A little back in time, the second level of the Arhan Tunnel dungeon.
　After passing through the forest area, a pair of mercenaries were finishing their attack in the boss room.

"Huh~...... why am I fighting in a dungeon?

　In the event that you've got a lot of money, you'll be able to take advantage of it.
　The reason why she decided to challenge the dungeon.
　It was right in front of her.

I'm not sure what to do. Isn't there a big fish out there somewhere? ......

　To be honest, Nagisa wanted to punch this boy in front of her, [Tanabe Katsuhiko].
　A few days ago, another brave man, [Katsuhiko Tanabe], suddenly appeared at the restaurant where Nagisa was working part-time.
　He suddenly got down on his knees in front of Nagisa without saying a word and said to her in front of her stunned face, "Please, Ichijo!　Don't say anything, just lend me the money! Please, Ichijo!
　When I pursued him in more detail, he said, "It was good that I entered the casino to get rich, but I melted all my money!　I don't know what I'm going to do with my life from tomorrow because she's winning so much that I can only assume she's cheating. ......
　In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, there are a number of things you can do.
　Of course, Nagisa had no obligation to go along with Katsuhiko. She refused to lend him money.
　But then, of all people, he starts shouting in the store where he works, "Don't leave me! in the store where I work. In front of all these people. It makes me angry even remembering it.
This is the reason why, after many twists and turns, I came to the village of Arhan to earn a living for the time being.
　Nagisa, seized by the impulse of anger, silently kicked Katsuhiko in the back of the head while he was fluently picking up the magic stone.

"Hey!　What are you doing, Ichijo?
Shut up, you piece of shit!　I can't believe you just showed up at someone's workplace and did that in front of a bunch of people. ....... I'm still angry when I remember!
I've apologized to you a million times. You're vindictive!
Shut up!　I'm going to tell you, 'Nagisa-chan ......, you should cut ties with that guy as soon as possible. It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your time.
"Come on, we're heroes, right?
You're a fellow hero.　You're making me want to die!
I want to die!

　Katsuhiko is, in a word, an "unthinking idiot."
　He's not a bad guy by any means, but he's always acting on the spur of the moment, which often causes trouble, and he tends to rely on others only when he can't help himself.
　No, to be precise, he only causes problems that can't be helped.
　The only reason why she was paired up with him was because he was a member of the class committee. From Nagisa's point of view, it was as if she had drawn the short straw.
　Katsuhiko's existence itself is truly embarrassing.

It's his own fault that he gambled away his money. I had nothing to do with it, did I?　Don't you have anything to say to me?
I appreciate you keeping me company in the dungeon, okay?
You don't look very grateful to me. What am I to you?　A jack-of-all-trades who you only turn to when it's inconvenient?
Don't you deserve to be on the committee?
I didn't become class president because I wanted to, and don't make me feel like I have to be one in this world!

　It seems that in Katsuhiko's mind, "class committee member" = "handyman who can help you with anything". This perception has remained unchanged from the time he was summoned to the present.

I'm too busy taking care of myself!　Why do I have to take care of you too? You've got to be kidding!
"You say that, but you still go out with me. Are you in love with me?
Do you love me by any chance? ........................ Don't be creepy.　It makes me want to throw up. Why don't you sit in front of a mirror for three hours and think about what you're saying before you say it.
"Oh, my God!

　I'm not sure what to make of it.　I'm not sure what to say.　Do you hate me? He thought.
　He realized it too late.

It's impossible to get rich by gambling, don't you think? In this world's culture, the people who open casinos have to take measures to prevent people from making a lot of money.
Are they cheating too?
Of course they do.　When you work in a casino, you get information like that very quickly. Well, it seems that there are some gamblers who beat the cheaters to death. It's a mistake for an amateur to try to make a fortune in gambling.
Why didn't you say so?
I don't care what your reasons are, you just lost on your own.

　Nagisa is right.
　Katsuhiko went into the casino with enthusiasm, spent money on his own, and lost.
　It is wrong to involve her in it.

You should be careful with women, too.　It's a good idea to be aware of what's going on in your life.


"What?　Why don't you just go to a whorehouse?
These places are run by people from the underworld. ....... It's a common practice to blackmail people by forcing them to be vulnerable. In this world where there is no DNA testing, it is impossible to determine who the parents of a child are, you know?　If you're stuck on the earth's common sense forever, you'll end up crying later.
That's ...... disgusting.
You should know that the title "brave" means nothing.

　Even if you teach common sense in this way, Katsuhiko will still cause trouble.
　I know it's barren, but Nagisa can't help but say it.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
I hope you die.
I'm sorry!

　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.
　It was on this day that Katsuhiko realized that Nagisa really hated him.
　It was too late.
　After that, they retrieved the magic stone and went down to the second level.

　The two of them retrieved the magic stone and went down to the second level.

　The third level of the tunnel dungeon in Arhan.
　Currently, Katsuhiko and Nagisa are fighting demons in the dungeon.
　They were more familiar with the structure of the dungeon than the mercenaries, because they had challenged the Labyrinth of Trials in Metis, and had raised their level many times.
　Even if there was a vast area in the dungeon, which was an underground world, the two would not be surprised. They had played video games in the world before they were summoned, so they knew a lot about traps.
　You can say that they have tested their knowledge of video games in the real fantasy world, and they have been able to produce sufficient results in a world where fictional knowledge is accepted, but the line between reality and fiction is somewhat blurred in the minds of the heroes. .......
　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　Even though half of his friends died in the war, he still can't get rid of the game feeling. It is dangerous to give oneself over to that feeling forever.
　Her advice to Katsuhiko is not based on romantic feelings, but out of kindness that she doesn't want to see more of her friends die, but whether Katsuhiko realizes this is another matter.

"Fireball!

　Katsuhiko, who had used magic to defeat the Kobold, was in such a state of euphoria that Nagisa couldn't even look at him.
　In the Metis Holy Law Kingdom, the use of magic is forbidden, and Katsuhiko was unhappy that he could not use magic even though he was summoned as a hero. He even envied Takumi Kazama, another hero who was a mage.
　However, after learning to use magic scrolls in the Solistair Magic Kingdom, Katsuhiko was on a roll. He was getting carried away.
　Nagisa, on the other hand, has been seriously confronting the dangers of magic.

"Oh no, magic is awesome!　It's really handy to be able to beat the crap out of them easily.
I'm sure you're not the only one. We are on the side of the Holy Law Goddess of Metis. If any of the priests saw us using magic, they might send assassins to kill us.
"Huh?　I don't know, but even if they send assassins, we'll win easily.
...... There's no way an assassin would challenge us head-on. You can't prevent them if they move without your knowledge.
You worry too much, Ichijo. No problem, no problem.

　The Holy Law Kingdom of Metis frowns upon the existence of magic.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.
　In the event that the two of you learn magic, it is quite possible that the Metis Holy Law God Kingdom will send assassins to you.
　Nagisa is not as optimistic as Katsuhiko.

I'm not sure what to do.　What if the person I'm guarding is an assassin?　What if one of the cooks at the inn is an assassin?
No, no, no, you can't send an assassin to another country. ......
How can you be so sure?　We're practically deserters. Be a little more careful.
............

　A mage once told them about his suspicions about the Metis Holy Law Kingdom - the Four Divine religions.
　The two of them have been told by a mage about the energy problem and its harmful effects when summoning heroes, and the true identity of the four gods and evil gods.
If it became known to the public, Metis would lose its position.
　Also, since the priest had attacked the mage at that time, he knew that it would be dangerous for him to stay in Metis Holy Law Kingdom. That's why they stayed in the Solstice Magic Kingdom.
　This country was a good place to live.

I'm sure they're wondering why I'm staying here now. Besides, I learned some magic on the spur of the moment. ......
I don't know why they're so excited about ...... magic. It's annoying to me.

This is the country that treated Takumi Kazama so coldly.
　I'm not sure that Metis will accept the two of you now.

"The priests who came with you are in this country too. Can't you trust them too?
They attacked Mr. Xelloss while we were talking.　It's their policy not to give us any unnecessary information. But now that they know more, they can't go back to their country. ......


"If they find out, they'll do whatever they can to eliminate you. ....... Don't say anything that's going to cause too much anxiety.
I'm just asking you to behave yourself. ....... You're an idiot.
No, but it's magic.　I want to use it when I come to another world.
Well, you can keep your head in the sand. If you get stabbed in the back with it, I won't know.

　To be honest, Nagisa is doing her best to live in the present.
　And yet, Katsuhiko had already grown tired of the problems he kept bringing to her.
　To be honest, I'm even thinking, 'Why don't we just abandon him now? I think.
　Her kindness is not infinite.

...... Should we go to the Atrum Empire before they drag us down?　I'm not sure what to do.
I'm not sure what to do. Why did Himejima betray ...... us?
I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on. Also, it seems Kazama-kun is still alive.
What?　Kazama-kun is alive?

　I'm glad that my friends who I thought were dead are still alive, but I can't be happy about the situation.

"Looks like Kannagi-kun and the others betrayed us too. It seems they were treated well.
How did Ichijo know that information?
"Mr. Xelloss told me.　We just happened to be having dinner at a restaurant and he told me in small talk. He also told me that you are a pedophile and that you have become a dominatrix.
I knew he was a pedophile, but waking up as a domme?
I know he's a pedophile, but waking up as a domme? I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.
You can be beaten up by men!　It's just a perverted gentleman!

　And then there's another situation that we can't be happy about.

The last piece of information is shocking: ....... How can a perverted gentleman get a girlfriend when I haven't even gotten one yet? ......
"You knew Kazama-kun was a pedophile. That's more surprising.
Well, he and I had a lot of fun talking about Lolita. We had a lot of fun talking about novels, but he always chose heroines who were either lolita or legitimate lolita, so I naturally noticed.
If I were to leave this country, I wonder if the place I would run to would be the Atrum Empire.
I don't want to be thought of as one of those perverted gentlemen. ......
"Don't worry. You're just like Kazama-kun, so there's no point in trying to make up for it now.
No way!　I'm not sure if that's how everyone perceives me.

　Despite his nerdiness, Katsuhiko thought he was a decent guy.
　However, Nagisa's words brought him to the realization that he was wrong.

"Think about your behavior. You go to brothels, you gamble. You go to brothels, you gamble, you pick up girls, and you can't get rid of your spending habit. ....... You're not a bad guy, are you?
What?
I'm sure you're not the only one. How do I say this without calling you a scumbag?
Ugh!
"If you reflect on what you've done, you won't use the experience, you'll just do the same thing over and over again. Do you have the word "learn" in your head?　What do you think?
"...... Can I cry?
Why don't you go ahead and cry?　Do you think that will change the reality?　As long as you don't make an effort to change yourself, you'll always be a piece of shit.

　Katsuhiko was left to his own devices.
　But Nagisa was actually right, and Nagisa, the ongoing victim, had every right to say so.
　Katsuhiko gives her a teary-eyed, resentful look, but it can't be helped because he deserved it.
　Nagisa ignores him, and proceeds through the three-tiered forest.

　--DoGooooooooooooon!

　Suddenly, an explosion sounded from ahead.

What the hell?
Looks like a magic attack. I guess magic that explodes in the forest is dangerous, but were there really that many demons?

　At this time, they were still unaware that an emergency was occurring.
　It was bad manners to interfere with mercenaries fighting their prey, and considering that their presence would be a distraction, they tried to leave according to the rules of the mercenary guild.
　They tried to act according to the manual, but the next thing they saw was a dozen mercenaries rushing towards them from the forest.

You guys, run!　Sahagin's herd is ......
"What?

The mercenaries who had warned them ignored them and ran off.
　The mercenaries ignored them and ran off.

"Half-Fishman ......?
I knew I shouldn't have gone with this guy. ....... You sagacious bastard.


"Ichijo-san!　You're using vulgar language, sir!

　Nagisa's frustration at being forced to deal with so many troublesome things had caused her to become greedy.
　I'm not sure why I'm getting into trouble like this, but I'm cursing the absurdity of the world and my neighbor Katsuhiko, and putting my hand on the sword hanging from my waist.

"Geez!
Get out of my way!

　She gathers magic power into the sword and pulls it out at an uncanny speed.
　I'm not sure what to make of it.

I'm not sure what to say.
You should fight too!　It's a good thing you came here to earn a living in the first place.
It's a good thing you came here to earn a living in the first place. The demon stones of the half-fish look fishy to me.

　I'm not sure what to make of it.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.
　Normally, the effect would wear off after defeating a single demon, but if you are a person with high magical power, the effective range will extend and you will be able to defeat multiple enemies.
　Katsuhiko used it to kill 15 Sahagin at once, including the surrounding trees.

If you want to be a sashimi, step forward. If you want to be a sashimi, come forward. I'll make you a lick of meat.
"......, you eat half-fish?
"No!

　Sahagin and the others, alarmed by the appearance of a powerful enemy, move to surround the two.
　The Sahagin, also known as the "Goblins of the Sea," have a tendency to fight in groups, surrounding their prey and attacking them all at once.
　However, they do so only against weak or slightly tougher prey.
　The only difference between goblins and goblins is that goblins are slow to judge the situation. Goblins will retreat when a certain number of their comrades are defeated, but sahagin will not flee until more than half of their comrades are defeated.
　On the ground, their movements are restricted, yet they cannot understand why they are at a disadvantage. Their cognitive ability is low.

"Wow, the weak monsters do the same thing.
"These guys are slow on the ground, and goblins are much more troublesome. Goblins are much more troublesome. They're worse when they come in groups.
Let's take them out quickly. I'm sure Sahagin's magic stone can be sold for a good price.
I don't like the ......... fishy smell it gives off.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.
　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.
　At this point, some of the Sahagin, perhaps realizing that they were at a disadvantage, began to turn their backs and run away.
　However, his deformed form, with arms and legs sprouting from the body of a fish, is more unbalanced than the upright posture of a human, and the inertial force of the violently swinging tail destroys his balance, making it impossible for him to run away from the scene. Their movements were so comical that even Nagisa couldn't help but laugh at the sight of Sahagin's back.

I'm not sure what to do. I'll just go and collect the magic stones. I don't want the smell of mucus on my clothes when I wash them.

　When a sahagin ascends to the surface, he pours out mucus from the crevices of his scales and wraps himself in it to keep his body dry.
　I don't know if this mucus is mucin, but it smells like a ditch.
　Once it gets on your clothes, the stench lingers for a while. Then wait until the dungeon absorbs Sahagin's body.
　Only the magic stone will be left behind.

"Oh no, a big haul, a big haul. ...... Or is it a lot?
I'm not sure what to do.　What will you do if it gets on your clothes?
Oh, my God!　I did my best by myself, didn't I?　And this is what I get for it. ......
What's the big deal about wiping out all the little fish? It's not like you're the reason I came to the dungeon in the first place. It's only natural to fight to the death because you're the one who earns the money to live!　I'd rather die!

　Nagisa, who has no mercy for Katsuhiko.
　Well, since he was humiliated in front of the public, it's natural for him to be cold.
　The problem lies with Katsuhiko, who is not remorseful and is reopening his mouth.

"....... I'm sure you've heard of it, but I've never seen it.　I'm not sure what to make of it.
(He's not going to apologize, is he? If you want to dismantle the body, you have to do it quickly.
If you want to dismantle it, do it quickly." "My dismantling skill level is low. I have a low level of demolition skills.　Aren't you going to help me?
Why not?
No, why? ......

　At this point, Nagisa felt like killing Katsuhiko for still trying to rely on her.
　I'm not sure if that emotion is showing on his face, but he shuts down without continuing to speak. He seems to be very sensitive to danger.

I have a high level of dismantling skills because I process meat and fish in the kitchen. What's wrong with that?
I was wondering why you're so angry about .......
It's understandable to be angry, isn't it?　I'm sure you're not the only one.　I've told you many times, but you keep repeating the same thing, you should think about it with your rotten brain, hey?
Well, it's my ...... fault, isn't it ......?
And now you want me to help you dismantle it?　Who the hell do you think you are?


"Ugh. ......

　You dig your own grave by digressing.
　That's Tanabe quality.

"I'm even in the dungeon with you, but I don't want to work for you. You know what that means, don't you?
"Hi ......, I'm sorry.
If you ever say anything stupid again, I'll stab you. I mean it.

Katsuhiko didn't say anything more, probably because he thought it would be bad for him.
　But Nagisa knew. But Nagisa knew that this didn't mean that Katsuhiko would be sorry.
　He is a real idiot who will repeat the same thing in 10 minutes.

　I'm sorry.

　When Nagisa and the others were defeating the Sahagin swarm, Xellos and the others were returning to the route they came from, passing through the individual half and switching places with the two heroes.
　They were following the cliffs at the very end of the lakeside field, but now Zeroth felt strange.

"Funny .......
"Mr. Xelloss, is that your face?
It's weird. ......
Maybe you mean the head?　You're right, Mr. Xelloss, it's funny. I'm glad you finally noticed.
You're not Elomra, are you?
Oh, my God!
"I think it's a bit of both ......

　Xelloss' question was that he couldn't find the entrance to the field he had come through.
　When he arrived at the lakeside area, the entrance was a five-meter-long tunnel and fissure-like opening in the cliff, but there was no sign of it.
　This means that it must have been blocked after I entered the lakeside area.

Mr. Zveit: ....... When we reached the third level, there was an entrance around here, right?
If I remember correctly, there was. ....... The scene around me is also familiar.
Sir, I have a bad feeling about this. ....... Could it be that we're .........
"Are we trapped in the ......... dungeon?
"......?　"?

　In dungeons that are constantly changing, there are rare cases of people being trapped inside.
　However, since dungeons have a tendency to attract intruders, there are always ways and tricks to escape.
　Particularly in dungeons with multiple underground field-type areas, intruders are not easily killed. The reason for this is so that the intruder can kill the demons that are breeding inside.
　For the dungeon, the breeding demons and the intruders are the same food, and more energy can be absorbed if the intruders kill the demons inside.
　For this purpose, various treasures and rare resources were created as food. Mercenaries who are after resources and treasures can be compared to beneficial animals for the dungeon.

In the event that you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at ..........
That's why Master is not in a hurry.
But you know what, Xelloss? But Xelloss, if you don't know where that exit is, you're going to be living in here for days at worst.
No problem. No problem.
"You're not!　You are!

　For Xelloss, who had survived for a week in the world's magical Far Flan Deep Green Zone.
He was not in a panic because he was trapped in a dungeon.
　He was calm and collected in spite of the emergency, and his appearance seemed very encouraging to Zveit and the others.

Even if the exit disappears, it must appear somewhere, right?　Then we'll have to search all around, Master .......
That's right. However, I think we should assume that the second level has also changed. Either the structure has changed or it has been expanded, either way, we need to be careful.
"But sir, the lakeside field here alone is huge.　Where should we start exploring ......?
"Theoretically, we can start by investigating the shore around the perimeter.　I'm sure you'll be able to find something to help you out.
"Eromura (you/san) said something decent!　
"How rude!

　-ZUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

　The earth rumbles, indicating a change in the dungeon, echo in the vicinity of Xellos and his friends.
　It didn't seem too far away, but at the same time it sounded like falling rocks mixed in with the noise. I knew something was going on.

I knew something was up. The wings of the dark bird!



　The earth rumbled nearby, and Xellos thought about it, but he quickly used his flight magic to fly higher than the trees and surveyed his surroundings from above.
　And then, a short distance from where they were, he spotted a stone structure on the quay that was clearly man-made.

"I don't know if that's the way to the upper levels or the way to the lower levels, but it looks like we need to check ....... Hmmm, what should we do ......?

　The new route seems to be leading to either the upper or lower levels.
　If it's a route that leads to the ground, fine, but if it's a route that leads to a lower level, you'll have to go back after exploring.

"Okay, let's let Mr. Zveit make the decision here. I'm sure you'll be able to find your way back to the lower levels with me and Elomra.

　The old man decided to leave the decision of whether or not to investigate to Zveit as part of his training, and slowly descended to the ground.

Master, what's with the sudden flight?
It seems that some sort of structure has appeared on the cliffs to the north, which means that there are now two potential sites to investigate.
"Two locations ......, the temple in the middle of the lake and the structure on the cliffs .......
"Which one would you prefer, Mr. Zveit?　If you still want to investigate the surrounding area, we can put the building investigation on hold and continue our search.
...... No, I think I'll investigate the structures on the cliffs. It's close to here, right?
It's about a two-mile walk. It's a short walk from here.

　Zveit thought that it would be better to investigate a visible and suspicious place than to wander around aimlessly in the middle of nowhere.
　He was quite quick to make a decision.

Let's go to the location of the structure you found. Please show us the way.
"It's only a short walk along the cliffs from here, so you won't get lost.
Where is the Temple of the Lake?
That's ...... where I think the lower levels are. If you want to be sure, Elomra can go there?
No. ....... If I run into them in the dungeon, I'll ......

　In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, it's possible that you'll be able to find it on the internet.
　As they moved along, occasionally gathering medicinal herbs and chatting with each other, an hour had passed by the time they reached it.
　What did the four of them see in front of the mysterious structure?

「「「「・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・」」」」

　It was a so-called cemetery.
　Three stone statues were lined up in pairs on either side of the central entrance, giving it the appearance of the ruins of an ancient civilization. However, this entrance was also very strange in appearance.

...... This is similar in style to the Abu Simbel Temple.
"Master ......, don't you think anything of this appearance?
"Are these stone statues a replica of the buried kings?　But ......
...... I'm getting a really bad feeling about this.

　The structure was very similar to the Egyptian temples known to Xellos and Elomra.
　A stone statue dug out of a rock wall is nearly 10 meters tall, and its appearance reminds one of an Egyptian king from any angle. They showed that there was a similar civilization in this world.
　However, all six statues were seated on pedestals, but in oddly languid poses.

Why .......... Does this mean that the civilization that built this structure had a king?

　Feeling something strange and unpredictable, the four of them proceeded to the back.