*

　Three skeletal knights were approaching from ahead.
　The first to move was Liv.
　He closes the distance and swings his pole hammer down to the ground.
　There is a roar and a crack.
　The Skeleton Knight stepped on the crack unguarded and stiffened.
　A jet-black flame erupts there.
　The sword and the armor blacken.
　But it does not lead to destruction.
　The jet-black flames disappear and the Skeleton Knight begins to move.
　There--.

''Like an ascension (turn undead)!

　Fujika's magic explodes.
　In the light, the Skeleton Knight stops moving again.
　Laura runs with her shield at the ready.

''Shield bash!

　Laura got an explosive acceleration and rammed into the Skeleton Knight.
　A deafening sound of clashing metal could be heard.
　The Skeleton Knight at the front blew up, grazing the individual next to her and rolling the individual behind her to a stop.

''Ugh!''

　Laura grunted in frustration.
　She could feel that she wished she had been able to blow all three bodies away.
　But she couldn't just be frustrated.
　The battle continues.
　The Skeleton Knight is closing in on Laura.

''Sniper!''

　Fane unleashes something with a sling shot.
　The next time that something hit, the skeleton knight that was closing in on Laura was blown up.
　It fell down, engulfing the two bodies that were trying to stand up.

''Ascend!''
Ooh-ooh-ooh!

　Fujica used her magic to block the movement and Liv swung the pole hammer down.
　Not just once.
　Multiple times.
　The sound of metal clashing and bone shattering echoed through the dungeon.
　After a moment, Liv moved away.
　The Skeleton Knight did not move.
　The sword and armor turned to dust, leaving behind bones and magic stones.

''Hmmm, that's pretty tough.''
I was pretty comfortable with it, but...

　Liv leaned against the pole hammer and Laura muttered apologetically.

'Lack of determination.'

　Fene walked through the space between Liv and Laura, walked over to the bones and knelt beside them.
　She picked up the magic stone and huffed and puffed.

''Even so, using the flame will wear you out~''
Alternating between them will wear you out, you know.

　'Hmmm,' growled Liv and Laura.

'Like it's question time for Yuka,'
What?

　Yuka frowned at Fujica's words.

'Like you don't have any good ideas?'
I've always been a bit of a monster.
There's a hidden ball!
Just hear me out.

　When Fujika's eyes widened in surprise, Yuka let out a small sigh.

'Like there's something wrong with you?'
You're not going to wear me out. I'm going to. And besides...
And?

　Fujica tilted her head cutely.

'I'd rather keep it hidden if I can.
It's like Yooka, but why is that?
I don't want that information to get out, of course.
That's overthinking it.
You can never be too careful. Don't you have a trump card to play?
I'm not a secretive person like Yuka.
You mean, no?
That's what they say.

　Fujika let out a deep sigh.

''I wish I could at least learn to use the Celebration Holy Blade (Holy Weapon) like Kirara-san, but...''
"Celebration of the Holy Blade?
"Like magic that increases a weapon's attack power and grants it holy attributes.

　When Yuka parroted the question, Fujica explained the effects of the magic.

'Maybe you're not religious enough?'
It's not even close to being up to scratch.

　Fujika let out another sigh.

''I don't even know if there's any status compensation at this level, so I can't stand on the front lines, and that doesn't stop me from having limited means of attack...''
Well, of course.

　When Fujica complained about mumbling, Yuka nodded.

''I don't know, the problem is that it's hard to defeat an enemy if you don't use skills and magic. As expected of a vixen, it's disgusting.''
Miss, I'm a little vixen myself.

　When Yuka said with a frown, Fene blurted out.

''Huh, I didn't mean to disrespect Fene!　Fene is ... you know, that one.

　'Huh?' said Yuka, tapping Mako's second arm with the back of her hand.

'A little fox?'
That's right, pup.

　Yuka looked at Makoto and Fene in turn.

'It can't be helped. I don't have the slightest ill will towards Faene, but I apologize if I was offended. I'm sorry.
Yuka...
Miss ....

　Mako looked at Fene and let out a small sigh.
　I can't feel the slightest bit sorry for this.
　Well, it's typical of Yuka--''

''Mm, it's suspicious and...''
You have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?

　Hmph, Yuka snickered.

'I just thought calling her a fox was too condescending. I think of Fene as a full-fledged lady, so I'd rather cover myself in mud than use the word fox. I'd rather cover myself in mud than use the word fox. It's hard, but I'm willing.
d*mn it, you make it sound like I'm the worst person in the world.
'I didn't say that. But, well, it's Mako's fault, too.
No, I'm pretty sure you said "little fox".

　Mako moaned.
　He thought he had sent out a ship to help, but he didn't know that he would be caught up in it and have to sink--.
　This is why Yuka is not to be underestimated.

''Well, fine. Let's move on.''
Regroup, regroup.
I've got you and Laura in position.
Yes.

　Liv and Laura responded to Fene's words with a wry smile.

'Fene will be back soon, too,'
Yeah, I know.

　Fene looked a little miffed and moved next to Fujica.

'Are Mary and Anne okay?'
Yes, yes, we'll be fine.
I'm fine.

　When Yuka called out to them, Mary and Anne replied with a pale face.

''You look pale, are you sure you're okay?
I'm scared to tell you the truth.
I'm amazed that you're all okay with it.

　Mary smiled a drawn-out smile and Anne's expression intensified.
　It's not unreasonable.
　Earlier, Yuka said that it was difficult to defeat the enemies without using skills and magic.
　It means that this dungeon is not the proper level for the four of Fene, Liv, Laura and Fujika.
　Still, the four of them could fight, but not Mary and Anne.

''We--''
We have a lot of experience in the trenches.

　The words are interrupted and I look at Yuka.

'What?'
'It's nothing. But Yuka's right.
I know, right?

　Yuka gave a satisfied smile and Makoto let out a small sigh.

*

　Mako and the others went out into a large space.
　They have passed through the wide space many times, going back and forth in the dungeon.
　The size and height of the space is the same as the one we've just passed.
　The only difference is that there is a slope that leads to the lower levels.

'Sounds like an awesome trap,'
Yes.

　Liv muttered with a divine look on her face and Laura gave a small nod.

'I, I have a bad feeling about this. This is like a pattern of being surrounded by enemies on the way down.'
What are you going to do?

　I looked at Yuka and our eyes met.

'What?'
It's just so quiet, I'm curious.
Well, I guess I should be allowed to make that decision.
What do you say we unleash our magic or something?
''Of course. This situation--I have a magic that is both eradicable and damaging to Kuzuha even if the enemy is waiting below.

　'Oh,' said Makoto, his voice trailing off.

'Impressed?　You can give me more credit.
''How can you do this when it hasn't been that long since you fought Kuzuha...''
"'How dare you?' isn't a compliment, but oh well. I have a big heart.

　'Hmmm,' sniffed Yuka.

'So what do we do now?'
I know you've done your best, but hey.
You're not being very articulate. What the hell is wrong with you?　I just need to unleash a bit of magic from here, and I might be able to damage Kuzuha.
No, that's not...
You're not going to tell me that's not fair, are you?

　Yuka gave him an incredulous look.

'Okay?　This is a trade for life. It's life or death.
I understand that.
I've always wondered.

　Yuka said, interrupting Makoto's words.

'I wondered why the heroes and adventurers in fiction don't attack fire.
Fire?
'See, you have to be disciplined about hiding in dungeons and caves with enemies, right?　I think that was a waste of time. It's much more efficient to pour a flammable liquid into a fire and smoke it out.

　As Makoto parroted and muttered, Yuka developed a theory.
　If Yuka played a TRPG, the GM must be blown away.

''........Miss....''
I mean, he's a bandit, he agrees with me, right?
Miss, if you do that, Ledo will get steamed.
"-Oh!

　Fene blurted out, and Yuka gulped.

'And Yuka's atrocious,'
'Yeah, well, you've got Fene's brother, and you're on fire~'
Yes.

　Fujika says blamingly, and Liv and Laura agree.
　Yuka looked around to ask for help--.

'I don't think we should attack fire when there are people in the street.
I'm sure it's all very efficient.
I hate this world.

　Yuka grunted as Mary and Anne gave chase.
　Immediately after, he looked at us.

'Why didn't you tell me!
You had your eye on it.
'I don't know!　You have a mouth, so use your mouth!
Sorry.

　I thought it was unreasonable, but I apologize for the moment.

Well, let's go.
Oh!
Yes!

　Liv and Laura walked out slowly, followed by Fene, Fujica, Mary and Anne.
　But Yuka remains at a standstill.

'Yuka, go ahead,'
I know.

　Yuka said a little hoarsely and started to walk away.
　Liv and Laura walked down the slope, and Yuka slowed her pace and stood shoulder to shoulder with Makoto.

'What's going on?'
I'll see you later.

　Yuka mumbles something to herself in a gossipy voice.

'I'll follow up with you, just in case.
"Just in case?

　Yuka raises her willow eyebrows in the opposite direction.

'Make sure you follow through.'
No problem.

　Following Mary and Anne, Makoto and Yuka start down the hill.

''Well I thought Yuka had a heart of steel.
I'm going to cry.
He threatened me.
'What's a threat when a weak girl says she's sad and ready to cry?

　Yuka said in a low, stifled voice.

'If it's not a threat, it's a threat, a threat.
Tsk, that's really annoying.

　Yuka said as she spat out, but I think the woman's tears are pretty unfair.
　It's the other guy's fault and we're made to feel bad.
　We went down the hill in silence for a while.

''Well I guess I wasn't delirious enough.
You mean before?
It's the only way.
How's that for a windbreaker?
'Fene is one of us. I don't want him to be misunderstood.
You've grown up, too, haven't you?

　Mako muttered sincerely.
　Fene must have heard this conversation, but it was important to say the words of apology.

'If you'd been like that from the beginning, you wouldn't have been left behind.
Gosh, you're a real prick.

　Yuka looked miffed.

'I bet those guys couldn't have been friends no matter how I behaved.
Yuka, there's this idea in psychology called rationalization.
Just shut up and listen.

　Yuka said disgustedly.

They are celebrities and I'm beautiful and smart, but I'm just a little bit poorer than average for the average person. That's what I'm talking about.
'Say it a little shorter. I don't know if it's because you're beautiful, smart, or poor the way you say it.
I'm not poor, I'm just a little poorer than average.
No, I'm done. Anyway, it's like a different race.
That's what I mean. That's why we can't be friends.

　I suddenly felt a look and looked ahead and saw Fujika looking at me.
　It was a dexterity thing, even though we were going down a hill.
　Come to think of it, Fujika wanted to be friends with Yuka.

'Yoo, Yuka, I want to be friends with your friend and...'
Fujica's looking like she wants to be my friend.
No, or you could choose the old monster.
Not much!

　Fujica shouted and looked forward again.

'It really pisses me off that you want to be friends with the person you tried to kill.
'No, well, yeah, I guess so.'

　Makoto couldn't help but nod, but to be honest, I don't think it's either of them.
　Anyway, I'm glad to see that Yuka has a sense of camaraderie.
　Maybe this is what being a school teacher or a parent is like.
　When I think about it--.

Light!

　Liv shouted.
　I strained my eyes and saw a light at the bottom of the hill.

'We'll go carefully,'
Oh!
Yes!

　Mako called out to her, and Liv and Laura answered.
　They went slowly down the hill.
　At the end of the slope, Makoto and his friends stopped.

'What's this?'
Is it a mirror?

　Liv said in a bare voice, and Laura tilted her head in wonder.
　Laura was right, the entrance to the fifth level was like a mirror.

'What are we going to do?'
"Here's the thing!

　Liv asked, and Fene picked up the stone and threw it at the mirror.
　The stone went through the mirror as if nothing had happened.

'Looks like you can get through,'
Yeah.

　As Makoto stepped out, Yuka stepped forward as well.

'What do you think?'
How's your signposting skills?
It's not responding.

　Mako stroked her neck.
　His neck ached when the enemy got close, but not this time.
　Is there no enemy on the other side of this?
　Or is it someone who can fool the detection of their presence?
　Probably the latter.

"Yuka and I will take the lead. Everyone else follow behind.
Okay.
Yes, sir.
I understand.
I want you both to look out for each other.

　Fene, Liv, Laura and Fujica responded to Makoto's words.

''Well, that's fair enough.''

　Yuka shrugged lightly and put her triangular hat back on.

'Ready?'
Anytime.
Okay, let's go!

　Makoto and Yuka jumped into the mirror.

*

　Behind the mirror was a Japanese garden.
　There was a pond with carp, a large rock and pine trees and other plants.
　Behind it is a mansion that looks like it's designated a cultural asset.

'What's going on here?'
Relax. This is a trick.
Illusion?　This is it?

　Yuka's eyes widened in surprise.
　No wonder.
　The soft sunlight was pouring down and a fresh breeze was blowing.
　If he didn't know it was illusory magic, he would have mistaken it for being outside.

''Why would Mako do that--''
'Whoa!　What the hell is this?
How long have you been out there?
What's going on?
Is this another dungeon?
How long have you been out there?
....

　Yuka's voice is interrupted by her friends.
　Apparently, all six of them are confused.

''Fall--''
Calm down!　This is an illusion!
Seriously?
I never thought I'd have such a vision...
That means I'm close to the kudzu leaf.
I'm a little scared.

　When Yuka shouted, her friends seemed to regain their composure.
　Mako turned her gaze to Yuka.

'What?'
No, it's nothing.
I'm sorry.

　Yuka tapped Makoto on the shoulder and grinned.
　Sure enough, it seemed to be on purpose.

'Let's move forward in formation. Me and Yuka at the front, Liv and Laura in the second row, Fene and Fujika in the third row, and Mary and Anne in the back. I want you to get some distance from me and Yuka.
What are we supposed to do when the fighting starts?
I'd like to keep it as out of the way as possible.

　Mary raises her hand timidly and Anne blurts out.

'Get behind Fujica. Take as little pressure as possible.'
Yes!
I'll do it.

　Makoto and the others regrouped and started walking towards the mansion.

'Maybe we should have made them wait?'
'I can't protect you if you're attacked by an enemy when you're alone,'
That's true, though.

　It's not safe, Yuka muttered gingerly.
　I understand how Yuka feels, but they are adventurers.
　I'm sure they are prepared to risk their lives if they choose to follow Makoto and the others.
　Besides, it might be useful in a time of need.
　Of course, there is a possibility that it won't be of any use, but we should leave the possibility open.
　Makoto and the others stopped in their tracks.
　They looked at the hallway of the mansion.
　Kuzuha was sitting there, facing the garden.
　Kneeling on Redd, that is.
　Redo's chest was rising and falling, albeit gently.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this.
　I'm sure you'll be able to see that Redd was exhausted.
　If he hadn't been drinking and eating since Kuzuha caught him, his life would be in danger.
　Makoto stepped out.
　Huh?　And Kuzuha turned his gaze to us.

What are you doing here?
Of course I'm going to fight.

　When Mako returned shortly, Kuzuha chuckled.

'After all that pain. After all that pain, you still want to fight? You are so foolish, aren't you? I just want to live here in peace.
If I let you go, people will get in trouble.
It's for everyone.

　After all, Kuzuha chuckles.

''To be frank, you're the only thing standing in the way of me living the slow life.
Then I swear that I will not attack your city.
I can't.
And why is that?
"How can you trust a guy who just attacked you?

　Yuka yelled at Kuzuha, who tilted her head curiously.
　Furthermore--.

''I'll give you back Redo!
Redo?

　Fene exclaimed, and Kuzuha tilted her head in wonder.

''There is no such thing as a Redo here, is there?
"The guy you're kneecapping is Redd my brother.
This is very unusual.

　Kuzuha gave him a look that said, ''What are you talking about?

'He is no Redo or anything else. He's not Ledo, he's my mistress' beloved, whom I parted from hundreds of years ago and saw again. So he is trying to steal not only her life, but also her beloved's. Then we cannot afford not to fight.

　Kuzuha dropped her gaze and gently touched Redd's shoulder.

''You........you, you....''
What is it?
Would you raise your head, please? I'm at an errand.
I understand.

　When Redd raised his head in a billion words, Kuzuha stood up quietly.
　As he walked out this way, the landscape around him distorted.
　The landscape began to distort and disappear to the point that it was impossible to tell what the original was.
　What appeared from beyond was a bare rock face.
　In a dozen seconds or so, the landscape had disappeared and returned to the dungeon.

''Well, time for negotiations is over,''
What's the bargain?

　Mako spat.
　That was a declaration of war.
　Otherwise, it was a confirmation process.
　We just made sure that we couldn't compromise with each other.

"....ignition.

　A small murmur and a jet black flame erupted from his right arm.
　It was fiercer and rougher than when he fought Kuzuha.
　He must have noticed it.
　Kuzuha opened his eyes lightly.

''Hmm, the power of that cage? A magic item with magic enhancement powers? You think you can beat a concubine with that level of power? It's so cute.
"...convergence.

　Mako didn't answer, but let the flames converge.
　A jet-black glow covered the basket hand.

'You are silent. Well, that's good, too.

　Kuzuha taps his shoulder with his fan.
　He is tapping lightly, but behind him, nine tails are undulating.

''Well--''

　Kuzuha set up faster than he could say.
　Nine tails came rushing in all at once.
　His target was Makoto and Yuka.
　Mako and Yuka split to the left and right.

'Skill and magic maximization (Maximization), parallel activation (Multitasking) x 9! Luno Kesta Agata!　O Periolis the Imperishable, pursue like a hound, a hound after my enemies!　Reveal, homing bullets!

　Yuka quickly casts a spell and releases the magic.
　The magic branches out and hits the nine tails directly.
　It couldn't penetrate, but the movement of the tails slows down greatly.

''Ugh!　And you--

　Kuzuha grunted.
　It's true that he had a new weapon, but that's not all.
　When we fought before, it was just a tracking bullet, but this time it was a skill-enhanced tracking bullet.
　Naturally, its power has increased.
　But there's no reason to teach it to you.
　Instead, Makoto closed the distance.
　As if in a huff, he looked at me and swung his fan down.

Like turn undead!
Huh!

　Fujika's magic exploded and Kuzuha's eyes narrowed dazedly.
　His movements slowed down even more.
　But only slightly.
　But that was enough.
　Makoto ducked the fan and jumped into Kuzuha's bosom.

''Shima--!

　Kuzuha's eyes widened in astonishment, and Mako thrust out a fist.
　The fist cut the sky.
　The timing of the fist touching or not touching, Kuzuha's figure disappeared.
　A whooshing sound was heard--.

''Like an ascension!''

　Fujika's magic was activated and Mako jumped back.
　Slightly later, a fan passed in front of him.

'That's quite a feat. As a reward, I'll give you some of my mistress' fire.'
Recantation!

　Yuka fires a tracking round, but is knocked down by nine tails.

'You may die.'

　Kuzuha lit a jet-black fire on the tip of his index finger and huffed a breath.
　The fire left Kuzuha's finger and closed in on Makoto.
　It's a tiny fire like a match, but its power is impressive.
　When Makoto dodged to the side, Kuzuha grinned.
　The fire flew towards Fujica.
　He probably laughed at the thought of putting himself before his friends.

'Ko, ko, he's coming this way!
I'm on it!

　Laura stands to protect a screaming Fujica.

'Impact reversal (Reflection)!'

　Laura's shield was enveloped in a black light, and the fire of the kuzuha made contact with it.
　However, it could not bounce back.
　On the contrary, Laura was being pushed inch by inch.

''Hohohohoho, aren't you going to help?　Your people are going to die?
No need!

　Kuzuha laughed in amusement, but Makoto ignored him and lunged at him.
　One fist after another, but every one of them cut the sky.
　That strengthens your conviction.

''You're a stubborn man, aren't you!

　Kuzuha stomped on the ground.
　In the next moment, the bedrock split in two and came at him from both sides.
　He couldn't move forward because of Kuzuha's presence.
　He had no choice but to leap backwards.

''Besides, I can't hang on.''

　The voice came from right in front of him.
　Kuzuha jumped forward in time with Mako's leap.

''Re-chant!''
Do not interrupt me.

　Yuka fired a tracking round, but it was blocked by nine tails.
　When Kuzuha narrowed her eyes, a blue flame flickered.
　She swung her fan---.

''Magic bullet (Brit)!''
Gag!

　Kuzuha stumbled as Yuka's magic stabbed into her temples.

'You're distracted!
'How dare you put your face on a mistress!　I'll tear your face into shreds!

　Before Makoto could break in, nine tails rushed into Yuka.

''Wait!　Mako!　Support support support support!

　Yuka ran in a panic.
　No, I should say, while mulling over the cockade.
　The tail that failed to catch Yuka shattered the walls of the dungeon.

''Re-chant!''

　The tracking rounds fired by Yuka collided with the nine tails, slowing them down slightly.
　So Makoto intervened between them.

''Let's move back there!

　Kuzuha swings his fan around in a bullshit way.
　It looks like a child's temper tantrum, but the attack has the power of a blow-by-blow kill.
　I'm afraid I'm going to cower in fear just by being confronted like this.
　Every time a fan passes in front of me, sweat erupts with each snatch of my body.
　The fear that he's aware of what we're trying to do is also rising.
　Mako suppresses her fear and anxiety, stopping Kuzuha in her tracks.
　Kuzuha gives him a huff.
　Jet-black fire was coming from behind her.
　It was Kuzuha's fire that Laura bounced back.
　Tsk, Kuzuha frowned and flashed her fan.
　Mako jumped back and barely ducked the attack.
　Kuzuha let out a sigh and turned around--.

''Little wise--''
Ascension!
Ugh, girl!

　Fujika's magic slows Kuzuha's movements.
　Makoto is not so good-natured as to miss this opening.
　Of course, so is Yuka.

'Re-chanting!　Magic bullet!

　At the sound of Yuka's voice, Makoto pounced on her.
　Nine tails prevented the tracking bullets.
　But the fire that Makoto, the magic bullets, and Laura ricocheted off still remains.
　Although I have the thought that this would be the case--''

''Don't lick the mistress.''
Ignition!

　Jet-black flames erupted from the kuzuha, and Mako wore the flames as quickly as she could.
　Yuka's magic extinguished the jet-black fire that Laura bounced back.
　A cold sweat runs down her spine.
　If she hadn't worn the flames, she might have been hit.

''Well, now it's my mistress' turn, right!
Materialize!

　Kuzuha flashes a fan and Makoto takes it with his right arm.
　The flames materialized by Kagome's power and became thicker and stronger.
　Despite this, it shattered like thin ice.
　His body leaned back from too much impact, and that's where the tail came in.
　It was an attack from below.
　I tried to avoid it, but it was impossible.
　With a tremendous impact, the body floats up and nine tails close in.

"Ascension!
Recantation!

　Fujika's magic slowed her tail and Yuka's magic stopped it from moving completely.
　Mako kicked the tail that was close by and escaped from the scene.
　A moment later, the tail pierces the space where Mako had been until half a second ago.
　He was knocked to the ground and instantly stood up.
　However, his head wobbles, as if the damage is still there.
　At that time when he shook his head small--.

''Idiot!''

　Yuka shouted sharply.
　When she looked up, the tail was close at hand.
　And it was in a mass reminiscent of a cone.
　Suddenly, he relaxed and bent to his knees.

'Re-chant!'

　The tracking rounds pierced and the tails stopped moving.
　But a single tail pushed those that had stopped moving away and came at them.
　Despite this situation, Mako was impressed.
　Kuzuha had arranged eight tails to protect one tail.
　Just when he thought he had to somehow avoid a fatal wound, Yuka jumped out of the way.
　She must be planning to knock the tails off.
　He raised his staff.

''Run--''
Enchant magic.

　The next moment that Yuka shouted, the staff was engulfed in light.
　More light formed a blade.
　I wasn't chanting a spell, so it must be the power of a magic item.
　Apparently, this seems to be Yuka's hidden ball.

''Dariyaaah!
Ugh!

　The blade of light bit into the middle of his tail, and Kuzuha shouted out from pain.

''This guy is a bonus!　Keep it!　Re-chanting, re-chanting, re-chanting, re-chanting!
Geez!

　Kuzuha screamed as Yuka slammed 27 tracking rounds into him from zero distance.
　This is what a hair-raising cry is all about.
　The tails that are about to be torn to shreds are cunningly retracted.

"And one more thing: Recitation!
Ahhhh!

　The tracking bullet hits and this time the tail shreds off.

''How dare you, how dare you, concubine's tail!　For your crime, you're going to die.
I hope you're the one who forgot how you attacked me!

　Yuka shouted, interrupting Kuzuha's words.

'I'll never forget that I was attacked by you and that you burned my favorite clothes along with the inn!　I'm going to beat the hell out of you!
What I'm trying to say is...

　Kuzuha turns over and mumbles raggedly.
　Eight tails reach upward, wriggling.
　A creaking, squeaking sound is heard.

''That's it?!''
Recantation!

　Eight tails rush in.
　Yuka released a tracking round, but it was easily bounced off the tails.
　It must have reinforced the strength of the tail in some way.

''Like an ascension!''
Recantation!

　Fujica's magic slows the movement of the tails and Yuka retreats, releasing tail bullets.
　The eight tails prevent up to eight tracking rounds, but--''

''Kuh!　Face again!

　Kuzuha grunted and knocked off the remaining shots with her fan.
　Makoto stood up and stepped in between Yuka and Kuzuha.
　His head still feels dizzy, but it's a lot better than before.

'I don't understand. Why is my mistress being driven into this kind of a corner?

　Kuzuha frowned, but the answer was simple.
　The numbers are different, and I've been planning measures for this day.
　That's the only thing that has made such a big difference.

''Recantation!''

　Makoto jumped out of the way at the sound of Yuka's voice.
　Eight tails prevented the tracking rounds, and Kuzuha knocked the rest off with her fan, frowning.
　He flipped his fan to attack Makoto--.

''Ascend!''

　Fujica's magic slows down her movements.

''Ah!　I'm so depressed!

　Kuzuha stretches his tail towards Fujika.
　Was it a reflexive action, or did he underestimate her?
　There's only one tail extended.

''Shock reversal!''

　Laura takes a tail with her shield.
　The attack that would normally bounce back does not bounce back.
　That's how much of a difference in strength there is.

''You can obliterate it!
Oh, oh, my God!

　At that moment when Kuzuha put his strength into his tail, Laura pointed her shield upwards.
　The tail pierced the ceiling.

''Seismic strike, Kaizen!

　Liv swings down the pole hammer.
　A crack runs down the tail and jet black flames erupt.
　Perhaps due to the power of the jet-black flames, the crack gradually spreads.

''Kuh!　On the tail of a mistress!
Aura Blade!

　The moment Kuzuha tries to pull the tail, Laura releases a scooping blow.
　The target is the point of contact between the pole hammer and the tail - the other side of it.

''Thunder!''

　The pole hammer thunders in response to Liv's cry.
　The explosion roars, and Liv and Laura are blown away.
　Immediately after--.

''Geez!

　Kuzuha's screams echoed.
　It was due to Liv and Lola's attack that shredded his tail.
　Penetrating the gap, Makoto jumped into Kuzuha's bosom and slammed his fist into her.
　A blow or two brought a solid feeling, but the fist unexpectedly cut the sky.
　The next thing he knew, Kuzuha was gone from in front of him.

Mako!
I know!

　Yuka's voice rang out, and Makoto bent over.
　A fan passed over his head and Makoto slammed his fist into it again.
　No, he had meant to, but once again his fist cut through the air.
　Kuzuha's figure also disappeared.
　After all, it seems that Kuzuha is using illusionary magic.
　That's why his fist cut the sky and he had lost sight of Kuzuha's figure.
　A whooshing sound could be heard and Makoto kicked the ground hard.
　Slightly later, a fan passed by.
　Was it surprising that he had ducked the attack?
　Kuzuha's eyes widened.

''Oh, my God!

　The blue flames raged and seven tails rushed into Makoto.

'Re-chant!'
"You're so smart!

　Kuzuha prevents all the tracking rounds with one tail.
　He leaps backwards, but six tails extend.
　Five tails surround one of the tails, perhaps to warn Yuka of the tracking bullets.

''Fene!''
Okay!

　Fene responds to Makoto's voice.
　Kuzuha looked around, but he couldn't seem to catch Fene's figure.

''Ascension!''
Ggh!

　Fujika's magic slowed her movements and the string became entangled in Kuzuha's tail.
　It wasn't just a string.
　It's a string with a magic item tied to it for attacking.

''Stop--''

　The sound of the explosion drowned out Kuzuha's screaming voice.
　Flames, ice, lightning, and flashes of light--Kuzuha's tail crumbled in the myriad of lights.

''Oh, this is some kind of mistake. My mistress, my mistress........''

　Losing eight tails, Kuzuha staggered back.
　Of course, he couldn't miss.
　Makoto kicked the ground and closed the distance between him and Kuzuha.

''Ignition!''

　Jet-black flames erupted from his right arm.
　Strengthened by Kagome's power, the flames are fiercer than ever before.
　I don't let it converge, or even materialize, yet.
　Anxiety bubbles up.
　Can Kagote endure any more added power?

'Mako!　Put it all in there!
I know!

　Makoto shouted back to Yuka.
　You are a totally reliable partner.
　He is often disgusted with me, but he encourages me at times like this.
　It's all very well - that's right.
　I'm not going to be able to be a part of it.

I'm not going to be able to do anything about it.

　Green flames overflowed as if to push away the jet-black flames.
　It's the flame released by the magic item that Yuka gave me last night.

''You won't be killed!　I can't do it!　I will live forever with her!

　Kuzuha stretched his tail as he called out.
　Makoto severed his tail with his hand sword and his eyes widened.
　Kuzuha was right in front of him.
　Now he realized that the tail was a decoy.
　What to do?
　How can I defeat the Kuzuha from here?
　What to do, what to do - those words filled my brain.
　I suddenly remembered Shelly.
　What is she doing now?
　Is she waiting for Makoto's return?
　Kuzuha is looking at me.
　She's smiling.
　He's laughing.
　He is laughing and laughing.
　I'm trying desperately to turn the tables on him, and he's trying to be proud of himself.
　I'm angry.
　Somewhere, a cog meshes.
　With a thud, my heart beats loudly.

"Ignition!

　Pure white flames - qi erupts from his right arm.

''Materialize!''

　Jet-black, green, pure white flames mixed together and turned into jet-black armor.
　Disastrous, distorted, almost demonic, right arm.
　Kuzuha's eyes widened as he received the fan with his right arm.
　The fan shattered.
　A cracking sound was heard.
　Kagome is reaching her limit.
　The moment Makoto swung his arm, the figure of the kuzuha disappeared.
　It seems that he can no longer pretend to be.
　Concentrate your attention.
　You should be able to do it.
　Just as you could sense Shelly's presence in the basement, you should be able to sense Kuzuha's presence as well.
　When he squinted, he saw a light.
　His right fist moved as if absorbed by the light and a shock was felt.
　The illusion dissolved, revealing Kuzuha's figure.

'Why. Why, why.........''

　Repeating why, Kuzuha staggered back and slumped into place.
　The figure slowly faded away.
　No, the illusion is being lifted.

''Oh, don't look!　Don't look!　Do not look at me like a concubine!

　The illusionary art disappeared and what appeared was a skeleton clad in a tattered kimono.
　Kuzuha drooped as if he had lost the energy to resist.
　The next time you let out a small breath, there was a sound of shattering glass.
　The entire armor was shattered by the basket.
　The shards turned into jet black, green and pure white flames and disappeared.
　As I thought, it didn't seem to be able to withstand the load.
　However, if it was weakened to this extent, it could be defeated.

''Well don't feel bad about it.
Wait!

　Just as Makoto raised his fist in the air, Redd interrupted him.

'Redo, get away from that guy!
But!

　Fene, who had arrived before I knew it, shouted, but Redd did not obey.
　The Stockholm Syndrome - is it the one where the hostage sympathizes with the criminal?
　He had been under an illusion for a long time, so that may have had an effect on him.
　Or is she motivated by a sense of mission as a priestess?

'She's been alone for hundreds of years.
Get out of there.
No, no!

　Mako tried to push him away, but Redd held on to him.
　He looked like he was going to tell her to run away or something.

''She, Kuzuha, has been wandering around for hundreds of years!
Oh, you!

　Kuzuha looked up and her body trembled.

''Finally, you finally remembered my concubine's name.
...name?

　Ledo touched his lips.
　Apparently, Redo didn't know the name of Kuzuha.
　At that time when he wondered if there was a reincarnation in this world as well--.

''.........Kufu.''

　Kuzuha gave a small laugh.

''Kufufu, kukakakakakakka!''

　Kuzuha started laughing like a madman.

''We've finally met!　I'll eat you, I'll eat you, I'll eat you!　This time you are a concubine!　Kaaka kaaka!

　Jet-black flames erupted, and within it, Kuzuha's figure changed.
　It was a fox.
　It transformed into a fox that looked like it was made out of shards of glass.

''Let's spend eternity together!
Hey!

　Mako pushed Ledo away and was knocked off his back to the ground.
　His vision rapidly darkened.
　When he looked down, he saw his right arm connected by a single piece of leather.