In conclusion, Trinity Full Cross failed. It was difficult to adjust the balance. Ei, who had named the mission with great enthusiasm, was unusually depressed, and it took some time to comfort him. Kyousuke, Rin, and Sakuma took over to say a few words, but Benii was still boringly brushing his nails.

'No, it's fine.... Let's try again with a little more balance adjustment...''

　Ei seemed to have calmed down after a bit, but he was still severely depressed.

''Utsurogi-kun. Let's combine with Hino-kun........
Hmm?

　Rin softly gave Kyousuke an earful.

''I've practiced quite a bit, so help him with his special moves, Hino-kun.
Oh, well...

　Kyousuke nodded and called out to Ei.

''Hey, Ei. Next time I'm going to try a technique with Ei....
''No, I want to think more about Trinity Full Cross now...''
Don't torment me like that. You're not in a hurry. I want to try things out.

　At his words, Ei finally regained her usual degree of cheerfulness. No, I'm not talking about his personality or attitude. I'm talking about something like roughly 10 lux of light turned to 100 lux.

''I see, if you're going to say that much, then I guess there's no way around it...''

　Floating wobbly, Ei's body entered Kyousuke. Flames circulated around his entire body, and Kyousuke and Ei became the Fiery Majesty.
　He's still as cool as ever, Rin thinks. It seems to be more of a bluff than a slime combination.

　Rin slyly retreated to the rock wall for now, and decided to watch Kyousuke and the others train with Sakuma, Beni and the others.

　The two of them here are rare in their class, maintaining their full human form. As Rin, who has become a slime, I am very jealous of them. As the fastest ace sprinter in the prefecture, of course I'm jealous just because I have legs, but I'm also jealous that I have hands, and frankly, I'm jealous that I have a face.
　Because if you have hands, you can connect your hands, and if you have a face, you can laugh. Even if the current Rin tried to do the same thing, it would only end up being a ridiculous imitation.

''...Do you have something on you?''

　Beni stares at me with half-lidded eyes.

What, never mind..... I mean, how do you know that I was watching you?
I'm sensitive to the gaze.

　After saying that, she began to get lost in her nail fiddling again.

'Oh no, I'm jealous of both of you in human form...'
From my point of view, I envy you more than Himemizu-san.......
Ugh.

　Rin stiffens at Sakuma's mumbled word.

　Rin knows that she had feelings of favoritism towards Kyousuke. Since the human era, information has flowed in quite a bit, partly because the same group, Ryuzaki, was sensitive about gathering information in that area. It's a good thing that you're not the only one who's been attached to Kyousuke (not a metaphor) since his transfer to another world, but from Sakuma's point of view, Rin's presence may not be very interesting.

''Sah, Saku-chan........''
''Oh, no, it's not that I hate or envy Himemizu-san or anything...''
Uh, yeah...

　Oh, my God. Awkward.

　Turning his gaze forward, Kyousuke merged with Ei, ''Blaze Cutter! He is wielding a sword covered in flames while shouting, "I'm not a fan of this! After all, he is very cool and cool. Just looking at it makes me excited.

''Sachi, you can't help but be jealous of Himemizu.

　'Huh,' said Beni, blowing on his nails.

'Eh, hey, I'm not jealous, okay?　I'm not.
You're jealous. Well, I guess it can't be helped, can it? Hey, Himesui.
Yeah. You're going to dump me there...

　It's not that I'm not a fan of it. It's not like she was the idol of the top group in her class. But the one that Rin finds difficult to talk to is this Benii Asuka. Most girls can call her "Rin" in a friendly manner, but she is the only "Benii-san".

Mostly because Sachi had plenty of opportunities in her human days, but she didn't do it. Hey, Himesui.
So why would you dump me...

　Even though he is dignified, he has a strong sense of gratitude for Kyousuke. Or a little more than that. I'm also aware that it might be an emotion that goes a step further. When Kyousuke was talking happily with Sakuma, I felt a bit mushy inside, so well, that's probably what it was.

　Hmm, so I was a girl myself. I don't have time to think about such a swallowing thing. If I'm not good at this place, Sakuma will declare war on me. Kyousuke is a bone, but he's a man. If it becomes a game of color, Rin has no chance.
　Well, even if it was a match in the human era, he's not confident in his color gimmick game.

　Rin watched Kyousuke's special training with a bit of trepidation, but Sakuma didn't say anything more to her.

　Kyousuke was still wielding the Blaze Cutter.




　It was in the winter of her first year that Sakuma Shoko first met Kyousuke Soraki.

　Shoko had been a member of the library committee in her first year. She didn't really fit in with the momentum of the class and spent most of the year reading books during recess and in the library after school, and that's how she's spent most of the year. I never really felt bored or lonely. Although they became somewhat estranged in high school, Benii Asuka and the other childhood friends (though there were two of them) always cared for Shoko and even took her out to play with her when she was struggling.
　I won't deny that time had been stopping since middle school. It was on that day that her time moved, which she still didn't mind.

''Huh...?　It's not there.

　After school, Sachiko was about to read a book in the library as usual when she noticed that there was no book on the shelves that she was looking for.
　It was a less popular book, in a less popular genre, so she was caught off guard. This is the library. It wouldn't be surprising if it had been borrowed. Sachiko's shoulders slumped in disappointment.

''Um, I'm sorry.''

　Just then, a voice called for Sakuma in front of the librarian's counter. Sachiko changed her mind and turned towards the counter.
　Just now, the librarian teacher is not there. The male student in front of the counter was waiting.

''Yes, I'm coming!''

　As a book committee member, Sachiko sat down at the counter. When she looked at the book that was presented to her after saying 'please', Sachiko was taken aback.
　The book offered by the tall, dull-looking boy is the one she's just been meaning to read. The book is already out of print, and on the review site she often visits, there are no rave reviews, but there are comments that tug at the heartstrings, so I was curious about it.

''........Um?''
"Oh, excuse me.

　After staring at the cover in a daze for a while, Sachiko hurriedly went straight to the lending procedure. Looking at the lending history, it was a book that hadn't been touched by anyone for more than ten years now. How could the day she was going to borrow it coincide with just the day she was going to borrow it?

　It was at that moment that a huge thought came to Shoko's mind.
　She had to make some kind of statement of intent to the boy in front of her. ''I was thinking of reading it too,'' or ''Please return it to me quickly,'' or ''Please let me know what you think when you read it...''
　It wasn't just a thick request, but also something that came from a genuine desire to simply talk about the same thing as the comrade who had found it for the first time.

　Sachiko looked up and tried to move her mouth a few times. But in the end, it never came out of her mouth.
　There was no way she could say it.
　As Sakuma cooled off and was about to continue the lending procedure, this time the boy's side told him: 'I've been thinking about reading it.

You were thinking of reading it?　The Book
"What?
'That's where I was earlier, and that's where I kept the book. It's okay, I just happened to see it on the internet. I just happened to see it on the internet and I was just curious, so can I make a reservation?　The sooner you return it to me, the better.'
"Yes, but, um, what?

　The boys, or rather, according to the library card, Soraki Kyousuke takes the reservation slip that was next to the counter and fills out the necessary information without hesitation.

''Let me know what you think after you read it. I'll see you then.''

　Kyousuke said just that and walked out of the library. Say all the things we couldn't say.
　Sachiko watched Kyousuke's back as he walked down the corridor, exchanging friendly words with a friend who seemed to be waiting for him outside the library, hugging the book in his arms. Later, when I told this story to Benii Asuka, she laughed at me. He said, "Even in shoujo manga nowadays, there is no such thing as an "encounter".

　That's fine.

　The following week, Shoko returns the book she finished reading and writes to Kyousuke to inform him that the book she had reserved has been returned to her. When he came to the library after school, she lent him the book and talked to him a bit about her favorite books. It was fun.
　From that day on, Sakuma Shoko's life took on a slightly different light.




''Huh....

　Sakuma Sachiko, the former sober bespectacled literary girl and now a beautiful girl in class one that could rival Queen Benii, sighed loudly. The place was the private bedroom assigned to Benii. Currently, Benii and Koganei were the only students who had a private room at the base.

　Several more days had passed since the day when Soraki Kyousuke had punched Koganei Yoshiki.
　Since then, Sakuma hasn't shown up at the cafeteria. Naturally, it was because Koganei was there. The meals are brought in by Benii's cronies, either Harpy Harui or Lamia Snakezuka. From what I heard, Kyousuke also deliberately avoided eating at the time when Koganei was present. Sakuma is a little sad to think that they were such good friends. The incident has affected Sakuma's physiological fear of Koganei, but he's honest about that one.
　Koganei's attitude towards his surroundings is the same as ever. Rather, he has started acting more uninhibitedly than before, and he has been messing with both men and women more often than ever before. Benii, who is not here at the moment, is thoroughly trying to keep Sakuma away from Koganei, so we only know about that from hearsay.

　The response to Koganei in class was divided into two parts. Either to flirt or to keep their distance.

　It's not that there weren't people who disliked him. But if you look at Kyousuke, who was punched by Koganei that day and got beaten back, you can imagine how foolish it would be to resist. The four-legged duo of Washio and Hakuba, who had beaten back Kyousuke, were regaining their status as the class' heavyweights, using their fighting abilities as a shield. Even if they weren't as strong as the top group, they were still strong enough.
　However, distance did not guarantee peace of mind. Koganei's faction was swallowing up more and more of the various groups, and those who disobeyed were being mercilessly sanctioned. The only ones who could completely go completely unchallenged were Beni's group, which included Sakuma, and Warwolf Inugami, who was a complete lone wolf. Koganei tried to mess with Inugami as well, but the delinquent and the former bully had different bile. The Inugami, who had his hand around his shoulder, emitted an awesomeness that didn't match his diminutive stature and dismissed Koganei, and from then on it was said that he had moved into the labyrinth to sleep and eat. It has gone completely wild.

It's not good. It's such an atmosphere!

　Harpy Harui said, stretching widely.

I know, I know. You can't breathe, you know. Sakuma feels the same way, right?

　Lamia Snakezuka asked for our opinion, and Sakuma couldn't help but respond with a wry smile.

　These two cronies of Akai Asuka are a race that Sakuma has always been uncomfortable with, gals, if you will. It may be a dead letter, but they are gals.
　A quiet beauty, yet supernatural and charismatic, Benii Asuka has always been the class queen. Being around her can even be a status symbol for the female students. These two were the first to secure such a position in the class.
　Benii was also a misbehaving student in a different way than Inugami. His mature demeanor has even led to rumors that he is the mistress of a yakuza (Sakuma knows that this is a complete lie). Just by being next to such a Benii, Harui and Hebezuka are able to avoid being looked down upon by everyone in the class. It's the most cunning and clever way of life in the closed society of school.

"Oh, Sakuma, are you worried about something?
What?　Are you still worried about making a pass at Koganei?　Forget about that.
Well, it's not really like that, but...

　Both of them are Sakuma's least favorite race. But since that Benii Asuka is by their side, they must not be so bad people, I thought. Well, he's not a human being now.

''I get it!　Then I'm talking about Utsurogi!

　Sakuma felt his whole body heat up as Snake Mound hit his hand and shouted.

''Wow, my white skin is bright red........ Sakuma is so easy to understand!''
'Asuka told me about it!　Does Sakuma like Utsurogi?　Those skeletons?
I mean, he wasn't a skeleton when I first met him and...

　I don't want to discuss this with the girls too much. It's because their views on love are definitely not compatible with each other. I'm sure that if you talk to them about it, they'll be kind to you and their words will have a certain amount of truth attached to them, but that's the truth of a gal with good communication skills, not the truth for a simple, rootless literary girl.

　What Sakuma is most interested in right now is the relationship between Kyosuke Soraki and Rin Himemizu.
　In her human days, she was the one of the most beautiful girls in her class, the one that could be compared to Asuka Benii. Like Ryuzaki and Goubayashi, she was a member of the top group of her class, the so-called "yang" side of the group. The "yin" was Benii's group. Naturally, the class moved around them, and among them was Rin.
　A girl who treated everyone with cheerfulness, kindness, and innocence. For that reason, she was distant from Kyousuke and the others. At least a month ago, to Rin, Kyousuke would have been just one of her many classmates.

　That's the fast approach.

　They are even merging.

　I know it's not a "merger" in the obscene sense of the word, as Sakuma and the others say. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to do with it, but it's not a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to do with it.
　Rin turned into a slime. Sakuma became a succubus. Her beauty and feminine charm had been reversed, it could be said. But Sakuma didn't think that this gave her an advantage in her approach to Kyousuke at all, in fact, she felt as if she had grown distant from him.

'I wish I was a slime too...'

　When Sakuma said potently, Harui and Snakezuka said almost simultaneously, ''Huh! I said.

'What are you talking about, Sakuma? You're so blessed to be dressed like that!
'You're an idiot!　The one with the biggest tits in class right now is Sakuma!
I don't need tits and...

　And it was pretty big to begin with, so I was in trouble.

"We're not in the same group as Himemizu, but... Be careful not to say that in front of him.
Why?　Because.........well.......um, Himemizu-san, was it because she was cute?
I don't know, maybe, but...

　Harui said in a high-pitched voice, and with a bang, he held out his wings in front of Sakuma.

　It's a harpy wing, growing from the base of his arm. The beautiful white, fluffy texture tickles the tip of your nose.

It's not just a matter of time before you're ready to go. What do you think?
What does that mean? Isn't your hand beautiful?
You have beautiful hands. They're beautiful, but in case you don't know, Sakuma, I've always had a hobby of nail polish.
'Oh....'

　Come to think of it, I think Beni said something like that when he was a human.
　One of his cronies, Harui, likes to play with his nails and never misses a chance to take care of them. He's a second year of high school, but he's also good at detailed nail art, and he's thinking about going into such a career in the future.
　However, Harui, who has been reincarnated as a harpy, doesn't have any nails.

"I can't even wear my prized pumps and boots with these feet...

　Lamia Snake Mound also sighed heavily and mangled with the lower half of the snake's body.

　The two of them, Sakuma immediately knew what they were trying to say.
　Himemizu Rin. The fastest sprinter on the track team. The girl who loved running more than anyone else in her class has turned into a slime. To have something you loved so much taken away from you in an unexpected way. Rin must have felt that pain for sure.
　Is that why Kyousuke was able to offer help?

　Like, for example, he gave Sakuma a book he wanted to borrow.
　For example, like saving Sakuma and Kenzaki from being attacked by the King of the Dead (Wight King).
　For example, like what he is about to do.

..........

　Kyousuke hasn't changed at all. And I, too, have not changed at all. Even Rin hasn't changed anything.
　Sakuma and Rin are both the same in that they have been given a helping hand.

　Rin has developed a close relationship with Kyousuke, with her natural energy signs. I don't know what her intentions are. But she's a powerful enemy. Sakuma recognized it again. The advantage he had over Kyousuke until now was like gone. It's my own fault for not taking advantage of the situation and trying to develop the situation, just as Benii Asuka told me a while ago.
　From now on, I must be more proactive. I'll lose to Rin. Sakuma clenched his fists tightly.

''Speaking of which, what are those Utsurogi, Himemizu and the others doing now?
He's practicing his Trinity Full Cross.
Oh, that blender...

　Behind me, Harui and Snakezuka were talking about such things.
　That's right, 《Trinity Full Cross》. This is the final stage of the special training we are currently doing, and the naming is by Akira Hino.

It seems to be something like that, Hino, it's a thing. I heard that he likes Kamen Rider and Nchanara Ranger.
'Seriously?　You're a nerd!
No, he's a nerd. He was in Koganei's group.
No, but it's kind of... cute, isn't it?
I know.





Hey, Sugiura, that's good. Let's go together!
It's a nightmare. I've got to go and prepare dinner.
I've always thought that Sugiura's octopus legs were a bit intriguing. Once I squeezed them with the suction cup and so on...
What are you doing, being a creep?　Oh, for God's sake, get out of the kitchen, you're in my way!

　With a peck, Scylla Sugiura's octopus feet drove Koganei out of the kitchen and into the dining room. He was scratching his head without cracking a spinning smile. Washio (Gryphon) and Hakuba (Unicorn) cheer him up as he looks on.
　Koganei only calls out to the kitchen with a smile and a feline petting voice, 'Come to my room tonight if you want!', but there is no response from Sugiura from inside. A few seconds later, Koganei's smile changed and he gave her a blatant tongue lashing.

　Ryuzaki is watching such a situation with dead eyes in a corner of the cafeteria.

　Under normal circumstances, Sugiura would have received some sort of sanction from Koganei's group after this. It might have been violence, or it might have been a more horrific measure. But in Sugiura's case, there is no need to worry about that. Currently, Sugiura is mostly in charge of cooking duty by herself. If she is gone, there will be no one to cook the ingredients.
　At best, there will be a lot of minor harassment. I feel bad for Sugiura, but she can bear it. It's not something that Ryuzaki would mess with, and it's not something that can be resolved by messing with her.

　The other day, the one where Soraki Kyousuke beat up Koganei.
　Ryuzaki expected the air to change a bit when he witnessed that scene. He hoped that Kyousuke's desire to stand up against what was wrong would bring a new wind to the class. Or he thought that Koganei would change his mind in some way.
　But in the end it was not to be. The tendency to remonstrate with Koganei was delegated, and Koganei got even more carried away. Washio and Hakuba kicked Kyousuke to the ground, and Koganei snickered at the dismembered Kyousuke.

　While Ryuzaki was staring blankly, two girls walked into the cafeteria. They are Spider Saki (Arakune) and Kikino (Kikimora).

''Sorry to keep you waiting, Koganei!　.........Oh, Koganei?　What's wrong?

　Spider Zaki, who greeted him in a cheerful voice, nodded his head as he looked at Koganei, who was glaring at the kitchen in a sour mood. Koganei only muttered briefly, ''No.......''
　Kumizaki was one of the students who disliked Koganei not long ago. ''Not long ago,'' he said, ''that was in the human era. But since he came here, he was visibly different. I was drawn to his appearance, to his power and, eventually, to his heart. Koganei may be a sycophant, but he is, perhaps, kind to his companions.

'Moo, don't look so scary!　Koganei, you're taking me to the tenth floor underground today, right?

　He finally softened his expression and gently stroked his hair as Kumizaki hugged Koganei's arm.

''Hmm, ah ... yes. Let's go to the tenth floor underground today.
The eleventh basement floor is indeed a thing...
But we're a little short on party members.

　Koganei looks around in a circle.

　There is the usual Koganei group there. Koganei, Tentahara (Roper), Washio, and Hakuba. And then there's Kumozaki and Kikino. Koganei must have planned to add Sugiura to the group. Sugiura has been on cooking duty for a long time, but if he wanted to, he's strong enough to get food from the basement floor solo.
　Sakuma is the more realistic one in terms of ability, but Sakuma is guarded tightly by Benii and the others. Either they will forcefully bring in Goblins and Okumura, or they will fish for other girls even if their abilities are lowered. That's about it.

　While Ryuzaki was thinking about this, Koganei's conversation reached his ears.

It's a good idea," she said. You're going to take Ryuzaki with you?
What, the lizard?
That's good. They're pretty strong and sturdy, at least as good as a shield.

　It was a nightmare. Ryuzaki jumped and bounced his body. Koganei's group saw that and chuckled.

''Hey, I'm listening to you...''
Ugh, I'm pulling away...

　They whispered that to each other in a voice that was just barely audible to us. In the meantime, Koganei, accompanied by Kumizaki, walked towards Ryuzaki. Koganei says this with a smiling smile.

'Hey Ryuzaki, if you could hear me, you would understand.　What do we do?　Do you want to come with me?
Yeah, no, I'm not...

　When Ryuzaki tried to avert his gaze, Koganei tapped the desk with a bang.

You want to go?　Hey, Ryuzaki.
Okay, okay. I'll be there.

　Koganei's mouth hung wide open. Ryuzaki has seen this kind of smile many times in his life in elementary school, middle school and high school. It's that peculiar smile a bully has when he secures his prey.
　Ryuzaki thinks he has always been concerned about students who smile at him like this. Having been at the center of the class since he was a child, Ryuzaki has always tried to take advantage of his position and maintain harmony in the class.

　At least when he was a human being.

　He didn't expect this smile to come from Koganei.
　I never thought that I would be the one to give this smile.

　For the first time, Ryuzaki realized that he was the one being bullied.
　Falling. Decline. Such words come to mind.

Then, Ryuzaki. We're going to go on ahead of you. You better get ready and come quickly.
What the hell, Koganei, did you say you'd take me and then leave me here?
"Demon!　Gesu!

　Washio and Hakuba were giggling and cheering as usual. Ryuzaki doesn't even have the energy left to laugh anymore.
　Koganei's group is bustling out of the cafeteria. Ryuzaki slowly got up and tried to follow them. Just then, there is another shadow coming into the cafeteria. Ryuzaki muttered its name in a daze.

''........Asuka.''
Hmm.

　Benii Asuka greeted that, without any particular interest.
　In the midst of the otherworldly trip and the rapidly changing class caste, she's the queen who has consistently maintained the top position. It's a big difference from Ryuzaki, who fell from the leader to the bullied.

'Unusual, to be in the cafeteria at this time of day.'
I've come to get your food, Sachi.
'Oh...'

　Koganei is still targeting Sakuma Shoko. If it wasn't for Beni, there probably wouldn't have been any students who would have stopped Koganei from messing with Sakuma. Although Benii rarely interfered with the fraying in the class, he could still say that he was doing well to keep harmony at a minimum.
　No, I'm not in a position to say that I'm doing well, that's not a great thing to say. Ryuzaki scoffed to himself.

"I hear you're going underground with Koganei's group?

　Beni was waiting for Sakuma's portion of the food to come out, while he leaned his back against the wall and trimmed his nails.

'Those guys sounded like they were having fun. 'They said they got a new toy.'
.........
You've gone downhill a lot. That Ryuzaki has fallen a long way.

　It was rare for Benii to talk so much. I wonder if she had her own way of thinking about it.
　I have an idea for her accusatory tone of voice. For example, the other day, the incident where Koganei made a pass at Sakuma. The one who stopped that was Kyosuke. However, it was originally Ryuzaki's position to be the first to cut into those kinds of problems within the class.
　If Ryuzaki had stood in the line of fire there, or maybe he wouldn't have ended up being beaten down unceremoniously like Kyousuke. Ryuzaki's body, covered in dragon scales, was sturdy. It doesn't falter to the extent of an attack by Washio or Hakuba.

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

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that there are a lot of things that are not in the cards.

　He squeezes out his true feelings.

I have no power, even Goubayashi is gone. I've lost my credibility, what can I do?　There's nothing left for me to do!
A guy with nothing left to give is not going to be afraid of anything.

　Benii said as he looked at his neatly polished nails. It was the usual languid word, but for some reason, it strangely stuck in Ryuzaki's mind.

'You obeyed because you're afraid of Koganei, and you didn't save Sachi because you're afraid of being misunderstood and being laughed at.

　Sighing with a sigh, Beni continued.

''Well, it's fine. Still. All those guys' hard work is for nothing, though.''
They're...?
Benii-san, dinner's ready!
Hmm....

　Just as Ryuzaki frowned, Sugiura's voice could be heard from the kitchen just then. Accepting the set of food brought by the octopus feet, Benii was about to leave the dining room.

''Asuka, who are those guys?''
No. They're training for it in secret. I'd be obliged to do it myself.

　After saying that much, Beni leaves the aisle.
　In the end, what did Beni want to say? Or was she just talking to him on a whim, as usual?

　But she was right. Ryuzaki is afraid. That his own position will be further diminished. That she will disobey Koganei and end up in a situation where she will be further abused. It's only then that Ryuzaki understands the psychology of bullies.
　Even if he thinks there's nothing there, he ends up getting defensive out of fear of something. That's what's happening now with Ryuzaki.

　Then what can I do now?

　Kunihiro Ryuzaki is powerless. That fact is strictly evident. When I opened my clenched fist and looked at the palm of my hand, the answer remained unanswered in the end.




''Oh......... I did it.........!

　Seeing the rock shattering in front of him, words of admiration involuntarily leaked out of Kyousuke's mouth.

　After repeated training, the 《Trinity Full Cross》 was finally completed. At first, it was difficult to balance, but as he gradually got used to it, his movements became smoother and he gradually became able to crush large rocks. If it's enough to crush rocks, he can do it with Stream Brawl, so it's not a great pleasure, but it's a fair point for now.
　When Kyousuke releases the combination, the full body armor (full plate mail) he was wearing loses its support and falls apart. With a vengeance, Rin landed at his feet.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

　Rin is in a rather good mood, stretching her body up and down. Kyousuke, too, clenches and opens his fist, reaffirming the feeling.

''Well, maybe I'm still not strong enough to replace Goubayashi.
"Kyousuke, are you serious about that story after all........

　Ei muttered in a slightly toned voice.

'Yeah, I still think the class needs a leader to calm down, and after all, that's something I don't think Koganei can do.
I thought you were gonna say you were going to lead us.

　Rin raises her voice in a swallowing manner while bouncing up and down. As expected, it's depressing in the corner of my vision, so I stomped on it and let out a strange voice of 'Hebu' and shut up.

"I can't do it with me. The leader, you know.''
'Well, yes. It's much more practical to impose on Ryuzaki than it is for you to do.

　The day before Goubayashi left, the question he asked Kyousuke was.

　Who is suitable to be the leader of this class?

　In response, Kyousuke mentioned the name of Kunihiro Ryuzaki.

　This was not a reply in consideration of his best friend, Goubayashi. After all, there is no one else who can unite this class, leaving that sweetheart behind. Of course, she is indecisive, has poor judgment, and tries to put a good face on everyone. But that's all part of what makes Ryuzaki a suitable leader.

　Of course, he needs a chief of staff to make up for the parts he lacks. Until now, that has always been Goubayashi's role.

　This time, Kyousuke is going to do it.

'I still think of Koganei as a friend, though.

　Kyousuke said as he gathered up the armor lying on the floor and pulled and carried it away.

'Still, I can't leave this class to that guy. There will only be more students who will feel like Sakuma.'
I'm disappointed with your naivety, but that's okay. I don't want to give Koganei a big look either.

　Well, even though he may talk about being a chief strategist, in Ei's opinion, Kyousuke was of the same type of race as Ryuzaki. It was mainly Ei who came up with the strategy to make Ryuzaki regain his position as leader.
　A strategy is a very simple one. A skeleton unit in the labyrinth was led by Kyousuke and others dressed as the Black Knight, and they would make it look like Ryuzaki was in command. It was Ei's decision that it should be done in front of as many people as possible and in an effective situation. There are quite a few layers of people who potentially don't like Koganei's control. Since they had the cooperation of Beni, the odds were good.

''Ummm..... It's kind of like intraclass politics!''

　Stretching out underneath Kyousuke's legs, Rin said in a breezy voice.


Jeez, Mr. Utsurogi, I don't know. Do I look like I'm trying to get around that kind of a clever idea?
I didn't see it.
Right?

　In her human days, Himemizu Rin was a symbol of energy for her class. She was cheerful, vivacious and kind to everyone. This benevolent spirit was exuded by the boys and girls at the top of the class, starting with the sweetheart, Ryuzaki, and the atmosphere in Class 4 of the second year was relatively good. It's a far cry from the first year, when insidious bullying was rampant.

　However, Ei laughs softly.

'You shouldn't be fooled by Himemizu's noumenal mask, Kyousuke. She's strong. She knew that if she acted like that, the mood in the class wouldn't get worse. It's called letting your temper down, you know. Becoming a slime has diminished its effect on the class as a whole, but I get beaten up a lot, too.

　With that, Ei's gaze (no eyes) turned to Kyousuke.

'There are some similarities between you and me.'
Really?
Do you think so?

　At the same time Kyousuke nodded his head, Rin also transformed her entire body to form a question mark.

　Ei chuckled once more.

''Oh well. Let's go to the cafeteria. It's about time Koganei and the others were gone.''
Hino-kun, you often say, "Oh, it's all right.
'It's a habit of mine. Ei's.
'Don't say anything unnecessary. Kyousuke.

　This was embarrassing. When Kyousuke gave a small shrug, Rin was shaking with a purr, trying to stifle her laughter.




　The lower level of the labyrinth, the tenth floor underground.

　The skeletons that make this catacombs their home have a very wide range of layers of activity, but they never head underground from here. The skeletons' natural enemy, the Wight King, is a large undead monster that is the dominant force in this underground labyrinth.
　The Wight King's massive frame reached 5 meters in length, and it was unable to pass through the connecting staircase between the 11th and 10th floors of the basement. The range of action for this tyrant is the large staircase from the 11th to 15th floors below ground.

　That, it was supposed to be.

　The skeletons, who had been regularly patrolling the tenth floor underground, combining hunting and patrolling, discover horrible traces.

　The destruction of the stairs. To be precise, the destruction of the walls and ceiling, which has narrowed the width of the stairs. The remains of this are a series of unremarkable debris lying in its wake. When they found this, they first tilted their heads and then shuddered as they realized what it meant. Their entire bodies trembled and made a clattering sound.

　This was nothing but proof that the King of the Dead Spirit had invaded the tenth floor underground, their habitat.

　Amidst the trembling skeletons, one of them made this suggestion as if it came to him.

　That, the oddball stray skeleton. That eccentric skeleton, who has strange companions such as slimes, wisps, succubus and goblins and lives in the upper levels of the labyrinth, once broke into the eleventh floor underground where the King of the Dead Spirit is, and then successfully survived.

　He might be able to somehow repel that fearsome monster.

　Nodding at the suggestion, the skeletons all ran at once.