Slowly move forward in the dimly lit cave.
　At first glance, it looks like just a cave, but there is a high probability that this is already a demon's base.
　As expected, even Milene couldn't hide her nervousness and cleared her throat.

　According to Akira, demons were placed here and there in the desert at the base.
　Some demons control special powers, while others are far more perceptive than humans.
　It is quite possible that Milene and her friends are just invisible now, so there is a good chance that they will be noticed.
　It is unknown if there are demons placed here as well, since the forest itself is a natural fortress, but we can't be too careful.

　You have to be cautious, not in a hurry, and yet keep your feet on the alert so as not to be more frightened than necessary.

　To tell the truth, this is the first time Milene has come to the demon's stronghold.
　Although she accompanied him into the desert, the place where the demon had already moved out could not technically be called a stronghold.

　When Milene had been a slave of the demon, she had only moved from place to place.
　She met other demons, but she never went to the stronghold.

　Therefore, it is very difficult to predict what's going on inside and what the demons are doing in the strongholds.
　Milane has to take the lead now that she is in the center, but honestly, I wasn't sure what to do.

　Of course, I understand what our priorities are.
　The first priority is to get information.

　It's not just about helping the people back home, because to do that we need to know where we're being held, and most importantly, if we are really trapped here.
　From the information that Allen and the others have obtained, there is no doubt that this is the demon's base.
　I have no reason to doubt that the demon we encountered in the desert has escaped here as well.

　But even so, it doesn't mean that this is where the people back home are being held.
　They may not have been brought here in the first place, or they may have been moved somewhere else.
　That's why we need to find out first.

　Nevertheless--

"...... What should I do?

　With a small murmur, Milene looked up and saw that it was still Allen.

　You'll be able to see that you're a little too dependent on Allen, but this is inevitable.
　You will be able to see that the most dependable person in this group is definitely Allen.

　Although I consider Chloe to be my best friend, she is not the one to turn to at a time like this.
　And it's probably hard to rely on them now.

　You're going to be able to find out the best way to make use of your own personal computer software.
　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them, but you'll also be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.

　I've been in Chloe's good graces for a long time, and it's times like these that it should be useful.
　It's also in line with what Milene has been wanting to do lately.
　Now is the time to show a different side of yourself ...... but even if you decide to do so, one's strengths and weaknesses do not change easily.

　And to be honest, Chloe isn't very good at thinking.
　Looking at the right person in the right place at the right time, Allen chuckled.
　Then she lightly tapped the back of her clasped hands twice.
　It's a sign that it's okay to stay in place.

　It seems that the plan is to walk at random for now.
　I nodded and continued on my way, feeling relieved.

　The inside of the cave is dim, but it's not too dark to see.
　The walls are slightly glowing.
　But the only thing that lasts is a similar scene, and for now, there are no demons in sight.

　Well, it seems to be a natural cave, and the distorted shape of the place is still wide enough for five people to line up, but it's only high enough that Allen would reach it if he jumped on the spot.
　If the demon is out of control, it could be in danger of falling down, so it can't be here.

　But as I was thinking about this, my vision suddenly changed.

...... further down the hole ...... continues further down?
It's like . It's just too small. ...... Two people are tough, one at a time, maybe?　It's okay to do this with Millene, even if it's not holding hands, right?
"...... no problem
Then should I put Allen in the lead just in case?
Yes. I'll admit it, but I don't have the application skills to do it. I'll just go to the back of the line.
Copy that. So, I guess Milene is behind me and Henriette is in front of Akira?
"Mmmm ...... I don't like it, but hey, this is not the time for me to get my way.

　After quickly assessing the situation and deciding on a course of action and formation, he let go of Allen's hand and took the lead.

　Although the release of his hand made it possible to see Allen and the others, he naturally thought it would not be a problem.
　But considering the situation, you should resume as soon as possible.

　As it is, I hugged Allen's waist.

...... Um, Milene?
...... body parts should be in contact with each other, so that's not a problem. All that's left is for Akira to grab Milene's shoulder and walk away, and it's perfect.
"It's far from perfect in terms of how hard it is for Allen to walk," he said.
"I don't know what you mean when you say you're part of it, but your whole body is in contact with it. Well, I don't mind.
No, I'll take care of it. You have to walk carefully, so walking won't really be that much of a problem, but it's a problem in a pinch.
"...... sorry

　Of course it's a joke ...... about half a joke, so I quickly moved away and after a bit of thought, I grabbed the hem of my clothes.

　You're going to be able to find out what you can do with it.
　You can feel the eyes of those around you want to say something, but you ignore them and look to Chloe.

　It's a good idea to be able to have a look at your own personal computer and also to have a look at your own personal computer.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find the best way to make the most of your time in the world.
　So, I guess just being with you is not enough to give you peace of mind.

　But that's not the only reason why Milene frowns, although she regrets that.
　It's also because it's somehow strange.

　The Chloe she knows is, frankly, quite a no-nonsense character.


　It's just a matter of acting so quietly, and yet it's so uncomfortable to act so quietly.
　It's true that you are in a demon's stronghold, so it's natural to feel nervous and frightened. ...... Still, it felt excessive.

　Or is it because it's been a long time since Milene was saved?
　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who has come to the demon's stronghold, but honestly, my feelings about it have faded considerably.
　It's a bit stronger than most people feel about demons.

　On the other hand, it was only a short while ago that Chloe was saved.
　Maybe it's not so strange if you think about it that way: .......

　Well, just because I thought it was strange doesn't mean I can't think of something specific or why.
　It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for, and if there's something, maybe Allen and his team will have figured it out first.
　So maybe it's just that Milene is thinking too much.

　At any rate, we are about to head deeper into the demon's stronghold from here.
　If I'm a little nervous, it can't be helped.

　...... I hope that's the case, I hope that's the case, and with that in mind, Milene stepped out into the narrow cave following Allen, looking out into the growing darkness.