After our overnight vacation in "Small Island of Illusion" was over, we greeted the guild staff and left the island.

　First, we headed to the Demon Farm - if we changed the destination of the transition door, we could move directly from the floating island to the Demon Farm.

　William-san, who was managing it, seemed to be in the middle of collecting the 'Arachne Mage' net right now. Since he could collect them regularly, this was to cover the cost of maintaining the ranch, so he was having the excess sold to the market.

''Oh, Atobe-sama!　It's been a long time, and the newly entrusted demon you have entrusted to me is in good health. I hope that you have summoned them from time to time and that they are active.
'Thank you for your help, William. As a matter of fact, I'd like to leave another demon in your care.
"Kuh.

　Lightly twice as tall as I am, the 'treasure wings' come forward. William-san was impressed with his eyes - Arachne Mage is also large, but will it be a burden to keep all the big demons?

''This........is this a 'named' demon of the 'Pigo' lineage? I never thought the day would come when I would be in charge of 'named' demons at this ranch...
Is it possible to keep them on this farm?　They are demons that live on an island surrounded by the sea, so I think it's a question of whether they can adapt to their environment.
''This ranch also has an area where you can buy aquatic demons. Even demons that need a watering hole can be kept without any stress... although if the demon needs seawater, you'll have to rent a dedicated ranch for it.
Since we met in the woods, I don't think seawater is essential but I would appreciate it if you could let me know if you need it.
I hope the same bird-type demons can get along with the demi-harpy and the others.

　The Harpies are perched in a nearby tree and are looking at us - the Treasure Wings are looking at us too, but from the expression on 'Demi-Harpy's' face, they seem to be at the interested stage right now.

'Then I'll put them in the fence with the watering hole over there. This race produces magical stones depending on the diet you give them, but for now, is a standard diet acceptable?
''Yes, please do that. I'd certainly be happy to get the magic stone, but that's not why I brought it here.
''I see........because he's a popular demon among women. Atobe-sama really thinks about everyone in the party very well.
'Whew, fluffy!　I'll be back to see you, big penguin!
'Misaki-chan, amazing........to be so bold.......'
'Really I wish I could, but it's hard to do when you're growing up.

　Misaki doesn't hesitate to hug 'Treasure Wings' and enjoy the softness of the feathers - although 'Treasure Wings' seems to be in trouble with 'Coral Pigo' for cheering her up. Suzuna and Igarashi-san also seem to want to hug her, but not as boldly as Misaki.

　As we were talking, Miris-san, who we've seen before, came over here. She was dressed in a shirt and overalls, a straw hat and a hoe, just like a farm girl.

Welcome, Mr. Atobe. We were just feeding Himiko and the others, but they all flew away when Atoobe arrived.
It's been a while, Mr. Millis. These kids are new to you today.
"Kuh.
"Ahh~.......I can't believe that you would entrust me with your "Pigo" friends. These kids won't miss you unless the owner meets the conditions of their care~

　I heard that Mr. Millis-san's endings grow when he sees something pretty - and more importantly, I wanted to ask him about it. But before I could ask, Millis-san asked me.

''What should I do with this girl's name? I'm sure she'll be happy if you give it to 'Arachne Mage' as well.
Well guys, do you have any ideas?
It's 'Wings of Treasure on Snowfields' so... 'Snow'?
'Oh, that's nice - straightforward is better than an unusual name. It's white, so it suits me well.
'I think it's good, too. You've got feathers as white as snow.
"f*ck.

　Misaki and Elitia agreed with Igarashi's opinion, and we decided on "Snow" as the name of "Takara Tsubasa". The other name is "Arachne Mage", but it's difficult to give it a wizardly name with a spider feel, so after much discussion, we settled on "May" as a straightforward name.

　The Coral Pigo that followed Snow was a male and a female, so we decided on the names Penta and Lupe. It's a cute sounding name, but it's also a very 'merchant' name.

'Mr. Miris, I just want to check one thing: what do the seeds of The Puppeteer of Vine Grass look like?'
'Oh ... I'm sorry, but it's actually sprouting, and the vines are starting to grow out of the twin leaves. We have a 'contract' in place, so I don't think there's any danger, but I forgot to send you an observation log.
'Oh no, it's not a problem if there's no danger. Thanks for telling me.
'No, to say I'm sorry is another thing... the first new vine that emerged during the growing process was made of an amazingly strong fibrous material. We thought we could use it for something, so we saved it.

　I suppose the tougher the vine grows, the tougher the vine becomes, but you mean the fiber is strong enough to break that common sense - certainly, it could be used for something.

'If possible, could you bring it back to me? I'm going to ask the craftsman if it's possible to bring it back and see what it can be used for.
Yes, by all means. Good, if you hadn't asked Master Atobe about it, I would have forgotten about it.

　Miris-san laughing with relief - William-san was laughing and stroking his beard, but as for me, I'm glad that he reported it properly.

　◆◇◆

　After returning to the transition station near the "Green House", everyone in the "Four Seasons" went back to their quarters - everyone was bidding farewell, but it wouldn't be the last time.

''Atobe-san, everyone had a really good time. I've made the best memories since I came to the Maze Country.
I was happy to play with the teachers. I thought they were all going to go to the Sixth Ward by now...
''It was great to show you all the racquets we made thanks to you. I'll always remember fighting with Alihit, too.

　But still, they would be estranged from each other after they went to the upper wards. Everyone in The Four Seasons seemed to weigh in on that more heavily.

"...guys, we'll do what we can. I want to meet my brother and everyone else with pride once more.

　Kaede said, but he seemed to know that his voice had no power. When he noticed this, he made a huffy face and waved his hand with a patter.

'Hey, what the heck, I'm getting a little quiet, aren't I? You will definitely catch up with them, so you won't have to wait so long to see them again...
'Yeah, we're waiting too. It's the first time since I've been in the Labyrinth Country that I've been able to get along with the rest of the party so well.
'I'll see you around. If you go to another ward, we'll be....

　Following Igarashi-san, Suzuna steps in front of Kaede. Kaede huffed and smiled and held out her hand - the two shook hands firmly with their right hands.

'Thank you. I haven't been able to call us friends yet, Suzuna-chan hasn't shown me the part where you let yourself go, but...''
That's why we'll always do it again, just like this time... right, guys?
''Yes. I have a lot of things I want to talk about with Kyouka and Louisa... and Seraphina... as adults.
Me too. Ryoko-dono, I am sure that you will be able to fulfill the conditions for promotion as well. If not, we'll meet again when we meet again.

　We have to move on as fast as we can. But we must not be too hasty and wear out our bodies and minds.

　This was a great time for us all to share together. It's the fastest way to move forward again - that's our 'fastest'.

　◆ ◇◆

　After returning to the inn, Rykerton-san sent me a report on the dismantling of the 'Decapitation'. However, further modification of the armor would require a number of days, so I put it on hold for now.

　Ceres and the others have finished all the processing that I asked them to do. I also received a modified version of the Hannya no Shinshi-Heit, just like Legace.

　The other members are also trying on the armor that has been modified with 'Perforated Wings' and so on - it is said that some of it has become transparent, but of course, everyone was relieved to hear that it was not designed to be embarrassing when walking around town.


It's the best moment for me when someone says that to me. I'm so glad I'm a craftsman.
As for Arihito, I'm sure he'll bring something back with him, even though it's a vacation, but I didn't expect him to show up.
Excuse me, I have a few things I need you to look at... okay?
Very well, some of them may be ready to use. The longer it takes, the more you'll be stranded.

　I took out the materials one by one from the pouch I had put them in - Celes-san and Steiner-san both had question marks in their heads no matter which one they took out.

　◆Newly acquired materials ◆.

　Live young vine x 1
　Freeze stone x 2
　Snow Crystal x 1

　The 'White Hair of the Treasure Wing' seems to be able to get it from Snow when it grows back, but for now, there's only one, so I can't let it go.

'Hey, what is this vine.......part of a demon?　It's not moving now, but it's certainly alive, this one.
''The plant-based 'named' that I fought before left a seed behind. I was contracted to grow them at a demon farm...
I see..... There are materials that can only be obtained from plant-based demons at each stage of growth. Just like the life force is concentrated in the shoots of a medicinal herb.
'These vines seem to be very strong. It also has excellent elasticity when pulled... it's a bit short for a bow, so it would fit the sling that Atobe-sama has.
"And I thought you had gone to the place where you needed a bathing suit, but why the Snow Crystal?
Well, as a matter of fact, it's...

　I'll tell Celes and others about the events that took place on the Isle of Illusion.

"You are truly a bunch of curious people, solving riddles at the guild's sanctuary.

'Oh, I mean ... with the way it looked, I think Ceres and the others could go.
You sent him to stay at home knowing that? I'm not going to blame you for not being able to do that, because I know that Ariehito will take you there someday.
I'm sorry. Next time I visit, I'll make sure I don't ask for a job.
''Yeah, it's okay - we're experiencing a lot of new things thanks to Atobe-sama.

　However, the two of you look disappointed as well - it's difficult for the searcher and the supporter to schedule their time off when their roles are different, but since you've been assigned to us, we'd like to take advantage of the opportunity to refresh ourselves.

But now that you've been assigned to me, I'd like to take the opportunity to give you all a chance to refresh yourself. If you're not a leader with a playful spirit, the girls will be bored out of their minds.
'No, no I'm afraid I'm going to bore you with this stiffness.
It means you can have a serious boss and a flexible one at the same time. Just like your master.
''You won't be able to get paid for all this flattery....I'm a partner in this business. And what are you going to do about the magical stone?　I can now put a magic stone on your shoe, so let's put one on. If that's all, it won't take long.
''Then........could you change the Sling's 'Leaping Stone' to 'Ice Stone'? The power of this magic stone is effective, but I want to try out the new attribute attack as well.

　I'll put the "Freezing Stone" on the sling and the extra "Confusion Stone" on the shin guards. You'll have no trouble with your confusion resistance.

I'm sure the snow crystals have many uses, but I'll hold off on that since it will take some time to process them.

　I've told them I'm going to the Treasure Palace today, so I've decided to have them change the strings on my sling, which won't take long, and have them wear the 'Ice Stone'.

　The one that shoots black magic bullets +4
　Increased attack power when critical.
　Hit Rate" is enhanced.
　Range" is enhanced.
　Magic Bullet" is now possible to fire.
　Vine Weed Bullet available
　・ Eye stone is attached.
　Stem stone is attached.
　The Dewdrop Stone is attached.

　Hannya no shin pad modification +3◆
　Rarely disables enemy status attack. (Revised)
　Reduces physical attacks slightly. (Revised)
　Special Effect: Human Type: Increased damage to humanoid enemies.
　Speed" is improved.
　Magic Defence" is slightly enhanced.
　The "Indirect Defense" is slightly enhanced.
　The ability to "leap by ship" will now be available.
　The performance of the skill to strengthen allies will be improved. (Revised)

Hmmm, very nice work. I don't know what a "Vine Weed Bullet" is, but you must try it when you get a chance. It won't slow you down.
Yes, thank you.
''I've never seen foot equipment as strong as these shin guards before... but I wonder if the people in the district above have this kind of equipment as a matter of course.
It's said that in the provinces above, armor that possesses a unique skill can be sold for an unbelievably high price. Depending on the effectiveness of the leap by the boat, the value of this armor could be immeasurable.

　That's how valuable the opportunity to get something that valuable is - the important thing is not to get it and feel comfortable, but to make the most of it.

　After putting on the shin guards, Misaki comes out of the fitting room. It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. It's a good idea to have them equipped whenever you feel like it, because we don't want to force them.

''Oh please don't look at me, please don't look at me. Even if it becomes stronger than the current equipment, why don't you equip it, but even maidens have their own set of circumstances, you know.
'It's a pretty eye-catching piece of equipment, so you have to be brave. I suppose it would be safer to equip it, though.
'Oh, I knew it. But I've never worn net tights before, you know?　Only an adult woman like Kyouka's sister should wear that kind of thing.
'You sound like Igarashi-san when you say that.......oh, Igarashi-san.
Eww...!

　Misaki is surprised by the momentum of jumping up and down and pretends to be sitting in a chair and having tea with Celes-san - rather suspicious, and Igarashi-san is watching her. The other members of the group, who had been changing clothes, followed suit.

　Igarashi-san, Theresia, Suzuna, and Elitia - the armor with built-in translucent wings is now see-through in places, but it doesn't reveal significantly more skin or anything like that. Everyone seems to feel comfortable wearing it as well.

''........Misaki-chan, what's going on?''
'Oh no, we were just talking about how it takes a lot of courage to wear new equipment yet.
''It's a bit more mature, but it's an amazing piece of equipment. I think Misaki would look good in it.
'Oh, you say whatever you want. Even if that thing works great, I won't give it away, I haven't worn it yet.

　Misaki says with her mouth agape - Igarashi-san looks at it and smiles in annoyance, then looks at me again. The feeling of being checked from top to bottom is unsettling.

''It fits your suit better than I thought it would, those shin pads.
Igarashi-san and everyone else looks good in it. It's a bit strange to say that 'Impact Reduction 1' was made because of that.
I think it's a great material. If they find an upwardly compatible one they'll replace it but it won't interfere with the design.
While you were saying that, Ellie, you were worried about being able to see through it a bit!
'Seriously, I was just anxious until I saw you... nothing wrong with that, right?

　When I said that, Elitia spun around - and when I saw her back, I froze in place.

"That's quite a good job. Steiner has done a fine job.
''Haha........Master decided on the design. I just followed the design.

　Elitia's armor should have covered her back normally as well, but only the part of her back where she used the 'translucent wings' was visible - I was surprised because I didn't expect that to be the case, but that kind of clothing is common, so it should be fine. It's strange that she didn't notice it, but she seemed to be nervous when she was equipping it.


Well, well you'll just have to use it when you're ready.

　I cringed a little as Melissa, whose expression was always the same, smiled at the knife. Is liking knives a problematic preference - as long as the use is not a dangerous one? It's a bit of a difficult question for me.

'Well, now that you've changed into your new gear, let's get going.
''Big brother, since Zion is off today, aren't you short on vanguard?''
I asked Seraphina to come with me yesterday, so I'll pick her up.

　Sion was wounded by the 'Ice Statue' attack, so even though he's fully recovered, I made it a rest day just in case. Madoka is also in her quarters, and I have asked her to negotiate with the building materials shop to take back the materials from 'Decapitation' that can't be used for equipment, but I'm asking her to do the rest on her own. I'm sure there's no problem trusting her judgment.

　I've told Serafina-san of my intention to challenge the "Treasure Palace" and she has agreed to accompany me. I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world.

''Well then, shall we visit your quarters at noon?''
''After that, I'm going to go back to the shop in Ward 8 to check on the situation. If you need anything else, call me and I'll come right over.''

　Celes and the others must be worried about the workshop soon. For them, 'home' is still that place in the eighth district.

　It's time for us to have a base of operations, not just a temporary lodging, but a base where we can put down roots--until we feel that now is the right time, we'll take on the search in front of us.