It was still high in the sun when we left the box store, so we decided to have the 'courier' carry the items that came out of the black box for now.

　As I waited for a while in the box store, the courier arranged by Falma-san came to visit me. He was an affable man about my age. He seemed to be Japanese.

　I'm not sure if he tailored it on purpose in the labyrinth country, or if he wore it when he was reincarnated, but he was dressed in what looked like a carrier's work uniform. Well, I still have the suit I wore when I was reincarnated, and everyone seems to treasure the clothes they wore when they were reincarnated as valuable.

''Hi, I'm from the courier 'Golden Cat Trading Company'. The client is Arihito-Atobe, who wants you to carry the disposed items that came out of the box. Are you sure?
Yes, I'm Atobe.
I've heard of you for a long time. The last time I worked with a newcomer, it was amazing. I've never seen an orc that big before.

　The transportation of the juggernaut was also handled by the 'Golden Cat Company'. It was a huge monster like a mountain, but they were still able to transport it, and they were truly professionals in transportation.

''Oh, the valuables and things of value have been taken out. Will everything you have left behind be sold?''
''No, I'll donate the elementary equipment and stuff like that. Even if we sell them, they won't amount to much money, and I think they were originally dropped by a rookie explorer in an accident...
''Oh that's for sure. The labyrinth is dangerous, so even if you're a courier, you can't say it's absolutely safe. I have specialized skills, so I'm confident that I can carry them even from very dangerous places, but...

'What........you're moving up to the seventh ward?　Well, congratulations!　Of course, 'Golden Cat Business Association' is open for business, although the person in charge will be replaced by someone higher level than me.

　I told him I'd be in his debt in the future and accepted his business card. His name is said to be Naomasa Sakai Sakai, which was written in Chinese characters as well - 'Naomasa Sakai'.

'Then I will carry it out as instructed. The commission is that we will dispose of the deformed coins and other items and use them to cover our expenses. We will return the surplus to the bank.
Yes, nice to meet you.

　Mr. Sakai adjusted the hat he was wearing and walked down the stairs with a light step. Three or so people who looked like subordinates came in after him and followed Sakai-san.

''Atobe-sama, if you don't mind, could you continue to take Sion with you in the future?
'Eh........is it okay?　We'll be saved, but even as a guard for Farma and the others, Theon is very good...

　Mr. Farma smiled, and as he approached Ake and Plum, who were asleep in their chairs, tired of waiting, he stroked their heads gently and said

'Let the pretty ones travel, I say. Ashtarte, too, has become stronger from traveling with his master. I wanted to give Sion the same experience... if it is difficult for him, then I will live with him in this house, as Master Atobe said.
'I think that's a very good thing too. But Theon is here and he's helped us many times. I hope we can continue to explore together in the future if we can.
'Thank you. Hmmm........Sion seems to be happy too. It's not very often that she flaps her tail like this.
BOW!

　Sion was indeed flapping his tail while sitting up. I wonder how Igarashi-san, who is a dog lover, would react - and when I looked at her, she was already melted down.

''Hah, that's cute.......I want to mooch you. Zion-chan, you're so fond of Rear-kun like that.......how can I get you to be fond of me too......
"...I'd rather have a stuffed animal than a real animal...
What did you say, Miss Ellie?
Wha... it's nothing. By the way, Aricht, what are you going to do now?　There's still some time before Seraphina joins the Guild Saber people, though.

　The girls have to return before dinner, I hear, so we have a few hours left. Speaking of what we can do in this time, what can we do - since it's lunchtime, should we go somewhere to eat?

''.........''

　Gggghhhh, I hear something. We all look at each other, but I'm about to speak to Seraphina in the interim, and I realize that her stomach rumbles.

　She realizes that she can't hide it and puts her hand on her stomach. The chest armor was quite thick, but the armor didn't cover her abdomen, and the under armor she wore underneath was visible - it was probably a weight-saving device, but it was more than enough heavy equipment.

This time, I didn't bring my lunch with me, so, well....
Seraphina, do you usually make your lunch?
''Mm ... no, it's peacetime, so let's undo the stiff tone. It's not a good idea to use portable food, so I make two meals a day by myself. The dormitory I use has a well-equipped kitchen.

　Perhaps it means that the military tone is only at work, or maybe Seraphina's language suddenly softens.

'That said, though, it's little more than breaking open a hard round of bread and sandwiching it with vegetables and smoked meat. When I can get my hands on cheese, even that kind of thing turns into a treat.
'Oh my goodness I love raclette. I'm not a big fan of strong cheeses.
I'm looking forward to it a little bit because some of them can make Japanese food... but those cooks are very busy, aren't they?

　Suzuna is a Japanese foodie, apparently. I don't mind either way, but when I think back to my days of going to beef bowl restaurants, hamburger shops, and teishoku-ya, I get the sense that my body craves food that's thick or junk anyway.

Well, for now, I'll just enjoy the taste of District 8. If possible, I'll go to the seventh district tomorrow, because today is the day I'll say goodbye to this city for a while.
'Well Arihito, let's make sure we don't have any unfinished business before we go. Hopefully we can say hello to some of the people who have helped us so far.

　I wonder how Elitia used to move to another ward before she went to the Fifth Ward.

　I've said it myself, and now that I'm leaving, I'm feeling emotional about the streets of the 8th ward. It hadn't even been a week since I was reincarnated.

''Well, well I don't mean to sound like a big deal.
'Kyouka-san is right. Arihito-san, if everyone at the party is with you, I'm sure you won't be lonely wherever you go.

　Suzuna says cheerfully. Misaki was also smiling shyly, not browning out now - the reason why these two opposites are so close is because they recognize each other's mindset, I guess.

It's because Atobe-dono doesn't have a deep relationship with any particular member of the party that the equilibrium has been maintained.
''Haha...Seraphina-san, your tone is more fitting after all.
'I agree. If you act like a ladylike, you won't be able to get into the spirit of the moment.

　In a way, Seraphina-san was the most profound person I've ever seen when her stomach was growling earlier - that kind of appearance is basically unseen and is going to be precious.

'It's kind of like you're already part of the party, Seraphina-san.
''That's right... but the level is a level apart. Besides, you're a Guild Saber.
'There isn't much difference between explorers and guild savers. You can belong if you meet the level, or you can leave if you declare a month in advance. I've been a guild saver for about two years now, and the more rare those who do, the more newcomers are replaced.

　I'm also curious about the structure of the Guild Saber organization, but I'll ask about that during lunch as much as I can ask.

　　　◆◇◆

　We walked into the town's diner, sat around the table and ordered the menu as we wanted it.

　Me and Elitia asked for a grilled 'gunfish', which is said to be quite difficult to deal with at about level 3. It is said to have horns like a tube on its head, and it shoots out compressed water bullets from there, but the meat is white meat and tender, and it is delicious without any habits. I was told that there is a labyrinth in the Seventh Ward that is inhabited by a higher level demon 'canon fish' and is famous for killing the rear guard - that's where you can get information.

　Igarashi-san was attracted to the story of cheese, and asked for pasta made with cheese made from buffalo milk. Serafina had the same menu as Igarashi-san, with Misaki sharing the seafood paella with Suzuna and Theresia. Sion is hungry for a whole roasted sweetbird, which the waiter cut into pieces and made it easier to eat.

　There are some demons we haven't seen yet as ingredients, but they come from the three labyrinths in the Eighth Ward that we haven't entered yet.

　Since most searchers take quite a few days to capture one or two labyrinths, and sometimes they still stop without being able to completely conquer them, the guild of the Labyrinth Country has a policy that says, 'It is not necessary to capture all the labyrinths, and the person who becomes the first in the pecking order of each ward must take the promotion test.

　According to Serafina, if you moved up to one higher ward, you would be able to get information about the labyrinths in the lower wards if you requested it. However, she said it's one of the important sources of income for the guild, and the information fee isn't cheap.

'The guild's archives are set up in odd-numbered wards. If you ask the librarian, he will find the materials you need and bring them to you. I also use it whenever I have free time.
Is that like a library?　I'm not good at this because I have to be quiet, but Suzu can stay for hours!
'I like to read. I used to go to the school library a lot.

　I don't hate books either, so I'd like to stop in at least once when I'm in the Seventh Ward. Listening to Serafina-san's story, my mind naturally rises.

''Atobe-dono, I wonder if this kind of talk is helpful...?''
''Yes, I'm looking forward to going to the seventh ward too. Come to think of it, Seraphina-san, at level 11, would the proper difficulty ward be the fourth ward or so?
''It will be. Lord Atobe and the others are on average about two levels higher in the eighth ward stage. I believe Lord Elitia-dono has moved up to the fifth ward, but the explorers in the fifth ward are about level eight to nine.
''When Seraphina-san holds up her shield, it's so powerful that no attack can get through. Level 11........If we could become that strong too, it would be an amazing party.

　If we just want to live in safety, if we can turn Theresia back into a human and save Elitia's friends, then we can live the rest of our lives without straining ourselves. Our current assets would be enough to live on for a few years of fun - in a way, for me before my reincarnation, not having to work would be a dream come true.

　However, stopping means that I won't have the opportunity to help a party that was destroyed in the labyrinth like Georg and the others.

　We can at least help the party we see while we dive into the labyrinth to get a little higher. If we're not good enough, both parties could be wiped out, so we should always have the ambition to try to get stronger.

'Someday, when I can catch up with Seraphina-san, I'll be back... no. Before that, though, I may have to use my Saber Ticket. Will you fight with us again?
Oh, rear-end-kun... that's a bit too much heat for a guy you just met...?
'Well that's not true it's a warrior's pride to have someone want to fight with you. I look forward to seeing you again, Lord Atobe, and everyone in the party.

　It's probably a fate that I'm able to party here. I imagine that in the future she will join the party as the vanguard - but even if that doesn't happen, I want to move forward tirelessly so that I can catch up with her one day.

　　　◆ ◇◆

　We reported to Louisa that we had opened the second of the black boxes and shared dinner with her before splitting up and heading back to our respective quarters.

　She was also going to be moving to Ward 7 as our officer in charge, so she was going to miss out, but that didn't mean we were going to stay the night today. It was because he needed to get some of his things in order this evening.

　He had Madoka, who was waiting for him at the inn, appraise his armor, and if he could change his equipment, he would change it, but there was no equipment that could be replaced immediately due to the proximity of their performance. However, the harvest of magic stones was great - 'Shimmer Stone', 'Earth Dragon Stone' and 'Explosive Stone' were newly obtained, and the range of attribute additions increased.

''I've often heard of people preparing spare equipment and using equipment with different magic stones for each labyrinth.
Yeah, we'll do that. 'Yeah, I'll rent a warehouse to store the equipment. We might as well get an equipment rack and organize it. Madoka, I'll give you a budget, can you renovate the warehouse? We can do that when we get up to sector seven.


　Madoka is constantly dreading it, but I'm really glad she's here. If I could, I'd let her do a lot of things she'd like to try, as if I were her sponsor.

　Melissa, who was watching such an exchange beside me, says with some envy.

''Well the sooner I can be of use to you, the better. I haven't done that much so far.''
''Well it's hard to change members since Misaki's skills are surprisingly useful.
Oh, but I'm actually a frail girl, so I'm feeling a bit tired from all the adventures I've been having. What do you mean by kompy?
'I know it's probably a nuance of being tired and troubled, but... well, you're tired. Let's take that into account and rotate it so that fatigue doesn't build up.
'In that case, I can go with you. 'Demolition Man' has some skills that can only be used while exploring, so I haven't used them in a while.

　Although her tone is indifferent as usual, I can sense a lot of motivation in Melissa's eyes, as if she still has a lot of energy left over from being away from home.

(Rykerton-san, Farma-san. We will take care of your precious family, but we will come back safely. It's going to be a long journey, but you can wait for me in peace.)

What's going on?　You've got a strange look on your face, Rear-kun.
'Oh, no. When I go to the Seventh Ward, I thought I'd write a letter to all the people who've taken care of me...
'Well, then, let's all split up and write together then. You don't have to do that, I'm sure we can take care of you when you go over there.
'That's true too I'm sorry, I'm suddenly feeling sentimental or something like that. I don't know what a grown man can say about that, even to myself.

　Igarashi-san listened to me without being dumbfounded. Something about being looked at with such kind eyes makes me feel like I'm going to continue the futile conversation.

''If you miss your brother, Theresa-san will sleep with you. Oh, Suzu-chan would be fine too, though.
''Well that's not true ... if you can get a room with Arihito-san, that would be nice, but if not, I think it's unnatural.
"...What?　So Suzuna wouldn't have been in a room with Aricht if she was with him, would she?　It's a bit early for cuddling, or maybe it's just that Aricht is a man too...

　I feel like Elitia is subtly saying something awful, but it was the kind of thing that made me want to check with Suzuna to see what she really meant, too. It's not that I'm eager to sleep with her, and I don't think it's possible - but when I was conflicted about it, as expected, or rather, Theresia was staring at me.

''..........''
"...No. The bath is, well, it's natural to take a bath with everyone else, and it's more dangerous in some ways than sleeping together...
..........

　The silent pressure is passing off my good arguments. And for today, people aren't giving me a helping hand.

''Today is the last time I'll be spending time in these quarters... and that's saying something.
'If you go in with them and stop them again, that would bother Arihito too. Let's just wait our turn quietly.
What is this atmosphere.........does this mean that Theresa is the official back flusher for her brother?　Why don't we decide on Amida?
'Oh, um ... so wouldn't that mean that me and Melissa could go in with your brother if we win?'
"...?　I'm sorry, I wasn't listening to you.

　Melissa reacts to her name being called, but she's in a daze, as if she's been in her own world. The feeling of shame seems to be rare for her, but I wonder - is it rude to say that?

Are you sure you want to take a bath with this old man? Theresa, you don't want to get too hot.
You're too young to be an old man, brother.
''Well a ten year age difference or so is still within the bounds of what is allowed.
''Well I'll have to check on Suzuna for a bit because she's worried about something. Don't you think Kyouka would agree?
'Well, um ... if you did something, Rearward-kun, I'm sure it's hard to blame you because I'm sure you wouldn't be aware of it.

　It's true that I'm worried about Suzuna's fluffy state as it is, but it doesn't mean that she's not above the battle, so it's not like she needs to take urgent measures.

''Arihito-san, please go get warmed up slowly.
'Oh, yeah I'll be up as soon as I can, since it's everyone's turn.

　Theresia gets out of her seat and heads to the bathroom. She turns around and checks to see if I'm not going to run away - I can't keep her waiting, so I head to get a change of clothes while everyone looks at me smiling.

　　　◆ ◆ ◆

　The next morning, after we finished getting ready early, we greeted Mirei and left the Orelus mansion that we had briefly taken care of.

　The maids lined up in the yard to see us off. Some of them were crying - are they that happy about our promotion, or are they worried about us?

'Ladies and gentlemen, please be sure to wake us up again at the mansion. We'll always be here.
Yeah, I'll be there again. Thanks for everything, Mr. Millay.

　I shook their hands and promised to see them again with the people who had helped me.

　--And when I was about to walk out.

　I suppose I could leave the medical station now. Georg and his party come to the house from outside.

Arihito you're going...?

　Georg, Jake, Mikhail, and Tyler. And - controlled by the vine grass clown, there's also Sophie.

"Oh. Yeah, it's nice to finally say hello. I had the courier deliver the equipment we found for the North Star. You can check it out when you get back to your room.
You're all that for me thank you. You saved our lives. Sophie also wanted to thank you ever since she woke up yesterday...

　The fragile woman whose eyes had been lightless on the bed was now firmly back to her eyes. Her hair, which had been completely white, had returned to a slight color - how could a recovery in physical condition have such an immediate effect on her hair color?

　She used to have chestnut-colored hair, and she was a beautiful woman with a subdued vibe that I could see the men at the party fighting over. When she stood in front of me, she was terribly nervous, but she still tried to tell me something.

''....Thank you. If it wasn't for you and your sub-human girlfriend, I'd be a........

　She seemed to remember that me and Theresa had fought our way into Sophie's mental world.

　It seemed to be more than just saying you're welcome, so I thought I should do something - I shook hands with Sophie as well as Millet-san.

I'm glad you're feeling better. I'm sure you're going to have a lot of difficulties, but if we're okay with it, I'm sure we can help you. Take care of yourself and do your best.
''Yeah I'm hoping to take a break for a while and then resume my search. The pecking order has dropped a lot since we were wiped out, so we'll all have to start over from our small, scattered quarters.
''That guy's a tough one but he was once the number one party in the pecking order in District 8. Georg, you were quite depressed, but you're all right now.

　Georg's goggles had been repaired and his injuries had healed. He was bleeding profusely, but the wound had begun to close up as soon as I gave him the potion, so he must have healed completely in this short time.

'I'm anxious to get another 'named' like that,' he said, 'but I don't want to give up. But I knew I didn't want to give up. It means that I'm going to be the first star in the labyrinth. But I don't think they're going to be able to do it.
No, it's not. No one knows what the future holds, you know.
You know I used to think that Japanese salarymen were just dogs. But you're not. You're a samurai, Alihit. I've always wanted to be a samurai and a ninja.

　Georg asks me to shake his hand. So he realizes that I'm actually carrying a sword (Murakumo) on my back and whistles, Hugh.

'What, you're really a ninja. No wonder you're so strong.
'Maybe I could have written about that kind of profession. Surprisingly, I think I might have an aptitude for it.

　When I told the joke, Georg crinkled his face and laughed. Then we shook hands firmly and they cleared the way for us.

''Well Alihit, you might want to pick a name for your party.　Having a street name makes it easier for your name to reach other wards.
'Yeah, I'll think about it. Okay, I'll see you around.

　After the greetings, we left the Orelus Mansion. We walked out into the street, and until we couldn't see the gate anymore, Mirei-san and the others out front, and the people from the 'North Pole Star' saw us off.

　　　◆◇

　The high wall that separates the wards is located on the west side of the eighth ward. In order to get past that wall to get to the seventh district, you have to go through the 'barrier'.

　There are some searchers returning from the seventh ward to the eighth ward, but the area near the gate is not that busy. We completed the formalities and waited until the iron doors, which were large enough to look up, opened on either side, and then we entered the passage to the seventh ward - when we did.

　There was a woman there who looked familiar. She was the one who was guiding me when I was reincarnated in the labyrinth country.

''Well, I'm surprised that you're qualified to go to the seventh district in such a short period of time. It's definitely the fastest record since the Labyrinth Country began.

　She wears her purple hair in braided pigtails and a hat. Before, she was wearing a shirt and culottes, but today she's wearing a jacket over the top. Apparently that's the uniform worn by the Kanmon staff - I saw a woman dressed similarly outside before I entered this place.

'So you were the one who works here?'
'Yes. Oh, but when I say I work, I don't mean I'm a subordinate, I have some authority in my own right. When I heard that you were qualified to go to the Seventh Ward, I was given the position of section chief here.

　She looked at our party, then smiled and accepted my license to operate it. Then the text 'Seventh Barrier Permitted' appears. It seems that every time there are more barriers to pass through, the information is added to the license page.

''But the eighth gate is only for beginners, a practice gate, so to speak. Even if you're ranked first in the pecking order there, in the seventh ward.......oh, what, I was going to scare you, but you've already jumped up in the rankings. That's a record-breaking contribution, you know.
''As I recall, it's ranked 294th at the moment. How many explorers are there in the Seventh Ward?
'Ten thousand people. We were ranked 294th among them, so we're already at the top. You'll be provided with housing that ranks not so different from the one you used in District 8.

　That's something to be thankful for - once you get used to the comfort of the Orelus mansion, it's hard to drop the rank of the inn.

''Well I'd like to tell you a bit more, but we have a limited amount of time to open the gate.
Okay, well, I guess we'll just have to...
'Yes. It's a cliché, but I have to say it.

　The woman laughed in a mischievous tone and said as she raised her hand, like a guide, and urged him to proceed to the end of the aisle.

'Welcome, rookies. This is where the real beginning of the labyrinth country begins.