I heard that you and Rastiara went hand in hand on the search.

　The labyrinth that I returned to.
　Less than an hour after my search with Rastiara, I returned to the labyrinth through the forty-layered Connection that I set up earlier.

　Now we are walking through the corridor of the labyrinth.
　If it weren't for the Dimension, we would have a hard time dealing with the flower-imitating monsters. In the midst of the forty layers of vegetation, I finally hear a story that Rastiara would have bragged about on the ship.

　I see Dia walking next to me, her cheeks puffing out a bit, and I'm at a loss for a response.

'Well, do you want to ...... Dear too?'
Whether you want to or not, ...... its .......

　Dia mumbles her mouth and blushes.

　I instantly ponder with the same nervousness I had in battle. Then, I leave Snow, who is making a fuss about 'so and so' in sympathy with Dear, and cautiously reply.

'I'm sorry, Dea. I'd prefer that I only do that kind of thing with Rastiara. So let's explore the labyrinth as normal today.

　Let me state it clearly.
　I think it's more important to make a statement here and now than to keep it vague.
　For the future, this is the best thing to do. I'm convinced that this is the most harmless reply.

'Oh, ah, ....... That's right. ...... It's obvious. Haha.

　His conviction wavers as he looks at Diah, whose face looks like the end of the world.

　Her eyes are vacant, and she's laughing hollowly, with a slight tear in her eyes. Dia, always bright and straightforward, is on the verge of tears because of my response - honestly, it's as tight as if I'm pecking at her body with guilt.

　That's not the only reason my conviction has wavered.
　Snow, who was making noise right next to me, changed her expression and moved away from Dia with an agile movement. It's because the magical power leaking out of Dia instantly stagnated, and I got a killing intent that seemed to attack at any moment at random.

　Me and Snow's faces turned pale.
　I know from the experience of the battle not long ago that our lives nearby would be in danger if Deer were to lose control. Since we're inside the labyrinth, there's no place to escape, and that joke of explosive power won't escape outside, making for ideal maximum firepower. To put it bluntly, me and Snow will die without even being allowed to defend ourselves.

　--Dear's sad face and the disasterous magical power.

　In every sense of the word, I couldn't watch either of them.

''--Well, well, but!　Up to the middle, if only for a little while!

　As a result, I was the one who broke down in an instant.
　The weakness of my own heart is unbearable.

　However, Dia's magic power is currently 177.22 in status, roughly three times that of me. Now, it's three times as much as I am able to infiltrate a country with magic power. To put it simply, this is the difference between a living organism's survival instincts being maximized.

"Eh, ......?　Kanami, are you sure?

　Dia raised her face, which had been on the verge of falling over, and brightened it up in a flash.
　The evil magic in her body also dissipated in a flash.

　It's not a question of what I was thinking behind the scenes, and Dia seems genuinely pleased with my words. In front of that innocent smile that made me want to forgive her for everything, there was no way I was going to be able to withdraw my previous words.

'Yes ....... Just for a moment. ......
Oh, that's right!　Then feel free to go to .......

　With her magic power stabilized, Dia, who became just a pretty girl, came up to my right side and held my hand.
　The 《Dimension》 tells me every step of Dia's condition as she walks next to me.
　Dia was too embarrassed to turn her face forward properly and hid her twin eyes with her bangs. Her cheeks are reddened and she is behaving suspiciously. I always thought Dia was like a little animal.

''Then the other side is me!

　And then, for some reason, Snow came up to my left and shook my hand.
　He's a guy who's good at picking up the slack of others at the drop of a hat. As for her, I don't even want to look at her with Dimension.

　The three of us strolling along side each other in a friendly manner, I'm dripping with cold sweat.

''This, this is a stone ......!

　In this formation, my hands are occupied. It's not a good formation to do in the labyrinth any more than it was in Rastiara.

　More than anything else, an even greater sense of guilt torments me.
　I've been on a hand-in-hand date with Rastiara just a few minutes ago, but a few minutes later I'm walking hand-in-hand with another girl. Too insincere. Too despicable.

　The swelling guilt has reached a level where it's almost as if it's going to saw through your body.
　The feeling of death, tension, self-loathing, and various other things are intertwined, and my stomach wall is steadily raging today.

　However, in contrast to me, the two people on either side of me are happily walking and chatting with each other.

'...... reminds me a bit of the theatre ship in Lauravia. I was walking with Kanami like this then, too.
Oh, yeah. The one from the dance competition. I was so jealous. Hand in hand on the theatre ship. It was a real date.
Hmm. ......?　You were the enemy then. How do you know all this?
I saw you sneaking up close, like ......?
Oh, the wiretapper. You said that.
'Yeah, heh. Sorry. ......

　They are very congenial, leaving me alone and uncomfortable with the situation. Unlike me, they don't seem to have any guilt about this hand-holding situation.

　It's definitely the work of Rastiara.
　In advance, Rastiara told his companions that they could stay by my side. On top of that, he successfully incited the two of us on board earlier by talking about a date. This is the result of that ploy.

　I regained my composure by rationalizing it calmly.

　Honestly, the only problem would be my feelings.
　Rustyala, Dia and Snow are all convinced, and I'm the only one who isn't convinced. I'm not a fan of the idea that it's important to get together with 'the one and only person of destiny' in love, but I'm the only one who is floating around.

'We're both on our way. ......

　When I nailed them as if I were squeezing them out, they nodded honestly, "Okay.

　I can tell from their replies that they don't intend to keep pushing it. I can also tell that if I really hate them, they'll leave me right away.

　But there's no way they'll really hate me. In fact, both of them have a habit of getting a little out of control, but they are both gentle girls at heart. They're also the pretty girls that everyone turns to when they walk down the street. To say that this state of affairs with flowers in their hands is all dissatisfactory would be a lie. My cheeks are slightly flushed, too. I am aware that I am very blessed. It's impossible not to be happy.

　But I can't forgive myself for thinking that I'm happy in some way.

　I'm happy, but I can't forgive myself.
　I've finished analyzing these conflicting emotions of mine at the speed of thought in battle.
　The three of us walk through the labyrinth hand in hand and answer that it's a matter of personal character.

　I'm (...) that kind of person (・・・・・・・・・).
　I can't help it, because I was born thinking that way.

　You can't ignore either, so it's best to be happy about it, but never forgive yourself for it either.

　I've come to terms with it, even if I can't separate the two, and I'm advancing through the labyrinth in a strange three-man hand-holding outfit.
　However, that hand-holding search is interrupted for a few minutes.

　Naturally, our brains aren't sleepy enough to hold hands until the time of battle.

"--Dear, Snow. There's an enemy ahead of us. ...... we can't avoid this one.

　On the way through forty layers of dense bushes, they were in a situation where they would encounter enemies no matter which path they chose.

　If the Reapers were there, they could scatter them with dark magic. If your partner is Ryner or Titi, you can even break through by letting your speed do the talking. However, if you're teaming up with the two slowest footed people, Dia and Snow, you have no choice but to take them down carefully.

　When they decide to collide with the monster, the two on either side let go of their hands. Unlike some men and women, they don't seem to be holding hands during the battle.

Okay, there you go.
I'm in the fight!

　Seeing that both of them are now in a combat stance, I check out the enemy in the distance.

　It's a monster that I went through before when I aimed at the ground with Ryner and Titi. It is large, about five meters long, and its shape is closest to a plant's bulb. Four thick roots wriggled at the bottom of the giant bulb, allowing it to move outside of the soil. A closer look at the "Dimension" shows that the sprout-like part at the top opens up and becomes a mouth, most likely to prey on its prey. It would be best to just avoid getting tangled up in its roots.

　After sharing the information about the enemy, I was thinking about how to fight it, when to my surprise, Snow suggested a formation.

Then let's go in a vertical line. I'll take the lead. I'm going to be the first to go to the back with Dia and Kanami will be the one to protect it, right?
'Oh, ah, ....... Surely that's the best.

　I nodded, upset.
　I had just thought that was the most ideal formation, too.

　However, I can't hide my surprise that Snow himself volunteered for the lead.
　The Snow I know would definitely avoid the most exhausting lead, even if he had the aptitude to play the role of a shield at the front of the pack.

　Leaving me astonished, Snow goes on to devise a strategy.

'Basically, as a dragonborn (Dragon Newt), I'll take on all the attacks I see at first sight, so watch carefully for Dia and Kanami. Now we just need to exploit the gaps and hit them with our attacks.
Snow, if there's any danger, I'll come and get you, I promise.
Yes, please. I'm counting on you, Dear.

　He has a trusting relationship with his rearguard, Dia, and I are in good hands.
　Seeing her leadership skills, I decide to keep my mouth shut and watch.

　Thus, with Snow in the lead, we charge head-on to the enemy's location.


[Monster] Grand Tiber: Rank 41


　Once we were able to see the enemy, they began to intercept us.
　It was a head-on attack, no surprise.

　Immediately, the plant monster Grand Tiber wielded one of its four thick roots like a whip.

''I won't let it!''

　Snow, who was leading the charge, received the blow.
　With a roar like a cannon, the corridor shook significantly. The impact is as if two large vehicles had collided at high speed. However, Snow, who was struck by that massive whip, did not retreat even a single step. He firmly planted his feet on the ground and used both arms to prevent it from happening.

　If I or Diah were to receive it, I would have been blown to the walls of the corridor. In response to that heavy blow, Snow has not lost any HP at all.

　When I was relieved to see the 'display', Grand Tiber continuously swings a thick root. This time, it's an attack aimed at me and Dia, who are behind me. However, Snow dives in between to catch that second attack as well.

　Snow is always standing diagonally across the line from the enemy monster and the rear guard.
　As long as he maintains that position, the enemy's attack will never reach us.

　Grand Tiber realized that attacking by roots doesn't make sense, and he immediately changed his attack method. A powder-like substance erupted from the upper buds.

'The seed might be in trouble!　Pay me early, Dear!

　In response to the enemy's actions, Snow immediately gave the order.
　Receiving a trustworthy order, Dea responded immediately.

'Ah!　--Flame!

　He unleashed a wide range of foundation magic flames, burning all the seeds with his momentum and heat.
　It's a brilliantly powerful fire magic. And Snow's ability to command it quickly is also amazing.

　It was a responsiveness that convinced me that I no longer needed to keep track of the entire party with Dimension.
　This means that I am now completely free as an individual.
　It was time for me to be able to do whatever I wanted as a ranger.

　Snow is leading the charge, drawing the enemy to him.
　The special attacks are handled well by Dia, and the enemy is focused on Snow and Dia.
　The enemy is focused on Snow and Dea.

　Then I have only one thing to do.

"--magic defaults.

　Attack.
　Thanks to the two of us, I can only think of attacks.

　With a dimensional magic that distorts the distance, I instantly get behind my enemy.
　Grand Tiva, who was focused on the front, doesn't notice my movement. And I use the blade extended by 'Magic Freezing' and swing my sword without thinking about defense.

''Ha--!

　It was easy to tear the defenseless Grand Tiber apart.
　Probably from the enemy's point of view, they wouldn't have understood what had happened. If they were focused on the enemies in front of them, they would only know that their bodies had been slashed before they knew it.

　In a single breath, the grand teabag that had been split into ten parts turned into particles of light and disappeared.
　While picking up the remaining magic stone, I give my impressions.

Nice work, Snow. Thanks to you leading the charge, it was incredibly easy to move around.

　He praises Snow for letting go.
　Maybe it's the first time he's done that since he met her.

　After the battle, Snow is a little embarrassed as she reviews the battle ahead.

'Good. ....... I've been thinking for a while now that in a party fight, Kanami should just be an auxiliary and only move like an assassin at the end. It suits her better than the command tower, where she is free to move freely at her own discretion, analyzing the situation that changes every time. Perhaps even for the personality.

　That's right.
　My exact same analysis is made by Snow.
　The only reason I've been in command so far is because no one else was fit.

'Hey, hey. What do you think: ......?　

　Snow anxiously asks me how I rate my considerations.
　The rating from me is close to a perfect score. He smiles that there is nothing to be worried about.

'No, I've reviewed it. I knew Snow would be a good leader.

　I think he had talent to begin with. I heard that when he was a child, he had a personality like a brat who pulled everyone along, but he's more of a leader than I expected.

　However, if you think about it, it's probably not surprising.
　For the past year, Snow had been acting as the deputy to the General Commander of the "Southern League". And he was respected and relied upon by many of his subordinates, and was rumored to be more capable than his predecessor.

　Snow would have the wherewithal to carry everyone on his back and fight.
　In everyday life, his laziness didn't seem to have worn off, but in a serious setting like this, Snow's newfound strength stands out.

You've worked really hard while I was gone. You've grown so much in my absence.
Ehehe. ......

　As he continues to praise her, Snow's face gradually loosens up.
　When he saw the dragon's tail bobbing and waving in delight as it peeked out from the hem of his clothes, he was thinking rudely that it was a bit like a big dog, when the nearby Dea called out impatiently.

'Ka, Kanami!　I'm strong too!　Leave me alone next time!

　When she sees Snow being berated, Dea begins to brave it, trying to show her that she's good at it, too. I ask, anxious that this pattern won't be a good one.

'I'm still fine with this layer, but ....... Are you sure you're okay on your own?
'Yeah, I'm fine!　Just give me the direction to the next staircase!
'Direction: ......?　Then it's ......, er, that way.

　Wondering what he's going to do, he explains to Deere the location of the next staircase, which he figured out with Dimension, as requested.

　Dea turns her head in that direction and immediately starts building magic on the spot.

　If it had started to go out of control, Snow and I would have planned to stop it, but I don't want to imitate it as if I'm going to rush into a monster alone. Instead, I fill the corridor with a magical power that can only be considered runaway.

　It's an amount of magic power that is incomparable to the magic used in the battle just now. I can grasp the fact that the magic power is being controlled admirably with 《Dimension》, but I'll be ready to 'magic offset (counter magic)' at any time.

　Then, the magic power resembling Dia's sunlight is converted and a nostalgic magic is activated.

''--Sacred Magic 《Sion》''

　It's the magic of the light bubble that once hunted down 'The One Who Steals the Dark Reason' Tida.
　As I recall, the effect was 'Inhibition of Magic Power'.

　As soon as the name of the magic 《Sion》 was spun, Dia's magic power condensed and became a sphere that enveloped Dia's body.
　There was only one bubble that was generated. But the density was too abnormal. Without a doubt, it's at the level of 'the one that steals reason' density.

　I don't know what the specifics of the magic that can only be described as excessive are used for, so I ask Dia.

''...... Dear. What are you going to do with it?
This is all the way from here to the other end of the road--clean up (・・・・・).

　He answered easily, as lightly as if he were cleaning a room.

　Dia followed, waving her hand to the side.
　The bubble of light that had enveloped Deere expands. When it has expanded to the point where it can't hold a sphere in the corridor, the magic 《Sion》 begins to expand in the direction of the stairs I just heard about.

　Here I notice what Dia is doing. I'm a little late in noticing it because the magic is different from before.

　This is a kind of sniping.
　It's not like Dia is thinking up and executing a strategy on her own. She is simply repeating the sniping with the rays (lasers) of Flame Arrow that she did when she first explored the labyrinth with the Zion that is appropriate to her current power.

　Unlike before, Dia is not aiming at monsters, but at the path (area).
　She has raised the scale of her attacks from light rays (lasers) to a flood of light and is trying to wash out the entire path (area) to the next staircase.

　The results of that magic "Zion" are taught to me by the "Dimension".
　It was exactly as Dia said, a scene that could only be called a cleaning.

　The light that is increasing in volume endlessly runs through the corridor, blocking everything related to magic on the path.
　First of all, the magical plants and flowers that would only exist in the labyrinth withered in an instant. Only the straightforward plants that lived on the ground would survive. With this alone, there were no more traps or poisons to worry about.
　Furthermore, the monsters in the corridor also showed anomalies. The small monsters that had been mimicking plants began to wriggle the moment they were swallowed by the light, and after a few seconds, they turned into light and disappeared.
　The medium-sized and larger monsters didn't disappear, but they were still writhing in the light. The monsters that seemed to be highly intelligent were rushing out of the bubble to escape the light.

　Anticipated by the flood of light, half of the monsters on the path to the stairs disappeared.
　The rest would be incapacitated if they were left alone.

　It was a horrible range magic, and at the same time, a bit of fluency crossed his mind.

　I felt a little sorry for the labyrinth that was attacked in this way.
　They must have spent many days composing these forty layers. For those of us who have gone through the forty layers, they must have set a difficulty level that is not too difficult or too easy. It's sad to think of me from a thousand years ago, busily working on a dungeon worth completing.

　The searcher Dia, who had no way of knowing the thoughts of the creators of this game, paused in her gut as she looked at the forty layers that had been washed away by range magic.

''It's responsive!　Kanami, did you see that?　We almost got it!　You're getting as good at controlling your magic as Maria's guy!

　Huffing and puffing and sniffing, Dia brags about her magical achievements.

''Uh, yeah ....... From what I saw in the 《Dimension》, most of the monsters up to the stairs are gone ....... Even the dangerous-looking plants are gone, so it's really a clean slate. It's too much, and I'm surprised at all sorts of things: ......
I'm Kanami's partner, you know? It's the least I can do!

　Dea smiled proudly at the praise.
　Unlike Snow, Dia didn't have a tail, but she thought she could see a dog's tail waving around. This is a small dog.

'Mmmm. ......'

　Snow, who had been watching in the background, snorted as Dia was praised.
　Just when you think you've grown up over the past year, one of your friends has stepped into substandard territory. You'll have a lot to think about.

'Ugh, ugh. ....... I guess I'm already the weakest ......?

　Snow, who was confident in his strength, is almost sulking at Dea's unreasonableness.
　Dea sees that her friends are depressed because of her, and she immediately tries to follow up.

'No, but Snow would be the strongest if he was serious, right?　When I was being taken over by the Sith, I fought them once with the example of 'dragonization'--
Hmm, that one doesn't count. That one doesn't count. I don't want to use it too much because it's a discarded body. 'Dragonization' doesn't feel like my strength and ....... Even big sister Titi has stopped me from using it .......
I see. ...... Well, don't worry, Snow. Let's take our time and build up our strength. As long as I'm around, there will never be a time when you need to get rid of yourself. There's plenty of time for that.
'Oh, oh, oh ....... Lady Dear, that's so cool. ......

　Snow was moved and shaken by Dea's declaration that she would protect him from head on.
　The two of them have recently found out that they are soberly compatible with each other. Because Dia sometimes makes more dignified statements than those men, he often suppresses Snow's pressure points.

　Once we've confirmed how well our friends are getting along, we resume our progress.
　As we walk through the path purified by sacred magic, Dia, who is gaining momentum, makes a suggestion.

'I feel like I'm in good shape today ......!　Leave it to me next time, both of you!　I'm going to try my specially trained swordsmanship at this point!
'What, swordsmanship ......?　Snow, how's that ......?

　I'm sure you'll be able to trust the use of magic, but when it comes to swordplay, it's a different story.
　I've been training with Snow in Vyssia for a while now, but I'm not sure if she's making a difference.

I'm not sure if I've ever heard of it. As I said before, you can't even win a single match against me, who is only a rookie in swordsmanship (Ude). I wouldn't recommend it: ......

　Snow shook his head, clearly worried about the safety of his friends.
　However, Dea ate it up, seemingly unconcerned.

'Oh, he said he only lost because it was a clean duel-style one-on-one ......!　There's another sword technique for the labyrinth, properly!

　He wants to argue that dueling and labyrinths are different in terms of selfishness.
　Certainly the choice of techniques will be different between human and monster opponents. The presence or absence of intelligence will also create a bargaining chip.
　It's no wonder that there are swordsmen who can defeat monsters even if they can't beat humans.

　However, I still don't believe that the hopelessly athletic Dia could take on a monster with swordsmanship. As Snow and I look at her with the same suspicion, Dia starts to explain with a serious face.

'I'm not lying, both of you: ......!　I've been too wrapped up in the kata I learned from my old man Aleis, and that wasn't good: ....... It's the dueling swordsmanship of fine knights, not the explorer's style. It's a good idea to be more my own person. Now I'm going to prove that to you two ......!

　I think it makes sense.
　With a ship arm and a status bias, Dear is definitely not a good fit for normal swordplay.
　After hearing a moderately convincing story, Snow and I are willing to keep an eye on it, if only for once.

　Then, after clearing the cleaned-out 40th layer, we entered the 42nd layer.

　Just like the forty-two layers, the forty-two layers are covered with vegetation like a rainforest, and it's a challenge just to move forward. Everywhere you look, there are green plants, and the roots and ivy of the trees are natural snare traps, so you can't relax even for a second.

　Naturally, the enemies that appear are plant types.
　The monsters that have increased in size a bit from the previous layer will be Deere's true swordsmanship unveiling partners.
　The first monster is a Rose Dile. It was supplemented at a point about a hundred meters away.

[Monster] Rose Dile: Rank 42.

　At first glance, it's somewhere between a rose and a human - a walking carnivorous plant. However, unlike the human-like tree people (Doriade), it has a large proportion of plants.
　Instead of limbs, wild stems and blade-like leaves. Instead of heads and thoraxes, red flowers. In the middle, where the stamen and pistil should be, there is a large animal-like mouth with a row of sharp teeth.

　It's not just a matter of time before you're ready to take on the Rosedile with your sword.

You two, watch closely. This is a new swordsmanship I've developed. I'll decide it in a single blow.

　Honestly, this area is not suitable for swordplay.
　There are many obstacles and poor footing.
　As I watched with a bit of anticipation to see what kind of swordsmanship he would show me, Dia didn't move forward, but instead raised his left arm sword at this hundred meters away.
　It was a gaping upper stance.

　Then he held out his right arm, which was not ahead of the stance, in front of him and muttered.

''First, catch it with your hand--''

　A glowing arm of magical power is generated from his right arm and stretches out, letting its abundant magical power do the work.
　Like rubber, only the right arm stretches out and approaches the distant monster.

　--from there it was a moment.

　Just before the outstretched right arm reached the enemy, the hand suddenly expanded and swallowed Rosedile like the jaws of a giant beast. The enemy, who was hit by the sudden attack, tries to escape, but because his entire body is tightened in a grip (...) by Dia's too dense magical power (・・・・・・・・・), he cannot even move.

　I'm the one who was caught just recently, so I know exactly how Rosedile feels. Visually the arm is transparent, but it's being held with such force that it cracks my bones. I'm so surprised and scared that I can't make a calm decision.

''--and pull it this way--!

　After catching Rosedile, Dia shrinks his outstretched arm and draws him towards me.
　And waiting at the end of the draw is a sword held at the upper level.
　Naturally, Dia's magic power is passing through that sword. With the strengthening of the sacred magic, its sharpness and weight have probably jumped many times over.

''--Leave it to the power, I'll swing it down with all my might!

　The moment the pulled Rosedile arrived, the enemy was cut to pieces by Dia's sword.
　The overwhelming violence caused by the power of status and magic power attacked the monsters that were migrating through the forty-two layers.

　Naturally, the monsters died instantly and turned into light and disappeared. Next to it, a sparkling-eyed Dia asked us what we thought.

''How was it!　My swordsmanship!

　He looks like he wants very much to be praised. In addition, he's also wagging his invisible tail again, which is a vision.
　However, I'm sorry to say that I'm expecting it, but me and Snow's reaction is not good. We both groaned enough "hmmm" and then replied in a humming manner.

'That's not swordsmanship: ......'
That's not swordplay. ......

　It's not swordsmanship, to say the least.

''What? It's swordplay no matter how you look at it!　It's a sword move!
No, you don't even need a sword for that one: ......

　Now Dia is using the sword I lent her, but even if she hadn't, it wouldn't have made any difference in the outcome. Definitely, the sword wasn't the main thing.

'The sword is here!　I'm a swordsman!

　But now it seems to be swordsmanship in a Dia-like way.
　As much as I would like to support her dream, I can't help but agree with her that she is a swordsman.

　As much as we wanted to support her dream, we couldn't support the obvious fraud of her profession (class).
　Seeing our situation, Dia is excited to show her next swordfighting technique to convince us.

'Well then, let's do it again!　Now I'm going to thrust!

　Again, apparently.

　I had no choice but to find a handy monster, just like before.
　The first action Dia took against that monster was to emit light.

　She emits light ahead of time to intimidate and distract, and takes a sword thrust stance.
　Just blurting out--.

"Divine Arrow Spear," ......

　I don't miss him muttering the name of the magic.
　Just as before, magic power is locked in Dia's sword. When that magic power has accumulated enough--

Poke!

　Dia's roar resounded in the corridor, and the magic sword tip extended - piercing the enemy who was being robbed of his vision by the light ahead.

　It's a splendid blow.
　While looking at the monster that died instantly, me and Snow's impressions hummed again.

'Yeah. It's good magic.
Yeah. That's good magic.
Swordplay!

　Dea stands on the ground and stubbornly refuses to accept that she is a wizard.
　And then quickly again, "I'll show you my next trick: ......! and tries to show off his Dea-style swordsmanship against the monster. Snow and I watched with lukewarm eyes.

　At first we watched her swordsmanship with trepidation, but now we are in a bit of a spectator's mood.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot of good reasons to be interested in this.

　Most importantly, the fact that Dia has begun to rely on magic means that she 'knows herself well'. She doesn't use her sword alone to make reckless suicide attacks like she did in the early days, but instead tries to make use of her strengths.

　If the advantage of Dia's magic power is forced on us, most monsters would be crushed to death. So we can rest assured that we can leave it to Dia.

　Dia didn't lose his pride as a swordsman in the labyrinth, yet he still uses his magic power to explore alone. Just like Snow, Dia had grown up, and it was a clear sight to see that she was taking a step closer to becoming an adult.

　Thus, the forty-two layers were successfully conquered with the great use of Dia's style of swordsmanship. On the way, we decided to talk about Dia's swordsmanship by saying, "Let's use 'magic swordsmanship' then. It's the same classification as my 'magic freezing' swordsmanship.

　--The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that it is a good idea to be able to have a good time.

　It's a path I've passed through at least once, so there's basically no way to get lost. It's really easy compared to the worst conditions of insomnia plus hunger before. There's no first-hand experience, so there are no particular accidents.

　And we spend half a day getting to the place that used to be the hierarchy of "The One Who Steals the Wind's Reason" titi.

　Of course, there is no grassland or storm like before.
　It's an empty space where we can see that she has left the world.

'--Okay. We've arrived.
Wow, so this is where my sister Titty's hierarchy comes in.
...... Nothing to see here.

　After the three of us walked around lightly, we put down the Connection for transportation.
　That's our goal for the moment.
　Then we'll talk about what we're going to do for the rest of the time, and we'll level up.

　There is little merit in going to the 60th level from here. The reason is that we can't put a Dimension there while Nosfi is alive. As a result, it was decided that the best thing to do was to use this fifty layers as a resting point and hunt monsters in the layers before and after.

　With Dia and Snow still energetic, I returned to the level I had just come from to find monsters to fight.

　Of course, I'll avoid bosses at all costs when leveling up. I haven't forgotten the pain I suffered when I lightly challenged a boss while leveling up before. It was the one in the thirty-fourth layer of Gulfrad Jerry.

　I would find a handy location and monster, Snow would get the enemy's attention, and Dea would hammer in her magic. We keep repeating the process - and when we're becoming more efficient, we return to the ship.

　This early retreat is also thanks to our previous experience.
　A year ago we learned the hard way that it's not enough to level up blindly. We also know that if you level up too much, you'll get close to monsters and your body will go crazy.

　Before we can hunt, we have to decide whose level we want to raise and how much we want to raise.
　After that's done, it's time to level up in earnest and silently.

　Probably, we will only level up in the labyrinth until we reach the Great Sacred City of Fuzzy Yards on the mainland.

　It's not time to force ourselves to go to the deepest part of the labyrinth yet.
　First, we'll go to the Great Holy City and meet up with Maria and the Reapers. Then, we'll go to the World Tree and meet the last apostle, Diprakra, as well. It all starts there.

　Until then, I'm going to spend my time leveling up and resting up.

　--And on this day, after diving the labyrinth all night long, I will fall asleep.

　Probably tomorrow, I'll be leveling up again in the maze with my friends.
　Depending on the situation, it may be an all-nighter again.
　I'll do my best to recover my strength. We have to be fully prepared and in perfect physical condition.

　There's even the possibility of a trap and a surprise -- no, it's not a possibility.

　--I'm sure there will be traps and ambushes.

　The "The One Who Steals the Reason of Light," Nosfi, is still in the world.
　So it's always (...).

　She once said that she would be waiting in the south.
　I don't believe her, but I have a feeling that she's very sure of it.

　In the "Southern League", Nosfi is waiting at the Great Sacred City Huskyards.
　He's been waiting for me since a thousand years ago, just like the other 'logic thieves' who have been waiting for me.

　I'm sure that Nosferry will be doing his best to prepare and wait for me.
　If that's the case, I have no choice but to do my best to raise the level of my game and challenge him with my best team members.

　Thinking about the upcoming battle with Nosfy, I fall into a deep sleep.
　I'm slowly falling down, dreaming of one day.
　The content of that dream is very nostalgic, very peaceful - and