As we walked along the green streets, we were approached several times by townspeople. Some of them said, "I heard your wife came home? He teased me and I had trouble answering him.
　In the middle of managing to laugh and fool around, Ryner speaks to me with a serious look on his face.

Hey, Christ. Are you going to help Lord and Nosfi - those two people?

　Now that we're alone, it looks like I've finally said what I want to say. Unlike me, Reiner is very wary of Lord and Nosfi, unlike me.

'Helping Lord is what I promised Reynand-san I would do. Of course, if possible, I would like to clear Nosphy's mind of any unresolved issues. 'And Reiner isn't?'
'Honestly, ......, I think those two are too much for me and too much for Christ. Those two are so strong (...) that I'm afraid to speak of helping them.

　The way he spoke was not 'strong' as one would point at a sword or magical predecessor, but rather 'strong' as one would point at a natural calamity in a realm that could never be reached.

'Indeed, both Lord and Nosfi are strong. I think they're strong enough that no one on earth can match them. But no matter how strong they are, they have the same problems as we do. People who suffer the same way and laugh the same way - girls everywhere.
Do you realize that there's something wrong with Christ who can treat that (...) as a girl?　In the face of that magical power, is Christ really not afraid?
'Don't sound like a palinclone: ....... That's a little scary. But I still want to help.

　The one that comes to mind is the end of Arti, the one who stole the logic of fire, who was also a guardian. She was strong like a monster and insightful like a wise woman, but her last moments were the expression of a frail girl.

　If I could, I would try to understand Lord and Nosfi if I could. I don't want to ever again give up understanding out of fear.

'Christ, it's not just the magic they're afraid of. The weight of their lives, the weight of their guardianship, the weight of their souls themselves, it's all very unusual. I'll ask you again. ...... Would you still help those guys?　I think I should keep my distance from the two guardians, as I had originally planned. As a knight in your service, I advise you to do so.

　Perhaps this is my last piece of advice and last check.
　Reiner knows I live to help my sister. He cautions me, without saying a word, that it's okay if I get in the way of that. She cares about me from the bottom of her heart so that I won't regret it.
　I nodded, comforted by the warmth of their friendship.

'Yeah, I'll help. Especially Lord, I don't think he's an obstacle anymore.

　In my experience - I'm sure the consequences of running away from the guardians (guardians) would be much more dire. In fact, I think I've done better when I've faced it head on, as I did with Rowen.

　In order not to waste that experience, I vow not to run away from the Guardians.
　When Ryner sees me asserting this, he lets out a deep sigh and laughs a bit in disgust.　

I see. "Well, that's fine by me. I'm just the Christ's assistant, you know. ...... And I don't think of that idiot (Lord) as an enemy either. She's more like the neighbourhood's disappointing sister.

　And then, naturally, he said he'd go along for the ride.

'Thanks, Rainer. It really helps.
'No need to thank me. I'm a knight defending Christ and Lastiara - or, before that, a 'friend'.

　You can feel Ryner's growth from that line of dialogue.
　Ryner will no longer be a boy knight with a narrow view.
　He has passed through repeated battles and has matured both physically and mentally.

　It's not a simple matter of strength. It's as if his spirit is growing from a child to an adult, a new step similar to hatching.
　It's a dramatic step from that doomed Ryner, who had a strong desire for destruction.

　I still can't shake my anxiety about my guardian (Guardian), but I have a trustworthy companion next to me. It's a different situation than it was with Arti.
　This time we'll be able to bring it to the best possible conclusion.

　While confirming that things are different from before, we arrive at Reynand's house.
　However, he was not in his workshop, but in front of his house, looking around restlessly.

'Huh. What's the matter, Mr. Raynand?
Mm, kid. No, I'm looking for my granddaughter. ......

　Apparently, I was looking for Beth.
　Fortunately, my magic is good at finding people. I immediately spread out the 《Dimension》 to fill a viasia and look for her.
　It didn't consume much time or magic power. It was because she was closer than I had expected.

''I found her. I'm blown away near the "Demon King's Castle" ....... Let's see, is this a flower garden ......?

　Behind the huge area of the Demon King's Castle, there was a space quietly filled with a wide variety of flowers. The flower garden, located far from the castle and the city, is where Beth was watching the flowers swaying in the wind.

'So you were at the castle. But a flower garden or ....... No, it's good if you haven't gone far ....... Let's go back inside.
Do you want me to bring her in if you're worried about her?
No, that won't be necessary.
...... Got it.

　Mr. Reynand seemed to have some ideas about Beth's whereabouts. But he firmly refused my proposal. Then he starts to move with us into the workshop.

　They seem to have an idea of our business. We enter the workshop and immediately start checking the equipment that Ryner is wearing. It's a good idea to have a look at the situation of the armor you made and how it fits in with the other equipment.

I'm not sure if you're a liner, ....... My sword is working for you: ......
Well, um, this is Rainer. It's a very useful sword.

　Staring at Reynand-san's scary face, Ryner was a bit frightened. He bowed his head deeply and thanked [Sylph Ruf Bringer].

''If there's anything else you want, just tell me. I'll make you something better than the magic tools you have now.
No, no, I'm good with what I have.
No, no. Just say it. There's a thing or two that can get you in trouble on a quest.
'Ah, yes. Speaking of being in trouble, yes, ......--

　With a harsh tone, Reynand-san tries to squeeze hope out of Ryner. He said before, but he still doesn't like those magic tools that can only be considered suicide tools.
　While listening to the details of the battle in the labyrinth, she decides what equipment Ryner needs.

''--Well, let's see, the other thing I'm having trouble with in the labyrinth is ....... Ah, I feel that my attacks are not good for the wind-attribute monsters. No, I can only attack with the wind attribute, so it's only natural.
"Hmm. Because of my alterations, the Rufbringer is now completely wind-attributed. It's natural for such a problem to arise. In that case, ......, it might be better to have another sword for wind-attributed enemies.

　Reynand looks around. But it was a workshop that had been doing nothing but repairs lately. There was nothing comparable to the one Reiner was using now.

''Boy, do you have anything better?''
A sword?　I broke quite a few things in practice the other day. All that's left now is ...... and that's it.

　That said, I took it out of my 'possessions'.

The Holy Twin Swords of the House of Helvilleshain, "One Wing
　Attack power 2
　One wing is gone, and its true power is gone.

　This is a gem that I once obtained at the altar of the labyrinth.

The inscription says the Helvilleshain family, so I think it's intended for a liner, but it seems that these two are one set of weapons, and it seems that their true power can't be brought out by these alone.
''Hmm. It's true that this is not enough to balance the magic stone. It's a sword that was designed to be a twin-sword sword. But it's a nice sword. If the workmanship is good, the ore they use is also good. Luckily (・・・・・・・), it doesn't seem to be a bad match for the other two swords. It's enough to make it ...... in time, at least it won't break so easily.

　Reynand-san receives one wing and appraises it while looking at it.
　Unlike my 'display'-reliant appraisal, Reynand-san seems to understand every detail of the sword. All I know is the attack power and an incomprehensible description, not the sturdiness of the sword.

'Boy, polish it up so you can use it from tomorrow. And while you're at it, put a new band on the scabbard for the liner to wear around your waist.
Oh, yes. I'm going to go polish.

　I take the returned 'one wing' and immediately head to the workbench.
　With my menial work acquired, I follow Reynand-san's instructions without any hesitation. However, a voice of dissatisfaction came from Rynand, who was going to use the sword.

''Wait a minute! Now I'm carrying two swords at my waist, you know?　Are you going to add more swords?
'Yes, take three swords. It's not uncommon for people to carry an emergency sword in the field of battle. But they're light enough for your strength.
''No, it's definitely light ......, but if possible I prefer to be light. My fighting style is one of letting my speed drive me to charge at the enemy, so ......
The lighter you are, the better you are. Besides, you are young enough to wear many different styles. Grab three of them. I'm not going to lie.
Well, you know, I can see how it could be useful in the far future. But what is needed now is an immediate asset. That's why I'd like to specialize in a single point. ......
I can't watch your one-pointed, suicidal trick. I don't want to see your one-size-fits-all self-destructing trick, but it's better to use some weight to keep it from flying off somewhere.
No, so ......!　You're the one who doesn't get it!　Now I don't have time to worry about any other way to fight!　The only way to be on par with the guardians (guardians) and Christ is to do it in this style!

　Reiner, who had been holding back since he was an older opponent, finally couldn't hold back and raised his voice. On the contrary, he revealed his anger and crowded up to Reynand-san.
　Although I just felt the growth just now, it still seems to be a step in the right direction. There is still a lot of childishness left in him.

''Ah, Ryner. Mr. Raynand, you're quite strong, so be careful--

　Surprisingly, Mr. Reynand is quick to get his hands on it. When I worked here, I got a few hand knives (chops) from him a few times.
　I thought it would be a repeat of me, so I shouted out to be careful, but that was drowned out by the unexpected sight.

''Hm. --《Flame Axel》
Yikes!

　Reynand-san's big fist (fist) was covered with red magic and struck Ryner's jaw with precision. Then, the blow reaped his consciousness and Ryner fell to the floor with a loud slamming sound.
　Reynand-san was over level 30 and specialized in muscle strength. Furthermore, he was accelerating using something that looked like an unknown heat magic from a thousand years ago, so even the quicksilver Ryner couldn't seem to withstand it.

'Alright. Now we just need to adjust our magic tools.

　It's a good thing that you're not a fan of this kind of thing. It's a bother to argue, so he's planning to proceed with the matter while he's unconscious.
　He noticed my gaze and stopped his hand temporarily.

"Mm, boy, do you want to stop too?
...... No, no, please.

　After thinking about it for a moment, he shook his head and asked for the opposite.
　What Reiner had said was right. But it doesn't mean that what Mr. Rainand said was wrong either. This is also a problem that can't be solved by just being right.

　Ryner's current fighting style is too extreme.
　If it was only a fight today and tomorrow, that would be fine. But Ryner's life is long and he still has decades to go. In the long run, it was obvious that he should change his fighting style to cut himself.

　Normally, it would be my role to give that advice. But Reynand-san did that for me. Not only did I have to stop him, I had to thank him for it.

　And while I was working on the scabbard of the "One Wing", Reynand-san took away the magic tool from the unconscious Ryner and said, "This one's usable, but I don't need this one." "Is this one for suicide, too? Is this one for suicide?
　I'm not going to be able to get the best out of it.　

And so, boy, where did you go today?
Well, it's up to the fifty-sixth layer.
"What, we've cleared the sixty layers lightly? At this rate, we should be able to reach the surface soon.
"Honestly, it's a good thing the Guardians of the Sixty Layers were so cooperative.
Huh. Which one of you came out?
'The one who steals the reason for the light', Nosfi.
"Hmm, the Nosfi of 'Mihata'. I've been under the impression that he didn't know which way to turn, but it looks like he's made it. It's not surprising, since I've heard that you and the boy used to be a married couple.

　Apparently, Mr. Reynand knows that I and Nosfi were married, too. At this rate, most of the faces from a thousand years ago seem to know.

'It's just that, because of Nosfi, Lord has found out a lot of things about me ....... Furthermore, Nosfi said that in a few moments this viasia would collapse, and the Lord retreated to the castle .......

　The disintegration of Viaisia is a matter of life and death for everyone living 'here'. I'll talk to Mr. Reynand, who is probably the oldest person in town.

''Is that what that Nosfy guy said about 'here' collapsing in a few minutes: ......?
'Yes, he said it was only a month away. Perhaps you knew that?

　I thought I had told him of my shock, but Mr. Reynand was calm.
　As if to confirm it, he mumbled the figures of his own disappearance.

'I see. One more month. ...... No, I've had a faint inkling of the signs since the boy appeared. I had expected it.
Apparently this place was originally created as a world that only lasted a thousand years. And Nosfi said that the only way to extend its lifespan is through my dimensional magic.
I know. I don't think Nosfi is lying.
I heard that if I could use spatial dimensional magic, I could make it work: ......
You don't need to worry about this place. We are ready for the collapse of this place, no matter when it happens. ...... Well, except for Lord.

　Mr. Reynand tapped me on the shoulder, saying that he regretted his lack of competence and that he didn't have to. However, I can also tell him that there is only one human exception.
　I explain my plan for saving that exception to the dependable Mr. Raynand's opinion.

'The Lord wasn't going to accept the collapse of 'here'. If we don't, it will collapse together with 'here'. ...... so I'm going to bring the id under (or under) the Lord as soon as possible. Within a month, I'll bring the id and convince the Lord to send him to the ground somehow. The labyrinth search itself is going well, so it shouldn't be something we can't do.
Hmm. The demon guardian's layer is over. It's not such a ridiculous thing to do. The only thing left to do is to take care of your physical condition and be prepared to be on your guard.
'Yes, as soon as I'm done with these preparations, I'm going to go back to the castle to rest and go back to the labyrinth in the morning.
You're early. Are we going into the maze tomorrow?
'Honestly, I have a bad feeling about this ....... I have to go soon, I think so .......

　Perhaps it was because Reynand-san was the other party, but a weakness leaked out smoothly.
　The old blacksmith in front of me had the receptive power to make me do so. And looking at me, who is busily preparing to attack the labyrinth, the blacksmith sighs.

''Haha ....... Listen, kid. I don't want you to take it easy, but you mustn't die. Remember, you can't do anything if you're not alive.

　Mr. Reynand has continued to exist 'here' since his death. There must have been time to do many things in the past thousand years. Still, he says, "If you don't live, you can't do anything.
　He must have said that from his own experience. It's a very poignant statement," he said.

"I know I asked you to help the boy, but ......, don't let that be the only thing you have to worry about. You can worry about Lord and Nosfy. But don't neglect yourself. That will leave you crushed and unable to help anyone else. So this evening, calm down and think it over. Even if it means cutting the whole thing out. After all, what happened in the Labyrinth (here) was a thousand years ago.
Are you going to cut it out ......?
Like the young people lying there, 'here' is not full of hope for the future. This is a place close to the grave, it's just a matter of how it ends. I won't hold a grudge against you if you give up on me.

　He has a soft way of speaking and puts our future first.
　Reynand-san must have seen that I was fatigued both physically and mentally due to Lord and Nosfi's quarrel. And even more, he saw through my tolerance level and withdrew his own hope of 'saving the Lord'. To reduce my burden .......

'Mr. Raynand: ......'

　Honestly, I felt like I was going to cry.
　In the past few days - no, since I've been in this other world - or maybe even in my former world combined, I've never seen an adult who was so worried about me.
　I thank him, trying not to let the tears spill out of my moist eyes.

'Thank you. It's nice to have someone like Mr. Reynand.
Hmph. Even without me, Monk would have handled it all by himself. That's the kind of man I knew, Kanami.

　However, Mr. Reynand doesn't receive that straightforward thank you by turning away. He looks a little embarrassed.

''That's not true. If I were alone, it would be easy to get ruined. But Mr. Raynand's words have made it a lot easier for me. That ...... was like a father figure, you know?
I'm your father?

　Mr. Reynand rolls his eyes when he hears my frank opinion.

'No, I didn't have a father, so I guess I'm kind of: ......
'The boy didn't have a father: ....... No wonder. ......

　To be precise, our father had abandoned the upbringing of my siblings and I - but Mr. Reynand seemed to be convinced of something. Maybe I was the one who, a thousand years ago, didn't seem to get a good education from my parents.
　No, they might still think that even now. I feel that they worry about me because they can't leave me alone like a child.

　And for some reason, I don't know why this is not just about me. It wasn't just me, but Rynand, Lord, and Nosfi also needed the words of an adult like Mr. Reynand.
　The similarities between the four of them, and that might be--.

But you don't want to put me in the same position as your father. Stop it at once.

　Before I can come up with that, Reynand's story begins.

'I'm not a good father. ...... After all, I'm the biggest idiot that no one in the family could understand. That is why he is the only one who has survived without the wear and tear on his soul. If the boy has a child, don't ever follow my example.
'That might be difficult. I already have a lot of respect for you.
You'll be just as big an idiot as I am: ......
If it's the same as Mr. Reynand's, it might be, too.
...... too late.

　Mr. Reynand shook his head as if spooning me.
　I accepted it with a smile and showed him what I had completed while I was talking.

''--I finally finished. I completed the Helvirshain family's holy twin swords, "One Wing", for Ryner. What do you think?
''Hmm, that's an unqualified achievement. Now all we need to do is sort through the liner's magic tools and replenish the ones we're missing.

　After checking the obi leather (band) attached to the scabbard of the "One Wing", Reynand-san begins to fish out the magic tools that are always available on the shelves of the workshop.
　The equipment of the liner is changed one by one, leaving the person who equips it behind.

　In the middle of it all, I suddenly let out a word.

''...... Reynand-san. If it's time for 'here' to be destroyed, would you like to go to the ground with me?
I'm on earth? ......?

　I want you to help me not only in this underground life, but also on the ground. That kind of childlike desire spilled out of me.
　I feel a little embarrassed and blush a little. But now that I've already said it, I decided to put that desire to the last word.

''Yes. If there are other people who might be as self-conscious as Mr. Reynand, please join me at ....... If everything goes well, don't you think that's a good way to end it?　Let's just try to get out of the grave. Let's watch what happens to the Lords and the others, and let's play blacksmith on earth again. I'll show you the workshop of someone I know.
Sure, it would be best if we could see the Lord's guy happy: ......
'And ......, let's not only do what you want to do with the road, but also what you want to do, Reynand.

　Mr. Reynand always worries only about others.
　He should think more about his own happiness.

That's what I want to do: ......

　Mr. Reynand reflected on his own happiness, stopping to look for things and looking far away.
　He hadn't thought about that for decades now, or maybe longer. After a long enough silence, he slowly told me what he wanted to do.

'Then maybe I'll take Beth's guy with me then. Maybe we can start over, even if it's just a little: ......
You can start over: ....... I'm sure you can go to .......

　In the end, what came out was a different name than himself. He uttered the name of his granddaughter before anyone else.
　After all, he thought that Mr. Reynand was Mr. Reynand, but he stopped pursuing it further and prayed that his wish would be fulfilled.

'Hmm. ...... So, boy, what's going on on earth now?
''There's a big country called the United Kingdom above the labyrinth now. There are a lot of adventurers, or rather explorers, so I think a skilled blacksmith will be in high demand. The rest can be found at ......--

　And we'll be talking about the ground at the same time as we work on our equipment modification plans for the liner.

　Hopefully, we will surely all be able to return to the ground together.
　After fully discussing that bright vision, I get the magic stones I got today redeemed, say goodbye to Reynand-san with a smile, and walk out of the workshop.

　With a fainting liner on my back that was forcibly equipped and changed, I turn money into food in the city. Although the people of the city were a little suspicious of him, he looked convinced when he realized that it was Ryner who was passed out. Apparently, it has become normal for Ryner to have a terrible time in the past few days.

　As it is, I head back to the castle.
　Lord was asleep in the storage room, curled up like a cat, and Nosfi was sitting in the flower garden where Beth was earlier, looking up at the sky alone.
　The black sky made it hard to tell the exact time, but it was already close to night.
　I threw my liner on the bed in my room to go to bed as it is, and then lay down on the couch.

　Before I meditate, I check my achievements to date.

[Status]
　Name: Aikawa Uzumi HP353/353 MP1165/1165-200 Class: explorer
　Level 25.
　Strength 14.01 Strength 15.54 Skill 20.77 Speed 25.87 Wisdom 20.79 Magic 45.23 Element 6.21
[Skill]
　Inherent skill: swordsmanship 3.79
　Acquired skills: body arts 1.56 Dimensional magic 5.33+0.40 Magical combat 0.79
　　　　　　　Sensitivity 3.56 Command (...) 0.89 Rearguard technology (・・・・) 1.01
　　　　　　　Knitting 1.15 Fraud 1.34 Blacksmithing 1.00 Divine Iron Forge 0.56

　Above all, the most important growth is 'magic power' - the amount of MP increased to match it. Of course, it's not just simple stats, but skill values have also increased.
　The skill 'Blacksmithing' has become a value that can be called a full-fledged one, and before you know it, the skills 'Command' and 'Rear Guard' have increased. However, the direct combat-type skills don't seem to have risen at all.
　The liner can be found at ...... and

[Status]
　Name: Rainer Helvirshine HP 409/409 MP 102/281 Class: Knight
　Level 27.
　Strength 14.04 Strength 10.21 Skill 11.76 Speed 16.88 Wisdom 13.40 Magic 10.76 Elemental 3.87
[Skills]
　Inherent skill: wind magic 2.57
　Acquired skills: sacred magic 1.27 Swordsmanship 2.38 Blood magic 1.12　
Magic Manipulation (・・・・) 0.89 Concentration Convergence (・・・・) 0.56
　　　　　　　Optimal Behavior 1.22 Fortitude 1.11

　He is growing steadily.
　Unlike me, his direct combat-type skills are growing rapidly. Thanks to what Lord taught me, the value of 'Wind Magic' has gone up by almost 0.50 at once. I've seen a lot of statuses, but it's rare to see them rise to this level in a short period of time. I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world, and I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world.
　No, that's not all.
　I look at one of the three swords leaning against the bed.


''The treasured sword of the Alais family, Rowen.
　The Guardian's sword with the magical stones of Rowen.
　Attack power 27.
　The attack power is equal to the level of the equipper.
　The wearer can recall the swordsmanship of Rowen Ares.
　Shape-shiftable. Equipers have an additional 2.00 ground magic


　He is also the apprentice of the Stealers of the Earth. Thanks to this, the skill "Sword Art" has increased greatly. If I had completely mastered Aleiss' sword, it wouldn't have risen so rapidly. That's exactly what I had in mind. If I wanted to, I would have wanted him to acquire the magic of the earth attribute, but it didn't seem to work that well. Right now, he had his hands full with learning the wind attribute magic.
　And finally, he checks the remaining two.


[Sylph Luff Bringer]
　Attack power 11.
　Equipee's wind magic +0.50　
　Reduces the equipper's wind magic consumption by -33%.
　Adds +40% to the wearer's wind resistance.

The Holy Twin Swords of the House of Helvilleshain, "One Wing
　Attack power 2+1
　One wing is gone, and its true power is gone.
　For liner Helvillestein


　The first part of tomorrow's battle would be a difficult one, as what he was wearing had changed greatly. But it should also help him in the end.

'It's been a tough day ....... A thousand years ago, I wonder if I was as hard as this .......

　I linger alone on the couch.
　I try not to think about it too much, but I seriously try to remember what happened a thousand years ago. Unlike on the ground, there are too many remnants of a thousand years ago here. If there was a little room, his thoughts would naturally be biased in that direction.

　Above all, the presence of the two guardians (guardians), Lord and Nosfi, is significant.
　I'm curious about their thousand years ago.
　To be honest, the discomfort between the two of them hasn't gone away yet.

　It feels more like both Lord and Nosfy were different.
　I feel like they weren't like kids like that, they were much more mature.
　Yes, ......, I'm pretty sure those guys are ......

-Oh!

　-- I felt a small pain like static electricity from my head.

　At the same time, a clear picture of the guardians comes into my mind.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time in the event that you're in a position to do so.

That's right ....... That's when we met .......

　Little by little, I'm remembering.
　I know this phenomenon.
　This is a flashback caused by the fact that my soul was getting closer to the former Ancestor Kanami due to the level up.
　The magical stone of the "One who steals the reason for the dimension" that has gained magic power is regaining its original power.

　As soon as I understand this, I meditate on it.
　I instinctively understood how to make the most of that phenomenon.

　I head to the most optimal place to organize my memories.
　The submerged dark depths of the deep psyche.
　I fell asleep without resisting sleepiness in order to reach the "Dream of a Thousand Years Ago".