*

　There was a fragrant smell in the air.
　When I looked towards the smell, I saw Mary and her friends - adventurers with luggage - cooking.
　They were cooking deftly around a steaming pot.
　They are all really good at what they do.
　How could they be so deft?
　I thought about that and realized something.
　Makoto and the others can travel back and forth between the dungeon and the city using Yuka's magic.
　But they can't.
　Naturally, they would have to have portable food or cook in the dungeon.
　The difference between the two would be evident in their cooking skills.
　When I looked next to her, I saw Yuka looking up at the ceiling in a daze.

''You're.......bored.''
Why don't you go over and help me cook?
No. I don't know why I have to do that.

　Yuka looked miffed.

'You're not busy, are you?'
I don't want to cook. Why in the world would you tell me that?　The other four have time on their hands, too.
Whoi!　And I'm involved again!

　Fujica shrugged her head, but Fene, Liv and Laura were nowhere to be seen.

'Oh, what?　Like I'm the only one who was surprised?
You better get used to it.
As usual. As usual.

　Fene and Liv said lazily.
　Normally they would be more energetic, but maybe it was because of the temperature and humidity.
　Fujica turned her gaze to Laura.

'It's like Laura thought you were as positive as me.
Positive?

　It wasn't Laura who responded, but Yuka.

'Like the position,'
What, I thought it was about the positives.
No, that doesn't make any sense.

　The same positive - certainly doesn't make sense.
　Or perhaps Yuka knows it's about the position.
　Still, it's Yuka who gets involved.

'There are people out there, the ones who use abbreviations without even knowing what they mean.
I said I understood, but he was very forceful.
You're the kind of guy who doesn't know what he's talking about.
...non-poly.

　Fujica grunted.

'Isn't non-political a dead word?'
We die when people and words are forgotten.

　Yuka sniffed and ruffled her hair.

'I mean!　As long as I'm alive, non-political isn't a dead word!
"d*mn it, where am I?　Yooka time and space?
What is yuca-time!
'Oh?　Yuka space-time is a mysterious space used by the villains of the universe. In that space, the villain's power is increased.
That doesn't really explain it, so call it a parallel world.
You've ruined me.

　Mako grunted.

'Because it feels better that way. So, correct me.
Okay, okay.

　Mako muttered, feeling disgusted.

'd*mn it, where am I?　A parallel world?
That's an okay performance.
Sometimes it's like I'm so impressed with Makoto's acting skills.
You have no idea.

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

'Like what?'
Mako was a professional company man.
He's a businessman.

　And by the way, you don't need a professional.
　If you're making money at it, you're a pro, and even if you're a rookie, your customers will treat you as a pro.
　Well, unlike an athlete, you don't get a professional.

For Makoto, acting out is just a piece of cake.
I don't think so.
I've had to get my act together for a while now.
What kind of situation would cause an actor to...

　Fujica said fearfully.

'When you are on the verge of becoming a complainer, an apologetic voice is very effective. Like this, sorry...
'Your inflection is weird and I was really annoyed with you?　Can you really outrun it?
'I know the feeling. When I saw one of my senior employees do it, I thought he was an idiot, but when I tried it, it's very effective. I can tell you from experience, the complaint development rate has been cut in half.
"....claim development rate.

　Yuka said as she grunted and let out a sigh.

'Why, like Yuka letting out a sigh?'
I can't give that performance.
I don't think you should just give up on them.
"Ha, the president's daughter, that's a beautiful thing to say!

　When Fujika raised her eyebrows in annoyance and said, Yuka suddenly raised her voice.

''Anyway, you're going to get a job with your dad's company, go to work on time and leave on time... and even get executive compensation!
No, yeah, well, it seems like that might be the case once you're back in the world in one piece.
Tsk, the world isn't equal at all. A guy like you, who has no idea what's going on in the world, earning 10 million yen a year, is really wrong.
You know, it's a terrible thing to say.

　Fujica took some distance from the blustering and complaining Yuka.

''Why do you know the term executive compensation?''
I'm learning.

　Yuka said quickly, but it's amazing that a high school student knows the term executive compensation.
　I wonder where in the world they get that kind of knowledge.

''Really, as far as I'm concerned, you're a bastard of a woman.
I don't want my reputation to be tarnished by the future.

　Fujica let out a small sigh.

'By the way, what does non-political mean, like what does it mean?'
I mean a woman like you.

　Hmph, Yuka snickered.

''........Makoto-san.
'Non-political stands for non-political. In short, it means you don't care about politics.
'Heh, but, well, it's certainly not there,'
Oh, God, that's why you're no good at this.
'But not many high school students are interested in politics. What was it like for you in high school, Makoto-san?
You never really cared about politics, did you?

　I had a classmate who was interested in politics, but now I think he was more interested in political disputes than politics itself.
　But now that I think about it, I think he was more interested in political disputes than politics itself.
　There was no way he was going to be interested in politics, no matter what he said about it.

You see, I'm normal.
How does this compare to 20+ years ago?
Not so much now as then.

　Yuka says in a tone that says she's dumbfounded, and Fujika's lips quirk up in a sulk.

'I mean, you're a nice lady in a good place, right?　You should at least be interested in politics.
It's a prejudice.
'I'm not prejudiced. Well, but looking at you, I can see why humanity can't get past the barbaric times.
Humanity?
Yes, mankind.

　Yuka crossed her arms and nodded a few times.

''While you're thinking about it like it's someone else's problem, you get into an irreversible situation... hmmm, this is how rich people disappear with the dew of the guillotine...''
Miss Makoto!　And Yuka's saying scary things!
As usual.

　Fujika screamed, but Yuka was the same as usual.
　Makoto looked up at the ceiling.

'I'm sure those guys were good guys.
The good guys?　You must be mistaken for an idiot.

　Hmph, Yuka sniffs as if she's making fun of him.

''I never dreamed that we'd have someone like Yuka near us,''
Hey!　What do you mean, you're like me?
You know what I mean?
I'm not asking because I don't know.

　Yuka said, sounding miffed.

'I don't normally think of someone sharpening their fangs to kill themselves.
'That's a lack of caution. They say a man has fifty thousand enemies if he crosses the threshold.
'None. I mean, what kind of evil can you do to make 50,000 enemies?
It's the age of social networking.
"You're in the wrong era of social networking.
What?　Nowadays you can mass produce assassins for free, right?

　When Makoto plunged in, Yuka made a pouting face.
　I don't know what's wrong with me.
　I can feel that feeling.

''Okay?　No hate.
Why?
Because it's a violation of the social network terms of service.

　It was Fujika who was the first to react to Makoto's words.
　She is looking at me with a scowling face.
　I understand the feeling.
　But it's more effective than bringing up norms and ethics when dealing with Yuka.

''Eh?　Is there such a cumbersome code?
It's there.
'I thought the internet was more of a free world.
You're free enough.
What?

　Makoto looked at Fene, Liv, Laura and Fujica.
　Aside from Fujica, Fene, Liv and Laura don't seem to be interested in us.

'What?　Are you proud of your harem?
'No, no. I just wanted to ask you what's frustrating about having someone who understands you.
Yeah.

　Yuka nodded with a divine look on her face.

'There are three other people who understand you besides Mako. You have to be humble about it, don't you?'
I'm pretty much out of the loop.
Why would I humble you?
'Uggh, Yooka is guilty of the sin of arrogance and...'
I'll be as arrogant as I can be with you.

　'Hmm,' sniffed Yuka.

'But, well, I'm a bit worried.'
What?
When you're angry, you better think about whether it's personal or not.
Sermon?
It's advice, advice. I'm telling you to think twice before directing your anger at the situation around you to something bigger, like society or politics.
I'm not preaching to you.

　Yuka said disgustedly.
　'I was going to tell you about the time I was forced to move departments during the Lehman Brothers collapse, but I won't.

'But I'll keep that in mind,'
Please do so.

　Immediately after Makoto cowered his shoulders, there was a zap sound.
　It's the sound of the soles of your shoes scraping the ground.
　I'm not sure what's going on, but when I looked in the direction of the sound, I saw Royne standing there.

'What do you want?'
Did you see what I did?

　At Yuka's question, Loyne said proudly and proudly with his chest.
　He must have been referring to the time he defeated the black skeleton.

'Well, well,'
So-so?

　Royne scowled uncomfortably and stepped out of the way.
　Then Yuka rubbed up against Makoto.
　She wasn't frightened.
　Yuka mistakenly thinks that Roin has a crush on her.
　So she must think that he was trying to hit on her this time as well.
　In other words, he's avoiding picking up - that one that he said he liked in the Skeleton King's dungeon.
　'It can't be helped,' said Makoto, standing up.

'What, are you going to do it?'
Mako, stop!

　Yuka seems a bit happy as she tells me to stop.
　She must be thinking about two guys taking me on or something.

''I just want to talk to you in peace,''
"-Oh!

　Mako muttered in disgust and closed the distance at once.
　Then he peeled his eyes away a bit.
　Gently touching the rapier's hilt.
　Loin's breath is heavy.
　Maybe he had heard about our strength from Frank.
　But he should have thought of it this way.
　He said that no matter how strong he was, it shouldn't make that much of a difference.
　That's why he had come at me.

"Can I talk to you in private?
Yeah, yeah, okay.

　Loyne turns and walks off with a jerky motion and Mako walks shoulder to shoulder.

'Dude, what are you going to do?　Are you going to kill me?
No.

　Mako scratched her head, wondering what to explain.
　Well, there was no point in thinking about it.
　It would be best to be honest here.

''Yuka is........''
...Yuka...

　Loyne parroted and gulped and cleared his throat.

'He thinks you're in love with him,'
What--
Don't look back.

　Mako controlled Loyne as she tried to turn around.

'Don't look back. Walk normally.
Okay, okay.

　Loyne says in a supercilious voice and starts walking jerkily.

'Yi, what the hell is going on here?'
You'll just run into me.
I just wanted to look back.

　'That's all it was,' said Loyne sadly.

'Why are you making such a dent in it?
"Are you happy that a woman you don't like thinks you have a crush on her?

　Loyne countered with a straight face.

'Besides, I have a woman who has pledged her future to me. She's a noblewoman and--
Why would you do something that would raise the flag...

　Makoto grunted, interrupting Loyne's words.

'What's the problem?'
You know, the Grim Reapers love people like you.
Guess what I'm going to say?

　Hmph, Royne snickered.

'I'll get rid of the reapers with my magic.
That's the kind of place you're talking about.
What is this place?
'I'm just bragging about it. It doesn't matter how hard you try, how careful you are, the Reapers will come to you without a care in the world.
So what's the point in doing anything about it?
It may be a matter of luck or lucklessness in the end, but that doesn't mean we can't do something about it.

　If you're prepared, you'll be better off if your preparations are in vain.
　It's foolish to adopt a no-guard strategy because it's useless anyway.

"You talk like a smart ass for a boy.
Look at you, huh?

　Loyne spat, and Makoto lightly cowered his shoulders.
　I don't like being treated like a kid, but I'm a kid in appearance.
　I have enough self-control to think it can't be helped.

''But, well, this is still a man with a lot of life experience.
All right. I'll take your word for it.

　Royne answered after a moment.
　He listened quite well for someone who said he was a kid.
　Maybe he thought to nod because Frank seemed to appreciate it.

''By the way, about your tsure, can't you clear up the misunderstanding now?
It's not easy, is it?

　Makoto replied after a short pause.
　I can see Yuka smiling at him, saying that he didn't have to deny it so much.
　I'm afraid she's really going to say it.

'What should I do?'
Keep your distance, humility. They may mount you, but it's better than thinking you're making eyes at them.
Why is this happening to me...
I know how you feel. I know exactly how you feel, man. But I'm afraid you've been bitten by a stray dog. You don't want to end up with a nobleman's daughter who's going to give you a bad name for your troubles, do you?
'No use telling me you'll be on your way then.
'I'll take a hit if I get one, but don't try to hit Yuka,'
"Beautiful--
They'll kill you.

　Royne looked at me a bit.
　'You said you were my companion, and you don't want to be killed.

"He's a wizard. And a woman.
'If you think you can win, go ahead and do it. I don't want to break a bone or rupture my guts, and I wouldn't let that guy kill someone if I could.

　I don't want to be gawked at for killing someone.

It's not good.
What?
"There's a man in my life who thinks killing people isn't a big deal.
"-Oh!

　Loyne gasped.
　He has a look on his face as if to say he can't believe it.
　I know how you feel.
　There are probably only a few people who can be unconcerned when they find out that the person standing next to them is a murderer.

'Anyway, don't think anything stupid. Then go.
Okay, okay.

　Loyne said in a supercilious voice and moved away.
　'Good grief,' said Makoto as he walked back down to his companion, his shoulders slumping.

'Good job, brother.'
Oh, good job.
Thanks for your help.
Good night.

　Fene, Liv, Laura, and Fujika labored over it.
　Speaking of Yuka, she was looking at me with a glint in her eye.
　What do I expect?
　No, I know.
　He's probably thinking of the sin of being popular or some other hubris.

'How did it go?　Did you give me a gasp?
Yeah, he said it with a bang.

　He replies to Yuka, who says happily.
　I feel like I'm getting more tired.
　Shall I go to bed early after finishing my meal?
　I sit down on my own bed while thinking about that--.

''I've brought you a meal!
I've got it.

　Mary and Anne arrived with food on a tray.
　The menu consisted of what looked like naan and soup.
　There was some dried meat.
　Mary and Anne stood there, looking at each other.
　They might be wondering if they should put the tray on the ground.
　Then Yuka spoke up.

'Just put it on the ground.
But, but...
Are you sure?
It's on the tray. You'll be fine.
Oh, thank you.
Thank you very much.

　Mary and Anne reluctantly placed the tray on the ground.
　Now," said Makoto, standing up and sitting back down near the tray.
　So did his friends.
　They sat in a circle around the tray.

'You guys should sit down too,'
"Well, uh...
I'll take you up on your offer.

　Mary was confused by Yuka's words, but Anne obeyed honestly.

'Ehehe, I'll take your word for it.'
It's best to be honest with people.

　Mary sat scratching her head, and Yuka nodded in satisfaction.

'Yup, Yuka, Yuka's being nice and all!
Excuse me. I'm nice to everybody.

　Yuka looked miffed at Fujica's words.

'And I'd like to share even half of that kindness with you.
I wish I could share half the thickness of the skin on your face.

　Yuka grunted.
　She must be remembering how she was left in the dungeon.
　Well, from Yuka's point of view, it would be hard to be gentle.

'Oh, um, you two fighting--'
It happens all the time. It's okay.
You'll go bald if you don't mind.
As usual.

　Mary tries to contain it, but Fene, Liv and Laura reach for their food.

'Ma, Master Makoto?'
As usual.

　Mako took the nan and handed it to Mary.

'Oh, thank you,'
Thank you very much.

　Mary and Anne shredded the naan and brought it to their mouths.



　When they had finished eating, Mary and Anne piled the dishes on top of each other and placed them on the tray.

'Well, we'll just go and clean up,'
Well you all enjoy the rest of the day.

　With that, they left.
　The two of them are headed to Frank and the adventurer with the luggage.
　Frank seems to be organizing the adventurers well.
　The right person in the right place.
　I'm really glad I threw it all in there.
　If I were in his position, I would not have been able to organize them well.
　Now, I look next to you.
　Then I saw that Yuka was reading a book.
　It is a book with a leather binding.

"Reading in a place like this?
"Study the magic, study the magic.

　Yuka said with a sarcastic effort as she studied for the second time.
　I was suddenly curious what kind of study she was doing.

'Can't you just memorize spells?'
It's not a bad idea. I can use it by rote but it's not a waste of time to understand how it works in theory. And there might be room for improvement in the spell.
'Yuka has a scholarly temperament, doesn't she?
Hmmm, not really.

　Yuka said, not seeming to be full of it.

'So, what are you studying?'
My main focus has been on magical history.
A magical history?
The history of research and development, so to speak. It's quite interesting.
What's so funny?
Yeah. Like dead magic.
Is it out of date?

　Laura was the one who responded to Yuka's words.

''Hmm?　Are you interested?
'Yes, I can't use it because my job is a knight, but I'm interested in it.
Your job is to be the Dark Knight.
I'm a knight in shining armor, but I'm interested.

　Yuka says in a dumbfounded way, but Laura doesn't give in.
　I guess she still has a crush on the Holy Knight.
　Since he was able to become strong, I don't think it's okay to reopen it now.

''So, about the obsolete magic...''
Are you really that interested in it?
Yes, of course.
Well, yeah.

　Laura leaned forward and said, and Yuka cleared her throat lightly.

''Well, I ... the magic that wizards can use is basically attack magic.''
Hmm?　It's like Yooka used to manipulate the dirt.

　It was Fujika who took a bite out of it.

'It's not on a large scale, and that sort of thing is more of a spiritist's specialty.
It's definitely a good choice for a sorcerer.
'It's interesting that this orientation and unsuitability thing. You can do the same thing with magic, but there's quite a bit of magic that is no longer studied for reasons like it's not as good as other jobs.
Like what?

　Fujika nods her head cutely.

'Defense, recovery, and combat assistance - that's what you're good at.
'Ooooh, Yuka, Yuka's trying to take my place and...'
Well I can do recovery magic too, but...

　Laura ignored Fujica's lament and popped the earring in her ear.

'I can use them too, as long as I have the support of a magic item. I think, depending on the job, there's a certain area that can interfere with the messenger--Periolis, and magic items are supposed to extend that.
Sort of.

　Fujica nodded her head.

''That's why I'm going to develop a new magic.
Oh, um, Yuka, the monk-type magic needs some work, you know?
No.
It's a no-brainer.

　Fujika grunted as Yuka answered immediately.

*

　When everyone had fallen asleep, Makoto raised himself up.
　The guards were Frank's team.

''Well....''

　As Makoto stood up, Yuka, who had been sleeping next to him, picked herself up.

'What's wrong?'
I went to the bathroom. I went to the bathroom.
Yeah, I'm coming with you.

　Yuka picked up her new wand and stood up.

'If you're going to Turetion, go with Fujika.
I wouldn't ask you to go with me if you were really going to the bathroom.

　Yuka said in a small voice, wondering if she was concerned about the other members.
　Gosh, Makoto scratched his head.
　Apparently they could see right through it.
　After a while, he must have noticed that Makoto and the others were standing there.
　Frank approached.

'What's up?'
Yeah, it's just a toilet.
...the toilet.

　Frank looked sullenly at Mako and the others and grinned.

'I see.'
Just in case you thought we were going to ... well ... do something like that, we'll castrate you.
I know. You're going to fight.

　Frank said with a sigh and pulled a clear board out of his waist pouch.

'Take it,'
What's this?
'I don't think we'll ever get lost, but it's a magic item that tells us where we are.
Well, you'll need it. Thanks, I'll keep it.

　Mako took the magic item from Frank and put it in her pouch.

'Then I'll be gone for an hour or so.
Yeah, and if it's too late, I'll come get you.

　Mako shook hands with Frank and started walking away.
　Slightly later, Yuka follows him.
　The pathway they're headed for is the one they'll explore after the break.
　They crossed the wards and followed the path.
　After a while, Yuka opened her mouth.

''And yet, what kind of a windstorm is that?''
'I've been relying on my real-world experience and status to fight. I wanted to improve my technique.
After all this time, I wonder if Kuzuha will ever find out?
You'll be fine.
On what basis?
'If you knew everything about the dungeon, you'd take on a physical battle.

　At least that's what Makoto would do.
　He may simply not be able to give orders to the undead, but his opponents are not all-powerful even within the dungeons he has created.

'I'm just a little nervous about how well I'll be able to hone my skills in battle against a lower-ranked opponent. Is Yuka testing out some new magic?
That's part of it, but...

　Yuka nagged.

'I thought I'd change my fighting style.
How?
I want to be able to do some close quarters combat.
What do you think?

　I think a turret with a lot of mobility would work well enough--''

''I've thought about that, but I won't be happy unless I take a shot at that guy from Kuzuha.
Oh.

　Speaking of which, Yuka had taken a blow to Kuzuha.

''So you don't have to protect me.
Are you serious?
You don't have to protect me, but that doesn't mean you have to go through them. I'll try to keep me out of harm's way as much as possible, but in a pinch it would be nice if you could help me before I get attacked.
It's a pain in the ass. It's all the same to me, isn't it?
No!　He attacked me!　I'll never, ever, ever get rid of this grudge!

　Why isn't Yuka the Seventh Evil?　And Mako let out a deep sigh.

'Why are you letting out a sigh?'
It's nothing.
You don't let out a sigh when it's nothing.

　When I was about to say something back, my neck tingled.

''........Yuka.''
What!
Enemy.
You should have said that earlier!

　Yuka readied his staff.
　It's quite an imposing stance.
　Perhaps he was practicing alone.
　After a while, two black skeletons appear.
　They are armed with simple armor and swords.

Okay, let's go.
I know.

　Makoto claps his fists together and kicks the ground with his right foot while putting his left foot forward.
　It's a basic gait, but he travels several meters in one foot.
　It's an impossible move in the original world.
　That's why I hadn't used it before, but it feels quite comfortable.
　It must have been compensated by the martial artist (Job).
　Makoto zigzagged and slid through the narrow passage and ducked the one-eyed black skeleton.
　The second black skeleton raises its sword.
　Chance, the corner of his mouth hangs up.
　This is not an attack, but a chance to try a technique.
　The black skeleton swings his sword down.
　Mako catches the blade with her forearm as she moves and lets it go.
　He continues to turn around behind him and looks back.
　Then, the black skeleton was in front of him.
　Mako steps in and unleashes an upper level backwards kick - a high kick.
　His toes crush the black skeleton's skull.
　The bones fall to the ground in pieces, making a dry sound.
　Finally, a clicking sound was heard.
　Probably the sound of a magic stone.

''Alright!

　Makoto is poised and gutted.
　The result of some steady flexibility.
　I wanted to change my trajectory on the way out, like a Brazilian kick, but oh well, good.

'Speaking of which, Yuka...'

　When he looked up, he saw Yuka facing the black skeleton.
　The black skeleton swung his sword down and Yuka leapt backwards to get some distance between them.
　He immediately closed the distance and swung his staff down.
　Her aim was her neck.
　The tip of the staff catches the black skeleton, which had stopped moving in a posture where the sword had been swung off.
　The neck bone was crushed and the black skeleton was dismembered.

''Amazing.''

　When Makoto picked up the magic stone and walked over to her, Yuka exhaled heavily.

''I was so scared.''
'He seemed to be very bold for that...'

　Normally, you can't start fighting back right after you avoid an attack.

'I was scared!
Do you want to stop now?
'You're kidding!　I'm going to pay a visit to Kuzuha!

　Saying that, Yuka clenched her fists.
　I can't help but wonder why this guy is a wizard.
　I think it's more suited to be a warrior by nature.
　Well, I guess it's just that his personality and aptitude are a different matter.

''Come on, let's go!''

　Yuka picked up the magic stone and started walking away.