Calling in artisans from other wards is routine, and something called a rental workshop has been set up so that the work can be done. I asked Madoka to make arrangements and rent a workshop near our quarters and have Ceres and his team get ready to work on the project.

　Since there is a lot of work to be done, the first step is to decide on the order. Deciding on the use of the demon's materials would be a good idea after opening the black box and checking the contents first.

''Falma-san, may I ask you to open the box as soon as possible?
'Yes, sir. Mr. Atobe, have you been using the box store since you came to the Seventh Ward?　I'd like to borrow your transition door and move to the box-opening room, please...
I had several boxes opened at a shop called 'Nanmuan'. Then I'll ask the owner there.
'Oh my goodness what a quaint name for a restaurant. It's nice to know more people in my industry, thank you for introducing me.

　Since Falma-san is also on board, I asked Madoka to get in touch with Shiori-san from 'Naname-an'.

　　　◆ ◆ ◆

　When we visited "Nanamu-an", Shiori wanted to observe the opening of the black box, and her brother Takuma was also present.

She said, "I've heard of Farma Artur many times from customers. She's a housewife and yet she's a terrific trapper...
''Oh my goodness, that's a bit embarrassing. Shiori-san, what is that kimono called........where can I get one?
I bought this from a draper. He used to have a shop in one of the upper wards, but he used to run a shop at the big market in the seventh ward, which is held several times a year.
'If you'd like, if you could call me when that 'big market' is open again... oh, I mustn't use your call for personal use...'
'Oh, um, if you go through the process of going through the merchants' association, you can send the things you buy to another ward.
Oh, really?　I'm embarrassed that I've been running a shop in labyrinth country for so long and I'm an adult and I don't know more about it than you do.

　Madoka seems to always be trying to help others in what she can do - it's impressive to watch. She seems to shy away from going into conversations with other adults, but she is bold enough to do so. Even when he was setting up a stall by himself, he didn't seem to be afraid of dealing with adults.

　While thinking about this, I went down the stairs behind the hanging scroll and passed through the transition door. The number displayed on the door was '35' - it is said that a room dedicated to box-opening is randomly assigned, but again, the difference between this room and the others is not apparent at first glance. The white stone floor is vaguely glowing and provides a clear view, and even if you look up, you can't see the ceiling and it is blocked by darkness on the way.

'It's still a strange space - it's so big and bright with no lights.

　The damage caused by the accident when the "Black Box" trap is activated is said to be tremendous, so even if it's underneath the labyrinth country, it's still considered to be a very deep place. Or, in some way, whatever happens in this space, measures have been taken to prevent it from affecting the outside world.

''Arihito, what if the 'parts' of the Secret God come out like before?　You can't have the same tactics you had before without Seraphina.

　Elitia's concerns are valid. It was only because of Serafina-san's defense that she was able to beat Murakumo, so if an opponent with a comparable offensive power comes out with the current formation, there is a chance that there will be injuries.

　Not only would they be injured, but if they were unlucky, they would lose their lives with a single blow. Just because you've been safe so far, you don't want to ruin everything with a single slackness - there.

''Shiori-san, if I use 'Connoisseur 3', can I check the black box trap with certainty?'''
'Yes. If you're not 'unlocking' the trap, just checking the contents of the trap, there's no risk.
''Great........Shiori-san has such a high 'connoisseurship'. I specialize in disarming traps, so my connoisseurship stops at one.

　It seems to have a different use than Melissa's "Connoisseurship 1", so even if the skill has the same name, I wonder if it's a skill with the same name, the effect differs depending on the type of job. It's not often that they have the same name, though.

''It was difficult to get the skill to disarm traps... I decided to allocate points to 'Connoisseur' because I didn't think I'd have a chance to advance to the next level for the time being.
'So that's right I couldn't raise my level of 'connoisseurship' and I went in the direction of ensuring that I succeeded in disarming the trap. So the same store has different tendencies.
If I know what the trap is in advance, I'll put off opening it if there are demons, or I'll call on those who participated in opening the box before.
'Yes, okay. Well then I'm a little embarrassed to be in front of Ms. Farma. I'll let you evaluate the trap.

　Putting the black box on the floor, Shiori shidely took out a fan from her kimono sleeve and activated the skill with a dancing hand gesture.

　◆Current Situation ◆
　Shiori activates "Connoisseur 3".
　Black Box" trap appraisal → Success Trap: Transmigration team Transmigration destination: ? 3 Star Treasure Palace

The Treasure Palace...?
''The transfer trap itself is sometimes set up in a wooden box or a red box... but the destination has a different name than a normal labyrinth. This is the first time I've ever seen a name like 'Treasure Palace' displayed.

　It seems that neither Shiori-san nor Falma-san had seen the trap this time - but only Elitia understood the meaning of the display.

I've heard that if you don't have the 'Return' scroll, you won't be able to escape, but I've heard that sometimes you can find more treasure than the contents of the box.
''........That's a big risk. If there's a demon in the 'Treasure Palace' and it's so strong that it can't even do a small check, whether we'll be able to escape safely...
'You've opened the black box in the past, and you've been saved by what you've gotten. Rather than leave it alone, maybe we should take a look inside... No, I can see why your rearguard says we should take safety measures, so we'll have to talk about it together.

　I can say that being transported to another labyrinth in a transfer is very much a trap. But sometimes you don't know without daring to cut into it - as was the case with Ariadne's encounter with Ariadne.

'Three stars would be about the same as the labyrinth we've been allowed to enter. I don't know how the number of stars is determined, but if you go in properly prepared, it's not as toothless as it could be, is it?
'I agree. How about making equipment, taking new skills and then transitioning... I think it's dangerous to deliberately fall into a trap, but you'll still get a lot out of it.

　Misaki and Suzuna are both positive about it. It's an adventure to enter a different labyrinth than normal with the first move that allows you to enter a 3-star labyrinth, but if the assumption is that you'll escape as soon as you're in danger, I'd like to sneak in if I can.

''In the process of removing the 'warding lock', we can remove the removed trap separately but... would you like to do that?　That way, we can safely remove everything inside except the trap.


　Farma-san nodded and held her hand over the black box - and when she did, the magic circle spread out, and the warding lock appeared like a hologram. The last time the warding lock was shaped like a cube, but this time it was shaped like an octahedron.

　The ward locks are woven together in a three-dimensional maze - the 'unlocking' is to pass the magic power through it. The housewife-like Ms. Farma has managed to do something that we could never imitate, and I can't help but marvel at the gap between the two every time.

It's the first time in a long time that I've had to do such a difficult job, so I'll be polite and let you finish it. !
I'm going to see what this rumored box-opener can do.

　While Shiori-san turned her eyes seriously, Falma-san passed her magic power through the maze of the magic circle - a one-shot maze that couldn't be mistaken even a little bit, and Falma-san masterfully conquered it with enthusiastic gestures.

　　　◆◇◆

　We watched with sweaty hands as Farma-san unlocked the box, but the moment the box was opened, the overflowing light stole our vision - and the sight of gold coins and equipment scattered all over the floor made us all share in the joy.

　Falma's 'unlocking' lasted for about fifteen minutes, so she was drenched in sweat as she continued to concentrate during that time, and now she was being cared for by Shiori. Everyone tried to help, but Shiori-san said she was impressed and wouldn't listen, and she was kneeling on Falma-san's lap, her eyes watering.

''Huh... haha... sorry it took so long... if I can keep opening such a difficult box, one day I'll be able to do the 'fingertip technique' again. Let's see if we can raise the...
''Yes I'm sure Miss Farma can do it. I will continue to work hard enough from now on to be able to step in her shadow.

　I noticed that Shiori's respect for Falma-san has deepened quite a bit, but does that mean she was impressed by the fact that they are in the same line of work?

''It's gold and silver treasures zakuza!　And there's a lot of women's equipment... er, that's what this is all about... isn't it...?
'Well ... the 'inviting pastoral messenger' was of such a nature as to target female explorers.
'What's in the box won't be questioned as to its origin. If you care too much about it, you won't be able to use anything you can get in the labyrinth.
''Oh, if I had something I could use, I would use it. To say that I'm quite grateful for this sum of money alone would be quite gratifying would be an understatement...

　If this money was also raked from the labyrinth's hierarchy - the more sacrifices made before it was defeated, the more the searcher who opened the box would gain. After opening the box so many times, I can't help but think that this is karma.

'Rear-kun, what do you think?　Why don't we start by collecting some things that we can use?
'Yes, please. Mr. Falma, I wonder what happened to the trap you removed.
'The magic tool that fell over there is the one that was separated after the trap was removed. As for how to activate it, an appraisal will give you more details, if you look at it.

　Farma-san raised her upper body and pointed to the location of the magic tool. I approached the magic tool while trying to avoid stepping on the gold coins that were spread out at my feet as much as possible.

''Madoka, may I ask you to appraise it?''
'Yes, I was prepared to ask for it,'

　As I said, Madoka held it close to me while collecting the gold coins into a bag. I carefully pick up the magic tool - a palm-sized, crystal ball inside a metal frame - and hand it to Madoka.

　◆ Trap Cube [Transition Formation] ◆

　If you use it, you'll be able to use [Trap: Transmigration Formation Transmigration destination: ? You can install [Treasure Palace].
　You can only use it once.

(Installation........you mean you can set up a transition camp?　(I can't install it in the rented quarters, and I'll have to talk to Louisa about where to install it...)

'Thank you, Madoka. Now I know what this is all about.
You're welcome. It's an incredibly beautiful tool, like a clear glass thing with a magic circle floating inside it.

　If this wasn't an instrumentalized version of a trap, it could be an ornament to decorate a room. Whatever it is, it's definitely of special value.

　However, separating the traps seems to be a burden on Farma-san, and she's more tired than before - I thought there would be a use for the traps if they were instrumentalized in the future as well, but it seems like it's best not to think about it as much as possible.

　　　◆ ◆ ◆

　The fact that we found many equipment that women can use was just a crossover considering the composition of my party.

　However, I thought it would be lucky if I could find two or three pieces of equipment that could be used to replace the current equipment - but it was also lucky if I could find two or three. I found more usable equipment than I expected.

''A 'magic card' is such a weapon for me! Was there such a profession as a magician?''
'I'm sure you're right, we found a silk hat too and since there's no one else who wants to equip it, let's keep it for now. Or do you want to try it on, Mr. Rear?　It looks surprisingly good on you, though.
''No, no ... it's not balanced with the other equipment. The special effects are also........Huh?

　Spider-silkhat +2◆
　The success rate of the magician's skill has increased.
　The magician's maximum magic power has increased.
　Depending on the combination, the performance increases.

　Once again, there are many effects attached to it. Currently, there are no members that should be equipped with it, but there are a few things that I'm interested in.

Sometimes a versatile effect is attached to it, but this one seems to be exclusive to 'magicians'.
I see. It would be nice if they could be converted to other professions, but it doesn't look like they would be dressed for battle, even if they were a set.
I wonder if 'Spider' is a set of torn tights I got before... and 'The Magician' sounds like a costume for a show or something.

　Igarashi-san says with a wry smile, but if it's going to have a powerful effect, there's a chance that someone will equip it when the set is complete.

''If I equip just a silk hat and tights... ah, I know, I'm indeed an embarrassed damsel, so please don't react like that seriously pulling it off, it stings, it stings.
'Even if we equip it, it's only when we have it, and it's useless if it's only for 'magicians'. For that matter, did you have any other equipment that you could use?
'It's hard to find stronger equipment for me... there's only a limited number of accessories I can wear. But I've found something that works for everyone but me.

　As Elitia said, numerous equipment was found, but somehow none of the magic stones and runes are missing - does that mean they can be found if you enter the 'Treasure Palace'?

''I didn't expect to find 'miko' equipment... and it seems to have some special effects attached to it.
''I had some equipment to put on my head, and I found a weapon with a star on it for Zion-chan. It doesn't have any dangerous effects on it, and now we can be more active.
"One!

　Sion is barking happily - he hasn't equipped it yet, but Igarashi-san's clawed cuirass is probably the equipment for Sion. After appraising the whole thing, it was decided to adopt the following equipment as new equipment.

　New Equipment for Kyouka ◆.
　Glow gold circlet +2
　Protective Necklace

　New Equipment of Misaki
　Butt leather cape + 1
　Steel Magic Card +2

　New Equipment for Suzuna
　Silk shaman's cloth +2
　Leather Archer's Glove + 1

　New Equipment of Theon
　Beastie Crawl.
　Hound Leather Vest + 1

　New Equipment of Madoka
　Merchant glass +2

　New Equipment for Melissa
　Light steel apron + 1

　It is also worth noting that a new material equipment called 'Glow Gold' that I had heard about came out, but since I found a necklace that makes equipment less likely to be destroyed, I asked Igarashi-san, who has been destroyed many times, to wear it - 'a little' destroyed! It's just that it's harder to get rid of them.

　I wished I had my own equipment, but perhaps it's because the "Messenger of the Shepherd" didn't thoroughly target male searchers, but unfortunately I couldn't find one. However, if I could get the 'Magic Gun' to be given away by Corleone-san, there is a possibility that I could update the weapon.

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

　And let's not forget Terezia's equipment. Among the several weapons found, there is one thing that Theresia could use, and I also found armor.

　◆Terezia ◆
　Eluminate shortsword +3
　Light shade skinny suit +2

''Well Mr. Rear, I'm sure you can change your equipment to something different except for the ones that Theresa-san can't remove, but those things like those tight-fitting full body tights... that's a bit of a problem, isn't it?''
'No, no, I don't want to equip it as is. This suit has the property of being 'light-impermeable'. Then I thought we could use 'camouflage stone' as the lining of the suit...
The person who originally had the equipment probably wore something over it too. Maybe he was a 'stuntman' or a 'diver' or something.

　Elitia is right, the fabric is indeed too thin and shows off my body line if I wear it as is. I'm not without that much consideration either, so if I couldn't use it as a lining, I'd have to put it in the warehouse.

''.........''
Yeah, let's take the magic stone off the sword you're using and put it back on a new one. Is that okay, Theresia?

　When I asked Theresia, who was looking at the shortsword with 'Wind Agate' inlaid into it, she nodded her head in reply. The new sword is also a "shortsword", but perhaps because the material is made of Elmina iron and is "+3", it looks stronger than the same shape - there are also two slots to put the magic stone in, so it's one more than before.

　And there are 7583 gold coins, 5874 silver coins, and 6960 copper coins - although I no longer have enough money to spend, but the weight is tremendous, so I decided to ask the bank to send it to me. As for the equipment that has no use, I'll ask a 'courier' to dispose of it.

　Shiori was in awe, perhaps because it was the first time he had seen the 'black box' open. Falma-san seems to have rested and recovered, and she works us up.

'Thank you for your hard work, gentlemen. I pray that what we found this time will help you in your search.
'Thank you, Ms. Farma. About the fee, may I offer you more than the usual rate?
No, since we have no use for the past rewards we would like to save them for our children.
''I even bought some rare tools from another party for a thousand gold coins, so I'm getting more than that, so I'd like to pay you two thousand...''
'Well Master Atobe, do you think that two thousand gold coins is an amount of money that our family could live with for how many years?　No, if I take that much from you, I'll be too lazy to do anything about it.

　She says so, but I'm sure that even if I paid such an amount of money, she would continue to show her children - Ake and Plum - what a fine mother she is.

　I'd like to continue to ask Mr. Farma to open boxes for me, and I want to pay him well. However, last time it was a hundred, and again, they only received up to two hundred.

"Master Atobe, I'm afraid I'm afraid to ask you for this much, but may I ask you for one favor?
Yes, you can say whatever you want.

　Falma-san and Shiori look at each other and laugh. The two of them seemed to be talking about something while they were resting.

''Well I took the duration of my stay in two days just to be sure, so I'm going to spend tomorrow in the seventh ward as well. We're going to buy some souvenirs for the kids tomorrow, but we haven't decided where we're going to stay today yet...

　At the end of the day, she wanted to have a 'sleepover' in our quarters - everyone said OK without a second thought, and I was prepared to sleep on the couch if there weren't enough beds to go around.