With our eyes on the more powerful demons lurking in the depths of the cave, we moved deeper into Payago's cave.


''Since we're here, let me give you a lecture on how to get to the dungeon.


　I say that to them as we walk.

'Dungeon attack...?　Can't we just do the same thing as we did in the Treasure Labyrinth at school?
'Of course, the basics are true. But until now, I've been working on improving the basic skills of the two of them. I've never properly taught them how to conquer dungeons.

　In the future.......I'd like to form a party with the two of them and conquer the [Treasure Labyrinth]......if I wanted to, I'd like to conquer a higher level dungeon.
　Thinking about that, it was meaningful for me to teach the two of them.

'So, lesson one. It's about the division of roles. Well, this is true for battles in general, but it becomes even more important in dungeons where you have to stay under for a long time.
Swordsmen fight with swords. Magic is like magic with magic.
'Lara. It's not the right answer, but that's what I'm trying to say.

　As we've said many times before, the ideal combination of sword and magic is the best way to fight.
　A thousand years ago, you didn't have to make friends, so you had to dive into dungeons alone.
　Therefore, you were expected to be an all-rounder who could do it all.

　But........if I were to form a party in this world, I'd want to spread out the burden.
　It would also reduce the risk.
　This will make it easier for you to capture the dungeon.

"Sword and magic I don't like to separate the two. But there are certain strengths and weaknesses, such as which one is better at handling a sword or fighting with magic...
'In other words, be aware of your strengths and share your roles. That's what Kurt is trying to say, isn't it?

　I moved my head up and down at the question to Marise.

''That's the way it is. And even the magic color will change what he or she is not good at, too.''
Aren't the types of magic just for determining who's better?
'Uh, hmmm ... that's a false perception. I want you to forget it.

　For example, even if it's an outlier magic color for me, white magic power (called perfect magic power in this world), it would be suitable for an aspiring blacksmith.

　The magic color does not determine superiority or inferiority.
　It's just a matter of appropriateness depending on it.

''I've never heard of such a thing?　Where does it say that in the book?
'I don't think I've ever seen anything written in any book.

　In this world.

Well then....
If one of these guys wrote a book or I said something like that, which one do you trust more?

　This time I asked them a question.
　In response, they only closed their mouths.

''Alright then, let me briefly explain about their magic color.
'Yeah!　I was taught that I wasn't cut out for attack system magic, but...
''I've said it before, but that's not true. The unfortunate magic power, on the contrary, is better suited for offensive magic.
'I'm starting to feel that way now that I remember what Kurt has taught me...'
But on the other hand, it has a short range. It's more of a close combat magic.

　Like I'm good at it, like how to combine physics and magic in a fight.
　If you are an unfortunate magician, you can release powerful magic from a short distance.
　So from now on, it might be better to gradually teach them about ward magic to fortify themselves.

''And Marise.''
Okay.

　Marise postures up.
　She has a nervous look on her face, wondering what will be said.

'Marise is purple what did you say about inferior magic?
Yes, sir.
How have you heard about that?
'They said he couldn't unleash delicate magic. So they said he could only use large magic and lacked stress....
What's that?

　I almost blew it out for a moment.
　What kind of subtle magic is that? That's too vague.
　And after all, based on my knowledge, Marise's perception of it is wrong.

'Inferior magic is a magical color with a long magical range, as opposed to unfortunate,'
You mean you can release magic from a distance?
That's what I'm talking about.

　So it's more of a matter of detecting a distant target or taking the time to put together a careful magical formula.
　And the opponent's attacks will be prevented to some extent by the vanguard personnel.

　In that sense, on the contrary, something like 'delicacy' might be necessary.
　After all, the inferior magic power is also the opposite of my perception.

''So I'm sure Marys can already add a tracking function to two of them at the same time if it's at least a fire spear.
Oh, really?
'Yeah. I may have been in a hurry against the Skeleton King, but if you take your time... whoa. A demon in just the right place.

　Flapping their wings with a flap, two demonic bats appeared from the front.
　The demons, also known as 'bloodsucking bats', and each one is not that strong.

I'll hold off the bats, so don't panic and set up a magic formula. You can always release them when you're ready.
I understand!

　Good answer.
　I draw my sword and leap in front of the bat.
　The bat flies towards my neck, trying to suck my blood.

'You're late,'

　I did some evading in the nick of time with my waza-za-za.
　I even pretend to attack with my sword on the way.
　Thanks to that, the bat was able to target and move only on me.

''It's done!''

　As I was dodging the bat's attack, biting off a lack of movement, I heard Marise's voice from behind me.

'Alright!　Let go!

　That moment.
　As they passed by me, two fire spears went towards the bat.

　Although the bats are weak, they are highly mobile demons.
　Even though they were caught by surprise, the two bats tried to avoid each other's fire spears.

　

''Yes!''

　Marise made a small leap and expressed her joy.
　The bat, which was hit by Fire Spear, fell directly to the ground with a flutter like paper.

''See. If you do it calmly, even Marise could do it, right?
'Kurt was right!　Thank you!
What the...

　Marise grabbed my hands with a smile and gave a small jump.
　I'm always a winning Marise, so seeing her like this confuses me.

'Oh, s-sorry!　I was so excited about what I did with him...

　Marise blushed and let go of my hand.
　I could have left it like this for a while, but.......what am I saying?

"You're not allowed to make out, you know.
I didn't do that.

　For some reason, Lara's cheeks puffed out as if she was angry with Pumka.

''Well back to the topic at hand, here's the thing. From now on, I'll be aware of my appropriateness according to my magic color.''
"Yes!

　The two of them gave me some powerful words.
　For me, it will be easier to fight if you two become stronger.

　What more can I teach them?　I went deeper and deeper into the cave while thinking about it.
　The deeper I went, the thicker the magic element became.

　I see........Perhaps no one must have stepped through the cave of Payago.
　That's probably why something like the Skeleton King would periodically spring up from the back.

''Speaking of which, I did have one question.
What?
I was thinking that Kurt could break down the cave walls and the ground and move on in a second.
'Lara. You can't do that in any amount of time. The walls of dungeons, including the labyrinth, are representative of things that can't be broken, you know.
Yeah.

　Marise denied what Lara had said.
　But.

'You can do it,'
"What!

　They are both surprised to hear the same voice.

'I think I've seen this pattern before...'

　I didn't reply to Marise's muttered voice, but I continued to talk.

'Walls can break the ground. But if you do that easily, the entire dungeon could collapse. Except maybe in a pinch, but basically, we can't do something so risky.

　Besides, dungeons may be threatened by demons, but a thousand years ago, dungeons were considered as one of the 'resources'.
　Items and demons that can be taken from dungeons can be redeemed at a high price.
　It wouldn't be a good idea to capture them quickly here, even if you have to break the walls and the ground.

'And the magic power will stick to you for nothing. If we don't dig up immediately, we'll be restored with magic elements... there's no need to do such a risky thing here.
'Is it a matter of being risky or something... oh, the common sense in me...'

　Marise lamented.

　At any rate, let's continue on through the caves of Payago.
　We descended the stairs and stepped down to the lower level.

"Hmm, this is...!