*

　Makoto chews on a slice of bread.
　The texture is shaggy and the taste is nowhere near as good as it should be.
　When you put it in your mouth, it absorbs water greedily.
　But that doesn't mean you should drink too much water.
　Drink water when your mouth is somewhat dry.
　That's the smart thing to do.

''Well thank goodness for the airtight backpack.
What are you gonna do?

　Yuka, sitting face to face across the food, said in a whispered tone of voice, but Makoto ignored her and brought the dried meat to his mouth.
　Maybe it was a magic item, or maybe it was better waterproof, but the backpack was wet on the outside, but the inside was safe.
　If it had been flooded, we would have been starving.

Tom is a very stubborn man, isn't he? Now we won't have to worry about food for a while.
What are you doing?
'Thanks to the subterranean lake, you can bathe and wash your clothes now. Why don't you go take a dip?
What are you doing?

　Yuka barked, as if she couldn't take it anymore.

'What are we going to do, we're going to have to fight,'
So how did you do it?
We'll take them down one by one.
'So!　I'll show you how!　I'm not listening to you!

　Yuka exclaimed, her face turning red.
　She had planned to explain after dinner, but she didn't seem to get Mako's thoughts.

'Well, calm down,'
"I'm not gonna settle down in this situation!　I don't know how to get up there, and it's crawling with powerful undead, and food...

　His voice grew small at the bottom.

''Well I've been watching the Skeleton General's behavior and I've noticed that...''
For what?
They've come and gone from one place to another.
What?

　Yuka ran up the slope and lay down on the ground, hoping to avoid detection.
　He had no interest in dirty pants, so he nibbled on some dried meat.
　After a while, Yuka came back.

''Well I've definitely been going back and forth. But why?''
They have matching equipment, and they were created that way.
It's a bit of an all-or-nothing affair.

　Yuka sat down in her original position and let out a sigh.

'But how are we going to take them down one by one?　Two of them wouldn't win when even one of them was about to die.
I don't think it's a partnership.
On what basis?
'We didn't get reinforcements when the first Skeleton General fought, did we?　I'm sure those guys have only been given orders to protect their territory.
That's pretty good.
You thought it would be enough.

　It's hard to believe that the monster created is stronger than the one who created it.
　It's no wonder that he thinks it's only a profit if he can reduce his strength a little bit by the time it comes to him.

''I don't want a second one to attack me while I'm fighting, so I'll guide it, though.
How?
You ask a lot of questions. You should think about it.
I'm in high school. I can't come up with ideas like you can.
High school students are not allowed to... hmm, but that's about it.
Are you kidding me?

　Yuka's lips twitched in a sultry manner.

'No, I'm not making fun of you. In fact, when I was in high school, I never really thought too much about rooting and setting things up.
I feel like I'm being ridiculed?
I didn't do it.
Is that so?

　Yuka doesn't seem to be convinced by one thing right now.

'I'll get a little closer, and if they chase after me, I'll guide them here. I'll use Yuka's magic to block their movements and destroy their equipment with my flaming bullets.
Is it going to be that easy?
It's not as easy as it sounds. We don't even know if my flaming bullets will work. Let's just think of it as a profit-making opportunity to do a little damage.
I guess it's a good place to start.
'I think it's worth a try. Anyway, I think I'd like to make it a basic tactic to guide them, stall them, and use long range attacks to destroy the enemy's HP... I don't know if there's such a thing, but I'd like to make it a basic tactic to remove as much HP as I can and destroy the sphere of weaknesses.

　'Hmmm,' said Yuka, making a difficult face.

'Let me know if there's anything that's bothering you or that you think could be improved. If you have a counterpoint, that's even better.''
Not really.
'Right. Well, if you've got something to say, you can always say it.

　It's not just me; even Yuka is at risk of death.
　I want to be as equal as possible in terms of speaking rights.

''It's like taking them down one by one and then attacking the temple at the end.
Can't we run away?
If there's a pit leading up, I'll consider it. Well, even if there was a vertical hole, I'm sure they'd run out of food first.
Can we go up the waterfall?

　Makoto saw the waterfall when Yuka caught him.
　It was too much of a burden for an amateur to climb on their own, let alone a climber or rock climber.

'If I could use my flying magic, I'd be able to go back up, though.
You can't use that kind of magic.
'Then it's impossible. Speaking of which, how do you learn magic?　Do you automatically learn it as you move up a level?
Of course not. You have to study and learn.
Does that mean you can't learn new magic?
''There are a few magic that I couldn't use because I wasn't at the right level.

　Wary, Yuka answered after a short pause.

'Is there any magic that will give you an advantage in the fight?'
I'm sure as we move up through the levels, we'll be able to get through the magic we have available now.
I don't see any magic that's so convenient.
I mean, you're a freak.

　When Makoto let out a sigh, Yuka said, not sounding amused.

'I knew it,'
Ignoring the difference in levels is a cheat.
'We didn't have a tutorial like you guys did, so I'd be dead without this much cheat.

　He was thrown into a dungeon with his clothes on and was in a critical condition, unconscious.
　If it's a game, it's a f*cking decision.

''For now, can I level up until I can fight the Skeleton General on my own, and then level up Yuka?''
....

　Yuka is silent.

''Don't worry, I won't attack you when you level up.
Can I trust you?

　'Oh,' said Makoto, nodding.

'Really?'
Discipline.

　Yuka still seems to be skeptical.

''What's the benefit of raising my level?''
I'm looking for extra hands. Well, if you can fight on your own, that's great, but if you have backup, you can fight safely, right?
"All right, all right. I'll believe you, anyway. But if you come at me, I'll bite my tongue and die.
You come out of the dead with a ghost.
Yes!

　Yuka hissed.

*

　Makoto lies down on the slope and observes the Skeleton General.
　The Skeleton General keeps going back and forth in the same place, but as he observes it closely, he realizes that its movements are interlocked.
　However, as you observe them closely, you will notice that their movements are interlocked.
　When one skeleton general is looking forward, the next one is looking back.
　And the next one is looking forward.
　If you guide them well, you should be able to eliminate the enemy as if you were peeling off the scales one by one.
　However, this is just a guess on Makoto's part.
　If the enemy attacked all at once, that's where their fate would end.
　I know I have to bet on it, but I can't shake the fear.

''Are you all right?''
I'm just trying to find the right moment.

　Makoto steals a look at Yuka, who is waiting for him down the slope.
　He exhales heavily and stands up, but the Skeleton Generals are repeating the same action.

'....Ignition (ignition), flaming bullets (fire blitz).

　Jet-black flames erupted from his right arm, forming a mass of flame in the palm of his hand.
　He wiped his forehead with his sleeve, and it was sopping wet.
　Mako threw the flaming bullets.
　Unlike Yuka's magic, it was completely manual, but luckily the flame bullets flew in a straight line.
　The Skeleton General tried to dispel the flaming bullets with his hand.
　However, the flaming bullet lost its shape as soon as it touched his hand and engulfed the Skeleton General.
　The red light in the eye sockets grew brighter and the figure of the Skeleton General was scratched off.
　Mako reflexively jumped backwards.
　The next moment, a cutting edge passed in front of him.
　If he had stepped on the spot, he would have been cut in both directions.

''Ignition, flaming bullets!''

　As soon as it lands, he throws a flaming bullet at it.
　A silver light flashes and the flame bullets are cut off in both directions.
　The flaming bullets lost their shape and became one with the flames that had enveloped the Skeleton General.
　The jet black flames increase in intensity.

Ha, this is a bit of a cheat, isn't it?

　I laugh.
　It wasn't the kind of power he'd worked hard to acquire, but a strong person might have this feeling.
　The silvery white armor began to disintegrate and the Skeleton General rushed into Makoto.

''........Ignition, flaming bullets.''

　He threw the flaming bullets again. The flaming bullets landed and the flames gained more momentum.
　In spite of this, the speed does not decrease.
　I should avoid it, but Yuka is behind me.
　If he prioritized his own safety here, Yuka was bound to become more suspicious.
　Even if it means increasing the risk, we have to take it.

''Capture formation (Bind)!''

　A band of light extends from the ground and entangles itself around Skeleton General's arm, blocking his movement.
　Makoto took the opportunity to jump into Skeleton General's bosom.
　The Skeleton General tore off the band of light and raised his sword.

''Ignition, convergence (convergence)!

　He slams his fist into the ground faster than the sword can be swung down.
　The white and silver armor shatters, exposing the red sphere that is the weak point.

''Ooohhhh!''

　Makoto let out a yelp and unleashed a fist.
　But it wasn't the red sphere that shattered, it was his ribs.
　He raised his fist for another shot and fell back on his back.
　It was not of his own volition.
　The Skeleton General grabbed Makoto's hair.

''Let go of me!''

　Makoto grabs his arm and puts all his strength into it.
　The arm shatters and falls to the ground.
　However, the Skeleton General thrusts his sword out unperturbed.

''Capture formation!''

　Yuka's voice echoes, and a band of light twists around the sword.
　The movement was blocked for a moment, but it was enough to grab the red sphere.
　The red sphere shatters with a clear sound as Makoto puts strength into his hand.

[Level increased. Level 28, strength 18, muscle power 21, agility 17, magic power 30... 6 bonus points have been granted]

　The angel's voice echoed in his head and Mako sat there.

'Are you okay?'
It's all very strange.
You were laughing at me while we were fighting.

　I said with a sigh, and Yuka retorted in an accusatory tone.

'Yeah, well, I got on a roll.'
I'm a total TWEEEEEE. It's understandable, but you've got to be very careful with your plan to save lives.
I'm not happy.

　I thought I'd earned the points to give them credit, but plus or minus zero - potentially negative if I'm not good at it.
　Yuka narrowed her eyes and gave a small snort.

''You're level 26. After all, your level rises faster when you're dealing with monsters of a higher rank.''
'I have a feeling that the strength of the enemy isn't commensurate with the way they level up?
What are you talking about? You almost killed me!
That's true, though.

　The attacks aren't at an unbearable level, and the speed isn't so great that I can't keep up with them.
　I don't even think it's okay to level up so easily.

''It might feel weak, but if it weren't for the cheat, I wouldn't have an arm and a leg to stand on, would I?
Why?
'Of course it's because you have physical and magical resistance skills.

　When Makoto asked, Yuka said as if it was natural.

''You, do you even know your enemy's skills?''
Just in case.
Please tell me that.
There was never a good time to say it.

　Yuka said quickly, but there's no way to be secretive.
　It would be reckless to challenge an opponent who is wearing armor and has resistance.

''Is there anything else you know?''
Not really.

　I doubt it's true, but it would only offend me if I questioned it.
　If I get a chance, I'd like to get a skill or an item to check my status.

By the way, are you feeling okay?
Yeah, it's nothing compared to the last one.
I'll recover, just in case.

　With that, Yuka turned her palms to Makoto.
　A blue-white light emitted, making her feel better.

''........Fatigue doesn't show up on your status?''
Yeah, there's no indication of that.
It's going to be treated as bad status, though.
I don't know what I'm talking about. But I suspect it's because, unlike poison and paralysis, the distinction is blurred.
So maybe that's why they don't teach you to be intelligent.
Surely you can define it any way you want.

　I feel like it's different if your math is quicker or you have a better memory, but that doesn't mean you have high intelligence.

''Does that mean that's why they don't tell you your HP or MP?
Maybe you're right. I can shoot from a position where I can't do magic anymore.
Are you sure?
I'm just trying to figure out the limits.

　Should I check it out too?　And Makoto looked down at his hands.

'Don't tell me your arms are tingling,'
I'm not going to tell you.
You don't sound like the kind of guy who would do something like that.
No, no, no, I'm not.

　Mako denied it, waving her hands from side to side with a pat on the back.
　He may be a boy in body, but he's an adult in mind.
　You won't have to suffer from the kitchen disease anymore.

'You're doing the ignition and all that flippant stuff?
It's easier to use than not saying anything.
Really?
'What's the point of lying about this?'

　I think it might be a bit cool, but I don't talk about it.

'Boys are so badass that I can't believe one thing now.
I'm assuming you have more sense than a high school student?
Yeah?

　Yuka looked at Mako with suspicion and tilted her head.

'Yes,'
Well, okay, but if you're the vanguard, you're dead, I'm dead, too, so be careful what you wish for.
Okay.

　Mako nodded.
　I wondered if there was a better way to say it, but he seemed to think of us as a community of destiny.

''Well we have to work hard.

　Makoto muttered, looking up at the ceiling.

*

　As Mako stepped into the realm, the Skeleton General rushed forward.
　He pulled his sword from its scabbard and flashed it.

''Yup!''

　Mako saw through the pause and ducked the attack.
　A human would have been wary, but the Skeleton General rushed in unguarded.
　Mako turned away and started to run.
　His body is as light as a feather.
　Not only does he surpass his prime, but he's fast enough to become a legend in the world of athletics.
　He looks behind him over his shoulder and slows down.
　The Skeleton General can't run as fast as he can because if he loses sight of his enemy, he'll go back to where he came from.
　He kicks the ground and lands on the shore of the subterranean lake.
　When I turn around, I see that the Skeleton General is about to fall.
　The Skeleton General swung his sword horizontally as he landed.
　Mako stepped in and caught it with her upper arm.
　Of course, it wasn't the sword that caught it. It's the arm that supports the sword.
　He entangled the arm and snapped it with all his strength as it was.
　The Skeleton General raises his remaining arm.
　Makoto took the distance and effortlessly ducked the fist that was swung down.

''Ignition, convergence!''

　He swung down his hand sword, which was converging jet black flames.
　The moment it touches his arm, he feels a faint resistance, but that's it.
　Without a sound, Skeleton General's arm falls off without a sound.
　It's too early to think that he has lost his means of attack with this.
　There is no word of retreat for the undead.
　The Skeleton General opened its mouth wide and pounced on him.
　Makoto let out a small breath, clicked up Skeleton General's chin with his left hand and paid off his leg with his right hand, which was filled with jet-black light.
　The Skeleton General lost one of its legs and fell on its back.
　He quickly walked over and swung his leg down.
　With a dry sound, Skeleton General's leg cracks.
　He doesn't seem to have lost his fighting spirit, but with the loss of a limb, it doesn't mean anything.

'Yuka, good.'

　Makoto called, and Yuka came out from behind a rock.

'You're getting pretty easy to take down.
By the time I hit level 70.

　After defeating dozens of them, he would be able to read their behavioral patterns.
　Of course, the road to this point was not a smooth one.
　Even the word "harsh" is lukewarm.
　My arms were sliced off, my internal organs protruded, my eyeballs popped out - to be honest, if I could escape, I wanted to escape.
　But this is the lowest level of the dungeon.
　He couldn't escape even if he wanted to. He had no choice but to fight like a madman.

"Let's get it over with!

　Mako holds the Skeleton General's neck with her foot to prevent him from getting out of control and touches the silvery white armor with her right hand.
　The beautiful white and silver armor darkens and becomes tattered in a matter of minutes.
　Soon after, the red sphere hidden underneath the armor is exposed.

''That's really a cheat, isn't it?
Well, you know.

　Mako extinguished the flames and looked at his right hand.

'It looks like a flame, but the actual power is more like disintegration or decomposition.
Don't make any false starts.
I guess I can handle it, since I seem to be able to decide whether or not to disintegrate it at will.

　Otherwise, the sleeves of his clothes would have been gone.
　However, Yuka made an expression as if she had bitten down on a bitter bug.

'Seems?'
I don't know.
You have to be sure about that later.

　Yuka raised her willow eyebrows upside down and said to include.

''Alright, alright. Just go ahead and put your magic into it.''
....

　Yuka kept his distance and readied his staff.

'Luno Kesta Agata!　Like a cone through and through, O Periolis, you shall be a cone through my enemies!　Reveal, magic bullet!

　A magic circle is deployed and magic bullets pierce the red sphere. However, perhaps because of the level difference, the red sphere doesn't have a single scratch on it.

''Luno Kesta Agata!　Like a cone through and through, O Periolis, you shall be a cone through my enemies!　Reveal, magic bullet!

　The magic bullet pierced the red sphere again, but it still didn't leave a scratch.

''This is going to take some time.
"Luno Cuesta Agata!　O Periolis the Imperishable, pierce me like a gravelly stone.

　When Makoto blurted out, Yuka started chanting as if she was pissed off.