*

　A single skeleton approaches with a click and a clatter of teeth.
　Liv takes a step to the right and Laura takes a step to the left to secure the line of fire.
　Fujica repeated a deep breath and pointed her tin cane at the skeleton.

'Periolis-sama!　Like, give me the power to repel evil!

　I spit out the words, which are too sketchy to call a prayer.
　Still, it seemed to have an effect, and a faint light lit up the finger ring bracelet.

'Holy Britt!

　Fujika shouted, and a light bullet was released from the tin cane.
　The light bullets shattered the skull and the skeleton broke apart.

''And I could have defeated it in one hit!

　Fujica hugged her tin cane and bounced around.
　Each time she did, her skirt rolled up, but she couldn't seem to see it.

'Stop it, that sort of thing,'
What's that kind of thing?

　Yuka mumbles uncomfortably and Makoto questions him.
　Of course, he's not really questioning it.
　He hoped he could fool her.

'I'm telling you not to look at Fujika's thighs with licking eyes.
I didn't see him.
You're the only one who thinks so. Women are so sensitive to the gaze.
Really?

　Mako looked at Laura's ass.
　It's a tight ass that's been working out.

'I won't notice it,'
'There are exceptions. Perhaps too much training as a knight has killed your feminine sensibilities.
You sound like you care about your wedding date, and you're alive.

　'Maybe,' I add in my mind.

'You don't understand. It's one thing to worry about your marital status, it's another thing to have sensitivity. To put it in a way that even you can understand, the same complex is not the same as being a virgin and a bald man.
I'm getting more and more confused.
What?

　Yuka looked at me with a guffawed expression.
　Or rather, she looked at Makoto's head.

'Why do you look at my head?'
No, I didn't see him. Not at all.
No, you were watching.

　Mako spun around as Yuka tried to awkwardly avert her gaze.

'I'm bushy, bushy,'
Well it is now.

　Yuka clammed up, as if she was having trouble saying it.

'You always talk about things with zuzu, what are you holding back?
I'm thinking in my own way. When you visit someone with an incurable disease, who takes a bonsai or a cyclamen with them?
You'd do it, wouldn't you?
I won't do it!

　When Makoto asked back, Yuka's voice broke out.

'No, but you were happy about your classmate's misfortune, weren't you?'
That's... that's it.

　Yuka turned away.
　I'm sure you don't need to bother saying it, but your lips are puckered up as if to say it.

''Anyway, I'm not going to do anything to push you into a corner.
Didn't you say you'd curse me out the next time you saw me?
You just remember a lot of stupid stuff, don't you?
If you really try to curse, you'll have to stop it.
Tsk, who do you think you are?

　Yuka clicked her tongue and told her to spit it out.
　'I wish you could either click your tongue or spit it out.

'Oh--'
No me, God or Buddha.
You know what I'm talking about.
We've known each other a long time. I know what you're thinking.

　Hmph, Yuka snickered.
　That's an amazing insight, but why didn't he try to apply it to his relationships?

''Well, I don't want to be called who I am, but as the leader of a team... as a big brother, I guess.
"My brother?

　Yuka blatantly frowned.
　By the way, the way to say it is, 'Aniiiiiiiii? It is.

'd*mn, how old do you think they are?'
You're the one who's gonna crash it.
What else do you have to go into?

　Yuka tilted her head with a puzzled expression.

Didn't I say we were equals?
'Oh, you certainly said something like that,'
"I love you so much that you forgot you had to do it?
No, no, no!　Don't rehash it!

　Yuka said, her face turning red.
　I can't tell now whether she's embarrassed or angry.

''Well you're too brazen to be my brother, at your age.
Well, sure.

　Yuka blurted out as her cheeks flushed red, and Makoto nodded.
　Their ages are more than twenty years apart.
　Was my brother too brazen, as expected?

''Then it's your uncle.''
'I don't know if you're my uncle,'
Don't you have any relations?
I mean, I've never met any of my relatives.
I see.

　He said he was a mother and son, so he had a lot going on.

'What does your uncle do for you?'
'You'd give me an allowance, buy me a present, that sort of thing. I've never done that.
You said you were poor.
We were poor, you know.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, you were poor.

　Makoto pointed out, and Yuka corrected him curtly.

'It's not that it's my nephew's fault, but I just couldn't love him.
Well, I suppose I can't blame you.

　Yuka said in a light tone.
　I've told her that I had a debt, so she must have guessed.

'So you're saying that Makoto spoils me, right?　I'm going to demand a pay increase!
Don't ask for it.
Come on, you're not indulging me.

　'Cheek,' said Yuka, clicking her tongue adorably.

'Not my uncle. So I think I'd like to be treated like my father, sometimes harshly and sometimes kindly.'
What, the father?
He's my father.

　Mako crossed her arms and nodded hawkishly.

'You can call me father,'
....

　For some reason, Yuka's face is bright red.

'Come on, it's your father,'
Oh, dad.

　Yuka whispered blurted out.
　It seems to be embarrassed, and even her ears are turning red.
　Somehow, it makes me feel embarrassed too.

''What, your face is all red?
You too.

　When Makoto turned his head away, Yuka turned over and wrapped her hair around her fingers.

'What are you two playing at?'
I didn't do anything!
I'm not playing!

　Fene rushed in and Makoto and Yuka raised their voices.

'You don't have to be so pissed off, I heard it all, so it's okay.
If you've been listening to me, stop it!
I didn't stop them because they were creating a sweet and sour atmosphere. I'm not brave enough to step into that air.
...sweet and sour atmosphere.

　Yuka backed away as if she had become dizzy.

'Too destructive for us, I suppose.
It's your fault. It's your fault!
I didn't think Yuka's words (dad) had that much destructive power.
Forget it!
If he was really his father...
Not likely.

　Yuka turned and said in a calm voice.

'No?'
No.

　If you're asserting that, you're saying that the evidence is still there.

'Well, no.'
Why do you have to be so disappointed?
I don't know why you're asking, but maybe I'm starting to wake up to paternal love.
It's just weird.

　Yuka frowned.

'I'm not freaked out,'
But isn't it complicated in Mako's case?
What?
'I'm not going to regret not being worthy,'
Well, yeah.

　She must have stepped aside because she didn't want to be a burden to Mako.

''........Yuka.''
What?
I'm sorry I'm not a good enough father.
I'm done with that stuff!

　Yuka shouted hoarsely.

'Why are we talking about this?'
'We went from talking about my hair to talking about my illness, and the conversation just kept shifting from there.
You remember it well.
I'm pretty sure I have a good memory.

　Fene poked her temple with her finger.

'Oh, yes. You were talking about Mako being bald.'
I'm talking about not bringing bonsai and cyclamen to visit you.
'I know, it's a detail. I mean, all I'm trying to say is, no matter how much I tried to tell you I couldn't call someone bald.
You just called me bald. No, wait. Am I bald?　You're young again and you're bald?
It's a busy time, now.

　Yuka gave me a pitying look.

'Don't act like you mean it.
'Ummm, that's the license I was shown...'
Oh, yeah.
It's pretty f*cked up.

　Yuka muttered in a serious manner.

'What?　Seriously?
'Oh, I'm not saying you're bald. You see, you're a cat hair and you're getting old and greasy, so--
What do you mean, "greasy"?
As you get older, there's sebum and sebum and sebum.
There's nothing but sebum, man.

　It might be because of the stress of work, but he never did anything that was good for his body, such as overeating, drinking, and smoking.
　If I had to choose, I would say that I was walking to the station.

'That's why my scalp...'
Seriously?
You didn't notice?
No, I was thinking I was in a bit of a funk, you know?

　'A little,' said Makoto, using his thumb and forefinger to make a width of about five centimeters.

I don't mean a little. Super bad.
'Oh shit. It's a fact that I've been turning away from... I knew I'd have to take care of my scalp, didn't I?
How in the world does one take care of one's scalp?
For God's sake, tell me if I need to feel better.
Eat the seaweed and you'll be fine.
Don't get comfortable with that. How am I supposed to eat seaweed in this landlocked, undeveloped transportation system?
You think for yourself. You're on your own.
'It's a distribution revolution when you come up with a quick idea like that. You could live the slow life as a merchant, not an adventurer.
'I guess twenty years of businessman experience isn't much help.
That's why it's so hard for middle-aged and older people to find a new job.

　'I've never changed jobs,' I add in my mind.

'Tsk, I said something to make you feel better and you whined about it.
That's why it's not cheap.
My brother's not bald.

　Fene, who hadn't seen the license, tilted her head in wonder.

'I'm going to go bald now.'
Or at least tell me you're going to be bald.
'In twenty years you'll be able to see through your scalp.
You can be bald.
You bald man!
Why are you cursing all of a sudden?

　You don't get to call me bald all of a sudden.

I made a mistake.
What did I say wrong?
I was going to ask you to clarify whether you want my attention or not.
You misspoke!
Dad.
Shut up and I'm gonna rip you off!
d*mn it, you'll remember this.

　Yuka held her cheeks and spoke out in resentment.
　Of course, Mako was not violent.

''Eh?　What's that?
My father abused me from an early age.
'I didn't even hit you and you're not listening to me!
You asked for it.
I don't want that kind of parent-child relationship. I mean, why the hell are we in a dungeon doing comic relief?

　I don't want these changes to stop.

'I don't know, but my brother might be going bald in twenty years, right?
Well, that's just the way it is.

　'Mmmm,' snarled Fene, looking up at Mako's head.

'It's okay!　I don't care!
Ha, you say that and then you flip out when you're bald.
Hello, Miss. Since when do you speak for your brother?
I don't know.

　Yuka ruffled her hair.

'What are the three of you talking about?'
We were talking about how Mako might go bald in twenty years.

　Liv asks somewhat dumbfoundedly, and Yuka replies with a smirk.

''You don't have to worry about what's going to happen in twenty years, do you?
Yeah?
'....It's a real fear for a man.

　Mako plucked at her bangs.

'What do you think Laura?'
'Well I think I'll be older in twenty years.

　Laura answered Liv's question with a raised eyebrow.

'You don't mind if I'm bald?'
'I'm more worried about getting married than I am about the next twenty years.

　Laura said with a sigh.
　'You look kind of serious.

'I don't mind!
Let's get on with it.
You could at least keep me company for a little while longer!

　Fujika grabbed Yuka's cape.

'I know you like baldness,'
I never said I liked bald people.
You must be really sick that you like the smell of aging.
I didn't say that!

　When Yuka looked at her like she was looking at a bug, Fujica let out a scream.

'Yes, yes, I know, I know. You say that people aren't what they look like. The guy who was so scared of being bullied at school that he was doing this stupid imitation of b*tc* rolls, and now, of all things, people aren't what they look like... it makes me sick to one side!
They're judged on their behavior and they're pissed off.

　Fujica hung her head disappointedly.

'You've decided to act?　What were you going to say then?
It's all about love!
'That's not what I expected. You've got something more interesting to say.

　Yuka shook her head from side to side as if to say, 'Oh dear.

'I didn't mean to say anything funny, and...'
'Seriously, you said love is important?　It's funny, it's so funny it's making my stomach twist.

　Yuka didn't smile as she said it.

'It's like realizing how imperfect words are.
You should know better than to say words, how immature you are.
I don't know what happened to Yuka.

　Yuka snickered and Fujika let out a deep sigh.

'Well, we have fundamentally different values.
We have different values, but if we talk to each other, we can understand each other.
...Fujica is amazing.

　I'm impressed that he hasn't given up yet after being treated like this.

'What?　It's not like that.
Maybe they don't admire you.

　Yuka plunged into Fujika, who writhed in embarrassment.

'Maybe it's some kind of brainy flowery thing.
Your filter distorts reality.
So do you.

　Yuka said back, sounding miffed.

''I don't know what you're talking about, when someone who is religious tells me we can understand each other.
You said something about that.

　I think he was quoting Jung or Freud - I think it was Jung or Freud - and he said.

"Ugh, I'm sure we can understand each other.
Why don't you give them some advice?

　As if she thought she had said too much, Yuka slapped Makoto's two arms with the back of her hand.

''........Fujika.''
Miss Makoto.

　Fujika looked up and stared at Mako.

'Don't take that stuff seriously.
'What's that stuff?　Things like that!

　It wasn't Fujika who reacted, but Yuka.

'Anta, you were talking like a guardian just now!
No, I'm looking at you.
Really?

　Yuka gave me a look that was tinged with disbelief.

'That's cute compared to the Kramer I've been dealing with.
Kramer?
'Yeah, bad quality guys are really bad quality. They're pretty enough to yell and scream at you, but they're also pretty enough to try to reason with you and demand sincerity by taking your words...''

　The rule of thumb is to prod that you can't do what you can't do, and to check with your boss if you're uncertain.
　But this method doesn't work for in-house complainers, though.

"...you're a cute guy, aren't you?
I'm not happy about being compared to Kramer.

　Yuka grunted.

'You struggle because you try to fit them into your values. Why don't you just understand that this is the kind of creature that Yuka is?
That would be ... rude, and ...
'That's not rude or anything. You guys don't seem to be at the stage of being friends yet, and it's enough to understand what kind of people you're dealing with.

　Fujica must have been raised in an environment where reason was respected.

'It's too lonely like that, and...'
It's a long shot.

　Makoto looked up to the heavens and blurted out.

*

　Two skeletons rush forward, clicking and clacking their teeth.
　They have swords in their hands.
　Liv and Laura secure the firing line for Fujica--.

'Like, give me the power to repel evil!　Holy Grail!

　Fujika released her magic.
　The skeleton reared up as the light bullets hit its skull.
　But it wasn't dead.
　It approached with its teeth clacking.

'Ki, it's not working!

　Fujika shouted in a supercilious voice.
　There was no point in getting upset as he took down the skeleton with a single hit of the holy light bullets.

'Didn't the gods abandon you because you prayed enough?
No, it's not.　It's not there!　Nah, I hope not...

　Fujica's voice shrinks to a hollow sound, as if she's not sure.

'That was a Skeleton Warrior, so it can't be helped.

　Fene muttered, and Makoto's eyes narrowed.
　There was indeed a marble-sized magical stone inside his ribs.

''And that's because it was a higher species!
I looked like a skeleton to me.

　Fujika raised her voice and Yuka turned away.

''Are you sure it's okay for us to beat him?''
Keep me busy. Fujica's a dead man and Laura--
You're stranded?
That's right.
Yes!　Let's go!

　The flowing setup was set up and the ribs popped up.

'Seismic strike!

　Liv swung the poleaxe down and a tremor hit the dungeon.
　The two Skeleton Warriors stopped moving and there--.

''Holy light bullets!''

　Fujika's magic shatters the skeleton of the Skeleton Warrior.
　That's when the effects of the seismic strike wore off and the other one regained its freedom.

''Here's the switch!''
Hey!

　Liv leaps back and Laura steps forward.
　The undead have a habit of attacking the living closest to them.
　That's why he stepped forward.
　The Skeleton Warrior raised his sword.
　Laura sinks down slightly, as if intending to use a shield shot (shield bash).
　The Skeleton Warrior swings his sword down.
　But the attack cut through the air.
　Laura saw the timing of the sword swinging down and went around to the side of the Skeleton Warrior.

''Ha!''

　Laura rushes forward with her shield at the ready and pushes the Skeleton Warrior against the wall.

'Come in!'
Holy Grail!

　A holy light bullet hits the Skeleton Warrior's skull, but it doesn't take him down.

''Again!''
Holy Grail!

　The holy light bullets hit the skull again.
　The sound of clicks and teeth clashing can be heard.

''Again!''
Holy Grail!

　Fujika raised her voice and released her magic.
　After the third shot, the Skeleton Warrior's skull finally shattered.
　The bones fell to the ground in pieces and Laura let out a small breath and moved away from the wall.

''........Fujika-san.
What is this?

　Laura called out to her and Fujica responded in a supercilious voice.

'Use your magic with a little more confidence,'
No, I mean, I wouldn't want to hurt you.

　Fujica glanced at Laura.
　A red streak ran across her cheek.
　Perhaps it was a piece of dungeon that had been shattered by the holy light bullets that had hit her.
　Apparently, due to my care, my aim was poorly aimed and I ended up shooting three holy light bullets.

''It's not a problem at this level.''

　Laura wiped the blood off her thumb.

"Oh, I'm going to fix that wound...
It's not necessary. You should save your magic for a wound this big.
Oh, come on, say it a little nicer than that. You're freaking out the new guy.

　With that, Liv slapped Laura's ass.
　Pang!　I heard a rather loud noise.

''It's ... important.''
There's a way to say it, you know? There's a way to say it.
Mm.

　Laura raised her eyebrows thoughtfully.

'I suppose. I may have been a little harsh in my words. 'I'm sorry.'
No, it's my fault.

　As Laura bowed her head, Fujica waved her hands in the air.
　Liv tapped Fujica's shoulder lightly.

'Well, never mind,'
Yes.

　Liv said in a light tone, but Fujica's voice was heavy and somber.

'Are you freaking out?'
I just learned how to do it.
I could shoot you with a bullet.
''Oh, um, I'd appreciate it if you would refrain from doing that, Yuka-san...''

　Laura called out to the chest-thumping Yuka, cowering.

'Why?'
'If Yuka-san's magic hits you, you'll die.

　Laura grunted.

'I've never guessed, so it's okay.'
But you've missed it before, haven't you?
'Tsk, whining about the past.

　When Makoto pointed it out, Yuka frowned uncomfortably.

''Come to think of it, doesn't magic have a correction function or something?''
It's basically a manual. Otherwise, there wouldn't be magic like tracking rounds.
Well, you just need to practice.

　Mako roughly stroked Fujika's head.

''........Mako-san.''
'What are you going to do with all the noise from being patted on the head? Now you're a little girl.
Every time I say something, they dismiss it.

　Fujika let out a deep sigh.

''It's ... weird.''

　Fane picked up the magic stone and muttered softly.

''What?''
It's the Skeleton Warrior. What if it's true that the enemy comes from two levels?
I thought you were crawling up,
He's not that intelligent.

　Fane tucks the magic stone into his pouch and picks up another one.

'What if it didn't crawl up?'
Maybe the dungeon has grown up.
Do they grow up?
The dungeons were built by the undead.
It's certainly possible.

　If the undead who created the dungeon level up, or if there is an influx of undead from elsewhere, they might grow.

''Is the vertical hole further along?''
Down the road.
Well, let's find out.
'Yes!　Let's get in line and get going!

　Makoto and the others formed up and resumed their search for the dungeon.
　They proceeded in silence for a while--.

''It's about time.

　Fene muttered, and my neck tingled.

''Well be careful.''
Yeah, I know.
It's not making a sound.

　When Makoto called out to him, Liv put more force into her hand holding the weapon, and Fene jerked her ears.
　Apparently, both of them knew that the enemy was nearby.

''Let's proceed with caution,''

　Mako and the others slowly made their way down the passage.
　Suddenly, a translucent figure jumped out of the wall.

''Ignition.''
Ho-oh!

　The figure disappeared with a deafening scream as Makoto struck it with his flaming fist.
　A clicking sound could be heard.
　When I looked down at my feet, I saw a magic stone lying around.

''Does that mean?''
It's a ghost mage!

　Liv shouted, and as if on cue, ghost mages popped up from all over the aisle.

'Ignition!'

　Mako stomped on the ground as hard as she could.
　A crack appeared on the ground and jet-black flames erupted right above him.

''Ho-oh!''
"Whoa!
Hoagh!

　The Ghost Mage near Makoto and the others touched the flames and disappeared with a scream.
　For now, we can survive the attack with this.

''Yuka!''
I know!　Skill and Parallel Chanting x 10 Luno Cuesta Agata!　O Periolis the Imperishable--

　The chanting echoes through the dungeon.

'--Homing Bullets!

　The spell was completed and light bullets were released from his wand.
　The light bullets tracked the Ghost Mage as they branched out in countless numbers.

''Hoah!''
Ho-oh!
"Whoa!

　Three ghost mages were pierced by the light bullets and disappeared, but the rest jumped into the wall.
　The light bullets hit the dungeon wall, sending pieces flying.

''It's foul to run into a wall!
Liv, can you stop wasting time?
I know.
I knew it. Long distance is a must!

　Liv says, miffed, and Fene fires a sling shot of mithril alloy bullets.
　The ghost mages pierced by the mithril alloy bullets scream and disappear, but there are a lot of them anyway.

''I can't move at this rate.
Yeah.
Yuka, magic.
When I hold up my wand, they run into the wall.
'You're thinking without a brain,'
I'm sick of it.

　Yuka said as she spat.
　You're not going to lose--.

It's something to be worked out.
What?　So you're awakening to new powers in a time of crisis?
'It's like when I defeated Skeleton Warrior, my level went up and I learned a new magic.
Then tell me when you're ready!
There was no timing!

　Yuka yelled, and Fujika let out a scream.

'Get on with it and use it!'
Miss Makoto.
Let's just do it.
Like you understand.

　Fujika replied cheerfully and poked her tin cane into the ground.

''Ho-oh!''
Hoagh!
Ho-ho-ho!

　The ghost mage circles around Makoto and his friends.
　It looks like a sardine ball I saw in an aquarium a long time ago.

'Lord Periolis, save the souls trapped by the Immortal King!　Ascend (turn undead)!

　The finger ring bracelet and tin cane emitted a dazzling light.

''Ho-oh!''
Hoagh!
Ho-oh!

　The ghost mages that were circling around let out a deafening scream and writhed in the air, and those who had been hiding inside the walls also jumped out in agony.
　A few of the nearby ones disappeared, but the rest were just suffering.

''Seismic strike, reform!
Repeat.

　Jet-black flames erupted from the ground, and countless light bullets attacked the Ghost Mage.
　The Ghost Mage screamed all at once and disappeared.

''........Looks like we've defeated it.

　The wall of flames disappeared without a sound as Makoto rose to his feet.

'Huh, I'm tired and...'
Good night.

　Mako worked on Fujica, who was leaning on her tin cane.

'Can you walk just a little more?'
I'll be fine.

　Okay, Makoto and the others went forward, picking up the magic stone.
　The passage was cut off, and what was there was--.

"There was a vertical hole.
Yeah.

　Mako looked down at the vertical hole.

'What are you going to do?'
It's a temporary retreat.

　The purpose of this time was to raise Fujika's level, not to capture the dungeon.

''........Yuka.
I know. Luno Cuesta Agata!　O Periolis the Imperishable, be a beacon to guide me as a beacon to guide me!　Reveal!　Light!

　A magic circle unfolds and emits a dazzling light.
　The lanterns are markers of transition magic.
　Probably, Yuka thought that the previous light was nullified.

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

　The spell was completed and Mako was overcome with dizziness.