*

　Outside the city walls - Yuka's voice echoed cheerfully.

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

　As the chanting was completed, Makoto felt a floating sensation similar to dizziness.
　It's a sickening feeling, like when you're driving a car in a thick fog.
　He closed his eyes and stomped his feet.

''Cah!''

　I hear a pretty scream and open my eyes to find myself in the woods.
　Looking around, I see the figures of Yuka, Fene, Liv and Laura.
　Apparently, the transition was successful--.

''What happened to Fujika?''
Underneath.

　Yuka pointed her thumb down.
　I thought it might be her index finger at a time like this, but the gesture of pointing her thumb down was terrifyingly samey.
　When I looked down, I saw that Fujica was on her ass.
　Her skirt was rolled up, exposing her shorts.
　The shorts were neat and gorgeous.
　Eye candy.

'Don't look at them!

　Feeling embarrassed, Fujica turned red and held her skirt down.

'Look, if you have time to be shy, then get up off your feet.
I don't think so.

　Fujika stood up drearily and brushed the dirt from her skirt.

'Like it wouldn't be a beehive if you chose your words a bit more.
'You're a Christian and you're a bee. I mean, if you don't want to be seen, you should put it down.
What do you mean?
'These guys who wear these stupid short skirts have their waists folded inward and adjusted.
Hmmm, I see.

　Well, if you ask me, I think it's a good idea.
　The vendors wouldn't shorten the skirts of their uniforms, and not all high school girls would have the sewing techniques to shorten them.

'Come on, get it down,'
It's just, you know, I can't do it.
Why?
I cuffed it myself.
You don't think this is fabric glue?

　Yuka compared herself and Fujica's skirt.

'I used my sewing kit and my sewing machine, and...'
What?
So I took my sewing kit and my sewing machine and...
You don't have to say it twice. He hems himself up...
Anyone can do this.
I can't!
Hee!

　Fujika screamed as Yuka raised her voice.

'Tch, what a high spec. 'What a b*tc* you are,'
They are both superfluous.

　Fujica blurted out.

'I'll tell you if you want.'
No!　I don't need to sew!
But when the child was born, he was knitting woolen socks and hats and--
You know how to knit!
There's nothing wrong with that.
Where in the world do you find a high school girl who can hem and knit?
No, he's right here.
This one's an exception!

　Makoto said, pointing at Fujika, and Yuka exclaimed.

'There's a lot of things you can do, like making sweets, doing daily dances, secretly studying in the shadows, you know what I mean?
No, it's not.

　Fujika's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment and she writhed.

'You wouldn't tell me you could even cook, would you?
I can make the easy ones.
You're a gal on the outside, but a good wife and a good mother on the inside, how ridiculous can you be?
Calm down!　You learn it in home economics, so it's normal to be able to cook!
Yeah, right. You should relax.

　Following Mako's words, Yuka repeated a deep breath.

'So, what's your specialty?　If you say the word 'kaiseki' you'll get your brain splattered.
Miso soup, jerky, home-cooked meals...

　Yuka moaned huskily and stepped on the ground.

'What's that?　You're rich and you're trying to appeal to the common man?
I'm starting to feel like I can't say anything else.
Yuka's got a minefield of heart.
It's a minefield!
"Minefield of the mind!
....

　When Makoto shouted, Yuka shushed him as if he was pressured.
　Well, anyone would be silenced if he suddenly shouted about the minefield of the mind.

''So what does it matter!
Sounds good, doesn't it?
It won't work!
You know what?
I don't know!

　'That's true,' agreed Makoto.

'Landmines are easy to put in place.
'I know about that. They call it a devil's weapon because it's cheap and easy to install but hard to remove, right?
'Yes. There are traps inside that have been set by professionals that make it difficult to remove them.
I don't need to know the whole story.

　Yuka said disgustedly, and Makoto let out a breath of relief.
　If he was rammed in here, his shallowness was about to be exposed.

'So what's the point?'
'The doctor will take years to remove the land mines from your mind.
I don't know what to do.　I mean, what kind of situation is a teacher clearing mines!

　Yuka raised her voice.
　There's a scene like that in an old comic book, but it still doesn't seem to get through.

''Wait, you don't like rich people?''
Of course you don't like it.
I like being a little rich guy now.
I like being a millionaire now, too.

　Makoto laughed and Yuka smiled.

''You two ... it's like the only thing that brings people to life is bread.
Ha, that doesn't sound good coming from a guy who's lived his whole life.

　Yuka laughed through her nose and ruffled her hair.

'Miss, Miss,'

　Fene, who had been quiet, spoke to Yuka.

''What?''
Is it unusual to be able to sew and cook?
I can do it, too.
I don't know.

　Laura raises her hand to show off her girl power, but Yuka doesn't listen.

'Please listen,'
Well, no problem, but what can you do?
I can sew and cook!
I've heard that.
'Yes, I can mend and knit. I can also repair damaged chainmail. Cooking starts with hunting your prey.
Hmmm...?

　Yuka raised her eyebrows quizzically.

'I'm good at removing stains, too.'
Where did you learn that?
'Yes, I learned it when I was training as a knight.
Rejected.

　Yuka pointed her thumb down.

'Wait!　What's wrong with me?
'What's the point of showing off your knightly power, not your girl power!
'Same sewing!　It's the same dish!
Absolutely not!
Tell me what the difference is!

　Laura clutched at Yuka with tears in her eyes.

'Get away from me for a minute!'
No!
Then you'll have to use force, won't you?
You could die--!

　Laura couldn't continue until the end.
　Because Yuka shook her off.
　And with force.

"...you have shaken off your knighthood...
The groundwork is different.

　Yuka crossed her arms and looked down at Laura.
　Well, this is what would happen if the levels were nearly 50 different.

''Finally ... tell me where the difference is.
You're like newts and geckos.
I don't know!
Newts are amphibians and geckos are reptiles!
I know that!
Cooking frogs and rats doesn't make you a better girl.
Oh, oh!

　Laura covered her face with her hands.
　She's looking at us through the space between her fingers, so we should leave her alone.

'd*mn, all these guys are pissed off at me for showing off their girl power. Don't you think so too, Liv?'
I know how to sew and cook.
You're kidding me.
I'm not kidding. Well, I'm not much of an embroidery guy.

　Liv scratched her head in embarrassment.

'What?　You're a mercenary, aren't you?
What's wrong with mercenaries being able to sew and cook?
It's crazy, of course it is.
No, it's not funny.
Mercs don't need sewing and cooking skills.
It's not like I was born a mercenary. I used to help out at home when I was little.
Helping out in the house?
What's wrong with your face?
You're not a family of mercenaries, are you?
They're herding cattle on the grasslands down the road!
Why do we get embroidery?
Because that's the way it is.

　Liv answered after a pause.
　Her tone was weak.
　Perhaps it is normal for the Bison Horn tribe to teach their children to embroider.
　If you ask me why, I can only answer that it's just the way it is.

It's a Bisonghorn tradition, don't poke at it.
'Yes!　It's tradition, tradition!

　I thought I said to Yuka, but Liv was on board.

'You can at least sew and cook, can't you?'
And you can.

　Yuka replied in a supercilious voice.
　'My eyes are swimming.

'Then don't poke around so much,'
All right.

　Yuka said as she let out a sigh.
　The main ingredient of the sigh must be relief.

''Well, we're going to the swarm dungeon. Laura-san, I want you to stand up and not pretend to be crying.''
Yes.

　At Fene's urging, Laura stood up.
　There was no trace of tears.

'I want you to follow me so you don't get separated.

　Fene walks off, followed by Liv, Laura and Fujika.
　Makoto and Yuka follow somewhat later.

'....Mako.
What?

　He's probably worried about his low girl power with this guy... and I ask him back with that thought in mind.
　The next line is what does Mako think of girls who can't sew or cook?　I'm sure.

If you think you have something on me, you're wrong.

　A voice that seemed to come from the depths of the earth made Makoto realize his mistake.

*

　Makoto and the others formed up and made their way through the group dungeon.
　Liv and Laura are at the front of the line, Fene and Fujika are in the second row, Yuka is in the third row, and Makoto is in the back.
　Fene and Liv moved their ears, while Laura kept her eyes fixed on her surroundings.
　Mako and Yuka are as usual.
　Fujika is--.

''You know, you should walk more crisply,''
I'm on my feet!

　Fujica retorted, but her hunched figure was far from crisp.
　He looks like an old lady, aided by the fact that he is hugging his tin cane.

''I mean, when you were exploring the dungeon with your class, you were walking around unguarded and shuffling around.
That time!
What about that time?
I didn't feel scared.

　Fujika blurted out.
　Yuka didn't have any fear of killing each other either.
　Considering that, both of them might have been affected by the skill.
　It was Kouki or Kirara who was suspicious--.

''When did you become afraid of fighting?''
Every time you ask me when it's going to start, it's like I just noticed.
You should at least remember who you are.

　Yuka said to herself.

'It's like my discomfort got a little bigger after my classmate died. And now I don't know why I wasn't scared.
Maybe he was under the influence of your skills.
Yuka?
I'm not affected by it, unlike you guys. Isn't that right?
Yeah.

　I can't help but nod as Yuka glares at me with a demonic look on her face.

''It's none of your business, is it, Makoto-san?''
I met this guy in the Skeleton King's dungeon that you guys failed to capture. So you're probably the person who knows me best.
I don't know what to think of it, but it's ridiculous.
Well, you failed to capture it, but we did it together.
It's you.

　Mako covered her face with her hands and let out a deep sigh.

'What?'　The real--!
''Brother, is it true that my brother has conquered the Skeleton King's dungeon?
'Right!　Mako must have conquered it!　Ugh, I didn't see it wrong!
''Makoto-sama, the reason you're so strong is because you conquered the Skeleton King's dungeon!　It's wonderful!

　Pushing away from Yuka, Fene, Liv and Lola crowded into Makoto.

'Well, you don't think my brother saved me because he felt guilty?
'Whoa!　I can do it!　Watch the birth of a new legend alongside our heroes!　No, we'll make a legend out of you!
Master Makoto!　I'm of the lower nobility!　Oh, you're probably the most upstanding woman ever to make a move on Master Makoto!　How many, how many, how many, make me your rightful wife!　I serve you with all my heart and soul!　Now that you've received the dagger, you can consider the engagement to be a done deal!

　The three of them called out to each other.
　Laura is saying something outrageous in the midst of the hustle and bustle, but--'

''Calm down. I'm not a saintly man, so I can't hear you even if you speak at the same time. Besides, the ranks are in disarray. I'll talk to you when we get back to the inn...
When do you want to have your wedding?
We don't talk about it.
Yes.

　Laura turned over in a daze and returned to her original position with Liv.
　I don't dislike her, but I'm having a bit of a hard time dealing with her.

'Ouch, you caught me off guard,'
It's a gateway to disaster.
You should be worried.

　Yuka clicked her tongue and stroked her nose.

'Isn't it turning red?'
The wall is going to shatter.
I'm such an idiot for asking.

　Yuka took out a hand mirror from the pouch and looked into it.

'....Good.
Does it bother you that much?
Of course I'm curious. Now we're in for it.
I don't care if you're in your 40s or not.
You're not being deliberate enough.

　Yuka complained begrudgingly and tucked the hand mirror into her pouch.

'I didn't think I'd be pushed aside for conquering a dungeon.
''Miss, it's not as much as conquering a dungeon. You knew that and didn't tell us.
I didn't tell you because I didn't get a chance.

　Yuka's lips twitched in a sultry manner.

'I knew you were an amazing person, Mako-san.

　Fujika's eyes sparkle like a maiden in love.
　Well, I don't feel bad.

''What, you're muttering enraptured. Have you decided to drug yourself?
And no!

　Yuka's words brought Fujika back to reality.

'I was just impressed that Makoto-san is an amazing person!
Are you impressed?

　Yuka turned meekly and stared at Fujika.

'And I want you to tell me why you're looking at me like that.
'This is why I don't like the young lady to be smitten. If they're a little bit nice to you, or if someone comes along that you can rely on, you feel doomed.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's not!
Okay, you're right.

　Yuka grinned.
　It's like a predator's eyes teasing its prey.

''Oh, I'm seriously disgusted. You can't even come to this world, you're in love with it, you're doomed. It's your love brain, isn't it?
'I don't need Yuka to tell me that!　I mean, it's a world like this, and there's no point in doing favors for people who are kind and dependable!

　As if she couldn't take it anymore, Fujika raised her voice.

''Even Yuka must actually have feelings for you!
"Ha, my navel is making tea.

　Yuka snickered.

'You said you weren't a slut, how much of a slut do you have to be, how much of a slut do you like?
It's not so bad!　You're the one who's indebted to Makoto-san, but you don't have any feelings for her, or anything like that!
We are equals!　We're partners!　We've been in our own mortal coil together!　Don't do it with your flimsy favors!

　Fujika yells at me and Yuka yells back.
　'Equal, partner, battle buddy - if only it weren't for the occasional words - I think.

'You saved me, and it's seriously not possible,'
That's why we're partners. In this case, I was the one being rescued, but I would have risked my life if it were my family.

　Yuka said with her heart in her chest.

'Are you sure there are no favors?'
No. I don't care what he does. I don't care who he does it with. I don't know why he likes me so much, but I don't know if he likes me at all. Isn't that right?
Hmm, courtesy.

　Mako crossed her arms and snarled.

'Look, look. You can't tell me how much Makoto likes me--
Love it or hate it, I love it.
"-Oh!

　Yuka jumped back to the wall with a guffawed look on her face.

'Don't be so surprised,'
Oh, you'll be surprised!

　Feeling embarrassed, Yuka turned red and said.

''Ha~ I didn't realize my brother felt that way.
Well, I wouldn't be with you if I didn't like you.
Well, I didn't think you two had that kind of relationship, but I can understand it.
Yooka was disloyal.

　Fene, Liv and Laura seem convinced, but Fujica looks reluctant.

'Even your gods say how much credit you'll get for loving someone who loves you!
You're in love with Yuka, Makoto, like a man of honor.
"Ugh!

　Yuka's face turned red and she snorted.

'Hey, hey, why are you saying you like me!　You're an idiot!
Miss, confession!
I'm rooting for you!
Good luck!
Yuka, like it's time to be honest!

　Fene, Liv, Laura and Fujika cheer her on, but Yuka is in tears.

'.....Mm.
Hmm?
I can't!

　Yuka said loudly and crossed her arms.

'I know you want to live in this world, but I want to go back to my world!　I dream of coming back to my mom, going to school, going to college, getting a job... and telling her how happy I am!　So, no, I can't!

　Yuka slumped to the spot and clung to her cane.

'No, I didn't say I liked you as a woman or anything.
What?

　Mako said with a pat on the back and a wave of her hand, and Yuka's eyes widened in surprise.

As a fellow human being, I mean, well, I don't hate you.
Hey, come on. You scared the shit out of me.

　Yuka took off her glasses and wiped her eyes roughly with the sleeve of her clothes.
　She puts on her glasses and turns her face away from Makoto.
　She's embarrassed, but she's turning bright red.

'So, ah, Ann, what do you like about me?'
I don't like men and women.
Where are you?
It's just, I mean, you have a good personality.
That's definitely not a compliment.
I didn't mean it as a compliment.

　She is foul-mouthed, self-centered, and even dirtier with money.
　She seems to be a woman who is fighting in all directions.
　But she doesn't let the misfortune of her birth get in the way of her ability to move forward and not change her mind, even if people don't like her.
　She wants to go back to her world and misses her mother.
　I think he's a great guy with all his strengths and weaknesses.
　'You're not like me,' Mako let out a sigh.

'Why are you letting out a sigh!
I don't need to hear you sigh. Come on, let me give you a hand. Get up off your ass.
I can stand up for myself.

　Makoto held out his hand, but Yuka stood up on her own.
　Her neck ached with a tingle.

'It's coming.'

　When I looked up, I saw two skeletons approaching us.
　However, we still have some time to spare.

'Liv, you'll be stranded with the seismic strike, Laura, you'll be the backup in case of a leak, and Yuka, you'll be stranded with the capture team. Fujica, you'll be in charge of the tome. The timing is up to you.
Yes!
I understand.
It's all about power-leveling.

　As Makoto gave the order, Liv carried the pole hammer and Laura held up her shield.
　Yuka said with a sigh and pointed her staff at the skeleton.

'Skill and Parallel Activation x2! Luno Kesta Agata!　O Periolis, who is not infinite, like a noose to be bound--

　Yuka's voice echoes through the dungeon.
　The two skeletons approached with a clinking sound.
　The distance was less than ten meters and Liv moved.
　Liv took a big step and raised her pole hammer.

'Ordinary!　Earthquakes!

　The pole hammer struck the ground and the chattering atmosphere trembled.
　What a dumb call, but the effect was the same.
　The seismic strike stopped the skeleton's movement--.

''Capture formation!''

　Yuka's magic was completed and a band of light entangled the two skeletons.
　The skeletons fell over unceremoniously.

''You didn't need a backup, did you?''
Better safe than sorry, right?
Yeah, right!

　Laura was disappointed that she hadn't been able to play an active role, but she was in a good mood as soon as Makoto called out to her.

'Fujika, you're on,'
What am I supposed to do?
You just have to hit them as hard as you can. How easy is that?

　The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that it's a good idea to be able to have a good time.

'Like it's easier said than done.'
You know the saying, "The more you worry, the easier it is to bear!
Okay.

　Fujica walked up to Skelton--

'I hope you'll forgive me and...'
You're not going to get forgiveness for that, so just go ahead and punch him.
Phew!

　Fujika groaned at Yuka's blanket statement and hesitantly raised the tin cane.
　As he swung the tin cane down, a crack appeared in the skeleton's skull.

''Crush it with a single blow, with a single blow. Hesitation will only cause you extra pain.'
He's undead!
"What guarantee is there that you won't suffer because you're undead? I mean, if you don't want to hurt anything, you should quit being an adventurer.

　Yuka's words are harsh, but I agree.

'Can I quit?'
I don't mind.
Don't make me do something I don't want to hear.

　I want these stories to go through me, my superior.

Well, if he wants to quit, I can't stop him.
But it's very expensive.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to spare you, but forcing a guy who doesn't want to work will only make both of you unhappy.

　I'm talking about my co-workers, and I'm talking about the time I introduced them to a job.
　If you aren't convinced to do the job, there's nothing you can do about it.
　On the other hand, if you're convinced, it's somewhat bearable.
　Well, there are physical and mental limits.

What are you going to do?
....

　At Yuka's urging, Fujica tightened her grip on her staff.

*

　The sound of blows echoed through the dungeon.

'Konnyaro!'

　Fujika swings his tin cane down on the skeleton bound by the captive formation.
　However, it can't crush the skull with a single blow.
　This is because his weapon is a tin cane and his muscle strength value is low.

''Konnyaro!　And I'm a f*cking idiot!　Konnyaro!

　Fujica swung his tin cane twice, three times, and at the fourth time, the skeleton's skull shattered.
　He exhaled with a relieved breath and repeated a deep breath.

''Ah.....

　Fujika muttered softly and looked up to the heavens.
　Apparently, the level has been raised.

''It's like my level has gone up to 15.
You took your time.
It's like learning the magic of the Holy Brigade!
Finally.
I just want you to be happy for me.
'Yes, yes, congratulations.'
Ggggghhhh.

　Fujika clapped meekly, and Fujika grunted huskily as Yuka clapped meekly.
　Yuka's response was nowhere near as good, but as a leader, he was pleased.
　This gave him more room to attack.
　It's also great that Fujika can now defend herself.

'You acted like you didn't want to hurt anyone, how dare you...'
You were all like, "Don't hesitate," and now you're not!
I'm just dismayed at how fast you're adapting.
I've been thinking about it a lot.

　Fujika turned over and said in a voice like a mosquito buzzing.

''Hmm, what kind of change of heart did you have?''
I don't have a way to live in this world.
Hmmm, yeah.

　Yuka grinned.
　A truly wicked smile.
　The devil must be smiling like this.

"Hey, demon.
I'm not the devil!

　When Makoto called out to her, the demon - Yuka - turned bright red and shouted.

''You're aware, aren't you?''
Tsk, that's really annoying.

　Yuka scowled uncomfortably.

'So what is it?'
Stop celebrating other people's misfortune.
It wasn't Mako who told me that I could "screw it" by helping her in a pinch.
I didn't say that.

　I said if you help them in a pinch, you can humiliate them.
　It may be similar, but I don't want you to get involved.

I should thank you for your help, Mako. Right now, I'm shaking with joy!

　Yuka clenched her fists and looked up at the ceiling.
　She wasn't trembling for saying she was shaking so much, but she should go through with it.

'Do you enjoy other people's misery that much?'
Yes, of course!
...you're such a dick.

　Yuka assured her, and Makoto covered her face with her hands.
　He was so cute when he told her he liked her, how could this happen?

'What can I say, thing!　It's like a hoorah for the revolution!　There's nothing like seeing a nasty rich man lose everything!
'I think the people who are going for the revolution are more sane than you.
....

　Yuka's mouth dropped open at Makoto's prodding.

'I suggest you re-learn your world history.
I remember what the revolution does to you, though.
Well, I didn't think he'd be so unhappy with me.

　Fujika hung her head helplessly.

''This is what happens to people who don't realize it.
You don't even know you're doing this.

　Surprisingly, the revolution may succeed because they are not aware that they are resented.

But, but, but I'm sure the resentment is--
It's not sunny.

　Fujika's face twisted in despair.

'Takeshi's got a broken bone, Futoshi's dead, and I've had enough.
I'm sure Kouki and his friends have been humiliated.
'I don't condone dead people, but I don't condone Takeshi!　She gave me to Futoshi!　Next time I see you, I'm gonna curse you out!　Kouki and Kirara are just getting started.　I'm going to give you both a taste of hell!
I'm scared!　And I'm scared of Yuka!

　A glimpse of bottomless malevolence and Fujica trembles as she hugs her tin cane.

'Well, but it's like this,'
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yes.

　Fene, Liv and Laura agree with Mako's words.

'What are you going to do now?'
It's too early to pull out.

　Fujica has learned attack magic after all.
　It's a good idea to make sure it's easy to use.