*

　Mako looked down at the vertical hole that led to the fifth level.
　Fortunately, or should I say, there were no enemies at the bottom of the hole.
　Fene tugged at his coat.

''Brother, it's dangerous.''
I don't think it's a bad sign.
"Be careful.
I certainly do.

　Some enemies might have skills to evade detection.
　Some of them might have enemies with instant death skills.
　Even if you overthink the instant death skill, you should think of it negatively in these situations.
　It's hard to think about it if you repeatedly think it's going to be okay and then find yourself near death.
　Makoto slowly moved away from the vertical hole and turned around.

'What do we do?　Do you want to keep going to the fifth level, or do you want to re-partition?
'We haven't even consumed any items, and I think we can keep going to the fifth level.
I've still got room to spare.
Me too, sir.
I'm not ready for this either.

　Fene, Liv, Laura and Fujika answer Makoto's question.
　Oh, and they lightly widen their eyes.
　It's because Yuka, who is always the first to answer, was silent.
　She is standing there with her head down, as if she were lost in thought.

''Yuka?''
What?
I asked if you wanted to go to the fifth level?
Why don't you just go?
You.

　Mako let out a small sigh.
　'It's fine to be quiet, but please don't give me the upper hand.

'Yuka looks like Love is having a flurry of activity.
What are you talking about?
"-Oh!

　Fujika's eyes widened in astonishment when Yuka said as she put her triangular hat on deep in her eyes.

'And Yuka's crazy!'
I'm not crazy!

　Yuka turned red and exclaimed.

'It's funny and strange!　And you were so nice to that adventurer back there!　And if it was a normal yuca, she would have asked for money!　Like a harbinger of a natural disaster!
I'm nice to everybody!

　Immediately after Yuka shouted, silence descended.
　A silence that makes your ears ache.
　The one who broke the silence was, of course, Yuka.

'Why are you silent?'
'No, me too. I'd like to believe you're a nice girl.
Mm-hmm. It doesn't sound very friendly.
''Oh, ah, you're a rather nice guy for an adventurer, aren't you?''
I won't say a word.

　Apparently, Fene, Liv and Laura agree with Mako.
　It's a bit twisted, but if you ask me if I'm kind to anyone, I'm in trouble.
　She really isn't a bad girl--but she's not.

''Look, look, Yuka isn't nice to me, and I'm not nice to her!
And excuse me!

　When Fujika cheered, Yuka said, miffed.

'And I want you to tell me where exactly you're being kind!
'You're kind enough to save Mako from dying in the dungeon!
....

　Yuka helped Mako not out of the goodness of her heart, but to shield her, but there are things in the world that don't need to be said, so she keeps quiet.

''I object!''
What?　Why would you object to that?
'The Yooka I know wouldn't do anything to help people without compensation!　And he must have been planning to use Makoto-san as a shield!
I can't believe how rude you are!

　Oh," said Makoto in admiration.
　He was beginning to understand Yuka's personality a lot better.

''Hey!　Why are you saying 'hoo' and all that!
No, I didn't say that.
I said it!　I promise!　Why are you trying to fool me!
Fujica is finally starting to get it.
I told you!

　Yuka tightened her grip on her wand and stepped on the ground.

''It's like Yuka's girl power has been boosted!
Why?
Like the way he clutched his walking stick and stepped on the ground was a high point in my opinion.
I don't need that kind of girl power!
Okay, I'll do it.
'No, it just hurts when Laura does it,'
Yes.

　Laura scoffed back as Yuka's advice seemed to have gouged out the kryptonite.

'So, what's up with the zoning out?　If you're not feeling well or not up to it, we'll pull you out.
'It's not like that. It's just that I was wondering about those two earlier.
You didn't fail to make the transition, did you?
That's not true.

　'Tsk,' said Yuka, clicking her tongue.

'I think we're able to transition to the city without any problems.
So what's bothering you, then?
No, it's just, you know, he said life was hard.
You're a softie, too, aren't you?

　It's not that I don't have a place in my heart for being called a softie, but it seems to have been bothering me for some reason.
　Well, it's typical of Yuka to say that it's typical of her.

"You called Makoto-san a good-natured softie, but now it seems like you've changed your mind too much.
You like stepping on land mines, don't you?

　Yuka said disgustedly.
　I certainly don't think it's a good idea to have a style of going to step on a mine yourself.

''Hmm, so why do you care?''
He said he was having a hard time.
I feel sorry for you.
Seriously, you could splatter your brains all over the place.
Well, Makoto-san, you're the help.

　Fujika hid behind Mako as Yuka held up her staff.

'Fene, I wonder if life is tough for a fledgling adventurer?'
Well, I'm not a pure adventurer, you know.

　Fene raised an eyebrow in annoyance.

'But you know better than the rest of us, don't you?
Yeah.

　Hmmm, Fene snorted.

'Many people who want to be adventurers are poor, so it's no surprise that life is hard for them.
It's just not my dream job.
I think I have a dream.
What?

　Yuka looked at Liv.

'You've got a chance to become one, don't you?
If you say so, then I have a chance to be a millionaire.
No, you're... well, so am I, but you're a rich man.
Well, that's good to know.

　Fene muttered sincerely.

'Yes. 'You're rich,'
'Laura, you don't have the face of a knight.
No, it's not.

　Laura said, sounding miffed, but she looked happy just now.

'It happens. 'You're failing your knight.'
Well, Chris sends you out on your own time.
You're back to square one.
'I was at a loss when Chris-sama gave me some spare time, but now that I'm rich, I feel fine. Money enriches my heart, hmmm.

　Laura spat out a line that was typical for a knight, but I know exactly how she felt.

Well, you won't become rich all of a sudden like us. Normally, I'd have to kill monsters or do some simple work to raise my level and rank. But you're more likely to die or drop out.
...drop out.

　Yuka moaned.

'If you're a man, you're a bandit; if you're a woman, you're a prostitute.
See, whore they're okay, right?
Isn't it hard?
Of course you do.

　Mako muttered as she remembered her former world.
　People in need would fall down at once if something happened to them.
　But even if you work diligently, you can still fall down when you fall down.

What are you talking about, like it's somebody else's problem?
It's something else.
You told me to feel free to ask for help!
I mean I'm willing to take care of you if you ask. It's called lip service. It means I'd be happy to help you.
Grown-ups are dirty.

　Yuka said with a grunt.

'But, well, Yuka has a point. It's hard to get rid of the reputation of being a good guy in the future.'
That's not what I said.
You're in a different league now.
It's you.

　After all, he says with a grunt.

'Like if you say so much, Yuka should take care of you.
Where is the spirit of philanthropy?
Mm. Yeah, I think Yuka's crazy.
'You are persistent!　I'm a nice person by nature!
Really?
'To Makoto!　My kindness is Bodhisattva-level, Bodhisattva-level!
Or at least do a battleship reference.
...Yamato?

　Yuka replied after a slight pause.

'I think I'm going to sink something.'
It's annoying. A high school girl wouldn't know the name of a battleship.
My grandfather--
'I don't care which battleship your grandfather was on,'
It's like this is how history breaks down.
I'm just not interested in the history of the city.

　Yuka said in a disgusted tone.

'So what are you going to do about Mako?'
What are you going to do about it?
You first.
If I answer first, you're going to say, 'Well, I don't have to do anything then, do I?'
What are you going to do?

　I thought he was going to moan or yell at me, but Yuka said with a sultry pout on her lips.
　Maybe she's rather seriously worried.

'I suppose so.'

　Mako crosses her arms and thinks about what to do with Mary and Anne.
　It's not a bad idea to help them since they can afford it, but it doesn't seem to be beneficial.
　But--.

'I could teach them how to be adventurers.
Yes.
Is it possible?

　Yuka let out a breath of relief, but Fene was not happy.

'Do you disagree, Fene?'
I don't want to give you the know-how that you risked your life to acquire for free. I don't want you to give me the know-how you risked your life to acquire for free.
I certainly do.

　Fene is right.

'I just wish I could increase the scope of my requests.
Is it necessary?
It's a pain in the ass to start looking for people when the time comes, isn't it?
That's not true.

　Fene's lips quirked up in frustration.

'Mako, this guy is wary that his place will be taken.
It's not like that.

　Liv grabbed his head, but Faine was quick to brush it away.

'What do you think, Liv?'
I agree with you about expanding the range of requests since we seem to specialize in combat.
That's a very subtle thing to say.
We don't have the right to say that because Makoto raised us, but we raised you from scratch and paid you the same.

　Liv scratched her head, looking bummed.

'So you're willing to abandon me then?'
It's all right.
I wouldn't say that.

　Fene answered Yuka's question once and for all, and Liv was stumped.
　At that moment, Laura opened her mouth.

''Don't think about it that hard, but just think of it as a way to help out, don't you?
Can I help you?

　As I thought, Fene is not happy.

'No matter how strong we are, we're a new team. I think we should strengthen our relationships with other teams in case of emergency.
I don't have a relationship with anyone else.
My connections are pretty limited.
So you're okay with this?

　Yuka said happily.

'It can't be helped if the team is strengthened.
I think it's a good place to be.

　Fene and Liv nodded, though they didn't seem too keen on the idea.

'I haven't decided what exactly we're going to do, but you can help, too, right?
I know.

　Yuka's lips twitched in a sultry manner.

*

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

I don't see any enemies at all.
Yeah.

　Liv blurted out, and Fene nodded as she looked at the map.
　We haven't encountered a single enemy since we started exploring the fifth level.
　I'd like to think that there are days like this--''

''It's good that we don't have any enemies, and...''
Brainiac.

　Yuka said with a sigh.

'And I'm not a brainiac,'
You're nothing but a brainiac.

　Aside from the way he said it, Yuka was right.

'Mako isn't, is she?'
That doesn't sound good.

　The distribution of the undead has changed, and a new species called Mantis has appeared.
　It's not a very good thing, but I can't honestly say it's a good thing there are no enemies.

''Look, look!''
It's like I lied about being nice to everyone.
Why should I be nice to you?
It went as expected.

　Fujika hung her head disappointedly.

''I mean, you left me in the dungeon and now you're too brazen to want me to be nice to you. You d*mn celebrity.
He's vindictive like a snake.
Of course.

　Hmm, Yuka sniffed.

''Well come to think of it...''
What?

　Yuka looks at me over her shoulder.

'You're Laura, not Yuka, Laura.
Excuse me?
'I thought that combination of impact reversal (reflection) and shield bashing was interesting.
The timing is a bit difficult, but I thought it would work against skeleton-type undead, so I did my best to practice.

　Laura said somewhat embarrassed.

''It's true that shields are more useful than swords for skeleton-type undead.
''Yes, it would be nice if I could use the Sword Qi Release (Aura Blade) and the Celebration Holy Blade (Holy Weapon), but neither of those can be learned by a knightly job.

　Laura replied to Liv's words with a sigh.

'Can't Yuka use that kind of magic?'
I can't use any kind of combat-aid magic.
Are you sure?
'How can you lie to me about this?

　Yuka said miffed, but I feel like I've learned one or two combat aids magic.

''I'm sure if you study now, you'll be able to use them. What about Fujika?''
My magic is a gift from God, and
It's not working.
"Uggh, that's a heartbreaking word.

　Fujika grunted.

'The monk type is an unfortunate job,'
'What are you talking about when you don't need to study or chant?
'I wanted you to be able to learn magic on your own and

　Fujica's shoulders slumped and she blurted out.
　I can understand the lament since there doesn't seem to be any status compensation for jobs.

'We're promised a development like that when we think it's an unfortunate job, but it's actually...'
Let's bury him before he beats us to it.
And murder is a red status!
'I think it's safe to starve or drown. And, of course, burying them in the ground and suffocating them.
Yuka, I believe in you.
Thank you.

　Yuka said in a sarcastic tone.

''Well, I mean, your life is in my hands,''
Well, Makoto-san, there's a murderer in the house!
You're a murderer!

　Yuka's voice was hoarse, as if she had forgotten that she had kicked the bandit to death.

''I remember hearing that Yuka kicked the bandit to death and...''
I don't want you to poke at me for something you didn't see yourself?
Well, Makoto said so.
Where's the proof? Where's the proof?
Uggh, that's not very nice.
Weak and strong... that's a good word for it.

　With that, Yuka ruffled her hair.

''It's about time, altarsss.''
It's time to confront the boss. Keep your head straight.
'Uggh, I'm afraid Yuka's going to bring me down.

　Mako and the others stopped at the end of the aisle.
　There was an altar in the center of the large space.
　It couldn't be my imagination that it seemed to be more luxurious than before.
　Furthermore, the mid-boss has also changed from a four-armed Skeleton Warrior to an Arachne - a skeleton with an upper body and a spider-like undead with a lower body.
　As if he hadn't noticed us, Arachne is stoned on the altar.
　Mako narrowed her eyes.
　The part that hit the spider's abdomen, the inside of it, was covered in black light.

''........Yuka.''
What?
"Status Status,
I totally forgot about it.

　Yuka's eyes narrowed.

''I can't see ...
Don't you see me?
It's not that I can't see it, it's just that there's a lot of overlap.
Do you have more than one on top of each other?

　Mako parroted.

'What do you mean?'
I wouldn't understand.
Okay.

　Mako crossed her arms.
　I can't just nod my head yes or no when someone says they don't know.
　If you don't know, you should decide on a policy if you don't know.

It's okay if I go and gather information, but........
Let's not do that.
Yes.

　Liv objects and Laura agrees.

'Isn't it dangerous not to know what the enemy is up to?
It's dangerous, but that's the way it's fought.

　Laura laughed in annoyance.

''Since we have an insurance policy called Makoto-sama and Yuka-san, I think we should learn how to fight while gathering information.
That's exactly what I'm talking about.

　Liv bashfully slapped Laura on the back.

'But like it's too scary to have any information about the enemy at all.
There were some irregularities, but this is a swarm dungeon.
'And it's Arachne. No matter how many subspecies you say you're a subspecies, you're not going to get beaten hand and foot.

　Fujika seems uneasy, but she thinks that Fene and Liv are not incapable of fighting.
　It's dangerous to speculate on things, but Mako and her team are adventurers.
　They can't reduce the risk to zero.

''What are we going to do?''
I'll come in and get you if I feel threatened.
That's what I thought.
There's what I'm talking about.
Let's be discreet.
Like it would be helpful to have an early decision.

　There is a temperature difference, but there seems to be no disagreement.
　Fene, Liv, Laura and Fujica walk towards Arachne.
　Liv and Laura are the vanguard and Fujica is the rear guard.
　Fene - before I knew it, she had come around to Arachne's side.

'What do you think we're going to do?'
It's almost like the vanguard is approaching and attracting Arachne, isn't it?

　Liv and Laura stop, but it's quite a distance to Arachne.
　At that time--.

''Hah!''

　Laura barked.
　A yell that would get the enemy's attention.
　Arachne jumped down from the altar and sped towards Laura.

'Roar!　Thunderbolt!

　Liv stood to protect Laura and swung the pole hammer down.
　A lightning bolt gushed out, but Arachne avoided it without difficulty.
　Maintaining her speed, she closed in on Liv and Laura, who was waiting behind her.
　There was a roar.
　It's not just a matter of time before you're ready to go.
　The antagonism lasted for a moment, with Liv inching back.
　Considering the difference in body size, you might be surprised that they were able to antagonize each other even for a moment.

''Stay tuned, please!
Ha, ha!
Impact reversal, shield fire!

　Laura stepped aside from Arachne and unleashed two skills at the same time.
　There was a roar again and Arachne was blown away.
　Arachne fell to her side and flapped her legs.
　Laura probably should have caught it, but she said the timing was difficult, so maybe that was why.

'Roar!　Thunderbolt!

　A lightning bolt gushed out and pierced Arachne.
　It wouldn't be in pain, but Arachne ground his teeth together.

''Yes!''

　Liv carries a pole hammer and attacks Arachne.
　But Arachne opens his mouth.
　A light lights up in his mouth, as if he's going to release a shockwave.
　I wish I could attack first and dislodge the firing line, but I don't think I'll be able to get there in time.
　There--.

''Sniper!''

　Fane fires a sling shot.
　There is a dull thud and the angle of the skull tilts slightly.
　He released a shockwave with a slight delay, but it only ended up running a crack in the ground.

''--!
Oraaaaah!

　Liv swung the pole hammer down.
　The skull slammed into the ground and cracked.

'One more!'
"-Oh!

　Just as Liv raised the pole hammer, Arachne opened her mouth.
　The impact was not the impact that was released in the next moment, but the sound.

''Gah!''

　Liv let out a short scream and moved out of range.
　Arachne stands up and swings his arms around and attacks Liv.
　The damage is still there, but Liv can't move.

'Sniper sniper sniper!'

　Fane fires off a series of sling shots in quick succession.
　With no luck, I should say, all three bullets are bounced off his thick arms.
　Arachne swung his arm down.
　The next moment, the arm was bounced backwards.
　Laura stepped in between them and flipped the attack off with an impact reversal.

''Quickly, water potion (potion)!
Sorry.

　Liv took the water potion from the pouch and bathed it over her head.
　The water potion evaporated, emitting a pale light.
　Liv's wounds should have healed, but she can't turn to fight back as Arachne continues to attack as if she's lost her mind.

''Sniper sniper sniper!''

　Fane's cover doesn't seem to be helping much either.
　He should be able to use his foxfire to do some damage, but he seems to have a policy of preserving it.

''Fujika!　Don't just stand there, cover me, cover me!
Whew, whew!

　Yuka yells, and Fujika starts to move, perhaps trying to secure a line of fire.

'Fool!　You're a turn undead!
Ta-ascension!

　Fujika uses her magic.
　The light emitted from the tin cane illuminated the dungeon and Arachne stopped moving.

''Fox fire fox fire fox fire!''

　Fane fires a sling shot.
　The bullet hits Arachne's legs and unleashes jet black flames.
　The jet-black flames envelop the four legs, but they can't turn to dust in an instant.
　The fire gradually diminished, but the surface of the bones peeled off with rags and rags.

''Ascend!''

　Immediately after Fujica released her magic again, the foxfire was extinguished.

''Oh, my foxfire!
I'm sorry!
Fujica!　Timing, timing!

　Fene lets out a distressed cry, Fujika apologizes, and Yuka calls out to her.

'Now--'
Enough is enough!

　Liv got behind Arachne and Laura went around the front to attack the leg.
　The leg shattered with a dry sound and Arakne fell to the ground.

'Sniper sniper sniper!'
'Yes!　Ola-la-la-la!
Huh!

　Fene, Liv and Laura all attack the fallen Arachne in unison.
　Fujica is wandering around holding a tin cane, if you ask me.

'You'll have to give Fujica a number of places.
The number of places to be,
We need to throw him in a tough spot.
Sparta.
We had it easy at the beginning.
Yeah.

　I'm not a fan of throwing my friends into tough situations, but I'll need to give them the opportunity to grow with care so they don't get crushed.
　At that time--.

''--!

　Arachne screamed and a black light erupted from her abdomen.
　It rutted near the ceiling--.

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

　The ghosts - or is it a ghost mage - turned into a swarm of ghosts and let out a heroic cry.
　Perhaps this was why there were no enemies on the fifth level.

''Fujika!''
Like an ascension!

　Following Mako's words, Fujika uses her magic.
　A light shoots out of the tin cane.

''Hogeeeeeeeeeee!''

　With such a scream, Ghost flailed around in the air.

''Ascend!''
Hogeeeeeeeeeee!

　Ghost's figure fades as Fujica follows suit.

'Ascend!'
Hoge--!

　The ghost disappears as a result of the ascension he unleashed as a token, and the magic stone falls to the ground.

''Keep attacking!''
Yes, sir!
Ooh-ooh-ooh!
Huh!

　Fene, Liv and Laura resume their attack.
　Arachne tried to resist, but he no longer had a chance to win.

'Shield fire!'

　Laura's blow was a thwarting blow, and Arachne was shattered.

*

　After defeating Arachne...

That's quite a magical stone.

　Fene picked up the shattered magic stone and smiled.
　Laura and Fujica were in a good mood, too.

''Fujica looks like she's on level 18.
Laura's at level 24, though.
I don't want you to hold back on the joy.

　Fujika looked at Yuka and disappointedly slumped her shoulders.

'And yet, all at once, it's level two?'
I'm so relieved.

　Laura patted her chest at Mako's words.

'What's wrong?'
'I was worried that we were going to have to cease and desist because we couldn't raise the bar very well.
...I see.

　Mako nodded after a bit of a pause.
　'I don't think I need to worry so much, but there's the matter of Fene.
　And even though she's given a lot of spare time, Laura is a knight.
　It must be terrifying to have her growth stop at level 22.

''I wish I could use my new skills...''
Skills.

　I nodded my head inwardly, wondering how to learn the job skills of a martial artist.
　I feel like I could be stronger if I could acquire job skills.
　Well, that's something for the future.

It's time to go back. Yuka?
I'm ready to go.

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

'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 the dizziness that had become all too familiar hit him.
　Immediately after being freed from the dizziness, Makoto was struck by a shock.
　When he opened his eyes in a hurry, he found that he was quite far from the castle gate.
　And--.

''Really?''

　I muttered to myself.
　Countless skeletons swarmed the gates of the castle.