Now that we're on to the tenth layer, how do you think we'll look back on it so far?

　In front of the Demon King's Castle, a reporter asked us a question.
　The five of us were being interviewed with the lens of a video camera for the recording of a TV program.

　The time frame for the video board broadcast was clearly defined. There is a clear cut-off point between this time and this point.
　So whether the attack succeeds or fails, it's not good if it's over too soon. If it's too long, you can edit it, but it's difficult to extend a short one. There's a limit to how many times you can show the same footage or slow it down.

　So, you have to make it longer in areas other than the strategy.
　For example, they talk about their enthusiasm, or give their impressions after the victory. It's not uncommon for such footage to be used.
　The development of the Demon King's Castle is much more unpredictable than other dungeons, so I wasn't surprised when they asked me to interview them before the tenth level attack.
　I'm sure they'll do it before the Demon King Battle as well.

''The Demon King's Castle is a very high level dungeon, as many adventurers who have followed us to attack it have been wiped out in the first layer. The few adventurers who have advanced to the second level and beyond have all been wiped out by the fourth level. I guess it gives the impression that this is a more difficult dungeon than the 'recommended attack level' set up.

　A mysterious robed demon who we didn't encounter when we attacked and a [Black Demon Dog] who uses black magic. When these appeared, no one was able to break through.
　In that sense, we could be called lucky, but I won't bother mentioning it.

　........However, as far as rumors go, they had quite a few black magic users in place, but they couldn't gather them before we started our attack?
　The role of the mysterious robed demon is also unknown, as it is said to be a mystery. Although it was expected to be a [Black Demon Dog] user.

''I see. It's true that we've hardly had anyone leave the game so far, but someone has fallen out of the fifth level every time.

"It's a dungeon worth attacking, with monsters that live up to their unassailable reputation.

''Speaking of the fifth layer, was this the first attack after [Black Mage] Leme left? It seems that Mr. Fenix has been close to him since he was a child, did the departure of his best friend have any effect on the attack?

　....................
　I thought we had an agreement not to ask about Leme, but the reporter turns to the microphone with a nonchalant look on his face.
　My opinion on Leme's withdrawal has not been announced to the world. I was silent.
　When I say that Leme was necessary, no one is happy, and what they want is to say that it was right to cut him off.

　I'm not going to say that.
　I was about to cut off the interview and head to the dungeon, but before I could do so, someone raised their voice.

''I think Reme-san was a very good [Black Mage],''

　It's [Ice Brave] Beulah.
　The reporter who was gobsmacked for a moment, but she immediately opens her mouth.

''Well, uh, but you entered the party by swapping places with that Mr. Leme, right? He wanted to increase his strength. And your strength actually increased.

You're a blind man if you think that.

I'm not sure...

　The reporter stiffens at Béla's cynical smile.

'If there's one thing that's been enhanced by my joining, it's the look of the screen. I think the overall balance was better than it was before. I'm able to show more flashy fights, and that's the advantage of me joining the team. I think that's all. I can't be shameless enough to say more than that.

　Don't be surprised at all.
　I already knew that Béla was someone who would say what she wanted to say straight to the point.
　At first I got the impression that he was frightened from nervousness, but he got used to it after a short time.

''You say that Mr. Reme was an excellent [Black Mage]?　Rumor has it that he was so useless that he's been a problem among his peers for some time now.

'You talk about things on the basis of rumours?　Or rather, what kind of answer do you expect me to give when you ask me, a newcomer to the game? Oh, by the way, first place [Storm's Brave] Aerial also praised Reme. This isn't a rumor, right?

But first place?　I'm not talking about that...

　That's what I heard when I met them personally. No wonder they don't know.
　Blushing, the reporter turned the microphone to Alba.

'Oh, Mr. Alba, you made it clear in an earlier interview, didn't you?　That you yourself urged him to leave, and that it was the right decision!

''Well this is an interview before the tenth layer attack, isn't it? How long are we going to keep talking about someone who isn't here? Do your job, do your job.

　Lark and Lily made a surprising face.
　Until now, Alba would have laughed happily at Leme's shortcomings.
　But now, with a sour look on her face, she complained to the reporter.

　The reporter looked frustrated when he realized that he did not get the answer he wanted from us, but then he resumed his questioning as he had planned.

'All three have fallen through the seventh through ninth tiers, but what do you think will happen to the tenth tier?'

"'You've got a lot of enemies ahead of you. But we are not defeated in our fight. That's what our past battles have shown us. That will not be the only thing that will change.

　I then answer each person's enthusiasm, and the interview ends.
　After the camera stops, I stop the reporter.

'Ha, ha, what is it? That wasn't my decision, but the top--

I don't care. I hope you'll take care of yourself in the future.

　As I stood in front of him, the reporter buckled and shuddered as I earnestly asked him to do so.
　If Béla hadn't pulled my sleeve, the reporter might have become incontinent.

''Well I understand the leader's love for his childhood friend, so please don't threaten the public with magic.

　People are able to sense magic without being able to make it into a form of magic.
　For example, it is said that the "presence" that people feel is the result of detecting the magical power unconsciously released from people.
　There are probably not many people who can feel this, but the same is true for the 'Killing Spirit'.

　If the 【Brave Man of the Flame】 directs his magic power intentionally, ordinary people would be filled with fear in their brains without understanding why.
　Compared to Leme's black magic, its magic efficiency is quite low, and its effect on those who have a magic-clothing technique is weak, so it can't be used to attack dungeons.
　Also, it's not screen-worthy.

''I wasn't threatening you. I was just paying attention.

That's one way to put it.

''Well it looks like you've adjusted to the party quite well. I'm glad to see you as a leader.

'I'm honoured. Don't you miss Mr. Leme?

Don't make fun of me.

I'm worried about you.

That's one way to put it.

　Béla smiles slightly.

'You can win, with this party.'

Yeah, I know.

　We're heading to the Demon King's Castle.

"I've been letting Beulah work all day. I'll have to make up for that.

It's a bit difficult, after all. But I don't want to have to do it all over again.

I'm gonna kick your ass no matter what comes out of your mouth. I'm not going down.

　The three of us are very motivated.

''Come on, let's capture the tenth layer.