If Melissa's abilities could be seen, she could be asked to join the party, but she, along with Madoka, would basically prefer to work as a production worker.

''Well if it's processing I can do it too. Bring back some good materials.
Brother, everyone, take care of yourselves...
'Yeah. Madoka, I'm sure we'll get another large amount of weaponry and armor, so take care of that.
Yes, I will negotiate with the union to get a good deal.

　The two of them saw us off and we left our quarters. Then, the seven of us, accompanied by Sion, headed for the box store.

(.........hmm?　(That was...)

　As I pass by the guild, I see a group in armor talking with Louisa-san.

　That's the Guild Saber's party. Since they are leaving the eighth district, does that mean they are greeting each other?

''........Ah, Atobe-sama. You're in a good place.''
Eh....it's me?
''Yes, the Guild Saber Seraphina came up to thank us again for rescuing the 'Arctic Star' people yesterday.

　Serafina-san looked back at me while brushing back her smooth, greenish hair. She's as beautiful as ever - but in front of Louisa-san and everyone else, I have to keep my face tight.

'She's right, I went up to thank her again. I would like to present a 'Saber Ticket' to your party. With these, a request for help will be sent through your license and you can ask for our help.

　Presented in front of me was a thin piece of metal, shaped like a rounded rectangular corner. Light blue metal - I don't know what it's made of.

''Saber ticket.......this is a valuable thing.......''
"It's made of a metal called 'Crisdite'. It can be thought of as a mercenary ticket, even higher level. The maximum level limit for mercenaries you can hire in this ward is five, and guild savers can only join with a minimum of eight.

　Level 8 and above - that story gives me an idea.

　If I can ask someone who is even or even stronger than Elitia to play the role of a shield - it's only temporary, I want a member of the team with a little bit of defense to get past the first blow before I open the black box.

'Seraphina-san, may I ask you one question?
No problem. We haven't received any calls for help so far, and we have time to get back to headquarters.
''Thank you. As far as that big shield is concerned, Seraphina-san is the vanguard of the party, or is she in charge of defending it?
"I work for the 'Riot Soldiers'. Originally, a task force ... a group of people working to maintain public order, would that get across?

A mobile infantryman... no way, a soldier...!　(They say there are women in the military, but those people were reincarnated too...)

This 'riot shield' is used to prevent and even subdue enemy attacks. Since there are no firearms in this world, I use my staff (rod) as a weapon, but in the labyrinth country, my profession is dedicated to defense.

　The shield she carries has what looks like a peephole on it. It's made of silvery metal and polished like a mirror - it's a high quality equipment that would never be available in this 8th district.

　And since there was no modern equipment in the labyrinth country, I knew that it would look like a female knight. The rod I'm holding also has a weight attached to the tip, and it looks like it has considerable destructive power.

''Thank you for telling me. I have a few things I need to discuss with you, can you wait for me?''
Yes, sir.

　Serafina-san waits for me and I head to my friends who were waiting behind me.

"Rear, could it be that you're thinking of asking that person to help you with something called 'Saber Ticket'?
That's very impressive, Igarashi-san. Since it's such a big deal, I wanted to get someone with as much defense as possible to participate.
'How dangerous the first blow is... although I'd like to think that there's nothing that even a guild saber can't take. Theon isn't well equipped, so it's dangerous to have him take it with 'covering'.

　Sion sits up in a well-behaved position, and Suzuna pats him on the body. Elitia was right, even if he was an escort dog, he had to wear protective gear or he would worry when he was attacked.

It's a good thing that you can't find anything more amazing than that armor around here. It's definitely a big deal.
''Well you move so lightly in that armor, it's amazing...''
..........

　They all agree. Theresia is also looking at Seraphina-san, but she doesn't seem to be particularly alarmed or anything.

　I held out the saber ticket I received earlier to Seraphina, who was waiting in line by the wall of the guild so as not to interfere with the passage.

''Serafina-san, if you are available, would you be willing to join our party from now on and witness the opening of the 'box'?''
''It's ... it's ... basically discouraged to show the opening of the box to anyone outside the party. Because the box is common property acquired by the party.
'That's the thing ... if we open the box we found, there's a good chance we'll find an enemy. We desperately need to defeat it. It's dangerous to ask for help to take on an unknown attack, so of course you can ask them to refuse.

　Serafina-san stares into my eyes - eyes so clear that I want to look away. This hair color and other things are probably not natural hair if you're a reincarnation, but did it change to a fantastic color while living in the labyrinth country?

'If that's the sort of thing you're looking for, you don't need a ticket. We are part of our mission, especially to assist promising rookies. The boxes themselves are so valuable that we regularly see people wiped out by box traps, though not as many as we would like. Those situations must be prevented whenever possible.
'.........Oh, thank you.......!　But we have to pay the price for something. We can't be the only ones getting special treatment....
"It wasn't just your deftness in rescuing the North Star. I'm told it's not just your deftness in rescuing 'The North Pole,' it's also what you did that brought the patient back to consciousness in a medical center. Personally, I'm interested in what kind of explorer you are, so don't hold back. Hence, there is no need to hold back.

　If possible, my skills as a 'rear guard' should not be widely known.

　However, it's hard to imagine that someone who has the idea of using my skills would be present at the opening of the box, knowing that it's dangerous.

''I'll defer to your judgment in the end. I'm willing to help, even if it's temporary if possible. I will never tell you about what I'm about to see. If you break your word, you can do as you please with me.
Okay, all right. Please don't make that threatening remark.
'Threatening ... I didn't mean to do that. I'm merely offering to pay the price necessary to get credit.

　Like Ariadne, I think you're treating your chastity too casually. What's upsetting me too every time that happens, so I want to settle down in an age-appropriate manner.

''...I think the Japanese tend not to like rugged women.
'That's not true at all. Sure, my party is all thin on the line, but...
'Lady Seraphina, will you be accompanying your explorers?　We're scheduled to return in the evening, so we'd like to start moving at three o'clock this afternoon.

　A woman who seems to be in Ms. Serafina's entourage advises her modestly. Serafina-san looks at the clock in the plaza - nine in the morning, there is still time to spare.

''Uh ... again, please. Could you come with us, please?
Copy that. I want you all to be on 'Neighborhood Watch'. I want each of you to respond to any requests from the guild.

　The five men and five women under Ms. Serafina's command had been standing upright and immobile the entire time, but the moment they received the order, their expressions relaxed.

　Perhaps it is because although it is called 'police', it means that they are practically free to act as they please. Serafina-san, who was the only one left, saluted her subordinates as they dispersed and saw them off.

　First of all, I'd like to put a 'support uplift' on Serafina-san as well. It will take some time, but without it, it will have a big impact on the battle.

　It has been decided that we will be asked to cooperate, and our friends are coming over here. It's going to be self-introduction time now.

　　　◆ ◆ ◆

'Well I can't believe I found the second black box. I knew by the look on Lady Atobe's face that it was possible.
'I'm afraid. This time, I'd like to ask Falma-san to make the transition as soon as we open the box because I think we're going to have to fight.

　Falma thought she would be even more surprised, but she was calmer than I expected.

'You'll know when a demon is coming out of the box when you're disarming the trap. So I'll let you know just before I open it.
'Well well then, nice to meet you.
Very well. Eike, Plum, I need you to stay here for a bit.
'Yeah, okay!　Brother Atobe, guys, take care of yourselves!
I'll be waiting for you here with your brother Ake!

　We were escorted by the children down the stairs to the basement to the transition door.

　Sion's mother dog, Ashtarte, was not present. She's level 13, and she said that she sometimes goes to the upper wards to work for the guild, so that's probably why she's out.

''Well if you're going to be the vanguard, I'll tell you about the skill of attracting the enemy's attention. I can use several skills to attract hostility the so-called hate. The one I often use against a single enemy is called 'Provoke'. If I am successful, the enemy's attack will be directed at me first.
I understand. Seraphina, I can assist you in battle from behind. Attack, increase your defense, etc....
'I had my morale boosted earlier but I've never had my morale boosted to the max.
'You know that if you raise your morale to the maximum, you can 'liberate your morale'... but I guess that means you don't know what it's like.

　Seraphina nodded her head in a dignified manner. It was only at the beginning that I thought of her as having a strict military temperament, but after she joined the party, her candor was on full display.

''I don't know if 'Morale Release' is definitely suitable for combat... but I might use it as a trump card. Once you use it, it takes quite a bit of time to reuse it, so I can't give it a test shot.
'If you don't know what's going to happen, you're right, I'd consider it a last resort as far as use is concerned. Is that all right?

　After talking that far, Igarashi-san seemed to have something on her mind and came into the conversation.

You," she said, "I don't know who she's talking about for a moment, so maybe we should call each other by our names.
'Oh yes I do. You can call me whatever you want to call me.
'Then I will call you Mister Atobe. Since you are the leader of the party, I should call you captain, though.
''Come to think of it, that salute you gave earlier was really cool! Captain Arihito, I want to call you Captain too!

　How useful will Misaki's skills as a gambler be in battle? Part of me is hoping for that, and the other part is hesitant about letting her, who is inevitably fragile in her defense, participate this time.

''Misaki, this time, it's as dangerous as it sounds...''
'Atobe-sama, it's at times like that that you should believe in the power of Zion. He will become stronger and stronger, just like his mother.
BOW!
'Huh........could it be that you read the air that I was about to be left behind, Falma-san?　Can I call you Mom?
Hmmm... I'm very sensitive about such things.

　Farma-san, who put her finger to her lips and smiled like that - as one would think at a time like this, it didn't look like her husband had become more lustrous after being away for so long.

　　　◆ ◆ ◆

　This time, the number displayed on the transition door was '25'. As Farma had said before, the room used to open the box seemed to be an empty room that wasn't being used by the other parties.

　After opening the door and passing through it, we emerge into a large room similar to the previous one. Falma-san takes up a position near the transition door so that we can quickly escape - we, too, prepared for the battle by forming up in formation.

　◆Current Party ◆.

　1: Aricht *◆$□ Level 5
　2: Theresa Rogue, Level 5.
　3: Kyouka Valkyrie Level 4
　4: Elitia Carth Blade Level 9.
　5: Suzuna, Priestess, Level 4
　6: Misaki Gambler Level 4
　7: Theon Silverhound Level 4.
　8: Serafina Mobile Infantry, Level 11

　This is the full party of eight people. Serafina-san's level is 11 - and with her large shield equipped, she definitely has the best defense in this party.

　Serafina-san at the front, Elitia and Igarashi-san in the second row. Teresia and Sion in the third row - Suzuna and Misaki are behind them, and I'm at the back of the line.

''Well then, we'll start unlocking the door. Ahhh........to be able to open such a difficult box again.......

　He's still unnecessarily s*xy, but he's out of position with me, so he doesn't get hit by the s*x appeal. Right now, anyway, I have to focus on the moment the box opens.

　I hold my right hand over the box that Falma-san has placed on my left hand. And the unfolded, three-dimensional magic circle - the warding lock was even bigger and more complex than the previous black box.

(What's this........evil feeling........)

'This ... oh my God ... such a powerful force ... this has to go out. ........otherwise the box won't open.......
They're coming!

　Pharma-san passes magic power through a maze-like three-dimensional magic circle - in the middle of that maze, like a red light.　

　It is necessary to pass magic power through there, but it is blocked. In other words, there's no other way for Pharma-san's magic power to touch the red light - that moment.

　--The box, opened. Last time, a streak of blue light arose on the surface of the box and light flooded in - but.

　What pierced the area was a purple light. A violent light that sears into your vision flooded the large room - Falma-san sat there, trembling at the sight in front of her.

''Farma-san, please get a grip!　We'll get through this place on our own!
Huh...!

　We barely stand up, and Falma-san shifts into a transition. And the rampaging purple light settles down - and in our view, the sea of gold coins and armor that filled the area and the sea of gold coins and armor that was stored in a black box.

　Floating in the air, a single sword. A weapon with a silhouette like a Japanese sword, sprouting purple electricity, had appeared.

　-- Star Machine Sword (Intelligence Sword) Self Defense Activation (Awaken) --

　The demon you encountered

　? Weapons of Intelligence In Combat Level 6 Drop: ?

　It's not just floating - it's moving up and down as if it's shimmering.

　A thunderbolt runs around the sword, and with a lightning bolt, a killing spirit is released that seems to pierce my entire body. Even me, the rearmost guard, is reminded of death even before I fight.

'The black box........and inside it, the sword.......is that a katana.......?
"--Seraphina, 'support'!　Ariadne, please!

　In the blink of an eye, the sword floating in the air slashes at Seraphina-san in the front row as if she were alive.

'My name is Ariadne. To the faithful and their allies, I give my blessing.''

It's my job.

　I can hear Seraphina-san's voice - an invisible barrier from my 'support defense' covers her shield, and in addition, instead of 'one arm', a mechanical 'two arms' appears in front of her and catches the attacking sword.

　This is the result of raising her faith value. It's completely different from the last time she borrowed Ariadne's power - this is an evolved 'guard arm'.

(Please.........if you don't survive this blow, it will be nothing......!

　Current Situation

　Aricht's 'Support and Defense 1' has been activated → Target: Seraphina
　Ariecht requests temporary support from Ariadne, the god of the machine, → Target: Seraphina
　Kijin Ariadne activates Guard Arm Twin.
　Seraphina activates the defensive stance.
　Seraphina activates "Aura Shield".
　'? The Weapon of Intelligence activates the Tenchi Blades → Seraphina is hit

　From the upper level swing, a slash clad in lightning - and the guard arm takes the white blade. Even though the sword is stopped, the aftermath of the power unleashed remains and attacks Serafina-san who is holding her shield.

''Ugh.........!

　Current Situation

　Tenchi Blades will be accompanied by Impact Aftermath, which will damage Seraphina.
　Seraphina activates "Counter" → "Seraphina" skill is activated immediately.

(The damage has been mostly mitigated, but not unscathed....she can't take it again and again in a row. No, she can't just take it and be done with it.......!

"--Haah!

　Current Situation

　Seraphina's 'Shield Tackle' is activated → ? Hit the Weapon of Intelligence for 11 damage.

"It's working... through a metal enemy...!

　I didn't just receive it all - Seraphina-san pushed back as it was and flicked her sword away. I quickly put in 'Support Attack 1' and confirm that the fixed damage has been dealt. She seems surprised, but I'm relieved as well - even though it went through the eagle-headed giant soldier, I wasn't sure if I could strike the sword.

　After the sword was flung away, it spun around and turned around to face the original direction. However, it didn't immediately attack him, but was floating in the air.


I'll explain later Seraphina, I'll come back!
I can make you do it too, so you'll have to ease the burden...!
'Take it easy, sir!　The power of the enemy's attacks is extraordinary!

　Elitia and Igarashi-san move - Elitia would be able to keep up with the sword's movements if she accelerated with her skills. Igarashi-san's 'Blink Step' can also contribute to disperse attacks, but the only choice is a short term battle.

'As before, you can still put damage in with the effects of my skills!　We'll attack when we have a chance...
H..........?

　The next thing the sword aimed at was Elitia - Elitia instantly reacted and caught the sword with the 'Scarlet Emperor Sword'.

''Kutu........!

　Kesa-slash, sweep, thrust - the sword's movements seemed to flow, and Elitia was unable to cut back and turn to defend against it. Just receiving it was not judged as an attack, and she wasn't able to put a fixed damage into the sword.

(I have to interrupt quickly and create an opening... but I can't use my flying tools. To make sure I hit it...)

　If I can make sure that I hit it with "Minnaka", I can hit that sword. But I still can't break into the current slash.

"--Elly, don't run!
Kyouka...!

　The one who moved beyond my expectations was Igarashi-san - her agility of movement was completely different from her until now.

(I see, with the 'swarming wolf stance' her ability has increased.......if it's a blow, she might be able to break in.......!

Yah!

　Current Situation

　Kyoka launches a double attack.
　'? 'Weapons of Intelligence' avoids the first step
　'? Second level hit on "Weapon of Intelligence" for 11 damage.
　'? The 'Weapon of Intelligence' activates the 'Return Slash'
　Kyouka activates Blink Step and avoids a counterattack.

Well, we just ducked... but how fast is that...?

　All of them barely take their distance from the sword once. It's not just a physical attack, but the lightning that the sword is clad in is also clearly dangerous - it's not good to get too close.

　Serafina-san also regains her stance and returns to the battle line. She was able to stop the first, sure-fire killing blow - but the enemy is moving too fast and it's difficult to put in a cohesive amount of damage.

(If I can get the enemy's attention, I can get both Elitia's Blossom Blade and our attacks in. We've got to stop them from moving at all costs...)

　The floating sword enters the attack stance again. At that time, Serafina-san activated the skill she had mentioned beforehand.

　◆Current Situation ◆

　Seraphina activates "Provoke" → ? Hostility to "Seraphina" in "Weapons of Intelligence" has increased.
　Seraphina activates "Stance to Counterattack" and her counter success rate increases.
　Seraphina activates "Immovable Center of Gravity" → "Blowing Away" is disabled
　Seraphina activates "Overpowering March" → ? Interfering with the movement range of "Weapons of Intelligence

"You are not going behind me. You have to stop at the 'front'...!
'-- Everyone, just like the first time, Mr. Seraphina gets it!　If you stop the enemy's attack, we'll concentrate our fire on them!　Igarashi-san, Theresa, Misaki!　Morale release, please!
Yes........let's go, guys........Soulblink!
.....


　Current Situation　

　Kyoka activates "Soul Blink" and all members of the party receive "Spirit of War".
　Theresa activates Triple Steel and all members of the party have the Triple Steal effect.
　Misaki activates the "Fortune Roll" and her next action is sure to succeed.

　All of the war spirits appeared and their number of attacks doubled. Seraphina was surprised, but she soon figured out what was going on.

　This is going to be a battle at once.

　I watched the moment when the enemy's sword moved like a shimmer - Seraphina-san received the attack and all of us turned to counterattack, never to miss that chance.