''--this is what I mean. If it's magic that doesn't fit your size, you'll soon run out of MP. The bottom line is that you don't have enough succession ability, Maria.

　Rustyala explains the points that she will reflect on this time to Maria, who is sitting as a girl, out of breath.
　By the way, the place is in front of the 20 layers of magic 《Connection》.

''Haha, haha ....... It looks like that's the case ....... It seems to be no good .......''

　Maria agrees, drooping her head in a paragraph.

　She is painfully aware of what Rustyala is saying with her own body. There is no such thing as a rebuttal.

　Then, Maria slowly stands up and continues to speak while laughing.

''Since it still (...) seems to be no good, I'll be leaving today. I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused you ....... I'm sorry.'

　His expression is a smile.
　But the smile that sticks to the pallor is eerie. I don't know what kind of emotion Maria is smiling with, .......

　When I'm unsure of what to say in return, Rustyala responds instead.

'Yes, I'll see you (...) ...... Maria, I want to have a meat dish today. It's a good idea to have a large, commonplace, big flavored, hearty meal.
Hmm. Yes, I see. I'll be waiting for you to make a delicious meal.

　Rustyala and Maria laughed at each other and decided on the dishes for tonight.

　At the end of that conversation, Maria went back home through the magic 《Connection》.

　Only me and Rustyala are left on the 20th layer.
　Rustyala stretches lightly and as she stretches, she asks me.

'Huh. That was quite interesting...
...... I was in a cold sweat, though.
''With that sword-like fire magic, Maria could be safe from being approached by 21 layers of monsters, so she felt safer than before, right?
'It's scarier to have a means of attack halfway through. I felt safer watching it when I couldn't do anything about it. ......

　Even though she got powerful magic, Maria's status was not suitable for the 21st level.
　Maria couldn't keep up with Fury's speed, her attacks wouldn't be able to take it, and naturally, one mistake would lead to death. There was no way I could feel safe watching that.

　I take a breath and step forward towards the stairs to the 21st level.
　Rustyala follows along with me, confirming my future goals.

''So, are we going to aim for the 24th layer today as well?''
'No, ...... if I could, I'd love to hunt monsters endlessly on layer 21.
What, so strong that you need to level up?
Not really: ......

　I certainly don't feel like I have a problem with the strength of the enemy.
　For what it's worth, I haven't gotten any decent attacks (clean hits) all the time.

'If we're going to level up, let's wait until we're a little further along. It's easier to level up after we have an idea of the level of the next target enemy, right?
'Yes, but ....... Things are as they should be: ......

　Rastiala would just want to move deeper.
　I can see that he's trying to somehow make a reason to go deeper.

　However, I give in to Rastiara's enthusiasm and shake my head. I'm certain that there are no enemies in danger yet.

' ...... Okay. Let's go ahead for a bit.
That's the way it should be.

　Me and Rastiara descend to the 21st level and go deeper into the labyrinth.


◆◆◆◆◆ ...


　There was nothing unusual on the road from layer 20 to 23.
　It was a layer with a small number of monster types, so he was able to proceed on the 'right path' without any problems, without running into any new monsters.

　The enemies were avoided as much as possible as they proceeded.
　This was to leave us with the extra power to explore the 23 layers of the example.

　And although we began exploring the 23rd layer with a considerable amount of spare energy, we were unable to find the stairs leading to the 24th layer.

'--Nah, no ......'
'No ....... Ah, the frustrating .......

　Since this was my second time exploring, I expected to find the stairs to the 24th level soon, but it didn't work out as well as I thought it would.
　It had been two hours since they started walking around, but there was no sign of finding the stairs at all.

　Rastiara's frustration at such a situation was growing.
　Numbed out, Rustyala shouted.

'Christ!　Let the sensory magic fly farther afield!
Hmmm... ......

　It's a method I want to avoid if possible, so I snarl.
　Right now my magic 《Dimension》 is only deployed to a few meters around. In some cases, it's even cut off. I only use the wide range of sensing only to check the monsters around me at regular intervals.

　There's also the reason of saving MP, but I don't think this state of being lost is a bad thing either.

　Even though I'm lost, the 'map' is filling up nicely, and I'm continuing to fight reasonably handy monsters. Although it's eating up my time, I'm not complaining because I'm getting experience and funding.

　However, that's not the case with Rastiara.
　My frustration is about to reach its peak in the sweltering heat of the 23 layers.

'What a waste of time!
It's a waste of MP over here. Come on, just walk around. We've got the map, we'll get there.
Or rather, in the first place!　Really, Christ can memorize the way you've been going!
Yeah, that's for sure.

　I didn't give Rastiara any details about the 'mapping' system. All he said was, "Once you've walked the path, you never forget it," so it seems that Rastiara has doubts about my mapping abilities.

　There were a few heavy battles along the way. And yet, he may not believe me when I tell him that I can remember it accurately.

　If I tell them about the "map" system in detail, they will be convinced, but I'm not going to tell them everything.
　Even if they don't believe me right now, if I repeat the process for a few days, one day they will be convinced of the accuracy of my mapping abilities.

'Are you sure?　Really, really?
Yeah.

　However, Rastiara is skeptical and repeatedly asks me for confirmation.
　If possible, my desire to quickly go to the next level with my magic "Dimension" is hidden in plain sight.

''Are you sure you'll be able to get to the stairs one day, really, really, really?''
I'm sure of it.

　I assure him.
　I look straight back into Rustyala's doubtful eyes.

Haha ....... If you go that far, I'll believe you. ...... A little bit of water.
Okay.

　Rastiara gives up on the magic prompting and switches to the water prompting.
　I take the water out of my "belongings" and hand it to Rustyala.

　The temperature of the 23 layers is high, but the water in my "possessions" is cold. But it's not as cold as a refrigerator by modern standards. But it's a helpful coldness in the high temperature 23rd layer. I'm thankful that the inside of my "possessions" is not affected by the temperature outside.

　Then I thought about my "possessions".
　I have been using this system without thinking about it, but now that we are starting to apply it to combat, it is necessary to understand it better.

　First of all, the inside of this "possession" is not affected by the outside temperature.
　From this, we can see that it is an isolated space.

　And there is no need to groping when taking out of the 'belongings'. It's a natural way to grab something that reflects my thoughts.
　That feeling is different from reaching for a specific object in a large space. It's as if every tool has its own space, and when I think about a particular thing, it connects me to that particular space.

　From this, we can see that The Possessions is not a large room, but is made up of a myriad of small rooms.

　We have come to understand the laws of the 'possessions' space in various ways.
　I thought that the laws of physics were being ignored because it is a different space, but that is not the case. Time is also flowing within the space - for example, if you leave a bloody sword unattended, it will rust. Likewise, even water will rot.

　It's not a panacea, but it's capable.
　That's how I feel at the moment.
　Depending on how you use it, it can be used for more than just storage.

　While walking through the 23rd layer, I proceeded to examine how to get my "belongings" in and out of the storage room.

　As I did so, I detected a group of monsters.
　The Red Element, an indeterminate monster that appears on the 23rd layer, is gathering in one place in large numbers. The Red Element is like the Shadow Hang's flame attribute from layer 5, a monster that is resistant to physical attacks.

　They are a troublesome opponent for the two of us, as we have to slash them to crush their nukes or use magic attacks.

　I decide to avoid the swarm and observe the movements of the red elements, and I find a large red element in the center of it.

'Ah, there's the boss,'

　In the meantime, I'm going to report that to Rastiara.
　For me, boss hunting is preferable to advancing to the deeper levels.
　Although the risk is higher, it's not as risky as advancing to the depths. And yet, it has a solid return.

'What, boss!　Really?

　Then, Rastiara's eyes sparkled as she instantly lifted the tension that had dropped.

''There's that wavering flame monster, the Red Element's boss figure, isn't there? It looks like we've entered the Red Element area before I knew it. No wonder it was getting hotter.

　It seems that because he was walking through the labyrinth without a purpose, he had wandered into an area controlled by the boss.
　This kind of situation would increase from the 23rd level, where there was no 'correct path'.

Alright. Let's take that guy down.
It's gonna get hotter as we get closer, okay?
Wouldn't it be cooler if we took it down?

　Rastiara seems to take the fun over the heat.

　We decide to beat the boss, and begin to decide on a plan for the boss fight.
　However, the strategy is a simple one. We don't create explosive power by working together, so we simply spread out and attack at the same time. We've decided to fight mainly with magical attacks based on the enemy's characteristics.

　I told Rastiara the direction of the boss and said, "Charge in a minute. I'll be charging from a different direction," he said, and went to find a different assault position than Rastiara.

　I find a position for the assault and immediately build my magic.

''--Magic 《Dimension Decisive Operation (Gradiate)

　The dimensional magic is transformed into that for battle and prepares for a magical attack.

"--Magic [ice], magic [form]. --Magic 《Ice Flamberge》

　During the path, I use my newly developed compound magic on my sword.
　The treasured sword I hold is filled with cold air and coated with ice.

　It's an imitation of Maria's new magic, Flame Flamberge. It's difficult to create a magic sword to that level using only magic power, but I succeeded in creating a similar magic by using the original sword.

　It didn't take long to create, since the original image was there.
　With this, he could attack with cold air.

　At the same time as the completion of the 《Ice Flamberge》, the waiting Rastiara started to run, and I sensed with magic, and I started to run towards the boss as well.

　The closer we get, the higher the temperature rises and the more the corridor is transformed into scorched rock.

　Me and Rastiara's assault is unstoppable and fast.
　At least no one can keep up with the monsters up to the 23rd layer.

　The Red Elements can't cope with the sudden rush and allow me and Rustiala to walk past them.

　We face the boss.

　The enemy is five times the size of the Red Element, and the heat in its body is the same.
　The heat in its body is probably about the same magnification.
　The features of its appearance remain the same, it's just bigger.


[Monster] Flame Squall: Rank 26.


　His name is Flame Squall.

　Me and Rustyala leave our subordinates alone and slash at the boss in a flash.

　Each sword catches the Flame Squall and cuts through its flickering flames. I cut through it - but there is no response.

　Me and Rustiala lose their stance due to the total lack of response.

　Both I and Rustyala have added their own magic to the swords they hold. I was expecting to get a little snag when I slashed at the enemy, but that expectation seems to have been disappointed.

　It would mean that a sword of this level of cold air wouldn't work against a boss-sized monster.

　Then, me and Rustyala, who were losing their stance, were attacked by Flame Squall's counterattack.
　The Flame Squall formed two arms of fire against the sudden enemy attack and ripped away the surroundings.

　Me and Rustyala avoided a direct hit from it by jumping back in a big way.
　However, although it didn't take a direct hit, its residual heat scorches my clothes and burns the atmosphere. As I inhale that atmosphere, I feel a sharp pain in my throat.

　I understand that I'm not on my own with the Red Element, so I whip my burning throat and scream.

'Rustyala!　Let's back off for a moment!

　I suggest that we retreat.
　The strength of the two of us, me and Lastiara, is our mobility, above all else. Our greatest advantage is that we can move to a retreat battle at any time if we feel like it.

　However, Rastiara refuses to do so.

''No, I have a hand!　Just follow me!

　With that, Rustyala begins to keep his distance, building up some kind of magic.

　I have no choice but to raise my sword against Flame Squall and draw his attention to me.

'Over here!　--Magic Freeze!

　I chant a spell that lowers the temperature around me and make my presence known by raising my voice. It's a poor form of harassment, saying that if it's a flame monster, it would be uncomfortable to have the temperature lowered.

　Seeing this, Flame Squall brings his arms together and swings a giant flame hammer at me.

　I leap to the side and dodge it.
　If it's a visible flame, it won't take a direct hit as long as I have the agility to do so.

　The subordinate monsters, the Red Elements, also flew fire at me, but the flames of the monsters that weren't bosses were not a threat.

　Just when I thought I was going to continue dodging the monsters' flames, the Flame Squall changed its shape significantly.

　It sucked in the air around it, causing its body to expand.
　I have a bad feeling about it, and I keep my distance.
　Then, thinking that the widespread flames will come next, based on my experience in the original world, I take out water and cloth from my 'possessions' and make a sloppy robe.

　As expected, flames erupt from the Flame Squall's massive body. It's a wide-ranging attack that will engulf the entire corridor like a tidal wave of fire. I'm glad my prediction was correct, and I spread the soaked robe out in front of me.

　No matter how fast I am, there is no way to avoid this kind of attack. I concentrate my magic "Freeze" on a few centimeters around me, and then use the slimy robe as a shield to ward off the flames.

　I managed to squelch the flames because my firepower was reduced by making it a wide area. I take a breath and turn my attention to Rastiara, who is probably chanting magic, with concern.

　There was Rastiara, who had deployed a glowing wall of magic and was unharmed.
　Rastiara rarely used magic, but she had many drawers of sacred magic. There must be plenty of magic to prevent flames of the current degree. He continues to chant without any problems.

　Feeling unfair to the level of safety, I think about leaving Rustyala behind and running away.
　Feeling my eyes, Rustyala gave me a thumbs up and said, "Quicksilver, Christ!　Try a little harder! I gave him a smile.

　I sighed and turned to Flamescoll, sighing.

　Deciding that a wide-ranging attack wouldn't be decisive, Flamescoll had extended both arms of fire at me.

　I continue to avoid it.
　Since I don't have to think about counterattacks, it's easy to dodge.

　However, the painful part is the aftermath of the attack.
　The afterglow of the attack.

　The residual heat has scorched my skin, and the air I inhale has turned into a deadly weapon.
　It's gradually becoming difficult to breathe, and just when I thought it was time to retreat, help finally comes in.

''--Holy Magic [Theon]!

　A magical light invades the flame-filled corridor.
　It's the sacred magic of Rastiara.

　And I realize that it's the same magic as Dia's magic from sometime ago.

　Just like that time, magic spheres flood the labyrinth, solidifying Flame Squall's magic power.

　--Does this make the attack go through?

　I brought my sword back up and turned from running away to attacking.

　My sword easily slashes off the giant flaming arm.
　Flame Squall screams and shudders without knowing what happened.

　Furthermore, Rustyala's sword stabbed in from behind, and even his trembling was not allowed.

　Having lost the advantage of a body of fire, Flame Squall no longer has a chance to win.
　It is being torn apart without being able to deal with me and Rustyala's fast sword.

　A little while later, Flame Squall was completely dismantled and disappeared as a light.


[The title 'Flickering Flame' has been acquired.
　Fire magic has a +0.01 correction to fire magic


　I get a title. However, since I don't have any fire magic skills, displaying my status didn't change it. Perhaps the same is true for Rustyala.

　I pick up the magic stone dropped by Flamescoll and shift my attention to the surrounding military monsters.

　Rastiara was already wielding a sword with sacred magic added to it in order to sweep the rest. I can join in, but then I'll have to use an unfamiliar ice-cold magic, so I weigh myself to save MP.

　Within a few minutes, the sweeping battle was over.
　A suitably exhausted Rustyala hands me the magic stone she picked up. With a smile.

　Perhaps because of the boss battle, she seems to be in a good mood.

It's a good thing. It's a good thing.
I'd have been burned to a crisp.

　I take off my burnt jacket and cloak and discard it.
　Today I was wearing my original world clothes underneath, and it was exposed. To hide it, I quickly take out a new cloak from my 'belongings'.

　Rustyala, who saw my clothes, looks at it with interest.

''Heh, are those clothes from another world?　It's exotic and nice. I'd like to try it on too.
What are you talking about? It's one of the few things I grew up with. Absolutely not.
Maybe I'd look good in it. See, I'm a good material guy.
'These are men's clothes. Give it up.

　I put my cloak on and hide my hometown clothes from Rustyala's gaze.
　Then, in an attempt to change the topic, I shake the story of the battle we just had.　

''More importantly, was it the sacred magic ...... magic 《Sion》 just now?　If you can use something like that, go ahead and tell me. It would have been a lot easier if I'd factored that into my calculations from the beginning.

　I've been hiding a lot of things in my hand in Rastiara ...... but Rastiara probably has more cards hidden than I do.

''Hmm. I didn't really want to use that magic earlier because it eats up a lot of MP.

　Rastiara says that and urges me to check my status.
　I 'gaze' at Rastiara and check my MP.


[Status]
　 HP621/709 MP121/325


'Wow. ....... It's down a hell of a lot: ......
''It's a high level of magic, even among the sacred magic. It's just not very good at magic, so it can't be more draining.''

　Rustyala is catching her slightly disturbed breath as she explains. This might be the first time I've seen her breathing disrupted.

'You mean you don't want me to rely on that magic?'
That's it. You can't rely on this to get to the depths.

　Rastiara is very good at giving plausible reasons. I feel like he's misrepresenting the fact that he simply wants to fight with a sword. But I couldn't help but nod because I'm sure it makes sense.

'Alright.'
Yeah. My magic is supposed to be a last resort.

　The conversation is settled and we start walking towards the 24th level.

　Looking at the map, it's about time for the stairs to the 24th level to appear.
　I tell Rastiara about it. When she learns of this, she increases her tension and speeds up her steps.

　We found the stairs a few minutes after we defeated Flamescoll.