Even after overcoming the swarm, I took command of the 18 and 19 layers of the road.
　This was because the operation of magic beyond the limit, and Siddaruk-san was having a hard time even speaking.

　In contrast, there were no complaints from the group.
　First of all, it was significant that I didn't let anyone die in the earlier battle. I think my skill as a commander was acknowledged by that performance. Besides, there is a movement to try out that Guildmaster after the recent remarkable performance of the 'Epic Seeker'.

　In order to meet their expectations, I lead the line without any guards.
　Then, along the way, the Dimension caught the enemy.

''...... From the front, a large monster is coming. It's a large monster, Carmine Minotaur. Please stop the march immediately and get in line if you are a wizard. Next, refrain from anyone behind them who can handle heavy weapons. If the target appears from the corner ahead, use your magic to hit it with a fishing bottle. If they cannot hold their breath, the wizards should retreat and leave it to the vanguard. Probably, this is a complete seal. If anything happens, I'll follow up with freezing magic, so take it easy.

　He immediately instructs them to change their formation from one that is prepared for a surprise attack to one that is an interception formation.

　The searchers seem to be used to it and change their formations.
　At first, there was some reluctance to change the formation with no enemy in sight. However, after I gave them the best answer many times, they now move in a straightforward manner.

　I announce the countdown.

'Five more seconds ...... three, two, one, please shoot.

　At the same time, a bull-headed monster emerges from the horns ahead.
　The magic of the wizards, who had gained enough time to chant, struck like a shotgun.

　Unable to put up any resistance, the Carmine Minotaur turned into light and disappeared.

'Yes, it's over. Now, let's move on quickly.''

　I resume my progress after making sure the target has disappeared.

　Behind me, the other searchers are buzzing.
　They seem to be talking about the abnormality of my scheming ability.
　With 《Dimension》, I pick up on that conversation.

　Basically, there are many praises such as "dependable", but there are also many people who are concerned about the details of that abnormal sensing magic.

　Although they care about it, the person they're dealing with is a master of another guild who will be a competitor once the job is done. Even if I wanted to ask, I wouldn't be able to.

　I couldn't tell them honestly either, so I had to lead the group with an affectionate smile. Thus, we reach the 20th level without any problems.

　Thanks to Dimension, we can avoid the swarm, and even if a monster appears, we can always get ahead of it, so there's no way we'll have any problems. As an insurance policy, I also prepared for the Dimensional Winter and Frost during the battle.

　We arrived at the 20 layers of chaos, and each of us moved on to reinforce the "path of righteousness".

　I take Siddalk-san, who is helping me with my shoulder, and take a break at a distance.
　We both sit down, and there, Siddaruk-san opens his mouth.

'I'm sorry: ......'

　I muttered a single word in a small voice.
　From that auspicious attitude, I strongly sense the sincerity in Siddharq-san.

''No, don't worry about it.''
'd*mn, I'm behind this time, but ......, next time I'll definitely go to ......!

　However, he didn't seem to be able to control his winning personality. It seems that pride doesn't allow him to remain defeated. I strongly sympathize with Mr. Siddharth, as he has lived a difficult life.

　I let Siddharth take a break and help him with the construction work and take a break again.
　Along the way, I repeatedly admonished Siddharth for pushing himself and trying to get him to move.

　The process is repeated for several hours, and finally our work is completed.
　The 'magic stone line', which was just a thin line, visibly became thicker and the warding was strengthened to the point where I could feel it on my skin.

　I was worried about whether it would affect the "Connection" in the corner, but it seems that the 20 layers are also fine. As expected, the wards didn't even reach the corners of the large room.

　Then, the group shouted with joy at the accomplishment of the request, and after a short break, they left for the ground. However, Siddaruk-san's physical condition has not yet recovered. It seems that the debt caused by the successive rounds of unsuitable magic beyond the limit is not something that can be paid back overnight.

　I'm not going to be able to get it right.

'No thanks. I can't do combat, but I'm already good enough to walk. ......

　Then he walks through the line with an uncomfortable gait.
　But he doesn't even try to raise his voice to lead the way. He doesn't seem to have the strength to do so.

　No, maybe it's because they understand the current state of the troops.
　Everyone in the squad is trying to get instructions from me.
　The only way to do that is to stay in the center of the line and give them instructions.

'It's safe to continue on. No monsters.

　Hearing this, the group began to proceed with a sense of relief.
　While I'm watching the whole thing, I catch Snow and Siddharth talking nearby.
　Both have serious expressions on their faces and none of Snow's characteristic languor.

　I listen for a moment.
　Since it's not that far away, there's no need for the 《Dimension》 either.

''--...... In other words, is this an invitation from the Siddharth family?
'Yes. I really wanted to finish this job perfectly and talk about the invitation ....... It ended up being pathetic: ......
I'm sure both the Walker and Siddharth families agreed. ...... But is that all right with Elle?
'I welcome Snow. That's why I'm here.

　From the flow of the conversation, I can tell that Mr. Siddharth has invited Snow to his house.
　Thinking it's a private matter between the two of us, I stop listening in any longer.

　However, Snow cuts off the conversation and comes closer to me.

"...... Kanami, I've been invited to the Siddharth family. I'm going to be held for the whole day tomorrow.
Well, um, why did you give it to me?
...... I thought you might need permission from the Guildmaster.
Oh, I see. Well, of course I don't mind. You can go.
"...... is going to be held for the whole day. Are you sure?　Are you sure?
You're not trying to make me the soup stock because you can't say no to me?
...... It's not true. I'm just checking. --Are you sure you're going to give them permission, Master?　Do you need me to be there tomorrow to explore the maze?　You're not gonna want to do that, are you?　Right?
No, I'm giving you permission to do so. ......
...... is not working.
What a horrible thing to say.

　As I thought, Snow was just trying to use me to refuse to talk to me. If I showed even one word of difficulty, he would have tried to place all the blame on me.
　It's also the responsibility of having two of the four major noble families on your sleeve .......

'...... Then I'll go and report back to Elle.

　Snow walks unsteadily and heads towards Siddaruk-san.

　I see him off and confirm that Siddaruk-san looks relieved with Dimension. Apparently, tomorrow will be a labyrinth exploration without Snow.

　However, it's more natural to have such a day.
　I don't want to hold anyone up for my convenience. The same goes for running The Epic Seeker.

　I'll be leading the group as I plan tomorrow's solo exploration.
　If I lead the way, it won't lead to a dangerous situation. The only drawback is that I can see too much, so it's easy to take the long way around to avoid even the slightest danger.

　Although we're overdue, we lead the way from layer 20 to the ground without any problems.

　Once on the ground, we are unsure of what to do next, so we ask Siddharq-san for help with our eyes. Siddalk-san nods and speaks up instead.

''The rest of us 'Supremes' will take care of the rest of the matter. Everyone, I've put in a lot of hard work today. Thank you.

　First, I'll say a few words to the whole group. Then, I will speak to each guild master and talk to them about the rewards and the future. Finally, Siddharq-san called out to me.

''Guildmaster Aikawa Kanami of Epic Seeker, thank you for your help. Thank you for your help in this matter. As for rewards and other information, someone will be sent to the 'Epic Seeker' headquarters later. Please wait for me.
I understand.

　They exchange safe words and the conversation ends in a workmanlike manner.
　Then, when it was time to say goodbye, Mr. Siddharth spoke as an individual.

'Aikawa Kanami, I will never lose to you ......'

　It was a one-sided declaration of war.
　It was strange that he was so quiet the whole way home, but I seemed to have settled into the position of rival in his mind. I'll admit to losing today, but I guess that means I won't lose next time.

　Before I could answer anything, Siddharth moved away.
　Behind him, Teyri was watching him with a big smile on his face.

''It's going to be funny before I know it.
'The funny thing about you guys is that you can say it looks interesting there. I just wanted to have a better relationship with Mr. Siddharth.
"Hmmm, that's nice. Kanami, the rival of Snow's fiancé, Elmirad Siddharth. I wonder what stories are waiting for you in the future. Hmmm. ......
There's nothing to it.
That's the part we'll have to wait and see, I guess. So what am I supposed to do?　Are we breaking up now?
'It's fine. Tell that to Snow, who is exhausted behind me.
All right. Okay, I'll see you later. Kanami.
Yes, sir.

　Teyri leaves with Snow, who is nodding off further back.
　The group is also in the air to disperse, and the number of people is slowly dwindling. Many people greeted me as we parted. I guess they were still impressed by my command of the last part of the concert.

　I followed the lead of the others and left the venue.

　The destination is Alibers' workshop.
　It's late and there's not much to do, but I can at least see how the weapon is being made. If all goes according to plan, I may be able to receive the finished product.

　I envision my own personal sword and naturally walk quickly.
　For what it's worth, the existence of my beloved sword is a boy's dream.

　I passed through the darkened streets of Lauravia and arrived at a lighted workshop.

''Excuse me.''

　As we greet each other, I walk into the workshop.
　And I am surprised to see the devastation inside.

　Many young blacksmiths have fallen, and there are many dead bodies in the workshop. Most of them are covered with dust and sleep like mud, and the ones who are awake have dark circles under their eyes and look like they are about to die.

　One of those dying faces, Mr. Alibers, finds me and comes up to me.

'Isn't that the master!　Good timing!
Oh, Mr. Alibers. Good evening.

　Although Mr. Alibers comes by with a nice smile, he looks like he's been up all night, for all intents and purposes. This high tension is most likely the last light of day.

''The master's sword is ready. Over here, look at it.

　I followed Alibers' lead and proceeded to the back of the workshop.
　Beyond that, there was a single straight sword on display.

　It was designed as I had requested before.

　It was a symmetrical straight sword with a blue pattern on the pure white blade.
　Beside it, the scabbard is decorated with a scabbard.


[The Straight Sword of Crescent Pectrazi]
　Attack power 4
　Adds 10% of the equipper's speed to the attack.
　If the speed of the adversary exceeds the speed of the holder
　A correction of +30% is applied to the owner's speed.


This is my sword ......?
Oh, yes. I'm proud of the work I've done for the Master. I hope you'll take it.

　Saying that, Alibers hands me the sword.
　I receive the 'Straight Sword of Crescent Pectrazi' and am surprised at how light it is.

''Light?''
Hmmm, that's light, right?　But don't worry. It's light, but sturdy. Nothing here can harm that sword, you know. Or is Master Kanami the type of person who can't use a sword without weight?
No, my swordsmanship is my own style, so I don't have to worry about the weight. I'm very happy about it.
That's good.

　I lightly swung my sword and tucked it into its scabbard.
　That series of movements felt several orders of magnitude faster than before. No, in fact, they must be several orders of magnitude faster. So much so that the sword was easy to handle, light and comfortable in the hand.

''It's good. Now if I could slash the crystal, it would be perfect.''
I can cut it. I can only confirm that in the field, but I'm confident I can.
Thank you. Well, I'll try it tomorrow.

　I thank him and bow my head.
　I'm not done talking about Alibers-san yet.

''And I'll also give you the magic item that interferes with the flames as I mentioned before. I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot more information on this. Here.

　Mr. Allivers throws something over to me.


[Red Talisman]
　Adds +20% to the wearer's resistance to fire.


　It looks like a necklace made of red jewels.

It's small, but it's amazing. I'm sure it would be easy to carry a bunch of these into the maze.
'If you're going to bring a lot of stuff in, be careful, because the magic items will interfere with each other. Of course, I've already confirmed that those swords and the Red Talisman don't interfere with each other.
Thank you. This is going to make exploring after the 20th level a lot easier.
No, no, don't thank me. In fact, I'd rather say it. If the master is strong, that's all the more fun for me. You can use the magic stones you get there to study the real business as long as you can get through the labyrinth. Use them as much as you want.
Copy that. I'll bring you more magic stones next time, so be prepared.

　We smiled and clasped our fists together and promised each other that we would continue this good relationship.
　I also receive the remaining heavy equipment for Snow and I leave Alibers' workshop.
　Then I return to Maria's room and slowly talk about the day's events and fall asleep.

　This is how I finished another productive day.
　A life with the same worries as others, working hard in its own way, and having a little fun.
　This is exactly what I have been seeking for many years

　Should I?
　Really, is this the right thing for me to do: ......?

　As usual, a slight pain stuck in my head and didn't go away.
　But with a definite sense of fulfillment, I drifted off into a deep sleep.