The first day is up to the second round.
　The third round the semifinals and the final is tomorrow.

　When we returned to the waiting room and were about to return our spirits to the main body.
　There was a knock at the door of the room.

"Reme?　Are you there?

Yeah.

　And me, I can't help but raise my voice.

　The voice was familiar to me.
　Of course, it's not allowed to enter except for those who are involved in the party, but since she seemed to have been given a spectator's seat by the organizer of the whole party, this kind of unreasonable behavior is effective.

　But still, I have no idea why.

'It's a woman's voice, isn't it?'

　There was no inflection in Belito's voice.
　It's as if the eyes behind the mask have narrowed....

'You're someone I've seen before, too. Please--Lily.

　After waiting for my reply firmly, the door opens.
　Beautiful long golden hair, green jade binoculars, and white porcelain skin to admire. And pointed ears.

　It was the Elf's [Hunter] Lily.

''It's been a long time..........''

Yeah, I guess.

Maybe that's what I thought, since we see each other less often than we used to.

Yeah, I can see that.

No, I mean, I misspoke. We might as well have been the ones who kicking you out.

It's true that I've had my share of problems.

'No, we should not have misjudged the abilities of our people, even if they were hidden. After that battle, your side knew exactly what the members were doing. But I ... no, let's not do that today.

　So the errand is not related to withdrawal?
　Her gaze turns to Belito, who freezes in front of the fourth-ranked [Hunter].

''You're not a Mushinjin, are you?

　Oh--

Uh--

　I had expected this, but I decided that it wouldn't be a problem.

　For example, if he turned into a vampire and moved in a way that was unbecoming of a vampire, if he did that, vampires and those who were familiar with it would feel uncomfortable.
　It's not vampire-like," he said.

　Elves were originally forest people. Even now, many of them still live in the forest. They don't even know about the existence of a video board (TV) there, let alone a dungeon attack.
　That's what she told me once.

　And Mushinjin is also a forest people.
　Lily knows the real thing.

''In this tournament, you're allowed to imitate another race with your magical body (avatar),''

I understand. But I'm curious. I'm sure you have your own ideas about it, but I can't say I've been very successful at it before.

　As a result of prioritizing running up the shortest distance, he was forced to leave due to the [Black Mage] unnecessary argument. At the fourth place.

　I'm human too. Naturally, even the plans I make aren't perfect.

"You came here because you were worried about me?

'Don't take this the wrong way, sir. It's not out of goodwill or atonement. It's just that I'm concerned that you, who said that my magical body (avatar) is fine as it is, are misrepresenting yourself to your partner.

　Elves are also sub-humans. Whether or not to erase their ears when they joined the party was on the agenda.
　Well, Alba was the only one who was in the erasing camp.

"You wanted to play yourself, didn't you?　So I didn't need to turn my ears off. Belito needs this figure to be the person he wants to be. It's not a mask to cover up, it's a mask to look forward to.

　Lily's gaze turns to Belito.

'Is that so?'

　Berit nodded with a chuckle.

'I see. I'm sure that if you get the right support from your friends, you will be able to use your powers to the fullest. I don't know what's going on, but I hope the day comes soon when you can take off the mask.

Oh, thank you.

I think I get the idea. Leme.

Yes.

'I think she doesn't want people to know who the main body is at present. Isn't that right?

Yeah, it does.

Now let me show you how to be a pollywoman.

Yeah.

We have permission. They're willing to let you use this waiting room.

Why would you do that to me?

It's nothing. I'm just saying that since you don't want me to pay you back, I've decided to pay you back on my own. Or do you have any other requests?

　Owe?　So, in a flowing way, it's about the magical body (avatar) ears. Was she grateful to me and Fenix, the school as it is?

　I'm sure she's curious about it, even if I tell her not to worry about it.
　Should I gratefully accept the offer here?

　I glanced at Verito and saw her nod, albeit modestly.

　From her point of view, she met me, Fenix and Lily in a short period of time, so it's time to get used to...............................not. I can see that she is nervous.

''Well, it's nice to meet you, Verito.

　As hard as Lily is on herself, she is also hard on others.

　She has abandoned her attachment to speed and started to operate 'God's Speed' as just one skill, and she is improving her accuracy to hit every day.

　I asked Fenix. Everyone else seems to be going through trial and error since the Demon King's Castle.

　The next time we fight, I'm going to have a hard time," I thought in a Demon King's Army General Staff sort of way, while watching Verito being shaken down by Lily's Spartan guidance.

'Leme, it's just the right time. I'm going to teach you the earth magic that politicians use in battle, so how about you think about the moves you would make if you let Berito use it?　Nothing says you have to use it tomorrow, but it's good to know.

Oh, thank you.

It's okay.

　With a huff, her face was calm as she smiled a small smile that seemed to overflow.

　◇

　Lily's training, the people of the beginning dungeon and the Demon King's army who came to support us together for a meal, Kash who excitedly shared his impressions, Mira-san and Nicola-san who had something going on with the two of them, Citry-san who was getting closer, Thor-san who was fearful and the Demon King-sama who was nodding his head hawkishly. Agares-san wiped the food on her mouth with her handkerchief. Kay, who is not supposed to be at work, has started helping out in the shop and turns it around perfectly before you know it.

　We left early because we had another game tomorrow and Kash was getting sleepy.

　As we said goodbye, Mila smiled softly and gave us a few words of support.
　I don't seem to have the same anxiety as last time.

　Just like I, who was recruited by Aerial-san, thought that I would quit the Demon King's Castle.
　I thought that with people coming up with a different assessment of me than before at the tournament, I would become an adventurer again.

　Of course, if I wanted to and chose to do so, she would encourage me to do so.
　But I'm not going to give up my current job.

　And now she understands that.
　And the next day.

"It was as Mister Ferro said.

　There is no longer any mockery on Philip-san's face as he appears.

　His partner is Marc-san, the [Seishihaku Knight].
　He seems to be the type of person who can do his job with few words.

　Nicola-san was a little surprised when she found out about it during the qualifying round. She thought that her brother would bring the magical looking fairy [Wizard] Luri with him.

　Did he think that he would need his physique and sword skills more than magic?
　There was only one set of people he knew who would be out. Even if there was a way to know everyone, there was no way to know who would advance to the main battle when it came time to tag team.

　Perhaps this is Nicola-san - the composition to defeat Belito and me.

'Sure, it looks different than before. But it's not all about a good win, it's not all about winning the dungeon.

　Mr. Phillip says at a volume that only I can hear.
　He seems to have noticed the same concerns I have. 'Well, that's true, I've known my sister all along.

'Yes. It's a mutual effort, and one of us has to win.'

It's hard to make it in this world without knowing how to win, Leme. You know that.

I'm obsessed. That's why we're here.

"...well and here's the reality of it.

　Belito is silent.

　And so the semifinals began.