"Wind.

　Ten minutes of fighting.

　We managed to kick off a bunch of chimera spiders.
　Each one of them wasn't a big deal, but there were a lot of them iffy.

　There was no end to the number of them I could take down, and although I was cringing...
　It seems to have been struck down, and the cheering finally stopped and we were able to annihilate them.

''It's quite a tricky place, isn't it?''

　Countless traps are set in the ruins.
　It's not a simple matter.

　If you're not careful, you might lose your life.
　That's how difficult it is.
　It's just a test for promotion to A-rank, but it's usually difficult.

''Will everyone be okay...?''

　You are all much stronger than me.
　I know it doesn't happen that often, but....
　Still, I worry about the things I worry about.

We should meet up with you as soon as possible.

　These ruins are at the end of the line...!

Can you help me with something?

　I tamed the rats.
　Have them gather their friends and tame a few dozen more.
　Scatter them throughout the ruins.

　If the rats are basing themselves in this place, they will find everyone.
　And find them...
　Then you will be shown around so that you can join us.
　I gave those orders.

'Whoa, you're early.'

　The three rats came back, looked up at me and chuckled.
　Apparently, they had found someone.

'Lead the way, okay?'

　He chirped cheerfully again, and the mouse started to run.
　It's pretty fast.
　If we don't run, the rat is going to leave us behind.

　We chased after the rats, occasionally kicking away the demons we encountered.
　In the meantime, we went down several layers of ruins.

　Apparently, they're all aiming for the deepest part.
　Rather than looking for them in the dark, they probably think that they can certainly meet up at the finish line.

''That's........stop.

　I found something and ordered the rat to stop.
　The rat stops.
　I hide in the shadows and peer down the corridor.

"It's a volcanic spider. It's a rare sight to see one living in a place like this.

　It's an ordinary spider, unlike the demon from earlier.

　Its size is about the size of a fingertip.
　It is called the hikikigome spider because it wears glowing moss as a mimicry.

　This spider has an interesting ecology.
　The ecology is....

There's...

　As I followed the Hikari Moss Spider's destination with my eyes, I saw the figure of a demon.
　Speaking of nostalgic beings.......Killer Tigers.
　At the end of the pathway was a square, and I could see multiple Killer Tigers there.

　Hikari mosses feed on the body fluids of demons.
　Therefore, it is said that there are demons in the vicinity of the Hikari Mosses.

''You were right to be careful.

　I don't feel like losing to Killer Tiger now, but it's definitely a troublesome opponent.
　When you're dealing with multiple people in a limited space, and against multiple people, it's tricky in its own way.

　Fortunately, or should I say, there are other pathways.
　I instructed the rats to use another path.

　At my command, the rats turn left and go down a different pathway.
　I follow behind them.

　Just like that........
　We rely on small animals and insects that we see along the way to avoid danger.
　Then we asked the rats to show us the way.

　We were making good progress.
　We were separated from everyone else, and for a while I was worried about what would happen...
　Even if I'm alone, I think I can get through this.

Although.........it's still lonely being alone.

　I felt terribly uncomfortable, even though we were only temporarily separated.
　I don't feel safe, or uncomfortable, or....

　That's how much he had to be with everyone else.
　That's how much he was relying on everyone else, I guess.

　I'm not in too much of a hurry because I know I'll be able to meet up with you soon...

　What if.
　What if ... what if ... you have to leave everyone for a long time?
　What if you find yourself in a situation where you want to see them but can't?

　What will I do then...?



----------



This way!　This one is fishy!
'Are you sure you're okay?　Sola is incredibly uncomfortable...

　Kanade pointed to the aisle with energy.
　In contrast, Sora had an uneasy look on her face.

　I got separated from Rain and the others...
　Kanade and Sora were exploring the ruins together.

　If we go to the lowest level, which is the goal, we will be able to join them.
　Thinking that, they went down the stairs in earnest.

''If Kanade hadn't gotten rid of that rat earlier, we might have been able to join up with Rain...''
I'm sorry, okay?
Oh, dear.

　Not long ago....

　A rat appeared in front of Kanade and Sora.
　Rats are cautious creatures and rarely go out of their way to appear in front of people.

　Sora understood at once.
　This rat must have been tamed by Rain.
　They must be looking for us.

　If they followed the rats, they would be able to meet up with Rain.
　I was hoping for that.

　When Kanade saw the mouse, his black eyes narrowed and he began to chase after it, mewling.
　At this, the rat didn't have a moment to spare.
　Fear prevailed over Rain's instructions and they ran away at once.

　And so Kanade and Sora lost their directions.......until now.

''Why did you do that?''
'Aaah ... what can I say, I was itching to see a rat and I couldn't resist ... instinct?'
A cat.
''He's a cat spirit race, so he's a cat in a way...''
He's a d*mn kitten.
'Even Sora said that!
'Look, let's go. Now that the guide is gone, Sora and the others will have to meet up with Rain and the others on their own.
"Ugh, I'm sorry...
Utterly and utterly... Kanade is a more disappointing cat than Luna, isn't he?
Disappointed cat!

　For what it's worth, they seemed to be getting along well together.
　While chatting idly, they proceeded deeper into the ruins, aiming for the lowest level.

　And so, how far down the stairs did they go?
　How long have I walked the aisles?

　We walked out into an open space.
　It was so large and the air was so clear that it was hard to believe it was underground.

　In the center of the plaza, I could see what looked like an altar.
　A statue in the shape of a god stood there.
　A magic circle was drawn on the floor in front of it.
　It had intricate patterns drawn on it, and it glowed dimly.

　And.........

Ah, Sel!
What?

　Cell, the examiner, was standing in front of the altar.