Part of the sandy sea rises. A jewelfish approaches us, baring its dorsal fin like a shark.
　It's a unique speed, like a bird gliding through the air.
　In the past, I was so overwhelmed by its speed that I used "Midwinter in the Overcrowded Dimension (Dee Overwinter)".

　However, this time is different.
　He only uses the skills 'Sensitivity' and 'Swordsmanship'.
　With that alone, Lowen's monster-killing power, which he called himself 'The Blade that Ends Demons', descended on him.

　It's an unnoticeable fast assault, but it's lukewarm to me, who has overcome the '30th Trial'.
　Compared to Rowen's sword speed, I thought it was as good as stopping.

　The treasured sword of the Aleiss family, Loewen, shines dimly in my hand.
　As if sucked into its brilliance, the Jewel Fish and the sword crossed paths.

　After a brief encounter, the Jewelfish's dorsal fin is slashed off.
　I was able to avoid a fatal wound just in time.

　I give up the chase to the distant Jewelfish and shout to Rustiala at the rear.

''Rastiara!　It's going!
I know!

　The wounded Jewelfish left me behind and pounced on Rustiala and the others.

　Rustiala followed its movements closely with her eyes.
　I don't feel any magic power, so it looks like there is no magical assistance of any kind. No, there might be an aid. It's possible that her skill 'Weapon Combat' is working in favor of close combat.

　Rustyala's interception was brilliant. The blade that was released at the same time as the drawn sword passed through the Jewel Fish's midline.
　The Jewelfish split in half vertically in the air and disappeared as a light before it fell into the sea of sand.

　It was a brilliant sword-handling move, though he felt a little dressed up for the gallery behind him.
　Rustyala swung the 'Straight Sword of Crescent Pectrazi' like a performance and brilliantly sheathed the sword.

''As long as I'm here, I won't let my companions lay a finger on you. ......

　I don't know who or what he's talking to, but Rustyala pauses. He makes a melancholy face with his right hand, half covering his face.

　I wonder if that was a winning line: .......
　Maybe I'm trying to characterize a woman who can do it for when I write a heroic tale.

'Okay, this one sounds fine. Let's move on.

　Leaving Rustyala to ask Maria and Dia what they thought, we proceeded further in.
　As far as the battle is concerned, both Dia and Maria seem to be safe as long as they don't use manpower tactics like the one around the 21st layer.

　Besides, although I and Rustyala killed the enemy as a result, the two of us, the rear guard, had also finished preparing to use magic. Although from a distance, they too were able to grasp the movements of the monster. Even if the monster had overtaken Lastiara, it would have been vaporized by the high firepower magic.
　It was important to be on guard, but I could see that there was no need to protect the girls in a hurry.

　So we decided to go straight to the 32nd layer without avoiding the monsters.
　On the way, we encounter a monster we hadn't seen before.
　It is a monster that takes the form of a distorted crab. Its stinging body is made of crystal, just like the other monsters. It's creepy, with its eyelid-less eyes gyrating in alarm.

--Monster
　　　Quartz Cancer Rank 31--

　There are two of them.
　I won't be able to hold off both of them on my own.
　I decide to take on only one of them and turn the other one to the three behind me. Just in case, I'll use Parallel Thinking to prepare for the Winter of the Dimension (Di Winter) and the Last Frost (Frost).

''I'll take one of them!　I asked for the other one!

　The three men behind me nodded as they finished preparing for battle.
　Trusting my companions, I focus on my enemy.

　As is the habit of crabs, the quartz cancers run sideways. However, even though it's sideways, its movements are fast and sharp. It's beyond bizarre and terrifying.

　I try to block the attacking quartz cancers' scissors with my sword.
　That's when Quartz Cancer shows a unique movement. It bends its joints in an unusual direction and dexterously clamps its sword. Then, like a weapon destroying weapon (Sword Breaker), it tries to twist and break the "Treasured Sword of the Aleiss Family, Rowen".　

　The crystal rubs against the crystal, and an uneasy high-pitched sound is emitted.

　I become impatient as I realize that this Quartz Cancer is a monster that specializes in destroying my opponent's weapons. I didn't want my best friend's gift to be destroyed in just one day.

　There is a sound as if a bamboo was broken and the crystal shatters.
　However, the only thing that shattered was a pair of quartz-cancer scissors. There was not a single scratch on the 'Aleis Family Treasure Sword Lowen'.

　I'm not going to be the only one who can do this.
　It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on it. And as it is, the monster turns into light and disappears.

　It's a good thing that you're able to get the most out of this one.

--Lowen, the treasured sword of the Alais family.
　A sword decorated with the magical stones of the guardian Rowen.
　Attack power 17.
　Adds an attack power equal to the level of the equipper.
　The wearer can recall the swordsmanship of Rowen Ares.
　Shape-changing. The equipper gains +2.00 ground magic to the wearer.

　Now that it had shown its formidable sturdiness, the Treasure Sword of the House of Alais, Lowen, was more than just a hard and sharp sword. It contains numerous special abilities.
　I haven't tried it yet, but it seems that if you can draw out the sword's power, you can increase one more attribute of magic you use. It is unlikely that one's attributes will increase in this world. With that in mind, I can understand how foul this sword is a foul substitute.

　I look at the shimmering crystal blade and loosen my cheeks.
　It felt like my best friend was still lending me strength in death.

　I joined forces with Rowen, and we were able to defeat the monster with ease. Next, we check the combination of the teams behind us.

　It looks like the forces over there are combining well too.
　Maria's flames take away Quartz Cancer's vision and Rustyala plays off the attack of the scissors. Then Dia's 'Flame Arrow' rushes in, and Quartz Cancer is blown away.
　And then everyone's all-out attack is made on the quartz cancers that have lost their stance.

　It's a splendid coordination. Each of them must understand their roles to do so.
　Rustyala forces a blow from Thome and pauses after another performance.

'As long as I'm here, I won't let my friends lift a finger ......

　Is he going to say it every time?
　It was too mechanical and looked like a post battle victory scene in a game. If you're going to keep doing that, I'd advise you to add variations.

　I interrupt Rastiara as he forces a high-five to his friends.

'Alright, it's going well. It doesn't seem to be a problem.

　I was a little worried about whether or not Dia and Maria would be good enough for the 30 layers. However, as far as the battle I just saw, I'm satisfied that they have enough power.

''Hmm, it's hard to adjust the firepower. Not too strong, not too restrained. ......''

　But Dia, by contrast, is not happy. Maria is snarling as well.
　Apparently, the rear guard has a unique problem with the rear guard.

''I'll have to add more firepower. ......
Hey, Maria. How are you moving the flames around like that?　I wish I could do that too: ......
No matter what you say, ......, I'm just treating you carefully, okay?
That's why I don't understand the politeness of it!
'Dia is very sketchy. We just need to build our magic more calmly and carefully.
'Don't put it simply: ......!　I'm doing it. ......!

　I try to get between us, thinking that the fight is about to start again.
　But then I hear Maria's words and stop.

'-But it's a good opportunity. I'd like to try something, so please lend me your ear.
Hmm, what's that ......?

　Maria overheard Dia.
　When it comes to the subject of battle, they were two rear guards who were surprisingly close to each other. It's a bit of a shrug.

　Hearing Maria's story, Dia shows her canine teeth in an amused manner.

''--hey, that's good. Let's do it.''
Yes, it's worth a try.

　Even without me, they both seem to have a lot on their minds.
　I decide to leave it to their autonomy and not say anything.

　However, Rustyala interrupts me in a fit of pique.

''Dia and Maria-chan, you should just leave everything to me!　And this sword makes it incredibly easy to take down!　"Crescent Pectolazuli, or is it this one?
Yeah, I'm proud of that one too.

　Although not as good as the 'Alais Family Treasure Sword Lowen', the 'Crescent Pectrasli's Straight Sword' is also a great sword.

''This is good. Hard, fast, and sharp!''

　Lastiara swings her sword around, even though there are no enemies. Honestly, it's dangerous. But perhaps it's because of that joyful look on his face, but no one can stop him.
　In our discussion this morning, both Maria and Dia have found out that Rustyala is younger than her. Considering she's a three year old girl with an unfortunate life, they would be inclined to tolerate her.

'Yes, yes, okay, let's go. You'll have more enemies from here. I'm counting on you, you know.
I'll take care of it. As long as the sword (Tsurugi) called me is here, I won't let any of you back in. It's ......, so don't worry about Maria and Dia.

　He's dressed up for nothing again.
　The way he spoke was a bit like Rowen. Maybe he's imitating his oaths as a 'Swordsman' and 'Guardian' and so on.
　It's common for kids as young as three years old. I watch them warmly.

　Dia and Maria nodded with a bitter smile.
　Rastiara's character is certain that she's capable, anyway. In terms of combat, there's no doubt that I can feel safe. In terms of combat.

　After confirming that there was no problem in the battle at the 31st layer, we proceeded further in. Of course, we won't avoid the enemies.
　The main focus of this exploration is to average out the levels. If we don't raise Maria's level first, we'll have to worry about the future.

　Fortunately, the experience of the monsters in layer 31 is high. Just by defeating one of them, Maria would accumulate about 1,000 or so experience, and since the experience required after 10th level was roughly several tens of thousands, it didn't take much time.

　Along the way, I basically just used just Rustyala and my sword to defeat the monsters.
　In the back, Maria and Dia are trying various new magic, but they haven't had much success. I'm not sure if it's a good idea to have a good time.

　The two talk to each other in the background.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. Please be more polite.''
You told me to compress it: ......
'Consider the degree. The key to fire magic is a balance of images.
That's about as hard as it gets.

　I'm honestly on edge, wondering when we'll get into a fight.
　The fact that Rustyala next to me looks on happily adds to my anxiety.

'It can't be helped, Dear. I'll assist you in aiming and guiding with my fire magic, so just stick to power and speed.''
'You're going to split the roles completely. Sure, maybe it's easier to do that.

　Apparently, the two of them were trying to make their magic work together.

　I knew it from knowledge. It's a technique called 'Resonance Magic' in the libraries and taverns.
　It's a magical tactic used by many in the knights and armies. For example, the popular 'Flame Arrow' can be multiplied by about 10 people to generate an extremely thick flame arrow. Depending on the situation, this can be more effective than ten people shooting at each other.

　Of course, it takes affinity and training to make them resonate. In the perception of explorers, it is a tactic that does not produce results for the effort it takes to learn.
　Hence, it's only a very organized group of people who will be able to see it.

　By the way, the magic of the Reaper and I, "Dearest Flash (Di a Wraith)", also falls under the category of resonance magic.
　Me and the Reaper are good together, but the compatibility between Dia and Maria is questionable. However, if you can learn it, it will definitely be useful in many ways. I don't think it wouldn't be a bad thing if I just tried it, so I don't say anything.

　And while the two rearguards continue to try out the magic, we reach the 32nd layer.

　We decide to take a break there.
　It looked like we could level up Maria and Dia, so after checking the safety of our surroundings, we start the leveling up process.


◆◆◆◆◆ ...


--Name Diablo Sith HP220/232 MP869/989 Class Swordsman
　　　Level 15.
　　　Strength 8.61 Strength 6.99 Skill 3.80 Speed 4.01 Wisdom 13.21 Magic 54.76 Elemental 5.00　
　　　State: blessing 1.00
　　 Inherent Skill: Divine Magic 3.81 Divine Blessing 3.08 Absolution 2.00 Focused Convergence 2.05
　　　　　　　　　　　Attribute Magic 2.10 Overcapture Protection 2.20 Life Extension 2.24 Aiming 2.03　　
Acquired Skill: Swordsmanship 0.11
　　　??　???? -- ?

--Name Maria HP159/203 MP822/945 Class None
　　　Level 13.
　　　Strength 8.27 Strength 8.11 Skill 6.84 Speed 4.65 Wisdom 9.06 Magic 48.43 Qualities 4.13
　　　Status:.
--Inherent Skills None.　
　　　Acquired skills hunting 0.68, cooking 1.08, fire magic 3.53--

　As usual, Dia's magical power growth is strange. However, it's surprising that Maria is also keeping up with that abnormal growth. There will no longer be any need to be told by Rustyala that he lacks qualities.
　Rather, it's Rustyala who has the least amount of qualities right now.

　While feeling relieved that the HP of the two rearguards has grown, I permeate the 'Dimension' into the 32 layers.
　Again, I used MP lavishly. I have extra MP because I'm focusing on the skill "Sensitivity" instead of using the "Dimension and Decisive Arithmetic" in battle.

　The magic situation reminds me of the game. It's not uncommon for a person to learn a higher-competent magic and not use lower-competent magic.
　I'm not going to be able to get the same amount of money for the same amount of time. I'm the godfather of this magic. I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to use it again until I arrive at the deepest part of the labyrinth, which makes me feel a touch of sadness at the thought that I won't be able to use it again.

　I finish my search, wondering if I should assign the skill "Sensitivity" to the "Sensitivity" and "Gradient of War".

　The desert-like hierarchy ended and we returned to the normal corridor before the 28th layer. Although the walls are still made of crystal, it's a lot easier to progress than walking through the desert.
　Of course, there are some differences from before. The ceiling is unusually high, and there is a small river flowing through the corridor.

　The river flowing in the crystal corridor is mysterious. It is beautifully clear, as if it were water from a peach garden. The crystal at the bottom of the river shimmered, and if you looked into it, it was as dazzling as the starry sky.

　The number of insects and animal-type monsters had decreased, and the number of flying monsters had increased instead.
　With a cold sweat, I share the information with everyone.

''Hi, flying monsters, huh ......

　I can't picture Rustyala and I's face; it brings back memories of not being able to get a hand or foot in the door against the Rio Eagle on layer 22.

'But this time we have both Dia and Maria,'

　This party isn't just swordsmen this time. The presence of wizards makes a difference in the ability to deal with them.
　Hearing that, the two rear guards sow their breath.

''Yes, leave it to me. The level has gone up and the magic power is filling up. It looks like the resonance magic with Dia is about to work as well. I'll feel free to try it from here.
'We'll take care of all the empty ones. I've been a little restrained so far, but it's time to get serious!

　In order not to discourage the two of them, I accept the suggestion.
　Let's explore this layer with Maria and Dia as the main players.

　Changing the formation to mainly two rear guards, we begin to advance through layer 32.
　There are many monsters fluttering in the sky. We can't avoid them all, and after a few minutes we'll be in a battle.

　Sensing the enemy's approach with Dimension, I turn around and shout.

'Here it comes!　Maria, Deer, a bird-shaped monster from the end of the road, ki-te ......--what?

　I'm speechless.
　I turned around and saw countless fireballs flying around.
　No, it's a little different ...... than a fireball.
　Fire 'eyes' ......?

"--I can see (・・・・) and I can see (・・・・・・) my eyes too. Dear, as planned. ---'Flame Decisive Flame Region (Gladiate)', 'Firefly' magic.
Yeah, you don't have to tell me!

　Rich flames, large and small, fly across the narrow corridor as if fireworks have been set off. I'm overwhelmed by the scene, which seems to be a recreation of Arti's hierarchy.
　And then, as if alive, the fireball moves and flies towards the monsters I detect.

　Next to it, Dia begins to build up her magic.
　Perhaps it's because the density of the magic power is too high, but her entire body appears to be emitting light. The enormous swell of magic power makes me anticipate the grandeur of the magic that is about to happen.

　Without listening to my instructions to the end, Maria manipulates the flames.
　Each and every one of those fireballs must have the same effect as the Dimension. The fireballs move without hesitation and with such precision that I'm convinced of that.

　The fireballs are arranged in a circle in the air and begin to rotate. Countless rings of fire are generated. Then the rings of fire extend to the location of the monster and turn into cylinders of fire.
　A 'rail' - no, a 'barrel' - through which Deere's magic passes is created in the air.

　Of course, in the meantime, the monster is still flying around. It notices Maria's flames and flees, trying to escape from its muzzle.
　However, Maria's precise magical manipulation keeps the muzzle of the gun constantly pointed at the monster.
　Then, Dia's magic construction ends.

''-- 'Flame Arrow!

　The light that had been lighting up Dia's entire body converged, and a full-bodied magic was released from the palm of her hand.
　The magic, which resembled a beam of light (laser), passed through the barrel of the flame Maria had created and pierced the monster far away.
　The enemy's hard crystal body was melted and punctured by the overwhelming amount of heat.

　The bird-shaped monster couldn't see us, couldn't remember our names, and fell unceremoniously.

　That battle strategy reminded me of the time when I started to enter the labyrinth.
　But it's far more vicious than the tactics I used to use.

''Nice, Dear. --But there's another one in the immediate vicinity. Let's drop it while we're at it.
Yeah, okay. Let's go--

　Maria had become an expert in fire magic, succeeding Arti.
　In other words, in addition to having the same searching ability as me, Maria can control Dia's 'Flame Arrow' (・・・・・).

''-- 'Flame Arrow'!

　The rays of light bend through a cylinder of fire (・・・・・・).
　It then tracks the monster as it flies through the air and pierces the kryptonite with precision.

　It was completely different from the 'resonance magic' that I knew.
　No, Firefly and Flame Arrow aren't this kind of magic to begin with. The two spells that have been sublimated into different spells are now intertwined and have been sublimated into something even more 'different'.
　As a result, it has become such a vicious magic.

　I'm sure Rustyala feels the same way as I do.
　He opens his mouth with a pop and looks at the situation.

''Kanami-san, I defeated it. But it seems that other monsters who heard the decapitation are coming to me ......

　Maria, whose sensory organs were expanded by the flames, sensed the movement of the enemy in the distance.
　My 'Dimension' is making the same decision. I don't know exactly what it is, but Maria's searching ability is closing in on 'Dimension'.

'Eh, ah, that's right. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. Then ......--
Okay, me and Maria are going to burn it all down!

　Leaving me about to suggest a move, Dia makes a belligerent suggestion.
　Maria hears it and looks like it's not a bad idea.

''That's right. Once we've eradicated them, shall we go slowly?''

　He called it annihilation as if it were nothing.
　I'm afraid to check it out.

"What, Maria ......, can you annihilate ......?
Of course. I'll show you now.

　Maria smiles at me, trying to reassure me.
　But I couldn't smile back well because of the horrible heat of the flames floating behind it.

　Dia starts chanting more, and Maria creates more flames.
　This time the flames were in the shape of beautiful squares and triangles. Soon the flames were compressed and lost their characteristic roughness. It then creates a smooth surface, like a reflector.

'Dear, all you have to do is shoot. I'll guide you through the rest.
Okay. Let's go--

　Countless flaming arrows float around Dia.
　The temperature of the cloister skyrockets due to those white glowing arrows.

　To guide those flaming arrows, Maria's red flames create multiple cylinders. This time the barrel of the flame is shorter. Instead, a flame reflector can be seen installed at the end of the muzzle.

''-- 'Flame Arrow, Scattered Flowers (Fall Flower)!

　And then all the flaming arrows are released like a burst of fire.
　It's an incomparable amount of heat compared to what I saw in the cathedral before. It's inferior to a single 'Flame Arrow' shot, but still, the vicious magic, worthy of being called rays of light (lasers), dissipates like a flash of light.

　Countless rays are bent by Maria's refined circles of fire. Sometimes the path is broken wide open by a reflector (...).
　The white flames are invited by the red flames to attack the monsters that were gathering.

　There were more than ten monsters that were heading this way.
　However, all of them are turned into light and disappear by the flash group of a momentary flash of light.

　--Annihilation.

　The one kilometer radius around us becomes a temporary but monster-free space. The space is now empty due to the magic of the two of them.

This is the end. Shall we go, Kanami-san?
Phew, so glad we made it.

　Having created that space, the two of us walk off at leisure.
　Me and Rustyala are just stunned.
　Checking their status, their MP has only decreased by a single digit. To them, this is only light exercise.

''Ah, ah, let's go: ......

　I'm also getting a huge amount of experience. It's an efficiency that I and Rastiara can't catch up with even if we run around frantically.
　Its overwhelming annihilation power makes my mind go blank.

　I'm shocked to learn that just a few minutes ago I was protecting them with my sword, but in reality I didn't have to.
　Rastiara's euphoric attitude from earlier has vanished as well. Confused, she is walking behind them quietly.

　However, there is no time to be shocked.
　A few minutes later, a new monster appears and catches us in the 'dimension' as it approaches us.

'Mo, the monster is coming!　This time from three directions--
It's the same monster. It's okay, then.

　But the moment I supplemented--

I'm on it, "Flame Arrow"!

　A flash of light rushes through the barrel of the fire.
　The monster disappears without visibility.

It's coming from three different directions, but they all fell. Yeah. ...... Shall we pick up the magic stone for one of them?

　In the blink of an eye, the battle is over.
　At all times, Maria is deploying flames around her. Perhaps it hits the magic called 'Flame Decisive Flame Region (Gradient)'. Any monster that enters that area will be killed instantly by Dia's 'Flame Arrow'.

　It's a perfect resonance magic.
　It's so perfect that neither my search and Lastiara's attack power is needed anymore.
　It's too quick to intercept, so Rustyala is not even a shadow of an enemy.

　We aim at the 33rd layer at our leisure.
　After that, the monster attacks were repeated, but in the end we didn't find a single monster that we could get close enough to see.

　Thus, without knowing the name of the crystal bird-shaped monster, we arrived at the 33rd layer.