The entrance to the second level was marked by a huge rock. It was a primitive shrine-like artifact built from huge rocks - and once you walked through it, the scene around you changed completely.

　It would have been two hours from the entrance of the labyrinth to this point - we hardly saw any other searchers. It must be a labyrinth that is usually almost abandoned because the number of demons appearing in it is low and stampede is hard to occur.

　--But as soon as we entered the second level, we noticed something strange.

''Is this........a lump of mud with an arm on it?''
"....looks like it has a face. They're pouring water on the mud doll demon ... softening it up and knocking it down.

　Igarashi-san and Melissa examine the demon that was left fallen and abandoned - Theresia hasn't responded to anything, so there's no danger unless it's a trap that can't be detected by 'Trap Detection 1'.

　There is no change in the terrain, with large puddles of water in places. What did change was that there was an unnaturally sheer wall of some sort that blocked the view.

　This kind of terrain was not that surprising since we saw it in "The Beach of the Falling Sun". What is more worrisome is that none of the demons that were defeated have been recovered by the 'couriers'.

''Water-using skills.......Ryoko and the others were fighting here a few hours ago.......''
...This is.........

　There are traces in the forehead of the mud doll, as if something had been fitted in it.

　A little further on, I can also find a toppled mud doll - there is also a hole in its forehead that looks like something as big as a magic stone could go in there as well.

(I only collected the magic stone and proceeded........is that what happened.......)

　There is a gap between them, but they are taking down the mud dolls they found in turn. What does this mean - and is there a demon that all individuals have a magic stone?

　What is it that they are collecting? What is the purpose of collecting them - did you just collect them by accident?

''..........Aricht........hmm, I heard something......''

　--Let go of me and let me go........give me back.......!

Anna-chan.........?
Huh...!

　Igarashi-san raises her voice - Theresa starts to run and they all follow.

　There's no longer time to think about it. If we don't get there as quickly as possible - the voices sounded like they were reverberating through the entire area from the other side, of the towering rock wall in front of us.

　Even as we ran, we saw a number of mud dolls - I'm sure they were level 5 or 6 demons, but there were a few that were defeated in an alien way, mixed in with what appeared to be the 'Four Seasons' working together to defeat them.

　The wreckage was shredded by a blade. If the 'Four Seasons' had only dealt just enough blows to bring it down, the wreckage clearly looked like it had been hit with an overwhelming amount of power.

　An attack power that is incomparable to the explorers of the Seventh Ward we've seen -- there's only one person I can think of who has it.

　--Think about it before the next time we meet.

　--If you change your mind, you can always come see me.



Anna!

　I went around at full speed behind the wall that was blocking my view.

　There was - with Anna, cornered against the wall, clutching her racket with both hands.

　There was a huge mud doll there, so huge that you could look up and see her raising her fist.

'Anna, don't run!'

　Elitia uses 'Sonic Raid' to accelerate - and then tries to unleash a big move without question.

''--Don't........don't attack, guys.......!
Huh...!

　At Anna's shrill cry, I finally realized.

　◆The Demon I Encountered◆
　Three-sided cursed mud giant level 9 water absorption lightning absorption in battle Drop: ?

　Current Situation
　The Three-Faced Cursed Mud Giant binds Maple, Ibuki and Ryoko.
　Elitia" stops activating "Rising Zapper".
　Aricht activates 'Support and Defense 1' → Target: 'Elitia'
　The attack of the three-sided cursed mud giant hits Elitia.


d*mn it...!

　--when we realized what Anna meant by "return", all we could think of was that we wouldn't attack the three restrained men. Elitia gets hit by the giant's fist -- but she does a somersault in the air and lands, immediately holding her sword up.

''........I didn't know there was a demon of such a bad nature.......''

　A mud giant, composed of something similar to the mud dolls we've seen so far. Embedded in its chest are a maple, ibuki and Ryoko-san - the mud is raised in the shape of the body, but only the face is out.

''Ugh ... ah ...''
Anna... everyone run...
Maples, Ibuki... and you guys... you'll be able to help us...

　Anger urges up - I can't help but scream, but screaming in a rage won't help the three of them.

(-- If I strike a blow without hurting the three of them... where is his weakness...!

　Current Situation
　Arihito activates Eye of the Hawk →Defeats the weakness of the three-sided cursed mud giant.

　The head of the mud giant - there is no distinct head, but there is a raised area - where three strange masks of different colors and expressions are embedded.

　The light blue and yellow masks are luminous - only the red mask is not glowing.

　I glanced at the license and guessed what the colors meant.

(The light blue is labeled as water and the yellow is labeled as lightning - both of which are disabled.

Theresa, that red mask...!

　Attack the red mask with the flaming 'Azure Slash'. Activate "Support Control 1" to aim accurately - and repeat 1 or 2 of "Support Attack".

　After it succeeds, you will decide whether to chase or defend based on the enemy's reaction.

　Trying to give instructions up to that point, I - I couldn't put it into words until the end.

''--Thanks for coming up here. But hey, we're out of here.
White.

　Where was he lurking - was he waiting for this moment?

　No, no. Longer than that, Sirone's plotting had begun long ago.

　The current situation
　The condition of the Magic Marking is fulfilled when Shirohane touches Arihito.
　Shirone's scroll effect is limited to Alihit.
　Shirone uses the Scroll of the Return → Alihito transfers

　Anna, everyone at the party, looks back at me - and their eyes widen.

　Irresistibly, the world in front of me is distant. And a moment later, I'm looking once more at the scene I saw two hours ago at the entrance to the Plateau of Primary Colors.

　I check the license. The information written there indicated that Syrone had used her skills to separate me from the party and transfer me alone.

　I start running - I can't afford to spend even a little time thinking about it.

　A level 9 'named' that had exceptional strength in the Seventh Ward - the 'Merciless Funeral Manger'. If a 'Named' with the same level appeared, this labyrinth would have been considered more dangerous.

　Perhaps Silone had information on the 'named' in this labyrinth. I don't know if it was obtained when I attacked it as a member of the 'Byakuya Brigade' or not.

　Knowing that they were related to me and the 'Four Seasons', Shirone led them to the 'Named'. Or maybe he even helped them to fulfill the conditions of their appearance. That it wasn't just about watching, is shown by the mud doll that was destroyed by a force alien to the four of them.

　◆Current Situation ◆.
　Aricht activates "The Boat Jump".

　Choose a way to go as fast as possible and leap continuously, no matter the height difference. If you run out of magic, you use another mana potion - but.

　My body rejects the liquid that tried to pass down my throat. I lose control of my posture and am thrown to the reddish-brown ground, tumbling down the hill.

''Ha............''

　Current Situation
　Monk's Ankh's effect has been activated, which converts physical strength into magical power.

(Already ... you're that worn out. I've got to get back as fast as I can...)

　I start running again. But my legs are heavier as lead than the first time I ran through.

　The "Mudcrawlers" who should have been able to shake it off are blocking the way. If you can't use the 'eight boat jump', you can't jump over them and ignore them.

''--Piggyyyy!

　A squeal calls out to the other individuals. The next thing I know, I'm surrounded by demons, slowly but surely, by demons.

　How did this happen? There's one answer - that I sensed that Shirone had bad intentions, but didn't investigate what happened when she touched me. Perhaps that was a condition for activating the skill of 'Magic Marking'.

　And the other thing. That I said I would fight with the 'Four Seasons' and see you in the Upper Ward again.

　Even if the feeling wasn't false, he shouldn't have said anything that would hurry the girls up.

　-- but more than that. Right now, I just can't help myself, standing still in the mud like this.

''I can't end it........here......!

　If there's a way for me, the "rear guard," to break through after being surrounded by them, the only way is to ask for the help of the "Murakumo".

　If you're running out of magic power, you can turn your strength into magic power. Now that my magic power is exhausted, even if I'm going to cut down my life with every skill I use, I'll--''

"Contractor. If you try to protect your friends, I will fulfill that wish.
"...Ariadne... can you get me to transfer to the others...?
'I can't do that. But I can take you there.

　I will run through this wilderness and return to my friends who are fighting that mud giant. Ariadne says that she will give me a way to make that possible.

''I beg you........to help me. Ariadne.........!
"The unshakable rear guard. "An unshakable rearguard, the faithful guard, whose faith will guide you on the path of light, with silver wheels.

　Current Situation
　Alihit" requests support from "Ariadne".
　Ariadne" summons "Silver Wheel".

"In the name of my God, I will guide the contractor. I am Alphecca incarnate of the silver wheel.
'Arianrhod the silver wheel.........'

　The silver wheels materialize on either side of me. I'm seated in the seat constructed between them - the materialized Alphecca pulls me up.

'Master just sit down. We'll get there in the blink of an eye.'

　Ariadne and Murakumo don't say anything - but they are waiting for my words with Alfeca.

'--run at full speed, Alfeca!
"As you wish.

　Current Situation
　Ariadne converts the faith value of Alihit into magic.
　Alphecca activates Endless Loop → Alphecca's magic consumption stops.
　Alphecca activates the Rose Spike, which absorbs health and magic upon attack.
　Alphecca activates Floating. Ignores obstacles and height difference.

　The Mad Crowlers, who were crawling up to them, jumped at them all at once - but the wheels that began to move did not attract them.



"--piggyyyy!

　Current Situation
　Alphecca's attack → Three Mudcrawlers are hit.
　Rose Spike's effect is activated, and Arihito's strength and magic power are restored.

　The moment the demons were blown away by the wheel reinforced by 'Rose Spike' - the moment I blew away a distance that I had never seen before, I felt my body filled with power.

　My body, which had been unable to accept the mana potion due to my continuous use of it, is filled with magical power. The spirit body driving the wheel next to me looked at me - its expression was almost too transparent to see, but it seemed to confirm my condition and smiled.

'It is my duty to heal the passengers. I will send them off in perfect condition.''
Oh please. That would be really helpful...!

　As he floats up, Alfeca glides through the air and runs along the highs and lows. Although it's not as fast as the instantaneous speed of the 'Sonic Raid', it continues to advance at high speed - much faster than when it moved the first time.

　◆ ◆ ◆

　The mud giants raise their fists and slam down - their reach is long and their range is wide.

　If that's all you have to do, you can just try to avoid it. However, there was a clear reason for not being able to take distance or escape.

''Gulp..........''

　Sion, who had bravely attacked me, was unable to move due to the mud that the mud giants had showered on him, depriving him of his physical freedom - Seraphina had stood around to protect Sion.

''--If you're going to aim at me, let me be.......!

　Current Situation
　The three-sided cursed mud giant activates Mud Fist → Elitia avoids it.
　The three-sided cursed mud giant activates the Mud Cage, which strengthens the restraints on Maples, Ibuki and Ryoko.

　The mud giant crashes his fist into the ground and then tries to take the three of them even deeper with the splattered mud. Each time the three of them are caught, their strength is sucked out of them.

''-- Cowards........let the three of you go.......!

　Current Situation
　Elitia activates Blade Roll and hits the three-sided cursed mud giant.
　The three-sided cursed mud giant activates "Destroy Armor" → The three-sided cursed mud giant destroys damaged armor and restores durability.

(Even if you only scrape off the surface, they'll smear you with mud again and restore your armor... you can't destroy it without hitting a weak point...!

　What Arihito was trying to say - surely the mud giant's weakness is the three masks on the raised part of its head. However, if you aim with the Blossom Blade, you could engulf the three that are captured in the chest area.

　My attacks aren't aimed at one precise spot. It is most effective when Arihito supports me in striking any place and in any way to deliver an effective blow.

　But now that we don't have an arihit, we have to get through it ourselves. Once we show up, Shirone will be watching us for a long time - if we don't survive, we won't be able to make her pay for what she's done.

'Look, Ellie, we'll be back!　If you can't use it, I can use that sword for you!


　You are making such a provocation, knowing that I cannot let go of the cursed sword.



　Current Situation
　The three-sided cursed mud giant activates Mud Fist → Elitia avoids it.
　The three-sided cursed mud giant activates the Muddy Mud Rope, which slows Elitia down.

Shit...........!
"--Haah!

　Current Situation
　Three Cursed Mud Giant activates Mud Fist.
　Seraphina activates Shieldpally → Mud Fist is disabled. The three-sided cursed mud giant temporarily stops acting.
　The cursed three-sided mud giant activates Mud Rain.

d*mn it...!
Seraphina!


　Current Situation
　The Cursed Mud Giant with Three Sides activates the Mud Invitation.
　Teresia activates Axel Dash.
　Theresa activates Double Throw and throws two small darks.
　3-Sided Cursed Mud Giant" is hit by a double-decker for no damage.
　Melissa activates Helmet Cracking → hits the cursed three-sided mud giant for no damage.
　Kyouka activates a double attack and hits the cursed three-sided mud giant for no damage.

　If this is the case, Seraphina will be restrained - the three of them attack to stop it. However, all of their attacks are unable to give an effective hit.

''Wha........!
I can't stop..........
I knew that mask... but how do I get my attack to work?

　If that glowing mask shows the enemy's attribute resistance, then the red mask with the light extinguished - probably fire is the weak point. If Celes was there, I could attack with 'Fire Text'. But that's just something that isn't there.

　An explorer should have as many attributes as possible. But Theresia has a flame attribute attack - even though she's ready, the enemy won't let her easily exploit her weaknesses either.

''........!
Teresiak!

　Current Situation
　The Cursed Mud Giant with Three Sides activates Mud Rain → mud on Theresia.
　Theresa activates Azure Slash and hits the cursed three-sided mud giant for no damage.
　The Cursed Mud Giant with Three Sides activates the Mud Lure → Theresa is bound.

Huh...!

　The mud giant changes its target from Seraphina to Theresa. Grabbed by the giant's hands, Theresia struggles to escape.

　Instead of rescuing the three of them, she was able to capture more of her friends. Even if she could breathe at first, if she used the 'mud cage' on top of each other, she would be completely buried inside the mud giant.

　If I did that - I would let them die. Also, right in front of me, without being able to do anything.


Elitia-san, no!

　I stare at the blade of my sword. If I bathe in blood, that abominable skill will be activated - and I will forget myself.

　If I can defeat the mud giant, so be it. Because even if the attack can't be understood, there should be nothing that the 'Sword of Death' can't defeat.

''I'm sorry.......I was so weak.......''

-Whoosh!

　When I was about to press my fingertips to the blade - I was.

　The voice I had been waiting for all along. I was sure I heard his voice, the one I believed would come.