*

　The Skeleton Warrior comes running in.
　There are two vanguards and one rear guard.
　However, their weapons are swords, so there's no need to be so vigilant.
　Liv timed her pole hammer and Laura timed it while holding her shield.

''Fujika, please.''
Okay, okay.

　Fujika readied her tin cane and breathed.

'You're too nervous. I don't know how weak my mental state is.'
...and...

　Fujika moaned softly as Yuka said petulantly.

'Lord Periolis!　It's nice to meet you.　Ascend (turn undead)!

　Fujica prays and uses magic.
　A light illuminates the dungeon and the Skeleton Warrior stops moving.

''Snipers snipers!''

　Fane fires a sling shot to the side of Mithril Alloy.
　He aims for the rear guard.
　The bullets continue to pierce his brow and his skull cracks open.
　The Skeleton Warrior loses its skull and the bones unravel.
　The remaining Skeleton Warrior begins to move.
　It seems that the effect of the ascension has worn off.
　But it's too late.
　Liv and Laura had already closed the distance between them.

''Ola-la-la!''
Shield bash!

　Liv's three consecutive blows explode into the Skeleton Warrior as Laura's shield shot explodes into the Skeleton Warrior.
　Perhaps due to the damage from the ascension, Skeleton Warrior falls to the ground in pieces.

''Yay!''
....

　Fujica pumped her fist up, but Yuka's eyes were cold.

''Again.''
What do you mean "again"?

　As Makoto let out a sigh, Yuka crowded in on him.

'You knew what I was thinking and you just said those lines, didn't you?
You're a thing.
What are they? What are they?
You don't bite on everything.
I don't bite on everything. Just the things that piss me off.

　Yuka said as if she was miffed.
　Well, it's rare that I'm not miffed.

'So, you know what I'm thinking, don't you?
'Anyway, he had one leg up when Fujica pumped her fist in the air, so you thought, 'Don't be cute,' or something.
No, no!
Don't deny it just because it's been said. Jesus, how much of a sore loser do you think you are?
'I didn't hit you!　And I'm not going to let that stop me!

　Yuka said as if she was pissed off.

'I'm ... you know, that thing, Aleale.
'You're imitating that mook character in North ● Fist?
Where does that leave me?
It's just, you know, feeling it.
What does it feel like?

　Yuka said, her face turning red.

''Grrrr, you know the fist of North●.
It's from the library.
I hate this library.
The director of the library wouldn't want to be told that by an all-young man.

　Yuka crossed her arms and sniffed.

'Right. So why did you borrow North●'s fist?
It's because they had a special on TV about old cartoons.
What do you think?
It's a great depiction of the destruction of human bodies. If I could use the Fist of the North Star, I'd make him explode. I'm not saying who, but I'm not saying who!
Yooka has eyes and a mouth that talk as much as they do.

　Fujica blurted out.

'I feel like I could use it now.
"A level 73 doesn't need to have a Hokuto Ken.

　A poke with a finger could be fatal.

That's why they fly apart in one fist.
'If you want to splatter it all over the place, go find a thief.
Don't remind me of something I don't like!

　Yuka said with a snap and covered her face.

''Well no matter how unfortunate the accident was, I'm going to be crushed by the guilt of taking a life. I'm going to get so worried I'm going to cut my wrists or something.

　His tone is somber, but he looks at me through his fingers.
　Mako lets out a sigh--.

'I know you don't feel an ounce of guilt.
'What are you talking about when your partner is about to be crushed with guilt? You're supposed to tell me it was an unfortunate accident in a situation like this, right?
Well, an accident is an accident.
Yes, it was an accident!　It was an accident.　Now that I've taken my word for it, don't ever, ever say I kicked a bandit to death again!
...you're such a dick.

　Mako let out a sigh again.

'So when are you going to splatter the fujica?'
I'm not talking about that.
What a shame.

　Yuka said ruefully.

''I feel like I'm in danger, and I feel a twinge of need to raise the bar.
You're doing the best you can.

　'Hmmm,' sniffed Yuka.

'In any case, Fujika's ascension is effective.
You can cut down on the numbers while they're still moving.
We can do some damage and be ready to intercept.

　Fene and Laura agree with Mako's words.

'Is this what you want to try?'
'Oh, Ascension I mean, it's a fighting style based on Fujica. Speaking of which, what do you think of Liv?
It's okay?

　Liv is somehow unwell.

'What's going on?'
'Brother, Liv is in shock that the seismic strike is about to be dispensed with,'
That's surprising.
What do you mean by that?

　Liv said, miffed, and her lips twitched.

'No, I thought you were a bit drier,'
No, no, no, no. I'm very passionate.

　It's a tone of voice that says, "You're not supposed to be here.

'You know it's Mako, right?'
Well, you know--
No s*xual innuendos!

　Yuka shouted, interrupting Makoto's words.

'It doesn't matter!'
'It's not good!　I don't know how to react to that kind of, er, erotic talk, even if that's the kind of relationship you're going to have to have.
It's not pornographic, okay?

　Yuka said, her face turning red, but Liv was pouting.

''This is why the otherworldly people!
Yuka, that's racist.
It's not racist because it's based on facts!
You know what they say about doing what's right by the people you love?
It's a case by case basis!
Okay, I'll respect your opinion.

　Liv raised her hands in surrender.

'Like that's okay?'
I could ask for a little eroticism, but that doesn't mean I have to force you to listen to me.

　Liv replies, letting out a light sigh.

''Ha~, Liv-san is an adult.
You could learn a lesson from that.
I don't know why Yuka's so smug.

　Fujika's shoulders slumped as she looked sideways at a smug-looking Yuka.

'Well, anyway, I'm rather attached to the seismic strike.
Isn't that because it was the only offensive skill you could use?
It took me a long time to learn it, and I've been through a lot of pinches with that thing, so it's nice to have a piece or two to put into it.
You think so?
That's just the way it is.
'I understand how Liv feels, but being able to block the enemy's movements is a big deal.

　Mako scratched her head.

'Oh, no, sorry. I know the merits of using Fujica as a pivot, or rather the merits of increasing the pattern of the fight. That was my selfishness.
I'm sorry.
You're in no position to apologize.

　Liv scratched her head, looking bummed.

'How's Fujica?'
What do you mean?

　Fujica tilted her head cutely.

'Of course it's about the way you're fighting now. I'll snap your neck.'
It comes with a few extra words of clarity.
I'll snap your neck.
You don't have to say it!

　Fujica stared at Yuka with a gleam in her eye.

''If you know what you're doing, just tell me what you think.
I know.

　'Mmm~,' growled Fujika.

'Ascension is like it's easier because I don't have to worry about the firing line. But I feel like it drains my magic power too much instead.''
Feel better?
I've only just learned how to do it.

　Fujika said, looking at Yuka with resentment.

'Surely it's tough to get a string of shots?'
It's fine because I knew when to use that one earlier, but I'm not sure I'd be able to use it while watching the battle situation.
You have no idea how insecure you are.
I'm not prepared to take on the lives of everyone.

　Fujika refutes Yuka's dumbfounded comment.

'Come to think of it, Fene was also busted when she learned foxfire.
'A long time ago, sass, a long time ago.'
It wasn't that long ago.
That was a long time ago!

　Liv muttered and Fene said as if she was pissed off.

''I haven't used the foxfire I learned from time to time much, though.
There's no use for it.

　'Guhnnu,' grunted Fene.

''It's too much wear and tear, so I don't want it to be used in a small fry fight.
That's my brother. You know what you're doing.

　Fene clapped her hands happily.

'You're a quintessential fox.'
Is it racist or is it fox racist?

　Liv said ridiculously, and Fene ate it up.

'That kind of prejudice afflicts the Foxtail tribe,'
That's not the only reason.

　Liv looked disgusted.

'Are you being discriminated against?
Hmm?　Well, there's something to be said for the Foxtail tribe's skill at misleading perceptions and magic in their race.
That's racist!

　Fene waved her hand in a buzzing motion.

'The East--'
You mean in the East?
Yeah, the one who almost destroyed that eastern country was a fox monster... or rather, the seven evil ones, but they're fox monsters anyway.

　Hmmm, Makoto said.

So, the site of the ruins that Frank and the others were talking about is the place where they escaped half-dead after being beaten up by the strike force. Well, I've done a lot of things there too.
One theory is that the plants in the forest have died out and the animals have died out.

　Laura complements Liv's explanation.

'It's like a killing stone.
Is there a similar story in your world, Makoto-sama?
I've heard similar stories.
I'm fine!　I'm a woman who will do everything!

　Fene bounces around and appeals to you.

'It's like looking at Fene, it's so dusty.
Well, no matter.

　Fujica looks at Fene with a warm gaze, and Yuka looks at her as if she is pitying her.

''But I think Fujica-san has a point.
'Yes. It's true that there are times when I look at Fene and feel a bit relieved. But I don't think it's a good idea to treat him like a child.
No, no, not you.

　Laura waved her hands from side to side.

'Well, there are times when I am relieved to see Faine-san, but I think we need to brace ourselves because she is a competitor who can accept Mako-sama.
What's your problem if you derailed it?
I'm sorry.

　Yuka prodded and Laura cleared her throat to regain her composure.

'So what's the point of having a point?'
It's about letting them decide when to use the Ascension.
Yeah.

　Mako nodded.

'It's just a feeling, isn't it?'
That doesn't create a flow.

　Laura said to Liv once and for all.

'Really?'
Yes,

　Liv doesn't seem to be able to explain one thing at the moment.
　It's probably the difference between Liv, who has lived as a freelancer, and Laura, who has lived as an organizer.
　But it seemed to Mako that Laura had a point.

''After all, shouldn't Mako-sama be the one to give instructions here?
"Instructions.
Why are you sighing?
I'm not very good at telling people what to do.
You've been in the business for twenty years, haven't you?
Well, I've had to tell people what to do, part-time or otherwise.

　That was easier said than done because the job description was set.

Then it should be fine.
What do you expect from a layperson?
After 20 years of service?

　Yuka's eyes widened in surprise.

'It's a difficult department to be evaluated in to begin with, and the top was clogged up.
But if the guy at the top doesn't quit, then it's a good company, isn't it?
You're out.
So why was the top jammed?
That's because I was restocking from somewhere else.

　And by the way, that includes other companies, not just other departments.

'I take it back, that sounds black.
I don't know about the rest of the world, but at least it's not White.
Fujika, the only reason you have the luxury you do is because people like Mako work in a black environment.
Zaza, I'm not sure about the guilt trip style.
Thank God for all the corporate bastards wriggling around at the bottom of society.
You pick your words.

　I know it's useless, but I'm going to go into it.

'But then again, instructions?'
'I don't think it's possible to give you instructions from one to ten, so if you can give me instructions at the point,'
Could I give you some provisional instructions?
Is this temporary?

　Laura raises her eyebrows quizzically.

'At any rate, I was like, "Here's what we're going to do if we run into an enemy.
Oh, I see.
But that wouldn't change much from what you've been doing, would it?
"And it's nice to know that when we run into the enemy, we can give them directions.
'Well, you certainly don't have to chant a spell, so that's good enough for me.

　Yuka muttered to herself.

'If you need instructions, shouldn't you change the way you search for them?
What exactly do you mean by "change"?
They talk about what kind of enemy they're going to get. You know, sharing information.

　Fene replies to Liv's question.

'You certainly didn't do anything like that. But you know what?'
I can understand up to two bodies. Anything more than that and it's not so easy.
You'd have to come pretty close to see that.
That's enough.
Yeah.

　Mako nodded.
　'I'm just grateful to know if there are more than three of them attacking us.

''Well, I guess we have a policy in place.
Wait a minute!
What's more?
Why do you look so disgusted?
Just say it.
You're really annoying.

　Yuka clicked her tongue uncomfortably, then spoke up with an idea.

*

　Mako and the others formed a formation and proceeded through the dungeon.
　The formation is the same as usual - Liv and Laura in the first row, Fene and Fujica in the second, Yuka in the third, and Makoto in the last row.

........it's time for a fork in the road.

　Fene muttered as he looked at the map, and shortly afterwards the road split in two.
　Her neck tingled.

'They're coming,'
I hear a clattering sound, so it's a Skeleton Warrior. There are two of them.
I hope so.

　Fene twitches and mutters with her ears moving, and Liv says in a sarcastic tone.

''Well Mr. Liv,''
I know.

　Chided by Laura, Liv readied her pole hammer.
　A clattering sound reached Makoto's ears.

'Save the Ascension. There could be reinforcements coming, so Fene and Fujika prepare to attack.'
Like what to do when the reinforcements arrive?

　Fujica gripped her tin cane and tilted her head.

'If it looks like Liv and Laura are fighting, then please ascend.
Like you understand.
What about me?
Yuka will be on standby.
As usual.

　Yuka lightly cowers her shoulders.
　With the power leveling being implemented, Yuka has been on standby for a long time.
　Her motivation must be quite low.
　So--.

''As usual, I'm counting on you, man.
What the hell are you talking about?

　Yuka said with a bright red face and put her triangular hat on deep in her eyes.
　Immediately after, two Skeleton Warriors jumped out of the room.
　They held swords and wore armor.
　Well, in short, it's just the same as usual.

''Orach!

　Liv cleaves the Skeleton Warrior's legs with her pole hammer and Laura pushes the other one against the wall with her shield.

'Mako, what about these guys?'

　Liv says as she stomps on the back of the Skeleton Warrior.


All right!　Holy Britt!

　Fujica secured the line of fire and released her magic.
　A light bullet hit the skeleton of the Skeleton Warrior that Liv was stomping on, causing it to crack.

'Tell me which one to aim for, you scared the shit out of me.
'I'm sorry!　I'll get to the next one!　Holy Grail!

　Fujica unleashed her magic again.
　This time the skull cracked open and the Skeleton Warrior broke apart.

''This one too, please!
All right!　Holy Grail!

　The light bullets hit the skeleton of the Skeleton Warrior that was pressed against the wall.

''Holy light bullets!''

　Fujika immediately releases her magic.
　The light bullets shatter the skull and the bones fall to the ground.

''How's that?''
I'm so relieved to hear it all.
It's a lot easier said than done.

　Fene, Liv replies.

'What about Fujica?'
I messed up and got you into trouble.
'I've only just started, so I don't blame you.

　Fujika slumps her shoulders and Laura follows suit.

'What do you think, Yuka?'
Since we're just starting out, I think we should just start speaking up.
That's unusually constructive.
I'm always very constructive.

　Yuka said, sounding miffed.

'Your idea wasn't viable, was it?'
It's like an insurance policy. I don't mind.

　Yuka cowered lightly.

'I'd like to make sure it's useful, though.
No one is going to cause an accident to verify that insurance works, probably.
Maybe?
It's a big world and some people do things like that. I hope that's not the case with Makoto.

　Yuka said in a sarcastic tone.

'Fene, what happens next?'
The side street is a dead end, go straight ahead and you'll find a large space. The vertical hole that leads to the fourth level is a bit further.
Just a little further.

　Fene said as he collected the magic stone, and Makoto stroked his chin.

''This isn't a good place to transfer to,''
It's a pathway.

　Speaking of which, Makoto looked at Yuka.

''Is there a condition to designate it as a transition destination?''
Transition (teleportation) is pretty fuzzy, so there's no overlap with things.
What happens when they overlap?
I think he's gonna be able to shift it around.

　Hmmm, Makoto countered.
　The administrator of this world - Periolis seems to be quite kind.

'Why do you always use the lights in the vertical hole?
I've heard that it's like terrain manipulation magic, and its effects are unstable in dungeons. So, just to be sure. But still...
What?
'We've been adventuring together for a long time and I didn't think we'd ever talked about these things before.
I guess you could say that.

　There were plenty of opportunities to talk, but when it came to magic, it was left to Yuka.

'More opportunities to talk?'
Ew!

　Yuka made a blatantly disgusted face.

''It's ... you.
'I don't want us to see each other even on our off days, seriously.
Is that like asking for a date?
I told you it was business. I'll screw your head off.

　'Yes,' said Fujica, paragraphing.

'I'm not going to talk about work until I'm off the clock.
Isn't that true?
I'm not surprised.

　In my former world, I used to get calls on my off days, but I still don't feel good about it.

'You're after work,'
I'm staying at a motel a long way from here.
My house is about the same.
I'd like to keep the burden as even as possible.

　Normally it's okay, but grumbling can build up.

I'll at least buy you a meal.
I don't blame you.
Me too, right?

　Laura asks fearlessly.
　'You can't just treat Yuka as a special case,' she says.

''Of course, for all of us.
Big brother, big man.
There's the man I love.
....

　Fene and Liv said happily, but Fujica squirmed.

'What's wrong?'
I feel bad about it.
I'm not holding back because you're buying me a drink.
We can't take that for granted.
You're the leader of the group, so it's a necessary expense.

　Yuka said as a matter of course.

'If you understand, I'll go right ahead.

　Makoto and the others regrouped and resumed their search of the dungeon.

*

　I walked straight down the aisle and saw the entrance to a large space.
　My neck hurts with a tingle.

'Looks like we have enemies. Watch out.
I haven't heard a thing.
So you're a ghost type?
Maybe she's just stuck in the corner.

　Fene replies to Liv's question.

'Wouldn't it be better to think of it as a monster house?'
I have a bad feeling about this.
What are you going to do?
"...when you get inside, it's an ascension.

　Mako thought for a moment and replied.

'Whether it's a skeleton type or a ghost type, I want to do some damage, and I want time to figure out what's going on.
I think that's a weak strategy.

　Yuka muttered and Makoto and the others went through the passage.
　They looked around, but there was no sign of the enemy.

''........Fujika.
Ascension!

　The light illuminated the large space and with a cracking sound, the mantis fell down.
　It was even more vanguard-like than the mantis I had encountered in the vertical hole.
　From the wrist to the end, it had become sickle-shaped and its legs had increased to four.
　Mantis quickly raised himself up and opened his mouth.
　He's going to release that explosive sound.

''Laura!''
I know!

　Laura jumped out of the way with her shield at the ready.

'Impact reversal (Reflection)!
"-Oh!

　The shield is engulfed in light, and the Mantis blasts out.
　My eardrums ache and I reflexively press down on my ears.

'Yes!'

　The explosions stopped and Liv jumped out from behind Laura.
　Mantis closes her mouth and unleashes her scythe.
　After what happened last time, Liv ducks the attack with plenty of time to spare.
　This way, if he pulls his arm back, he won't get his head cut off.
　It's not a mistake to have taken a safety margin.
　But it gave him time to turn on the counterattack.
　Mantis opens his mouth again.
　Liv kicked the ground hard, but he was too far away to launch an attack.

'Fuji--'
Repeat.

　Yuka's voice rang out, and a light bullet shattered Mantis' lower jaw.

''Orach!''

　The pole hammer strikes the skull and Mantis' body leans back.
　But that's it.
　The four legs firmly gripped the ground.

''Orach!''

　Liv raises the pole hammer.
　It's a move that has become an attack in itself.
　Mantis' upper body was caused--.

'Oraaaaah!'

　The full force of the blow shattered Mantis' skull.
　The bonds unravel and the bones fall to the ground, making a dry sound.
　A tingle and a pain in his neck.

'Watch out!　There are still enemies!
"Skeleton Warrior, there are so many of them!
Which way to come in?
The place where we came in...

　Fene looks at the entrance and exit - another passage.

'The exit!'
What are we going to do?　Are we handling this?
Mako!

　Liv shouted sharply and turned her gaze reflexively.
　Then she gave a small nod.
　Her eyes complained that she could still do it.
　If we're going to be safe, it's better that Makoto and Yuka handle it.
　But the girls are my friends.
　It's not just a one-sided relationship to protect them.

'Fene, Lola, you take the entrance and Liv, you take the exit!
Okay, okay!
I understand!
I'm on it!

　Fene and Laura are moving to the entrance and Liv is moving to the exit.

"I'll back up Fene and Laura!　Mako can have a rib!
Wow. What about me?
'Fujica, keep using the Ascension in the middle!　I'll call the shots the first time!
I get it!

　Fujika moves to the center, Makoto moves next to Liv, and Yuka moves behind Fene and Laura.
　Mako stares down the aisle.
　There is no enemy in sight, but a faint clattering sound can be heard.
　Hehe, Liv rubbed the bridge of her nose.

'What?'
I'm glad you responded to me.
Don't let me down.
Atta boy.

　Liv sat back and held the pole hammer at the ready.
　The magic item could have been used two more times.
　The sound grew louder and the Skeleton Warriors finally appeared.
　There were nearly twenty of them.
　The Skeleton Warriors are pushing and hurting each other as they approach.
　If one of them were to fall over, they wouldn't mind stepping over it.

Not yet. Not yet.
Yeah, I know.

　The distance is less than ten meters.

Fujica!
Like an ascension!

　Light illuminated the passage and the Skeleton Warrior stopped moving.
　The only thing that has stopped is the lead group.
　The trailing group rushes into the lead group and falls into a chess game.

''Seismic strike, reform!''

　He decided that the seismic strike/modification was better than the magic item.
　Liv took a big step and slammed the pole hammer into the ground.
　A crack ran through the pole hammer as a starting point.
　The crack extended underneath the Skeleton Warrior's feet, and jet black flames erupted from it.
　The Skeleton Warrior turns to dust.
　The flames subside and the surviving Skeleton Warrior closes in on Liv.

''Ascend!''

　The light illuminates the passage again and the Skeleton Warrior stops moving.
　Several of them fall over.

'Roar!　Thunderbolt!

　The ribs screamed and lightning gushed from the pole hammer.
　The Skeleton Warrior stood there for a while, and then one by one it decayed in place.

''Oh, level up!''
Level 41--
Shields up!

　An interesting voice rang out from behind me.
　When I turned around, I saw that Laura was about to push back the Skeleton Warrior who had rushed into the entrance.

''Ascension!''
Shields up!

　Just in time for Fujica to use her third Ascension, Laura pushes the Skeleton Warrior further into the air.

'Tigress!　If I let go, I want you to avoid it left and right!

　Fane pulls a red sphere from the porch and releases it with a slingshot.
　My aim is near the ceiling.

''Avoid!''

　Fene, Laura and Yuka are on either side - hiding behind the wall.
　The Skeleton Warrior made its way in.
　The next moment, crimson flames erupted from the entrance.
　Apparently, that red sphere was a magic item.

''The level has been raised!
Me too, sir.

　Fene bounced and Laura clenched her fists.
　Fujika--.

''It didn't go up and...''

　He leaned against the tin can and let out a sigh.