There are many kinds of dungeons in this world.
　Those that have existed in the region for a long time. Some have become dungeons as a result of demons living in them.

　There are many different types of dungeons, but one of the most unusual is the man-made dungeon. These are places like biotopes where demons are allowed to roam free in a vast space and are managed by human hands to some extent.

　They are often built for research and training purposes, and one of the indicators of a school's power is how many artificial dungeons it owns.
　The Athena Academy of Magic also has several dungeons.

　One of the most difficult is probably the cavernous one where Natalia and Neil had their confrontation the other day.
　It is a labyrinth of rugged rocky surfaces leading deep underground. Magical lights here and there dispel the darkness, but the cries of demons and the sound of something crawling around echo from all sides, threatening the intruder. Of course, it is full of traps.

　Therefore, it is necessary to get permission from the academy to enter and to have a watchman.
　However, we ignore such rules for now.
　After passing the "No Trespassing" sign, Allen found his target in an open area. A giant chimera was about to leap from the shadows of the rocks...

I found it!
......!
"Gah!

　At the same time, I shoot a magic fireball at it.
　The fireball hit the demon right in the side with the right aim and blew its huge body away with great force. The chimera staggered to its feet and fled deeper into the cave.
　It was one of the creatures living in this level. It's known to be a bit of a marvel, but there are other bosses.
　Well, that's not the point.

"The Great Demon King ......, what are you doing here?

　In a corner behind a rock. In the corner of the rocky shade, a huddled shadow looked at me with a blank stare.
　It's Natalia.
　She was hugging that locked travel bag tightly to her chest, and right next to her was an unconscious Neil.
　No visible injuries on either side. There is no smell of blood. ...... At first, Allen crouched down in front of Natalia and looked into her face.

I'll start with my question. Are you hurt?
Well, I, uh, sprained my foot. ......

　Natalia sits back and looks at her right ankle.
　It's red, swollen, and covered in scratches. It looks fine, but if ...... Charlotte had seen it, she would have screamed. You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

The other idiot fell and hit his head, but ...... it doesn't look life-threatening.
I'll take care of both of you. But first, ......
Hey, what's up?

　Allen puts his hand in front of Natalia's eyes.
　There is only one thing to do for a child who is found safe.

"Ta-rya!
What's that?

　I gave her a much more moderate blow.
　Natalia cowered, screaming like a kitten. Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes and she howled wildly.

"What are you doing?
"That's what I'm talking about, you idiot.

　Allen quickly cast a healing spell on him and turned to look at him. The redness in his leg quickly receded.

"Neil's people have told me the general situation. You've done a hell of a job. You know how dangerous it is to run into a nest of demons during their egg-laying season.
I'm sure you're not the only one.
You should at least talk to me about it.

　He stroked Natalia's head roughly.

I'm not sure if I'm that unreliable of a teacher.　Sharo and the prefects were all worried about you.
I'm sorry, .......

　Natalia nodded her head and let out a shaky whisper.
　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

But this is the one thing ...... I had to get back on my own.
"...... I see.

　Allen's eyes narrowed and he sighed.
　You can see that there is so much in it that you can't stop thinking about it.
　I'm sure you'll be able to guess what it is.

"I'll tell you what's in it.
"Huh?
"It's about your sister, ...... Charlotte, isn't it?
".......

　Natalia gulped and looked up at Allen.
　Her face was contorted as if she was about to cry. Natalia hugged her bag and let out a muffled cry.

You know ...... what happened to the Evans family, don't you?
"Well, roughly.

　Allen shrugged his shoulders and said in a deliberately aloof way. 　

"Your sister did a lot of bad things...
That's not true!

　No!" Natalia shouts, so loudly that it echoes through the cave.


　At last, large tears spilled from her eyes. Her voice trembling with sobs, Natalia shouted angrily.

You can't even kill a worm, you can't do something that big. ......!　I'm sure that that rotten prince was just trying to trick you!　And yet, the Evans family chose to cut off their sister ...... rather than take the effort to clear their ...... name!
"I see.

　Allen gently stroked her head.
　It was something he knew all too well. But yesterday, when he stepped into Natalia's room, he was convinced.

　There were a lot of notes in Natalia's room.
　They were all traces of her research into ...... magic for lost property and missing person searches.

You didn't hate your sister, did you?
"I hate you ......?　I'd like you to stop being silly.

　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

The only thing I couldn't forgive was myself for not being able to help the Evanses and ...... you.