Thirty years ago.
　It was after we had cooperated with the sub-people and defeated the void labyrinth, despite our struggles.
　After the battle was over, we were taking a brief rest in the room we were given.

''We managed to safely get through the Void Labyrinth!　Good job!

　Lucifina speaks laboriously in front of a table of various types of drinks, nibbles and food.
　In short, it's a celebration.

　Dionis and Rüzas are.

"Hey. What's the point of doing this?
I agree. It's still a maze. Why are you whining about it?

　And he denied the celebration.
　But.

''Hmm. Join ......, right?

　Lucifina smiled at me and forced me to join her.

'Amatsu-san. Thank you for all your cooking. It must have been hard work, right?
No, that's okay. I love to cook.

　Most of the food on the table was cooked by me.
　As I cooked out of necessity a few times, I began to enjoy it more and more.
　I've been getting pretty good at it lately.

I'm going to have to go to ...... to find out what it is. I feel like I want to cook too. I have to say, I've found some medicinal herbs somewhere. I'm going to make a special herb stir-fry for the EMILYOL family!
Please don't. Please don't do that. No, please don't!
Er, .......

　I asked Lucifina, who had a disgruntled look on her face, and somehow managed to get her to stop cooking.
　I saw a blue-faced Dionis and Liuzas pat their hearts down in relief.

　...... Lucifina's cooking is bad.
　I'm not kidding, there's a level of deadliness that comes out of it.　
　Before, the Dionysus who ate it almost died.

'I'm impressed, though, Amatsu. I don't know how you got the nerve to cook. Isn't it exhausting and tedious?
No. It's pretty easy to get used to.
'Why don't we cook, Dionysus? I'll help you, too!

　Dionis turned pale and buzzed and shook his head.

'Bo, I'm, you see. Charley will make it for me, so I don't have to do it myself. Being a rice cooker woman is handy, haha.

　As I recall, she was a dark-colored demon girl.
　From the side, Charley has a fondness for Dionis.
　I don't know how she doesn't notice it when it's so obvious.

'...... Dionis is too blunt, isn't he?
...... Huh.

　I said that to Lucifina in a whisper, and she turned her dumbfounded gaze to me with a sigh.
　Hm?
　What is that look on your face?

So I don't have to cook, you know. Why don't you get together with Liuzas?

　Dionis ducks Lucifina's invitation and throws the ball to Liuzas.

''Ah. Come to think of it, Liuzas-san was good at cooking, right?''

　Yes.
　Surprisingly, Liuzas was good at cooking.
　Apparently, he had cooked out of necessity when he was a child.
　The reason I became able to cook is because Liuzas taught me this and that.

"You didn't cook it right. You don't do a proper job, Amatsu!

　I was shouted at many times by .......

I'm not going to do it. It's not like I'm cooking for fun.
You're really serious when you cook.
Of course. I don't want to serve you the wrong kind of food.

　At those words, Dionis grins.

''Hmm. Hey, why are you being so professional?　I know you used to cook when you were a kid, but who did you cook for?
............
You see, everyone. If you talk too much, the food you've prepared for us will get cold.

　Lucifina's words ended the conversation and she reached for her food.
　Liuzas was the first to reach for the drink.
　In this world, everyone here could drink from the age of fifteen, so everyone here could drink.

　For a while, they were pointing out how they fought in the Void Labyrinth and their problems with each other, but after they started to get drunk, they became goofy.

''Oh, Dionis. You, don't drink a little bit,
Didn't I tell you I'm not much of a drinker?
You can't drink my booze, huh?

　A badly intoxicated Liuzas gets entangled with Dionis.
　Dionis tries to run away with a look of deep disgust, but Ryuzas won't let him.

''Don't you dare escape!
Oh, God, I smell alcohol!　Come on, Liuzas!　Hey, let go!
Shut up, you stupid idiot!　Hey, you better start drinking, man!
Well, I'm not kidding. You're the one who's kidding.　I mean, could you stop using magic to hold me in place?　Hey, guys, stop looking at me and help me!

　They want me to help them, but it's too much trouble, so I'll let them go.
　It's just that I'm in a lot of trouble when I'm involved with Liuzas too, you know?

Hey!　Mr. Liuzas!　Don't force him to drink!

　At that moment, Lucifina, who had been silent until then, opened her mouth.
　Her face is bright red and her throat is not turning.
　Because Lucifina is drinking at a tremendous rate.

''Wow, we're drunk too!　You know, I've been thinking for a while now that you guys need to quit acting so weird when you're drunk.　Especially Lucifina. You're a woman. Aren't women supposed to be ladylike all the time, all the time?　Blush at it in such a vulgar way. You're a failure as a woman.
'Shut up!　Don't be disgusting, you should drink too!

　With that, Lucifina put a bottle of wine in Dionis' mouth.

It's not a good idea.　It's not a good idea.　I'm not comfortable with it. Hey, stop it!
You won't be able to go to the Underworld if you keep talking like that!
What?　Don't be silly, I'll never go to the Underworld...
Shut the f*ck up, Dionysus!　Shut the f*ck up and drink!
You have the right to be annoyed!　I don't need your help.

　Dionysus is writhing in agony as he's plugged into his drink.
　Hang in there, Dionis.
　I'll be cheering you on from here.
　The three of them are screaming and yapping, and I'm eating my food and drinking slowly.

　Then, two hours later.
　Everyone but me is lying on the ground drunk.
　I put a blanket over a snoring Liuzas and a white-eyed Dionysus.

　And that's when I put the blanket over Lucifina as well.

'It's ...... fun,'

　Lucifina muttered as she lay down.

'I ...... have been a knight all this time. That's why I've never made a fuss, like this.''
...... Is that right?
Yes. So I got a little carried away. Was it annoying?
No. I'm having a good time, too.

　With a huff, Lucifina smiled.
　Seeing her face, I felt my heartbeat rise.

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

　He reaches for Lucifina's messy hair and combs it with his hand to tidy it up.

'N-......'

　Lucifina made a ticklish sound.

'Hey, Lucifina,'
What is it?
...... I'm not really named Amatsu,

　Lucifina gave a small nod, not pretending to be surprised.

'What's your real name?'
...... Iori. It's Amagatsuki Iori.
'Iori-san. ...... Hmmm, that's a good name.
So, you know.

　I'm sure at this point.
　I think my face was bright red.

'When we're alone, can you call me Iori ......?
----

　A surprised look, Lucifina.
　Then quickly smiled gently at her.

With pleasure. Iori-san.

　I said.
　With a small yawn, Lucifina pats my hand.

''Hey, Iori-san.''

　Later, the woman who mocked and trampled on my ideals.

'Let's just try to keep everyone laughing like this.

　He said, his cheeks flushed red.

◆

　--I'm awake.

......

　I felt like I was going to throw up.
　Disgusting.
　I took a deep breath and managed to keep the bad mood under control.

　After a conversation with Idler, I came back to my room.
　I got into bed and seemed to have fallen asleep while I was thinking about this and that.
　But it seems I haven't slept for three hours.

"U...... ugh.
...... Abubi.

　Elfi and Verdia were making distressed noises.
　If you look at them, they're out of the covers and kicking each other.
　What kind of sleeping arrangements are these guys making?

　As I was giggling at the two of them, I felt someone approaching the room.
　A moment later, there was a knock on the door with a bang.
　When they answered, they found Tovo standing there.

　We exchanged morning greetings and asked him about his requirements.

'The wardens want to see you. He would like to speak with the three of you in light of breakfast.
All right. I'll get you two up in a minute.
'Don't be in such a hurry. I'll be outside and you can come out when you're ready.

　With that, Tovo walked out.

'......n. Good morning, Iori.

　Maybe she heard the conversation just now, but Verdia munchies up.
　Her long black hair was looking terrible in her sleep.

'Is Elfie still not awake?

　Elfie was asleep with a happy face.
　Seeing Elfie like that, Berdia huffed a smile.

''It's rare that ...... master is sleeping so well.
Is that so?
...... Yeah. When I was a demon king, I was so uptight all the time, even the smallest noise would wake me up right away. That's why you're sleeping so comfortably, because you're allowing Iori to be so comfortable.
............. As you may have heard, Sepul has called me. Get ready.
...... embarrassed?

　Ignoring Berdia, he approaches the sleeping Elfie.
　Just as well.
　While I'm waking him up, let's try this.
　Slowly, I placed my hand on Elfie's head and then poured my magic power on his head.

"Pya, hi?

　Immediately after, Elfie jumps up with a strange voice.

"What!　What?　What's the matter?　Enemies!
"Good morning, Elfie.
'Mm, um, ......?　Good morning ......?

　Elfi was upset, but he realized it was me.
　He takes a big deep breath and glares at me.

'How was that, now. Are you awake now?
"I'm awake!　I'm so awake!　Isn't this a terrible way to wake me up?
Sorry, sorry. I'm sorry. I've been thinking about some brainwashing techniques and I'd like to see if I can apply them.
'And for that matter, ......!　Already ......!　Fool!

　It was more than thirty minutes later that I managed to quiet Elfie, who was pouting and angry, and was able to leave the room.

◆

　With Tovo's guidance, we headed down to Sepul.
　On the way, we passed a lot of human breeds.
　Some of them are wary of us, but most of them seem to be curious about us.
　Is it the kind of thing that draws the eye to foreigners?

　In front of a large building, we are body-checked just as carefully as yesterday.
　Then I was led to a room with Sepul.
　Sepul and Coo were in the room.

''Good morning!''
Good morning.

　As soon as I walked in, they greeted me.
　They've been waiting for me for quite a while, sorry .......

'Did you sleep well last night?'
'Yes. I had trouble waking Elfie because he slept so well.
'Hmmm, I see.'
...... muu.

　As we were exchanging such exchanges, breakfast was brought to the room.
　It's fruit, meat soup, and whole grilled fish.
　Elfie, who looked grumpy, has a glint in his eye.

　While eating breakfast, I have a serious conversation with Sepul.

''I gathered all the information about the Void Labyrinth yesterday. I'll give it to you after breakfast.''
I'm sorry to have bothered you. Thank you.

　With this, we have achieved our original goal.
　However, from the way Sepul talks, it seems that we can't expect any detailed information about the inside.
　Of the Five Generals Labyrinth, the most difficult to get to is the Void Labyrinth.
　Whoever thought of this labyrinth has a very good character.

''Do you and the others plan to go somewhere else after this?''
'Yes, ....... Now that my original goal has been accomplished, I'm going to leave the Great Forest for once. But .......
What?　You're going to leave now!

　Coo interrupted my words and made a sad sound.
　The way he looks at me with his ears fluttering reminds me of an abandoned dog.

'Hey, Coo. I won't interrupt Iori's story. You promised you wouldn't interrupt me.
Uh-oh.

　Coo scolded by Sepul and shunned by Sepul.
　He took his gaze off me and looked at Elfie.

'Then I'm talking to someone over here.
Yeah. What's up, doggie?

　Elfi, who had been gobbling up fruit with gusto, nodded her head.

'Hey, hey, what kind of relationship does Elfi have with Iori-san?'
We're inseparable partners, aren't we?

　For some reason, with a smug look on his face, Elfie replied.

'Wow, buddy!　So you're not a mate?
Tsugaru: ....... Yeah, right. There's no ...... in that relationship.
I know!　So where is your partner, then?
You're a wanderer, so you don't have a fixed home.
'Heh!　Maybe that's why. Something smells funny, buddy!
That's weird.
It smells like some kind of demon.
''It stinks!''

　Seeing Elfie and Coo who were making a gargantuan noise, I let out a sigh at the same time as Sepul.
　It was decided that the seriousness of the conversation would be after the meal.

◆

　After eating, I received information about the Void Labyrinth from Sepul.

　First of all, the void labyrinth is floating above a large forest.
　It seems to be at such an altitude that even if you shoot magic, it is impossible to reach it.
　Normally, it was covered by multiple layers of wards, making it impossible to see it.

　The warriors of the Great Forest have tried several times to get into the labyrinth, but they have failed to do so exhaustively.
　The cause is the demons that prowl around and the wards and magic that cover the labyrinth.

　Whenever you try to approach the labyrinth, you will be caught in the detection spell.
　At that moment, a tremendous number of demons seem to attack you.
　This is probably because the demons born from the labyrinth are guarding the surrounding area.

　But the warriors of the Great Forest are strong.
　Many of them were able to break through a large number of demons and get very close to the labyrinth.
　The barrier to such warriors is the wards that cover the labyrinth.
　The wards are so powerful that even if you shoot advanced magic, they won't give a small shake, stopping the warriors.
　If you struggle to break through it, you will be surrounded by demons in no time and will be knocked down to the ground.
　Therefore, it seems that no one has been able to enter the labyrinth yet.

　The only time this boundary would disappear was when the Void Labyrinth would attack the Great Forest.
　It seems that the warding will disappear for a short period of time in order to drop the demons towards the Great Forest.
　Some warriors seemed to have tried to get in at this time, but they were blocked by the "Wind Devil General" who came out of the labyrinth.
　This demon lord seems to be a hard worker.

　The warriors did not give up and continued to aim at the labyrinth, but it rarely attacked them.
　It has been more than ten years since they have been doing that.
　In order to prevent other countries from upsetting the current equilibrium, they decided to non-interference in the labyrinth, and in the end, the Great Forest seemed to have followed suit.

　However, recently, the Void Labyrinth suddenly began to move.
　It seemed to have dropped a large number of demons into the Great Forest.
　Fortunately, all the demons have been defeated, but there are still some injured and missing people.
　Is this the reason why Tovo and the others were tense?

''Were the demons that fell on them strong?''

　I take my eyes off the material and ask Sepul.

'Yes. There were many strong individuals like the dragon species. But it was only enough to deal with the amount we could normally handle.''
Is that so?
Yes, sir. Just as the warriors representing the Great Forest were away in the forest on an errand. So our strength was lower than usual. ...... It sounds like an excuse, and I'm ashamed to admit it.

　Then, I asked him to tell me the types of demons that attacked us.
　Based on the materials we received and Sepul's story, I was able to get a general idea of what kind of demons would be coming out.
　As I thought, the types have changed a bit since 30 years ago.
　The overall quality and number of them seemed to have increased.

　I wrote everything down in my notes and put together a plan for dealing with them in my head.
　Once I had a general plan in place, I asked him something that occurred to me.

'Come to think of it, I heard that the previous ward leader was Mr. Zuiben. Where is Mr. Zueben now?

　Zuben Reimel.
　He was Sepul and Coo's father, and thirty years ago he was the ward leader.
　I remember him being good to me in many ways when I was here before.

'My father died of illness four years ago.
...... So, I see. I'm sorry, that was a weird thing to ask.
No. My father was laid to rest. He died a great death, you know?

　Sepul's expression is bright.
　It doesn't look like he's following me and spouting lies.
　...... I see.
　Then I'm glad.

'But he said he was sorry he couldn't repay Amatsu-san for his kindness.
............

　He couldn't look at Sepul's face and couldn't help but look away.

''Not long ago, I heard that the kingdom was making a strange move. I heard that they were secretly collecting a large amount of magical stones from both inside and outside the country, in secret. Some time after that, the Abyssal Labyrinth was defeated.
............
Then the Purgatory Labyrinth. Then the Dead Swamp Labyrinth. Then the Abominable Light Labyrinth. And then ...... the remaining one is the void labyrinth.

　Sepul looks straight at me.

...... After all, your brother is fighting for our world again, isn't he?
...... No, Sepul.
Your brother: ......
What did I tell you yesterday?　I have to defeat the labyrinth for myself. I'm fighting for me, for myself.

　He tells Sepul, who looks like he's about to cry, in a hushed tone.

'...... I regret to hear that your brother has died. I wondered if there was something more we could have done, if we could have kept your brother from dying.
............
"I thought the 'hero' was the one sent by Master Melt to save the world. But when I met my brother, I realized that's not true. Because when he was fighting, he looked very anxious ....... Even when he saved me and Kuu, he was almost crying, saying 'I'm so glad'.

　I can't say anything.

'Is there anything we can do to help your brother?　I just want to help you.
'Mr Sepul is the ward manager, isn't he ......?　Can you say that simply?
If we act on our own, that could be a problem. But not being able to return the favor is a much bigger problem.
...... I'm not sure I'm the person you think I am.

　Sepul huffed.

'If that's the case, sir,'

　'Besides,' Sepul continued.

'You won't be ...... persuaded if you give me a look like that, will you?

　I don't know what I look like.　
　I'm supposed to look the same as I always have.

　But it was opportune.

'If you're at ......, I'd like to ask you to do something for me.

　The reason for this is because I had to get Sepulchral and others to cooperate with me in the first place.

　--I had to do it to beat him.


　And a few days later.
　A few days later, we went on our way to defeat the void maze.