After processing, I thank Mr. Ceres and Mr. Steiner, and I'm on my way back to Mrs. Olerus Pavilion with Theresa - but on my way.

'--Hey, did you hear that?　The guys from Polar Star are taking their exams right now.
''I'm talking about the fact that it's been hard to get people promoted since 'named' started appearing in 'Calling Forest'. Are you okay with that?
"We're the top of the pecking order in the eighth district, we can't afford not to take the test at some point, can we? I wonder if the day will come when we'll be the top of the pecking order...

　Georg of the North Star knew from the license display that they had fallen off the top, but the other explorers still didn't seem to know that the top had been replaced by us.

'It's been ten years since we've been reincarnated? Time flies. I guess I'll give up on the promotion and look for a wife in earnest.
'Let's just try to be a little more uptight about it. It's going to be different when you go to the upper wards in terms of income, life and all that. Even the top of the Eighth Ward is a world away from us.

　Having experienced various types of quarters in a short period of time, I know exactly how they feel. Most of all, though, I think we were blessed enough to be offered a place to sleep right from the start.

　But more importantly, there is one thing that caught my attention in what I just said. In the labyrinth where the "Polar Star 《Polar Star》" is hiding in the promotion examinations, there is said to be a "named The fact that there is no information on what kind of demon it is specifically means that even if it appears and disappears, it is not able to bring back detailed information. Did the searchers who encountered it sacrifice themselves, or did they have no choice but to flee?

　Sometimes, like the juggernaut, an individual with an out-of-place strength would appear, like a mutation. But they were also the first in the eighth district's pecking order, so they would be confident in their own abilities. To spear them would be an act that would hurt their pride.

''..........''
Yeah, I'm sorry I was just thinking about something.

　The next thing I know I'm standing still. Theresia is looking at me with concern.

　If you lose your life in a battle against a demon, that's it, and there are more things you can't save. The reason why sub-humans are getting a role in the mercenary agency is because they are no longer able to choose how to live by their own will.

　It's not that it doesn't matter as long as they live. When he imagined that once Theresia had lost her life, he couldn't help but feel resentful and helpless, even though he knew he couldn't do anything about the past.

　I shouldn't have the arrogant idea that I could help all the searchers. However, I want to help at least what I see. Otherwise, I feel that no matter how safely we do it and how successful we are, something is different.

　Georg from "Arctic Star" was a good-natured guy. I want the people who have gained a little acquaintance in this labyrinth city to survive forever - I can't help but think that.

'....Good. I'm sorry, Theresa. I wanted to take the day off to prepare for tomorrow's exam, but my plans have been moved up. When I get back, we're going to dive only with those who are willing to go. I won't be forced to do it on my own, you know.
..........

　Theresia nodded her head in a persistent nod. Then, after thinking for a bit, she takes my hand and squeezes it.

　That hand looks like it's wearing a scaled thimble glove, but it's not equipment - it's part of my body as a lizardman.

　However, the warmth of human blood circulates in the white skin visible between those scales.

''Yeah, yeah. When we return, I'll ask Madoka to procure some throwing weapons. We need to make use of the new skills we've got.
..........
'Well, uh ... do you want to keep your hand intact?　Isn't that a little embarrassing?
.....

　He seems to be worried about me and holds my hand to reassure me, but I'm starting to feel embarrassed because he's been holding it for so long.

　Theresa hurriedly let go of my hand. She then turns her back to me and presses down on her lizard mask, but even from behind, I can see that it's red.

　She looks back at me timidly. This time it's my turn to reassure her, I tried to be natural and smiled, and the redness visibly went down, albeit a little.

I've had it from the beginning, but there's something naive about it.)

　In fact, I don't know what kind of life Theresa had when she was a human, though. If the fundamentals of her personality haven't changed just because she can't speak, then maybe her personality itself hasn't changed when she became a sub-human.

　But it doesn't matter whether Theresa, who has returned to human form, remains the same or has changed significantly.

''.........''
Oh, you're all right. Let's go then.

　Theresia nodded and walked side by side in silence, not making a sound of footsteps. Fewer and fewer people were surprised to see her, probably because they'd seen her with us so many times already, even when walking the streets.

　　　◆ ◆ ◆　　　

　When I returned to my lodgings and asked Madoka for a throwing knife, she told me that a small knife of the "Small Dark" type would be a good choice. Since they are in high demand as weapons used by thieves, it's difficult to get them in numbers, but I was able to buy a set of six knives for ten silver coins. Since I want to use them for the "Double Throw", I made them a multiple of two.

　In a game or something, you never worry about the weight of a throwing knife, but like arrow bullets, metal knives are not ridiculous in weight. A belt with a holder to hold the knife was also purchased, and Theresia quickly put it on to see how it felt on.

　Misaki and Suzuna's reinforced armor was also delivered, so the two of them quickly changed into it while Madoka helped them put it on.

　The maid, Mirei-san, saw us coming back and made us a cup of tea, so I took a break with Elitia and Theresia. I heard that Igarashi-san was asleep, but she was going to wake up soon.

　Melissa seems to have taken a liking to Sion and is playing with him in the garden instead of going back to the demolition station. It may seem eccentric to obsess about dismantling demons, but I don't think there are any bad people who like animals. Maybe it's just my assumption.

''It's about time we explored in the seventh district rather than cautiously proceeding with our search in the eighth district, it will be more efficient and we'll be able to promote at just the right time.
'I'd like to get up there in the shortest amount of time possible, considering Elitia's companions, but it's still going to take some time.
''........The report of the 'Brilliant Monkey Prince' that attacked our party has not yet reached the guild.
The Marquis de la Salle is a monkey demon.

　The act of subjugating a person would not be something they would do without a high level of intelligence. The demons I've fought so far, even those that were bipedal like orcs, didn't feel intelligent. But there was a possibility that some of the enemies would use trickery in the future.

　Demi-harpy also had the power to annihilate explorers if they fit the mold. Thinking about that, I recall that the three Harpies I captured were still sent to the Demon Farm. In order to incorporate the "Song of Sleep" into their tactics, they would need to visit the ranch once.

''..........But if you make them subordinate, it means that they're making use of the people they've defeated and keeping them alive. Elitia's people may still be alive.

　That's why Elitia is also trying to get back to the place where she was robbed of her friends once again.

　But being alive does not mean easy salvation. Elitia's face is down and she grips her chest with every strand of her own golden hair.

''........I will never forgive you.......I will never......kill you.......for such a terrible thing. How dare you........
Elitia...!

　When it came to the battle, the reason why Elitia transformed her personality wasn't just because she had a cursed sword.

　It was pure anger. The hatred for the demon - so much tyranny against his companions, Elitia saw it with his eyes.

　However, Suzuna, who had come out of the room, hugged Elitia, who was about to turn into a demon-like form, from behind without saying a word.

''........You had a hard time, didn't you? But it's okay. I'll be fine........''
......................

　Clutching her hands around her tight hair, Suzuna untied and removed her fingers one by one. Beside her, Misaki, who was watching this with a somber face, tries to straighten Elitia's hair with her hands and straighten it back to its original state.

''Well if you do this, you'll get a perm on your pigtails, right?　That might be cute too, but I think Ellie-san would prefer it to be smooth and straight! Hey, your brother thinks so too, right?
'Yeah, I know. I don't want to put it this way but I'm afraid that if I let my anger get the better of me, I'll do something reckless. First, you need to think about protecting yourself. Body, mind, and all.
'Ellie, you are trying to hurt yourself. You can't do that ... if you're having a hard time, you're going to have to ruffle my hair.

　Suzuna holds out her dark hair as she says this. Elitia lays her own hand on it and begins to cry, her shoulders shaking.

''Phew...........I'm a child and I'm just so weak... and I didn't know how to help him and I ran away but I didn't do anything. I couldn't give it to you........
''Still, if you decide to go and help, do what you can. Even if even the higher level searchers are too troublesome to approach, we'll definitely go again. We're only able to win because of Elitia. Let's show that monkey what human strength looks like.
...
The men I've fought in the past were all vicious and would be eaten if I lost. But if we're careful, we can win. We're going to be safe, we're going to be tough, and we're going to do it as unscathed as possible.

　Elitia looks at me, wiping her bright red eyes. Eyes that don't blame her, clinging to her - I want you to help me, she says with her whole body.

　A level 9 swordsman. Because she has gone through a number of shura situations, her despair couldn't help but deepen when she saw a difficult enemy that she couldn't win alone and couldn't get help.

　With us now, we still can't win. With everyone's level at 10, or--even so, it might be reckless to challenge it with just one party.

　The more friends we have, the better, after all. Friends from the eighth ward who are aiming up as well, people fighting in the ward above - gathering people together to defeat the boss shouldn't be against the rules or anything.

''I'll feel more comfortable with Suzu-chan holding me, but I'd like to have an adult's inclusion here! Big brother, don't get flustered like that, there, there, there...''
''No, no ... it's just that, what, than me. Igarashi-san is more receptive than you are.
What... what?　Inclusion...?　I can't see the story.

　Igarashi-san, who has just woken up, is confused. When Elitia turns around and notices that her eyes are bright red, Igarashi-san looks at me. It's not that she suspects that I made her cry, ''What do you mean?'' He seems to be wondering.

'Well I'm only kind of sure. Ellie, you don't have to blame yourself. If you're having a hard time, you can talk to your sister. She's on a much lower level, but she's got your life ahead of her.
I will. Thank you.
What... what?　What's wrong with me all of a sudden I don't know what to do in this situation either.
'Please hold her in your arms, it's the best thing for Ellie right now. And that's what her brother says, too.
Is that...?　I don't know if it's right for me....

　While saying that, Igarashi listens to Misaki and gives Elitia a hug as she sits down.

　The bulge of the vertical sweater she loves to wear as loungewear, poking forward, is generously pressed against Elitia's body. If Igarashi-san had been a dental hygienist, she would have gone through the treatment, though she had no particular ulterior motive.


Really?　Oh, but thank goodness you're back to your usual Ellie.

　Elitia sat up. I thought I should take a little rest, but she came straight over here.

　Then she operates the license and hands it to me. On it, her skills were displayed.

''Are you sure?''
'It doesn't matter what level you're at or what you've been through. I'm part of the party and you should treat me like everyone else.
'Well I get it. As far as skills go, I may ask you to take this one, but basically you have to put your wishes ahead of mine.
'Yeah okay. But let me get as much input from Aricht as I can.

　The expression on Elitia's face when she says that seems to indicate that she is afraid to look at her license display - that the skill of the 'Carse Blade' is such a unique thing.


　◆Skills learned ◆.

　Double Slash Slash Ripper Rising Zapper
　Blade Rondo Blossom Blade
　ArmorBreak, Parry, cut off one, cut back one.
　Air Raid Sonic Raid: Mastery of the Sword 2
　Berserk

　Skills that can be acquired

　Skill Level 3.
　Bloody Loa: information disclosure after acquisition and use
　Red Eye: acquisition and post-use disclosure

　Skill Level 2
　×Cross Slash: Powerful attack using weapons equipped in both hands. Required Skill: Double Weapon.
　×Double Weapon: Equipping a sword with your non-dominant arm will no longer reduce your attack power.
　×Hit and Away: After attacking, your evasion rate increases when receiving a counterattack. Increases the accuracy of indirect attacks against enemies.

　Skill Level 1
　×Pierce 1: When equipped with a stabbing sword, the attack will penetrate to the rear.
　×x Weapon Break: When equipped with a specific sword, aim at the opponent's weapon to reduce its durability.
　×Maintenance - You will be able to see the signs when equipment is broken and make emergency repairs if you have the necessary tools.
　×The experience and drop rate increases when you defeat the enemy leader.


　Remaining Skill Points: 3


　The skills she was showing me, and the skills I haven't seen yet. I can see the performance of the skills I've already acquired, but first I'll attempt to sort out the information I can get from this display in my own way.

　×The skills marked with an X are probably the skills of the 'Swordsman'. Now that I've become a curse blade, I can no longer obtain it.



　Without waving the precious skill points, it's impossible to know the effect. Even so, Elitia acquired the 'Berserk' with ▼ on it - why is that?

''........The 'Mastery of the Sword 2' is a skill that releases the power of the sword that has a hidden performance......I was made to draw out the power of this sword. That's when 'Berserk' was automatically acquired.

　Berserk is a skill enforced by the Scarlet Emperor's Sword. It makes it impossible for the wearer to escape its spell.

　However, I believe 'Red Eye' is also a unique skill of the Carth Blade, but it doesn't have a '▼' on it.

''Is the Blossom Blade a skill that you gained after becoming a Carth Blade?
'Yes. I used four skill points, but I took those of my own volition. The people in the brigade praised it, saying it was the power of the cursed sword... but I kept my eyes off of 'Berserk'.
...even though you know it would be a risk to do it as a fellow human being.
''Yes I was in the 'research process'. The people in the brigade think that if I can handle the cursed weapon without risk, I can rise to the top of the labyrinth nation. They said that losing to 'Berserk' was a problem of my mental weakness and that I might be able to overcome it if I grew up... but...

　While waiting for the 'might', Elitia's mind is worn out. She's suffering from the possibility of hurting her companions itself.

''Well Red Eye is probably a skill that doesn't risk a curse. The Blossom Blade doesn't have a mark on it either, so I think we can assume that. But there are a lot of other skills that I find fascinating. Maybe I'll leave some skill points for when I'm back as a swordsman.
No. I'll keep the "Red Eye". I just want to be able to help the party in any way I can in case of an emergency.
Well okay.
'Just stay away the first time you activate it, just in case... please.

　Everyone nodded. And Elitia acquired 'Red Eye' of her own volition.

''........I really should have taken this skill......'Hit and Away' before I was cursed. Because if I did, Suzuna would have been able to give me experience more efficiently.

　Hit and away - if they were taking this, after Elitia attacked, Suzuna's bow would be more accurate and easier to stay in place. Even with a two-man team, Suzuna's training would have been more efficient.

　One benefit was that even if her job title changed, Elitia could still use the skills she had acquired when she was a swordsman. In other words, even if she returned from the Carth Blade to the Swordsman, she wouldn't be unable to use the Blossom Blade anymore.

''Well, now that Elie-san's skill consultation is over, it's my turn to talk to Suzu and I~''
'I haven't been there yet either. Shall we have the three of you join us?
'Well, I'm going to get right to it now... and I have one thing to discuss with you guys. I've decided that today is a day of rest and I want everyone to feel free to decide what to do about it.


　We are now going to infiltrate the 'Calling Forest'. When I explained the reason for this, no one told me I would be staying away.

　After resting, we'll see if the 'support uplift' is working. After making sure of that, we were to take our new skills with us and take on a new labyrinth.