*

Shouldn't you be shopping here?

　Fujica stopped in front of the Rogers Chamber of Commerce.

'You're a young lady, you're used to it, right?'
"I've never been in a restaurant in my world. And I've never been in a store with a guy before.

　Fujika's cheeks turn vermilion, as if embarrassed.
　The way her lips are pouting is adorable.

'How did you get your equipment in this world?'
'It's like a vendor comes in and buys equipment that's within your budget. But then the three of us would get some nice equipment...

　Huh, Fujica let out a sigh.
　It was a horrible response, but it must have formed an atmosphere where he couldn't complain.
　No, Mako changed her mind.
　Even if there was sympathetic pressure forming, how could anyone complain when a classmate was dead?
　Maybe they were being prevented from questioning it with their skills.

'Not something to think about now, is it?'
What's going on?
No, it's nothing.
Let's go in.

　Mako reached out and the door opened.
　It wasn't an automatic door, but a clerk who opened it for him.

'Welcome to Rogers Trading Company, Master Mako.
It's been a while.

　We exchanged a brief greeting and entered the store.

'Today ... in your companion's gear?
Yeah, Job's a monk.
Come on in.

　The clerk leads me to the back of the store.
　I almost gush when I see a coat with a black flame logo on the way in.
　Suddenly, my arms feel heavy.
　Fujica grabbed my sleeve.

''Mako-san, it looks so expensive!
I hear it's a good store. Don't worry about it, I've got the money.
I know that.

　Heartbroken, Fujika kept her grip on her sleeve.
　Makoto stopped at the back of the store - the corner where the equipment for adventurers was kept.

''Ha~, there's so much of it.''
Don't worry about the amount.
Hmm.

　Fujika nodded but wouldn't let go of her hand from her sleeve.
　He had no choice but to head down to the shopkeeper.

'Since you are a monk, I thought this would be a good place to get your armor.
Leather armor.
''Yes, this one is made from the leather of a sword-antlered deer (sorse deer). The antlered deer is a monster with antlers as sharp as swords, as the name suggests. During the mating season, they will butt their antlers together and compete for the female.
You mean durable?
Yes, sir.

　The clerk grinned.

''If it's durability, isn't the Demon Bear (Evil Grizzly) more durable?''
''I'm sorry. The leather armor of the demon brown bear was a special order.

　The clerk raises an apologetic eyebrow.

'I wish I'd saved the fur from when I met Liv.
The antlers are durable enough to hold up well, and are usually combined with cloaks and robes.
Okay.
Yes, sir.

　You're not lying to me, are you?　And Makoto looks at the clerk.
　But the clerk has a sales smile on his face.
　It's a brilliant sales smile.
　It's hard to see the truth.
　Qui, qui, the sleeve is pulled down.

I'm sure you'll be able to get a special order for it, Makoto-san. I'll buy those things myself.
Really?
Yes!

　Fujica nodded vigorously.

'Is that all right?'
Of course!

　Bumping, Fujica shook her head.
　She thought the creature called the young lady was a selfish thing, but apparently not so much.
　She laughed at the thought of that.
　She had never been with the young lady, or even met her.
　Inevitably, Makoto's imagination of the young lady is a fictional entity.

'Why are you laughing?'
No, it's nothing.

　He lightly pats Fujica's head.

'Where's your cape?'
If you're a monk, a robe would be more appropriate.
What's your team's logo?
Yeah, I guess so.

　The clerk crossed his arms thoughtfully.

''How about you purchase a plain robe today and exchange it at a later date?''
Free, right?
Of course I do.

　The clerk nodded widely with a sales smile on his face.
　His hands are rubbing, by the way.

'Are you making money?'
"Hahaha.

　The clerk laughs cheerfully.
　I just laughed.
　I was curious about how much money he was making, but I'd better keep it quiet for the sake of continuing our good relationship.

''Are the robes fire-rat leather?''
Yes, sir.
How come you're so quick on the uptake?
He's a rat.

　Either that means there are quite a few of them, or they've been successfully farmed.
　Either way, they won't be revealing any trade secrets.

'Speaking of which...'

　Makoto looked at Fujica.

'What?'
What about the weapons?
It's not a weapon. It's a magical amplifier.

　Fujika turned the back of her hand to Makoto and showed him the ring on her middle finger.
　It's a silver ring with a small gemstone on it.

''And the weapon?''
I had my wand with me, but it broke.

　Fujika said in a voice like a mosquito buzzing.

''If that's the case, how about this finger ring bracelet?
That looks like a lot of money!

　The clerk pointed a small box of decorations at us, and Fujica raised her voice.
　It's not unreasonable.
　First of all, the box itself has a luxurious look to it.
　Housed in it are rings and bracelets held together by silver chains.
　They are encrusted with gems in various places and look really expensive.

''Plus, this one!

　Then the shopkeeper points to a cane - probably a tin cane - with the palm of his hand.

'This tin cane here is one made of processed silver oak!　Not only can it be used as a striking weapon, but it also acts as a magical amplifier!　When used in conjunction with a finger ring bracelet, the magic amplification increases even more!　Now the service price....

　The voltage that seemed to be rising without a ceiling dropped rapidly, and the clerk closed the lid of the box and tapped the tablet.

''Leather armor, robes, fingerling bracelets, and a tin cane.......how about this price?''
Hey, that's super expensive!

　The clerk pointed the tablet at us and Fujica let out a screeching sound.
　It's more expensive than Mako's equipment.

'If you're willing to service the boots too.'
Oh I see.

　The clerk looked at Fujica's feet and muttered approvingly.
　Her boots are quite damaged, as if she's been wearing them for a long time.

'I'll need some underwear and clothes too,'
I'll buy that one myself!
Get it for your own good.
Miss Makoto.

　Pang pang," the clerk clapped his hands.
　Then--

'You wanted to see me, sir?'

　A female clerk came in.
　She was a tall, cold-looking beauty.

'I need your underwear and clothes over here.
Very well. Come in, please.

　With that, the female clerk walks away.
　She stops in the middle and looks at us.

'Well, I guess I wasn't delirious enough.
That's not what I meant.
Just go check it out.

　When Makoto pushed back, Fujika headed down to the female clerk with a sense of reluctance.

'Can I finish this one's bill first?'
Of course I do.

　The clerk holds out a tablet and Makoto touches it with the palm of his hand.
　A window appears and the amount of money changes.

'Now we just have to wait for Fujika?'
I'll bring you some incense tea.
I'm sorry.
No, no, Makoto-sama is a valued customer.

　The clerk shook his head in an acting gesture.

*

　Mako walked out of the castle gates and headed for the usual clearing.
　Liv was sitting on a rock.
　It seems that he doesn't want to cut corners and is fully armed.
　Beside him is Makoto's equipment.
　He noticed us and stood up.

'I'm too late ... ah?　Where's Fujica?
I sent him home.
Makoto is a Parkinson, right?
I had a lot of baggage.

　I bought a good amount of clothes and underwear.
　It's much easier to send them back to the inn than to come here with all that stuff.
　I've been thinking about it, but...

I'm not sure I'm going to be able to find the right one. It's a good idea to take a good look at it.
He's not a good-looking man.

　I can work and play.
　There was a time when he longed to be such a man, but he gave up on the idea that he couldn't do it.
　Mako walked over to the rock and put on her basket hand and leg armor.

'Besides, it was Fujika who said she was going home first.
You don't understand. Of course I wanted you to give me a lift to the inn.

　'Good grief,' Liv cowered.

'On the contrary, don't you care?
You don't understand. Women are supposed to appreciate that kind of attention.
What would you think if Liv were in Fujica's position?

　I wondered and asked.
　I asked him.

Of course I'm going to tell you to get out of here and get on with your life.
No, man.

　To say it's rib-like is to say it's rib-like, but I wish you wouldn't say the opposite of what you think.
　Mako claps her fists together and stands in the middle of the clearing.

'Well, let's do it.'
What's your cue?
You're on it.
That's a lot of leeway.

　Liv carried a pole hammer and smiled ferociously.
　I'm going to give you a blow.
　It's the kind of smile that conveys that feeling.

'Then throw this one and we'll start.

　Liv took a coin from the pouch and played it with her fingers.
　The sound was clear.

'You haven't started yet, have you?'
Oh, it starts with...

　Liv popped the coin with her fingers - and the next thing she knew, she was shoving it in.
　Mako hurriedly held up her fist.

'If you toss the coin, you'll start!
I threw it right!

　Liv swung the pole hammer down, yelling back.
　He's still a guy who doesn't play fair.
　Well, maybe that's what being a mercenary is all about.

''Earthquake strike!''

　The tip pierces the ground and radiates a crack.
　The seismic strike is a technique that has the effect of inhibiting action.
　It hadn't been effective against Mako until now, but it slightly slows down her movements.
　Has his level increased?
　Or has his status been raised by becoming a military family member?
　Either way, there is no way to know for sure.

''Oraaaaah!''

　Taking advantage of the opportunity, Liv swings the pole hammer to the side.
　It's a ground-breaking blow.
　Mako steps in and catches the pole part with his leg armor.
　No damage, but not very heart-wrenching.

“--!

　Liv pulled the pole hammer.
　He must be planning to hook his leg with the sharp edge.
　Makoto lightly lifts his foot and avoids the attack.
　He swings his foot down further.
　He doesn't intend to destroy the weapon.
　He wanted to hold it down with the sole of his foot.

''Oraaaaah!''

　I heard Liv's voice and looked ahead.
　Then Liv was close enough to see him.
　Makoto sidestepped and ducked out of range of the body hit.
　I thought I put in a feint, but maybe it was because of my poor technique, but he didn't hook me.

''Oraaaaah!''

　A pole hammer approaches with a murky wind noise.
　A sideways attack.
　Naturally, you can't duck it to the side.
　We can't duck directly behind it.
　I'd duck at an angle, but Liv is still coming at me while turning the pole axe.
　But she is a human species.
　She's a human, and there's a time lag between her next attack and the next one.
　Makoto timed his attack while dodging it.
　The moment I stepped in, I felt a shock in my chest.
　The ribs grabbed the chest.
　She is a mercenary.
　Fighting with a weapon is not the only thing she can do.
　Mako quickly grabbed Liv's hand and twisted it up.

''Ah, ouch!''

　Perhaps in pain, Liv contorts her face and leans forward.
　This is not because of her will, but because she twists her arm up.
　Even so, she's still grabbing at her clothes, which is quirky.
　Mako grabbed her hand and swung her ribs around.
　Not just swinging it around.
　He places his knee on its trajectory.

''Tch!''

　Liv removes her hand from her clothes, and so does Makoto.
　Should I praise him for being a quintessential mercenary?
　If he hadn't let go of his hand, he would have been hit in the face.
　Liv rolled on the ground and stood up.

''Hey, hey, I didn't hear you could use a joint technique!
I learned mixed martial arts, you know.

　Not only do I have arthroscopic techniques, but I also have throwing techniques and cane jutsu - a way to fight with a cane.
　Although, I retired before I was taught cane techniques.

'Hehe, don't do it.'
You look happy.

　Mako let out a small sigh as Liv held up her pole hammer with a smile.

'Aren't you having fun, Mako?
I'm not very good with violence.
It's fun. I'm getting stronger and stronger and I have a purpose. I need to be strong.
You're a battle freak.
I don't deny that, but I don't like the idea of relying on Makoto all the time when the need arises. We're a team.
I see.

　Makoto held his chest.
　He had never felt like he was the only one fighting, but the fact that his friends were trying to be strong to support each other stung him.

'Yeah, zzz!'

　With that, Liv kicked up the dirt and rushed forward.

'I was kind of impressed, but this sucks!
It's the wrong thing to be afraid of!

　Liv swings a pole hammer at him.
　He's probably going to unleash another sideways attack.
　Should he step in, or should he backstep and duck?
　Suddenly I notice that Liv is laughing.
　I have a bad feeling about this.
　Come to think of it, Liv often had a trump card hidden away.
　It's not surprising that he has a trump card ready this time, too.
　If that's the case--.

"Ignition!
Ignition!

　Mako and Liv's voices overlap.
　Jet-black flames envelop Mako's right arm and Liv's pole hammer.
　Liv gives him a look that he didn't expect.
　But it's only for a moment.
　His smile deepens and he swings the pole hammer.
　The pole hammer collides with his right arm, and the impact explodes.
　Mako couldn't hold on and was blown away, but Liv just lost her balance.

''Seismic strike, reform!''

　Liv repositioned herself with force and swung the pole hammer down.
　The tip stabbed into the ground, creating a radiating crack.
　That's not all.
　Jet-black flames erupted and approached Makoto while spreading the crack.

''Amazing........naah!

　Makoto immediately regains his position and slams his feet into the ground.
　A crack appeared on the ground around the foot and jet black flames erupted.
　The crack caused by the seismic strike and reformation reached there.
　The equilibrium is instantaneous.
　With a dry sound, the flames of the ribs popped off.

''Ha~, that's not good either.''

　Liv sat down on the spot and looked up to the heavens.
　Her loincloth was in full view due to the fact that she was up on one knee.

'No, that was pretty bad, huh?
"...pole hammer.

　Liv blurted out.

'You could have ducked, right?'
Maybe.

　Tsk, Liv clicked her tongue and poked her cheekbones in support of her well-trained thighs.
　It was cute in a childish way, the way he turned away in a huff.

'Just in case you're wondering, maybe, maybe. I thought I might not be able to duck, so that's why I got attacked.
You don't need to remind me.

　Liv slowly stood up and brushed away the dirt on her paleo.

'I knew we'd have to raise our ground power to win.
Well, you know.

　You can take a shot at it with technology, but if you get gobbled up, that's it.
　But--

"High status doesn't mean you can't win, you know.
I've got a lot of catching up to do.

　Liv let out a deep sigh and slapped her cheek with a pang.

'Good!　End of reflection!
You're recovering fast.
That's my strength.

　With that, Liv put her hand on Makoto's shoulder.
　The smell of sweat irritated her nostrils.

'Well?'
You don't sound very horny.

　Chet, Liv clicked her tongue adorably.

'If you're horny ... oh, no, if you're horny, ask Sherry out.
Why?
I'm trying to build up my seniority.

　You don't understand, that's the kind of tone you're talking about.
　I've never been with two women at the same time, so I can't argue with that, but maybe that's just the way it is.

'It's a hard hurdle to ask someone out when you're horny.
Just sit at the counter and have a drink of water. And then Sherry will set it up for you.
Is that so?
Yeah, I know. Sherry's a doer, I think.
I'm pretty nervous.

　I can feel like a demonic woman, but can I leave it there?

'If not, you can handle it on the fly,'
So that's it.

　Mako let out a small sigh.

'Speaking of which...'
I'm ready for it.
Not that way.

　I shove it into the ribs with a thumbs up.

'Then what?'
'When did you learn to use spirit magic?'
I tried it in the shower. The seismic rayon was a straight shot, though.

　Liv grinned.

'How well do you think you can use it?'
'I don't think I'm going to be able to keep my senses on fire for long. I think it's better if you can hit it twice a day for seismic rayon and break.

　Just like Fene, it doesn't seem to be able to be used frequently.

Well, we can get by with a higher level.

　Liv said in a matter-of-fact tone.