*

　The Skeleton Knight swings his sword down.
　Makoto glares at the blade as he turns his consciousness inward.
　Is it because he is concentrating?
　The flow of time is felt to be slow.
　The blade is even closer--.

''Wha--!

　Yuka shouted and Makoto ducked the blade.
　A few bangs were taken away.

''Oh, this is no good.''

　Makoto let out a sigh and unleashed a fist.
　A fist unrolled haphazardly caught the side of the skeleton knight.
　His skull spun once around his neck bone on its axis and fell to the ground, making a deafening sound.
　The sword and armor turned to dust, and all that was left were bones and magic stones.

''Nah, nah........''

　When I looked at the direction of the voice, I saw Yuka looking at me.
　Her complexion is not good.
　What was going on?

''Nah, nah, what are you doing!
No, I want you to learn...
You're an idiot for pulling the blade to the very edge!

　Yuka said, interrupting Makoto's words.
　He was pale and white earlier, but now he's turning bright red.

'I've been training,'
What?　What are you training for?　Your patience is hardwired in the corporate life, isn't it!
It's not about patience, it's about recognizing the presence of chi.

　Frank told me that if I did zazen or went through the actual battle, I would notice the presence of chi.
　Zazen was no good because it made you feel melancholic.
　So I decided to notice the presence of chi through actual combat.

'I thought I could notice it in a critical situation.
Mako, do you remember how many times you almost died in the Skeleton King's labyrinth?

　Yuka said in a grunting voice.

'I don't remember,'
I've almost died ten times. Ten times!

　Yuka's voice was hoarse.

'No, you're dying more.'
'You were so close to death and you didn't realize it, so of course it was useless to do that!
You know, it's a big deal, and it's something that's going to wake you up.
I can't!　Absolutely not!

　The answer was immediate.

'To begin with, zazen is hard to do, so it's not a practice when you're at the stage where you're compromising the actual battle.
'Yeah, well, if you ask me, I feel like it.

　I wanted to wake up with more cards in my hand before I had a rematch with Kuzuha, but the reality doesn't seem to be so sweet.

''So that means........''
Hey,

　I was about to look at Fene and the others when Yuka tapped me on the shoulder.

'What?'

　'Hmmm,' sniffed Yuka.

'Come on, just say it.
I'm counting on you.
Ma!　When you say that, I can't help you!

　When Makoto said with a sigh, Yuka said happily.
　Is it right to make such an easy decision to throw yourself into a fight where you might die?
　No, there would be a reason to risk your life on that one word.
　It's a troublesome, but dependable partner.
　Makoto turned his attention to Fene and the others.
　Three skeleton knights were approaching with a clinking sound.
　Liv jumped out with a pole hammer in her hand.

''Earthquake strike, Kai!

　He slams the pole hammer into the ground.
　A crack ran through it and extended underneath Skeleton Knight's feet.
　The Skeleton Knight closed the distance unguardedly and stiffened.
　Jet-black flames erupt as he further pursues it.
　The Skeleton Knight's armor darkened.

''Sword Qi Release (Aura Blade)!

　Just as the effect of the earthquake attack and reformation wears off, Laura jumps in and flashes her sword.
　The head of the Skeleton Knight, which had already taken damage, falls off.
　But there are still two enemies left.
　The two skeleton knights close in on Laura.
　There--.

''Like the Ascension (turn undead)!

　Fujika's magic explodes.
　The two skeleton knights stop moving due to the light of the Ascension.

''Olaaaaah!''

　Through the gap, Liv swung the pole hammer down, which was covered in jet black flames.
　Taking a decent hit, the Skeleton Knight was crushed.
　There was only one piece left.

''Hah!''

　Laura barked. Then the Skeleton Knight runs towards Laura.
　He kicks the ground and swings his sword down.
　Laura uses her shield and catches the sword away.
　The Skeleton Knight's upper body swims.
　Of course, Laura does not miss this opening.
　She swings her sword down on the defenseless neck.
　There is a dull sound.
　Laura's sword dug into the skeleton knight's neck but did not break both sides.
　If you look at it, the sword qi (aura) covering the blade had weakened.

''Sword qi (aura) b--kyah!

　Laura let out a cute scream.
　The skeleton knight had set up a physical attack.
　But the quintessential dark child - or should I say knight - is defending the attack with his shield.
　The skeleton knight stepped out towards Laura--.

''Sniping & foxfire!''

　The arrowhead that Fene had released pierced the bone in his neck and burned violently.
　The Skeleton Knight stepped out of the way without a care in the world.
　In the next moment, the skull fell off and made a loud noise.

'You've killed the enemy now. Are you two okay?''
Yes, yes, thank you.
...unharmed.

　When Yuka called out to them, Mary and Anne responded with a look of relief.
　Fujika looked over her shoulder at Yuka and the others.

'You're giving off the feeling that you've done your job, even though you haven't done anything.
Are you trying to pick a fight?　I would have been guarding your back.
Makoto was the one who was actually fighting.

　Fujika hugged her tin cane and turned to face Yuka.
　I wonder if she's hugging her tin cane because she's wary of rolling up her skirt.

''I don't know, like I should feel a little remorse since it's Yuka's fault that I'm in this mess.
Haha....

　Yuka fell silent and snickered.

'So, yeah, what's your attitude like?'
Did I make this happen?　That's not true. They left on their own. They were a bunch of complaining jerks who didn't have a clue what they were up to. No, they're not just useless, they're evil. And if you think they left because of me, then I have to give them credit. I'm the one who got rid of all those nasty people.

　Hmph, Yuka smiled victoriously.

'Whoa, Yuka's already developed a tolerance for it.
Well, you can't expect me to last forever.
'Uggh, it's like the winter times are starting again.
When was there a spring?
"-Oh!

　Fujika looks at you with a huff.

'Mm-hmm, I was talking to Makoto-san earlier--'
'I've been telling him that when he fights Kuzuha, he should rely on me, not on his hit-and-run training.
Mmmm, like love.
And that's why it's called the love brain. I'm Makoto's partner.
"Uggh, the 'don't take my sister' kind of response--
You're my partner. We'll talk about it.
Ggh!

　Fujika grunted as Yuka took it as a breeze to the willow.
　She seemed to have developed a tolerance in just a short amount of time.

'We'll move on,'
Now, get in line.

　Fene said with a sigh, and Yuka turned her attention to Makoto and Fujika.
　Oh dear, Mako let out a sigh.

*

　Mako and the others went back and forth and came out into a large space.
　However, it was quite cramped compared to the space where the slope was hidden.
　In the center of the space, Fene opened his mouth.

''Brother, why don't we take a break here?''
...All right, let's take a break here.

　Mako answered after a short pause.
　It was hard to fight from the third level.
　I think we should take a break around here, now that the enemy is getting stronger.

I'm going to set up a ward. I want you all to stay alert until then.

　Fene ran out, and Makoto and the others - Makoto, Liv, and Laura formed a circle to protect Yuka, Fujika, Mary, and Anne.
　After a while--.

''I finished setting up the wards!
...phew.

　Fene's voice rang out, and Makoto let out a breath.

'I'll get the food ready, so you all need to get some rest.
I'm a good cook.

　With that, Mary and Anne dropped their backpacks.
　It's a big backpack, even after all this time.
　The only people in the former world who have such a large backpack would be those who enjoy climbing.
　It can't be helped since it contains not only food but also cooking equipment.

''I put a blanket on it.

　Fene, who had moved to the corner before I knew it, shouted.
　As he said, he laid out a blanket for the number of people in the room.
　Mako and the others moved silently and sat on the blankets.
　They drank water from the canteen and exhaled.

''Puh-leeze!''

　Yuka exhaled and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

'.........Yuka.
I wish they'd let me have a glass of water.

　Fujika gave her an accusing look and Yuka said disgustedly.

'Speaking of which, that fight you had earlier...'
What?

　When Makoto cut him off, Liv looked at me.

'You're going to use that fighting style from now on?
You're stalling me, aren't you? I think we got along rather well together.
I'm a little confused.
Thanks for being there.

　Laura said with a sigh, and Liv bared her teeth and laughed.

'From Mako's point of view, what do you think?'
It's working out for you, isn't it?

　Liv uses a technique - a skill to stall him, and Laura attacks.

'I knew it,'
Are you unhappy?
Admitting that I can't support the front line is -

　Liv thrust her cheekbones into the support of her thighs and let out a loud sigh.

'Like you think you're supported enough.
It's pretty f*cking stupid of you to say that.
You sound like you know what you're doing.
I know what I'm doing.

　Yuka snickered at Fujica's sultry, pursed lips.

'Liv was the first to move in the last and last fight, but the axis was Laura, wasn't it?
Well if you put it that way, I guess it's true.

　Fujica looked up at the ceiling and gave a small nod.

'You've been watching closely.'
Well, I didn't exactly play Makoto's partner.

　Liv said admiringly, and Yuka snorted with pride.

'Hmm, what do you think Yuka?'
'Right. As it stands, I think we'd be better off with Liv as the sub and Laura as the main.
Okay.

　Liv exhaled loudly at Yuka's words.

'That means it's going to take a toll on Laura, but are you okay?
Yes, don't worry about that.

　Mako asked, and Laura proudly puffed out her chest.

'Really?'
Excuse me?
''See, it's about releasing the Sword Qi. Didn't you miss beheading the Skeleton Knight?
Oh, that's...

　Laura clammed up as Yuka pointed out.

'I don't know if it's the short duration or the wear and tear, but I don't know if it's too much for one person to handle multiple roles.
Yuka's been watching you a lot.
Yeah, I see it all the time.
I'm afraid they're going to be looking for the weak points.
If you leave me here again, I'll die. Of course you're going to die.
I don't.
I hope so.

　Yuka looked at Fujica with suspicion.
　After all, it seems unlikely that a friendship will ever be established between the two of them.
　Even if that can't be helped, I'd like to see them cooperate, at least when they are acting as a team.

''Don't get hung up on the flow of sword qi release from earthquake strike and Kai, you can connect it to shield strike (shield bash), right?
A shield shot?

　Laura looked at Yuka with a surprising look on her face.

''That's right. It's easy to cover Fene if there is distance between you and the enemy. If you want to, you can use the seismic rayon, if you want.
Yooka looks like a brainiac.
I'm the brains of the operation.

　Yuka said, sounding miffed.

'Sho, Shoushengoro,'
When did you get to be a man?
"I'm an intellectual gangster.
'I knew I had to settle things with you. I didn't expect you to be ready to blow your brains out so quickly.
Don't kill each other.
He's...

　When Makoto stopped her, Yuka glared at me with a snap.
　But she quickly softened her expression.

''Well, fine.''
It's like I'm finally getting my tolerance back.
I'll trust its life to you until I beat the kudzu leaves to death.
Ugh, I was on probation.
Now I just need to work on my tactics when I'm fighting Fujica.
It's the wrong kudzu leaf.
I'm sure you're right. I was so inattentive.
It's on purpose.
It was an accident.
I'm pretty sure I did it on purpose.
Don't ask if you know.
Uggh!

　Yuka said in disgust, and Fujika grunted.

'I guess we'll just have to fight while protecting Fujika when it comes to tactics, won't we?
Yeah, but...

　Yuka let out a small sigh at Mako's words.

'Since it's a good time, shouldn't we give it another twist?
Well that's constructive.

　I swallowed the word "unusual" as quickly as I could.

"Like it's going to rain tomorrow.
If it's raining blood, I'll make it rain right now.
That's a no-brainer.
Then shut up.
Yes.

　Fujika nodded drearily.

'What's the twist?'
You'll have Liv and Laura to cover you.
Wait a minute.

　It was Liv who disagreed.

'I can't cover you and I can't cover you, Laura!
It's you.

　Yuka let out a sigh and held her temples.

'You could have used the magic item to unleash an electric shock.
Three times.
''It's enough to shoot that many rounds. I don't know how many shots I can fire at Kuzuha.
Oh, you mean to alarm me.

　Liv nodded as she got the point.

'What should I do?'
Just bounce off the attacks.
Attack?　Oh, I see.

　Laura immediately seemed to understand what Yuka was trying to say.

'Like what do you mean?'
You need to think for yourself.

　'Well, okay,' Yuka mutters with a sigh.

'I'm going to make Laura bounce off me or Makoto's attack.
It's not going to be easy.
One guess and you're done.
Just one?
Still, you'd be wary of getting hit.
...maybe.

　Fujika replied after a short pause.

''The point is that you're going to put pressure on them and break Kuzuha's concentration.
You're right.

　At Makoto's words, Yuka nodded with satisfaction.

''So, when Fene fights with Kuzuha, you should be prepared to cover him and be prepared to lose money.
You don't have to remind me. After all, my brother's life hangs in the balance. But is that going to help?
I don't care if you're undead or seven evil, you're human to begin with, you can handle it.

　Fene said anxiously, and Makoto spoke his honest opinion.
　It was true that Kuzuha was strong, but it didn't seem to be a different dimension of strength.
　It might not be convincing since he lost, but--''

''........I have no choice but to do it.

　Fene nodded emphatically.

*

　As I was dozing off after finishing my meal, I heard a noise.
　Shh, shh, it sounded like he was rubbing something.
　I thought it would stop soon, but it never did.
　When I had no choice but to open my eyes, I saw Fene sharpening a dagger with a grinding stone.
　The sight of him sharpening the dagger away from his bed is quite scary.

''Brother, did I wake you up?''
Oh, Fene, what are you doing?
"Sharpening my dagger.
Well, I can see that.

　Makoto raised himself up, biting off a lackluster stretch.

'Why are you sharpening your dagger?'
I wasn't comfortable with it.
It happens.

　I was in middle school and high school, but I once started cleaning up in an attempt to study for a test.
　In hindsight, I think I might have been trying to escape the stress.
　It's like a cat that was running and suddenly started grooming itself.
　When you think about it that way, Fene's behavior cannot be called outlandish either.
　Fene is sharpening the dagger nonchalantly.
　The same action is repeated in a constant rhythm.
　While I was watching, I felt drowsy.
　The monotonous stimulus may induce drowsiness.

''........Brother.''
What?
Don't you have a hunch?
We don't have anything like that.

　Since they are the same seven evils, it's not surprising that they can detect where he is, but unfortunately, I can't detect where Kuzuha is or what he's doing at all.

''Is that so?''
I'm sorry.
I don't like it when you apologize.

　Fene raised her eyebrows in annoyance.
　I wish I could ease her anxiety, but I can't think of those words.
　Instead--.

''Well I'm jealous of Ledo.

　Fene stopped sharpening her dagger as Makoto muttered.

''What do you envy?''
I mean I'm jealous that I have a sister like Faine.
Yeah, huh?

　Fene gave him a troubled look.

''We're not doing anything for you. The repayment of the debt, the work of an adventurer, and this time, I'm relying on my brother and everyone else.
Not that I don't care about the outcome, but I do care that you tried for your brother.
You think so?
That's about it. My brother got away with it.
"-Oh!

　Mako said with a chuckle, and Fene gasped.
　He hadn't spoken because he didn't want to hear any negativity, but it slipped out.

'Come to think of it, I've never heard of my brother's story before.
Really?
Yeah.

　Fene is looking at me with a divine look on her face.
　It seems impossible to fake it.

'It's not a funny story. My parents got into debt and my brother ran off and...
I had a terrible brother.

　Fene frowned.

'By the way, what did you do with the debt?'
Me and my parents gave it back. It took you ten years.
Ten years?

　Fene made a quizzical expression.

'Yeah, my brother said he was getting younger.
You didn't believe me?
Half a story.
It's awful.

　Makoto chuckled.

'That means your parents are still alive and well, right?
I don't plan to see you again.
Why?
You have to come back. My parents...
Of course you kicked my brother out, didn't you?
Too bad I'm mad at my brother's kid.
What's that?

　Fene said, sounding miffed.

'So that's how I left home, and now it's like a different world.
My brother, he's a very sad man.
Yeah.

　When Mako nodded, Fene looked surprised.

'What's wrong?'
I was afraid you'd get mad at me for not feeling sorry for you.
It's a lot better than all the negative things you've said about me.
Yeah?

　Fene let out a breath of relief.

'Could it be that's why you're cooperating with me and missus?
Well, I guess I'm not immune to that.
Which way?

　Fene tilted her head cutely.

'I wouldn't have cooperated with you if you weren't one of us.
Because we're on the same side?
I don't get a free pass.
That's true.

　But," Faine continues.
　For some reason, he turns away from Makoto.
　I'm sure it's not because of the red color of her neck.

I'm sure it's for my own good.
Sand.
Miss!

　Yuka blurted out, and Fene's eyes widened.
　Meekly, Yuka raises her body.

''Miss.........''
I'm sorry. I'm sorry to interrupt you.

　When Fene looked at her accusingly, Yuka apologized honestly.

'What's wrong?'
I had something for you to give to Mako.

　Yuka took a small box out of the pouch and released it at Mako.

'Oops!'
Nice catch.

　When Makoto caught the box, Yuka lay down again.

'Then I'll go to bed.'
You could at least tell me what happened.
There's a manual in there.

　When Makoto opened the box, he found a carefully folded piece of paper and a ring inside.