direction in a hurry. If it catches fire or hits someone, we're in trouble.

''You've failed again. ......

　Kyoka is depressed. There are quite a few ups and downs.

'It's okay if you fail. I think there are many things that go wrong in this world. If you get depressed every time, there's no end to it.

　Comfort Kyouka.
　I don't think we should be afraid to fail. Sometimes it's better to take it easy and get good results.

'But ...... your brother and Chiyuki-san were able to use their magic well from the beginning. I've never seen them fail .......

　Kyoka says with a dark face.

'Not everyone gets it right the first time. I used to make a lot of mistakes myself. ......

　According to Kyouka, Rage was able to do everything from a young age.
　But not everyone is good at it from the start. People are not equal.
　I'm not someone who can do everything from the start. I'm probably not as talented as Rage.
　But you can't help envying the talents of others.
　You have to compete with what you were born with. And what it lacks in talent, it can only be made up for with hard work.
　This is the conclusion I came to when I recovered from losing to Rage and getting depressed.
　Clearly, Kyouka is in a hurry. She doesn't like the fact that she's the only one who can't do anything compared to the people around her.
　But you must not worry about the surroundings. The more you are in a hurry, the more things will go wrong.
　I told him how bad I was in the past.
　I thought this would make Kyouka feel better.
　Then Kyouka looked as if she was surprised.

'Is that so? Mr. Kuroki can do everything and he's very strong.
'I don't intend to be that strong. I was definitely weaker than Silone in the past, and ....... Sometimes I still feel like I'm not good enough because of all the mistakes I've made. Can't you trust me?

　Then he laughs with a haha.
　Silone used to be stronger than me. I remember that he used to make me cry in the dojo.
　And even now, I didn't feel like I was strong.
　Even when I won against Rage, I was fighting selflessly and my opponent would fall on his own. That's how it felt.

'No, I trust you. I've heard a lot of bad things about Kuroki-san from Sirone-san. I'm sure it's true.

　Kyouka smiles.
　She looks at Shirone and Kaya behind her.
　Shirone turns her head to look behind her.
　Why do you turn your eyes away?

Shilohnee!　What are you talking about when you're not there!!!!
'Hahahahahahahaha!　Sorry, I'm sorry, Kroki!

　Cyrone laughs and cheats.

'Sirone!　What the hell did you tell him?!
'Let's see. Mainly the contents of the naughty books Kroki has hidden under the bed and in the back of the bookshelf or .......

　Syrone replies, scratching her cheek with a pouty smile. Her eyes are still looking in a different direction.

''Wait a minute!　Don't go fishing without permission!
'Hahahaha!

　He would laugh and cheat.
　For a long time now, Shirone has had a tendency to wreak havoc in her room without permission.
　On the other hand, he would get very angry if you tried to enter Shirone's room. Isn't this unfair?
　And isn't he considered a disgusting pervert by both Kyoka and Kaya?
　I look at the two of them fearfully.
　There is no change in Kyouka's direction.
　Kaya looks a bit scared.

'Um, Kuroki-sama ....... May I have a moment?

　Suddenly, Kaya calls out to me. From the sound of her voice, she seems a bit angry.

'Um, what can I do for you ......?'

　I ask fearfully.

'Maybe Master Kroki isn't looking at your daughter in a disgusting way during practice, is he?

　Kaya's face as she says this is a bit of a smile, but it's kind of scary.

'No, no!　I'm not looking at you like that!　I won't think anything disrespectful about someone who is working so hard!

　He replied hastily and honestly.
　Kyouka is an attractive woman.
　Kyouka's current clothing is lighter on the west side of the continent than the east side, probably because the temperature is higher there. It's true that this makes you almost look at her well-developed breasts.
　However, I don't think I should give such a chick-flick gaze to someone who is trying so hard to do their best.
　That's why I don't look at Kyouka in a disgusting way. That's a fact.
　I meet Kaya's eyes straight on.

'...... I see. From the looks of it, it seems to be true. I beg your pardon.

　Kaya bows her head honestly.

'No, not really: ......'

　This person, Kaya, seems to really care about Kyouka.
　She has been summoned to another world to serve him.
　It seems that Kyouka and Kaya have a special relationship, not just an employer and a servant.
　I was a little curious about their relationship.

'But that's great, Kuroki. I'm sure you're not the only one who was not able to get it right when you taught it to me, but it worked when you taught it to me.

　Syrone says, patting himself on the back.
　Honestly, I want to question Shirone for an hour or so, but I'm not going to do it now.
　Then again, Chiyuki is probably a student at the same school as us, Suiouji Chiyuki.
　I know her because she was a celebrity in the school. She's a beautiful girl with long black hair.
　Suiji Chiyuki is a woman who is said to be quite a talented woman. However, her personality is rumored to be quite harsh.
　I've seen her before, but if she looked at me with those cold eyes, I'd be deflated and not in a place to learn.
　Kyouka might as well have been the same. Just as a great swordsman doesn't necessarily make a good sword teacher, maybe being a talented woman doesn't mean she's a good teacher.
　Sirone says that she's actually quite a gentle person. Well, that's probably true.
　But she also seems to be stern. Perhaps Kyouka must have been too deflated to learn.

''It's not like I taught you anything of that magnitude. ......

　I'm going to be honest with myself. I really didn't teach him anything significant.
　I just told him to relax his shoulders. I don't think I need to do this much myself. Perhaps an imam from the Society of Magicians could teach it more appropriately?
　Kyouka was afraid of failure and wasted her magic power.
　But why couldn't the people around him teach Kyouka that?
　I think of the people around Kyouka. The women around Kyouka are Rage and his cronies.
　And Rage and the girls are all good at what they do.
　Maybe Rage and the others are all the type of people who can do everything from the beginning.
　Maybe that's why they weren't able to notice Kyouka's condition.
　Besides, the high ability of the people around him must have been a negative thing.
　The fact that I'm the only one who can't do it well puts pressure on me, which in turn makes it impossible for me to use my magic well.
　In a way, it's bad luck.

It's a good thing that I'm not the only one who can use magic well.

　Kyouka takes her hand and thanks her.

'No, ...... not that.'

　I didn't do enough to be thanked, but I don't feel bad about being able to smile at a beautiful woman.

'Me, I'm feeling somewhat motivated!　Because even the useless Kuroki-san can beat his brother if he works hard!

　Kyouka says with a carefree smile.
　I'm sure she doesn't mean any offense, but it's a bit tricky.
　I know I said it myself, but when someone else says no, it makes me feel a little dented.

'Come on, I'll practice more!　Kaya, get more targets ready!
Yes, Miss.

　Kyouka lets go of his own hand and heads for the target.
　Some of it doesn't add up a bit, but it's good to know that you're motivated. So I force myself to convince myself.
　Kyouka is slowly but surely improving her magic.
　Eventually, she will be able to use her magic perfectly.
　Seeing that makes me a little uneasy. Have I made a powerful enemy, haven't I?
　We took her request lightly, but she is essentially our own enemy.
　If she's going to attack Nargol with Rage, we must fight her.
　At that time, her magic may be turned against her.
　I wonder if this is how she will strangle herself.

'What's wrong, Kuroki? I don't know.

　Cyrone called out to me from behind, comfortably.

'No, it's nothing: ......'

　I answer that.
　Kyouka could have solved the problem without me telling her. So don't worry about it.
　I'm not going to be able to tell you what to do.
　Kyouka is happy that she was able to use her magic well.
　So it's surely a good thing that this was the case. It's not just a matter of time before you get the chance to see them.
　I decided to think of it that way.



◆Rena, the goddess of wisdom and victory.

　Back to Elios I go. I had to go back because there are some noisy people who will not leave for too long.
　My place in Elyos is on a floating island connected to Mount Elyos by a rainbow bridge. On the island, there is a garden with a fountain at the center, which makes me feel like I've come home.

'Welcome home, Lady Raina,'

　When I return, I'm greeted by Nia and the other war maidens.

''Thank you for welcoming me.''

　I take off my hood and hand it to the one angel who is a war maiden.

'Are you sure you're ready?'

　Nia asks me.

'Yes, enough is enough.'

　I'm happy to see Kroki for the first time in a while. When shall we go to see him again?

Is it enough?　Rage doesn't seem to have been saved yet: ......?

　Nia, who is following behind me, asks with concern.
　Why is she asking about Rage? I don't get it.

'I don't see the point in worrying about it, Nia. Rage will be fine.

　I turn around and say and Nia gives me a strange look.

'Is that so?'
Yes, I do.

　I answer with certainty.
　Kroki is on his way to Lavrus's labyrinth. I don't think Kroki will lose to Lavrus. Rage will be saved. There's nothing to worry about.
　So I reply.

'Because my knight is strong.'




Shirone the Maiden of Swords

　In the afternoon, Kroki and I dive into the Kish River.
　Of course, it was to help Rage and the others.
　The reason why this afternoon is because I spent the morning with Kyouka-san at her practice.
　If Rage and the others returned, Kroki might return to Nargol sooner or later.
　So before that, I needed to learn from Kuroki.
　Kyouka and Kaya would still be practicing right now.
　They don't seem to need Kuroki's instruction anymore.
　Kroki says that Kyouka-san has a talent to begin with, so if he had a chance, he would improve quickly.
　I look at Kuroki beside me.
　He is in the form of a dark knight. I don't like that appearance much.
　I wish he could stay with us all the time and not return to Nargol.
　But Kroki refuses to budge, saying he's going home.
　Even if I tell you, you don't listen to me, is she still manipulating you?
　Yeah, that's what it looks like. We're gonna get them back.
　But for now, let's just focus on getting Reiji and the kids out of there.
　Kuroki and I will go through the river.
　I can breathe through water with the power of the water spirit. Kroki has the power of a water dragon inside his body, so he can also operate in water.
　The lizardmen are leading us in front of us.
　With the help of Kroki's labyrinth blueprints and Lizardmen's research, we found a waterway that leads to the labyrinth in this place.
　According to the blueprint of the labyrinth, this channel seems to be connected to the five levels where Rage is located.
　The hole in the channel is too small to allow people to enter. If it were smaller, it would be possible to get in, but you can't use that kind of magic.
　And there was a glowing membrane at the border of the channel and the river. Probably a ward.
　The wards covering this labyrinth are not perfect.
　It should be easy to erase it if you exploit the break in the warding. It took me a long time to find that break.
　If Kuroki and Lizardman weren't there, they wouldn't have been able to find the tear.
　If we can erase this tether, everyone will be saved.
　I draw my sword.
'I'll help you now, guys.
　I held my sword at the top and swung it down.



The black-haired wise man Chiyuki.

'What ...... now ......'

　I muttered to myself.
　I felt some kind of magical surge.
　Both Nao and Reno, who were drinking tea with me, seemed to feel something.

''Chiyuki-san ....... The wards seem to have disappeared. I can feel it.
"I can hear the spirits, too, Chiyuki-san.

　We looked at each other and nodded.
　It looks like Syrone and the others have done it.

'What's going on, guys?'

　Rage-kun with Sahoko and Eulia comes into the dining room.

"Hmm, Rage-kun. The warding seems to have disappeared. It looks like Sirone did it for me.

　I say and the three of them are surprised.

'That's Shirone. I've done a lot of thinking for you.
'Huh, Ray, you're right. I'm glad I waited and trusted you.

　Rage and Sahoko laugh.

'Such ....... The wards are ....... What does Atra ...... do ......?

　But Eulia is muttering something with an unhappy face.

''Princess Eulia?　Is something wrong?

　Eulia panics when I ask.

'I, no!　It's nothing!　Oh, yes!　We have to hurry up and let everyone know, I'm off!

　Eulia hurries out of the dining room.
　What the hell is this?

'If the wards are gone, that means we can escape.
Yes, that's right, Raji. We can use transference magic to escape now. Everyone, gather the people of the city! We're getting out of here!



Lavrus, the evil god.

"Wards are gone!　What do you mean by that?!

　He yells at one of the minotaurs who contacted him.
　Then the human females around the throne get scared.
　That's what makes me cringe again.
　These females are females that were kidnapped from the outside world.
　I have my favorite human females here on the 13th level.
　Human females are more beautiful than any other species, but most of them die quickly, no matter how gently I caress them. Less than 10% of them survive.
　This does not satisfy the raging lust.
　That's why I wanted a female with a strong body. Of course, it's not enough to be strong. She had to be beautiful.
　I still remember the shock I felt when I saw Raina for the first time. That beautiful goddess is worthy of being my wife.
　That's why I couldn't forgive the existence of the brave man of light who was called Reena's lover.
　What is Atranaqua doing?
　If the wards were broken, then something happened outside the labyrinth. Why haven't we heard anything?
　That ugly spider woman is completely useless.
　I'm not going to be able to get rid of them.
　I grit my teeth.
　I want to set up wards again, but Zarxys isn't here now.
　He is the only one who can set up a strong weld.
　But we can't let him escape like this.

"Tell them all!　Don't let the brave men escape!




Black haired wise man Chiyuki

The Zunes have taken Princess Eulia?

　I questioned the followers of Eulia in the central square of the city of Uth.
　The people of the city have already moved them out of the labyrinth. The only thing left to do is to tell Eulia and her friends that she has been kidnapped by the Minotaur's Zoon.

"Yes, Chiyuki-sama. It was sudden. ...... A minotaur called Zoon suddenly took the princess away. And then he said, "You are not to leave this labyrinth. I'm not going to get out of this labyrinth. If you do, you don't know what will happen to the princess. ...... Please, please save the princess.

　The squire bows his head. But the squire's expression doesn't change much from the usual. Aren't you worried about your master?
　But he was unconcerned when he was taken away here, so maybe he's just not very good at showing his emotions to begin with.

''No way! We've got to go and help her quickly!

　Sahoko gave a panicked cry.

'That minotaur!　You can pretend to be quiet and do .......

　Rage looks frustrated.

'No way Zoon is ....... It's funny though. I'm sure Reno's magic would have told him what he knew.

　　I wonder. Reno's magic should have told Zoon the truth. Zoon must not know how to get out of these five levels.
　It's not as if he was able to resist Reno's magic.
　Besides, it didn't seem like that kind-looking minotaur would do that.
　I thought we'd have been able to break the ice for a short time.
'But it's true, Chiyuki. We have to hurry up and go help. I don't know what Eulia will do to me. If you don't want us to leave the labyrinth, then let's just go down to the lower levels!
　Rage says with a wry smile.
　Rage doesn't give up on girls. But I want you to put yourself in our shoes as we're being taken along.

'But how?　If they took you, it's a level below this one. I don't know how to get there: ......
　I don't know how to get to the lower levels from here. I have no choice but to stay here.
　But if we do that, we might get trapped in the warding again.
　If that happens, not only will we be in danger, but we will also be in danger.
　I'm sorry for Eulia, but I value our lives more than hers. We should abandon this place.

'That's the thing, Chiyuki-san. It looks like we can get to the lower levels from the bottom of the lake.''

　Nao says from the side.

'From the bottom of the lake?'

　There is a large lake on this fifth level. Can we get to the underground level from the bottom of that lake?

Yes. I've regained my senses now, so there's no doubt about it. Reno-chan also said that water is flowing down to the bottom of the lake to the lower levels.
'Yes. 'You're right, Nao, Chiyuki. I can feel the water flowing further down from the bottom of the lake.

　Nao and Reno say it, so there's no doubt about it.
　I look at Rage.

'We've got to go. We have to help Eulia.'
'Haha ...... I knew it would be so ....... So let's go from there. You guys can tell this to Sirone and the others outside.

　Eulia's followers nod as I say this.
　I activate my magic and transfer the Eulia's followers to the place.
　And only Sahoko, Reno, and Nao remain here with Rage and me.

''Let's go, guys!

　With Rage's voice we headed for the lake.



Black haired wise man Chiyuki

　We come to a lake on the outskirts of the city of Uth.

'You think we can get to the lower levels from the bottom of this lake?
Yes, Mr. Chiyuki. The water is flowing down further from the bottom of the lake.

　I asked and Nao replied.
　The lake is where we had a picnic before.
　The fifth level is as bright as it is on the ground because of the huge crystal lights.
　The water in the lake is very clear and the surface of the lake is beautiful, reflecting the light and shimmering.
　The water is not stagnant, which suggests that the water is circulating.
　So I had expected that there might be a place in the lake that leads to the outside.
　The reason why I hadn't checked before is because I thought it would be dangerous to enter the water with Reno's power half blocked.
　Reno's ability to use the power of the water spirit is essential in an underwater battle. That's why I couldn't get to the lake to investigate it.
　No matter how much I wanted to escape, I couldn't force Reno to do so.

'Come out, Kelpie-san.

　Reno calls out several kelpies, which are medium-sized spirits of water.
　As the water in the lake swells, gray horses in the form of horses come out in the same number as us.

'Let's go, guys,'

　Rage rides the kelpie and we all ride the kelpie.
　The water spirit in the form of a horse dives into the lake with us on it.
　The Kelpie is a scary spirit that drowns humans on its back, but we can't drown because we use magic that allows us to act in the water.
　The Kelpie will lead us to a place that leads to the lower levels at Reno's command.
　The lake is bright with glowing crystals in places.
　As you move through the water, you will pass fishes.
　They are similar to the carp you ate at the table when you were in the city of Urs.
　These carp are common not only on the fifth level, but also in the interior of this world.
　It has a strong vitality and can live for a while after being lifted out of the water, which is why most inland fish dishes are made with it.
　It is usually not eaten as sashimi, but as surimi, mixed with herbs and other vegetables, and then grilled.
　Because of the use of herbs and other herbs, the fish does not have an unpleasant stench, and it was quite tasty.
　We walked through the blue space, passing the fishes.

'We stop!

　Suddenly Nao stops everyone.
　If it were true, we should not be able to talk to each other since we are in the water, but we are able to talk to each other through our magical powers.

'What's up, Nao?'

　Sahoko asks in an anxious voice.

'There's something big out there,'

　When Nao looked at the direction he was pointing at, something moved at the bottom of the lake.

'Wow! It's a big turtle!

　Reno makes a carefree noise when he sees the moving object.
　At first glance, the moving object looks like a giant tortoise, just like Reno said.
　However, the head from its spiky shell looks like a ferocious lion, and huge fangs can be seen in its mouth.
　This is no ordinary turtle.

It's not a turtle, Reno. That's a Tarasuk.

　I assure you.
　What Reno calls a tortoise is a hexenbiest who is part of a dragon family called Tarasuk.
　I've encountered demonic beasts called Tarasuk in the past.
　They live in a forest near the great kingdom of Eldia, which is located in the south of the St. Renaria Republic. We had killed the Tarasuk in the past. However, that time it was on land, not in the water.
　Tarasuk are ferocious carnivorous monsters. Even if it doesn't eat anything, it can live for hundreds of years by putting its body in a state of suspended animation.
　Probably the Tarasuk in front of us has been sleeping until now. It seems to have woken up as we approached.
　The Tarasuk opens its mouth wide and attacks us.
　But it can't catch us on the kelpie.
　We ducked and re-grouped into one.
　Tarasuk are slow. It doesn't seem to make much difference in the water either.
　The dodged Tarasuk are having a hard time changing direction.

''Now, how do we defeat it?''

　Rage looks at everyone.
　No one says anything.
　Tarasuk is a demonic beast with a high level of defense. The demonic beast born between the Blue-Scaled Sea Dragon King and the Fire Medium Spirit Bonacon is resistant to both water and fire.
　Lightning strikes will work, but if we use it in water, we'll take damage too.
　Also, their body shells are much harder than iron and their physical attacks are less effective.
　We could probably beat it, but it's a bit of a pain in the ass.
　So no one says anything.

I'll go. You guys cover me.

　As it can't be helped, I'll take care of it.
　I drive the Kelpie and head towards Tarasuk.
　I take out six cards with magic letters (runes) from my pocket.
　I can use these cards to perform magic similar to magic words.
　The Tarasuk changes direction and turns to face me, and then attacks again.
　I order the Kelpie to change directions right in front of Tarask and duck the charge. That's when I release a card into Tarask's mouth. The card, moved by water magic, goes into Tarask's mouth.

''Rage-kun!　Attack Tarasuk!　Not at all!

　I instruct loudly.

'Roger that, Chiyuki!

　A lightning bolt from Rage strikes Tarask.
　Tarasuk quickly retracts his head and hands into the shell.
　The hard shell of the Tarasuk didn't allow me to make a single scratch on it.
　But now I'm on target.
　I activate the magic card that Tarasuk swallowed.
　As long as it's not blocked by a ward, the magic card can be activated anywhere.
　A small shockwave runs through the water with Tarasuk at the center.
　Tarasuk retracts its head and limbs and turns over with its stomach upside down and drifts directly into the lake.
　Each magic card I make Tarasuk drink contains a spell that releases hundreds of air bullets. I made him drink a total of six of them and activate them. The air that expanded inside Tarasuk must have destroyed Tarasuk's interior.
　Thanks to Tarasuk's defensive stance, the air explosion was confined to almost the inside of the Tarasuk and had no effect on us. It was all on target.
　We hadn't heard from the people in the city of Urs that the Tarasuk was in the lake. That means the Tarasuk has been sleeping at the bottom of the lake for a long time. Perhaps he was placed there to kill those who go from the bottom of the lake to the lower levels. It seems he was awakened by our arrival.
　They must have been hungry after sleeping all night.

"I hope you're not hungry.

　I laugh.

"Nice work,

　Rage comes to my side.

'That's great, Chiyuki-san.
I knocked that turtle over so easily.
That's really great, Chiyuki-san. Now we can move on.

　Mouthfuls of people praise me.

'Come on, let's go.'

　We headed to the bottom of the lake that led to the level below.



Dark Knight Kroki

'Hmm. Rage you guys headed down to the lower levels to save the princess named Eulia.

　The place is a room in the Temple of Raina in the Republic of Ariadia.
　There, Shirone received a report from the attendant of the princess named Eulia who had been transferred to this temple.
　When the wards were broken, people who had been trapped in the labyrinth were transferred to the Temple of Raina one after another.
　They rejoiced and moved to the city of Ariadia in praise of Rage.
　And they were told by the last of the transitioning girls that Rage had gone down to the lower levels to save the princess called Eulia or something.
　By the way, the ones in the room are myself, Shirone, Kyouka, Kaya and Regina. And five of Eulia's followers who have transferred over.

''Yes. The heroic Rage-sama went to save the princess. Sirone-sama, please save the princess as well.

　The squires speak without changing their expressions at all. Even Kaya, who is beside me, changes her expression a bit. But I feel that these servants are really emotionless.

''Do we need to help them?　Eulia, the princess is the daughter of the evil god who took her, right? I've heard from someone named Atranaqua.

　The bodies of the squires tremble a little when Cyrone says this.
　And their jaws move a little.
　Kaya sees this and moves quickly. Then she strikes the back of the five squires on the head. The movement is lightning fast.
　The beaten followers spit out something and stopped moving.
　I go to the squire and take a look at what he spits out.

'Is this a poison pill?　Maybe he was ordered to die if his identity was discovered: ......

　I'm pretty sure what he spit up was poison. He must have put it in something like a capsule and planted it in his back teeth.
　And he was probably ordered to die if his identity was revealed.

'That doesn't sound too good, does it?

　Kyouka says, looking at the fallen squire.
　They're like disposable tools. Perhaps their minds were bound by magic.
　Kyouka is often misunderstood for her high-handed attitude, but when you talk to her, she's quite a gentle girl.
　She's probably worried about her fallen followers.

''Well, what do we do now, Shirone?''

　I ask myself the obvious.

'Of course I'll come with you to help you, Kroki!

　Cyrone says, as if it's obvious. There's no way Sirone won't go to help.
　And in Sirone's mind, it seems to be confirmed that he will go to help too.
　He doesn't feel comfortable going to help Rage. But Nat is still in the grip of Rage's friends. I'll have to go too.

'I'm going too, Shirone.

　Kyouka leans forward and says Shirone.

'No, miss. It's dangerous.'

　But Kaya immediately denies it.

'Why not, Kaya!　Even I have learned to use magic!

　Kyouka closes in on Kaya, but Kaya shakes her head without changing her expression.
'No, miss. Your magic is still unstable, Miss. You will not always succeed. It is dangerous to go to the labyrinth in such a state.''
Ugh. ......

　Kyouka grunted at Kaya's words.
　Kaya would be right about this. Kyouka's magic still doesn't always succeed. I'm worried about going in such a state.

'Kyouka-san and Kaya-san, will you stay here? I have something on my mind.

　I'll give Kaya a helping hand.

'What's on your mind?'
'Yes, there may be others like Atranaqua on earth. You may be trapped while you and Silone are in the labyrinth. So I need someone to stay behind and secure the retreat. May I ask you to do this?

　He looks into Kyouka's eyes and says
　Now the words are half lie, half truth.
　I don't take Kyouka with me because I'm still worried about her.
　And I'm worried about the Zarxys that Atranaqua mentioned. He doesn't seem to be in the labyrinth right now, but where does he go?
　So it's true that it's better if someone stays behind.

'Yes. I understand, ....... It can't be helped. If that's what you say, Kuroki-san, then I'll stay here.'

　Kyouka says, a little disappointed.

'And would you mind staying behind and leading the Lizardmen, too?
Yes. Yes, sir.

　Ligeena replies happily.

''Hmm, so that means it's going to be me and Kuroki in the labyrinth.

　Cyrone says happily.

'Well, I guess I will: ......

　If Kyouka and Kaya remain, you and Shirone will have to enter the labyrinth with yourself and Shirone.

'Let's do our best to help Reigi and the others, Kuroki!

　Cyrone says, taking her hand in his. Cyrone's eyes sparkle.
'Oh, oh,'

　The momentum pushes me to slumber. Is he happy that he's going to help Rage?
　It's a mixed feeling.

'I didn't think you and Kroki would fight together. It reminds me of the adventures we had together in the past~. It's kind of nostalgic, Kroki.

　Silone says comfortably, "We're going to a dangerous place now.
　I feel that Shilone is a little too critical.
　But it's true that it's been a long time since we've had an adventure. However, even if we call it an adventure, it was only to run around in the fields and mountains together.
　But still, it's been a long time since we've worked together.
　I think we played together so much when we were little, but lately we haven't even spoken a word to each other.
　The reason for this is because Shirone started playing with Rage and his friends.
　I didn't have many friends, but I often went off on my own.
　I still remember that time.
　We used to celebrate Christmas together, but we didn't celebrate it anymore after Shirone left. I don't think we did many other things anymore.
　I missed her a bit, but I can't help it.
　You can't blame her for that, because she has a relationship with him.
　And I'm not alone anymore. I have Kuna.
　I haven't seen Kuna in a while. I'm starting to feel an irresistible urge to see Kuna.
　Let's just get this over with and get back to Kuna. I thought.

Let's go, Kroki!　I'm going to save you guys for sure, Rage!

　Cyrone smiles brightly.
　I nod.
　For now, let's go into the labyrinth, reminiscing about the past with Sirone. This will probably be my last adventure with Sirone.
　I started to work with Shirohne.