*

　Makoto stared at the vertical hole leading to the fourth level and let out a small breath.
　He had trudged through the second and third levels in one day.
　Watching his companions grow up was also quite draining.
　If this is the case, it's much easier to fight on your own.

''........Wouldn't that be power leveling?''

　Just after Makoto muttered, Yuka opened her mouth.

'You've finally reached the vertical hole.

　Yuka sounds tired, as if it's the same for her.

''Ha~, I'm tired and...''

　As if he was very tired, Fujica let out a grand sigh and leaned on his tin cane.
　It's no wonder she used the magic she had just learned so many times.
　But--.

'So what do you do?　If we're going to explore the four levels, though, there's still plenty of room for more?
Hey!　It's impossible!

　Fujika protested with tears in her eyes as Yuka gave her a nasty smile.

'I'm not trying to raise your level. I'm not trying to be weak in a place like this.'
"Mm, I can't, I'm tired, and I'll die if I have to search the fourth level.
That's right.

　As if she thought she would really make me cry if she didn't, Yuka waved the story to us.

''You, don't push someone who's trying so hard.
I'm sorry.
You know what?　If you tell someone who's working hard to do their best to do their best, they'll really cry. What someone who's working hard or tired needs isn't a pep talk, it's a labor of love.
I told you I'm sorry!

　Yooka raised her voice.

'No, I'm telling you this because it's really important. Really, it's on a level that could seriously get you killed.'
Suicide? I'll get away before it happens.
You're not gonna get away with this.
Why?
People can't think straight when they're trapped.
Really?
'Yeah. It's kind of like, when you're faced with a big problem, you're so focused on it that you don't see any other options.
I know.
I understand.

　Fene and Laura nodded with a mysterious look on their faces.

''Well it's not like I'm a bad guy.
It's like Yuka has a heart of steel and lacks empathy.
Seriously, I'm gonna make you cry.
No, I don't want you to do that.

　Yuka said in a dossy voice, and Fujika scooted off.
　I was worried that she would start crying, but she might be surprisingly brazen.

'I wonder why I can't think straight anymore?
What?
You are so unreliable.
What do you expect from a high school graduate?
You've been alive longer than I have, so you should have noticed something.
Something I've noticed, yeah.

　Makoto stroked his chin.

'Maybe thinking consumes more energy than you think, right?
Energy. It's true that the human body is driven by chemical reactions, and if you overload it, there won't be enough brain matter to go around.

　'Oh,' said Yuka, finally getting the point across, and then she raised her voice.

'Are you convinced?'
Yes, just in case. What can I say, if you want to put a logic to it, you can. But while this may be the right thing to do as an organism, I think it's the wrong thing to do as a survival strategy.　There's nothing wrong with devoting resources to solving a problem, but tackling a problem that can't be solved is a waste of resources.
I feel like it, now that you mention it.
Well I think it's pretty important.

　Yuka said in a somewhat subdued tone.
　'I guess she's disappointed that people don't appreciate her findings.

'Well, fine. So, what about the exploration?'
I just said I couldn't!
That's for you to decide, Mako.

　What do we do?　Yuka turned to look at him.

'Our search for today is cut off here.
It's good.

　Fujica let out a breath of relief.

'I can afford it, you know?'
It's up to you, Makoto!
Yeah.

　When Fujika raised her voice, Yuka said with a grin.

''........Yuka.''
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know.

　Yuka pulled away from Mako and the others and began chanting.

'Luno Kesta Agata!　O Periolis the Imperishable, be a beacon to guide me as a beacon to guide me!　Reveal!　Light!

　The wand gives off a dazzling light.
　It should now be able to register as a transition destination.

"We're going back to the city (Rockwell).

　Mako and the others formed a circle with Yuka in the center.

'Good.'
Okay.

　Yuka readied her wand and began chanting.
　The spell echoed through the dungeon.

'Luno cesta 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.

*

　When he opened his eyes, he found himself near the castle gates.
　The familiar gatekeeper approached without seeming surprised.

''You're a little late today, aren't you?''
I took my time exploring the dungeon.

　Makoto conversed with the gatekeeper as he presented his pass.
　The gatekeeper checked with Yuka, Fene, Liv, Laura and Fujika in that order.

''No problem.''
Can I come in?
Of course.

　The gatekeeper nodded, and Mako and the others ducked through the gate.
　As they made their way down the empty main street, Yuka opened her mouth.

'You're buying me a drink from today, right?'
What are you talking about now?
You said you'd buy me dinner after work!

　When Makoto questioned her back, Yuka's voice broke out.

'I said I'd buy you a meal so we could have more opportunities to talk.
Isn't that the same thing?
I'm just trying to give you a chance to talk. It's not like we're just going to eat and say goodbye.
I know.

　Yuka said in a sultry tone.

'Yuka, it's called a lunch meeting,'
Fujica is a very intelligent man.
My dad...
Dad?
My dad said he used to do that a lot.

　When interrupted by Yuka, Fujika quickly corrected her.

'You're so graceful when you've got a company man like Makoto working so hard.
Don't call me a company man. A company man.
I mean, aren't they the company's employees?
Maybe so, but I can't stand it when other people say it.

　It's a self-deprecating gag if you say it to yourself, but when others say it to you, it puts a dent in it.

'Yes, yes, I get it. You just need to rephrase it.

　Yuka crossed her arms thoughtfully.
　A few dozen seconds passed--.

'Slave?'
It's not much different.
You went from being a bastard to being a man.
Don't call me an a**h*le.
"Society's ... common man.
Well, okay, then.

　I don't know if I was trying to say cog in the wheel of society or the bottom of society, but if you're a layman, you're fine.

Are you sure you're okay with being a plain employee?
It's better than slavery and slavery.
Yeah, but what do you think of Mako?
What do you mean?

　Mako asked back.
　'I don't know what to call it, but it's too broad a scope.

'So, about the company and my life,'
I'm sure it was a terrible company, and as far as I'm concerned, it was a bad life, but I'm proud of myself when it comes to working for one company for twenty years.
You are well trained.
I don't think it's a training exercise. I think everybody does.

　It's a pride that's hard to maintain, and to the extent that it can be trampled on with a word from the boss, but I think it's because of that that I was able to work for twenty years.

Hmm, I see.
You're being weirdly obedient today.
I'm always so straightforward.

　Yuka raises an eyebrow in displeasure.

'You're certainly being honest with yourself, Yuka.
Who said I was being honest with myself? I said I was being honest with you in the usual sense.
It's barren.
You're barren!
There's nothing to be gained from arguing.
I'm getting something out of this!
What's there for example?
For example, for example... something, something, something!

　Yuka seemed to stop thinking about it.

'It's like you realize later on that it was a happy time.
'Stop flagging!　If Mako dies, it's your fault!
Am I gonna die?
You want me to die?
I didn't say that!
You don't think I'm going to get hurt, do you?

　Yuka looked frightened.

'I don't think so.'
'No, you think!　If you think about it, you're a geek. It's not surprising that you're expecting the development of the "kills".
''Well I guess you're nerdy enough.
What kind of nerd am I?
They talk about flags and f*ck-ups and stuff.
I'm just using common sense.
Well, it's okay.

　To be a nerd or not to be a nerd, that would be a sterile conversation.

'What's with that 'I'm a nerd, but I'm claiming to be a regular person, so let's identify you as a regular person' tone of voice?
I don't think it's that complicated.
Shit, isn't that what Laura does?
Wow, please don't dump me!
How do you know it's going to happen?

　Yuka looks at Laura with interest.

'I'm not sure what the word means, but I had a bad feeling about it.
Well, I'll tell you what. I'll tell you what I think of as an assassination attempt...

　Yuka kept her mouth shut.
　She moved next to Makoto and slapped his arm with the back of her hand.

'What?'
Explain it to him.
Why would I do that?
Not ... not...

　Yuka turned away from Mako and mumbled in a muffled voice.

'I can't hear you,'
So I don't have to say ri...
I can't hear you.
"-Oh!

　Yuka glared at Makoto with a snap.

''Well that's enough.''
'Oh, come on, you're the one who started it, so you're going to have to finish it.
You know what you're talking about, don't you?
Well, you know.

　Maybe he was trying to say, 'I can't say humiliation or anything like that.

' 'And Yuka is cute when she tries to avoid s*xually explicit words.
I mean, who's cute?

　Yuka screamed, her face turning red.
　She was either embarrassed or angry - probably both.

'It's Yuka,'
Well, you explain it to me.
I don't want to.
Why?
It's, uh...

　Fujika caged her mouth and glanced at Mako.

'You have a lot of purist appeal. It's repulsive.''
It's natural to want to be seen by the people you like.
If I was a parent, I'd be kicking myself.
I didn't do anything to get kicked!
You know you're the one who's all alone in the world, right?
That's one theory.

　Yuka tapped Makoto's second arm with the back of her hand again.

'What?'
License, license, I'm gonna wake this guy up.

　Yuka smiled wickedly.

'I left them at the inn,'
Why would you leave your license on the road?
That's because I changed my wallet.

　There is no paper money in this world, so a leather bag is more convenient than the long wallet I used in Japan.
　I'm a little worried about whether I need to carry cash around with me, though, since I use the board (tablet) to buy things and pay for lodging.

'Unwary.'
We don't have to be careful, because there's no risk of abuse.

　In my former world, I could be cashed out with a stolen license, but in this world, it doesn't help.

'Well, anyway, if I were a parent, I'd kick myself if I told you that my daughter was in love with an old man in arapahoe,'
My parents wouldn't do that.
Your heart might stop before you even get a kick in.

　Yuka said with a divine look on her face.

'What do you think, Mako?'
I'm sure you'll disagree.

　I'd like to say that age has nothing to do with love, but in reality, that's not the case.

'I don't mean that, what do you think, Mako?
"In the old world, don't question the beauty pageant.
That's the way it is.
Mako-san is young now. It's more like it's real life.
I'll tell you what I think.
I'm no match for Yuka.

　Fujika turned away.

'After all, what's the point of the ku-kiri development?
Fujica said it was a naughty word.

　Liv answers Fene's question.

'I know that, but be specific.
I understand.
What is it?
'Perhaps a female knight like me will be taken prisoner and humiliated by the enemy soldiers?
What is the firing squad?
I'd rather kill you than humiliate you, wouldn't you?
I see. It's like, "f*ck, kill me.

　Fene claps his hands together as if he's just getting the point across.

'You're talking like Genghaku Sugita,'
You're a Dutch scholar.
Isn't this a new demolition book?
It's an anatomy book, and The Beginning of Dutch Studies is the story of the travails of translating the Taher Anatomy, which was the basis for the Deconstruction New Book.
I don't remember that much.
So why don't you just say it?

　Yuka cowered a small shoulder.
　Mako and the others enter the alleyway.
　It was dark all at once, but it didn't affect Mako, who had acquired the night vision (skill).
　After a while, Fujika approached.

''I'm not very good in the dark,''
I'll back off if it's too dark.
...like a thank you.
It's okay. It's normal to take care of the new guy.

　Fene said with a thin chest.

'That Fujica guy, he was trying to hold your hand in the middle of a thunderstorm.
You know what I mean.
Of course.

　'Hmmm,' sniffed Yuka.

'I'm even appealing to your girlishness. You're a bruising woman.'
In a way, she's like a woman.
Don't say anything freaky,

　Yuka crossed her arms over her chest protectively and backed away from Mako a bit.

'For your information, what is it about me that makes me so feminine?'
"Insidious, clingy, overly self-aware...
Your view of women is ridiculous!

　Yuka's willow eyebrows were raised upside down and she pointed at Makoto with a bishoujo.
　I suddenly felt a sense of deja vu.

'Egashi--'
I'm not a copycat!

　Yuka shouted out.

'You don't have to be so angry,'
Of course I'm angry.
Do you know what you're talking about?
I have to.

　Yuka said grimly.

'And by the way, Fene is pretty good at it too.
What?
'You intercepted Fujica brilliantly when she tried to hold my hand. As a senior, pretending to take care of the juniors you're a scary girl.
I'm scared of you.
What do you see in me that scares you?
'When I let you through, what's nothing is distorted by malice.
'And so on!　Fane, you've been so kind to me, but not too much!

　Fujika agrees with Makoto's words.

'I don't care.
Fene is a good girl.

　Fujika patted Faene's head.
　But Makoto didn't miss Fene's grin.
　He doesn't say it - but he doesn't say it.

''At best, you'll regret it later.
Whatever....
What?
"Watch your step.
Foot--Hit!

　Yuka screamed.

'Hey, I stepped on something!
A dead rat.
You could have told me before you stepped on it!

　Yuka said with tears in her eyes.
　It seemed that even the woman with a heart of steel had a weakness for it.

'Oh my god, it sucks!'
Can I help you with that?

　Ugugu, Yuka grunted in pain.
　You can feel the anguish in not answering immediately.

''Yuka-san, if you don't mind, you can have my hand.
Thank you ... and you didn't have night vision, did you?

　Yuka asks Laura, who comes up next to her.

'Step on it together and you won't be afraid.'
You're the shield, you have to step on it!
No, no, no!

　Yuka gets behind her and pushes Laura.
　Laura struggles to step on, but the level difference is inexorable.
　She moves forward while scraping the cobblestones with her leg armor.

''Argh!　What the hell!　I stepped on something!

　Laura's screams echoed down the alley.

*

Welcome home, sir. I see you're late today.

　When Mako and the others entered the 'Golden Sheep' pavilion, Sherry greeted them as usual.
　Since it's this time of day, I thought they were taking a break, but--''

''You don't mind if I prepare a meal for Yuka-san and Laura-san as well, do you?
You know what I mean.
You'd think after all that fuss, everybody would notice.

　Shelly chuckled.
　When Makoto took his place at the center table, Fene and Laura sat on either side of him, while Yuka, Liv, and Fujika took seats facing each other.

''I'm going to reheat the miso soup, so we'll take a moment.
Miso soup.

　Yuka gives me a relieved look.

'The inn you're staying at won't serve you?
It's on the menu, but it's expensive.
Do you have the money?
I don't want to pay 15A for a meal.

　In terms of original world value, it might be $1,500, or maybe even more.

''That's a set meal, right?''
'Of course. You can't serve 15A for a bowl of miso soup.
Well, yeah.

　Makoto nodded, shelving his eating habits in his former world.
　Lunch was at a restaurant near the office, and at night it was convenience store food.
　At night, it was not uncommon to spend over 1,500 yen.
　The day before the holiday, I had bought a lot of shochu liqueur.
　Looking back on it now, I may have been one step away from alcoholism.

'What's going on?'
I haven't been drinking, as I recall.
Because Shelly won't let you out.
I don't think your husband is allowed to drink.

　Shelley said as she sat at the counter cooking.

'It's a shame,'
I don't mind.

　I answer Liv with a grin.

'Don't be so tough,'
I'm not a tough guy. I'm not as stressed out as I used to be.

　We don't need another 9% soju.

'Mako said it was spicier in the original world.
I mean, I don't know why you would say something like that to me.

　Yuka put an arm around her shoulders and Fujica narrowed her shoulders.

'I think the people on top should understand the hardships of those who support them, I do.
Yes, I think so.
I wish someone who works for you would come to this world.

　Yuka smiled wickedly.

'You look like you're having fun,'
'I can see why zombie dramas were so popular. Maybe a movie about a bunch of rich people stranded on a deserted island killing each other?
There's no such thing as a pinpoint movie.
Sounds like fun.

　Sherry, who came over before I knew it, put the lemon water on the table.

'Thank you,'
It's a shame you have to thank me for the lemon water.

　Sherry chuckled and walked back to the counter.
　Mako brought the glass to her mouth.
　The cold water felt good on her tired body.

''Puh-leeze!''

　Yuka drank half of the lemon water and exhaled.

'It's vile,'
It's bloody disgusting. He can have water.

　Fujica took a sip of lemon water with a sideways glance at Yuka and let out a breath of relief.

''After all, lemon water is exceptionally good.
Yeah, I feel like I've done my job.
Yes.

　Fene murmurs sullenly, and Liv and Laura agree.
　I would like to surrender to the interminable air, but that's not going to happen.

''So we explored the second and third levels today, how did it go?''
"I'm worried about Mantis.
Well, I mean, do you want your name in the book as a finder or what?
It's a bit of a thing.

　Liv says disgustedly, and Fene creates a space between her thumb and forefinger.

'I've seen zombies turn into skeletons before, but that's a change all at once, isn't it?
It's certainly not like zombies evolving into ghouls either.

　Makoto agrees, playing with his glass.

'Isn't there a pattern to evolution?　Laura, do you know anything about that?
'I haven't heard of any gradual evolution, but I'll look into it.
Okay, I'll look into it. In case you haven't noticed, I like to study.
I didn't say anything.
I could feel the evil in you.
It's paranoid.

　Fujika blurted out, but Yuka ignored her.

'Speaking of which, is that the end of Mantis?'
What do you mean?

　Fane asks Liv back.

'I meant are you not evolving anymore or are you still evolving?
I don't know what you're talking about.
I think it's safe to assume that it will still evolve, don't you?
Oh, you're kidding me.
You Bison Horns are so timid.
They don't know what Mantis is capable of, so they're wary of him.
Long arms, a little sturdy, stuck to the ceiling, sounds like a badass.

　Fujica counts Mantis' abilities on her fingers.

''I believe the Skeleton Warriors are here because of Mantis' ability to get together, what do you think?
The timing seems right.

　Even knights have a voice (skill) that attracts the enemy.
　It's no wonder that the enemy can make a voice to call out to their friends.

What was your status?
'I didn't see it displayed, but if you think about it, some of the race skills and job skills don't show up.

　Yuka raised her eyebrows in difficulty.

'Come to think of it, you could see the status.
Did you forget?
There's not much use for it.
You don't need to be able to read my status to know what I'm doing.

　Yuka said in a sultry tone.

''I don't know, even if you don't have any skills, the undead are supposed to kill creatures, so if you make a scene, they won't come near you.''

　He continues in a sultry tone, after all.

'So that's one way to think about it.'
Whether it's a skill or coming by on its own, it's not a good idea to be surrounded by them.
Oh, that was a bad idea.
"I just used the magic item I just bought.

　Liv nodded somewhat happily, and Fene let out a sad sigh.

''Ah, that flame. Was it that expensive of a magic item?''
It's a pretty good deal.
'If it's so expensive, do you want to treat it like an expense or something?'
I wish you wouldn't do that.

　Fene shook her head from side to side.

'Why?'
Frankly, I think I'm getting paid way too much.
You don't think so?
It's too much.

　Fene said in a slightly stronger tone.

'How does a normal team do it?'
'Basically, it's like making do with the rewards.
Is that how it works?
That's the way it goes. For example, if I wanted to buy new armor and asked for money, you'd say, "Screw you," right?
Well, yeah.

　Mako nodded.

'If you weren't unhappy with the reward, you wouldn't have told me, would you?'
"Puffer!

　Fene grunted at Yuka's words.
　Not only that, but two tails stood on pins and hairs stood up in the air as if they had exploded.

''Well, you know, I'm a poor financial person, so I just got a little b*tc*y.
You're certainly getting paid handsomely.

　Laura nodded with a divine look on her face.

'Well, yes--ha!

　Yuka almost nodded and looked at Makoto.

'What?'
Hey, it's nothing.

　Yuka poked her cheekbones and turned away.

'You're paid enough, like you were worried about a split statement.
Shut up if you know what I'm talking about!
I wasn't thinking about it.
Tsk, she's being deliberate.

　Fujika slapped her forehead and Yuka clicked her tongue.

'Splitting it up it's a line I adore.
That's why the lady...
Neither do you.
'Shut up!　I don't have any friends anyway!

　Yuka raised her voice.

'Aside from Yuka's lonely confession, I feel like it's a problem to put the burden on Mako-san, and...'
I won't miss you.
It's not a burden, though.

　Mako scratched her head.

'But he said he wanted to keep the burden as close to the same as possible.
How do you think Makoto will pay up and settle the bill in a timely manner?
Replacement?
You can't tilt your head for every single thing.

　Fujika tilted her head and Yuka plunged in.

''Save the receipts and stuff and transfer them to Makoto's account when you sell the magic stones or when you get paid for your request.
Well, that's good.
Are you three sure that's all right?
Yeah.
That's all right.
Yes.

　Fene, Liv and Laura nodded.

'I don't mind.
So why don't you just throw away the receipt?
You've been thinking about it a lot, haven't you?
I'm always thinking about it.

　Yuka said, sounding miffed.

'Speaking of which--'
Is there anything else?

　Yuka looked disgusted.

'It's about a new way of fighting,'
I think I did a good job of telling him what to do and talking to him.
'The spotting makes things a little easier for you, doesn't it?
That's true. It's easier to plan ahead if you know how long the enemy will be coming.

　The new way of fighting seems to have worked well.

And the new poleaxe helped, too.
My magic item wasn't quite right.

　Liv's chest heaved and Laura's shoulders slumped.

'It's called Fujika, or rather, the battle pattern based on the Ascension is effective...'
Magic?
That's what I mean.

　Yuka nodded in agreement with me.

'And that last one was tough.
''Since you're getting the magic enhancement and the magic enhancement, you'll just have to level up steadily.

　Yuka's eyes narrowed as she checked her status.

''Can't you use Soul Heal?''
I'm tired of it, too. And it only makes me feel a little better. It's a rare skill, but it's exhausting.

　Yuka let out a small sigh.

''Why don't you just buy a water potion?''
That's the ointment, right?
There's something called a "stamina potion.
Can that be used to restore magic?

　Liv looks at Fene with a scandalous look in her eyes.

''Try things,''
I'll take a look at it when I get back.
"I'll come with you when I'm horny.

　Liv grins.
　I can't help but think that he's very handsome.

"The only thing left to do is to equip--
Yes, your meal is ready.

　Sherry interrupted Makoto's words and placed a tray on the table.
　'Rice, miso soup, karaage, and salad,' she said.

'Rice?'
Unlike miso soup and soy sauce, you can buy them in general. Enjoy it while it's hot.

　Then Sherry smiled.



　Mako was sitting at the counter alone.
　The restaurant hadn't closed up yet, and Shelly was washing dishes at the counter.

''Uh.....

　Shelley makes a small noise.

'What's going on?'
'No. I thought I hadn't closed it.
I'll take care of it.
You'll take care of the windows too, sir.
Hey, yeah.

　Shelley said wickedly, and Mako closed the shop window and door.
　He returned to his original seat - at the end of the counter - and returned to his original seat.

'....Sherry.
No alcohol.
No, I don't drink.
Hmmm, your husband is a strange one.

　Shelley put the dishes in the drainage basket and leaned forward.

'Is that different?'
Yes, after all, I haven't been drinking, after all.
I don't want you to be denied entry because you've been drinking somewhere else.
No. No, I don't.
I've had enough of this.

　Health first.

"...Sherry.
What is it?
Are you available tonight?
It's embarrassing to hear it so straightforwardly, isn't it?

　Shelly said, looking away.
　The word embarrassed is red to the ears, as if it were true.

What do you say?
....
If you don't answer, that means it's OK.
You're a very forceful man.

　Shelley raises an eyebrow, but it's just a pose.
　Mako stood up slowly.