44 - Mind
Late on the second day.
We are taking a break in the plaza of the twenty-ninth floor, having wiped out the surrounding monsters.
Checking the reactions underground, a large reaction could be confirmed.
The boss has respawned. I thought the adventurers active in the labyrinth would move to subjugate it, but it seems they are only withdrawing and not even glancing at it.
Being tired from the combat, we decided to subjugate the boss tomorrow.
Activating my skill and checking the surroundings, a part of the labyrinth has begun to move.
Since I could hear the sound of metal from afar, one of the passages must have shifted.
"To be on the thirtieth floor underground by the second day... I really made the right choice in asking you."
Damian says this while drinking water he took out of the seventh generation's skill, [Box].
Because we can move around in light gear, our movement speed was faster than that of the surrounding adventurers.
At the same time, I am using the fourth generation's skill to increase movement speed.
"My movement speed increased several times along the way, but that was your skill too, right? Please tell me before you use it. It seems it had an effect on my dolls as well, and there's a strange feeling when I move them."
"I am sorry about that."
Damian is sharp sometimes.
Unlike when he is fighting with Aria, he seemed to be analyzing me calmly now.
However, even if he is interested, the priority is low, so he doesn't ask in great detail.
(It had an effect on the dolls too. Movement speed certainly increased, but... if that's the case, this skill is also extraordinary.)
I don't know the principle behind it, but it is a fact that it is useful.
For now, the only one I haven't used is the third generation's skill, [Mind].
In a sense, this is the most anomalous skill of all.
It is a skill that acts upon the mind; if misused, it would become a major problem.
(Perhaps the reason they didn't tell me was that they intended to determine what kind of person I am?)
As a skill, it is dangerous, but using it is relatively simple.
And regarding the specifications of the second stage of this skill, the third generation still hasn't given permission. Even though I possess the ability to use it.
Damian, seeing me lost in thought, calls out to me.
"What's wrong? As for tomorrow's plan, you've already thought it through by looking at the guild's materials, right?"
"Well, that's true. But it's a fact that I'm nervous. It'll be my first time fighting one. It's not like I specialize in this."
There are adventurers who specialize in subjugating respawned bosses.
They possess specialized equipment, and it seems that defeating a boss is practically just a routine task for them.
However, such adventurers were often useless in other types of work.
Our all-rounder party struggles in these instances, but our strength is that we can fight in most situations.
Though—.
'Why are you being so timid? You should be able to win easily against a boss of the next floor.'
The second generation lets out an exasperated voice.
That's right.
The first generation's skill [Full Burst], which is my current trump card, temporarily doubles my own abilities.
It is a skill that exhibits explosive power, but to use it, I need to save up magic power bit by bit on a regular basis.
With my current state, I need to leave a gap of two to three days between uses. However, if I wait that long, I can temporarily increase my abilities by two to three times.
Since I haven't used Full Burst before coming here, right now I could probably draw out two or three, or even five times the ability.
"Was that the weakness of the all-rounder type? But as an all-rounder party capable of responding to any situation, you are excellent. I could even say you're too excellent."
I felt something catch in Damian's words.
But I have an early start tomorrow. I wanted to rest slowly.
"Do you think so? I haven't noticed it myself. I'm sleepy, so I'm going to bed. I'll have my meal later."
"...I see. Then, good night."
After parting with Damian and wrapping myself in a sleeping bag I took out of the Box, I asked Novem to wake me when the time came and fell asleep.
'Hey!'
"...What is it, third generation?"
Just when I thought I had fallen asleep, I was in the conference room inside the jewel.
It seems the third generation summoned me.
'Don't make such a scary face. I thought I'd teach the completely stagnant Riel how to woo Miranda-chan.'
I dislike the phrasing "woo," but in reality, I hadn't been able to find an opening.
I can tell if I use the skill.
She is displayed in yellow, a state of not being an enemy but not being an ally, and occasionally turns red instability.
Shannon shouldn't be here, yet Miranda-san seemed absent-minded.
'The sixth generation is restless. I want to do something about it too, so I thought I'd specially teach you how to use the skill. Although everyone else says it's a bad idea.'
"Well, I have some reservations about methods that interfere with the mind."
When I said that, the third generation grinned.
'Is it wrong to interfere with the mind using a skill? Even without skills, humans can manipulate others to their will, can't they?'
Hearing that, I thought, (This guy is sinister!), so I can't be the bad one here.
The third generation continued the explanation.
'You don't need a skill to manipulate people. What you need is technique and a few little tricks. Thinking about it that way, you could say humans are interfering with others' minds all the time. Why does it matter if a skill was used? The problem is how you use it.'
"How am I supposed to use it? If I interfere and tell her to become an ally clumsily, the sixth generation will be furious. They're probably overlapping Mireia-san onto Miranda-san."
The sixth generation's obsession with Miranda-san is truly incredible.
They are trying to free her from Shannon's grasp, even if it means making me take risks.
That is likely proof that they believe it can be done.
'People's minds become unstable when they are tired. Right now, in an unfamiliar environment, Miranda-chan might not have her usual resistance. That's why... Shannon-chan's influence might be showing.'
It's true that until the beginning, Miranda-san was more composed than she is now.
The more we dive into the labyrinth, the more she seems to be becoming unstable; perhaps the third generation's opinion is correct.
It's strange that she didn't receive much interference while living in the same mansion until now.
"Shannon is dangerous."
'Is she?'
"Eh?"
I am surprised by the third generation's words.
After everything she's done, he doesn't seem to think Shannon is dangerous.
'The current situation is because Miranda-chan is mentally unstable in an unfamiliar environment, right? I wonder how it would be in a normal life? Miranda-chan might have been surprisingly fine.'
"...Um, does that mean we did something unnecessary?"
Because the fifth and sixth generations were abnormally wary, did we make a huge mistake?
I began to think so.
'The fifth and sixth generations are probably seeing Mireia-chan in her. Since Mireia-chan was that amazing, they're probably thinking the same for Shannon-chan, right?'
I couldn't think of her as a threat.
I have seen Celes up close, but I didn't feel anything from Shannon like I did from Celes.
Rather—.
'They said Miranda-chan resembles Mireia-chan... but the one who's truly scary might be Miranda-chan.'
Yes.
I felt that Miranda-san, who is bright and considerate of those around her, possessed something.
It is something that attracts people.
It was different from the fear I felt with Celes.
'And such a Miranda-chan is unstable... I think that's more dangerous. That's why I'll teach you how to use the skill. If you apply it, your harem will increase explosively in no time, Riel.'
My cheek twitched at the third generation, who told me this with a smile.
Even though I know he's not seriously thinking about such things, he sure can say it.
While playing along with the third generation's jokes, I listened to the method of using the skill—the application.
When I woke up—.
I immediately rolled over while still in my sleeping bag and moved from the spot.
Around me, Damian and Aria were fast asleep, perhaps terribly exhausted. Looking, Novem was also asleep.
Clara was also collapsed on the floor, sleeping.
Novem and Clara were supposed to be the first watch.
The second generation says.
'This woman has gone and played a trick!'
Because I intended to eat after I slept, I hadn't touched my meal.
I was lucky. She probably mixed a sleeping drug into the food.
The sixth generation's voice could be heard from the jewel.
'Was she being manipulated? But why at this timing—'
The fifth generation stopped the sixth.
'Riel's life is the priority right now. Switch gears.'
I jumped out of the sleeping bag and looked at the place where I had been.
Miranda-san was slamming the mace I had been holding into the ground with all her might.
That strength was not that of the woman she had shown since entering the labyrinth.
"What do you intend to do by doing this?"
I look at Miranda-san, who slowly stood up.
The usual bright smile was not there.
Instead, with eyes devoid of highlights, she was staring at me and muttering.
"Shannon's enemy is my enemy. Those who hinder Shannon will be eliminated. Shannon's enemy is—"
She must have taken and used my weapon too.
If I hadn't been called into the jewel by the third generation, I might have been in a more dangerous state.
"Can you hear me, Miranda-san?"
Miranda-san leaps at me.
Seeing a movement as if she specialized in melee combat as a vanguard, I jumped backward.
However, she threw the mace at me.
When I dodged, the mace hit the wall and the metallic sound echoed through the room.
In her hand, a dagger, her spare weapon, was gripped.
The light from the lamp using the camping magic stone dimly illuminated the room.
"Riel... you got in that girl's way..."
Stepping forward, Miranda-san moved to my side in an instant.
"Fast!"
I immediately crouched to avoid the thrusting dagger, but this time her leg was closing in on me.
For a moment.
I recalled the scene of being kicked away by Celes.
I immediately grabbed her leg and forcibly threw her away, but the moment she collided with the wall, she recovered her posture and kicked off the wall to land cleanly.
The seventh generation, who was watching the scene, says.
'That's not the movement of a rear guard. No, perhaps she can do both.'
Seeing Miranda-san's true ability, I realized she had been hiding it until now.
It's probably not that she hid it because Shannon told her to.
She might have hidden it of her own will.
The fifth generation mentions Mireia-san's name.
'It seems this girl was the troublesome existence, like Mireia. Honestly, my eyes aren't all that great.'
The fifth generation mutters regretfully.
The sixth generation did not speak.
Since the surrounding monsters were defeated, there was no worry of interference.
However, since my allies were asleep, there was no help.
Miranda-san immediately noticed my gaze and moved between me and Novem and the others.
Holding the dagger and lowering her hips, Miranda-san didn't look like someone who had learned to fight in a day or two.
"Do kids these days learn things like that too? Well, Novem was kind of like that too."
As I gave a wry smile, Miranda-san's eyebrow twitched in response.
"...Could it be that you actually have consciousness?"
I couldn't believe that someone this strong had become unable to resist Shannon's interference simply because she was tired from previous battles.
Her cheek curled up, and her mouth formed a crescent shape.
Her beautiful teeth looked white in the dark room, which was eerie.
"...Everyone is so noisy. The amiable me is tired and sleeping. I'm grateful to that brat. I finally got to come to the surface."
Miranda-san, who began to laugh with a "ki-hi-hi" sound, was different from her usual atmosphere.
Pulling out another dagger, she held them in both hands.
It was a dual-wielding style.
"This one, she's really good at playing the good girl. I mean, she even deceives herself to play the good girl."
Licking the blade of the dagger with her tongue, Miranda-san looked at me with eyes dwelling in madness.
She looked very much like she was enjoying herself.
"Enduring it, and then crying secretly alone. It really makes me sick... but you see, that's where that brat did something unnecessary!"
I took the knife I had hidden in my waist belt and blocked Miranda-san's dagger.
Sparks flew.
I had kept it hidden when the yellow reaction appeared, thinking this might happen.
"As I thought, you're my kind... It makes me want to carve that 'I knew it' look into your face."
As she said that with an entranced expression, I kicked her.
However, she launched a kick in the same way and used that momentum to fly backward.
She was just like a cat.
"That brat touched the gap in my heart, and I was born! That brat doesn't understand what she's done, so it's the best!! I was thinking that once the surface me wore out her spirit and disappeared, I'd carve her up first."
Starting to run, she used feints to try and confuse me.
However, since the second generation's skill accurately conveyed her position, I blocked the attacks with the knife I held.
"But... the one I want to carve up first right now is... Y-O-U! Riel-kun!!"
Miranda-san—no, she—launched a series of slashes, attacking me with a variety of moves.
Thinking it would have been easier if I had brought out my saber, I questioned her.
"Why me?"
"Why? I wonder why... I don't know!!"
It felt like she knew but was hiding it.
The current her seemed to be enjoying the battle.
She found pleasure in killing me and wasn't trying to take the sleeping Novem and others as hostages.
Only—.
(Her ability is beyond my imagination!!)
They said she resembled Mireia-san, but was Mireia-san also this strong?
While thinking such things, I kicked away one of her daggers.
"Aha! Isn't this the best! To think you can't even push through with this one's physical abilities, you're really interesting."
"Thanks for that."
While exchanging light banter, I lightly touched the jewel.
The third generation says.
'Isn't it fine?'
I seemed to understand what he wanted to say.
As for me, I wasn't keen on it.
"Why me first? What's the reason you didn't target Novem and the others?"
Miranda-san answered while spinning the dagger with her fingertip.
"Because you were the one who woke me up. When you asked if I had consciousness, this one got flustered."
Grinning, she exposed Miranda-san's inner thoughts.
"You know? This one fell in love with you at first sight! She had a faint hope that this person might understand her! Funny, right? Even though she's never laughed in her heart."
She, who was amiable and relied upon by everyone, apparently harbored worries as well.
"T-h-a-t's... why I thought I'd carve you up first and break that girl's heart. Because I'm bored of being locked up already."
I was moving slowly, measuring the distance between her and me.
She was laughing, but she intended to leap at me the moment I showed an opening.
She seemed to understand that I couldn't attack Miranda-san's body.
"The one who tried to kill you first... was the surface me. Isn't that right? Because it was her will to deliver the finishing blow before I came out. Manipulated by that brat, though. But you know... the surface me was also serious, just a little. Because it's frustrating to be shown that."
Her gaze shifted to Novem.
When I increased my vigilance, she began to laugh.
"It's okay. I don't cheat... but Riel-kun, you've made moves on Novem, Aria, and even Clara over there; you're a terrible man."
"Too bad. I've never even kissed anyone. I'm shy."
"Oh, what a shame... I should have had the surface me speak to you before killing you."
At that, I denied it.
"Novem is here, so could you stop? I'm serious."
"...I see. As I thought. Even though we're the same, the surface me isn't understood."
Her statement bothered me, but I immediately leaped at her.
The preparations were finished.
"Oh, suddenly showing motivation—!!"
Her face distorted. With a pained expression, she glared at me.
Against me as I leaped, she thrust out her dagger.
I grabbed the fist holding the thrusting dagger with my palm.
Between my index and middle fingers, the blade of the dagger had thinly cut through the glove.
"What did you do... what did you do!!"
As I grabbed her left hand with my right, I took a kick from the struggling woman.
It was not a girl's kick.
Enduring the pain, I explained with a composed expression.
"Skills that interfere with the mind... also exist in support-type skills. Did I say even once that I couldn't use those?"
"You piece of trash!!"
The jewel emitted a blue light, forcibly sealing her away and calling out Miranda-san.
"How do you feel?"
As I released both arms, she collapsed to her knees and let go of the dagger.
The metallic sound echoed through the room, but no one woke up.
"...This is the worst."
She looked down, so her expression was not visible.
I used the skill [Mind] as it was.
I called out to the depths of her heart and forcibly dragged it out. She, who had begun to chatter her true feelings, had also been interfered with by the Mind skill.
(It's a good thing she just came out. Or rather, that was dangerous.)
"...You knew, didn't you? About Shannon."
When I asked, she opened her mouth.
"You heard it. I know. I knew that girl was interfering, and I pretended not to know. Because... I am Shannon's older sister."
I recalled what Aria had said.
Aria was the one who worried about her, who always did things to her own detriment.
"Everyone has parts they don't want to show."
When I said that, Miranda-san began to laugh.
"You say that easily. But actually being seen, I can't stand it. I was shown my own abnormal self."
I let out a sigh and used Mind.
The sixth generation raised their voice.
'S-stop, Riel!'
However, the third generation stopped them.
'It's fine, it's fine. Go ahead and do it. She said she was created by Shannon-chan, but that's also her true self. If it's going to accumulate and explode someday, it's better to acknowledge it now.'
The third generation just said it in his usual light tone.
(As if it's someone else's problem.)
"Whether you refuse or not, the fact doesn't change. That is also one side of you. From now on, I will treat that area with my skill."
Bringing things that had separated back into one—.
I made her firmly recognize the dark emotions she had discarded.
"............I'm ugly."
"Rest assured. There are people even uglier (like your younger sister Celes)."
Miranda-san slowly raised her face.
Disheveled hair was clinging to her face.
And from between the hair, eyes devoid of highlights were looking at me.
"I don't know what will happen. I've kept it pushed down for so long."
"It came to the surface eventually. When that happens, it'll be a catastrophe. So, please acknowledge it from now on. The other Miranda-san should protect her."
"Protect?"
She must have treated the pushed-down emotions as bad things.
But in my opinion, that is also human.
The self that was frustrated, sad, and wanted someone to notice... it's embarrassing, but that was also a part of me.
No, it was the majority.
But I have worked hard using that frustration as fuel.
—Not that it was rewarded, though.
"If you're constantly rejected, it's only natural for it to warp that much."
As I touched Miranda-san's shoulder with my right hand, the jewel began to glow.
"...That's true, I suppose."
"Besides, I will accept you."
No matter what kind of Miranda-san she is, I will accept that as Miranda-san.
Those were the words I said with that intention.
But—.
"Eh, what did you just..."
She glowed blue and then collapsed sideways.
She must have been mentally exhausted.
I was also a bit tired from using the skill.
"And we have tomorrow... sigh, I'll sleep."
I wanted to think that this had progressed the countermeasures against Shannon a bit.
The sixth generation muttered.
'Did I... not understand?'
—The time for the watch rotation.
Novem slowly stood up from where she had been sitting.
Around her, Damian, Clara, and Aria were sleeping due to the sleeping drug...
Additionally, Miranda and Riel were also asleep.
"...I heard they were related to medical arts, but the amount of drug was appropriate. With this, everyone should wake up tomorrow."
She was on duty with Clara, but Novem decided to let her sleep.
She covered Clara with a blanket.
Novem, holding her staff, headed toward Miranda.
Hair was clinging to her face with sweat.
She looked terribly exhausted.
Novem, gripping her staff, relaxed her hand when Riel, who was lying next to Miranda, moved.
As she let go of the staff, she stared at her palm.
"Why did I have such a reaction? That aside, waking them up now is also..."
Riel was also fast asleep, perhaps exhausted.
Seeing that expression, Novem smiled.
Then, she tried touching his face with her hand.
Tilting her head, she decided to continue the watch.
"They seem tired from the previous battle, so I'll keep watch here."
During the previous battle.
Novem had not been asleep—.
Everyone woke up around the time the departure time had slightly passed.
"I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."
"It's fine now."
Novem gave a wry smile.
Seeing Clara, who continued to apologize to Novem after waking up, I couldn't even scold her.
Because I also slept and overslept my watch.
When I asked Novem why she didn't wake me, she only replied that I seemed tired.
It was hard to blame her more from my position as someone who had been sleeping.
"Haha, I was out cold. Yeah, I feel like I drank a sleeping drug!"
Damian, laughing loudly, seemed to feel great because he had slept soundly for the first time in a while.
I wanted to press him on what kind of life he was leading, but since the explanation seemed like it would be a hassle, I decided to stop.
Aria was also eating her meal quietly with an awkward feeling.
Miranda-san was—.
"I'm sorry, Novem-chan!"
—Bright and energetic.
It was as if yesterday's events were a lie, but the third generation said.
'It's easier once you just accept it, actually.'
The fifth generation seemed to wonder about that upon hearing it.
'...If one can do that, then yes. No, maybe I was just accepting it too...'
He seemed to have some thoughts on the matter.
The second generation—.
'She's more energetic than before. That's good. With this, she'll probably help with Shannon's reformation.'
The fourth generation agreed.
'A truly wonderful smile. She seems like she'd help... but knowing that such emotions sleep behind that smile, girls really are scary.'
Since it was filled with conviction, I couldn't think of any words to say to him.
(Thinking about that, Novem is perfect.)
I felt like bragging to the fourth generation a little.
The seventh generation was the same as always.
'Well, now we can focus solely on Damian's request.'
The sixth generation was listless.
'...I suppose so.'
Since we couldn't stay like this forever, I finished my meal and began cleaning up.
"Honestly, Clara, that's enough."
"No. A support like me must work hard at times like this."
Since she said it with a more brisk feeling than usual, it was probably her own way of dedicating herself to the work.
I said, "O-oh," and returned to cleaning.
Then, when I passed by Miranda-san—.
"Thank you for yesterday, and... I look forward to working with you from now on, Ra-i-el-kun."
For just a moment, Miranda-san wore that smile—the one from that time.
The chamber of the thirtieth floor boss.
An ogre carrying a cylinder with a large hollow was standing before my eyes.
"It's like a cannon. Even so, there are many monsters here with troublesome things."
Having made everyone step back, I am facing the ogre alone.
"Are you really going to be okay~"
Damian waited in the rear, though he was doubtful.
Thinking he was being looked down upon, the ogre swung up the cylinder he was carrying.
I grip the jewel.
"...[Full Burst]."
As I muttered, the silver metal that was the jewel's decoration swelled, placing a greatsword in my right hand.
It resembles the greatsword the first generation used, but it is gradually changing into a shape that is easier for me to handle.
"Sorry, but I don't have time. I'll end this in one blow."
Holding the greatsword in both hands, I entered a posture to swing it horizontally from the hip.
Matching the downward swing of the metal cylinder, I also swung the greatsword.
A shockwave occurred, blowing the ogre away to the wall of the boss chamber.
I sliced through the metal belly-band, gauntlets, and the cylinder itself, blowing him to the wall.
The bisected cylinder split in two and fell to the ground.
I deactivate the skill.
"...This, conversely, is tough unless I finish it in one blow."
As I returned the greatsword to its original form, I worried again, considering the lost magic power.
I might not be able to master the jewel unless I grow at least one more time.
My companions, who had been watching my fight, gathered around.
"As expected, Riel-sama."
Novem praises me as usual.
Aria—.
"Can't you use that more frequently?"
"...If I could, I would, right? That's how it is."
To a cold response, I respond coldly.
Well, it's an exchange that's possible because we're companions.
Clara was looking at my jewel with a serious expression.
"It's a rare metal. And a very expensive one at that."
Miranda-san was clapping with a smile.
However, it wasn't just bright as usual.
She was more approachable than before.
"With this, the professor's request is also achieved. Now, professor, please teach Riel-kun magic."
According to the promise with Damian, I was to be taught magic if I broke through the thirtieth floor.
However, Damian looks at me and says.
"I'll keep the promise because it's a promise. By the way, can I say one thing?"
"What?"
Damian, looking at me seriously, says.
"You'll end up ruined if you stay as you are. Well, it's none of my business, though."
Being told that, I couldn't talk back.
I wonder why?
And the second generation also agrees.
'...Probably.'
Damian's request had been progressing smoothly, but it seems I have faced a new problem again.