There is a huge volcano right next to the hot spring city.
　Apparently, it is a dormant volcano, so it does not erupt, but instead, the inside of the volcano is a labyrinth.

　Purgatory Labyrinth.
　It is one of the five generals' labyrinths protected by the Fire Fiendish General.
　It is very hot inside, and there are flame-related demons.

　Just like the Abyssal Labyrinth, this one also has some troublesome characteristics.
　It's the magma flowing through the interior and the heat that drains your strength just by being inside.
　If you proceed cautiously, you'll run out of energy along the way.
　Therefore, we must move on while we can.

　On that day, a large number of adventurers had gathered in front of the entrance to the Purgatory Labyrinth.
　It's me and Elfie, a group of highly skilled high-ranking adventurers active in the United Kingdom, a group of mercenaries who came from other countries to sell their names, and me and Elfie.

　We formed up in front of the labyrinth and made a final check of our equipment.
　We were handed weapons, potions, fire resistant robes, and magic items that can store drinks for rehydration.
　The country seems to be putting a lot of effort into this, and the aid supplies were quite high grade.
　This robe, combined with the effects of the Anti-Magic Armor and Jade Tathagata, could almost completely nullify the lower level flame magic.
　It should be quite effective for intermediate and advanced levels as well.

　The amount of magic stones has been reduced a lot compared to the beginning.
　At this pace, they will be used up in not too long.
　I must get my magic power back before then.

"Hey, have you got your equipment ready?　It's not like we're going hunting goblins.
If you get cold feet, you can leave the strike team. It's better than dragging me down.

　As I was counting the remainder of the magic stones, I got tangled up with the adventurers again.
　The guys in this world are confident in their skills.
　That's why they don't like to see people younger than them standing there pretending to be one person.

　It's also a hassle to ignore them and show them off.
　I'll just deal with them as they see fit and make them happy.

　Just when I was thinking that.

I won't allow you to mock these two.

　Misha walks in between us.
　Her party is also coming towards us from behind.

"What the hell, Misha. You've been getting into these people's heads a lot since yesterday, haven't you? Is that boy your man?
...... I'll beat you to death for talking nonsense. These two are undoubtedly the best in the world. They're much stronger than we are.
Better than you?　Well, I hear the screening process is better than yours: ----

　So, Elfie, who had been carefully looking around, let out a small breath.

'You'll have an answer to whether we're useless or not by the time we finish defeating the labyrinth. That is, if you're still alive until then.

　The adventurer snorted at Elfi's sarcastic words mixed with sarcasm.
　Because Elfie is already known as a magic eye holder.
　Then he sniffed as if he was being pretentious and moved away with his companions.

I'm sorry. Many adventurers have a temperament. I'm even more upset with the prospect of defeating the labyrinth. Don't be too upset.
No, thank you, too.
Call me if you need anything. I can deal with these people, you know.

　Then Misha blushed for some reason.

'Yeah, and the fact that I'm Iori's girl or something like that, that ...... ah!　Anyway, don't worry about it ......!

　He whispered, and then quickly left the place.
　The companions laughed at Misha's appearance and bowed their heads to us as they followed.

　What is it?

"...... So, Iori,
Oh, yeah. How did it go?

　For some reason, I asked Elfi, who seemed slightly unhappy, about the results of the investigation.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out if there are any strange people mixed in with the rest of us.
　If those from the Demon King's army are coming to this city, then they may be blending the handful of things into the defeat squad.

''I've done a thorough search, but I couldn't detect any demonic magic. There are a few sub-humans here, but I couldn't find anyone from the demon tribe, at least not in this city.

　If there is a demon tribe to begin with, you can tell by their appearance.
　There are ways to identify them, such as their huge bodies and different skin colors.
　There are a few large men, but they are only in the human category.
　Bertoga was nearly three meters tall.

I'm sure you'll be able to find some people that wear magic items. It's possible that they may be hiding their species, like me, so be careful.

　Indeed, several of them were wearing armor that appeared to be magic power granting items (magic items).
　Several of them had their faces hidden.
　Some of them wore full-face helmets.

''Especially that guy in that full-face armor. All that armor is a magic item.
...... That guy.

　He was the one I fought in the guild before.
　I was able to defeat him without difficulty, but he still seemed to be hiding something.
　We'll be extra vigilant with that guy.

...... It's about time.

　In the meantime, the time for inspection was over.
　Our representative, an A-ranked adventurer, takes the lead and inspires us.
　Morale is not bad.

''Now then, we will now begin defeating the demons in the labyrinth!
"Oohhhh!

　The adventurers cheered and advanced to the entrance of the labyrinth.
　The entrance to the purgatory labyrinth is a large hole in the rock wall.
　A hot wind is wafting from inside.

　Thus, we stepped into the entrance of the purgatory labyrinth.

◆

　In the baking heat, we climbed up the lumpy, limp slope.
　Unlike the Abyss Labyrinth, this labyrinth was a form of climbing up from the bottom.
　There was a boiling magma flowing some distance away from the path we were advancing in.

　Me and Elfi are at the back of the formation.
　It seems to be the role of protecting the sorcerer who becomes defenseless while chanting.

''Hot .......''
"Oh, ...... my body is going to melt for a minute.
You'll never do that.

　It's not like the heat of summer, it's a chilling heat, like you're always standing near a fire.

'I've participated in the last strike team, and by the time we reached the middle of the labyrinth, we were all exhausted. We're better equipped than last time, but Iori-san and the others need to conserve their strength.

　Misha's party is also responsible for protecting the same sorcerers as we are.
　This is different from us, and seems to have been placed in anticipation of our abilities.
　Misha has come close to us and is taking care of us in some way.

''Otherwise, if we can't go any further, if we don't have the strength to retreat, we'll be left behind. ......

　Misha said with a bitter look on her face.
　Her companions also rubbed their brows as if they were recalling something unpleasant.

''All of the defeat teams so far have retreated before reaching the Flame Demon General, right?
Yeah. Beyond the middle of the volcano, the temperature rises even higher. In addition, the number of demons increases. Some of them can't keep up their strength and some of them fall down.

　I guess they couldn't help themselves and left some of us behind and withdrew.
　Me and Elfie won't have any problems, but this strike force might have to retreat after the midway point.
　In that case, let's get out and move on with the two of us.

''Forward!　Three Fire Lizards!

　A shout goes up from the adventurers who were walking in front of us.
　These are large lizard monsters that spit flames from their mouths.

''Ha, that's easy!''

　The vanguard adventurers finished off the flame lizard without the help of the sorcerer.
　It was moderately well coordinated, and the flame lizard was kicked away in no time at all.

　Then, as they proceeded onward, the number of attacks by the demons increased.
　The attackers were mainly the flame lizard from earlier, the fire roper with hot tentacles, and the flame rock tiger with its entire body covered in magma armor.
　As expected, the vanguard couldn't deal with them alone, so the vanguard stalled for time and the chanted sorcerer began to finish them off.

　And even from behind, the demons began to attack.
　In order to protect the sorcerer, we'll have to fight them.
　However.

''You guys stay back!

　The other adventurers stepped forward to block me and Elfie, so we didn't have to fight much.
　I guess they want the credit because they said the rewards will vary depending on how well they do.
　Misha complained to me, but I'm honestly grateful to be able to preserve my power.

...... Isn't it time to put it out there?

　It's been a while since the number of demons began to increase.
　Misha took off the eye patch that she had on her left eye.
　From underneath it, a different color than the right eye, a red eye comes out.
　Odd eye, not.

"Magic eye, is it?
It's called the "magic eye" and it only detects magic power. Compared to Elfie-san's magical eye that explodes, it's a much lower grade.

　It's one of the magic eyes that Elfi has.
　Apparently Misha can't turn her magic eye on and off, so she usually wears an eye patch.
　Just using it puts a strain on Misha's head and eyes.

'You were the one who was watching us when we came to the Adventurer's Guild, weren't you?'

　Misha made a surprised expression at Elfi's point.

''Uh, yeah. I was a little curious, so I looked at it with my magic eye. I didn't know you had noticed: ......

　Apparently, the gaze directed at her in the Adventurer's Guild was Misha's.
　I was almost convinced of that and shook my head, "No.
　The second time it was directed at me was one that clearly contained hostility.
　It was clearly different from the first gaze.

''Huh, two fire ropers!

　Misha turned his head to the side with a bang, as if he had detected them with his demon eyes.
　Red tentacles crawled out of the wall in a wandering fashion.
　Before being attacked, Misha's party easily defeated them.
　Misha's party is also very good at working together.
　The ...... parties seem to be getting along well with each other, too.
　In addition to the subhuman's ability to detect, that magic eye, the detection ability must be quite high.

I'm sure you'll be able to find it. It's also a good use of the magical eye.
I can do better than that.

　This is a child.

Hey, Elfi. I'm not sure what kind of magic eye you're using, though.

　Then I suddenly became curious and asked Elfi about it.

　I'm not a fan of the idea.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

You may be surprised to learn that I have three magical eyes. The name of the magic eye I have is the Demon King's Eye."
I've never heard of the evil eye.
''Of course. I'm the only one in this world who can use the Demon Lord's Eye. Not even the previous Demon Kings have had this demon eye.

　It seems to be the 'Magic Eye in Both Eyes' that allows you to use multiple magic eyes in different ways.
　Even ordinary magical eyes are quite useful, but this is a foul class of power.
　It's a good thing that you can't get away with it.

　After that, we took a couple of breaks and spent nearly two hours getting to the middle of the labyrinth.


◆

　There was an open space in the middle of the road.
　A large place for all the adventurers to rest.
　It was hotter than ever because of the magma running through the nearby area.

From here on, the temperature will be even higher in the Burning Place. Make sure you take a break.

　After the midsection, they say there is a magic spell that raises the temperature.
　Now comes the crucial moment.

　The adventurers take it in turns to check their armor while standing guard.
　They are used to their hands, as expected, and in no time at all, they are ready, rehydrated and take turns watching.

''...... Elfi. What did you think of the adventurers' movements so far?
''Not bad. But it's going to be tough to take out the flame demon general.
...... Yeah.

　So far so good, but there are even higher demons in this labyrinth.
　They are more than just spiders.
　There are many of them inhabiting the labyrinth, and there is also a Fire Fiend General who is even more powerful than that in waiting.
　If they wanted to defeat the Flame Demon General, they would probably need more than double their current strength.

　Well, one of the objectives of this defeating team is to eliminate the demons inside and prevent them from coming out, so from their point of view, it might be fine even if they don't get to the Flame Demon General.

----.

　Then, bam, Elfie looked up as if he had noticed something.
　At the same time, Misha's cry echoed.

''Enemy attack!　Fire Roper Seven, Flame Lizard Five, Flame Rock Tiger Three!''

　A large number of demons flew out from within the magma.
　Immediately preparing their stance, the adventurers intercepted them.

　The group of fire ropers were attacked by a group of mercenaries from another country.
　Each of them moved swiftly and cut off the tentacles.
　They were highly skilled.

　The flaming rock tigers were intercepted by the full body armor and the A-rank adventurers who were around them.
　They too took it down without any problems.

　The flame lizard is easily defeated by Misha and the other sorcerers working together.
　So far, no problem.

　But ----.

...... coming.

　Out of Elfi's gaze, the ceiling directly above begins to emit a red light.
　Immediately after that, a part of the ceiling melted by the high heat, creating a hole, and a demon jumped out of it.

''Flame Dragon (Flame Dragon)?!

Seeing the demon that appeared, the adventurers let out a cry.

　It is a huge dragon with red scales covering its entire body.
　It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on it.
　It is one of the most feared dragon species among demons.

　Aside from the Flame Demon General, it can be said to be the most troublesome demon in this labyrinth.

''...... d*mn it!''

　Most of the adventurers were dealing with the demons that came out and couldn't react to the flame dragons.
　The mercenary group that put away the Fire Roper flies the magic, but the flame dragon flies through the air at high speed and easily evades the magic.
　Then, from the air, it released a breath into the ground.

''Uhhhhh!''

　Except for the mercenary group, no one else can defend themselves in time.

''Iori.''
...... Yeah.

　In the next moment, the breath exploded by Elfi's magic eye.
　A blast of wind blew and the movement of the flame dragon stopped for a moment.

''--"Magic Eye, Heavy Pressure Crushing"

　Then the weight of the weight was applied and the flame dragon was dragged to the ground.

''Oh, oh, oh, oh!''

　But his massive frame resisted even the weight and regained his stance as he fell.
　It readied its sharp clawed arms and opened its mouth to release a breath.

''Uhhhh!
''Run, run!''

　The flaming dragon tries to rush towards the confused adventurers.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

"--"Accelerate!

　From right beside it, I rushed in.

　I activated a magic that increased my speed.
　In addition, the effects of body strengthening, strong demon ring, and jade taiji.
　If I have my feet on the ground, I can act at a pretty good speed right now.

　At the highest speed, I approach the flame dragon like a bullet.

''----''

　Aware of our presence, the flaming dragon turns its head towards us.
　It changes its target and opens its mouth, lined with thorny fangs, to release its breath ----

　The next moment, they crossed.

　A long, long flaming dragon's neck with thin scales.
　It was slashed off from the middle and fell to the ground.
　The breath that was about to be released exploded out of control, causing the neck to explode.

''H--''

　I took that impact as a moron, but thanks to the equipment, I was able to reduce most of the damage significantly.
　If I had taken the Breathless in a moronic manner, though, I would have been scorched black even with the equipment.

'That's not true: ......'
What the hell is ......?
''Wasn't that the flaming dragon ...... that was defeated?

　The startled gazes of the adventurers who had put away the other demons turned to us.
　Stunned, amazed and in awe...
　A little too much or ...... frowned upon.

　Even when I was a brave man, I was awe-struck when I showed my power many times.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea to reduce the number of bulletproof adventurers in order to preserve as much power as possible, but was it a bad idea?

　Right after I thought that.

''Whoa!
''Holy shit!''

　The adventurers cheered.
　Several adventurers rushed over to me and Elfi.

''Whoa, whoa!　What's up with you guys!
"You are reggae!　Mr. Elfi!
"The Wizard of Fireball: ......!"

　Elfi is confused by the adventurers' excitement.

Iori-san, you're still strong!
"Oh, oh?

　Misha shakes his shoulder excitedly.
　It's the same for the other adventurers.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

''You're saved!　Thank you!
''I thought I was going to die.
...... licked it. Sorry about that.

　Apparently, it didn't get to the point of being awe-inspiring.
　This is a bit of a hassle, but you can go to .......

----.

　At that moment, a prickly look is directed at me.
　Due to the adventurers swarming around us, we don't know who it's coming from.

　However, from among the adventurers, I could see a man in full body armor looking at me.
　The expression on his helmet doesn't show.

''............''

　Anyway.
　This is how we arrived in the middle of the Purgatory Labyrinth.