Night is breaking and morning is coming.
　However, I don't know if the sun is up or not because I'm in a dungeon.
　The time interval is going to be a little strange.

　At any rate, the next day.
　The next day, a race to find modest gasoline in addition to gasoline in addition to gasoline in addition to gasoline is being held.

　A lot of gangsters and phoenix tribe gathered in a large room.
　Among them are Kanade and Chiffon, who were separated as hostages.
　It's a good thing that they didn't seem to do anything in particular.

　And me and Sakura in the center.
　Elfin-san and Finia.

Sakura, hang in there!　Let's show them the power of our tiny wolf tribe!
"Brother, I'm counting on you!　As a representative, go for it!

　The folks of the Crypto-Wolf tribe are giving me quite favorable support.
　It's a good idea to find a new addition to the family.

　On the other hand, the phoenix tribe, on the other hand.....

Wha... why is a human being here? Elfin-sama, you can burn that thing, if you want!
　Don't worry, I forgive you!

　There was a tremendous amount of hate being directed at them, and stinging glances and words were flying from all over the place.
　Even when I visited the village of the people-hating spirit race, nothing like this happened.

　This time is completely different.
　Isn't there really an attempt on my life?　I felt a sense of crisis, and even though I didn't do anything, my fatigue piled up.

　Is it really possible to win over the phoenix tribe from this situation?
　... no.
　That's just not a good sign.

　It's not a question of if I can do it.
　It's that I will.
　Not for me, but for Iris.

Then I'll be the judge.

　Sigle stepped forward.

''This dungeon is made up of ten layers in total. There are three layers here. After the fourth layer, it's untouched, and there are demons and traps.''

　Living on top of a demon is amazing for the phoenix race.
　It's usually unthinkable.
　Is it only possible for the strongest species to do this?

The first team to return to the site with the treasure from somewhere on the tenth level wins. It is possible to interfere with the other team and steal the treasure. Well, you can't let your guard down until the end.
Do you have a minute?　With those rules, wouldn't it be a melee at the start of the season?
It'll be fine. To make sure that doesn't happen, we're going to give you different ways to get in and out of the dungeon. It's a dungeon, so there are many ways in and out.

　I see.
　Then there's no chance of it suddenly becoming a melee.
　There's been a lot of thought put into this race, as it's been done so many times.

Are there any other questions?
What level of interference with the other team is allowed?
It's up to each of us to decide.
'It's also...'

　I can't help but pull a face at the words that could be taken any way.

　You can't expect the phoenix tribe, which considers people as enemies, to go easy on you, although Sigre-san says he expects each of you to have good sense.
　In fact, they'd rather come out aggressively on the offensive at the drop of a hat.

　We.........or rather, it's quite unfavorable for me.
　The fact that the other side will do whatever they want doesn't mean that we can't help them out and do whatever they want.
　Because of that kind of relationship, there's a possibility of being beaten unilaterally if you're not good at it.

　But.........is that why?

　Even if I win in my favor, the phoenix tribe won't recognize me as a powerful person.
　Only when I'm at a disadvantage, and have a strong strength and heart to overcome adversity, might they change their minds about humans.

　Perhaps Mr. Sigle had thought that far ahead before setting up this rule.
　Speaking of strict, it's quite strict...
　But if it's the only way, let's do it.

Do you have any other questions?
I don't have one.
On.

　There's nothing else I want to know.
　I nod like I'm okay with it.

Can I ask you a question?

　Mr. Elfin opens his mouth.

　After glancing at me, he says with a laugh.

''You say that it's possible to interfere with the other team... but what happens if you end up killing them as a result of that?
I told you I'd leave it to your discretion.
Is that your answer?
Yeah, I know.
"...I see, I get it. Huh.

　One last time, Mr. Elfin laughs.
　It's a vicious smile that makes me cringe.

　This.........don't try anything during the race.
　And it's not just interference, it's an attack.
　If you're not careful, they will come after you and try to kill you.

　I'm prepared for that.
　What about cherry blossoms?
　I'm completely wrapped up in our situation and convenience.
　I'm sorry about that...

Gulu....
Ouch.

　Sakura snorted grimly and bit my leg lightly.
　I look to see what's going on and see Sakura staring at me.
　Her eyes are as if she's telling me not to think about trivial things.

　Maybe it's rude to treat her like a dog, but....
　They also say that dogs are very perceptive and can understand people's minds.
　Maybe that's why Sakura could see through my hesitation.
　And maybe he's angry at me for not underestimating himself, I promised you yesterday that we would work hard together....

　Why would Sakura trust me so much?
　That's the part that's a mystery to me, but...
　But I'll have to do my best to respond well.

I'm sorry.
Off....
We're in this together.
On!

　Yeah.
　Now we're all on the same page.
　There is no longer any doubt in our minds.
　No matter what difficulties lie ahead, Sakura and I will do our best to overcome them as best we can.

Are there any more questions?
Yeah, I'm fine.
Me too.
Then let's start the race.

　Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
　After a short pause, he shakes his hand down.

Begin!

　The race has begun.