*

　The Audience Room - Futoshi called it that space at the back of the cave.
　Magic items for lighting were set up, but the audience room was dimly lit.

''What are you doing with so few under your command!
Whew.

　When Futoshi yelled at them, the children ran away as if in a panic.
　One child didn't even flinch in the midst of it all.
　It was the third one - a child born to an adventurer.
　Compared to the other children, he was bigger and more intelligent.
　In addition, he was a good fighter and could use magic as well or better than Futoshi.
　He was assigned to a leader-like role to lead the children, but he didn't appoint it.
　He wasn't naturally made to perform the leadership role through repeated battles.
　To be honest, Futoshi didn't like this guy.
　When he was a newborn, he'd felt cute, but his dislike for him had grown since he'd started to emerge.
　This guy's talent was inherited from his parents, Futoshi.
　He ended up in the position of leader while I was struggling at the bottom of the school caste.
　It's as if Hutoshi was at the bottom of the school caste because he didn't work hard enough.

''Look!　Go get the girl!　And I will forgive you!
Whew!

　The child - the leader stood up and walked out of the audience room.

'You guys get out too!
Whew!

　Futoshi shouted at them, and the children looked flustered as they walked out of the audience room and said.
　The way they were pushing and snapping at each other as they walked out, I couldn't feel their intelligence.
　But that's what I love about it.

'We must have more children again.

　Futoshi leaned back on his throne.

*

　Mako and the others proceeded through the forest.
　Fene is at the front of the line, followed by Liv and Laura, Yuka and Fujika, and Raymond and Makoto at the back.
　Because it's winter, the grass isn't as thick as it should be.
　But...

"Plants are pretty stubborn, aren't they?

　Makoto muttered as he looked around.
　He'd only expected the trees to shed their leaves and the grass to die in the winter, but there was a greater amount of greenery left than he'd imagined.
　Fene's ears perked up.

''It's like this.''
Okay.

　If you put it that way, I can only nod.

''That's surprising.''
What?
'I thought they would attack us as soon as we entered the forest, but the enemy seems to be surprisingly well governed.

　When I asked back, Laura said in a low, stifled voice, as if she were wary.

'Come to think of it,'

　I could only guess from his voice, but the human-faced rabbit is controlled by impulse.
　No, I should say it's a mass of impulses.

''It's the power of the human-faced rabbit leader, isn't it?
What do you mean, human rabbit leader?

　It was Liv who asked the question.

'Didn't we have a macho man-faced rabbit?'
Yeah, that's him. He looks pretty strong.

　Liv smiled ferociously.

'The proclivity to fight the strong guys--'
It's not a proclivity, it's a warrior's instinct.
It's either s*xuality or instinct, it doesn't matter.
It's not good.
Okay. Warrior's instinct.

　Mako said, feeling disgusted.

'I'll deal with the human-faced rabbit leader.
It's very unusual for Mako to say that.
I don't want you to lose, even if it happens. I don't want my guys getting raped, man.
Okay. You're in charge.

　Surprisingly, I should say, Liv obeyed honestly.
　It's probably not my imagination that he looks happy.

''I think Liv-dono would be able to cross over more than evenly, but Mako-dono is very cautious.
You never know what you're dealing with.

　Raymond would say that he was being too cautious.
　But the human-faced rabbit leader is leading his subordinates, who are a mass of impulses.
　In terms of leadership, he's even better than Makoto.
　And you know what?

They're not just using weapons, they're using poison.
Yeah, I'm surprised by that, too.
This is not someone to be underestimated.

　We should think of it as dealing with a human being.

'Speaking of which, what kind of guy is Yamada?'
Are you talking to me?

　Yuka looks back.
　She looks really unhappy, as if she's dragging Fujika into the fold.

''It doesn't have to be you, though...''
What do you want to ask me?
The human rabbit... what kind of a guy was Yamada?

　Yuka's tone is really provocative.
　However, if she turns the conversation over to Fujica, she is sure to be in a worse mood.
　She is a real pain in the ass, and I hope she gets used to it.
　I hope the day comes when I can get used to this troublesome smell.

"....you're such a creep.
Do you have anything more?
'You're a super creepy guy. All he does is look at girls' breasts and thighs and it makes me itch just to remember!　God, that's disgusting!

　Yuka's voice trailed off as she remembered that moment.

'Where's Fujika?'
'Oh?　Why are you asking him?
Can't be too much information, right?

　Tsk, Yuka clicked her tongue.

'We weren't exactly close, so Makoto-san--'
Makoto-san?

　As I thought, it was Yuka who reacted.

'Why is it you, Makoto-san?'
You're the leader, and you're the one who pulled me out, so why not Makoto-san?
Don't play nice.
No, let him play nice.

　Rather, I think Yuka should learn from him.

'You call me Mako-san, but in your heart you're making fun of me.
I have respect for him.
'Respect?　Are you a rapper?

　I'm terribly prejudiced.

"Stop fighting, all right? So, what's he like?
He's a nerd. Satou...
Sato?　I don't deserve to be called Satou.
It's not going anywhere.

　Mako blurted out as Yuka poked her again.
　He was left in the dungeon - not unreasonable, considering that he was almost killed, but I hope you can bear with me here.

''I don't want you to poke me every time!

　Fujika shouted, as if she couldn't stand the quicksilver anymore.

'Don't poke me?　What are you talking about when you almost killed someone!
I already apologized for that!
You have a rotten brain that says it's okay to apologize!
It's not rotten!
So why did you leave me in the dungeon?
That's not...

　Fujika was pressurized by Yuka, and Fujika kept her mouth shut.
　Makoto braced himself to jump out at any moment.
　If Yuka hit him with her cane, Fujika would die.

''Well that's the kind of vibe I was getting.
Air?　You can't kill someone with that stuff!
He wasn't trying to kill her. He was just trying to teach her a lesson.
If you leave me in a dungeon, I'm going to die!
Well, I guess so.
I know!　Tell him more!

　Yuka moved next to Makoto and bashed him on the second arm.
　He looks really happy.

''It's not like I was taking your side, you know?
You're on my side!
As far as I'm concerned. I'm wondering if you really felt like you were going to punish him. At least Fujika thought Yuka was right, didn't she?
Yeah, well,

　Fujika nodded vaguely.

''Normally, it wouldn't be surprising if someone agrees with Yuka, would it?
Yeah, but I feel like I'm disturbing the harmony.
What do you mean?
I don't know. I don't know.
I didn't do it myself!
'I'll tell you I thought it was the right thing to do at the time...'

　Fujika clammed up again.

'Didn't Yuka notice?'
I knew they were treating me like a boil, but...

　This time, Yuka nagged.

''Nah, it's just weird.''
What?
'I get that Yuka is, well, floating around. But, you know, it's weird that you don't notice that kind of vibe going on among your classmates, was it Takaya?
Why did you mention your name, Takagi?
'He's gone off with his people, hasn't he?　Why aren't you talking to Yuka?
I don't know.

　Yuka said as she spat.

'Maybe it's because Satou is a transferee.
What's that?
It's not like we're on the same team or anything.
What?　How expensive do you stop being a f*cking celebrity? I mean, it's not because of your parents or relatives that you guys are able to get a celebrity look. It's because you're too stupid to make a college record, which is why you're a transfer student like me.
So that's it.

　Yuka wound up, and Fujika gave her a disgusted look and said back.

'That doesn't make sense to me. You need to verbalize it properly.'
So we have our own air about us!

　Fujika said disgustedly.

The Taiga Academy is an integrated education system, so there is an atmosphere that has been created up to that point. Of course, Satou was right, but if you don't follow the atmosphere--
'If you want me to follow the air so badly, you'll have to say it with your mouth!
So I can't say it out loud!
　Insufferably, Fujika shouted out, as if she'd lost her temper.
'Both of you, calm down.'

　I interrupt as the heat is building up.

'At any rate, I know that the class ... or rather the school, has a problem.
I don't want you to get caught up in school.
I avoided expressing that you have a problem, too.
What's wrong with me?
You know what, you're like an alien to Fujika and the others.

　Yuka doesn't understand the atmosphere that Fujica and the others share - the culture of Taiga Academy.

''What do you mean by a different race? I've been trying in my own way.''
'Effort?　I have a pain in one side of my stomach.

　Fujica snickered.

'What's so funny?'
''Is that book interesting?'' I'm seriously amused that someone would make an effort to answer 'I wouldn't read it if it wasn't interesting' when asked.
I got pissed off because you keep asking me that question!
So that's what I'm talking about!

　Yuka and Fujika glared at each other.

'Hey, cat,'
"It's a cat!

　When I called out to her, Yuka stared at me.

'You were wearing a cat, weren't you?'
I was wearing it!
Is that what you're wearing?

　Makoto let out a sigh.
　The person who spoke to him wouldn't have expected him to destroy the clue.

'I could tell that Yuka was isolated.
It's annoying. How can a poor special student and a f*cking celebrity get along with each other? You bought me a branded bag, or you went abroad on a family vacation... I'm getting angry just remembering that.

　Oki shook violently as Yuka kicked in.

'No, you too. Let's expand the conversation.
I know, at first I thought I'd expand my vocabulary. But I can't!　I can't have a conversation like a textbook in English because I'm so stressed out!
No, no, no, no, no, no, no. He's just trying to make it work.
How?
You don't just answer questions, you ask them from us.
I'm not interested in any of the people in my class.
That's what it's all about!

　Mako exclaimed.

How could you not be bullied for that?
"Of course he was bullied. But I don't mind. In fact, I don't feel sorry for them because that's all they can do.
Awesome.

　Yuka's lack of cooperation is often disgusting, but her boldness in not being afraid of isolation is impressive.

'It stops!'

　Fene raised her voice and the Mako's stopped.

'What's going on?'
I'm working on it.

　Fene answers Liv's question by kneeling on the ground.

'I want you to poke me there with a pole hammer.
Okay.

　Liv poked the ground from front to back with the tip of the pole hammer.
　His upper body tilted slightly and the ground caved in.
　It was a pit.

'Punjestake, huh?'

　Mako looked into the hole and spat it out.
　A number of sharp-tipped stakes poked into the bottom of the hole.

'What's a punji stake?'
It's a trap used by the guerrillas in the Vietnam War.
Just call it a pitfall.
The people who get it, they get it.

　Yuka said in disgust, but you can tell a generation by whether you understand or not.

'It would have been perfect if you'd painted the poop on it.
Why do you put that on?
Of course it was to cause an infection.

　He replies to Yuka, who frowns at the word "poop".

'I don't know how effective it would be in a world where water gushing canisters (magic items) and healing magic exist.
No, these traps are very effective.
Yeah.

　Fene agrees with Liv's words.

'The human-faced rabbits seem to be very intelligent.

　Raymond looked into the hole and cowered his shoulders.

'You'll keep me in the loop on the information.
Oh, you're sending salt to the enemy?
I wouldn't consider myself an enemy.

　By enemies, I mean Kouki and the others.
　They've been turned against us for humbling Luke and pulling out Fujika, but at least Mako doesn't think they're enemies.

'Alright. I'll keep you posted.

　Raymond touched his ear and muttered something.
　I was wondering what he was doing when Laura opened her mouth.

'It's communication magic,'
I knew you had that kind of magic in you. Laura is--
I have no magical talent.
Okay.

　'Huh,' grunted Laura.

'Do you have any magic items for communication?
Yes.
I should have bought it.

　I should have checked to see what kind of magic item they had in mind.

'I thought you might say that...'

　Fene pulled what looked like a badge from the pouch.

'You're a cheapskate,'
"What is cheapskate? Cheapskate!

　Liv said with a grin, and Fene stood up on her pin and tail.

'What kind of magic item is this?'
All I want is to know where you are.

　After all, Liv replied with a smirk.

'How do we know where it is?'
It's all in the tablet.

　Saying that, Fene took out a tablet from the pouch.
　It's the size of a smartphone, unlike the one she uses at the inn.

''Well, I only know the direction and distance.
That's enough.
'Yes, isn't it!　That's my brother!　You know the value of magic items!　I'm going to give them all to you now!

　Fene hands the badge - or rather, the magic item - to Makoto and the others, waving her tail happily.



　In the evening, Makoto and the others returned to the village.
　Although they couldn't find the human-faced rabbit, they should be happy that they were able to finish their search without any injuries first.

Okay, I'll go back to Commander Luke.
Good job, man. Keep up the good work.
I need you to do the same.

　Raymond smiled briskly and headed toward the center of the settlement where the church was located.

'We should rest too,'
Oh, I'm really tired.
I'm not ready for this.
I'm incomplete.
You're lucky we didn't have to fight.
....

　Yuka, Fene, Liv, and Laura seem to have plenty of time to spare, but Fujika is nowhere near as energetic as she is.
　Makoto slows his pace and moves next to Fujika.

'How did it go?'
I don't have a problem with that.

　Although he says so, his tone is weak.

''How many levels is Fujica?''
I'm...
He's level 12.

　Yuka interrupted Fujika's words and said.

''........Level 12?''
I'll do my best not to slow you down!
That's not what I'm talking about.

　Mako chuckled.

'Sorry. I thought I knew it was important to understand the situation, but...''
You've always been that way.
It's not always.

　In case you're wondering, I'll say it back.

'I didn't account for the level difference. I'm really sorry.
But it's my fault.
No, it's the leader's job to know what's going on.
....

　I said with some effort and Fujica fell silent.

'Fene, we're going to slow down a bit more tomorrow.
Yes, sir.

　Fane raised his hand vigorously.

'You guys have a huge level difference?'
'Yeah, well, I'm a monk so it's hard for me to level up, and I'm second in line.
It's those three that make up the army.

　'Yeah,' said Fujika with a small nod.

''Well it can't be helped since it's Kouki-kun and the others who are on the front lines.
Okay.

　Perhaps that's how Kouki and his team create the atmosphere.
　If they take the initiative to take on the burden, they will have more say in the matter.
　And the greater the level difference, the harder it is to complain.
　The next thing you know, the three of you are in control.

'I forgot to mention that our team has an equal share of the profits.
Does that mean we're splitting it up?
That's what I thought. This request is more like 5 million A up front and 5 million A on a contingency fee--
I don't pay you back in advance.

　Yuka interrupted and Makoto let out a sigh.

''It's like an equal share of the success fee. Objectionable Ya--''
Because I'm against it, against it!

　Yuka interrupted again.

'Let's have a majority vote. All in favor except for Yuka?
That's the rule.
I can't argue with that.
I don't have one either.
Tsk.

　Fene, Liv and Laura agreed, and Yuka clicked her tongue.
　I thought the conversation was settled--'

''Wait a minute!''
Is there a problem?
There's a problem!　That may be the rule, but it's not an amount of money that can be given to a newcomer who just walked away!
I don't want to get in trouble for this.
Why are you looking at me?

　When Makoto turned to look at her, Yuka looked miffed.
　Apparently, she was unaware of it.

''Anyway, I just need to have some current funds.
See, it's his word against mine.

　Yuka smiled triumphantly and slapped Makoto's two arms.

I don't know the market.
'Isn't 10,000A enough for a current fund?'
I'll take it.

　Fujica nodded at Liv's suggestion.

'How about a contract fee of 10,000 A, apart from the money to purchase the equipment?
I'm not serving you.
I'll get it.
But I don't want you to go that far...

　Fujika gave her an apologetic look and Makoto chuckled.
　It's not that I don't like the idea of it, I just like the idea of it.
　You can't help but let out a bitter smile.
　Well, if you say that, Yuka will probably bite you.

'You should spoil the part of you that can be spoiled.
But.....
To be honest, the level difference makes it tougher to get the right equipment.
Okay.

　Fujica tried to argue, but nodded with a sense of reluctance at Fene's words.

''Don't be so wary, Mako's a bit of a shyster. I'm not going to talk about letting you have a shot at him because you paid him.''
I'm not like that.

　When Liv smiled charmingly and tapped him on the shoulder, Fujica let her gaze wander.
　Shocked at being thought of as such, she looked at the fence that had been broken by the human-faced rabbit.
　The fence seemed to have been repaired, but near it were some of Yuka's classmates.
　The first and second armies, built with combat jobs, are on a search for human-faced rabbits, so the production jobs -- the guys in the third army, to put it strongly.

　--!

　I hear a voice and press my temples.

'Another signal?'
It's not a signal, man.

　He talks back to Yuka, who gives him a disgusted look.
　Liv puts her arm around Mako's shoulder.

'Are we close?'
Not close, but more than last night. And on top of that, you're more cooler than last night.
They could have been scouts last night.
Yeah.

　I nodded at Liv's words.
　He's the kind of guy who uses poison and sets traps.
　They'll at least do some power reconnaissance.

'To Commander Luke--'
I'm home!

　Laura was about to ask Mako a question when Takeshi's voice rang out.
　I let out a sigh and turned around to see Kouki and the others coming towards us.
　Kouki, Takeshi, and Kirara were unharmed, but the other six seemed to be wounded.
　The boy, who appears to be a warrior job, is walking on the shoulders of his friends.
　Perhaps he had fallen into a pit.
　A hole has been made, and his trousers, stained with blood, are painful.
　I hoped he would ignore me, but Takeshi approached Makoto.

'Yo, was that black flame?　We took down ten of them.
Well, great. We didn't win any battles.
Haha, you were so bold, you couldn't even take one of them down.

　Takeshi snickered.

'Hey, our--'
Okay.

　Mako controlled Liv with her hand as she tried to crowd him.
　He might have felt that if he had competed, he would have felt that it was a bit of a mouthful, but Mako and the others - the Black Flame's goal was to let Christine know that she had a strong subordinate.
　There's no need to regret not being able to defeat the human-faced rabbit.
　Well, I'm pissed off to be pissed off--''

'Hey, Fujika. Apologize and you can come back to me.
....

　Fujika silently hid behind Makoto.

''Ha, you miss them a lot. Well, protect--
Stop.

　Kouki interrupted Takeshi's words.

'Kouki, this guy is a traitor.
It's her choice. That's not for us to say.

　Fujika's problems are also Kouki and his friends' problems--'

'Ayane, Takeshi says this, but you can come back whenever you want.
Ayane, we'll be waiting for you.
Tsk.

　Kouki and Kirara said, and Takeshi clicked his tongue as he left.
　The other six followed.
　When Kouki and the others were far enough away, Laura approached.
　He's going to make sure he knows what to do with the human-faced rabbit nearby.

'Makoto-sama?'
"I'll let Master Luke know.
Are you sure?
Our job is not to cause more damage.

　The purpose of the Black Flame is to let Christine know that she has strong men.

'Besides, it's a bad aftertaste when someone dies.
That's just like you, Makoto.

　Laura chuckled.

'Me and Laura will stop by the church and then come back.
Yes, sir. I want you to handle the food.
I'll help you.

　Mako patted Fene's head and headed for the church.

*

　When I returned home after running errands at the church, Fene and Fujica were cooking.
　Fujica uses a knife to dangerously peel off the potato-like vegetable skin.

'Yeah, yeah, that's the way it goes. It's quite stringy.
Well, I've been practicing for a while now.

　Fene praised her and Fujica said with a shy smile.
　They seem to have a good relationship.

''Well compared to that,''

　Makoto turned his attention to the table.
　Yuka and Liv were sitting there with nothing to do.

'If you've got a problem with that, just say it!
I'm a woman who can't do anything but fight.

　Yuka prodded, but Liv seemed to reopen the door.

'Well, okay,'
'Does Master Makoto believe that a woman should be able to cook?
It's better to be able to do it than not.
...and practice.

　He sat down in an empty seat while he and Laura engaged in such an exchange.
　Then Liv leaned forward.
　A fierce smile is on his mouth, perhaps in anticipation of a fight.

'So, how did it go?'
I think I've shared the information with them. Now it's up to them.
You're not very dependable.
Oh, come on. You promised to do what you said you'd do. You'd make them look bad by messing around.

　And it's not good to disrupt the chain of command.

'You're not afraid to obey others, are you?
That depends on the circumstances.

　If you're making a lot of mistakes in judgment, Luke hasn't made any mistakes and he's very flexible.
　He's not a bad boss.

It's just that if you keep running into things, it won't get any easier and you'll just make enemies.
Who are you talking about?
In generalities, in generalities.

　Mako is not afraid to obey her boss and seniors, but I wonder if this is the difference in working experience.

　--!　--GH!

　You're getting closer, Makoto said, touching his temples.