'Huh?　Did you bring that with you?

　Two swords were lowered at Currier's waist.
　One of them was the sword he used when he fought Hibigami.
　I believe it was called the Holy Demon Sword Revelgate.

''Yeah you never know what you're going to get.

　The first level of the Holy Ruins.
　Currier-san, who walks next to me, places his palm on the hilt of his sword.

''When you fell to the lower level before, I thought that I should also prepare for the inner workings of this holy relic. I thought that I should also prepare the inner workings of this holy relic.

　It reminds me of that warrior maiden, who is both graceful and intimidating.

''It's a hundred man power, isn't it?''
You're the one who's bringing the Demon Eater with you.
I'm not sure I have much use for it, though.

　I had brought two swords with me today too.
　On my back is the Shesho Sword.
　And on my waist is the Demon Eater.
　When I received the Shesho Sword from Ira-san the other day, I asked him if he wanted to bring any other swords with him, and he gave me a way to hang it from my belt.
　However, this "Demon Eater" has a characteristic of absorbing the holy elements around it, so it interferes with other members' techniques.
　So basically, I'm going to fight with the Shesho Sword.
　I don't know if there will be a phase where I will use it or not.
　Still, like Currier-san, I brought it with me just in case I didn't know what to expect.
　It's not a problem to bring it because I'm the only one who is hindered from handling the holy element as long as I keep it in its scabbard.

''A holy demon sword and a demon sword, huh?

　Ira-san, who is walking in the front row alongside Ray-san, smiles and touches his own strapped sword.

''I've managed to prepare a magic sword too, but as expected, it's not as good as it should be.
The quality of the sword isn't the only thing that determines a battle. If that were the case, the other side with apparently high 'overall strength' would have an overwhelming advantage.

　Mr. Currier sarcastically emphasized the 'overall strength' part.

　How high up in the hierarchy are the Bashkatas who were so eager to push for that overall power now?
　Their attack team must have been fortified with students who had reached at least nine levels before.
　They would be able to reach the giants faster than this one.

''By the way, Kurohiko, that new forbidden spell you mentioned can be used normally, right?

　I've told Currier-san and the rest of the Ira Squad that I've learned a new forbidden spell.
　However, I can't easily unveil it to them because of the slight physical strain it places on my body, considering my future strategies.
　I've already explained to them what it's all about.

''Yes, there is no problem in using it itself.

　If there's a problem, it's probably the sensation of the 'beast'.
　When I tried it out with Machina-san, I didn't feel much difference from before, but if the frequency of use increases, it's possible that the intensity with which that sensation tries to control me will increase.
　So it's best to refrain from using it too easily until that part is unclear.
　That's why I need to build up the groundwork to fight without relying on forbidden spells, but I also want to test whether I can resist the sensation of having two forbidden spells in me.
　After all, as long as I can be on the side of control, I'm willing to increase the number of times I use the forbidden spell...

"M

　Five goblins appeared in front of us.
　However, Ira-san and Rei-san, who were in the front row, killed them instantly.
　The members of this attack team can no longer deal with the monsters of this area's hierarchy.
　As for Curie-san, she had previously taken on and instantly killed the Dark Tiger Head that originally appeared at the twelfth level.
　She's a significant force to be reckoned with, even if she's alone.

　That's why we made it to the third level without difficulty.
　It's a good idea to have a good time to get off the train because everyone has already stepped on it, but since we don't plan on competing for speed in the attack, it's a bit of a slow process.

"What's the matter, Currier-san?

　After descending to the third level, Currier-san's expression was laced with sternness.
　In front of us, there was a single vertical, straight pathway that stretched out in front of us.
　She was staring at the end of the passage as if she were measuring something.

'Something ... is coming.

　There are three levels here.
　The main demons that appear are the Little Cyclops and Lizardmen.
　Flatteringly, they're not exactly the opponents we're struggling with right now.
　However, Currier-san is showing signs of caution.
　That means it might not be a monster that usually appears in this hierarchy.
　I called out to the two people in front of me while reaching for the施晶晶剣 on my back.

''Ira-san, Ray-san,''

　The two men turn around at the call.

'What's up, Kurohiko?'
'Something doesn't seem right. You might want to get ready to fight, just in case.
Okay.

　It's likely that he's asking about the past different encounters that occurred in the Holy Ruins, and Ira-san grips the hilt of the sword at his waist without poorly interrupting the question.
　In the same way, Ray-san also puts her hand on her fine sword.
　Cecily-san and the others in the rear of the room also began to prepare for battle.
　Then they stop pacing once and focus their attention on the bend at the back of the passage.

''Plural.''

　Mr. Currier said.
　I can tell when it gets this close.
　A hint of more than one thing coming towards us.
　Is it a different species?

　And.

What?

　The first person to let the surprise come out of her mouth was Ira-san.



　The one that emerged from the corner was a humanoid - demon with orange vein-like lines running through its body.
　Is this a smaller version of the Magma Titan that was wandering around the room where it was located as a set?
　When I questioned him about it, Ira-san nodded, although he was confused.

''Uh, yeah, I'm sure... but...''

　An unexplained tone of voice.

'How did you end up on such a low level........'

　Yes.
　According to Ira-san, the smaller version, including the Magma Titan, should be on the ninth level.
　How could they be on the third level?
　Moreover.

I see, the Holy Ruins are still different this year.

　Out of the corner of Cecily's eye - smaller versions of the magma giants appear one by one at the end of the corridor.
　I suddenly recall a group of blue goblins I encountered earlier.
　The small version had no eyes, ears or nose.
　The small version had no eyes, ears, or nose, only a mouth lined with sharp teeth.

''At any rate, we'll have to do it.

　Currier's words sent everyone into a state of warfare.
　As soon as the smaller versions opened their mouths and turned to face us, they came at us with an eerie cry of "Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!
　How many do you think there are?
　A dozen or so?

"We'll set it up and see what happens.　Until then, Currier and Krohico are on guard for the side passage, and Cecily, Siegbert and Hyrgis are on guard for the rear!　Kurohiko, Cecily, please follow up with any of the small species that Attachi and the others failed to take down!　If you're going to struggle, I'll call for backup!

　Ira-san gives us instructions while sheathing the sword.
　We immediately move into action as we are told.
　Ira and Rei-san take a stance to intercept the smaller version--the smaller species.

　The small version approaches.
　The first one leapt at Ms. Ray.
　Although the passage was wide enough for two humans to finally swing their swords, Ray-san skillfully avoided the attack while taking into account her position with Ira-san.
　The small breed is pierced through the throat with its sword while avoiding.
　The small species of the small species has been in the heart of the small species.
　The small species falls to the front.
　The small species' head is cut off in response to Ms. Ray's movement, as is Ms. Ira's, who also swings her sword to cut off the small species' head.
　The first two animals, which seemed to have received fatal wounds, went on to melt away just like the other demons.

　Apparently, they don't seem to be a threat in terms of strength.
　But........can we really take this strength for granted?
　I'm still concerned about the past information that the Little Saint rank higher-ups were unable to stand up to it.
　Or is the Magma Giant in the guardian species room a non-standard strength...?

　Then, the other small species stopped moving in a flash.
　What's going on?
　They don't look frightened....

　As I was wondering, the small species opened their mouths.
　And their mouths begin to glow blue-green.
　No, it's not.
　Are they taking in...the holy element?

What are they doing, these guys!

　Ira takes a step back.
　The color of the lines running across the small species' black body changes from orange to blue-green.
　What is it?
　Do you feel ... different?

Isla, she's coming!

　Ray-san braced herself.
　With a pop, Currier-san patted me on the back.　
　I knew without being told.
　It was a signal to me to go.
　He must have felt that we should be the ones to deal with this.

'We'll take care of it. From the looks of it, I don't think I've ever seen anything like it before. We can't expose our squad leader to an unknown threat here.
We'll see how it goes first.

　I said, and me and Currier-san crossed between the two people in the front row and moved forward.
　The small species in the front row roared and swung its arms over.
　Currier-san bends over her upper body to avoid the side hooks released by the small species.
　A thud, followed by a sound.
　The fist that lost its target dug deep into the wall of the holy ruins and ran a crack.

''........Huh?''

　It was Mr. Ray who raised his voice.
　I can understand why he was surprised.
　If you take a direct hit from a fist with that kind of power, you won't be able to get away with it.
　It's not strange if your internal organs are hit.
　Moreover, although Currier-san seemed to have avoided it without danger, it is clear that the movement of the small species itself has been raised to the bottom.
　It was probably because it was Currier-san who appeared to have been able to avoid it with room to spare.　

''Hmph, do you want to take in the holy elements to increase their power? They're like holy swords, aren't they?''

　As he said this, Currier-san used his long sword to kesa-kiri the small species.
　The small seed tried to raise its arms to guard, but its guard was against the first feint that Currier-san had put in.
　He changed the trajectory of his sword in an instant, pretending to cut off his head.

'Hm ... the kryptonite hasn't changed. It seems that if you cut off his head or give him a deep wound to the heart, you can take him down. But it looks like there's a bit of natural repair at work.

　Currier-san had a small wound on her arm for a little while before the final kesa cut, which was the last one.
　Her eyes looked at the wound and said.

''The wounds have gotten smaller despite the fact that it's only been a short while. That means if we don't inflict a fatal wound, there's a good chance these guys will regenerate quickly.

　Currier-san thrust the sword's cutting edge at the discolored small species.
　They opened their mouths threateningly and howled, "Oh, oh, oh, oh!
　But Currier didn't want to be intimidated by the small breeds and stepped forward, and with unnoticeable speed, cut the bodies of the small breeds in the front row several times.
　A blue-white light leaked out from the wounds of the small species in the front row.

'I cut the whole body in one go, but the arms, legs, head and belly areas have high hardness. If we're going to go for the neck or the chest.

　As if to say his business was already done, Curie-san cut off the head of the small species that had been chopped up and stiffened.
　Furthermore, with a thud, Currier stepped forward.

''Well--that's about it for analysis. Now if we can calmly assess the attack speed and the situation, there should be no problem with this group.

　The small species in his pocket tried to bite him.
　But the sword barrel that Currier-san pushed in from underneath pierced the heart first.
　The small species fell as if a thread had broken.
　After cutting down several small species while lightly avoiding more attacks, Currier-san said.

''I left some for each of them. Try swapping back and forth - and since we've already killed the blackbirds, there are five left?''

　Ira looks at me in a daze.
　I had just decapitated a small species that was coming towards us.
　I nodded and Ira-san and Rei-san swapped places and stepped forward.
　The two of them did a good job of hitting the kryptonite and taking it down.
　Cecily-san, Zeke, and Hyrgis-san, who were swapped in next, also took them on one by one.
　Except for Cecily-san, they couldn't be taken down easily, but it wasn't too fiddly.

Just as Ira read, it seems that it was the right decision to bring a certain number of people together, after all.

　Currier-san said while looking down at the small species that melted away.

The only thing left to do is to depend on the strength of the giant that seems to be the master. The problem is how strong they are compared to these guys' abilities. Hm, the next time they come, we should try to see if the magic formula is effective or not.

　...........
　Although I praise Ira-san, Kurier-san is also amazing, unexpectedly.
　I feel like I'm receiving a lecture in the field.
　Not only did he easily complete an analysis of the small species, but I get the feeling that he's further analyzed them in relation to our battlefield strength.
　Hmmm.
　However, I thought it would be the unveiling of the new forbidden spell at last, but I'm sure we can get by without it for this level of opponent.
　The use of the new forbidden spell might be left until the example master.

''But why are these guys on the third level........''

　Ira looks down with an unconvinced look at the last place where the small species had melted and disappeared.
　Ira-san puts her hand over her mouth and thinks about it.

'No way, I guess--'

　As Ira-san was about to say something, I saw something appear again at the end of the passage.
　I mean, that was--.

Fibruk!

　Ira-san, who noticed the same, spoke up.
　Yes.
　The one who appeared from the back of the aisle was an exhausted-looking Asaro with a sword in his hand.
　When Asaro noticed us, she approached us with a complicated look on her face.
　The distance between us must be about 20 meters.
　Asaro is dragging his feet as he walks towards us.

''W-what's the matter with you?''

　To Ira-san who asked, Asaro replied while worrying about the rear.

''Those guys........those creepy little species have 'climbed' the stairs to the upper level of the Holy Ruins......!

　Mr. Ray reacts in surprise.

'What?　What did you just say?

　Furthermore, Ira-san gives the same reaction.

"'Climbing'........came?　Um, wait?　It's true that the 'appearance' of a different species that should be at a lower level has been confirmed recently.......but that's not possible. I can't believe that the demons of the Holy Ruins have 'climbed' the stairs to the upper levels...
Is that so?

　I didn't know much about that, so I asked Ira-san.
　Then, in place of her who began to think quietly with a mysterious look on her face, Ray-san answered.

'Yes. That's why the stairs to the upper levels are also a kind of 'refuge' for the attacking team. Normally, even if the demons chase them, they give up and go back. In some cases, it's more effective than using the transporter device that the demons spring up from. The higher up you go, the weaker the demons become, at least, the weaker they become than the demons at that level.

　I see.
　With a transporter, you have to deal with a lot of demons on that floor.
　But since I often encountered different species and demons that shouldn't be on that level, I thought that demons could also climb the stairs to the top.
　Besides, if the lower demons appear in the hierarchy above, it doesn't seem strange that they would at least climb the stairs, but....
　But apparently, that is something that is inherently impossible.

　Ira-san has a serious look on her face.
　Or was that what she was talking about when she was about to say 'I don't think it was possible, but--' just now?

''Isla.''

　It was Currier who called out to me.

'Wha, what?'
You mean those guys are........moving higher and higher up the ladder?
'Normally that would be impossible. But those guys who were supposed to be on the ninth level are now on these three levels and, according to Fibruk, they've also 'climbed' the stairs. That means--
Isn't it possible that he could be on the ground?

　I was the one who asked.
　But maybe that's the question that came to everyone's mind.

'I don't know. But if that's the case, it's a big deal. No, in fact, if that giant is also aiming for the upper levels of the hierarchy above the ground, then it's really a big deal--
Hey, don't worry about it!

　Maro interrupted him.

'Hurry up and help me!
Fiv, Luc?

　Ira makes a sound of confusion.

'Transporter or whatever!　You'll help me... help me!　I'll pay you!　If you want, I can make the game a draw!

　Then the black humanoid demons that ran a pale white line from the other side of the passage - those small species - appeared in a sluggish manner.
　The first thing to do is to let out a short scream from Asaro.

''There he is!　Hey!　You guys, do something!

　Asaro's face is pale after how much fear he's experienced.
　The distance between us and Asaro is still about ten meters.

''Wow, okay!''

　Ira-san grabbed her sword and took a step forward.
　But then Currier-san grabbed Aila-san's shoulder.

''What are you doing Currier!
You're not going to... save him?
Because I can't let you...
What's the point of helping a guy like that?
What?
Hey, fibruk.

　Currier-san called out to Asaro.

''Ah?''
What happened to the others?
'Oh, the Bashkatha is dead!　d*mn, you're usually so bossy, but you scared me off at the last minute!　It didn't help, man!
...and the others?
Oh?　I don't know!　Looks like Veoza and some of the others managed to get out of the guardian species room while protecting the rest of the students.　I think they're still out there fighting somewhere, or they're back in the transporter!
So you left Beosa and the others and ran off by yourself?
You can't just walk away!　It's just that I put the people who need to survive first!
Hmmm... yeah?

　Mr. Currier asked Ira.
　Ira-san bit her lip.

''But ... even that guy is a student of the same lion group?
'As I've said before, I return to anyone who directs their malice at me with thoroughness and malice. I have no mercy. Even if he dies in the Holy Ruins anyway, it doesn't really mean he's going to die.
Currier, no...
'Oh, and don't worry about Ira and Kurohiko and the rest of the guys, nothing to worry about, okay?　I'm the one who abandoned Phiburg--I'm the one who should have.

　We were all at a loss for answers.
　I was--

No, I don't think you can do that!

　And before I could open my mouth, it was Ira-san who said that and ran off.

'Sure, that guy could be a terrible one!　No, I think I'm a jerk too!　But Attah can't just leave someone injured in front of me and say 'help me'!
Oh, Ira...

　Asaro looks relieved.
　Then Ira-san stands alone to confront the small species.
　I rustled and scratched my head.

''Excuse me, Currier-san.''
Blackbeard?
'I completely agree with Currier-san. Actually, it's not that I didn't have a plan to abandon Asaro--Fibruk. And of course I was annoyed. But as expected, I can't abandon Ira-san.

　I said, and I followed Ira-san.
　'Tsk,' said Currier, clicking his tongue.

''The sycophants,''
Well, shall we go with you? To help with "Kurohiko" and "Ira.

　Cecily-san's voice came from behind me.
　...........
　Hmm.
　When you clearly exclude Asaro and say it's me and Ira-san, you have a good character after all.......

　And that's when it happened.
　Ahead of me.
　Three small cyclopes appeared from the side passage.
　But there was something wrong with them.
　As if they were scared of something....
　And the next moment--

　The 'something' jumped on the small cyclops from behind and skewered the head of the one eye demon from the brain with the sword in its hand.

　In addition, one of the two remaining animals had its neck bitten off with its sharp teeth, while the other was pierced through the first eye with the sword.
　The one holding the sword in his hand - it was a small species.
　And that was... a holy sword?
　And the holy sword is glowing?
　Huh?
　So the smaller species is activating the ability of the Holy Sword?
　No, no.
　Wait.
　More than that.
　What's going on?

　Why--why are the demons of the Holy Ruins attacking the demons of the same Holy Ruins?

　No, no, wait, wait.
　A question popped into my head.
　In the first place, this magma giant and its smaller version of a monster that suddenly appeared in the Holy Ruins--

　Are you really a demon from the Holy Ruins?