Let's go, you idiot!

　The golden gale - even the speed at which she can run at a bare minimum is considerable, but Elitia emits a brave, or rather, fierce voice that doesn't resemble her appearance, and activates her skills to accelerate further.　

(I guess it's Elitia's personality, but when it comes to battle, people change.......it's like her fighting spirit is laid bare. It's beyond reliable........)

'Elitia, 'support'!　Guys, let's get into it!

""Yes!"

　Current Situation

　Arihito activates 'Support Attack 2' → Support: Force shot and stun
　Elitia activates "Sonic Raid".
　Arihito activates 'Support Elevation 1' and the party's morale increases by 11.

(We won't reach 100 morale in this battle. But we have to finish it!

　-- at that time, the "Backstabbing Beetle" with its armor removed spewed out blood-red steam from its entire body.

　This is not the kind of thing that affects the environment around it. It looks exactly like an internal combustion engine that is cutting down on life itself.

''--Kishaaaaaaaa!

　Current Situation

　The treacherous beetle activates the "Backwater Battle".
　The treacherous beetle invokes the Razorhorn.

　It's fast - even my 'Eagle's Eye' can barely follow it, and it moves so fast that it leaves a red afterimage.

　However, Elitia, who activated 'Sonic Raid', draws the enemy's attack to the very edge and strikes out. The remaining afterimage looks as if it was cut off from the head by the horn that the beetle swung down, and everyone in the party gasps for a moment - but I'm the only one who understands that Elitia has evaded, and that she has launched a counterattack.

'--Elly, he doesn't have another 90 seconds!　We'll 'stop' it whenever possible!

　Elitia turns to flank the enemy, but is pursued by a tremendous reaction. He jumped back a moment before the effect of the "Sonic Raid" wore off, and promptly activated the "Sonic Raid" in succession, launching a counterattack a moment later that an ordinary person would not be able to recognize as an opening.

'Stop!

　Current Situation

　Elitia activates the Blossom Blade.
　The first level hits the antagonist beetle.
　The second level hits the antagonist beetle.
　The third level hits the antagonist beetle.

Gigi..................

　The stun doesn't go in - the guy in his current state can't get through to the guy in his current state? If he succeeds even once out of the twelve steps, another party approaching from behind the enemy could exploit the weakness in a perfect way.



　Elitia's impatience and despondency were palpable. Her mental fragility has been felt by now - but there's nothing to draw back or give up on.

　We, the party, all of us, are fighting together. That's how we've always gotten through the crunch.

'We'll cover you, Ellie, we'll cover you!　-- 'hit'!
'Lucky Seven' from 'Dice Trick'!　Cheaters!
Huh...!

　Before the disobedient beetle popped the 'Blossom Blade' and tried to fight back. Three people with long-range attacks, all in unison, make an all-out attack - using all the skills they have.

(-- 'Support'!)

　Current Situation

　Aricht activates 'Support Attack 1'.
　Suzuna activates "Minnaka" → Two consecutive hits are required.
　Misaki activates the "Dice Trick".
　Misaki activates Lucky Seven and that's it!
　The antagonist beetle's immunity has been reduced.
　Theresa activates Double Throw and throws two small darks.
　The party's throwing attacks hit four levels. No damage, support damage 44.
　The 6th level of Blossom Blade hits the target → The antagonist beetle is stunned.

　As soon as Misaki rolled the dice, the aura that covered the beetle's surroundings seemed to fade - the damage from the support attack broke the guy's stance, and shortly afterwards, a stun entered, stopping him as he plopped down to the ground.

''Yes...!
Melissa!
Catch... that horn...!

　Current Situation

　Melissa activates Knife-wielding, which increases the probability of part destruction.
　Melissa activates Cutoff → The Antagonist Beetle drops material.

'GISHAAH...!

　When Melissa swings the giant knife out with both hands, the glowing beetle's horns are cut off beautifully, and it flies through the air - and then sticks deep into the ground, as if to illustrate its sharpness.

　At the same time, the Four Seasons and Igarashi-san and the others reach a point where they can attack.

　--But I don't end up just saying 'the enemy's kryptonite is in the back', I give one instruction to Igarashi-san, almost solely on a hunch.

''--Igarashi-san, please feint once!
Feint ... yeah, I get it!
What, what is it...?
'Maples, let Mr. Aricht take care of it!　I'm sure of it!

　In answer to Ibuki's voice, the maple that was about to cut in delays the timing of the attack. And Igarashi-san quickly activated her 'Decoy Doll' skill.

It's a very good idea to have a good time. Once you possess my magical power, rise up and become the vanguard that attracts the eyes of the devil!

　The doll (Hitogata) used to activate the decoy puppet (Hitogata) sucked in Igarashi-san's magic power and grew to the same size as a human. And it was the moment when it approached the Kouji.

　◆Current Situation ◆

　The treacherous beetle invokes the Guillotine → Destroy the decoy doll.

Yikes...!

　Igarashi-san screams in surprise - after all, it was good to be careful. The mud doll was cut in both directions by a giant pair of scissors that flew out of the back of the 'back-opposition beetle'.

　The beetle's face is the 'back' of the beetle, the beetle's face is the 'back'. What is the real front - it was tucked into the shell and hid the scissors, but it was really a stag beetle-like monster.

''Eeeeeeee.......what the hell was that.......!
Oh my god, you scared me.........oh my god.......
What looked like a beetle was a trap....really....
A stag beetle...?　That's a very big pair of scissors...

　The Four Seasons are also shuddering - that's what they are. If a human was caught between those scissors, they would not only be injured. It would probably be cut in half and killed instantly.

　But they can't close the scissors and open them immediately, apparently. The 'Betrayal Koumushi', which had sacrificed its defensive strength by lightening its armor, had no way to do so, and was subjected to the concentrated fire of Igarashi-san and the Four Seasons.

''--Sion-chan, everyone, let's go!
Whoa!
""I understand!"

　Current Situation

　Kyoka activates the Blink Step.
　Kyoka launches a double attack and hits twice.
　Zion activates Wolf's Rush and hits 4 times.
　Maple activates "Two-step Thrust" → Two hits
　Ibuki activates Tenpaku-tachi (Heavenly Eagle Legs) and hits twice.
　Anna activates "Jump Smash" and hits once.
　Ryoko" activates "Aquadolphin".
　Defeat one of the antagonistic bugs.

　Igarashi-san uses the 'Blink Step' just in case, and acts as a cutter - the spear isn't very powerful, but Sion continues to see a rush of claw attacks, the maple strikes a wooden sword thrust, and the leaping ibuki stomps on the stag's head.

　When Anna sees that her enemy has been frightened, she leaps with her petite body in full force and slams her racket into the stag's head - finally, Ryoko summons a dolphin made of water that is clearly bigger than the amount of water she had, and rushes at it.



　The Koumushi didn't lose his will to fight until the end, and finally opened his scissors and tried to take someone out of the way - but before he could, he ran out of power and stopped moving.

''........did you.......?''
'....Wow!　Awesome, so awesome!　I can't believe you can beat such a strong 'named'!

　The maple looked incredulous at first, but when he looked at the license and saw the indication that it was defeated, he finally felt the joy.

　Elitia was looking at the party on the other side, but she turned around and walked over to us.

''Well you've managed to do your part. At first, I wasn't sure what to expect.''
'Well done. Well I'm sorry, I'm sorry for calling you 'Ellie' on the spur of the moment, just because we were in the middle of a battle.
No....that's not what I'm saying...I don't...care about...anything.

　Elitia says in a voice that says, "And others call me that, too," if you can hear it. Her face is quite red.

''Well I don't mind being called that if it's Aricht. It's a childhood nickname, though, so it's embarrassing to be called that too often.''
Well then, I guess we should still call her Elitia, basically.
'What are you being so uptight about, meh. Ellie-san says it's fine, so you should be proactive in calling her. Hey, Suzu-chan.
'Mi, Misaki-chan you're going to get Ellie in trouble if you cheer her up like that.
No, it's fine. Thank you, Suzuna. But calling them is not....well, it's not like it's a free thing for Ariehito to do....what?

　Igarashi-san would have reflexively apologized here, but Elitia's case was different again. Even though she was stubborn, there was something shio-like about her, or rather, somewhat fragile about her.

　Maybe it's because she was lonely until she met Suzuna. She worries about things like if she is too strong and displeases me.

　I guess what I need to do is to settle down as a leader, as an elder. I need to work on getting Elitia to be more natural and comfortable with me.

'Well, at my disposal, then. You may call me Elly, if you like.
I'm fine, but...

　Isn't it always? Elitia mutters to herself. Misaki and Suzuna hear that, and Misaki and Suzuna look at each other and laugh - although Suzuna is reserved.

''You're so easy to tease people with, you know, you're the one. Misaki, come to the back of the guild later.
　But your boss is your brother!
'Can the three of us talk again?　I'd like to talk to Ellie again, and I'd like to talk to her again... about Mr. Aricht.
Oh, I'm talking about me...?　No, if you're going to complain or something, I'd appreciate it if you'd be open to venting about it. Don't be afraid to tell me how to improve your treatment, or party policies, or whatever...
"...Huh. Nothing, I'm talking to you. You two, let's collect the drops. It's not a good idea to leave it up to Madoka and Melissa.
Hi, Miss Ellie.
I wonder if something good fell out. Mmm, these are the tracks of the killer!

　There is no such thing, but isn't it unbecoming of a girl of her age to crawl on all fours to find a drop item? I can't help but blush slightly as an older brother.

　When I was having trouble finding a place to look, Igarashi-san and Sion came over. Sion has done a very good job, so I pat his head and pat his back - he seems to be happy with the flapping of his fluffy tail.

''The rear part of you reacts in that direction, but you're basically like an ojizo.
Huh.........Jizo?　Do I look like Jizo?
'Yes, except when we're fighting, it's like you're quietly watching over me. But it's not like that's the only thing that worries me...
..........

　Not only Igarashi-san, but also Theresa is looking at me - you don't think she's worried about me? And if so, what is it?

'Brother Arihito, come here!　There's the box again, the red one!

　The maple calls out to me happily. As expected, the black box didn't come out of nowhere - I was a little hopeful that it might come out for this many enemies. Even though the box itself is valuable, it's almost certain to come out when I defeat a named one, so my senses have been numbed.

　The only thing I can think of is a sheep demon, which is related to the name of the labyrinth called 'The Sheep God's Bed'. If you can encounter that named one, or - that would involve a great deal of luck.

(Misaki's a fixed member, after all - I need to be able to protect her better. Right now, though, Theresia's got me covered.)

　Without Misaki's luck, your search efficiency will be greatly reduced. I don't want to give up if I can't get good armor, I want to equip them with armor with a plus. That can be said for the other members as well.

''Sensei, good job!　It's all thanks to Dr. Alihit that it worked out so well for the first time we worked together!
'Kyouka and Theon also led us on. You have some excellent members in Mr. Alihit's party.

　Ibuki and Anna were also excited, their cheeks flushed with excitement. The party had risen to the upper guild of the seventh ward, but I felt that their true faces were age appropriate.

　Ryoko-san who came from behind her--something about her attitude has changed even more compared to the past. She has always been a calm person, but she is even more graceful, or perhaps more reserved.

'They all have good offensive skills, don't they? Ryoko-san was also amazing, like a wizard.
'Oh, well I once helped with a dolphin show. So I think I can learn some skills related to dolphins... Atobe, did you watch me?
'Yes, of course. That last one was you, Ryoko. It was a good look.
Ibuki and Anna are also very nice, and they would love to give you and Atobe a little bit of a good night's sleep... right?
'What?　Apart from that story..........
'I did. We haven't met the sheep demon we're after yet, but now that we've defeated the big one, I thought it would be best to return to town... So, if you'd be so kind, how about a get-together...?

　Judging from Ibuki and Anna's reactions, they hadn't talked about it, but Ryoko smiled with a satisfied smile and put her hand on her cheek, making her face glow.

'Well, well I was thinking about going back once. Probably, we were able to make an exception to let the 'named' who was out of range and unable to touch us, and we were able to reach the attackers. We were forced to catch an opponent that we normally wouldn't engage, but we were forced to catch them. There's a lot of wear and tear, so let's go back and start again. We've surveyed the enemies on the first level, and I think we can make it to the second level next time without any attrition.
I understand. Then I'll ask Atobe and the others to distribute the drop items.
'Yes, I'll make a list later, so if there's something you want, just let me know. If we have duplicate requests, that's where we'll negotiate...
"What are you talking about, brother Arihito? You defeated a man we couldn't beat, so it's all thanks to you guys. If you share the harvest with us, we won't be able to thank you for that.

　If you're willing to go that far, I'd feel free to use the materials to strengthen our party.
In response to the fight, the Grand Maul's head shell, claws, and fur are the same, but the 'Backstroke Beetle' seems to be a mass of excellent materials all over its body.

　Melissa hugged the knife and shook and trembled. Then she crawled her tongue on the blade and held the knife up with an ecstatic face - she's just trying to dismantle it, but what is this glossiness?

''........Haha. I was about to dismantle it here. I should bring it home with me...?
Can you take it apart to some extent here and send it to storage?
'It can be done. When you dismantle it right after you take it down, you'll use a skill called 'Ikishime', which keeps the meat and ingredients fresh. 'Named' is delicious, so it might be amazing to try cooking it.
Yeah, well I'll see what I can do.

　Until now, I have not had the intention of mastering demon food to such an extent, but if there is meat that has special effects, I think I have to try it without being picky.

''........Rearward-kun, wow, am I going to eat it too?''
'No, no, I'm not going to force you. I suppose in some cases we'll all eat together.
..........

　Theresia presses her stomach - cooing and just a tummy bug. She doesn't seem to have a penchant for anything other than lizard-type foods, so she's likely to eat this material with relish. I'm sure she's trying to get me to eat something ghetto, but I want to get in the same boat and paddle out into the unknown ocean of flavors.

''Brother Alihito, I finished collecting the drop items!
'Yeah, good job. Sorry Madoka, I couldn't let you fight and I'll have to figure out how to level you up.
It's okay, because the support staff will get some experience even if they are using the 'hide' skill. Not all skills are like that, but some of them are included in a skill called 'combat participation judgment'.
Are you sure?　Then maybe Madoka is on the level, too.
Oh yes, your license says you're at level 3!

　I asked everyone to check, and Madoka and Melissa's levels have gone up - we'll have to wait for the others to level up until the next search.

'Alright, let's pull up once.
Yes. People don't seem to have any objections. Even the people at the Four Seasons.

　It's a small thing, but Igarashi-san replied with a 'yes' instead of a 'yes' - and then acted as if she was assisting me.

''Well it really didn't matter which one it was. The latter and me........
What........did you say something, Igarashi-san?
W-What's wrong with that? Theresa, you take care of the rear, and keep an eye on the back.

　Igarashi-san leads the group that pulls up with Sion.

　''If you were going to say something like, 'If you could work with me, your position wouldn't have mattered' - that sounds like I'm thinking of something self-conscious, and it makes me feel embarrassed and uncomfortable.

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

　Teresia rubs my back, as if she's concerned about my condition. That concern stings my heart, but I can't keep indulging her.

　Since I was too old and bewildered to be bothered, I decided to make sure to tell Igarashi-san properly. How she felt while she was in The Four Seasons - how big she thought Igarashi-san's presence was to my party.