*

　When the light subsided, Mako was in a vast space.
　He exhaled in relief when he saw that Fene and Liv, and by the way, Yuka were there.
　Apparently, the spatial magic stone had transferred them all.

''Yuka, let go of my hand.
Yes, of course.

　Yuka pulled away from Mako.

'Fene, keep it.'
Okay, got it.

　Fane received the spatial magic stone and put it in his pouch.

''Where am I?''

　Mako looked around again.
　The dungeon of the Skeletal King, similar to its lowest level, but with no subterranean lakes or temples.

''Do you understand?''
I just need a minute.

　When Makoto asked, Fene took out a map and flipped through it.
　It doesn't look like a neat sight, but it's such a vast space.
　There's nothing that isn't on the map.

''I don't know.''
What do you mean, you don't know?
...an unexplored area.

　Liv asked, and Fene replied with a pale face.

'Seriously?'
"Majestic.

　I thought he was going to smile fiercely, but Liv just twitched his mouth.

'Miss, what are you going to do about it!
No, it wasn't my fault.
For all intents and purposes, it's Miss Sissy's fault!

　Fane is in tears.
　Well, that's what happens when anyone is thrown into an area that's well beyond their level.

'Liv, aren't you laughing?'
Wow, that's not funny!
Tsk, you two have a lot of mental problems.

　Yuka shelved her responsibility and spat it out.
　It's not as if she was left behind because of this kind of attitude, but she doesn't feel sorry for it.

''Don't you two forget that I can use transference magic?

　Yuka tossed her cape and readied her staff.

'Luno Kesta Agata!　O Periolis the Imperishable, like a corridor joined together, be the path I walk!　Reveal!　Transfer (teleportation)!

　When Yuka poked her staff, a magic circle unfolded.
　However, the magic circle blinked violently and then disappeared.

''What do you mean?!
It looks like the transference thing didn't work. Did it have a transposition inhibiting spell?

　Yuka crossed her arms and tilted her head.
　The tone of voice is somewhat like someone else's.

''What are you going to do?　What are we going to do?!

　Fene rolled over and flapped her arms and legs like a lazy child.

'Calm down!'
Do you have any ideas?

　Liv shouted briefly, and Fene sat up.

'.....Oh.

　Liv nodded with a divine look on her face and took a vial from the pouch.
　Inside was an amber-colored liquid.
　When she opened the lid, the scent of the spirit of alcohol wafted through the air.

''It smells good.''
Yeah. I'm gonna save this one for me.
But what's the point of having a drink in a place like this?
Don't you want to end up with a nice drink?
'Isn't that a terminal drink?

　Fene rolled over again and flapped her arms and legs.

'Calm down, both of you,'
...my brother.
Makoto.

　Fene and Liv looked at Mako as she regained her composure.
　At that moment, their necks tingled.
　The ground shook slightly.

''Ah, brother!''
Mako, Makoto!

　Fene and Liv pointed behind them.
　When they turned around, there was a spider.
　No, or should I call it Arachne?
　Not quite?　And Mako looked up at Arachne.
　Arachne is a female upper body and a spider-bucket in the lower half of her body.
　The upper half of her body is a skeleton and the lower half is a collection of bones in front of her.
　Its arms are unusually long, and its fingers are also long.
　A red sphere is housed inside the ribs.

''This guy looks like he'll be able to hit me with all his might.

　Mako dove in and thrust her fist out.
　There was a roar and Arachne was blown away.
　It rolled on the ground for about ten meters before finally stopping.

''Well that's pretty sturdy.

　He lightly waves the hand that punched Arachne.

'Would you like me to help you?'
No, it's okay.

　Mako readied her fists.
　Arachne was strong there, but not nearly as strong as the Skeleton General.

'Ignition, convergence!'

　Flames erupted from his right arm, covering his basket hand, and Mako started to run.
　Arachne also started running a little later.
　I'm not sure if it's because he has eight legs, but he's quick for his figure.
　I was just a few steps away from Arachne when he kicked the ground hard.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.
　Arachne loses all his right leg and falls over.
　When I say fall down, I mean a fall that knocks you to the ground and throws you further into the air.
　It's similar to a car crash in terms of flair alone.
　Arachne tries to get up, but he just spins haphazardly.
　Mako approached from behind and crushed both shoulders.
　As it is, he crushes his hip bones, splitting his upper and lower body apart.

''It's like this.''

　Mako grabbed Arachne by the neck and threw her off.
　Arachne's upper body slid across the ground and stopped underneath Fene and Liv's feet.
　Arachne's upper body bounced on the ground like a fish.
　Mako approached and stepped on his head, scratching his head.

'Okay, you two.'
What is it?
Oh, yeah.

　Fene was busily moving his eyes, while Liv replied in a jittery manner.

'I'll hold you down, take this guy down. His weakness is the sphere.'
"What?
'No, so you guys are going to be the ones to top it off. How easy is that?
Oh, yeah.

　Liv replied in the same way as before and picked up the pole hammer.
　He raised it and swung down the pointed one.
　A high-pitched sound is heard and the pole hammer is flung off.
　Unfortunately, there is not a single scratch on the sphere.

''Ka, it's hard!
'Well, there's a level difference. Let's just take it easy.
...Oh, yeah.

　Liv gulped and raised the pole hammer.

*

　Scraping the dried meat brings back vivid memories of scraping a pencil with a small knife.
　That's how hard dried meat is.
　Perhaps it could even be used to beat a human to death.

''It's........salty.''
Yeah, it's my blood pressure that's bothering you.
Well, sort of.

　Cholesterol and blood pressure, which get worse every year, and then uric acid levels.
　The pain of gout and ureteral stones can only be understood by those who have experienced them.
　The results of the health check-ups are frightening, and even though we know that the cause is a lifestyle, we are not able to change our habits.

We have to be fearful of the results of the medical checkup, and even if we know the cause of the problem is our lifestyle, we can't change it. As soon as there's any abnormality, it's too late to fix it.
You don't have to say that with a straight face.

　It was heartfelt advice, but Yuka said as if she was donning it.

''You don't have to worry about that, do you?
....

　Mako looked next to her in silence.
　Liv was chewing on dried meat that had been cut into sticks, gobbling it up.
　He has an athlete's fine physique.

Are you interested in my body?
Well, you know.
Yeah?

　Liv laughs happily.

'How do you stay in shape?'
You're over there!
You go that way.

　Liv turned away, sulking.

'So how are you doing?'
I didn't do anything.
Is that how you stay in shape?

　Huh~, and Makoto let out a breath of admiration.

'Fene, aren't you going to call me a brainiac like you usually do?
....

　Liv called out to Fene, who was at a slight distance.
　She was eating dried meat in the corner of the ward.
　She looks like a hamster, not a fox.

'Hey, Fene,'
I'm less than a brain cell and less than a useless piece of shit.

　Fene blurted out.
　That's a serious injury, Makoto said, turning his gaze to the outside of the ward.
　There were countless bones scattered there.
　All of them are the bones of Arachne.
　The number of bones defeated would be more than twenty.
　Makoto drove them into a combat-less state, and Fene and Liv stabbed them to death.
　It's the same power leveling as in Yuka's.
　Thanks to that, Liv reached level 40, but Faene stopped leveling up at 20.
　There was no chance that she would need a huge amount of experience to get to level 21, but she should be considered to have reached the level limit.
　Makoto stood up and sat down next to Fene.

''Don't worry about it too much.''
...my brother.

　Fane's voice quivered pitifully.

'Human growth shouldn't just be about leveling up.
What else is there to do besides level up?
It's a noble growth in skills and knowledge.

　Fene's expression softened.
　I wouldn't say it's a relief, but I could feel even the slightest hint of hope.
　It's that kind of expression.
　However, the expression quickly becomes cloudy.

''But I can't be useful in battle, sss.
It's certainly hard to fight head-on,
...Ug.

　Fene moaned. I don't want to hurt her, but I also don't want to comfort her easily.
　Of course, there are times when comfort is necessary.
　But now is not the time.

'Do you remember when we fought the ghouls?
Oh, I remember.
'You got behind the ghouls and attacked them, didn't you?　I didn't know you were coming around behind me at the time.
My brother?
It's not just me. Yuka couldn't see it either.

　It's not an easy thing to get behind without two people noticing.

'And a mithril alloy arrowhead.
What about it?
When I saw the white smoke rising from the ghoul's back, I figured I could make up for the lack of firepower by exploiting the enemy's weaknesses.
But it wasn't me who killed the ghoul.
Yeah, you're right. You're right, it was the ribs that got the boot.

　Fene looked almost disappointed.
　He's making a statement that makes him look down on himself, but he doesn't really mean it.

'But we won because of your backup. Isn't that right, Liv?'
Yeah, I do.

　When Makoto called out to her, Liv admitted it honestly.
　I was inwardly nervous about what to do if she denied it, but thank God she was an airhead.

'Okay?　You can help us win.
Brother. Okay. It's up to you to make yourself useful.

　Fane stood up and clenched his fists tightly.

''I'm going to pick up the magic stone now.
Please.

　I wish I'd picked it up then, and I feel a pang of regret.

'Just for your information, let me ask you something.
What's up?
How much is that going to cost per piece?

　'Mu,' Fene moaned softly.

'Isn't it about 1000A?'
...1000A.

　I've thrown my money away.
　My heart is breaking.
　The question suddenly arises.

'Hey, for your information...'
What's up?
The dungeon collapses when you defeat the bossy entity at the bottom level, right?
That's what they say.
''What happens to the magic stones we didn't collect or the undead we didn't defeat?
Mm.

　Fene raised an eyebrow quizzically.

'Don't they live in other dungeons, or get stronger and create their own dungeons?　As for the magic stone I honestly don't know.
Yeah?

　Makoto was all he could do to return that.
　If the surviving undead had absorbed the magic stone and become powerful--.
　When you think about it, an unearned anxiety rises to the surface.

''For now, let's just think about getting out of here.
?
　Fene tilted her head curiously.

*

　His fluffy tail is wagging.
　Fane is on all fours, checking the ground for any funny spots.
　I want to mooch, but if I did that, I'd be accused of s*xual harassment.

'Hey, are you sure there's a passage down there?
I'm just trying to figure it out.

　Liv asked numbly, and Fene replied as she got down on all fours.

'But~'
Let's give Fene a go.

　Okay, Liv cowered lightly.
　He interrupted his words to keep Fene focused, but he knew exactly how Liv felt.
　Mako looked around.
　He looked at the walls, but he didn't see any roads, even if he looked up.
　In short, this is a huge, secret room.
　When he realized this, he was at a loss, but Fene insisted that the path must be hidden.
　According to Fene, the dungeon is like an ant's nest.
　You can block the passages that lead to each room or level, but they can't exist on their own.

''d*mn, don't they want us to conquer dungeons?
Of course not.

　To the undead waiting at the lowest level, capturing the dungeon is synonymous with death.
　Of course they're going to use all kinds of methods to interfere with it.
　That may not be the only thing, though, Makoto added in his mind.
　When I suddenly felt a glance and looked next to me, I saw Yuka looking at me.

''What?''
I think there's something you're not telling me.
I mean, you've got a lot on your mind.

　Mako looked forward.
　Fene moved forward on the ground on all fours.
　The urge to grab her fluffy tail was strong, but she held on tightly.

'Say it!'

　Then Yuka slapped Makoto's arm with the back of her hand.

'All right. I'm thinking that the adventurers could have blocked the passage.''
Why?
That's because the undead are so strong. If they've been steadily moving down the hierarchy, they can handle it, but if you're a low-level adventurer who's been transferred, you'll just have to run.
So you're saying that you've blocked the passage to prevent the enemy from pursuing you.

　Yuka made an expression that said she was disappointed.

''Mm!''

　Fane's tail stood upside down as if it had exploded.

'What have you found?'
The ground is different.

　Fene drew his dagger and thrust it into the ground.
　The first time he didn't pierce it, but the second time he changed places, he did.
　He pulled out the dagger and touched the blade with his finger.

''Dirt.''
'Speaking of which, there's a spell to make clay walls.

　Yuka mutters to herself.

'So that means if we beat this guy, we're at the bottom of the heap.
That's not the bottom line.

　Mako chuckled and plunged into the ribs.

'Anyway, we're just going to have to smash through the dirt wall, right?
That's why I have a problem with brainiacs.
What?

　Liv raises her voice, but Fene ignores her and puts her ear to the ground.

'There doesn't seem to be any ambushes.

　Speaking to himself, he takes a water bottle from the porch and sprinkles water on the ground.
　He also sticks the dagger into the ground and reveals the boundaries of the earthen wall.
　Liv is smiling with satisfaction, if you ask me.
　He seems to be more pleased that Fene is back on his feet than that he was called a brainiac.

'Liv's a good guy,'
It's not like that.

　Embarrassed, Liv turned away.
　It's easy to think of her as a rough character, but she's quite caring.

'That's quite a feat for someone so young.
Makoto is younger than you.
I'm old enough to look like this, but I'm old enough to know better.
How old are you?
"Thirty-eight.

　'Pfft,' gushed Liv.

''Don't ... stop laughing,''
Sorry, sorry. If you were in your 40s, I'd be in a coffin with one foot in the floor.
Does she think I'm younger than her?
I mean, he's way younger than you are.
Well, as long as you're being respectful as a colleague, I'm fine.
Of course, the stronger you are, the more respect you show your enemies.

　Liv cowered lightly.

'It's done!'

　Fene stood up vigorously.
　Looking down at his feet, he saw a square two meters square on the ground.

''This square is the earthen wall, right?''

　Liv raised the pole hammer and swung it down in one fluid motion.
　A radial crack appeared in the center of the area where he swung down.

'Another one!

　When Liv swung the pole hammer down again, the earthen wall shattered, revealing the hidden passage - the slope.

'I'll take the lead. Yuka, take care of Fene and Liv.
I'll do my best.

　You'll do your best there, Makoto said, looking at Yuka.
　Well, there's no point in pushing back and forth here.
　I'm sure that even Yuka doesn't want to let them die.
　Makoto regained his composure and stepped out.
　He walked down the hill, wary of the attack.

'Brother, I can smell blood.
Don't let your guard down.

　Further down the hill, at the end of the descent, a man was sitting with his knees in his arms.
　He was the half-elf man who had been with me in the wagon.
　His dark green robe was stained with blood and the man's complexion had gone from pale to earthy.

'Hey, are you alright?'
....

　The man didn't respond when Mako called out to him.

'Hey!'
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

　Shaking his shoulders, the man screamed and flailed his arms around recklessly.
　'You're panicking,' said Makoto, pulling away from the man.

'Brother, are you okay?'
Yeah, I'm all right.

　The man's arm didn't even touch Makoto, though it was a sudden and deadly act.
　The man swung his arm around for a while, then stopped moving as if a thread had broken.

'What happened?'
We've been transmuted into a red skeleton.

　The man rocked back and forth.
　Occasionally he clenched his teeth, probably to endure the fear.

'The spiders came out, and we ran down here. Then we saw the temple on the lower level.
Looks like the lowest level is right over this wall.
Stop!

　He walked up to the mud wall.
　Then the man stood up and stepped between Makoto and the wall of earth.

''You'll have to capture this dungeon or you won't be able to get out!
'You can say that because you haven't seen the thing!
Huh?

　Fene tilts her head in a cute way.

...The Scorpion. There's a Scorpion on the other side of this wall.
I don't like it when you say that.

　Mako scratched her head.
　After all, they would still have to smash through an earthen wall and defeat the boss to get out.

'At least wait for backup!　If you stay here, someone might come along!
That's going to be difficult.
Why?
Because we took out the red skeleton.
What?
That's why we killed the red skeleton.
"Oh, oh, oh, oh!

　The man slumped into place, his voice tinged with despair.

''I'll take the lead on this one. Follow me about ten meters away.'
Well, I think it's best if you're the bait.

　Yuka exhales lightly.

'As for what to do when the Scorpion comes out I'll basically be the main fighter, so you'll have to cover me.

　It's too sketchy a strategy, but other than Liv's squeamishness, it seems fine.

'Liv?'
I know that. As much as I hate to break it to you, you're gonna get us killed.
I'm sorry.
Don't apologize for that. I'm a weak man.

　Well, Makoto nodded and faced the earthen wall.
　A kick to the earthen wall.
　It's not a front kick, but a side kick.
　It would have been nice if he could have unleashed a side kick like a Hollywood actor, but because of his stiff body, his legs didn't rise high enough.
　Nevertheless, the kick destroyed the earthen wall beautifully.
　It broke up into several large parts and fell to the ground.
　Beyond the earthen wall was a vast space covered in sand.
　Far ahead, a temple that looked like it was built of obsidian rose up.
　Mako stepped over the remnants of the earthen wall and stepped out to the lowest level.
　He headed toward the temple while keeping his eyes alert.
　A third of the way forward, he stopped.
　A piece of the earthen wall had fallen down.
　I don't know what was bothering me.
　Makoto picked up a piece of clay wall and turned it over.
　There were countless streaks running through it.
　The lines were of two types: scratches and dead leaf color.

''Could it be...?''

　I whispered to myself, and that's when I felt a pain in my neck.

''Mako!''
I know!

　Liv yelled sharply and Makoto kicked the ground hard.
　The next moment, a giant scorpion fell.
　The ground shook loudly and sand flew up.
　Mako looked up at the scorpion.
　It was not a scorpion because it had the upper body of a person and its entire body was constructed of bones.
　If I had to name it, it would be Papyrusag.
　It would be three meters tall, or four times that from head to tail tip.
　Its arms are large enough to throw off its overall balance, and its hands are shaped like scissors.
　The tip of its tail was cone-shaped and dripped with what looked like purple venom.

'Ignition (ignition), convergence (convergence)!

　Makoto covered his right arm with jet black fire and held his fist at the ready.
　Papyrusag swung the scissors down as he clattered his teeth together.
　He kicked and ducked on the ground, then jumped into his pocket and unleashed a right fist.
　Thunk!　There was a high-pitched sound, and a fist was played.
　It's probably magic or a skill to defend against it.
　I'm not sure if I should praise him for only protecting the lowest level of the dungeon, but he is a boss and seems to have the means to counter jet black fire.
　If you materialize," Makoto said, looking at his right arm for a moment.
　Immediately tossing materialization into the dust chute of unconsciousness.
　Materializing would dramatically improve his attack power, but the intense pain would reduce his concentration.
　You should refrain from doing so until you figure out what the enemy is capable of.
　Papyrusag swings down his scissors.
　As he ducks to the side, the other shears are swung down.
　Thunk!　There's a high-pitched noise.
　Fene's covering fire.
　Unfortunately, it seems that no damage was done.
　However, Papyrusag stopped moving for a moment.
　He may be trying to figure out where the attack came from.
　Mako took advantage of the opportunity and jumped into his pocket and unleashed a fist.
　A high-pitched sound could be heard.
　Papyrusag caught the fist with the belly of the scissors.

''Oraaaaah!''

　Liv swung the pole hammer down, but it bounced off with a high-pitched sound.
　Papyrusag swung his tail, but it didn't hit Liv, probably because he was concentrating on Mako.
　Nevertheless, there was no way he could be careless considering that nearly two meters of sand were flying up every time his tail hit the ground.
　Makoto thrust out his right fist again.
　This time Papyrusag caught his fist in the belly of the scissors and raised the other scissors.

'Luno Kesta Agata!　O Periolis, who is not infinite, like a noose that binds, be a noose that binds my enemies!　Reveal, captive formation (binding).

　Yuka's magic was complete, and the band of light tangled around the scissors that were about to be swung down.
　Papirsag tried to shake off the band of light.
　However, the band of light continued to restrain Papyrusag.
　Level 72 is not a date.

''Ha!''

　Mako slammed her fist into Papyrusag's scissors as hard as she could.
　There was a high-pitched sound and a crack in the scissors.

'Again!'

　The next moment he raised his fist, Mako was blown away.
　The papyrusag spun around in its restraints and struck him with its tail.
　Mako rolled over, rolling up the sand, and used the momentum to get to his feet.
　Just then, the band of light that was restraining Papirsag popped and disappeared.

'Brother!　Liv's involved!
What?

　Fene's voice came out of nowhere and Mako looked behind Papyrusag.
　There, Liv was lying on the ground.

'I'll take care of this one!

　Yuka knelt down beside Liv and poured water potion on her.
　But the damage was so severe that she didn't move even a twitch.
　The worst imaginings of "no way," snatched my brain.

''No......

　Mako shook her head.
　He said that Yuka would take care of it.
　He should let her take care of the ribbing here and focus on the fight.
　He turned to face the front, but Papyrusag had stopped moving.
　I have a bad feeling about this.
　In the next moment, Papirsag flashed a light from her mouth.

''This guy too?!''

　Mako kicked the ground.
　The light rolled up a large amount of sand as soon as it landed and slowly approached us.

'Up to the sweep!

　It continues to run side to side, side to side, and the light stops unexpectedly.
　It's obvious, but it doesn't seem to be able to emit light without limit.
　I stop and look back.
　Then, my vision was closed off by the sand that had flown up.
　A high-pitched sound echoed intermittently.
　Probably Fene is providing cover fire.

''Yuka!　Is everything okay over there?!
I'm fine!　Liv has regained consciousness, too!

　Yuka's voice echoed from across the sand.

'Fene!　Is everything okay over there?!
It's okay!

　Makoto patted his chest.
　The situation has not improved, but it's great to know that your friends are safe.

I can't see a thing.

　I look around with my fists at the ready, but I can't see Papyrusag.
　Still, I can tell that the other party is looking at us.
　A shadow floats in the dust.
　I brace myself and open my eyes.
　The shadow's true identity is a human - a man in heavy armor who was riding in a boarding carriage.
　Moreover, he flew in.
　Papyrusag must have thrown it, but its impact was too great.
　As I half ducked and ducked, a shadow floated on the curtain of dust.
　The next one to fly at me was a man in leather armor.
　No matter how you look at it, it's a trap, and Makoto brushed away the man who flew at him with his hand.
　The man dropped to the ground and didn't move a muscle.

''Well what are you thinking?''

　There was no body when he was walking.
　That means Papyrusag must have buried the body and hidden it.
　A shadow floats in the dust.
　It's Papyrusag.
　As soon as he appeared, he swung the scissors down.
　Makoto ducked the scissors swung down in turn and stepped out.
　The next moment, his vision faded and his tail swung down.
　Mako managed to stop in place.
　With a murky wind noise, the tail pierced the ground and a pungent smell began to waft through the air.

''Poison?!''

　As Makoto realized what the pungent smell was and jumped back, Papirsag disappeared across the sand.
　He hurriedly followed after it, but Papyrusag was not there.

''........It's not like I can't manage with a high status.

　If they are inferior in physical ability, they make up for it with tactics.
　It's a straightforward way of thinking.
　Even so, it's probably because we're dealing with undead that we feel cowardly.

''Well, what do we do now?''

　Mako moistens her lips with her tongue.

'Yuka!'
What!
Thanks!

　Mako ran to the other side of the voice.
　The lack of visibility is a disadvantage.
　We should be able to have a clear view while pulling Papyrusag away from Yuka and the others.
　Visibility would open up.
　They were able to escape from the dust.
　But the next moment, a light pierced slightly ahead.
　The sand danced up and closed in on my vision.

'Well, what do we do now?'
What is it?　Ha, let go--gah!

　There was a shout and Fene flew in.
　Mako held her in the air.

'Are you okay?'
And I thought I was going to die.

　He must have been so scared.
　Fene is shaking in Mako's chest, cringing.

'How did you survive?'
Well, they just threw me in the air.
Why didn't you just kill him?
There are things you can say and things you can't say!

　I thought I had asked myself, but Fene screamed with tears in her eyes.
　A prickling pain in her neck--.

''Brother, behind you!

　Fene shouted and Mako turned herself around.
　A pair of scissors snatched his side and passed by.
　It hurts, but that's all there is to it, so it won't be much of an injury.

'd*mn, my coat is ruined!
'We'll be back!

　Papyrusag appears and wields a pair of scissors.
　It's a big swinging attack, as if he's sure it won't be counterattacked.
　Makoto ducks the attack with only footwork.

''Ah, I see.''
What do you mean by that?
So they're using fetters to restrain you.
"Brother, I'll do anything you want me to do, just don't abandon me!　I have to provide for my brother!

　Fene pleaded with tears in her eyes.
　She clutched her coat tightly, probably in disbelief to the extent that she thought she might be abandoned.

'Fene, do you know the direction of the temple?'
I think it's that way.
Okay, don't bite your tongue.

　Mako jumped back and ducked away from Papyrusag's attack, and started running towards where Fene had pointed.
　Breaking through the dust.
　Fene's sense of direction was solid and he could see the temple far ahead.

''Brother!

　Fene screams and Mako veers slightly to the side.
　The next moment, a light pierces the ground and sand dances up.

'They're following us!'
That's the point!

　Mako struggles to move her legs, but because she's holding Fene, she can't get up to speed.
　Light pierces the ground one after another, and sand dances up in the air.

''Is the enemy following us!
You're being followed!

　A rattling, clacking sound could be heard from behind - right behind.
　The temple was close at hand, and Makoto kicked the ground harder and harder.
　The recoil causes dust to fly up, closing off the view.
　But it was only for a moment.
　Mako broke through the dust and approached the roof of the temple.

''Fene!''
What?
That's guts!
'I have a bad feeling about this!　I have a bad feeling about this!
Oraaaaah!
My premonition was right after all~~~!

　Makoto threw Fene with all his strength.
　Then the fene flew towards the roof of the temple, leaving a Doppler effect.
　The Fene's trajectory changed due to the throw, and it wasn't high enough to jump to the roof of the temple.

''Good, shoo!''

　Mako grabbed the reliefs near the ceiling of the temple and flipped around.
　Papirsag emerged from the dust and their gazes crossed.
　He kicked the relief and leapt towards Papirsag.
　Papirsag looks up and tries to stick out his scissors.

'Yuka!'
"Luno Cuesta Agata!　O Periolis, who is not infinite, like a noose that binds, be a noose that binds my enemies!　Reveal, captive formation!

　A band of light intertwined itself around Papyrusag's entire body, completely blocking his movements.

'Materialize (materialize)!

　The flames that erupted from his right arm materialized and changed the basket hand into a disastrous shape.
　The pain is so intense that it disturbs your thoughts into a thousand pieces.
　Papyrusag opens his mouth.
　He's going to release that light.
　A ball of light is born in his mouth.
　How powerful is it?
　The ball of light increases in brilliance.
　That's when the ball of light will shine.

"Oraaaaah!

　Liv hit him from behind with a pole hammer.
　Due to the level difference, that blow was not a decisive strike.
　But the attack was not in vain.
　At least it succeeded in changing the angle of his head.
　A light shot out of Papirsag's mouth, and the sand melted into sludge.
　Papirsag looks at me again.
　But--.

'We've won!

　Makoto grabbed Papyrusag's head with his right hand and put his strength into it.
　After a certain amount of resistance, Papirsag's head shattered with the magic stone inside it.

''Disarm!''

　He screams as soon as he lands on the ground.
　The armor covering his right arm shatters and disappears as it melts into the air.
　Makoto exhales heavily and looks at Papyrusag.
　The papyrusag, which had lost its head, fell to pieces and went down.

''Mako!''

　Liv ran up to me with an excited look on her face.

'Liv, thank you for saving me.'
It's nothing to be thanked for. Do you want to stand up?

　Mako helped Liv up and stood up.
　There was a pitter-patter and a crack in space.

'What's going on?'
The dungeon is collapsing.

　He explains to Liv, who looks around anxiously.
　In the meantime, the dungeon collapses.
　The cracks widen and the space peels away.

''Well we've had some trouble,''

　Makoto picked up the magic stone and put it in his pouch.
　I can't just throw it away if I know it's worth money.

''The dungeon attack is complete, right?''

　After a while, the vision closed in on the darkness.

*

　I looked up with a huff and saw that I was in the forest.
　I don't know how much time had passed, but the moon was approaching the middle of the sky.
　When I had conquered the Skeleton King's dungeon, I had fainted, but this time it seemed that I had only lost consciousness momentarily.

''Hey, Liv!''
Uh-oh!

　I called out to Liv, who was next to me.
　Then she lost her balance and fell on her ass.

'Are we out here?'
I guess so.

　I looked around and saw Yuka and Fene.
　And the half-elf, too.

'Yuka, Fene, come here.
It's so dark I can't see anything.
My brother!　I don't want to throw it at you!

　Yuka looked around anxiously, but Fene hugged her, scratching her tears.

'Luno Kesta Agata!　O Periolis the Imperishable, let it shine on me, as light as lightning, be a light to me!　Reveal, lightning!

　Yuka chanted the spell irritably.
　As the spell was completed, a magic circle unfolded and a clenched fist-sized ball of light floated directly above her.

''Hey, are you okay?''
Where's this?

　When I called out to him, the man stood up with a bang.

'As you can see, it's out there,'
'Oh, so you've conquered the dungeon.

　The man said in a low, stifled voice.
　I don't know the true nature of the emotions put in there, but at least it wasn't positive.

''Well you've conquered a dungeon. We couldn't conquer a single dungeon even if we spent ten years on it. d*mn it, I shouldn't have dreamed that.

　The man spat and began to wander off.

'Watch out,'
Just leave me alone.

　The man heads to the stop of the rideshare.

'Is everything alright?'
You'll be fine.
My brother, your tone of voice is awful.
Really?
Yeah.

　'Nevertheless,' continues Fene.

'What are you going to do now?
It's none of our business.

　For example, even if the man had abandoned his friends and blocked the passage with an earthen wall to save himself - it was none of Mako and the others' business.
　Mako looked up to the heavens and let out a sigh.