In front of the stairs leading to the 'Akebono Field', Rival's party is still stationed in front of the stairs today.

　Nearby, there is a woman who is sending out a male party. That's the gal-like girl who was on the bus with Suzuna. She's changed today, and has changed into a hoodie-like outfit and skirt.

'Well, good luck with that~'
'Oh!　Misaki, I'm going to make some money for you!

　She has brightly dyed, permed middle hair. It's a cute little girl who could be a magazine reader model.

'I wonder if she's doing something like cormoranting... maybe she's groped a man or something?'
'If that's the case, you're worldly-minded. As an explorer, though, it seems risky, since you won't be able to increase your level and contribution if you don't go under,

　The girl called Misaki walks over to us. When she spotted us, she walked over to us and smiled affectionately.

'Thank goodness there are Japanese people here. I feel comfortable after all...when you come to another world, there are a lot of people mixed up, and there are demons and stuff...

　Apparently he has a habit of stretching his endings, but I get sleepy when I hear him talk like this. It's not that I don't like it, but it's a bit sweet.

''Oh, if it's about those people, don't worry! I went in to see what kind of party in this world is like. They looked nice, but they were 2, even if they were on a high level! If I follow them any further, they'll expect me to follow them, so I'm going to droning here.
Doron ... ah, ah. You mean you're leaving that party.
'Yes. It's still good to have a party for girls only!
Then maybe you should have stayed with your friends.

　As expected of Igarashi-san, his eyes are sharp. Misaki made an 'ah' face for a moment, but she laughed and faked it.

'Haha, that's right. I just kind of went along with it in a groove. I'm always being told that you're dangerous! Oh, Suzu-chan!　Wait, take me with you!

　Elitia and Suzuna - the girls seem to be hiding in the fields of Akebono today. They were exchanging something with Misaki, but the three of them took off together and went into the labyrinth.

(Hey, hey........the party that broke up earlier went in, and you're going to follow them there? (You're really only working in the groove.)

　I wanted to talk to Elitia and the others, but the timing wasn't right. I might meet them later in the labyrinth, though.

　As I was thinking about that, Igarashi-san and Theresia were also staring at me.

''Depending on her occupation, I might be able to invite her to join us... or something, don't you think?
'No, not that much. I had a feeling that you were a troublemaker, so I was just a little concerned. I just hope it's not too much trouble.
'Hmmm ... don't all guys like girls who are at least in high school?'
'Well, well, maybe a lot of people are like that, but I'm not so sure about that.

　I hadn't actually thought much about it, so I'll answer as I thought. It's so much that when I grow up and see students in uniform, I suddenly remember the old days and get nostalgic.

'I don't just decide I want this kind of member and look for it myself, I want to recruit them when the flow of life naturally leads me to want to team up with this person.
''Yeah, well that's what I was doing when I was...''
..........
''Oops, sorry to keep you waiting. Igarashi-san, Theresia wants to go with a roll, so let's go buy some armor.
'Yes, yes, in a roll. We have to wind up where we can.

　◆ ◆ ◆

　When we see us, Madoka, who was at the stall, waves to us.

'Good morning, brother!　Oh, and the sister I gave the spear to yesterday.......I'm glad to hear she looked fine, she seemed to have been injured......
Yes, thanks to you. I'm sorry, you chose me for this, but my spear was broken.
''What ... didn't it work with the demons on the first floor?　I'm sorry, I may have been inferior...
'No, we got a 'named' The weapons Madoka sells, they'll work properly for Watadama.
I'm really glad you two are safe...!

　It's not surprising that they are that worried, but since Madoka is in tears, Igarashi-san is getting tears too.

　I wait until they both calm down. They both blush and smile shyly with their eyes, and are ready to talk again.

'Thank you for your concern, I'll continue to be careful in my quest. So, I'd like to ask you for a new set of armor...''
''Yes, my shop has a main store and two branches in District 8, but we also have one more than the beginner's version available here.
'There's nothing like a higher version of Slingshot... oh, there isn't. Then it's a good thing I asked for enhancements after all.
'I'm sorry, we don't sell strong slings in Ward 8. If you give the materials directly to the artisan, though, we can make some for you.

　The sling itself doesn't seem to be in stock right now, and it looks like the one I bought was the last one. Maybe they don't have an adequate supply of weapons for the number of newcomers.

　I left the sling with them for modification, but after thinking about it, I was worried that it would have been better to modify it based on a stronger weapon - I was worried. There was no use in sparing too much material, but there was no better way to strengthen it as efficiently as possible.

''Then let's choose Igarashi-san's weapon first?
Yes I did buy something called Woodspire yesterday.
'Madoka, is there a stronger spear than that?　If it's a long weapon, it doesn't have to be a spear.
'Well how about these bronze lances, spears, and javelins made of bronze? It's an odd one, but there's also a trident. Originally, they were used to attack underwater demons, but of course they can be used on land as well.

　Igarashi-san looked at them one by one carefully, but the one he finally chose was Lance. Apparently it's because it's sold as a set with a shield.

'The lance is a spear that attacks while holding a shield. Everyone uses it when they are in the vanguard.
Then I guess I'd better use Lance for now. Is that okay with you, rearguard?
Ha, yes. I don't feel comfortable with me being behind the whole time as a man, but I'm in a position to show my ability in the rear guard.
'Then I'll go with the lance. If someone more suited to the vanguard joins me, I'll switch to another weapon.
'In the middle or rearguard, we are more likely to use a spear or throwing spear (javelin). Please call on me if you need them.

　As for Theresia's shortsword, I don't have a stronger one and I've modified the equipment at the mercenary agency, so I only buy a return buckler.

　Then I buy a chest equipment called Bronze Breast - armor that isn't too heavy and can be equipped with Igarashi-san's current muscle strength - Bronze Breast. Since I had a stock of equipment that fit, I also bought other items, such as leather gear (gleaves) to make it look more like a Valkyrie. Igarashi-san's equipment is clothed with 250 coppers, and Theresia's buckler is 50. And although I can equip anything I want, I bought the banded armor, leather grease and gusoku according to my level 1 muscle strength.

How about me?
'No, that's fine. Eventually, let's go with a Valkyrie-esque look, like we're wearing armor over our leotards.
Pahhhhh, you know what? I almost said, "You're an idiot! It's true that there are a lot of things in Valkyrie, but what you're talking about is a dubious one.

　If you call it a disreputable Valkyrie, you'll have to explain (and present) your company's vision in detail - and you'll be beaten to the punch if you're businesslike.

　Even at this stage, the bronze breasts have accentuated the size of the breasts. That it is so hard to make women's armor is evident from the artistic curvature of the piece.

'You can't change from your thorn gear, Theresa-san...I wonder if this is sucking up to you.
I don't think we're strong enough to disarm it.

　She lost her life once in the labyrinth and was revived as a subhuman. Unraveling the subhumanization seems to be difficult for a one-star explorer, according to Leila's story.

''Brother and sister, you look good together. I wish you all the best in your quest. I'll try my best to get the best goods possible too!
Thank you. Can I give you the material and have you make it for me?
''Yes, our shop can make the request to the artisans on your behalf. If you find any ore or other items in the labyrinth, please bring them in if you wish.

　Demonic materials, ores - there are many things I want to get in the labyrinth.

　The current leather bag had a small capacity, so I wanted to get a bigger one, but that problem was solved when I returned to Mr. Rykerton's shop.

　The Blaze Shot, the Red Buckler, and the Red Scarf, which were modified slings. As we received them, Melissa brought a large knapsack with her.

''Hey, we've been treated to some good materials, and Melissa is in a good mood. This is the least we can do for you. If you hunt a lot of demons and defeat the 'named' again, please patronize our shop.
'Oh, thank you...!　I was just thinking about getting some sort of bag.

　Mr. Rykerton had seen my leather bag and was concerned about its small capacity. This knapsack would have more than twice the capacity of a leather bag.

　If you can finish it in this short amount of time, I'd like to continue to bring the demons I've hunted here in the future. It looks like there are other demolition sites nearby, though, so I may have to go look elsewhere at least once.

That was pretty good. Come again.

　Melissa said just that and walked into the back. Maybe she enjoyed dismantling it, or maybe she was just happy to have handled a rare demon - either way, I've never seen her smile before.

''My daughter also said she wanted to go to the labyrinth for the first time in a long time. 'Akebono's Field, the second level named, hasn't been defeated since it appeared, and there's a bounty on the table,' she said. I'm waiting for Melissa to be brought in as well.

　The named keep targeting the first party they attack. It's difficult to take them down from the side, unless you have a lot of conditions - basically because they're going to be sidetracked.

　If I can make it to the second level by the end of the day, or - with that in mind - I picked up the modified Slingshot and checked my condition.