It was hard to believe that the original was made from the shell of a giant beetle, but it had been worked as a shield using metal, and it had a refined beauty.

''To think that such a shield was obtained in the Seventh Ward... was this made from 'named' material?'''
'Yes, I had the artisans at the Mistral Workshop work with the materials of the demons we encountered in the labyrinth called The Sheep God's Bed,'

　Seraphina refuses to say a word to us and then props up the large shield she always uses against the wall and lifts the Great Shield of Mirror Armor with both hands.

　◆The Great Shield of Mirror Armor◆　

　Reduces damage from physical attacks.
　Reduces damage from magic attacks.
　When activating the shield skill, the magic defense value will be greatly increased.
　May reflect magic attacks. Decreases the power of attacks.
　May reflect breath attacks. Will reduce the power of breath attacks.
　Can use the "Attack of the Gods" skill.

　As well as the performance as a shield, it can also activate the movement system skill to corner the enemy, which is probably a characteristic of the "Treacherous Insects".

　However, it's important for Seraphina-san to use it. It would often be better than the shields I've been using - I thought.

''There aren't that many people with jobs that can use the 'Great Shield', and it requires large materials, so the opportunities for obtaining it are limited... I think the shield Seraphina is using is also very valuable...''
'In the eighth district, there are some large shields for sale, such as the wooden ones for beginners. However, I was also unable to renew my shield until I moved up to the sixth district, and I had quite a hard time doing so. By working together with my friends, I was barely able to get out of the way.

　Seraphina was also an explorer before she became a guild saver. I'm curious about how the party was doing before, but I don't ask because my time is limited now.

''Seraphina-san, do you think you can use that shield?
''Yes, my physical defense is a bit lower than the shield I have, but I think I can make up for it with my skills. The 'Shield Parry' will take almost no damage as long as it succeeds.....Are you sure?　To lend me such a valuable shield....
''This is also part of the strategy. The more attacks Seraphina-san can handle, the less damage she can cause. It's not okay for someone in the role of 'shield' to get injured.
''Thank you very much. I'll bet on this shield and I'll make sure I fulfill the role I've been given.

　Serafina-san replaces the equipment and deposits the 'Shield of the Trembling Tower +3' she is using in the warehouse. It's a shield with the effect of 'muscle strength increase' that reduces the burden of operation, but since it's extremely heavy, it's apparently no different in ease of handling than the 'Great Shield of Mirror Armor'.

"Although the power of 'Shield Slam' and the like is reduced, I think the role I'm expected to play is to use 'blocking' as a starting point to create opportunities, so I don't see any problems with it.

　After being told something close to what I had in mind beforehand, there's nothing more to say - I already know this from fighting with her, but it's a great thing to be able to rely on her to join the party and be instantly active.

'Rear-kun, you have to determine whether the enemy is in a state of physical or magical effect, and then make an appropriate attack. I think it's better to be able to do that as reliably as possible...''
''Well.......and we need to take measures against the 'Create Golem'. I hope it doesn't continue to use its summoning skills on its own while it's left unattended.
Some of the 'named' demons would not engage in hostile activity if they didn't have a target. The Giant Crab stopped tracking and disappeared when we retreated. It probably won't reappear if the target doesn't get too close.

　The sight of the sandy beach being filled with 'Sand Scissors' is not horrifying, but if Seraphina-san is right, there is no danger of that.

　However, the 'Scorching Monkey Duke' that Elitia's best friend was captured by is still operating in the labyrinth with the captured searchers in tow - the possibility that the intelligent and powerful demon will use the same tricks as humans to intercept the party once they retreat is high.

''The 'giant crabs' will eventually make more friends in the 'Create Golem' once the battle begins. We'll have to be careful with the 'necrobreak'.
''The number of 'Ghost Scissors' hunted won't be able to be counted in a hundred... You need the souls of the 'Ghost Scissors' to use the 'Create Golem', but we can consider it almost unlimited. We need to settle this in the short term before we add too many.


　The Giant Crab's movements are not always fast, and it has a reserve motion when attacking. However, after activating Phantom Drift, he can move his long legs at high speed, and when he turns, he rolls up the sand like a drift so that he doesn't stall much.

　However, if it's a bullshit move, it won't be a fight if you're weak. Elitia, Igarashi-san, and Theresia have the means to evade, but me, Misaki, Suzuna, and Melissa don't have such means - so there's one possible countermeasure.

'Demi-harpy.......Aricht, that's what you mean.
Yeah. And one member who can move fast in the sand is Theon. He's fast to begin with, but Sion has a 'speed increase' effect on his armor, so it seems that the poor foothold doesn't matter anymore.
BOW!

　Enhancing the 'Hound Leather Vest' will take effect at the last minute - it's possible that other equipment is also having an effect without realizing it.

''Well leader, if I'm going to be in charge of destroying any part of the enemy, I'd better be able to move fast. It would be nice if I could ride Zion and move.
'Oh, Melissa calls my brother Leader. Leader, can I go pick some flowers before we carry out our plan?
'We'll get to that later ... important, but please be moderate in your remarks that diminish the tension.

　It's hardly ever mentioned in the labyrinth, but I guess people just try not to say it - and that's something to worry about later.

　Melissa was using the 'Ride on Wolf' skill by riding Zion, and I have no problem with the combination. Considering the role she would be asked to play, it would be best to have her team up with Sion, who has more instantaneous power than Demiharpy.

We'll use the power of 'Demi-harpy' to position ourselves in such a way that the enemy's attacks can't reach us. Against attacks to the sky........
'Bubble Lasers', I think I can get them to refrain from using them by using the 'Provoke' to increase their hostility and draw their attention to the ground.
''I'm sorry, Seraphina. I asked you to take the most risky role.
''No, that's the raison d'être of my position so please don't be too reserved. With the vanguard working together, we can disperse the attacks and reduce the danger to each and every one of you.
''Yeah, leave that to me I'll draw them in as much as I can.
'I think it's possible that when it's that big, it doesn't work very well if you don't attack the area of weakness.
'I'm going to take a new skill on that one. I think I can use it to concentrate on a targeted location... one of the weaknesses is the mouth of the 'crab', but there are other possible locations as well. The crack I used the 'Murakumo' to put in his scissors. I'd like to think it's brittle there, but.......

　It's getting harder and harder to get enough power to kill an enemy with just the fixed damage from Support Attack 1.

　It maximizes the power of individual attacks that are not displayed as numbers. However, we don't just aim to defeat them by striking them - only this time.

It's also important to aim for the weakest point whenever possible. There's another battle strategy I can try this time because I can prepare in advance.

''What........Eritia-san, do you know what your rear end is thinking?''

　Elitia must have thought about it from the moment she obtained that one.

　There is no rule that only enemies can use the "instant death attack". This one should also aim if possible - there is a risk that a valuable weapon might be destroyed, but this time we will definitely go for the win.

''Phobidoun Scythe.......There are many demons that are resistant to instant death, so it's not a strategy that can be used all the time. It may go through to 'Ruthless Decapitation' when physical attacks are effective. I don't think the chances of 'sometimes taking down an enemy during a critical strike' are that high to begin with... but we have Misaki.
''Huh........here comes the big wave of a lifetime for me.......!　Brother, if all goes well, give me a break and some fun!
'There's something mixed up with being in too much of a hurry but I'm inclined to agree with you on that. And Madoka-chan, it can be boring at times when you're always staying and working.
''Wow, I........I'm just glad if you all come back safe and sound. But just a little....
"...Elitia, can I have a moment?
'Yes we're all trying to work together to move on in a way that we wouldn't otherwise. So it must be lonely not to have a happy event.

　Misaki seemed to have meant it as a joke, but she was confused by the positive reception - but she seemed happy. Madoka is the same way, and I guess she still misses being away from home.

''I'll equip the 'Fobidoun Scythe'... and you can tell me what to do.

　Misaki's morale release "Fortune Roll", which ensures that her next action is successful. After activating it, Melissa's first action - activating a critical attack with her normal attack.

　If the effect of 'Fortune Roll' is brought to bear on the part of 'defeating the enemy at a critical strike,' then theoretically, a strong enemy like that jumping heavy tank could be defeated with a single blow.

It's because of this kind of party that they're called 'rising stars'.

　Everyone looks at each other and smiles shyly at Seraphina's compliments. I also sincerely think--I'm glad that we were able to put together a party with these members.

　The precautionary measures have been taken. We re-equipped ourselves and Madoka left the warehouse and headed together to the entrance of the labyrinth.

''.........''
... uh ... that's okay. Thank you, Miss Theresa.

　Teresia, perhaps sensing that Madoka is nervous, flattens her arms around her two arms. While looking at it, I think - I'll definitely get over this critical moment.