62 - Targeting the Companions
Twenty-ninth floor...
Miranda checked the daggers and knives hanging from her waist.
She had chosen clothing that was easier to move in than before, which caused the lines of her body to show.
Though it was light gear, there were metal parts like knee guards, but because she prioritized mobility, it couldn't be called heavy equipment.
Even so—
"And, that's it."
She threw the dagger in her right hand at an ogre clad in iron armor, and it pierced its eye.
Aria leaped from the direction where the creature's vision had been stolen.
Now that they had reached the twenty-ninth floor, Aria had begun to make frequent use of her skills.
With more than double the muscle strength and the hardening of her weapon—on top of that, she delivered a powerful blow to the ogre's face.
She pierced its head with her short spear, and once the ogre fell, Aria pulled the spear out and put distance between herself and the surrounding monsters.
Then, the head of an orc attempting to approach Aria was blown away.
It was Riel.
He held his bow, using the limited supply of explosive arrows to whittle down the enemies.
Miranda also threw knives at the monsters that approached her.
Just as an orc with knives pierced in both eyes swung its weapon, she threw a dagger into the orc's neck.
Blood sprayed from the wound, and the struggling orc took its allies down with it.
While that was happening, another explosion occurred, leaving only the orc that had been rampaging while taking out its own allies.
Once it exhausted its strength and collapsed, Aria delivered the finishing blow, ending the fight.
Riel gave the orders.
"Keep guard on the surroundings, and we'll take a short break. Clara, I'm counting on you. Novem, how are you holding up?"
Novem, the mage and the party's main offensive power, was also using magic frequently on the twenty-ninth floor.
Since Riel was conserving her strength for tomorrow, she hadn't participated in this battle.
"I am fine. Perhaps I should participate as well?"
Miranda thought to herself.
I bet. Riel's judgment isn't wrong, but he's underestimating her too much.
Riel, looking thoughtful, spoke.
"...I've found the entrance to the thirtieth floor. We'll prepare for tomorrow. I'll use magic too, but I'll leave the basics to Novem. There's more ahead, so we'll conserve Novem, who also serves as our healer."
Miranda looked toward the rear of the party, where they were on guard.
If we weren't being followed, Novem could have participated and we could have finished this more easily.
It had been a few days since her younger sister, Shannon, warned her that there was a party stalking them.
Having entered the labyrinth on the seventh day, they had made it this far at a high pace.
Previously, they had defeated the boss of the fortieth floor and returned to the surface within a week.
Considering that, they were slow, but this was still sufficiently high-paced.
The knives and daggers she had used...
Clara had collected them and handed them back to Miranda.
"Miranda-san."
"Thank you, Clara..."
Miranda smiled at Clara, who had been invited by Riel last time, but her inner feelings were a bit complicated.
Even though her ugly side had been seen, she had been accepted. But to what extent...
She didn't even know that herself.
Companions, huh.
It would be a lie to say she felt nothing toward Clara.
She hadn't been invited by Riel. She had offered her cooperation herself.
They were registered as a formal party, but it had been on her mind.
What did Riel think of her?
It had been something close to a confession. Novem also viewed her as a member of a harem. That was also strange, but—
Right now, she wanted to be by Riel's side.
I've basically been kicked out of the Circle house anyway, so it's fine if I follow him to the end, right?
The personality created by Shannon, and the personality that had been on the surface until now.
The current Miranda, who was a mixture of the two, was no longer the kind of person who was just kind to everyone and ended up losing out.
She shifted her gaze slightly toward Riel, who was talking with Clara.
Miranda went to the side of the Porter and wiped away the blood while checking her equipment.
"Ah, I should replace this one."
Finding a knife that needed replacing, she called out to Shannon, who was inside the Porter.
"Shannon, bring me my replacement knives."
Since there was no sign of enemies nearby, she spoke aloud, and Shannon stepped out of the Porter, opening the metal door.
Her hair was messy, as if she had been sleeping.
"You... were you sleeping during the battle?"
Miranda was exasperated, but Shannon replied.
"I mean, with that few, we wouldn't lose, right? Besides, I have nothing to do and I'm bored. I should have brought something to kill time."
The sister who was thought to be blind—the frail and quiet girl—now seemed more adapted to the suffocating labyrinth than anyone else.
I wonder if this is also the power of those eyes.
Miranda received the knives and handed the unusable ones to Shannon.
"...We still have to go back, and more than half of your equipment is already ruined. Is this okay? Even the food..."
As Shannon said this while looking at the Porter, Miranda replied.
"It's fine. The way back is easier than the way there... no, that's not it. The way back is faster because we know the path. But usually, I hear it's hard because the luggage increases with magic stones and materials..."
Both Miranda and Shannon looked at the Porter.
The companion Riel and Poyopoyo had created was truly a reliable existence.
"...Well, it looks like there's a boss tomorrow, so after we fight, we'll head straight back to the surface. We know the way, so it'll be fast."
They had confirmed the entrance to the thirtieth floor.
They had decided to start their break early today and rest for tomorrow.
Miranda told Shannon to return inside the Porter and put away the replaced knives.
It would be great if nothing happened, but that's impossible, isn't it?
Looking toward the rear, Miranda felt an unpleasant presence—
Near the exit of the twenty-ninth floor—meaning, before the boss room of the thirtieth floor, we were taking a break in a small room.
We had positioned the Porter at the entrance of the room so that no one could enter or leave.
"We should have done this from the start."
I grumbled, but Clara disagreed with my opinion.
"It's not very good, as it would be judged as occupying the labyrinth. In Alamsars, the guild manages the labyrinth. Because of that tendency, the guild dislikes it when adventurers fight over territories."
She told me that since one could lose the right to challenge the labyrinth, such behavior in places with many other parties was a breach of etiquette.
"Is it like a rule of Alamsars?"
"It's a local rule. I think it's different elsewhere."
Clara taught me that general adventurer rules can vary by region.
I was talking to Clara, who was lighting a lamp with her staff in the corner of the room, but in reality, I was being watched.
A voice came from the orb.
It was the Sixth Generation.
'Riel... why don't you look back just a little? We can't see anything without your visual information.'
(...This bastard. Think about why Clara is the lookout.)
Currently, behind me, the women—
Everyone except me was using wet towels to wipe their bodies.
The tub contained water that Clara had prepared with magic. They were using it to wipe away sweat and monster blood.
I asked,
"Hey, can't we drink water created by magic?"
Clara shook her head.
"There are researchers who have conducted such experiments many times, but basically, if you drink it, you'll get an upset stomach. Some people don't, but... I don't recommend it. Besides, it tastes, how should I put it, subtle."
Hearing Clara's words, I asked,
"Did you try it?"
"Yes. I thought that if I could become a support who could provide drinkable water, I could make a living just with that... but I failed."
What a challenger.
The Second Generation spoke.
'It's not good to rely on magic for everything, is it?'
The Third Generation agreed.
'Right. It's the same everywhere. Was it the "Village of Mages"?'
Hearing that, the Fourth Generation spoke as if remembering something.
'Was it a fairy tale for children? That one is necessary, isn't it?'
The "Village of Mages"—I had read it too.
However, I think Clara's case was a bit different.
"That's it. You shouldn't push yourself."
"Yes, I swore I would never do it again."
As I continued a sporadic conversation with the crestfallen Clara, Aria, who seemed refreshed after wiping her body, came to call us.
"I'm finished."
When I looked back, the Sixth Generation let out a slightly disappointed voice.
'You don't get it. I wanted more... like, some bashfulness.'
The Seventh Generation also looked at Aria and spoke.
'This girl is gradually becoming more manly...'
Aria, who was unpopular with the two of them, was wearing something on the bottom, but on top, she wasn't wearing any underwear, just a shirt.
Moreover, she was perfectly composed.
"What?"
I said,
"I think you should have more bashfulness."
Aria shot back,
"I can't be worrying about that in a place like this!"
That was a perfectly valid point.
Then, Clara also chimed in.
"Riel-san, you're dreaming too much. Many female adventurers are like this. They are companions who sleep and stay together with male adventurers... but I think this party is still on the better side. There are cases where women are in their underwear, or even naked. Ah, that's when they have companions and safety is ensured within the labyrinth, though."
The Fourth Generation spoke.
'What is that... no wonder adventurers avoid their own kind.'
The Second Generation also spoke.
'Men want to live dreaming. But in an environment like this, it can't be helped.'
While this was happening, Miranda-san arrived.
"What are you doing?"
She had a towel around her neck, but she was fully dressed on top and bottom. The reason for her casual attire was likely because the Porter was blocking the entrance.
Her hair was slightly wet, making it look moist.
My gaze became fixed on Miranda-san, who somehow tickled the male heart.
The Fourth Generation spoke.
'This is it...'
The Fifth Generation too.
'She really resembles Mireia...'
The Sixth Generation.
'This girl knows what she's doing.'
The Seventh Generation.
'Hmm. A great difference from Aria.'
It seemed my face had turned red too.
Clara and Aria looked at me with judging eyes. However, what I was thinking now was—
Why am I listening to this kind of talk from my ancestors... no, I can't refuse because I can hear them.
The next day.
Having made our preparations, we were descending the stairs to the thirtieth floor.
Novem asked,
"It's fine to have Shannon-chan in the Porter, but it seems difficult to have it wait at the entrance in the room."
The passage leading to the boss room was wide, and the Porter couldn't block it.
I had warned them about the people chasing us from behind, but even so, I couldn't say we were safe.
"The time during the boss fight is the scariest."
As I said that, Poyopoyo volunteered.
"Then, this Poyopoyo shall serve as the rear guard!"
Poyopoyo had been hesitant about being deployed in the boss fight, as it was simply too strong and there would be no sense of achievement.
Aside from the emotional aspect, there was also a need to know if we could fight the boss ourselves. For that reason, Poyopoyo had been strictly in a support role until now.
"...Protect Shannon near the Porter. I don't think it'll happen, but if we lose, take the surviving members and Shannon and escape."
Poyopoyo looked at me with an exasperated expression, as if saying 'good grief'.
"What is it?"
"No, if the chicken coward dies, I won't be supplied with that strange energy called magic power, so I'll cease functioning. I'll be able to move for a while, but at that time, I'll beat the one who killed my Master to a pulp and make them regret being born."
Novem spoke with a wry smile at the confidently speaking Poyopoyo.
"Um, if it's dangerous, shouldn't you intervene?"
Poyopoyo then made a face as if it had just realized, and became flustered.
"T-That was a hypothetical! I-I don't want to see the chicken coward die either!"
The Third Generation spoke.
'I've stopped knowing if the automaton is amazing or useless.'
The Fifth Generation.
'Whether I should praise or criticize an automaton that makes mistakes despite being this sophisticated... it's a dilemma.'
While having such a conversation, we arrived at the boss room.
I gave instructions to everyone.
"Equipment checks are done, right?"
After confirming that everyone nodded, I verified the plan.
"The vanguard, Aria and Miranda-san, will move around and draw the enemy's attention. I'll be in the mid-guard, supporting the two with magic. I'll rely on Novem for a powerful blow, and Clara will operate the Porter while illuminating the room. Shannon will wait inside the Porter. Poyopoyo is her guard."
After finishing the confirmation, I verified the response to the pursuers, who had a high probability of intervening during the boss fight.
"...There's a possibility they'll attack during the boss fight. Or they might attack after the battle. If it's during the fight, we'll position ourselves to sandwich the boss and the opponent. In that case, I'll handle the interveners."
I explained that after the battle, we would guard the entrance and use the Porter to create a wall, arranging ourselves to be wary of an attack.
The Second Generation seemed dissatisfied with my judgment.
'Well, if you think that's fine, give it a try.'
The Third Generation also spoke.
'It's Riel's judgment, so it's fine. Though personally, I think there's a problem.'
Retreating isn't necessarily the safest...
We lacked too much information on the opponent.
The reason I prioritized the boss was also because I was relying on my ancestors' skills.
Defeat the boss quickly and prepare for the pursuers. That's the way to break through the current situation.
According to Shannon, the pursuers were still following.
...I told everyone.
"Let's go!"
As I started running, Aria and Miranda-san went out ahead of me.
I could hear the footsteps of the members following behind me and the driving sound of the Porter.
In the room, there was an ogre holding a large cylinder.
"I didn't notice before... but it's larger than a normal ogre."
While much of its skin was exposed, it wore armor custom-made for itself on its head, neck, and abdomen, rather than something makeshift.
The large cylinder was hollow inside, and seeing that, Poyopoyo spoke.
"The weapon it's holding is a cannon... if I attach that to the Porter, it'll be a power-up."
At the end of the cylinder, there was something like a square blunt weapon. It could probably hold it because it was a giant ogre, but I'd rather not be crushed by that.
I drew my saber and prepared magic in my left hand.
Meanwhile, Aria and Miranda-san positioned themselves to sandwich the boss, drawing the enemy's attention.
I chanted the magic.
"Fire Bullet!"
Multiple fireballs attacked the boss's head, and it seemed its vision was temporarily stolen.
In that interval, Aria used a skill and slashed at it.
Miranda-san also threw daggers at its joints.
The boss was wearing a helmet, so its face wasn't visible, but since it was letting out a roar, I confirmed it was enraged and looked toward the rear.
Is Novem's preparation not finished yet?
While watching the boss and praying that no enemy attack would come, I used magic in small increments to keep the boss's consciousness moderately focused on me.
Then, the boss, which had started swinging its blunt weapon, threw it at Clara, who was illuminating the room.
"Clara, get back!"
That blunt weapon was knocked away and shot down, making an unpleasant metallic sound in the room.
The one who did it was Poyopoyo.
"Ensuring the safety of the rear is this Poyopoyo's job... I am savoring my happiness in having such a pathetic Master."
I thanked the sarcastic Poyopoyo.
"Well done. I'll give you the name I've been thinking of later. Keep guarding the rear!"
"What did you just say! Not at a time like this, you should have told me yesterday..."
It was saying something about a 'flag...', but I ignored it and looked at the boss. Having lost its weapon, the boss was attacking Aria and Miranda-san with its bare hands.
"Lightning!"
Once the two had put some distance, I used magic to deal damage to the boss.
It was far from a fatal wound, but the enemy's movements were certainly slowing down.
The First Generation's skill was useful after all.
Facing an enemy that I was struggling with now, considering I could have defeated it in one hit before, made me realize how important skills were.
Then, Clara shouted to us, who were surrounding the boss and dealing with it in small increments.
"Preparation is complete!"
At the shout of Clara, who usually had a small voice, we put some distance. As we moved to the walls of the room, the temperature in the room rose sharply.
"Fire Storm!"
A pillar of fire erupted, swirling flames and incinerating the target, and seeing that, I was certain of victory.
The boss rampaged but couldn't escape, and was about to collapse from exhaustion.
"Yes!"
The moment I said that, the Second Generation spoke.
'Riel!'
Hearing that, I turned my gaze toward the entrance.
Adventurers had entered. It was obvious they knew we were in combat.
In addition to a clear breach of etiquette, the weapons in their hands were bows and arrows.
"Everyone, gather at the Porter!"
Aria and Miranda-san started running.
Novem, having just used magic, headed for the Porter with Clara's help.
However, because their movements were slow, arrows were aimed at those two.
Light was visible at the tips of the arrows.
In the bright room where the boss was burning, what I saw were the explosive arrows that I also used.
"—!"
The moment they started running, arrows were released and attacked Novem and Clara. Due to the angle, they couldn't be completely hidden by the shadow of the Porter.
At that moment, the one who stepped forward was—
"I won't let you!"
Several arrows hit Poyopoyo, causing explosions.
It happened in an instant.
Poyopoyo still maintained its form and stood its ground.
And then, a well-dressed adventurer appeared.
I shouted.
"What do you think you're doing!"
The well-dressed adventurer had a smirk on his face.
Well-dressed. A noble?... The receptionist mentioned something about poaching Novem and the others... as I thought!
Previously, I had heard from the receptionist about a noble who acted as an adventurer and tried to poach Novem and the others.
Several arrows flew toward me, and I dodged them.
The arrows that hit the wall exploded, and at the same time, smoke was generated.
The Fifth Generation spoke.
'Riel, cover your mouth with anything!'
Some kind of poison.
While thinking that, the well-dressed adventurer looked at me and spoke. His gaze saw the companions gathering at the Porter.
This guy, he's targeting Novem and the others—
"Carried Riel... I'll be taking your 'Porter'."
For a moment, I couldn't understand what he was saying.