"...Mr. Kuserka, Mr. Khosrow.

　A silver-haired woman in black armor. And her assistant, a man wearing an eye patch. Why did these two men go to this place--''

''I'm sorry that I couldn't participate in the competition. Since the two men from Atobe-dono's party were about to follow us into the labyrinth, we had to accompany them here.
'Apparently, you've been dealing with some nastier demons than I imagined. You guys may know this, but there are several types of 'named' demons. I'm sure you're aware of the fact that there are two types of named demons: the one called the "black star" and the one like this one, which is called the "sky star".
The 'sky star'...?

　I couldn't take a closer look at the license during the battle - when I looked at it again, the star indicating that it was named 'Pity Phantom Winged Butterfly' was a 'Star'.

''It is said that being named 'Sky Star' gives the explorer a special qualification for defeating it itself. It may not be immediately clear how it will affect them, but it shouldn't be a bad thing.
''So.........is that so? We defeated that demon in order to bring back the searcher named Shirone who went down to this layer alone.
Yeah the guild saber is supposed to interrogate the guy with the karma raised. We'll have to take custody of that explorer called Shirone, but...

　What Sirone did to the Four Seasons must be atoned for. I and my friends were of the same opinion about that.

''When Syrone wakes up, can I ask her to give me this weapon? We recovered the one she dropped in the middle of the labyrinth.
I'm sorry to hear that, but we can't take care of him. As of now, Sirone's custody is under compulsory detention for exceeding the stipulated karma. We'll take care of the items you're wearing now, but if you want to return the items found by Atobe's party, you'll need to negotiate directly with them. It may be a bit of a stretch, but there is no provision for the obligation to return a detainee's equipment.

　The equipment of a searcher whose karma has been raised is not a crime to take with you - a system that could be abused, but since it is not easy to intentionally raise the karma of others, it's more of a way to remove power from the person whose karma has been raised It's a rule.

"...Khosrow, if you insist, Lord Atobe, there is no problem in keeping it,
'No, if that's the case, we have it. And since it was stolen by a demon, it can't be used as is.
"Whoa, they're covered in mucus.......were they those guys from the second level?　For that, why didn't you set us up for it?

　When I showed him Syrone's weapon, Mr. Khosrow made a face as if he was bemused. The mucus of the 'Slow Salamander' seems to be difficult for him, even though he could be said to be a strong fighter of the past.

''I have breath. I might as well give him some medicine since he's losing his strength.

　Melissa looks at the situation, trying not to touch the threads wrapped around Sirone's body. Suzuna looked at me as if asking for permission, and I nodded - when Suzuna dribbled the potion into her mouth, Silone, who didn't respond at first, eventually quivered on her lips and swallowed the liquid in her mouth.

'I have received a report from Lieutenant Seraphina as to how it happened. Lord Atobe was in an adversarial relationship, so to speak, with Lord Shirone. Nevertheless, you made these choices.
''Yes, sir. Syrone has put our close party in a tight spot. That's not something I can forgive, but I couldn't leave her alone after seeing her head to the back of the labyrinth on her own. I can't deny it when people say I'm being naive.

　Mr. Khosrow scratches his cheek a little awkwardly. I wonder how he will perceive our actions - such worries were unfounded.

''Normally, it wouldn't be surprising if we abandoned them. No, it's not the same as abandoning them, but... you have to be a pretty dumbass to be worried about the life of someone who's turned against you.
'Well I agree with you myself. If you're a leader, you should be putting the safety of your people above all else.
'But I'm following you because that's the kind of leader you are. I have feelings for you, Sirone, but you'll have to make amends for that other than the fact that your life is in danger.

　Everyone nodded at Igarashi-san's words. I don't think I should take too much advantage of their generosity, but it always saves me when everyone laughs at me.

''........This thread is material. Can I peel it off?　'Blade-Zangshi' reinforced the 'Steel Knife' so it can cut cleanly.
Yeah, that's fine with me, but if your equipment is damaged, you can wrap it up in this one.
Wow, an uncle's coat is a bit of a mixed bag... oh, it's nothing.
I know you're trying to tell me I stink like an old man, but unfortunately, I'm a neat freak.

　Hoslow-san was not offended by Misaki's flippant remarks, but he smiled bitterly as he was still too young to be called 'uncle'.

''Well my Third Lieutenant, it's time to get down to business.
'Yes, sir. I am sorry, Mr. Atobe, after the terrible battle. I have come to discuss with you directly.
''Although I wasn't able to help you in your fight against that big butterfly, I've had a good look at Atobe-kun's party's abilities. He was first in the pecking order in the seventh district, and I don't think he will stagnate so much when he goes to the sixth district.

　--Here, you're coming. I could guess what was going to be said in the course of the conversation.

　With the title of 'Encouraged Explorers', we are now in a position where we can be asked to cooperate with guild savers.

　Our destination for that request is two wards above our current one - that includes the wards that Elitia was in.

''Currently, the Stampede's threat level is increasing in the labyrinth of the fifth ward. This is due to a certain type of demon that has increased its population beyond the guild's expectations.
We're not in town yet, but we'll be over the barricades tomorrow. I don't need help from the higher wards but I'm going to need you guys, who are the strongest in the Seventh Ward, to help me out as well. Of course, you can say no, so why don't you spend the night thinking about it?

　You can go up to the sixth ward, and you can go to the fifth ward - but that means that the demons will also be greatly strengthened.

　It's a risk. But in order to help Elitia's friends as soon as possible, this request is an opportunity we can't afford to miss.

'We will be heading for the Fifth Ward early tomorrow morning. If you are willing to comply with the request, please come to the Guild Saber Headquarters where we met last time.
All right. I'll discuss it with my colleagues and decide what to do.
''That's good. If you achieve results in the fifth district, you may not need to steadily attack the sixth district... but even if you have the ability to defeat enemies above your level, that doesn't mean you're 'safe'. The secret to longevity is to gradually increase the strength of the demons you are dealing with.
''Khosrow, it would be rude to advise them on such things. They are the fastest people to ever pass through the beginner's section of the labyrinth country.

　The fastest of all time - I don't really feel it, but looking back, I'm having a dense day.

''That's why I also think we should preserve it. But I'm not naive enough to grow up in a greenhouse and be strong, that's what labyrinth countries are for.
"...I think I know that, too. 'All of us' moving on, and that's what I value most.

　Mr. Cuselka didn't say anything, just nodded back. Then, after removing the thread, Khosrow-san finished removing the thread and carrying the cloaked Silone with ease.

I'll have a courier bring in the winged butterflies. I've managed to send the antennae to the storeroom.
Oh, please, Melissa, I'm sorry.
'When Madoka isn't around, I'll take her place. She's working hard out there, so I'll do my best.

　Melissa always seems to be unassuming, but little by little we are beginning to see the thicker side of her friendship and the heat she keeps inside.

　Elitia has been looking down ever since she heard Kuserka's approach. She finally looked up as Suzuna called out to her.

''Elitia, we'll figure out what to do in the future when we return to our quarters.
"...yeah. I'm sorry, I'm all about myself...
'That's not true. Mr. Ellie has the best of intentions....

　We're almost there. But the truth is, we have to go up from the sixth ward in order and become stronger - because it is the 'named' of the fifth ward that is capturing Elitia's friends.

　However, just as we are now being called upon to prepare for the Stampede, it is recognized that our abilities can be used against the demons of the Fifth Ward.

　We'll confirm everyone's intentions and then decide whether or not to go to the Fifth District. It's all about that.

　After the extremely low temperature created by Snow receded, the blue butterfly began to fly again. But now that the 'Phantom Winged Butterfly' was defeated, they were not even judged to be demons.

　Theresia reached out her hand in the air. It's the only thing that can make you feel better about yourself.

　What did the "Phantom Winged Butterfly of Pity" pity? Why was it using a white thread to capture the explorer and keep him in a different space?

　If it was the voice of the Winged Butterfly, it was trying to reincarnate the guilty seeker. If that's how Theresa had also become a subhuman--''

''..........''
Hmm........this.......

　What Theresia brought was something like a 'blue butterfly' trapped inside a clear stone - like a fossilized amber.

''Well you've found it. It's a beautiful stone.''
..........

　Teresia nodded persistently. It's not that I don't like the idea of having a good time, but the fact that I'm not going to be able to get a good deal more than I'd like to.

　The current situation◆
　Acquired one "Amber of the Blue Butterfly".