After all, compared to the first red box acquired from the dokuyaribachi, the quantity and quality of the treasure that appeared was clearly higher than the first red box that was acquired from the dokuyaribachi.

　　Opening the box ◆.

　Red Box B: Retrieved from "Death Coming from the Sky

　What? boots
　Fobidoun Scythe.
　Fire boxwood
　What? charm
　What? long, thin cloth
　Gold coins x 138
　Silver coins x 655
　Copper coins x 130
　Cannot be used money x 35

　As expected, the box I got from 'Named' - it contains a number of equipment and a significant amount of money. Although experiencing the amount of treasure when you open the black box, it still feels like it's a small amount, though.

'This is........a scythe?　It's kind of like how a reaper has it, but...

　What Igarashi-san was looking at was a weapon called 'Fobidoun Scythe', which stood out among all the weapons that came out of the box.

　The fact that it has a '*' in its name means that it seems to be a special weapon. Is it correct to think that weapons also have 'named' weapons?

'Wait, you should only touch it after you've appraised it. If it's a cursed weapon, there's a chance you won't be able to let it go.

　Following Elitia's warning, Igarashi-san left the scythe. I first tried to examine it with Madoka's skill 'Appraisal Technique 1', but I couldn't completely appraise it, so Shiori-san allowed me to purchase the 'Intermediate Appraisal Scroll' with 4 gold coins.

''Excuse me, brother. I'm supposed to be helpful at a time like this...''
'No, Madoka has been a great help to me with the scrolls and the unboxing discounts. 'Price bargaining' has always helped me.
''The market price for an intermediate appraisal scroll is five gold coins, but if Madoka-chan asks for it, I can't refuse her. He'll make a good merchant.
'Oh, thank you...'
''Even at the clothing store just now, you gave me a discount just for Madoka-chan's presence. Even if I try my best, it's absolutely impossible.

　I was also in the body of Corleone's service to me, but it seemed that I was able to get a discount, probably with the benefit of Madoka's skills. And when he sold things, he could sell them at least ten percent more, but since this was 'Price Negotiation 1', if it was more than 2, it would be completely unthinkable to shop without Madoka.

''Alihit-san, let me appraise you then.

　Suzuna unfolded the scroll for me and read it - and then the license indicated a successful appraisal.

　*Fovidoun Sais◆

　When attacking, it absorbs some of the enemy's health.
　When it is critical, a single hit can take down an enemy.
　You have to hold it in both hands.
　Fragile.
　Only one exists.

'This ... looks pretty useful in some situations, but it doesn't look like it would be useful for everyday combat.
I'm afraid Melissa is the only one who can equip you at the moment.
''I'm interested in it, but I don't think I need to switch it out for now because the 'meat-slicing knife' has the ability to make it easier to destroy parts.''
So we'll store it in storage until we have to use it.
It's cool to look at, though, because it's so evil. If I could have used it, I would have.

　The problem is that it's heavy, and you'll have to sit down to carry it around and test its performance. It would be a shame if it broke after just a few attacks, though.

(You can look at the description of the ability alone and find its usefulness... but there's a lot of romance to be had, especially with the possibility of being able to do a critical one-hit kill.)

　Thinking, I pick up a pair of boots that look like leather - I've seen this metallic sheen before.

　I had Celes-san's workshop use 'Elmina Iron' to strengthen Suzuna and Misaki's armor. In order not to spoil the appearance of their armor, I had them reinforce the inside with a thin sheet of steel, and these boots have the same kind of treatment.

''Madoka, do you think these boots will be okay for 'Appraisal Technique 1'?''
Okay, yes, I'll try.

　I hand Madoka the boots and ask her to appraise them. And it worked beautifully - I look at her as she happily holds out the boots to me, and I laugh too.

　I was just thinking that I would be grateful if I could exchange them for my current equipment. When I saw the information about the boots, I couldn't help but let out a shout.

　◆Elminate Mount Boots +2◆

　Rarely disables enemy status attacks.
　Slightly reduces physical attacks.
　The performance of skills that strengthen your allies will be slightly improved.

This is...
'Aricht, was it that good?'
Yeah, it's a performance-enhancing piece of equipment that strengthens everyone's skills. I've been wanting to collect this strain.
It's designed for a man, and I think it suits your rear end very well.
'Oh, thank you. I didn't wear these things much before.

　I don't know how it was created and how this kind of ability was added, but I'm guessing it was used by male supporters like me.

　I'm not sure if it's the same as the one I'm using, but I'm pretty sure it's the one used by male supporters like me. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

　As for the coins, I'm grateful for the change to make up for what I spent on clothing and other items. After collecting the coins scattered together with everyone else and gathering them into a bag, I look at Shiori and the beetle sub-human standing beside him - Takuma - in front of him as he tries to open the last box.

''........please, sir.''

　If Takuma was defeated by the Backstabbing Beetle - the contents of this box may contain something to show for it.

　While everyone is watching, I open the box - and.

　　　Opening the box

　Red Box C: Retrieved from "*The Beetle of Treason

　Ambivalents.
　The Gauntlet of Early Work
　What? web rag
　What? ring
　What? ring

　What appeared was a specially shaped spear-like weapon with blades on both sides. And a small hand-like armor - and more.

　I silently picked up a small metal circle that had fallen off. Another similar one was picked up by Theresa.

　I didn't need to appraise it. The one we picked up was a ring - inside it was engraved with the letters of the labyrinth country.

　I give it to Shiori-san. She placed it in her palm and caressed it with her other hand as if she were lovingly caressing it, and tears spilled out of her eyes.

'I never said a word about that... after I came back as a sub-human like this, I was told that my brother had a fiancée...'

　The letters inscribed on it were probably Takuma's or his fiancée's name. The party they belonged to had been attacked by the 'Betrayal Beetle' and their possessions were in a box.

'Let me give this ring back to your brother.
'....Thank you. I really didn't do anything for my brothers...

　If you lose your life in the labyrinth, you can still come back as a sub-human - but not in all cases.

　Somewhere along the line, I knew that if I didn't give up, I'd never lose a party member. Being shown the answer that this idea is a naive one in this way, I savor the feeling of wavering on my feet, not a little.

　Why do so many of the explorers in the Seventh District stall their search?

　Because they are afraid of dying. If they give up on advancing because of that, no one can blame them.

''Aricht........''

　You don't want everyone to be worried, but you're giving Elitia an anxious look. I muster up my energy and command myself - whatever it takes, don't just look gloomy.

　But when I decide to do so. Takuma walks over and stands beside me.

　He silently holds out his hand. He just continues to stare at the rings as Shiori, who received them from Theresia, places them both on Takuma's hand.

　He couldn't find the words to put anything on them. Takuma returned as a sub-human, and his fiancée, who had been partying with him, did not return.

　How disappointing that would be. Any words of comfort would have no power now.

''........I'll send what came out of the box to the warehouse and I'll check back later. Thank you so much, Shiori-san and Takuma-san, for your help.
'It is we who should be thanking you but I'm sorry, please leave my brother and I alone for now. .....

　Shiori-san said stoutly, but that was as far as she could go.

　She was about to break down crying, and Igarashi-san stepped forward to hug her.

''I can only imagine what has happened but let me do this now. I can't just walk out like this without doing anything.

　I look over at everyone with red eyes and nod. The others, except Igarashi-san, took my thoughts and headed for the transition door to get out.

　When I turned around before I finally walked through the door, Takuma was clutching his ring and looking up into the empty void. As if to say a prayer for the person he had lost.

　　　◆ ◆ ◆

　The takeaway from the box was great, but it was also an opportunity to test my resolve.

　After Shiori-san calmed down a bit, Igarashi-san came out as well - on the way to the Chinese restaurant I had promised the Four Seasons, Igarashi-san lined up next to me, walking at the back of the line.

　Theresia is next to me on the opposite side, walking in a heap. She was also showing some pretense of worrying me after what happened earlier.

I'm sure that would be the same for any person.

　Georg from "Arctic Star" also said. He said that once Sophie was gone, that was the end of their party.

　Misaki and Madoka were walking in front of them, chatting and laughing about what was going on. Melissa is a little ahead of them with Sion, while Suzuna and Elitia are walking along, occasionally exchanging words with each other.

　I'm sure they all have more than a few thoughts. There's probably even some hesitation - that's why.

''Although it may sound too green to say this. I'm going to protect you all.

　I knew that was something that absolutely had to be said. I can never allow someone to create a situation where they drop out of the game, and I can never allow that to happen to me.

　And I know that's a difficult thing to do. Preparations are made and expectations are betrayed, and actions taken with good intentions create a predicament - I don't want anyone to die, even if I know it's a labyrinth.

'Shiori-san and the others also said they would help us if there was anything they could do. I don't think it's a good idea to monopolize the hunting grounds with a large group of people, or to forcefully recruit others, but I'm sure that joining forces with a lot of people is necessary in itself.
''Yes........I agree with you. Igarashi-san is dependable, after all.
What do you mean by that, you're just being a jerk. What happened to your former self, who was always so calm no matter what?

　Igarashi-san is encouraging me. Thanks to that, my feelings that were on the verge of going off the deep end are slowly coming to the surface.

''I'm glad you're saying that you'll protect everyone......... If it comes down to it, I'm going to protect Rearward-kun with my body. Even if that happens, you won't have to feel too bad about it. I will protect you because I want to.

　That Igarashi-san would take my place - and without being overly surprised, I can accept it naturally now.

　It was just a misunderstanding, she didn't really want to persecute me or anything. If she says she's going to protect me, that's probably what she really wants right now - although there's a feeling that she's still afraid to think so.

''........Don't be sad when I'm gone, or something like that. I can't let Igarashi-san say that, can I?
''Well, that's... well, if that happens, then I'll be happy with that, because my rear end is safe, but...''

　It's tempting to get angry, "What are you talking about? At the same time, I'm grateful - although it seems strange to think this now, but for me, the fact that I was Igarashi-san's subordinate is a memory I can be proud of. It's just that now, though.

''.........''
........for the sake of Theresa, you shouldn't be so reckless, rear-end boy. Are you okay with the part that was hit by the monster earlier?
'Yes, I'll be fine. Well do you want to be as prepared as possible so that we don't fall into a predicament, or if we do, we can escape?
'That would be nice. If you can, don't do too much to everyone's heart.

　I've just reflected on the fact that I've caused them to worry, and everyone walking in front of me looks back at me to see what's going on. It seems that they were listening to me in a batch - and I raise my hand to say, 'I'm sorry for worrying you.

　Everyone laughs at me, and then we see the store we want to go to. The Four Seasons guys hadn't gone into the shop yet, and were waiting for us outside until the time Madoka had reserved for us.