Here's why Fenix and Lily came rushing in on the dragon, in other words.

　Originally, Fenix Party had seen the video board (TV) and knew about my original dungeon participation.
　There's nothing wrong with this.

　Considering the time between leaving the town with the Demon King's Castle and coming to the village, and the number of days it took to research the original dungeon, that news would have been broadcast a long time ago.
　And when I watched it, Fenix and the others were in the middle of attacking a certain dungeon.

　It's not something to worry about since Xu-san and the others and that Demon King's Castle Four Heavenly Kings are also there, and they'll be investigating with their magical bodies (avatars).
　Naturally, they continued to attack.

　The reason I decided to ride the dragon was because Canary emailed me about the village residents being invited to the original dungeon.

　The party headed to the Adventurer's Union facility to send the attack footage to the one who always asks for video editing.
　Rather than looking for a facility to rent a terminal, it's more reliable to head to the union in that city.

　So, we checked our email as a follow-up.
　The rest of the party had already said "I'm going to the village" and ran out of the union and jumped on the dragon.

　Lily decided it was such a big emergency that Fenix jumped out of the room suddenly.
　Apparently, she associated me with the 'village' and went after Fenix on the spur of the moment.

It's a good thing that elves value friendship. What wonder is there in rushing in if a friend is in danger?

　Lily said.

　Her expression was crisp as usual, but her beautiful blonde hair was shaggy from the wind she'd gotten during the fall, and the straggly hair that had grown out of the top of her head was hanging down as if it was tired.

　I was happy with the feeling, so I said thank you.

　At first Ms. Canary thought Lily was Fenix's girlfriend, but after hearing her story, she asked, "Leme, is it time to be popular?　You're here, aren't you?　But since I decided to become Mira-chan's mom........" or something like that.
　I don't understand it, but it seems to be a troubling issue.

　Me and Fenix chuckle near where Lily is trying hard to spin the words to clear up the misunderstanding.

'You, what are you going to do on your way home?'

Oh, the dragon is supposed to be here in three days.

Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Thanks, anyway. You're here to help, right?

Everyone in the village.

　Fenix laughs jokingly.

'Haha, you're not worried about me?'

I'm sure you'll do whatever it takes to get through it.

That's right.

　Yeah, let's not say that I struggled immensely.

''Haha, it's hard to live up to expectations when a fire spirit contractor trusts you so much, isn't it?''

　Black Chick says happily.

''.........?''

　Fenix suddenly reached for my head.

　To others, it might have looked like this guy was trying to stroke my head for some reason.
　But to me, it looked like he was trying to grab the black chick.

'Oops. Well, I can't touch it without avoiding it, but somehow.''

　Is it an explanation to me or something like that, the black chick flies through the air to avoid it.

　--Wasn't it supposed to be invisible in the first place?

'I don't see you. He's like a heavyweight nerd. He must have seen you and sensed our presence.

　That's what the black chick calls me, Mira-san.
　Indeed, Mira-san seemed to have noticed that I was talking to this guy too.

　.........Ah, there were times when Fenix was staring into the void and I wondered if he was talking to a spirit, but then he did the opposite.

　No, I didn't know where the fire spirit was until I saw where the fire spirit was...?

　Is this the result of 【Brave Man】's sharpened senses? I'll take that as a given.

"Leme, what's there?

Yeah, I'm here. I'll talk to you later.

Yeah. ...and that sword.

Do you understand?

　It's a holy sword, but it's a bit strange.

　The rating of the holy sword is determined by the rating of the spirit.

　Fenix's holy sword, which is contracted with the main body of the fire spirit, is the highest ranked master sword among the existing weapons.
　In line is Aerial-san's holy sword and also Wraith-kun's when he has the weapon one day.　

　But I don't feel the power unique to the holy sword from this sword.
　In the sense of the same spirit blessing, Merlin-san's staff can be said to have been turned into a holy sword as well - when it doesn't exert its power even if it's held by anyone other than the person himself, it's truly a holy sword - but that's more like a clearer sign. I felt something.

''That's right. I made it a holy sword, but I didn't put any effort into it.'

　What are the conditions?

'I'll make that sword stronger every time you entertain me.

　........I see, it's really like this spirit.

''Finally, a spirit that recognizes you has appeared. I'm glad.

　With a sparkling smile, he says something like that.

　........It doesn't seem surprising that I'm possessed by a spirit in this guy.

　But immediately, I looked down at the slant. As if I was in trouble.

'But spirits are difficult to handle so please be careful.

Yeah, I can already feel it.

'Hey, I'm not with the Tsundere Fire Spirit, okay?　I'm always honest with myself, I don't need to read behind the words.

　You take the words as they come, and I think that can be a pain in the ass.

'Aren't you being a little cold to your partner?　Are you still mad about the villagers?'

　It's not even close, it's only been a few hours.

'Reme-kun. I'm going to miss you, Sitri, if you don't leave me alone.

　Then, Citry-san takes my arm.

'Genie?　Did you just say genie?　Did Leme have something to do with the spirits?

　Lily, who had been having her hair trimmed with a comb that Ms. Canary had taken out from somewhere, came in surprised. Her wispy hair had regained its vitality and was peeking up with energy.

　She told me once that spirits were so precious to elves that a spirit contractor could be an object of respect and jealousy for that reason alone.
　So, in Lily's case, she admitted that Fenix, who was liked by the four great spirit bodies, was an amazing guy.

''Well Reme, as with Miss Nicola, I'm not impressed with that kind of thing when Miss Mira is around.

Shut up. It's not like that.

'What?　Aren't Reme-kun and Sitri close friends?

'No, my friend, but that's not what Fenix is talking about...'

Well, the story about the genie is...

'Oh, Lily. It looks like Leme has taken a liking to the genie. I'm sure it's the original dungeon's--

I'm so flustered. Reme-kun is so cute.

You're going to have to make fun of me.

"What, spirit blessing...?　Leme!　Is it true........!

'Yeah, oh, yeah. Yeah.

Tell me more about it. And I don't think that's a good idea either, sir.

No, I'm not.

'What?　Reme-kun and Citry--

　It's kind of a big conversation mess already. No, it's surprisingly established, though.

　Pang, it was Canary-san who clapped her hands.

''For now, let's have a party!　It's a party........!

　Mr. Hawk nodded happily.

'Yes. Congratulations on everyone's safe return - and on the return of my sons.

Also, let's congratulate you on having so many pretty girls here!

　With the couple's words, everyone in the village who had been watching the situation got on board and started to make some noise.

　First, Fenix was surrounded by ladies and girls.
　I think back to the days of the Fenix party, when it was like this in every town.

'Reme-kun. People aren't their faces....I won't say that, but it's not just their faces!　[Position (job)] is important, but it's not the only thing...!

　Mr. Sitley says encouragingly.

'Exactly. What we need to look at in a relationship should not be something we are born with, but something we have developed in life. It's different when work and other things are involved...

　Perhaps remembering my withdrawal from the party, Lily adds, as if it's hard to say.

　【Black Mage】Aptitude was only discovered at the age of ten, and it's something I was born with.
　That's why I had to leave the party, but that's not the same as my personal relationships.

　I know exactly what I'm doing, and it's important to be able to keep that separate.

'Thanks, both of you...'

　By the time I said that, they were surrounded by two people.

　.........I, you see.......well, I've already talked to everyone earlier.......and.....

　Before I knew it, my father, who had come near me, tapped me on the shoulder.
　I thought it was comforting, but he had a serious look on his face.

'Everyone is laughing like it was a lie a few hours ago. I'm sure they call those who can do this kind of thing - brave, don't they?

"...the one who woke everyone up, in turn, was a guy named Fulkus...

　I was hit on the head with a pop.

"I heard that Master Fulkus told me. "I was just following Leme.

I'm not sure...

'A person who took the first step to help those in need, and gathered those who followed him with their courage, shouldn't despise what he did. It would be brave to hold your chest out, too.

Don't you think your father knows more about brave men than you do?

You have no idea who I'm blaming for this.

　My father says with a deliberately frustrated look on his face.

''Haha, I guess it's my son's fault for being so addicted to attack videos.

Well, it was worth it.

　I look at everyone again.
　Indeed, they are smiling.

'Yeah. 'Yes. I hope so.

　If my actions had any effect on this ending.
　That's something to be proud of, I thought.

'A party, huh? Good, oh, and don't eat the chicken, okay?　It's a little depressing in your current form.'

　...........it's ruined.

　◇

　Me and Mr. Citry and I went back to camp once, as we had to prepare for the party.
　Fenix was caught by Mr. Canary and Lily was caught in the middle of it.

　Well, it's a reunion with my son who hasn't come back at all, so it's probably an inevitable reaction.
　I made my way back to the carriage to escape before I got myself involved.

　I needed to return for a report and so on, yes.

　Now, about the original dungeon investigation after that.
　Whether or not to take on the fifth level seemed to be a matter of opinion.

　Nothing about it was because of the desire for rewards........
　It's out of concern for the actions of the spirits.

　It was a nod if you think about it, and if no further challengers appeared, he thought that he would tempt people again from somewhere to bring them to him.

''For someone who doesn't know about your relationship with us, that's a natural reaction.''

　Quite right.

　The genie in the mass of light again explained this in front of everyone, and it was settled for the moment.
　The participants wouldn't refuse, but they wouldn't imitate using ordinary people as hostages.

　The spirits do not lie.
　It was decided that there would be no participation in the fifth layer.

　It wasn't without regret, but it was enough to make that Ex-san be swallowed up at least once. No one was proud to say that he could do it.

　Next, investigate and attack the fourth layer.
　This will continue.

　I heard that the dungeon will disappear within a few days, and the goal of the attack is more for the purpose of collecting treasures (hooves).

　Incidentally, one of the countermeasures to dungeons that would be adapted to the attackers was to install a recording stone for transference within the dungeon.
　Not in the safe room, but in the area where the monsters are coming out.

　This way, even if the enemies come in a configuration adapted to the 'adventurers we have now', we can transfer the personnel in the camp to deal with them.
　At first glance, this seems like a good idea, and it's not impossible to use it, but it does have its drawbacks.

　The recording stone for the transference must be fixed in place. Then, I have to register the coordinates.
　This process takes a good amount of time, so it's not practical to use this strategy in a sudden battle.

　It's not something that can be done in a normal attack, and I've heard it's best to try things out a few times.

　Also, about the spirit that possessed me.

　Merlin-san made a difficult face.

'Well it's good news that Arthur isn't the only exception. Leme, if you could, could you tell me more about it?''

　Mr. Arthur made a subtle face.

'I'm glad to have your blessing, but I'm concerned about that genie, that spirit. If you have any problems, you can talk to me right away, it's the same spirit possession, I may be able to help you.

　Mr. Xu laughed vigorously.

''Haha!　A genie in the hole. If you don't mind, then show them the rest of your life. They're free, but they can be friends and partners. At least you don't have to worry about me getting in trouble.

　Fulkus-san said while munching on his magic food with a blank expression.

''........No matter what kind of power you obtain, the importance of your own power remains the same. I will resume my training when I return. I will practice so that I won't be pushed down when Mira attacks me.

　Mr. Citry had already found out in the village, but he said at the time.

''Is that genie cute?''

　Mila's expression became complicated.

.....

　Maru froze.

''..........Ha.

　Confused as she is is is a normal reaction.

　By the way, Joss-kun said, "Yeah...!　Spirit........! They were very surprised.

　Afterwards, a sumptuous meal was served at noon in celebration of the original dungeon traverse at the camp.

　Ex-san and Arthur-san drank and mingled with each other.

　My friends who had fought with me in the original dungeon mingled with them.

　Merlin gathered a group of people to compare drinks, and the challenger was defeated at every turn.

　Foulkas, who eats not only magical food but also ordinary food, gets his stomach pumped up for the first time that I know of.

　Seeing this, Joss-kun starts to tremble and says with a serious look on his face, "I didn't know that someone as strong as Fulkus-dono has a belly.......she'll be even stronger.

　Before I knew it, the ladies gathered around Sitely-san and listened intently to her words, "There's a 'cute' in the way you eat your food, too.

　Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.
　I'm walking to get a drink now.
　Mira is getting food.

'Buddy,'

　.....

"Hey buddy

　--I wonder if they're going to make that name stick.

'Because best friends, master and student, parent and child are already a relationship, right?　I think that's the only space we can fit in.'

　Well, I guess it's no use telling him not to call me.

'Oh yeah, my partner is a quick learner.

　So, what can I do for you?

Come here. It's important, really, really important. I won't be long. It won't take long.

　The black chick flies in a flurry, so I have no choice but to follow her.
　I had only left the camp for a little while, but for a moment - the landscape changes.

'Surprised?'

　It's in the woods. But I can't hear everyone.
　They've shifted.

　--Well, I knew you'd do something.

'Boring. Oh well. I told you the original dungeon would be gone in a few days, right?'

　With no one else around, I decide to speak up.
　I can have conversations in my mind, but every time I do, I feel subtle because I realize I'm reading my mind.
　Maybe it's the same when I speak, but it's a matter of feeling.

'You heard me,'

''That's why it disappears because there is no more interference from us. The magic power that was in the magic pool is still there, right?

　The black chick flies around to twirl around a certain spot.
　I noticed that a crystal that resembled a core had appeared there.
　It must have been made by this spirit.
　The function of the core can't be imitated. The function of the core cannot be imitated, only its appearance.

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

You can suck the magic power that has not been dyed by anything. Also, it looks like you still need to be aware of 'holding it in your hand'. You need to touch the core and through the act of sucking from there, you make it 'yours'.

　They have been known to look into your memory and they have been known to do so.

　When it comes to absorbing the magical power of the surroundings, fairies are fairies, but there are some magical powers that fairies can't absorb either.
　For example, it's other people's magic.

　Since other people's commands are inscribed in the form of magical formulas, it is apparently very difficult to force them to become your own.

　The structures of dungeons are created by a combination of nobody's magic power and the 'designer's intent'.
　This is a magical formula, and that's why, for example, the magic power used to create the pillars is absorbed by the corners!　So I can't do that.

　Maybe it's not impossible, but I can't do it.

'You want me to ... absorb this ...?

"They're going to melt away into the world anyway. I hope you'll have some fun with it.

....

''There's enough left for other spirits to find and build a small dungeon to play with, right?　Who else can fix it but you?　

　I imagine and laugh.

What's your name?

"Oh?　You're a cashman's boy. I don't have a name.'

　Come to think of it, I've heard that.
　The names of spirits are given to people as a matter of necessity, and spirits don't have an original name, or so I've heard.

''If you want to say why, well... yeah, like Piyo-chan.''

I don't like...

'Haha. .........Well, yeah, I guess so.'

　After a troubling pause, the genie said.

'--Dirk?　Sounds like your partner, right?

　Maybe it's a more typical name than black chick.

So, Dirk. Thank you, I'll take it.

　I reach for the core.

'It wasn't anyone's to begin with.

Yeah. So this is my thanks for your choice. Thank you for bringing me here.

You're not mad at me anymore?

That's not the same thing.

"Tsk.

　The black hiyou comes back over my head with a tongue lashing.......Dark.
　I give a small smile to such a spirit and absorb a large amount of magic power that has been brought to the core in appearance - into the horns.

　◇

Mr. Leme is terrible.

　Mira was in a bad mood.

'I was very worried, you know?　Besides, you promised to tell me later. And yet, not only did you and Sitly go right back to the village, but you disappeared by lunchtime. I just spent some time with you guys and talked about spirits. I thought I was going to be able to tell you all about it in detail, just the two of us.

I'm sorry...

　We were now in the carriage.

　The village banquet will be held tomorrow.

　We were allowed to go home today, so we decided to go to my parents' house with Mira-san again.
　I'm going to tell my family properly about my current job.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this. Oh, is the genie there now?''

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, f*ck it.

　Dirk flies away.

'He's gone somewhere.'

Okay.

　It took a moment for her to look relieved.
　Mila looks at me with a jittery stare.

''Huh, I think it's unfair.''

Yes.

　I knew what he was talking about.

My wish is.... well, as you may have guessed, Leme san," he said. While I've targeted Leme san, I don't know to whom Leme san's blessing was given.......!

　Mila's wish was the same as mine. I made the same wish as Mira-san, or perhaps it was the other way around.

　I wished for my loved ones to live in good health.

　The spirit changed the subject into the person you love, and when Mira-san wished for it my body lit up.

　One, I mean........that's how it happened.

　However, in my case, no one who was present at the event lit up, due to the fact that Mira-san let out a complaint and that was the reason why the spirits were not allowed to light up.

　But my parents, as well as Canary and Hawk, and the rest of the Fenixes are like family. There is no doubt that they are included in the subject. My mentor would be included as well.
　There's a lot to say about love.

　I think that Mila is, as a matter of fact, insecure.
　She wonders if she was included in the subject.

　Actually, it's not fair.
　As soon as she wished for it, I would have gotten my answer.
　Mila's side of the story is that she didn't get the results.

　The carriage arrives in front of the village in an awkward air.

　The moon was out beautifully, just like one night one day.

　Unlike usual, Mira is walking a few steps ahead of me instead of walking side by side.
　Her back looked terribly lonely.

　I wish I could just say one word.
　My heart is still unable to put the emotions in my chest into words.

　But I don't think it's okay to leave things as they are.

　I catch up to her at a fast pace and gather my courage.

　The sensations in my body, which are usually so clear, are so indefinable that they seem to be floating softly in the air at any moment. My chest is pounding and I can feel my cheeks heat up. Sweat floats on my forehead and my hands are damp. And yet my throat was dry. I felt like I was shaking so badly that I had to be careful walking.

　If this was a fight, she would not hesitate to face whatever strong enemy she was facing.

　She stopped and tried to say something with a caring smile on her face.

''I'm sorry, Reme. I'm sorry I said that I was mean, I said I would wait - for........for........ ?

　She couldn't react well to what happened in the middle of her words.

　It took all the courage I could muster to do it.
　To some people, it might not be much.
　But for me right now, it was the best I could do to express myself.


　My hand is overlapping Mila's white fish's hand, and I'm holding it.


　Oh, I'm glad it's night.
　I'm sure my face was red, and I wouldn't have been able to show it to her very well.

　But it was no use.
　I knew that this moonlight was illuminating everything.

''~~~~...!

　Because I can see Mila's face turning bright red all over.

　She twitched, and then, fearfully, she squeezed my hand back, as if she was afraid to disappear.
　Then she trembles again, as if surprised by the touch.

　I couldn't say anything, I just tried to smile.
　Seeing the firmness of the smile she gave me back, I guess that's what my smile is like, too.

　It seems that when you're faced with an emotion that's too big, you don't know the right way to express it.
　We stayed like that for a while.

　She was bathed in the light of the moon, and she seemed to glow to me.