There is a way to turn Theresia back into a human. If it were an easy way, Mr. Rykerton's wife, who claims to be a subhuman, would not have to continue as an explorer for a long time.

　But no matter how difficult it was, she wouldn't give up before she knew how. When I look at Theresia, she looks back at me too - her determination grows even stronger when I see her face peeking out of that emotionless mask.

''Well this kind of answer may not be in line with Kuserka-san's intentions, but...'' I, for one, want to hear Theresa's voice.

　Mr. Kuserka's expression does not move. I feel a sense of deja vu at this lack of emotional ups and downs.

　But right now, it's more about telling you what I think. That I want to turn Theresia back into a human, and that my feelings will never waver.

'When she first joined our party as a mercenary and I found out that she couldn't talk, I thought that's what sub-humans are like. But these women are human. They say they don't have a heart, but we know they're left in good standing.
..........

　Theresa stands beside me. It was like she was trying to protect me instead of holding back.

　Kuzelka-san drops her gaze when she sees that figure. What she's thinking - I can't read it from her expression.

''........The Great Temple was originally an organization that was responsible for ruling the country, along with the royal family of the Labyrinth Country. Even now that the royal family has declined, the High Priest of the Great Temple still maintains equal authority with the Guild, even though its power has been reduced.
I don't know.... I'm not familiar with the political situation or anything like that. I'm sorry, I think you should at least learn about the country you came from.

　It's times like these that one should probably use the archives that are said to be in the odd ward, but it's difficult to visit them when you're constantly working as an explorer.

''No, the explorers in the wards around here will rarely hear of such a thing. I think many of them don't even know about the existence of the Great Temple... although sometimes a healer (healer) is sent from the Great Temple when a person is too seriously injured to be treated in a medical center, so they might learn about it.''
...Is it impossible for a healer (healer) to turn a sub-human back into a human?
We still don't know how the demons in the labyrinth reappear after a certain amount of time, but it is said that if human lives are lost, the labyrinth may cause the same kind of phenomena as in the case of reappearing demons. However, it is said that if human life is lost, the labyrinth may cause the same phenomenon as when demons reappear. Sub-humans are human beings regenerated by the labyrinth... in other words, 'healing' has been done.

　--Demons do not speak. Sub-humans are beings that have been revived by the same principles as demons.

　Still, they are not like demons. If they were the same as demons, they would show hostility to searchers. Teresia, Takuma, and the sub-humans hired as mercenaries seen in the city, all listen to instructions.

'And ... even after the 'separation ritual' imposed by the Great Temple, the sub-humans will continue to have proof that they were sub-humans. Just as I once was.
Huh...!

　There is a momentary delay in understanding Ms. Kuserka's words. In the meantime, she sits up.

''What, what........''
''I'm sorry to disappoint you. This is the proof that I was a subhuman.

　It had to be stopped - and even if I thought it was, it was difficult to stop what she was doing of her own volition now.

　With her back to me, Kuzelka peels off her military uniform and shows me her back. A wolf-like demon pattern was drawn on her white skin, which looked bright even under the not-so-strong light, like a tattoo.


'....It took a lot of sacrifice for me to become a human again. Lord Atobe, would Lord Theresa be willing for you to risk so much?
It's...

　It's not something I should say without listening to my peers that my resolve won't change at any risk. No matter how much I think everyone shares the same feelings as me.

'Suppose we go to the Great Temple and find a way to turn Lord Theresa back into a human. Can you make the choice to give up when it is a very dangerous method?　Even with the current party, we are still able to conduct explorations with Lord Theresia. Even so........
On the contrary, it gives me hope.
...like me, that's a buy-in.

　Kuserka said and put his military uniform back on. And when she looked back, her expression still remained the same.

''I........have not yet fulfilled the duties of a person who has returned to human. Thus, I am also saying things I shouldn't say to you as a guild saver. Your accomplishments are remarkable and you are here to continue to encourage them.
'The duty of a returned human I don't know what that means. If someone in the party has a purpose that must be fulfilled, I'll figure out a way to accomplish it. Elitia's and Theresa's are equally important objectives. It's an unexpected honor to be recognized for my achievements as an explorer along with that.

　When she warned me, I thought about the fact that the Guild Saber wasn't comfortable with our purpose. But as we talked, I realized that wasn't the case.

　To turn Theresia back into a human, it's not just a matter of getting to the Great Temple. It would be a grueling ordeal beyond my imagination - 'It required a lot of sacrifice,' Kuzelka's words were hardly a lie to dissuade me.

''Making achievements as an explorer... it's a necessary process for you to reach your goal, isn't it...''
''Ha, yes. Perhaps being an explorer should be the first thing you do when you come to the Maze Country, though.
''........I think I have a little bit of an understanding of why that person thinks of Atobe-dono as special. Your perspective is different from that of many other explorers. What kind of experience would it take for him to develop a spirituality like yours before his reincarnation?
I'm a hapless businessman. But I had a feeling that I would do everything I was given to do in terms of work. Now I'm doing what I want to do.

　I don't know who 'that person' is, but that's probably something they haven't told me yet either. And even if I said 'businessman', I was not sure if I would be able to get through to Kuzelka-san - but I was not sure.

　She smiled faintly. I couldn't help but look at her, wondering if that expression could ever come off.

''You can't understand, since someone who claims to have no cling to himself would be called a rising star in the labyrinth country.
''Nova........I've been told several times that it was only a joke, but I took it as a joke. No way, even the upper echelons of the Guild Saber.......
No, only some people use those words. No, no, I don't think he would want to be here to tell us.

　Some of the people we've met so far have described us as 'novae'. Among them, the one who might be related to the Guild Saber - who led us to the Labyrinth Country, Yukari is the first one I can think of.

Could you please keep the fact that I showed you the 'magic mark' on my back out of your mouth?
'Yes, because of course it's something that you've shown me you're prepared to do.

　I don't let it slip away easily. That's just as well - that's what I thought.

''Do I need to correct the impression that I'm a naive person?
''S-Sorry, that was an odd way to say you showed me... but I don't know how to say it...''

　Kuserka's cheeks are a little red. I didn't seem to be fazed by it for a moment or two, but I guess that was my assumption as well.

''I don't think it's worth mentioning that you showed me my 'magic mark'. Atobe-dono, when I can turn Theresa-dono back into a human, she might even appear on her back.

　I knew it was - Mr. Cuselka didn't mean to say that what we were trying to do was folly.

　I knew very well that it would be difficult. Nevertheless, I would definitely turn Theresa back into a human.

''I will also gather information about your friend, Elitia-dono, on my end. I am like your administrative officer as an 'Encouragement Seeker'. I may contact you, but I hope to exchange information with you through Lieutenant Seraphina as well.
"...'Lieutenant' isn't 'Second Lieutenant', is it? I think that's a bit of a peculiar way of assigning the rank.
'Normal Guild Saber members can only rise to the rank of 'Captain'. I can't answer your question about the meaning of 'dragon', but please consider it a special duty. When Lieutenant Seraphina changes to 'dragon rank', it will be from the same rank as me, Third Lieutenant Dragon.
''I see.......Seraphina-san must be of a fairly high rank at such a young age.
'She seems to have been promoted quickly because of her leadership qualities. Personally, I think it's surprising that she would be under the command of Lord Atobe.

　Serafina-san's great shield at level 11 has a defensive power that was originally not available in the seventh district. It's something that should be considered fortuitous once again, even from our point of view.

''Well then, that's all I have to say for now. Please pass on my best wishes to the guild staff.
'Thank you for teaching me so much. Once again, I'm sobered up.
''.......Me too. I look forward to your continued success after you all move up to the Sixth Ward. Or will there be a few more things to do in the Seventh Ward?
I will discuss with my colleagues what to do. Now, if you'll excuse me.

　I get up from my seat and quit the room. When I bowed my head before closing the door, I saw Kuserka-san also bowing towards me.

　◆◇◆

　As it was, I requested an interview with Louisa-san and waited in the back room on the first floor of the 'Green House' that I had used before.

"Theresa, there was someone who returned from subhuman to human. It wasn't just a rumor.
..........

　Ms. Kuserka's presence gave us hope, but we also got a warning from her.

　Sacrifices were made for her to become human again - the implications are heavy and I'm not optimistic.

'We're all safe, and we're going to put Theresa back together. We'll save Elitia's friends, too. I won't let anyone call that a naive idea.

　Theresia walks up to me and quickly reaches out to me - and touches my chest.

　I stroke it to calm her, and Theresia looks up at me without saying a word.

''I'm ... sorry. You seem to be reassuring yourself by telling Theresa........

　Theresia pulls back once. And this time, she tries to reach for my head - when I bend down a little, Theresia stands tall and pats my head.

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

　--It's not that the sub-human doesn't have a heart, after all. It's not just that my skills are the only thing that can increase her trustworthiness, but Takuma also had a will that her sister, Shiori, could sense.

　Then there was a knock on the door and Theresia retracted her hand. Louisa-san, who entered the room, smiled when she saw us.

''Atube-sama I've heard your story. I heard that you succeeded in rescuing Rolando-san with flying colors.''
'Yes, it was a pretty tough demon, but we all pulled together. Our supporters came to our aid as well, although we ended up with a pretty large group.
'Well I see. I would have wanted to run over if I had the strength to fight too. Shouldn't the guild staff be allowed to say such things.......
''I'm happy just for the feeling. Because when it comes to demons above level 6, it's quite dangerous.

　I think Louisa-san is a logistical-oriented occupation like me, so the skills I can use in combat will be limited. If it's possible to raise the level, I'm interested in the possibilities that Louisa-san's profession has - and I want to restrain myself from going in that direction when I think about the skills.

Since you all are fighting that dangerous demon together... if we're going up the wards together, I'm hoping that I can contribute something with my skills as well.
''The fact that Madoka's new skills remain unlearned is also a concern, so when Madoka's level is raised, maybe Louisa-san could accompany her... and of course we'll make sure she's safe.
''There's something called the 'Training Labyrinth' designated by the guild, so there's a way to use it. It's used to maintain the level of guild savers and garrison, so other than me as a staff member, you can't enter it without a special title.

　Speaking of titles, I have one that Kuserka gave me earlier. Wouldn't that allow me to use something called the training labyrinth?

''Louisa-san, I was talking with Third Lieutenant Kuserka in the basement of the guild just now, and it was then that I received this title.

　Calling up the license title screen, he placed it on the table and showed it to Louisa-san. Louisa-san stared at it using her usual one-sided glasses and blinked with a flick of her eye.

''Encouragement Seeker''.......Sorry, I've only seen it in the manual a long time ago, so I don't know much about it either. This title is given to a special party that has been approved by the Guild Saber. They should be authorized to use it in regards to the training labyrinth as well.
''Oh, that's good to hear. It may be a little while yet, but when we raise the level of those members who are not able to participate in the battle, would you be willing to join us, Louisa-san?
Okay, yes. If it's okay with you all.......but is it okay? Atobe-sama, with this title, you can use the guild's recreational area. There are many special cases, so please don't let other explorers know too much about it.

　Louisa says, putting her index finger to her lips. It's a gesture that shows how charming or pleased she is with me.

''Then I'll let you calculate your contribution.
Yes, please.

　The results of this search
　Melissa's level is now 6. 60 points.
　Eliminated 16 Sand Scissors, 960 points.
　Defeated 2 "Ocean Mantis" for 120 points.
　Three of the Arachneophilias have been withdrawn. 30 points.
　Recaptured Roland's dungeon stone. 300 points.
　3200 points for defeating the bounty leader, the Merciless Decapitation.
　3600 points for defeating a merciless slaughterer.
　Sub party defeats an Ocean Mantis. 30 points
　The trust of party members has increased by 60 points.
　Increased sub-party trust 25 points
　A total of nine people conducted a joint search for 45 points.
　10 points for fighting with the party in Ceres.
　100 points for bringing back a "White Treasure Chest".
　Searcher's Contribution ・・・ 8540 points
　Seventh Ward Contribution Ranking 1

　The named who appeared in succession, the value of their contribution was still considerable.

''Congratulations, Atobe-sama. First place in the pecking order in the seventh district, and the total of four 'named' defeats in the seventh district is also a record.

　The 'Alliance' that was ranked first in the pecking order temporarily withdrew, allowing us to become first in the rankings.

　It seems that getting first place is not part of the requirements for promotion to the sixth district, but by fulfilling the conditions of 'defeating three named bodies in the seventh district' and 'reaching 20,000 points of leader contribution in one month', we can usually get first place as well.

　The reason why only the 'Merciless Decapitation' had a bounty attached to it was because it caused so much damage that it was banned from entering the labyrinth as soon as it appeared. The bounty of one thousand and six hundred gold coins was paid out, so I'll have it transferred to the bank.

''At the moment, Atobe-sama's contribution since entering the Seventh Ward is just under 18,000. To this figure, I will add a special contribution to this figure.
Does this mean I get a separate contribution for rescuing Roland-san?
'Yes, you received a request from the 'Alliance for Freedom' and you have accomplished it. Depending on the nature of the request, the guild also translates contributions for others as 'contributions'. Stampede suppression in the Eighth District is also included as a special achievement. I apologize for the delay in calculating it.

　The contribution for subduing the Stampede was calculated as 1,000 points, but it was said that activities outside the labyrinth would be calculated separately.

'Cases of demons appearing in the city should not happen outside of Stampede, and those searchers who voluntarily participated in the suppression will be given an equivalent value of contribution in any ward. If we include Atobe-sama's recently raised results in the calculation.......

　Party Greatness Rating

　1,000 points for helping to defend the city's 8th arrondissement.
　500 points for helping to capture Gray.
　3,500 points for executing the request to kill the Ruthless Decapitation.　

　Special Contribution 5000
　Honor value +5


　The expression "feat" may seem ostentatious, but more than that - I can't help but be surprised when I see the numbers lined up.

''I was also rated three hundred points for retrieving Rolando-san's 'Soul Prison Stone', but the special contribution of the request achievement is more than ten times that...?
'Yes. The Alliance for Freedom loses 2,000 points of contribution as a penalty for failing to defeat Named. It's a very heavy burden, but since 'named' will cause stampede if someone doesn't defeat it sooner or later, the searcher who discovers it should defeat it in principle. Since Lady Atobe received the request from Daniela, the 'substitute compensation' will be applied, and in addition to the two thousand points, a separate assessment of Roland's rescue will be made for one thousand and five hundred points, making the total value this way.

　Roland-san said he didn't know how much he would be appreciated for helping him, but the guild encouraged cooperation between explorers more than he had imagined, and he thought it was worthwhile about the lives of explorers.

　The reason why one after another reincarnation was being sent to the Labyrinth Country was to prepare replacements for those who lost their lives in the search - there was a little bit of a black idea like that, but this time, it was dismissed to some extent.

'Wanting to save all searchers is an ideal that no guild can achieve. That is why we have the utmost respect for the actions of Atobe-sama.
''Oh, thank you, Louisa-san. With this special contribution added up, I think we've met the requirements to move up to the sixth ward...?
'Yes. These contributions will not be cancelled unless they cause major problems, and they will be added as the same figure in the wards above. The base figure starts at five thousand, so if thirty thousand contributions are required for promotion, then twenty-five thousand is all that is required.

　In other words, the party with the highest number of 'feats' accomplished will be that much better for promotion.

　Other than earning contributions through exploration, doing what you can, if you can, could be a shortcut to promotion in the end.

''Atobe-sama's contribution is well over 20,000. Congratulations, you can always move up to the sixth ward.

　Louisa smiles and says - it's short for the number of days, but there's also a sense that it's finally happening, perhaps because we've spent so much time in density. The feeling of accomplishment belatedly creeps in, and I laugh with Louisa-san.

　But when the 'merciless funeral service' appeared and I saw its power, I knew that we had to strengthen ourselves more before we could move on, or we were going to get caught in the middle somewhere.

'I've promised everyone that we'll have a day off. I'm eager to move forward right away, but I want to consider what we can do to strengthen the party and make sure we're fully prepared before we go.
''Humph.......Actually, since you were going to be taking a day off, I have also submitted a paid application to the guild. Since I'm exclusive to Atobe-sama, my general duties are few and far between, so I was accepted.
'That's good to hear Mr. Louisa, once you've had a chance to stretch your wings slowly.
''If you could get Atobe-sama to take a day off with you, I'm sure you would all... wow, I'd be relieved, too...''

　Even after my reincarnation, they still worry about me working too hard - Louisa-san blushed and refrained from doing so, but she was still concerned about me. I'd like to return that feeling, though.

''Apparently, I seem to have a habit of spending my time doing things I can do in the city rather than resting even on my days off... I know it's not good to not be able to switch between the two.


　An unexpected suggestion - after you've finished checking the materials you've obtained and so on, take a rest at a retreat site. That might make everyone in the party happy.

　Looking at Theresia, she tipped her charming lizard mask slightly, as if she hadn't imagined what a retreat site would be like.